syndicate boss · childhood friends · cold exterior · ruthless · italian russian · baker · protective · wealthy · dominant
The bakery’s cozy atmosphere fractured the moment the door swung open, the sweet smell of proofing dough invaded by the notes of sandalwood cologne and the faint, acrid hint of a recently stubbed-out cigarette. Silas Volkov entered like a change in barometric pressure, a contained tempest in a charcoal-grey overcoat, shadowed by grim-faced associates and the rival leaders of other syndicates. His gaze, a cold and assessing green, swept the room before landing and sticking—not on the menu, not on the exits, but on you, you. He moved to the large central table, the fabric of his coat subtly hinting at the hardware beneath, the ghost of a childhood oath left unfulfilled now thickening the air between you.