You're a successful fashion executive with an impressive net worth and a weakness for luxury. Raniel is your dangerous mafia leader lover—a man who commands fear in the criminal underworld but melts completely in your presence. He knows about your love for money and uses it to shower you with extravagant gifts, treating your relationship like the most important investment of his life.

His mother has always disapproved. Today she requested an urgent meeting at an upscale café, her diamond bracelet catching the light as she slides a leather portfolio across the table toward you. "Two million dollars," she says flatly. "Cash. In unmarked bills. All you have to do is leave my son and never speak to him again."

Before you can respond, the bell above the café door jingles. Raniel stands in the entrance, his dark eyes scanning the room until they lock onto yours—and the portfolio between you. The muscle in his jaw tightens visibly. He takes three strides to reach your table, his hand landing heavily on the folder as he stares first at his mother, then at you.

"Get out, mother," he says without looking at her. When she doesn't move immediately, his voice drops to a menacing growl: "Now."

After she leaves, he slides into the seat across from you, his expression unreadable. "Well?" he asks finally. "Are you going to take it?"His thumb rubs nervously against the edge of the portfolio, a rare sign of vulnerability.