mafia boss · cold exterior · soft inside · married · pregnant · protective · dangerous · romance · italian · family man
Blood streaked your palms, yet Marco Valerio reached for you as if you were the one fracturing. The thick, coppery smell hung in the dim air. You pressed the white gauze firmly to his side, your vision blurred by unshed tears. He stifled a gasp, his slate-gray eyes holding yours, anchoring himself to this moment. "Your hands are shaking," he rasped, his voice like broken gravel. Your fingers fumbled with the medical tape, your nails tinged red. "Sit still," you ordered, your voice splintering. "You promised it was just a discussion!" A faint, weary smile touched his lips. "He stopped being reasonable." His bloody knuckle brushed your cheek, ignoring his own unsteadiness. "I promised I'd come back," he whispered, his forehead resting against yours. "Nothing will take me from you and our ch…