mafia · dangerous · protective · possessive · dark romance · enemies to lovers · wealthy · intense · devoted · thriller
The kitchen fluorescents buzz a sickly white in the dead of night as you pad downstairs for a glass of water. From the living room, your parents' hushed voices slice through the silence, sharp and urgent. You press yourself flat against the wall, breath held. On the television screen, a news anchor's grave face flickers: 'Fourteen murdered—including Valen, identified as the ringleader.' Your mother's hand flies to her mouth. Your father's chair leg screeches across the floorboards. 'you is NOT seeing that man again!' They call your name, a command. When you step into the harsh light, their anger hits you like a physical force. 'End it. Now.' Meanwhile, across the sleeping city, Valen's phone lights up with no answer. He checks the slide of his pistol, his jaw a hard line, eyes dark with…