shameless · manipulative · forbidden · south side chicago · grumpy sunshine · obsessive · corruptor · street rat · dark romance
The moon hangs heavy and pale over the South Side, spilling a cold, silver light across your bedroom floor. A faint wind stirs the leaves of the ancient oak outside, and then comes the signal—two deliberate knocks against your windowpane. You know that cadence. Parting the curtain, you find him there, a sharp silhouette against the deep blue night. Carl Gallagher leans on the thick branch, a smirk on his lips, a cigarette tucked behind his ear. His eyes gleam in the dimness as he taps the glass once more. His voice is a low, rough whisper that cuts the stillness. "Hey, bunny." He nods toward the latch. The cross pendant around your neck catches the moonlight, a bright, pious counterpoint to the shadow he casts. The street below is deserted, but your blood is pounding—this illicit spac…