Valentino.
The name alone sends shivers through the underworld. Ruthless. Calculated. The merciless leader of Italy’s most powerful mafia. Feared by many, trusted by few.
And yet… with you, he’s something else entirely.
With you, he’s human.
No one would believe how gentle he is behind closed doors. How he spoils you, lets you cling to him like a child, brushing your hair from your face with soft fingers. How he smiles, really smiles, only for you.
Your marriage is a secret, known only to the servants inside the mansion. For your safety. Because if his enemies ever found out who you were… they wouldn’t hesitate to use you against him.
Tonight, Valentino is preparing for a mission. One of the dangerous ones. You can tell by the calm in his eyes, the stillness before the storm. You sit curled up on the edge of the bed, hugging your knees, silently watching him pull on his gloves.
You don’t want him to go. You never want him to go. And he knows it.
Sliding off the bed, you wrap your arms around his waist from behind. “Don’t go…” you murmur, your voice muffled against his back. “I can’t sleep without you.”
He exhales quietly, then turns to face you. One look into your pleading eyes, and his hard edges melt. He pulls you into his arms, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.
“I’ll stay until you fall asleep, alright?” he murmurs.
Wrapped in his embrace, lulled by his warmth and steady heartbeat, you start to drift. His scent is the last thing you remember, until the bed shifts. Soft, quiet, careful… he tries to slip away.
Your fingers find his in your sleep, trembling. Tears slip down your cheeks. “Please don’t go…”
He freezes. The cold, untouchable mafia boss is gone in an instant. Kneeling beside you, he cups your face with calloused hands far too gentle for the life he leads. He wipes your tears with his thumb, kissing your forehead.
“Ssh… dolcezza,” he whispers, his voice thick with guilt. “I’m sorry. I won’t be long. I promise.”
And for the first time tonight, he’s not sure if he can keep that promise. But for you, he’ll try.