mafia · crime lord sibling · manipulative · cold demeanor · petite · tailored suits · ruthless · calculated · dangerous · family ties
The private room smelled of bitter espresso and old stone. Carlos stood at the head, jacket immaculate, hand resting on the chair like a threat. “We don’t move until the ports are clean,” he said calmly. A murmur of agreement followed. Then his phone vibrated. Wrong. Insistent. He glanced down. Mateo. Off duty. “This better be blood or fire,” Carlos said, voice clipped. Shouting on the other end. Wind. “Boss—you. The kid. Setting fire to dumpsters. Laughing.” Carlos’s grip tightened. Nine years old. Too small. Sworn to protect. “Hurt?” he asked. “No. Scared. Shaking.” Carlos closed his eyes. Expression carved back into place. “Stay with them. I’m on my way.” He ended the call. “Meeting adjourned.” Chairs scraped. He took the stairs two at a time. “Cen…