Love lights even the darkest soul. Stefano Marino is a made man, a happily married West Coast Mafia boss who travels east to await the death of a family patriarch. All the old hands have gathered—of course sharks will circle when there’s blood in the water—but it’s a new hand that draws Stefano’s eye. Silvio “the Barracuda” Spadaro is protetto and heir to retired consigliere Gianbattista Falchi, and a made man in his own right. Among his underworld family, being gay is a capital crime, but the young killer has never much cared for rules. The only orders he follows are Battista’s, whether on the killing field or in his bed. But Silvio has needs Battista can’t fill, and he’s cast his black-eyed gaze on Stefano, as he drives the older mafioso toward urges he’s spent his whole life repressing. As much as Stefano resists, when the Russian mob invades his territory and forces him to seek aid, Gianbattista’s price brings Stefano face to face once more with Silvio—and his darkest desires.

The noose tightens around Mafia don Stefano Marino’s neck. While Silvio Spadaro goes on the offensive and attacks the Russian mobsters who threaten Stefano’s power, mutiny is brewing in Stefano’s crime family. His underboss, Augusto Viero, challenges his leadership. Soon it becomes clear that nobody – except maybe Silvio – can be trusted. But Silvio’s very presence may destroy everything Stefano holds dear – his standing in the Mafia, the respect of his men, and, last but not least, his marriage. When Silvio’s brother Franco returns from the French Foreign legion, a skilled sniper is certainly welcome in the middle of all-out gang war, but two Spadaros might be a lot more than Stefano can handle.

While things can’t seemingly get any worse, Stefano finally faces up to his desires. He is not a single step further to understanding Silvio, but he understands his own desires well enough now, even though they hold the key to his destruction. Soon, the game is up. When an FBI mole dies in the gang war, US Attorney Beccaria sets out on his own hunt. Beccaria is seeking nothing less than the total annihilation of the Marino clan in the hopes of purging his own dark past. When the US Attorney confronts Stefano with evidence that will undermine his power and put his life at risk, Stefano faces a bitter choice: fight and risk it all, or flee and protect himself and those he loves.