New Orleans isn't just a city-it's a pulse. A rhythm. A hunger. And nobody knows that better than Arielle Washington, a tired single mother grinding just to make rent in the Desire Projects. Love left her a long time ago, replaced with diaper bags, house keys, and survival. That is, until a new housekeeping job drops her into the home-and world-of ICE the most dangerous man in the streets. ICE doesn't do mess. Doesn't do feelings. But there's something about Ari-her fire, her silence, her scars-that draws him in. And when business gets bloody and loyalties are tested, the line between protector and predator blurs. Because in the Dirty South, nothing comes clean... not even love.

"You could tell me you love me a million times over, but them words don't hold no weight in my heart till you show me. Show me you love me, and you can have all of me." cover by: @britxcvi

All characters and events in this story are completely fictional. If anything seems familiar it is completely coincidental. All situations in this story come completely from my imagination. ________________ "And you need to stop calling me 'shawty', I'm not your girl so stop pushing the issue, I don't want to be just another name in your little black book." I said sounding more appalled than I could ever really be. He started walking closer to me and before I knew it, he had my back against the wall and my left leg wrapped around his waist. The look that he gave made him look so powerful that I couldn't help but be intimidated and turned on at the same time. "Look mami I don't think you really hearin' me so let me break this shit down to you real brief. Imma be around for the time bein' whether you want to be or not, I'm not goin' no where. Just let me have one chance." "Prove it." ________________

Essence is a 17 year old stick up kid she take care of her Lil Brother Trent who is 15 who's also a trouble maker . Which they live poor Essence and Trent are on they own , on the hood side on Chicago . Even though she poor she have a best friend Marcus who is a known Big thug who have the biggest crush on her will they be together ? And will Trent troubles finally catch up to him? (Same as my other book Essence just different tittle other one deleted ) Essence meet this friend name Mini who's in a abuse relationship Will mini get out? Plz through out the book comment Vote follow Follow will follow back