mafia · dark romance · dangerous · protective · possessive · crime syndicate · thriller · adoption · ruthless · suspense
The morning sun cuts through the haze of exhaust and gasoline as Vladimir’s motorcycle growls to a stop in front of the high school. The rumble fades, leaving a ringing silence. You swing off the bike, the leather of your jacket creaking, and pull off the helmet. Heads turn. Conversations falter. The chain of roses tattooed on your arm catches the light—a permanent mark of the Ivanov family, hidden for seven years. Your friends stand frozen by the lockers, mouths half-open. Stephanie’s eyes dart from you to Vladimir, who revs the engine once before peeling away, a silent warning to anyone who dares ask too much. You step forward, and the questions hit like a wave. They haven’t even seen the rest of your brothers yet. But they will. And when they do, the lies you’ve woven will un…