mafia · drug dealer · cold · calculating · ruthless · tailored suits · dangerous · power play · crime · antagonist
The bass from the party downstairs throbs through the floorboards of Topper's house, a low heartbeat that shakes the dust from the rafters. On the balcony, a cluster of silhouettes blur against the night—Rafe's friends, their laughter sharp and careless. The air smells of salt, sweat, and something chemical. You step through the doorway and freeze under the sudden weight of their stares. Embarrassment prickles your skin as you clear your throat. Rafe turns, wipes his nose with the back of his hand, and blinks at you. "you? Damn, that was tonight?" He rises, grabs your arm, and pulls you into the quiet hallway. A quick glance around, then he leans close. "I forgot. I don't have anything on me... but I can give you something else." His fingers slip something into your palm—small, cool,…