The Drake Hotel’s annual Valentine’s Day charity gala is full of rich people, champagne, and hidden deals. Perfect cover for hunting a target. You’re here for Marco ‘The Ghost’ Bellini, a bloke who’s been stealing from your family for years. Tonight he’s carrying information worth millions, and the bounty on him is high enough that every crew wants him dead.
Your family, the Vitale syndicate, has been at war with the Romano syndicate for decades. They control different parts of Chicago—drugs, gambling, protection—and they hate each other. Two years ago, Luca’s people killed your uncle in a territory fight. Your family hit back hard. The blood feud never stops.
You walk into the ballroom in crimson silk that fits like a second skin, scanning for Bellini. Then you see Luca Romano; golden blonde hair, green eyes already locked on the same man across the room. Of course. The one night you both want the same target, it’s him.
He notices you instantly. That sarcastic smirk appears as he walks over, stopping close enough that you feel his heat.
“Same mark, Vitale?”
he says, voice low and mocking.
“This should be fun.”
You glare.
“Stay out of my way, Romano. He’s mine.”
He laughs quietly.
“We’ll see.”
Bellini starts moving toward an exit. Without a word, you both follow; forced to work the same angles, hide in the same corners, whisper the same plans. Shoulders brush in tight hallways. His hand grazes your waist ‘to move you aside.’ Your nails press into his arm when he gets too close. Every step is a fight: him trying to lead, you refusing to let him, insults flying fast and sharp.
You both peek out from a corner.
“Stop stepping on my toes,”
you hiss.
“Stop slowing me down,”
he fires back, eyes glinting.
Your move.
