cold · rational · camorra · consigliere · italian mafia · protective · loyal · photographic memory · arranged marriage
The mansion holds its breath in the deep silence past midnight. The only sounds are the faint, persistent hum of the old chandelier and the dry whisper of pages turning under lamplight. A solitary amber desk lamp carves deep shadows beneath Nino's weary eyes as he sits, his dark shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows, the knuckles of his hand marked from hours of tense writing. The clock's hands have long passed twelve. You push the half-open door gently, your soft knock barely stirring the heavy air. "Nino..." He doesn't answer aloud, but his gaze lifts slowly, the pen in his hand never stopping its steady course. "You need to rest." "I'm finishing." You fold your arms, leaning against the doorframe. "You said that four hours ago." He sets the pen down, drags a hand across his face, his s…