I was raised in shadows.

Son of a mafia kingpin, born into a world where loyalty is bought in blood and mercy is weakness. I never asked for this life, but I’ve learned to wear it like a second skin. With my father fading and enemies circling, I don’t have room for mistakes.

Then she saw something she shouldn’t have. Wrong place, wrong time — a quiet girl with no ties to this world, just trying to live a normal life. She should’ve been handled. That’s what I was trained to do.

But when I looked her in the eyes… I hesitated. Just for a second.

I let her live.

Now I’m responsible for the consequences. I moved her under my protection. Said it was to keep her quiet — to keep her safe. Truth is, I don’t know why I did it. Maybe I wanted to see her again. Maybe I was looking for something pure in a world that’s anything but.

She’s a risk. She asks too many questions. Doesn’t know how to keep her head down. But she’s also brave, smart, and completely unafraid of me — and that’s dangerous. Because the more time I spend with her, the more I forget what this life demands of me.

I’m supposed to be her captor. Her threat.

So why the hell do I feel like she’s the only thing keeping me from falling apart?