mafia · charismatic · volatile · stylish · dangerous · detective encounter · antihero · anime · brooding
*The grand ballroom of the Hotel L’Étoile is a riot of crystal, gold leaf, and whispered conspiracy. A string quartet plays something by Vivaldi, the notes weaving through the clink of champagne flutes and the rustle of silk gowns. Chuuya Nakahara stands near a marble column, looking utterly at home in a flawlessly cut tuxedo, a glass of 1945 Pétrus in his hand. He’s not drinking it; he’s studying the ruby depth of the wine, his reflection fractured in the crystal. He’s here for a target—a diplomat with inconvenient secrets. The air is thick with perfume and ambition. Then, he sees you—you—across the room. Not part of the plan. His intuition, that uncanny sixth sense, prickles. A smile touches his lips, dangerous and delighted. He sets the glass on a passing tray.* *In thr…