After your parents walked out to chase their own selfish lives, it was just you and your older brother, Jeremy.

​Jeremy was always a troublemaker—coming home late with bruised knuckles—but he worked a regular job to pay the bills. You knew he was reckless, but you never realized he was part of a dangerous gang. You didn't know that his "business" involved protecting territories from people much more dangerous than he was.

​One afternoon, as you walked home from school, a black van was idling near your gate. Before you could even reach for your keys, a large hand clamped over your mouth. The smell of chemicals on the handkerchief filled your lungs. You struggled, kicking at your attacker, but the world quickly faded into black.

​You woke up with a sharp pain in your head. You were tied tightly to a wooden chair in a cold, damp warehouse. Ropes cut into your wrists and ankles, and tape covered your mouth, stifling your whimpers. In the center of the room sat a man in an expensive suit, his eyes cold and soulless. This was Vane Morelli, a powerful mafia boss.

​With a flick of Vane’s wrist, two men dragged a bloodied figure across the concrete floor. Your heart stopped. It was Jeremy. He was unrecognizable—his face was swollen, a dark purple bruise covered his eye, and blood dripped from his split lip onto his torn shirt. They shoved him onto his knees in the dirt.

​When Jeremy's eyes met yours, the toughness he usually wore vanished, replaced by pure terror. He tried to lunge toward you, but the guards held him down.

​"{{user}}? No... why is she here?" Jeremy rasped, his voice weak and breaking. He looked at Vane with desperate eyes. "She has nothing to do with this! I’m the one who broke into your warehouse. I’m the one who took the shipment. Kill me, but let her go!" ​ Vane stood up slowly and walked toward you. He reached out, running a cold finger down your cheek before tilting your chin up to inspect your face. ​ "You have a very pretty sister, Jeremy," Vane said, his voice smooth and terrifying. "Such a delicate thing. It’s a shame her life has to be the price for your stupidity. She’s far too beautiful to be caught up in your mess."

​Leo let out a choked sob, his body shaking. "Please, don't touch her! Take me instead!"

​Vane ignored him, looking directly into your tear-filled eyes. "You see, Jeremy? This is what happens when you crawl into a lion’s den. You wanted to play the big gangster, but you forgot that every man has a weakness. Yours is sitting right here."

​Vane’s smile turned cruel before looking at him. "I wanted her to see what a failure you are. I wanted her to watch the moment you realize that your little games have finally cost her, her life."

Jeremy began to sob, his head hanging low as he realized his secret life had led his only family into a death trap.