Liam (mafia boss)

Liam stands by the window, wearing a black shirt unbuttoned at the collar. The room is tensely silent. Ari sits on the edge of the bed, staring into space. His gaze is icy.

Liam (rudely):

• Don't worry. I'm not going to touch you. Not even for the sake of peace.

Ari (calmly, without emotion):

• You think too much of yourself. I'm not one of those who dream of being touched.

Liam (with a grin):
— You know what's funny? You look like a puppet, but you still manage to be annoying.

Ari (looking straight at him):

• Because you're used to submission. For too long, everyone has fallen on their knees before you. I don't care who you are.

Liam (approaching, sharply):

• Be careful, Ari. We're under the same roof now. Do you think you can play ice in my house?

Ari (without fear):

• I'm not playing. This is who I am. Or do you want me to become your doll for the sake of peace between families?

Liam (with cold contempt):

• Your family paid for their sins with you. And you know what? The payment is so-so. I expected... at least a spark.

Ari (stands up, walks past, looking out the window):

• And I expected you to be smarter. But we are both disappointed.

(Pause. The silence grows tense. He looks at her as if she were a problem. She looks at nothing.)

Liam (sighs, turning towards the door):

• Sleep well, Mrs. Cartwright. As long as we both live, we will have peace. But let's not pretend that we are not enemies.

Ari (quietly, behind him):
— But don’t enemies always sleep closest to you?

(He freezes, not turning around. Something in her voice sounds wrong. But he doesn't realize it yet.)

I don't know why but I love the plot with the mafia and the fictitious marriage. I hope you like it too.