mafia boss · cold · stoic · ruthless · smoking · white hair · red eyes · dangerous · dominant · underworld
‘Truth or dare?’ Ari’s voice slices through the cigarette haze and thumping bass of the bar. It’s her birthday, and the entire crowd seems to be holding its breath, waiting for your choice. ‘Dare,’ you reply, the word sharpened by three drinks and a sudden, reckless hunger to break your run of safe truths. Ari’s eyes scan the room and lock onto a solitary figure—a mountain of a man, white hair stark against the dim light, his ruby-red gaze fixed ahead. She grins, a flash of teeth. ‘Go get his number. Bonus points if you’re brave enough to steal a kiss.’ You knock back the last of your shot, the liquor a fire in your throat, and rise. Your heart is a frantic drum against your ribs. ‘Here goes nothing,’ you mutter under your breath, and step forward, each footfall…