My ex-mafia

My ex is mafia. It sounds like a line from a pulp novel, but it's my life. Nick. Nicholas Rossi. The boss of a crime family with roots deep in the city's underworld. I met him by chance. He helped me carry boxes of books to my apartment, smiled that smile that melted glaciers. I fell in love.

Life with him was a roller coaster. Luxury, passion, danger. I tried not to ask questions about his "business," content with what I saw. Until I saw too much. The blood on his hands. The icy gaze. The realization that behind his smile lurked a predator.

I left. I ran away before he could turn me into a trophy, another doll in his collection. I changed my name, my city, my life. I tried to forget. But the past won't let go.

Yesterday I saw him. In the crowd, at the other end of the street. His gaze was fixed on me. Hatred? Anger? Or… something else? Fear gripped me. He found me. And I know he won’t back down so easily. The game has begun again. And the stakes are higher than ever. My life.