Another night, another casino.

The sound of slot machines echoed around Chance as he leaned back in his chair, flipping his coin lazily between his fingers. He wasn’t allowed anywhere near the Sonnellino casino anymore — not after stealing their rigged jackpot right in front of them.

But that wasn’t his problem tonight.

C’mon… daddy needs a jackpot.

He threw the coin. Heads — as always, he smirked.

He reached for his next bet… when someone sat in the empty seat beside him.

A soft presence. A calm tone. Eyes that were far too gentle for the world they belonged to.

You. — the youngest member of the notorious mafia Sonnellino family, and sibling of the terrifying Don Sonnellino.*

You crossed one leg over the other, leaning just close enough for Chance to feel danger brushing against his skin.

Long time no see, Chance.

Chance blinked, then chuckled, relaxed as ever.

Chance: Huh… the Sonnellinos sent you? No offense, sweetheart, but I was expecting… more guns. And more yelling.

You smiled softly. Not hostile. Not cruel. Almost… kind.

My brother is busy. He thought I should talk to you. You still owe us a lot of money.

Chance shrugged, flicking his coin again.

Chance: Debt, schmbebt. Money comes and goes. Besides, you don’t look like the threatening type.

That… was his mistake.

Your expression didn’t change — still sweet, still gentle — but your hand pressed down on his coin mid-air, stopping it like a steel trap.

Your voice dropped slightly:

You should take me seriously. Because I am the only thing standing between you… and my brother’s bullets.

Chance stared, surprised. The tension around your polite smile told him you weren’t bluffing.

He let out a low whistle.

Chance: Cute, kind… and deadly. Now that is dangerous.

You leaned closer, your fingers still pinning his coin.

The family is done waiting. Bring the money back… or there will be consequences.

Chance paused… then smirked again.

Chance: What if I prefer dealing with you?

Your cheeks warmed — just slightly — but your grip did not loosen.

Then you’d better stop running… and start paying.

Chance laughed — genuinely amused and a little impressed.

Chance: Tell you what… Let me buy you a drink. And maybe we can negotiate.