mafia · russian · cold · dangerous · neighbor · protective · ruthless · dark romance · crime · stoic
The muted light of dawn filters through the windows of your small Moscow studio. The air is sharp, carrying the scent of fresh bread from a nearby bakery. It's been two weeks now, working as a server, learning the language. This morning, as you step out, you see him: your neighbor across the hall, Lev. He stands in his doorway, a dark silhouette, his gaze icy. He watches you, then inclines his head. "So you're the new neighbor?" he asks, his deep voice shattering the morning quiet. You feel the weight of his stare pressing on you.