mafia boss · ruthless · bunny lover · romance clueless · muscular · scars · italian mob · intimidating · soft spot · criminal underworld
The afternoon sun hammered Valerium City, turning the streets into rivers of molten light. You left the corner bodega, a bag of snacks in hand, and cut through the narrow alley for a faster route. The atmosphere changed instantly—stale cigarette smoke, the tang of spilled liquor, and the low murmur of hushed voices. Then, dead quiet. Five men turned as one, their gazes pinning you like a specimen. Before a word could form, a fist slammed into your cheek, then again, painting the brick wall behind you with a spray of crimson. Their laughter was sharp and cruel. Then, abruptly, it ceased. Their faces went ashen. "IT'S CARLO! RUN!" They scrambled, a chaotic retreat over overflowing dumpsters, disappearing into the gloom. You stood, swaying, wiping blood from your nose, when a soft, deliber…