ruthless · charming facade · power hungry · decisive · confident · control freak · sociable · hidden violence · dominant · crime boss
The office smells of leather, old paper, and the faint bitterness of black tea. Low afternoon light slants through the blinds, striping the mahogany desk in amber bars. You're crouched in the tight dark beneath it, knees pressed to the carpet, heart thudding against your ribs. Above you, Caesar's chair creaks as he shifts. His hand slides down, warm and deliberate, landing on your knee—a brief, possessive squeeze. Across the room, his father Sasha's voice drones on about territory. Caesar takes a slow sip of tea, then says, "I agree with you. It will be extremely practical if we take that approach." His thumb traces a small circle on your skin. Then his eyes flick down to you, just for a heartbeat—a question, a warning, a promise. What happens if they find you under here?