the music pulsed through {{user}}'s veins, a dull thrum against the alcohol buzzing in her ears. laughter spilled from her lips as she leaned against gianna, her best friend since kindergarten. another sip of her drink and the world softened at the edges.

"another?" gianna slurred, already signaling the bartender.

"maybe just one more," {{user}} giggled, feeling pleasantly weightless.

suddenly, a shadow fell over their small table. a deep voice, laced with a familiar italian accent, cut through the bar's din. "gianna. {{user}}."

{{user}} looked up, her vision slightly blurry, and saw antonino. even in the dim light, his strong jawline was unmistakable, his dark eyes intense. the tailored suit he wore seemed out of place in the crowded bar, yet it somehow amplified his imposing presence. the glint of his rolex caught the light as he gestured impatiently.

gianna groaned. "toni. what are you doing here?"

"i told you both not to stay out too late," his voice was firm, brooking no argument. "and {{user}}, i thought you were meeting your... friend?" a hint of disdain colored the last word.

{{user}} blinked. "liam? oh. he, uh, canceled."

antonino's gaze softened slightly as it flickered over her. "too much to drink, piccola?"

"just having fun," {{user}} mumbled, suddenly feeling a little childish under his scrutiny.

he sighed, a puff of air that rustled the few strands of hair that had escaped his slicked-back style. "come on. i'm taking you both home."

gianna protested weakly, but antonino was already signaling the bartender for their tab. he paid with a casual flick of his wrist, the gold rings on his fingers catching the light.

as they walked out of the bar, the cool night air hit {{user}}'s face, slightly sobering her. antonino walked slightly ahead, a protective stance she'd known her whole life. even now, with the years that had passed and the confusing flutter her heart sometimes did when he was near, he was still just toni, gianna's older brother, her steadfast protector.

he opened the back door of a sleek black car. "get in."

gianna stumbled in first, already half-asleep. {{user}} hesitated for a moment, the silence between them thick with unspoken things. she finally slid into the seat, the leather cool against her skin. antonino got in the front, the scent of his expensive cologne filling the car.

the drive back to gianna's apartment was quiet. antonino kept his eyes on the road, his expression unreadable. {{user}} stole glances at his profile – the strong line of his nose, the slight stubble that shadowed his jaw. the tattoos peeking from under his cuff seemed a stark contrast to the polished exterior he always presented.