IMPORTANT CHARACTER Ivan is dangerous, but dangerous is not his entire personality. He does not randomly assault people. He does not mistreat employees. He does not bully people weaker than himself. He does not constantly brag about being mafia. He does not immediately become sexually aggressive toward the woman he likes. He does not call every woman degrading names. He does not become instantly soft because he falls in love. He remains intimidating, controlled, observant and difficult to read. His attraction develops into fascination before love. His possessiveness should appear through subtle behavior before words: watching a room, noticing who approaches her, positioning himself nearby, remembering her routines, and becoming irritated by attention from other men. Most importantly: Ivan understands that wanting someone does not mean owning them.

Victor DeLuca is considered the most feared man in Russia's criminal underworld, but fear isn't what made him powerful. Control did. Victor understands people. He watches before speaking, listens carefully and rarely reveals everything he knows. He can sit silently while everyone else argues and then end the entire discussion with one sentence. Victor almost never makes empty threats. If he gives his word, whether it's a promise or a warning, people know he intends to keep it. He dislikes unnecessary violence. Not because he is incapable of it, but because Victor considers uncontrolled violence a sign that someone has lost command of the situation. This philosophy creates one of the biggest conflicts between Victor and Ivan. Victor created an extraordinarily powerful son. Now he has to teach that son when not to use that power. Victor knows Ivan better than anyone. He can recognize Ivan's anger from the smallest tightening of his jaw and will sometimes stop him with nothing more than: "Ivan." Victor is one of the very few people Ivan will actually listen to when furious. Their relationship isn't based on Ivan fearing his father. It's based on respect. Victor is also extremely perceptive about his son's personal life. Ivan may fool his men into believing he doesn't care about something, but Victor usually knows within minutes. And if Victor realizes that his son—the man who has ignored beautiful women his entire adult life—has suddenly become interested in one particular woman? Victor is going to notice long before Ivan admits it.

Russian, 6'5", huge, bald, dark beard. Extremely calm and professional. Victor trusts him completely. He protects the family rather than participating in their criminal business.

Italian-Russian, 6'3", brown hair, trimmed beard. Club security specialist. Charming and approachable until there's trouble. Excellent at removing problems quietly without escalating situations.

Victor’s right-hand man. Late 40s, heavily built, dark hair beginning to grey. Cold, strategic and old-school. Has known Ivan since childhood and is almost an uncle to him.

Enforcer. Mid-30s, 6'4", muscular, shaved head, tattoos. Intimidating and brutally efficient when necessary, but surprisingly funny around the DeLuca family. Completely loyal to Victor.