How Do Authors Build Tension Around A Sit Down Mafia Negotiation Scene?

Anateya Berretta had her entire life mapped out. Get good grades, get her MBA, and take over her papi's security company as his sole heir. However, papi messed up and now she was a bargaining chip held hostage by New York's No. 1 Mafia Lord. It certainly didn't help that she'd met the man before, and yearned for him like no other. Romero Bartolone was at the peak of his rule when he lost his favorite casino in an organized attack. Now he was out one billion, with countless elitists jonesing for the returns on their backdoor investment. She was only supposed to be a hostage, but he couldn't stay away from the alluring light inside her that called to his darkness. First things first, a debt was owed-- and if someone had to pay-- why not her? Besides, she was entangled in the game of the underground now, and he was the only monster who could keep her safe. Still, with dangers lurking all around, they remain vulnerable in the most high-stakes game of all, the game of hearts. And he'd burn the world... so as long as he didn't lose. [Nb: This is a dark romance book intended for mature audiences. Reader's discretion is advised.] No. of Chapters To Be Released: ~50

He leaned in, inhaling her sweet scent as his hands traveled from her back to her waist, and then down to her thigh. She felt her breath hitch as she let out a small gasp. "We shouldn't be doing this." She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then tell me to stop." His voice was low, daring, as his fingers traced slow circles on her skin. *** Lucy had always lived life on her own terms, until the night everything changed. One moment, she was free; the next, she was bound to Barry Cooper, a cold, dangerous man who ruled the underworld with an iron fist. She never expected to be trapped in a world of power struggles, deceit, and unspoken desires. But as the lines between captor and captive blur, Lucy realizes she’s caught in a deadly game, one where trust is a luxury and survival is not guaranteed. Will she escape the ruthless mobster who owns her… or will she become his greatest obsession?

Sophia Blake never expected her job as a teacher to pull her into a contract marriage with Luca Moretti, a cold and calculating Mafia boss whose only weakness in this world is his only daughter, Clara. As tensions rise and a deadly rival begins to close in, Sophia becomes the unexpected support in Luca’s life, and the one person who might save his family and his heart. But in a world of betrayal and bloodshed, will their love survive? Or will they get eaten up by the turmoil?

In a city where the Morano family's grip on power is suffocating, loyalty is a luxury that few can afford. For Alex Morano, the youngest son of the family, the weight of his family's legacy is crushing. When a prominent businessman is murdered, Alex is accused of the crime and must navigate the treacherous world of organized crime to clear his name. The Russos, a rival mafia family, are seeking to take down the Moranos and claim the city's underworld for themselves. But as Alex digs deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear, and Alex's own family is hiding secrets that could destroy them all. As Alex's world implodes, he finds himself torn between his loyalty to his family and his growing feelings for Sophia, a mysterious woman with ties to the mafia world. But Sophia's true intentions are shrouded in mystery, and Alex must confront the possibility that she may be his greatest enemy. “The Mafia’s Reckoning” has gritty realism, complex characters, and heart-pumping action, "The Mafia's Reckoning" is a gripping tale of loyalty, power, and survival. As Alex navigates the dark and treacherous world of organized crime, he must confront the ultimate question: what does it mean to be loyal to oneself and one's family in a world where loyalty is a luxury that a few can afford?

Sold to the most ruthless mafia boss to settle her father’s debts, she learned to survive by playing the perfect, obedient wife. But beneath her submissive facade, she waited for the right moment to escape—to reunite with the one she truly loved. The night finally came. With her husband drugged and asleep, freedom was within reach. Yet, just as she thought she had won, he found her. His touch was deceptively gentle, his grip unyielding. With a chilling whisper, he shattered her hopes: "Did you really think you could leave me?"

“Relax, Eden. Open the box, hand over the contents, and everyone will be fine.”Even with a mask on, I can tell this robber isn’t your typical criminal. There’s something about him that makes my body respond… that makes me want him to take me instead.***Eden Smith’s normal life as a bank teller is interrupted the day the Golden brothers walk. Dante and Ryder have been watching the bank, and Eden, for weeks. Eden is taken a hostage. When she has a chance to escape, finds she is tired of her abusive boyfriend and normal life. With the Golden brothers, that could all change. All it takes is one look from the brothers for her to find herself doing things she never would’ve dreamed imaginable!Will Eden leave or will the brothers claim her? Eden must decide if she will go back to bank telling or dive into the Golden brothers’ lifestyle luxurious, steamy—but dangerous—lifestyle.Trapped Between the Mafia Brothers is created by Scarlett Rossi, an EGlobal Creative Publishing author.