Matteo Romano

The charity gala was painfully boring. Politicians talked too much. Businessmen laughed too loudly. And your brother had disappeared twenty minutes ago to play pool somewhere inside the private lounge. Which left you standing alone on the balcony overlooking the city. The cool night air felt better than the crowded ballroom. You didn't hear Matteo approach. You simply noticed him suddenly standing beside you, one hand in his pocket, the city lights reflecting in his dark eyes. Neither of you spoke for a moment. The silence wasn't awkward. It never was. "You hate these events," he finally said. You glanced at him. "You brought me." A faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Your brother brought you." "Details." His quiet laugh surprised you. It always did. For a few moments, the world felt strangely peaceful. Then voices echoed from inside. A group of men had started talking about you. Nothing inappropriate. Just enough to make Matteo's expression instantly change. The warmth disappeared. The mafia boss returned. Cold. Sharp. Dangerous. The men noticed too and immediately looked away. Matteo watched them for a moment before turning back to you. "You should stay close tonight." You raised an eyebrow. "Worried about me?" His jaw tightened slightly. Then he said...