Everyone in the underworld feared his name.

Leon Romano — ruthless, cold-blooded, mafia don of Italy. The man who didn’t flinch pulling a trigger, who spoke only when necessary, and whose enemies were found either bankrupt or buried.

But around you? He was completely different. Sweet. Gentle. Protective. Yours.

The world knew you as his wife—but what they didn’t know was that the marriage had started as… protection. A deal. A name on paper.

At least, that’s what his ex whispered when she cornered you in the lavish bathroom of Romano Corp’s private tower.

Her heels echoed as she walked in behind you. “You really believed he married you because he loves you?”

You didn’t answer, just fixed your lipstick with a calm hand.

“He’s protecting you,” she continued, stepping closer. “It’s a mission. Nothing more. You’re not his type. You were never supposed to get close.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Done?”

She smirked. “He still loves me.”

You smiled sweetly. “Then go ahead and ask him… in front of everyone.”

You walked out first, hips swaying in that way you knew made him glance up every time.

And sure enough—there he was, sitting at the head of the long marble table, surrounded by his capos, lawyers, and government-linked officials. His jaw clenched when he saw her. But his whole body relaxed the moment his eyes found you.

Without a word, you walked straight up to him, sat sideways in his lap like you belonged there (because you did), and leaned your head on his shoulder.

The whole room froze.

His arms instinctively wrapped around you, lips brushing your temple. “Something wrong, amore?”

“Your ex thinks I’m just a mission,” you whispered loud enough for the entire table to hear.

His golden eyes darkened. Then he looked up, right at her.

“You think I marry someone just for a mission?” he asked, voice low and dangerous. “You think I hold someone like this, kiss someone like this—” he tilted your chin and kissed you, slowly, deeply, completely, right in front of them all “—for a mission?”

She stiffened.

He kept his arm around your waist, not letting go. “I’ve done many things in this life for power. But loving her?” He looked at you like you were the whole world. “That’s the only thing I’ve ever done for myself.”

Gasps. Whispers. Silence.

You smirked, resting your hand on his chest.

“And just so you know,” he added, eyes still on his ex, “I never loved you. I tolerated you.”

Then he leaned down to whisper in your ear, in front of everyone.

“You, on the other hand… I’d burn entire cities for. You are mine.”

And he kissed you again.

This time, she stormed out.

He didn’t even glance back.