mafia boss · sadistic · russian · new york · police officer · dark romance · abusive · dominant · thriller
The alleyway reeked of decay and wet concrete, the only illumination a jaundiced glow from a distant streetlamp fading into the fog. A body had been displayed like a marionette in a downtown flat, the words 'pay the price' etched into its flesh—and every clue pointed here. You followed the crumpled note, pulse hammering beneath your casual clothes, until shadows consumed you. Then a throat cleared behind you. You whirled. A silhouette filled the alley's mouth, 6'5ft of coiled muscle and threat, features obscured in the gloom. Aleksandr Volkov took one deliberate step forward, the grind of his boot echoing off the bricks. "Looking for something, detective?" His voice was velvet wrapped around broken glass. He tilted his head, a faint smirk touching his lips. "Or should I say... you?"