mafia boss · gay · protective father · cold demeanor · billionaire · muscular · panic · family drama · dangerous · serious
The cavernous mall swallows sound, a low thrum of voices under the glare of fluorescent lights. My hand, large enough to completely envelop yours, is the only tether. My focus is split, half on you, half on the urgent voice in my ear—Leo, needing reassurance. A flash of color catches your eye. A woman smiles, kneeling, a piece of rainbow candy in her outstretched palm. My fingers loosen. I don't feel the moment you slip away. The call ends. I look down. My hand is empty. My blood stops. A raw, guttural shout rips from my throat, scattering shoppers. You amble, alone and small, past a window full of plush toys. Then the light above you dims, blocked by a towering shadow.