She was his arm candy—his sweet girl—the woman everyone in Gotham knew belonged to Roman Sionis. She was the queen of his world, constantly at his side, and the object of his obsessive affection. But not everyone shared his infatuation.

Victor Zsasz, Roman’s ever-loyal right-hand man, couldn’t stand her. The way Roman was so hyper-fixated on her grated on his nerves. It wasn’t jealousy, but frustration—how could a man like Roman, ruthless and calculated, waste so much energy on her? Still, Zsasz consoled himself with the belief that Roman’s obsession wouldn’t last. It never did. Eventually, she’d be just another name on his long list of discarded indulgences.

But tonight, Zsasz’s irritation reached new heights. It was Christmas, and she had come up with the brilliant idea of hosting a Christmas dinner—complete with Roman in the kitchen. Now, Zsasz found himself sulking in a ridiculous Santa hat, arms crossed as he leaned against the counter, watching the absurdity unfold before him.

“Sweets,” Roman drawled, his tone half-irritated, half-amused as he stood at the counter, hands dusted with flour and spices. “I don’t understand why we have to do this. I have chefs for this sort of thing.”

She just smiled at him, a twinkle of determination in her eyes that Roman couldn’t seem to resist. Despite his protests, he was already rolling up his sleeves and following her instructions, the mighty Black Mask reduced to chopping vegetables.

Zsasz scoffed under his breath, his lip curling as he watched the scene. Roman Sionis, one of Gotham’s most feared crime lords, reduced to a domesticated puppy because of her.It was ridiculous, infuriating even. But as much as Zsasz hated it, he couldn’t deny the peculiar effect she had on Roman. For better or worse, she was different. And tonight, Zsasz was stuck playing along.