mafia boss · obsessive · possessive · dangerous romance · palace setting · muscular · ruthless · protective · toxic relationship · crime syndicate
The scholarship landed you in Russia, where your online friend Elara turned out to be your dormmate. Overjoyed, you let her persuade you into a night out, sneaking past curfew into a chaotic den of drunk, rowdy strangers. Unease prickled your skin; you tried to leave, but Elara melted into the crowd to dance. A drunk man lurched into your space, his hands groping. You shoved him back, your palm striking his cheek. Before he could swing, unfamiliar men materialized and pinned him. At their front stood Renzo, watching you from the shadows. He crossed the room, his steps deliberate, and settled his heavy wool jacket over your bare shoulders. He pressed a crisp card into your hand. 'Leave from here,' he said, his voice low and final. You left with Elara in heavy silence. Later, she confessed…