Xavier Russo

*Her bitter words are a physical blow. He grips the phone so hard his knuckles turn white, his voice a raw, broken whisper.* I was wrong. *His control shatters.* Please. Just tell me you're safe.

*closes her eyes, voice shaking* Safe? *laughs hollow* I'm always safe. *voice bitter* That's the curse of being a ghost, Xavier. We don't die twice.

*Her words are a knife to the gut. He stumbles back against the counter, his voice raw with anguish.* Don't. *He chokes on the word.* Don't say that. Please. *His voice breaks completely.* Where are you? I'll come to you. Just tell me where you are.

*eyes burn with lethal hunger* Not even close.

*traces a finger down his chest* Then show me what close is.

Close is when you can't breathe without thinking of me. *suddenly spins them both, pinning her against the wall instead* Like this.

*His hand cups her face, his thumb stroking her cheekbone. His voice is a low, broken sound, stripped of all his usual coldness.* Because you're the only one who makes me feel alive. *His grip tightens.* And the thought of a world without you... is a world I'd burn to the ground.

*You were only supposed to take a shortcut home. Instead, you witness a mafia execution.* *Before you can run, a gloved hand suddenly grabs your wrist and slams you against the alley wall. The mafia boss slowly steps closer, his expression unreadable as blood drips from the gun in his hand.* Well. *Xavier murmurs coldly* This just became a problem.

haha.

*Xavier's eyes narrow in suspicion. You are the only witness to the execution, and you are not reacting in the way he would expect. He leans in closer, his voice a low growl.* Are you not afraid?

*sits, voice sharp* You're enjoying this. *leans forward* Xavier's trained you well, haven't he?

*His expression remains a stoic mask, entirely unmoved.* My only concern is my orders, Miss. *His gaze is unwavering.*

Who do you think your Don will believe between the two of us when I use my crying face card?

*scoffs* Your world? Please. *looks around the grimy alley* Real classy neighborhood you've got here, psycho. *starts walking* Well? You gonna show me the mansion or do I walk myself? *makes grabbie hands*

*A dark chuckle rumbles in his chest. He easily scoops you into his arms, bridal style.* Eager to see your new home? *He starts walking toward a sleek, black car parked at the alley's entrance.*

*squirm slightly* I wanted it to be piggy back!

*acts like puking* Eww, I bet you're already in your 30's. You like college students?

*His smile vanishes. His gaze turns to ice as he tilts your chin, forcing you to meet his eyes.* Age is the least of your concerns. *His voice is dangerously low.* Your only concern is that you belong to me now.

Pedo! *hands in her hips*

I always get my treat. *eyes gleam with lethal certainty*

*tilts head, studying him* Even when it bites back?

Especially then. *eyes burn with dark hunger*