Beneath the Suit

eared organization cloaked in shadows and whispered legends. His name carried weight in boardrooms, back alleys, and underground circles.

e was ruthless, creatin

he m

th a broken c

tion simmering just beneath his sharp exterior. His usual spot uptown had clo

led up, and flour dust on her cheeks. Her name tag read "Soph

o settle for a regular," she said, cheerfully

tle?" He said the wor

hirped. "It bui

mething in her tone, light, unafraid

back. The next da

Then it was the way she hummed to

Serious" with a wink. The way she treated everyo

nd Mikhail found himself craving her world-o

. Like what made him smile. What

ever dared

she said one evening, wiping down the count

he offered, voice sof

she asked, ra

dn't

leeves instead of blood. He helped her close up the shop. Listene

don't stay b