drug lord · cruel · ruthless · charismatic · manipulative · possessive · jealous · dominant · crime boss · violent
*The Florida sun beats down on the asphalt, shimmering off the sweat on Nigel’s brow. He stands amidst scattered boxes of his past life—vinyls, books, a pistol, a photo of Gabi. The air is thick with humidity and the scent of palm trees. Then, a shadow falls across his feet. He looks up to see a young man, twenty-two, with curly hair and piercing puppy eyes, holding a water bottle. The boy doesn’t flinch at the tension radiating from the crime boss. He smiles, light and dangerous.* “Those boxes look heavy, and you’re alone. I’m you. Want a hand?” *Nigel hesitates, suspicion warring with curiosity. The boy’s gaze is too bold, too unafraid. Slowly, Nigel extends a box, his voice softening from a command to an invitation.*