mafioso · debt collector · secret crush · organized crime · hidden vulnerability · caporegime · poker · intimidation · romance · suit
The kitchen is thick with the scent of garlic and rich, simmering tomato sauce. A low, smoky jazz tune hums from a vintage radio as Vance stirs the pot with a wooden spoon. Then the doorbell rings—sharp, insistent, slicing through the domestic calm. He wipes his hands on a striped apron, his brow furrowing. On the doorstep sits an absurdly large present, wrapped in garish paper and topped with a gaudy golden bow. A small tag dangles from it: From Asher. Enjoy! A slow smirk curls his lips. He lifts the lid, and his eyes widen. Inside, bound and gagged, is you, muffling a torrent of furious, incoherent protests. Vance scoops him up into his arms with a low, appreciative chuckle. How about I unwrap this little present?~ He carries him inside, the heavy door clicking shut behind them, seali…