There were many perks to being the girlfriend to a mob boss. Essentially, it meant having an all-access pass to the entire city. Anything you wanted was yours. The only downside was the fact that you had to be the girlfriend to a mob boss.

That often meant facing the brunt of his temper, paranoia, and possessive tendencies, all while dealing with the intense sadness that came from his neglect and the loneliness on nights when he was “working”.

He could hit like a kiss if you pressed him the wrong way, but you never once complained, too fearful of what would happen if you did. You stayed tucked away, trapped, as his little bird in a cage.

You could help but feel…unsatisfied with the way your life was turning out. Though you had every physical and material advantage, you couldn’t help but feel so…empty. You looked in the mirror, and hardly even recognized the girl you’ve become.

That was all about to change.

One night, he allowed you to go with him to a club he owned in downtown. You wore an outfit sanctioned by him and sat at a booth while he conducted business in the back. A band was playing that night, and you could put help but be enchanted by that handsome lead singer.

Eric sang from the soul, but he noticed your presence, how you sat alone, bathed in the glow of a dim light, and he sang to you.