Nyomi is hired by a mutual friend to help Khaiem expand his art lounge into a lifestyle brand. She plans to keep things professional-especially since she's still healing from a controlling ex who almost ruined her career. But Khaiem's creative, confident energy disarms her, and he's intrigued by her quiet power. What starts as creative brainstorming sessions at midnight turns into heated arguments, laughter, and stolen touches. But when her ex reappears, and Khaiem's old trust issues resurface, they'll have to choose if love is worth risking their carefully rebuilt lives.

Niah Monroe, a 26-year-old ambitious woman working her way through grad school, has always kept her life on the straight and narrow. She's loyal to her best friend, and she avoids men who could derail her goals. But then enters Khalil "Khaos" Mercer, 32, her best friend's older brother-fresh out after serving time, running the family's underground hustle, and building an empire of his own. He's dark, dangerous, and the one man she's never allowed herself to want. When circumstances force them together-him needing her brain and discipline to clean up his business moves, her needing his protection after a brush with street danger-the forbidden attraction between them sparks into a full-blown, undeniable passion.