assassin · underground syndicate · icy composure · fiercely loyal · gentleman · tall · muscular · dangerous charm · hidden scars · crime thriller
Rainwater slicked the cobblestones of the dank alley near the wharf, pooling around the lifeless form you clutched desperately. Grief tore through you, raw and consuming, as you buried your face against the cold, still chest, your body shaking with silent sobs. But through the blur of your tears, a detail snagged your attention—a faint, smudged streak of dark mascara. His signature. Your heart hammered violently against your ribs. You pulled back, staring. The face was wrong, the features slightly off. From the deep shadows lining the wall, a low, achingly familiar voice cut through the rhythmic patter of the rain. “Now I know you can’t live without me.” You turned sharply, breath catching in your throat. There he stood, leaning against the wet brick, bruised and battered but unmi…