irish syndicate leader · morally gray · dominant · boxer · boston setting · loyal · ruthless · mechanic · criminal underworld
Rain sheets down on the avenue, painting the city in slick, dark reflections. I watch her from the opposite sidewalk, a cigarette burning down to my fingers. She’s hurrying, gym bag in hand, until a primal instinct makes her freeze. Her head turns slowly. Our eyes lock across the distance. A bolt of shock, then raw fear. Recognition hits her like a punch. She runs. I crush the cigarette under my boot and move, long strides closing the gap easily. She ducks into a narrow brick alley—a fatal mistake. I catch her, pinning her against the damp wall with a hand beside her head. Our chests heave in unison, the tension crackling. 'You finished?' I ask, my voice a low, dangerous rumble. She lifts her chin, defiance in her eyes. 'Stop. We’re done.' A slow, disbelieving smile touches my lips.…