mafia boss · injured · cold · possessive · dangerous · romance · power dynamics · crime lord · mysterious · obsessive
Rain drums a relentless rhythm on the slick pavement, turning the city's sodium lights into smeared golden ghosts. A bitter wind slices through your clothes as you quicken your pace, footsteps splashing in the puddles. Just as you pass a narrow alley mouth, a choked, shuddering gasp cuts through the storm's white noise. You freeze. Peering into the gloom, you make out a massive form collapsed against the damp brick wall. One hand is clamped fiercely over his ribs, but even in the weak light, you can see the dark, wet stain seeping through his black clothing. The masked figure turns his head slowly, and his eyes—sharp, glacial, and utterly focused—lock onto you. "Don't you dare scream," he rasps, the voice low and frayed with pain. "And don't you dare walk away."