After her horrifying incident and Nicolo's persistent need to protect, Arabella has finally reclaimed the peaceful, normal life which she has dearly missed, that is, until she becomes the target of a new agenda. Nicolo is then pressured to unbind the strict hold which he has over his fiancé, and allows her back into the dangerous world of criminals where she grows her tenacity and resilience through Scarlett Operations. The fight for an everlasting future together is grueling and continuous as a series of attacks work to drive this couple apart, but they continue to rely on their strength together, as in their history, it has proven to be steadfast. Although, with every perilous event comes a trail of clues that brings them closer to solving the mystery of their adversary, which fills them with hope for safer times to come. With The Leader, an anonymous ruler of the criminal underworld, now exposed as the heart of all threats, the Aetos and Mazzerelli families must work together to uncover the true identity of their enemy. Over many months, these two sides have formed an endearing and unbreaking bond, and it is now a race to end the life of The Leader before they are forced to witness the death of a loved one. ----- [Book 3 of 3] [Ongoing 2024-2025] Content/ Trigger Warning: Contains mature themes and violence

23-year-old Catalina Rodríguez didn't have it easy in life. Even as a small child, she had to go through a lot and give up her dreams. Just when she thought her life couldn't get worse, she was terribly wrong. She was forced to marry a strange man who was twenty years older. He literally made her life hell. He was a monster and she was now his prisoner.

"Do you have any idea how close fear smells to arousal?" He asked, his words making my breath hitch. "They both make your blood race in your veins and thicken your scent. It's making my mouth water little one." He spoke softly. Tears filled my eyes as horrible thoughts began to occur to me and I deeply regretted ever leaving that room. "Fret not my darling, I'm not going to take you tonight even though I so desperately want to. I won't force myself on you." He promised, but seeing as he had made another promise tonight that he had already broken, I had little faith in him. "Now hurry on up back to my room little mate. If I catch you out of bed again tonight, I won't let you go so easily." He said, pulling one more deep inhale before releasing me, stepping back. I could feel his eyes on me as I ran down the hall and then up the stairs, feeling hunted even though he wasn't giving chase. Credit for the amazing cover goes to @STESLARA