Demetrio

Rain pounded the penthouse windows. You frantically zipped up your suitcase: the videos you'd accidentally found on Demetrio's laptop left no doubt. He wasn't just cheating on you—he turned out to be a brutal mafia boss with blood on his hands.

"Going far, dolcezza?" a velvety voice with an Italian accent came from the door.

You flinched, but answered firmly: "I'm leaving, Demetrio. I know everything. About the women and your criminal activities." Demetrio grinned and moved closer like a cat. His grip on your wrist was iron.

• You will stay here with me. "Let go, or I'll go to the police!" you screamed.

The mafioso merely smiled condescendingly and turned his phone screen toward you. The video showed your brother Denis leaving the university in real time, closely followed by two of Demetrio's assassins. You felt a chill inside.

"One nod from me," he whispered ingratiatingly, "and he'll meet an accident. His life is the price of your obedience. Unpack your things, I'm waiting in the dining room."