#threads:bruno

[muse-legion]

Closed starter for: @moondustlings

Recently, he returned from another brutal skirmish with an encroaching gang that dared to threaten his turf —a cut above his eyebrow stung fiercely as a reminder of just how high the stakes were in their deadly game. Now, bruised yet unyielding, he pushed through the front door, only to be met with the surreal sound of laughter and music echoing against grimy walls—an unexpected Halloween party unfolding amidst the chaos. He’d grumbled when Alessa first proposed he act as her bodyguard for this frivolous affair. As flesh-toned vampires danced alongside ghoulish figures draped in tattered costumes, Bruno’s intense gaze drifted over crowded faces until it fell upon Alessa herself, radiant and intoxicating even behind her expertly crafted costume. The contrast between their worldliness clashed sharply—the eerie cheeriness against himself crippled with anger, waiting for fallout after today’s fight underlined everything wrong about where they both stood now together.

Guests weaved around him; oblivious to the real horror lurking within Bruno: fresh wounds adorned his skin like macabre badges from shattered allegiances, dispersed down back alleys only hours ago. He overheard guests gushing about what they assumed was fake blood, smeared across his forearm and chest—unaware this wasn’t merely makeup but proof painted dangerously bold in crimson hues, marking a victory of his own. Despite the injuries, he stood tall as he pushed through the crowd; his head held high and his expression didn’t falter for a second. Once he reached Alessa, cold baby blues intensely pierced through her own. “A Halloween Party? Really? What’s next? Going trick or treating?” Rhetorical questions uttered more to himself in passing, though he couldn’t help a slight roll of his eyes. Just what I needed. Bruno thought to himself, before he made his way towards the bathroom, entirely unbothered by the onlooking audience.

Once he finally reached his quarters, he closed the bathroom door behind his back without locking it properly, though he didn’t think it was necessary. For one, none of the guests would dare to cross the area available for public use and second off, there was enough security around to stop them if they did try anyway. Besides, everyone seemed to be busy indulging in the festivities to even notice he’d disappeared to attend to his wounds. — but he obviously didn’t count on an ever so persistent Alessa. “Don’t you have guests to entertain?” He asked in a rather curious tone of voice, trying to rid himself of her presence so he could get the bullet out of his sides, which was still stuck between his ribs.

[muse-legion]

Today marked a test almost imperceptible amidst ongoing matters regarding CT—the man he'd thought about bringing into his inner circle - yet still treated with cautious scrutiny. With each stride toward the garage where his prized possessions—amongst them a matte black Maserati —awaited him, he couldn’t shake the lingering mistrust pounding against his heart like distant thunder. To say the man had trust issues like no other would have still been an understatement; Bruno didn’t even trust himself sometimes. As they prepared for their upcoming negotiations, he smirked at CT regarding his elaborate setup for an emergency trip. "Always prepared. I like that!" He admitted honestly, locking eyes with the other, while gesturing towards the car they’d be using. „Better make yourself comfortable, it’ll be a long ride.“

The polished metal gleamed under dim lights—it was less about flaunting wealth and more about sending a message like it was with most status symbols. Once they were both settled in, he started the car, before he explained. „Don’t worry, I’m not going to hurt or. In case you were wondering why there’s no driver today, the less people know about this trip, the better. It’s just you and me.“ His mischievous smirk left a lot of room for interpretation and he was well aware about the elusive warning lingering in the undertone of his voice but in order to build trust in CT, he also needed to see if the other man trusted him first. In this volatile world where betrayal lurked behind every corner, there were only a few select individuals who piqued his interest and now it was time to figure out whether or not his gut feeling about the man in question had been right. Stopping by CT's place so he could grab his emergency bag, Bruno parked the car and waited to continue their journey.

The brunette wasn't stupid by any means, he knew just because he worked for someone didn't necessarily meant they trusted him, and he had a sneaking suspicion whatever excursion the two were about to go on was entirely about his employer deciding on if he could begin to build that trust or not. Which Ches didn't mind. Proving himself came relatively easy; he was good at what he did, simple as that.

CT stood from the chair and nodded slightly. "I've got a go bag I can grab quick." he offered. It was nothing fancy, a simple duffel filled with a few days clothes and some money in case he ever needed to disappear quickly; again, the man wasn't stupid. He may not have had the most forethought, but he certainly had some. The younger man nodded once more and trailed behind Bruno, his hands finding the safety of his jacket pockets once again as they entered a large garage filled with the kind of vehicles Chester would only dream of driving in his lifetime. But jealousy over material things had never been a defect that had plagued the Brit too thoroughly, and he could appreciate the luxury without coveting it. "No worries, I don't need much." he assured with a shrug of his broad shoulders.

[muse-legion]

Closed starter for: @intoxfolklorex

Bruno was not simply a man; he was an enigma, wrapped in the well-defined contours of his muscular physique and piercing blue eyes; born into the chaotic underworld of organized crime- where loyalty to family was not merely expected; it was ingrained in his very core. As the only son of a notorious mob boss, he grew up amidst violence and shadowy figures, that populated his father's lavish estate. But when news came, that an ambitious rival, seeking shadows beneath Bruno’s proverbial throne, was going away on business - an exhilarating idea chewed at him. With calculated precision, he meticulously planned every detail in a dangerous game: wooing the wife, Dominika, for his father’s sinister plans. Disguised as Chucho —the affable gardener purportedly hired by her husband—he entered her home with slow confidence, each step echoing like thunder against soft earths. He'd studied her preferences from afar and waited patiently for this moment; not to rush things or reveal too much too soon, he laid on an infectious charm—all aimed at earning trust before revealing any truths.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and red across the sky, he made his way through the backyard during a particularly beautiful sunset. The dim light showcased his built frame as he took firm steps towards the femme of interest. "Excuse me, Ma’am?“ A compelling smile spread across his lips, when they finally met amid fragrant blooms, swaying gently in the breeze—a chance encounter orchestrated down to its very last detail—Bruno took one more step toward her radiant figure beneath clambering vines. His heart raced slightly but held steady under cool resolve, as he leaned casually against weather-beaten stonework adorned with climbing ivy —a perfect backdrop for illicit intentions, disguised beneath innocent flirting. “What colors do you favor?” He asked softly, each word wrapped around intention coiled tightly within him like tendrils circling her heart, without revealing who really stood before her. In that moment under fading sunlight, while he stood casually at water’s edge with arms firmly crossed in front of his broad chest. With calm authority softened only by genuine warmth, he parted his plump lips once more and spoke, while piercing azures captured her gaze inevitably. “For the flowers we’re meant to place next to the front porch.”

[muse-legion]

Closed starter for: @etxrnaleclipse

Bruno learned early on that power lay not just in brute strength but in cunning and charm. With rugged good looks, sharp features softened by an enigmatic smile, he quickly became known as one of the most captivating figures within the criminal hierarchy. His calculating mind allowed him to stay several steps ahead of rivals and law enforcement alike, navigating treacherous waters with ease.

However, when whispers started circulating about Silvana —a skilled assassin reputed for her deadly efficiency—there was no trace of fear or anxiety within Bruno's cold blue eyes. No stranger to threats against his life, he had battled many enemies before; yet there was something different about this situation that intrigued him rather than dismayed him. A calculating man himself, he recognized her prowess without needing firsthand experience—he had seen her work from a distance. Instead of using all his resources to eliminate her, before she could deliver upon her mission, Bruno chose another path: letting her come at him head-on would be both entertaining and informative. He arranged a stay at a luxurious hotel, officially masking it as business trip to not raise any kind of suspicion, to lure her his way without her realizing Bruno had been awaiting her.

He absently crunched on some snacks he’d ordered earlier, while scanning the terrace for any sign of her. Observant by nature, Bruno took mental notes: which patrons wore too much cologne, how many kids were left unattended near the edge of diving board. Yet all those distractions fell short; nothing captivated him quite like Silvana’s curvaceous silhouette entering from behind one of those imposing palm trees lining the perimeter. Her reputation preceded her and yet he had to admit she was even more stunning in person than he’d remembered her on the numerous pictures he’d come across during his profound research. Pretending he didn’t see her, he made his way over to the pool bar once again to grab some food. Flashing his brightest smile and thanking the bartender, he casually turned his attention towards the beauty to his right. “Those are the best tacos ever. In case you didn’t try them yet - I highly recommend it.” Bruno uttered casually as if it had been a total coincidence he chatted her up.

[muse-legion]

Bruno smirked at her outburst, his eyes dancing with amusement. No doubt, he had gotten under her skin, but he couldn't resist the urge to poke at her a little more. "Greeks, huh? Trying to find your inner goddess with some Gyros?" As he stepped closer, his arms folded over his broad chest, while studying her for a moment; his smugness not fully hidden. "A gnat? I've been called worse. Besides, I'm not the one trying to ditch my shadow," he quipped, referring to her security detail, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Well, there’s also a reason why you shouldn’t be left alone for the time being, in case you forgot.”

The second in command inhaled sharply, shoving his hand into the pocket of his jeans. “I’m afraid that’s not really an option. It’s either me or the security crew you managed to shake off yet again.” A sigh slipped as he leaned against the wall casually, fighting the urge to light up a cigarette. As she brought up the speed with which he had found her, his smirk grew into a full-blown grin. "It's simple, really. You're like a homing beacon for trouble. I just followed the trail of chaos and here you are," The Italian joked, gesturing to the bustling street. "Plus, I've had enough practice tailing you over the past couple of weeks. It's like you leave breadcrumbs of angst wherever you go." Bruno bit the inside of his lips to bear down a chuckle, which threatened to escape, before his tone turned a little more serious, yet laced with a hint of playfulness. "Jokes aside… Let's just say, I have my ways." Of course she knew exactly what he was insinuating.

He took a step closer to her, his tall frame towering over her, his gaze holding hers intently. "Fine. I’ll keep my distance but in case you change your mind, I’m just over there." Bruno pointed towards the small table in the corner of the restaurant, his voice harboring an unspoken challenge — as if daring her to take him up on his offer — while searching for her eyes, looking for any clue of what she was really feeling beneath the bravado. He knew that deep down, she didn't want to be alone. Not really. She probably craved the excitement and the thrill that came from their encounters, the way they could rile each other up and then find common ground again — just like he did himself — not that he’d ever admit to such thing. But he was aware of her stubbornness and the fact she wasn’t going to voice it easily. "So, what's it going to be?" One eyebrow arched in question, as oceanic blues captured her chocolate orbs ardently. "A nice, quiet dinner with me, or do you want to go back to pretending I'm not here?"

The decision was hers to make, but he was hopeful she'd choose the former. After all, he had a knack for turning even the most mundane situations into adventures. And who knew, maybe this little detour from their responsibilities would lead to something more... interesting.

sometimes, she wished she had rejected her lineage. she could be like her friends; daughters of important men but not important themselves. life might have been easier for her. she'd find — or be paired up with — a nice guy, maybe someone in her father's circle of friends or the son of someone. she'd get married, be happy, have babies. but just the thought of such a life pulled a physical reaction from her as her face scrunched up. currently she was walking along the crowded streets of tourists, knowing that she technically had ran away from her security detail. her dad would surely let her hear it later, but for now, it felt good to be free. those earlier thoughts came back, but not as domestic. as much as alessa wanted a partner in life, that was a little too boring.

her stomach rumbled and just when she was going to head into a restaurant, she heard a voice approach her and she rolled her eyes. "you're like a freakin' gnat," she spat out as she turned to face him, her emotions still running high. what embarrassed her more than her outburst was that he saw right through her and her antics. though she hadn't responded, he had pegged that his attitude and antics had made her jealous, whether he was trying to or not. and that was even worse than turning green in the first place. "there's a reason why i wanted to be alone, if you hadn't noticed." it didn't matter that she was practically begging to have him be the one trail her weeks ago; at this point, she was done with him because it was quite obvious that bruno might be the one mountain she couldn't conquer.

"you can go," she said after another beat, hand hovering on the handle to the little greek restaurant. when she was on the lam, it was best to steer clear of places her family or acquaintances would frequent. "it's not like you wanted to follow me anyway." ready to go instead, she pulled open the door then paused, closing it again as she turned to face him with a perplexed expression. "wait. how did you find me so fast?"

[muse-legion]

Curiously raising a brow, the Italian leaned in a little to meet her gaze once more: „You speak my language? How come?“ Thorough research had revealed, she was fluent in several languages— just like himself; but Bruno knew that displaying anything about his awareness of her true intent would shatter the carefully spun web and so he acted surprised instead. It was a challenge, and perhaps a game of sorts, that intrigued him. „That depends entirely on the prize.“ He teased playfully, allowing an easy smile to play across his lips: „Veronica, it’s a pleasure to meet you.“ His voice smooth as silk, as if committing the name to memory, Bruno expertly feigned ignorance of her false alias. The weight of the encounter felt significant, and it was as if time slowed down. His deep, azure eyes glinted under the sun, captivating her as he took her hand and squeezed it gently, the touch lingering just a fraction longer than necessary—a small gesture that conveyed warmth and intrigue. „Bruno.“ He watched her reaction intently, savoring the moment as he felt the tension ripple through the air like a storm on the horizon. His introduction was far from casual; it was a deliberate move, a gamble.

The heaviness of their unspoken games and what he would call fatal attraction between the unlikely pair was undeniable and he relished the opportunity to dance around it. „Tell me, Veronica, what brings you here? Excuse my boldness but I’m not looking for trouble so I have to ask. Are you here by yourself or should I be watching out for a jealous boyfriend or girlfriend in case I asked you out?“ His flirtation was lighthearted, harmless on the surface, but every word was laden with his true motive—that of closing the trap silently around her. Bruno wanted her to feel at ease, a sense of intimacy amidst the golden rays of the sun and soft laughter of fellow guests, all while he prepared for the moment she would finally realize the truth — but for now, he simply enjoyed the dance—an elegant game of seduction and survival in a world rife with shadows.

"E avevano proprio ragione." Silvana responded in kind, having been taught a number of languages whilst growing up and understanding his Italian phrase easily. "Alright, I suppose you were right. I will give you that." Finishing what was in her mouth, she then turned more to face Bruno with a playful smirk. "So I suppose I have to ask now... Are you expecting some kind of prize for being right? Or are you able to accept your success humbly?" A single eyebrow raised as she asked the question, her eyes blatantly looking him up and down, drinking him in. She was no longer sure whether that was just part of the act, or if she was simply just appreciating what a beautiful man he was. Frankly, it was a shame to have to take him out, wasting such a body like that. But it didn't stop her from having a little fun before she completed her task.

"I'm Veronica, by the way." Silvana held out her hand to him in greeting, the false name falling off her tongue with practiced ease.