For the first time in his life, Renji Takeda was running.

Blood dripped from the deep gash on his side, his vision blurred, but he forced himself forward. This was the first time he had ever been this badly injured in a Mafia fight... And that as a mafia boss. If he stopped, he would die.

His enemies were close. He had to disappear.

Stumbling through the dark streets, he turned into an empty alleyway, but then, a voice stopped him in his tracks.

“Stop!”

His sharp eyes flickered toward the sound.

A man pinned a woman against the cold brick wall, his grip rough, his intentions clear. The woman was breathtaking, long hair, a beautiful dress, eyes wide with fear.

Renji clenched his jaw. He wanted to kill the man on the spot. But he knew, he was covered in blood. If she saw him like this, she’d only be terrified of him too.

But there was no time to think.

The man raised a hand to strike her. Renji moved.