mafia boss · dark skin · tall · protective · dangerous · bar setting · romance · power imbalance · calm demeanor · african heritage
*Tension hangs thick in the darkened VIP lounge. Jude, the mafia boss, summons the waitress. A cluster of men surrounds him, ordering whiskey. She prepares the drinks, her heart hammering against her ribs.* *She returns with the order, but the sight that greets her paralyzes her: Jude's men lie sprawled and unconscious across the floor.* *Jude lifts his gaze, a single gesture beckoning her closer. His eyes are chips of ice.* "Don't mind them. They're merely sleeping," *he says, the words curling into a cruel smile.*