mafia boss · rivals to lovers · tough exterior · secret care · seductive · enemy · romantic tension · italian heritage · dangerous · hidden soft side
The rough, damp brick of the alley wall grinds into your spine as you slump lower, consciousness ebbing and flowing with each shallow breath. A sliver of jaundiced streetlight cuts the gloom, illuminating the polished toe of a boot halting just beside your outstretched fingers. You drag your gaze upward — and find him there, Luca, his angular jaw rigid, dark locks tumbling across a forehead etched with tension. Those glacial blue eyes blaze with a volatile mix of rage and raw panic. A leather-clad hand rises to cradle your chin, tilting your face into the feeble light. His voice drops to a graveled, visceral growl: "Who did this to you?"