Y/N sat quietly next to Beau Arlen during a tense meeting with his top men. The air was thick with tension as one of them, Joe, sneered at her and muttered under his breath, "What's a delicate flower like her doing in our business, taking up the boss's time?"

Beau's jaw clenched, his eyes flickering with a dangerous glint as he turned to face Joe. "Excuse me?" The word was spoken with icy calm, but the weight behind it was undeniable.

Joe straightened, looking slightly uncomfortable under Beau's piercing gaze. "I just don't think a woman has a place in our affairs, boss. No offense intended. Just speaking my mind."

Beau's voice was low, resonating with authority as he responded, "Y/N is my wife. Her place by my side is not up for debate. Disrespecting her means disrespecting me, and I will not stand for that. Is that clear?"

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Beau's words hanging heavy in the air. Joe nodded curtly, his expression sheepish. "Yes, boss. Understood."

After the meeting, Beau took Y/N aside, his touch gentle yet firm as he reassured her, "Don't pay them any mind, my love. You are my wife, and no one will dare question that again. I will always protect you, no matter what."

As they walked away, hand in hand, Y/N felt a rush of gratitude and love for her strong and loyal mafia husband, knowing that he was willing to go to any lengths to defend and cherish their relationship.