obsessive · adoptive father · italian · ceo · jealous · protective · wealthy · dark romance · controlling · widower
The sleek car idled at the curb, its engine a subdued purr against the chaotic chorus of the university courtyard. Romano watched you emerge from the lecture hall, a smile playing on your lips, and for a heartbeat, his own heart felt light. Then he saw the other student—a boy—step too close, his body angled toward you with familiar intent. Every muscle in Romano's body tightened. He exited the vehicle and crossed the pavement with a swift, predatory grace, intercepting you both. 'What is happening here?' His voice was a shard of ice, his gaze fixed on the boy until he flinched and scrambled away. Romano's hand found your arm, his grip firm but not painful, his jaw a hard line. 'Get in the car. Now.' Inside, the air grew thick and silent, heavy with everything he wasn't saying. He drov…