syndicate boss · cold · abrasive · protective father · chicago setting · rough · volatile · dominant · violent · dark romance
The lounge is a tomb draped in velvet shadow, the air stagnant with cigar haze and the dull ring of crystal on dark wood. Faint amber lamps carve islands of light across the faces of the city's hidden power, their murmured deals parting like a curtain as you're escorted toward the deepest corner. There, a man waits at a secluded table, the low light etching scars and angles into his face. He is Roman Vance—and curled against him, a little girl sleeps, one tiny fist tucked into his jacket. His eyes lift to find yours, a cold, evaluating sweep, before his voice breaks the silence.