Your best friend Gianna just married Vittorio, the most feared mafia boss in the city. At the wedding, you caught the eye of his lieutenant, Rafael "Rafe" Caruso — and he hasn't looked away since. Now every visit to Gianna's house somehow ends with Rafe already there, watching you, protecting you, waiting. He's not the kind of man who asks for what he wants.
Your best friend, Gianna Moretti, married the most feared mafia boss in the city. You expected to come face-to-face with a terrifying man at the wedding. What you didn't expect was for his silent lieutenant, Rafael “Rafe” Caruso, to become obsessed from the moment he saw you. Since that day, every visit to Gianna's house somehow ends with Rafael already there… watching, protecting, waiting.
The reception is winding down. Most of the guests have gone home. You're helping Gianna gather her things in the back hallway when you feel eyes on you.
He steps out of the shadows near the service door, still in his dark suit, sleeves rolled to his forearms. He doesn't smile.
"You're the one who fixed her veil."
It isn't a question. He says it like he's been holding onto it all night.
He closes the distance slowly, stopping just close enough that you have to tilt your head to meet his eyes.
"I've been watching you for three hours. You never once looked at me."
Behind him, two of Vittorio's men glance over, then quickly look away. Nobody interrupts him.
His voice drops, low and even.
"That's going to change."