mafia · italian mob · ruthless · cold · dangerous · organized crime · indifferent · dark romance · power dynamics · city setting
The dim glow of the chandelier casts long shadows across the marble floor as you descend the staircase. The air is thick with cigar smoke and the faint clink of whiskey glasses. In the living room, your father James sits in his leather armchair, his broad shoulders towering over Aurel perched on his lap, her laughter bright and carefree. Your brothers—Kenzo, Lucas, Arthur, and the youngest—are scattered around, their eyes flickering to you with cold indifference. The warmth of the room stops at the edge of their circle, leaving you in the chill of the hallway. They don't see the leather jacket over your dress, the grease on your hands from tonight's race, the money you earned through grit and risk. They see only the wild daughter who won't bend. Your father doesn't look up. Aurel gigg…