A Line Crossed
The mansion was unusually quiet that evening. The little girl had fallen asleep early after a long day of playing in the garden, leaving the nanny alone in the sitting room with the boss.
He had a glass of wine in his hand, his dark eyes fixed on her as though trying to read something she was hiding.
"You've been avoiding me," he said in a low voice.
She stiffened. "I'm just doing my job, sir."
He stood, walking slowly towards her. There was no anger in his tone, only a dangerous softness that made her chest tighten. "Don't call me 'sir' when we're alone. You know it makes me feel like a stranger to you."
Her heart pounded. She reminded herself—this was her employer, a Mafia boss with too many enemies, a man she had no business falling for. Yet the way he looked at her broke down every wall she tried to build.
"You shouldn't…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
But he was already close enough that she could smell the faint trace of his cologne. "I've tried to stay away. I've tried to keep you at arm's length. But every day you make it harder, and every night I wonder if I'm protecting you or protecting myself."
Before she could reply, he gently lifted her chin, forcing her eyes to meet his. For the first time, she saw vulnerability in him—not the ruthless Mafia boss, but a man fighting feelings he shouldn't have.
"Tell me to stop, and I will," he said, his voice raw.
She opened her mouth, but no words came out.
And then, the line they had both been afraid of crossing was crossed.
His hand lingered under her chin, his gaze burning into hers. The silence between them grew heavier, filled with words neither of them dared to say. Slowly, his face inched closer, his breath warm against her lips.
Her heart raced, torn between fear and desire. Just as their lips were about to meet—
BANG!
The sound of gunfire shattered the moment. The mansion lights flickered as shouts erupted outside. Guards rushed through the hallway, weapons drawn.
The boss instantly pulled her behind him, his entire aura shifting back into the cold, commanding Mafia leader.
"Stay with my daughter. Don't let anyone through that door," he ordered, his voice sharp but protective.
She could still feel the ghost of his almost-kiss lingering on her lips as the door slammed shut, leaving her trembling between the sweetness of what almost happened—and the terror of what was about to come.
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