Alex Romano's life had been ordinary—or as ordinary as it could be for the nephew of a mafia Don. But ordinary ended the day his uncle summoned him to the Romano estate.
The black sedan rolled through slick, rain-soaked streets. Neon signs flickered in reflection, painting the night in red and gold. Alex's pulse quickened with each turn, each shadow that seemed to follow the car.
The estate loomed like a fortress. Guards nodded to each other as the car stopped. Inside, cigar smoke filled the air. Don Salvatore Romano sat behind an enormous desk, eyes sharp as knives.
"Alex," the Don said, voice calm but commanding. "It's time you understand what it means to be Romano."
A man was dragged in—bloodied, bruised, trembling. Alex realized immediately: this was a test, a lesson in loyalty. The Don's lieutenants stepped forward. Violence was swift, merciless. Alex flinched but didn't look away.
Then Elena appeared. Dark eyes, sharp and calculating, studying him. A flicker of amusement—maybe approval—danced on her lips. Alex felt drawn, intrigued, and uneasy all at once.
"You'll join us," Salvatore continued. "Fear or loyalty. Decide."
Alex swallowed hard. Fear whispered to run; ambition whispered to stay. And the glance from Elena… that pulled him forward.
"I'll join," he said, voice steadier than he felt.
The Don's smile was thin but approving. "Good. Tomorrow begins your training."
Elena stepped closer, her presence electric. "Careful, Alex," she said. "This life will test you in ways you can't imagine. Some don't survive."
Their hands brushed—a spark neither could ignore.
Rain pattered outside. Inside, a different storm had begun.