Raelynn Baker A woman who escaped the viciously blinding nights of forced prostitution. Snatched from the embrace of a comfortable life, she had to hold onto herself for survival. A true warrior who persistently fights against the dark memories of her past. Vincent Marino A man who runs the entire underground syndicate. Born and brought up in the treacherous darkness of power struggle, he rose to the top by challenging years of humiliation and brutally vanquishing every opponent in blood. Respect. He values it the most. Freedom. She longs for it from her own demons. Mirroring each other's gaze, forcing the other to back down, they lock horns when a chance encounter collides them. One is authoritative. One is headstrong. Each holding a story of their own and both trying to read each other. She has secrets that when break out would tarnish his respect and question his authority while he has rivals who when succeed would shove her back into her terrifying past. When love becomes a double edged sword, with danger lurking right around the corner, can the ignited flames of curiosity break the shackles of their past and melt the ice walls surrounding their heart? Ride along the melancholically beautiful journey of two souls in their pursuit of a home! Reading 'What is family?' will give you a better insight into the family dynamics of the Marinos, but it is optional. Disclaimer : This book contains violence and triggering content. I advise you to read it at your own discretion. Also, note that the female lead in this book is not weak or timid. If you're looking for a submissive female lead, this book is not for you.

They tell me love is a pretty lie. A cruel deception. I wouldn't know-I've never been given the chance to believe in it. A daughter of the Cosa Nostra, passed from one husband to the next like a prized possession, I have learned one thing: a woman's value is measured in obedience. But then I come back, and he's there. Enzo Mancini. Silent. Ruthless. Untouchable. Except... I have touched him. Once, before the lies. Before the fire. Before he left me with nothing but ghosts of a boy who used to stare at me like I was his only sin. Now, he looks at me like I'm his reckoning. Like he's been starving. Like he'll ruin me all over again. The worst part? I want him to. Enzo Mancini She was never supposed to know the truth of that night. The blood on my hands. The fact that I let her believe I was the monster. I told myself I could let her go. That I could watch her slip through my fingers, fall into the hands of men who never deserved her. And I did. She doesn't know what I've done for her. How many bodies I've buried. How many sins I've committed in her name. She's everything I should stay away from. Soft where I am hard. Chaos where I am order. A temptation so dangerous, it should be a death sentence. But I can't stop. I can't stop watching her, wanting her, losing sleep over the way she lingers like a curse in the nightmares she inhabits. She calls me heartless, and like everyone, I let her believe it. She doesn't know that every step she takes away from me is another step toward a man who won't live long enough to touch what's mine. I saved her from the fire long ago, the same one I caused. And now, the flames are swallowing me whole. 17+ Mafia Dark Romance *Standalone*