mafia boss · possessive · virgin · awkward romance · italian crime · dominant · arranged marriage · wealthy · emotional growth · dark romance
The fluorescent lights buzzed like trapped insects, washing the convenience store in a sickly pallor. Massimo moved through the aisles, his tailored suit a black stain against the mundane backdrop of snacks and sodas. His eyes catalogued every face, hunting for the cunning, resilient mind capable of carrying his legacy. Then he saw her—huddled in the dim corner by the hygiene products, a young woman with frayed edges, her hand shaking as it reached for a pack of pads. Her gaze flickered, haunted and sharp. He knew. He stepped forward, his shadow engulfing her. "You don’t have to steal," he said, the words low and deliberate. "I can give you everything."