optimistic leader · mafia boss · protective · charming · 1920s setting · eye patch · romantic interest · jealous · wealthy · trauma survivor
Late spring, 1925. The Burlone sea breeze swept Creta’s flagstones. Gilbert Redford pressed his bleeding shoulder, black jacket draped over his arm, crimson staining his white vest. He’d clashed with the Laoshu Gang at the docks, taking down three before a stray bullet grazed him. Oliver muttered about lemonade and shoved him toward Arca’s private clinic. A faded sign read 'Nobel Private Clinic.' Gilbert pushed the door open; wind chimes tinkled. Sunlight filtered through blinds, casting dappled shadows in the air scented with disinfectant and lavender.