Book 1 in the Sacred Bonds series. In Texas, land is bought with money... or blood. Azad Martinez spent twenty years building a fortune on a single, cold purpose: to annihilate the uncle who stole his family's ranch and kidnapped his brother. His plan is ruthless, perfect, and leaves no room for weakness-especially not a wife. But when his cousin threatens an innocent woman, Azad makes an impulsive, strategic move. He marries her. Yasmin Garcia is a veterinarian who traded her freedom to save her family's land. She expected a gilded cage and a cold husband. She didn't expect a man whose silence speaks of old wounds, whose touch is a brand, and whose enemies are deadly. As a cartel-backed war ignites around them, Yasmin realizes her new husband isn't just a businessman; he's a king reclaiming his throne by any means necessary. As Malik Martinez and his cartel allies strike back, the battle for the Martinez legacy becomes a war for survival. Yasmin must decide if she is merely a pawn in Azad's game or the one person who can reach the wounded man behind the legend. And Azad must confront the terrifying truth: to win his war, he might have to surrender the fortress around his heart, making the woman he married the greatest target of all. A darkly romantic tale of revenge, resilience, and the ruthless fight for a place to call home.

❝Come on beautiful, how long are you going to pretend that I'm not the reason for that❞ His eyes glide down my body and stop at my thighs that had mindlessly pressed themselves together. "When you stop pretending I'm not the reason for that" I gesture towards his legs this time, his thighs parted and the hard erection showing through his pants. I can't help but clear my throat at the print. He stands up, with no shame. Not even trying to cover or adjust himself, he only walks towards me as I sit on the chair in his office. With the nudge of his foot, he parts my legs so he can step between them, lifting my chin with his index finger and I meet those enchanting eyes. He leans closer to my ear and his hand finds its place on my thigh, causing my skin to become warmer. "I'm not pretending beautiful, I will happily admit you're the one that gets me this hard any day." Grace Kennedy is smart, beautiful and kind. She's studying to become a doctor one day but before she can afford all the expenses, she works with her mother in her family's bakery. Mariano is a man of charms and far too handsome for his own good. Emerald green eyes that could be mistaken for the actual jewel itself. His entire life revolved around his four year old daughter and his younger brother. Grace couldn't ignore how shy she felt around him as she grew to see him even more. Doing her best to keep the charming man at arm's length, it was hard to do when he knew exactly how to rile her up. She was his Beautiful Addiction. Extended Description in Introduction!