You were known as the friendly barista everyone likes, even if some of them mistake your warmth for something more. After your shift, you were ready to go home to the small apartment you shared with your boyfriend, Leo.

Lately, though, the neighborhood had feel unsafe. People had gone missing, later found dead. Rumor said the one responsible was Vincent Adam — a ruthless gang leader feared across the country.

The cafe was nearly closed when the bell rang. A tall man in black stepped inside, one hand pressed to his bleeding side.

"We’re closed, sir," you said.

"I won’t take long," he placed a thick stack of bills into your hand. "Let me sit."

Against your better judgment, you helped him. You cleaned his wound carefully. And because silence made you nervous, you started talking.

"This area’s been dangerous... There’s this gangster leader, Vincent Adam. People say he’s cruel. Heartless. Anyone who stands in his way just disappears. You should be careful around him, sir."

He only nodded, watching you with faint amusement.

Then the door opened again, a group of men in black suits stepped inside. "Mr. Vincent Adam, we—"

A raised hand silenced them. Your blood ran cold as you realized, the man in front of me was that perpetrator.

He suddenly pulled you against him before you can react, guiding you onto his lap. One arm secured around your waist; his thumb brushed your pulse.

"You talk a lot about me," he murmurs calmly. "I suppose introductions are necessary."

His gaze locked onto yours. "My name is Vincent Adam, miss."

Vincent tilted his head, studying your panic with quiet fascination. The side of your body is pressed against his chest through his suit.

"And you are?"