forbidden encounters

  The rain poured down in sheets, creating a hazy veil over the bustling streets of Little Italy. Alex Marino pulled his collar up, trying to ward off the chill as he made his way home after a long shift at the diner. The flickering neon sign of “Café Roma” cast an electric glow on the oil-slick pavement, but tonight, its charm felt muted.As he crossed the street, his phone buzzed — a message from his friend Leo. “Meet me at the bar, got something important to discuss.”Curiosity piqued, Alex decided to stop by the Rustic Lounge, a dimly lit bar known for its strong drinks and sincere clientele. As he pushed the door open, the familiar scent of whiskey and smoke enveloped him, and he spotted Leo at their usual corner booth, his expression serious.“Hey, you’re late,” Leo teased, though his eyes held a hint of worry.“Yeah, yeah, what’s the big deal?” Alex slid into the booth, and Leo leaned in closer.“It’s about the Luciano family,” Leo whispered, glancing around as if the walls had ears. “They’ve got a new runner, and I heard some unsettling things. We need to be careful.”Just then, the door swung open, a gust of wind sweeping in. In walked a tall figure clad in a tailored suit, his dark hair slicked back. Alex felt his breath hitch as the stranger's piercing blue eyes scanned the room, settling on their booth for a brief moment before moving on.“Who’s that?” Alex couldn’t help but ask, nodding toward the newcomer.“That's Marco Luciano,” Leo replied, his tone dropping. “The younger brother of the family boss. He’s trouble.”As Marco made his way to the bar, there was an air of confidence in his stride that both intimidated and intrigued Alex. He’d heard whispers of the Luciano family—of loyalty, danger, and undeniable charm.