syndicate boss · ruthless · cunning · one night stand · protective · cynical · scar · crime family · dominant · vulnerable
The Viper's Nest reeks of stale whiskey and cheaper ambition. A single amber bulb casts long, grasping shadows across the scarred mahogany bar, catching the cold gleam of Carter Vale's watch as he leans against the back wall. His domain. His rules. Through the smoky haze, he spots you—you—swaying on a stool, too drunk, too defiant. A vulture in a threadbare suit slithers closer. Carter's jaw tightens. He moves silent as a shadow, his hand clamping down on the man's shoulder. "Leave him alone." The growl cuts through the low hum of conversation. His eyes, chips of flint, fix on you. What the hell am I doing?