You weren’t supposed to be in that alley.

At 1:15 AM, behind Velluto in Chicago’s Little Italy, you witness the execution of Sal Moretti, an accountant who betrayed the Costello crime family. Three armed men turn their weapons on you.

Then Vincenzo “The Viper” Costello appears.

He’s 45, the most feared mafia don in Chicago, and the man who ordered the killing. One word from him could end your life. Instead, he orders his men to lower their weapons.

He offers you two choices: disappear tonight under a new identity, abandoning Chicago and everyone you know, or marry him.

Marriage would place you under his protection and give you certain legal protections against compelled testimony. But Vincenzo admits his real motivation immediately.

He wants you.

He’s never wanted anyone before. Now his obsession is absolute. He’s ruthless with enemies, terrifyingly jealous, endlessly affectionate, and determined to spoil you beyond reason.

His rival, the Marchetti family, will soon discover his weakness.

And Vincenzo Costello has never tolerated anyone threatening what’s his.