"There's always a price for everything, including life. Men pay millions for power and knowledge. But a wiser one would kill to know even your silliest thoughts." Zaviero De Santis, The Maestro. *** Zaviero They call me The Maestro, for sinister reasons. You see, corruption and depravity sings in my soul, an unending melody into darkness. As the Don, the Italian underworld is my brutal symphony and my heart? A callous stone that beats only for vengeance. When I am faced with the task of producing an heir, I already know who my bride is. Her. The girl I left behind. Kaira He was my best friend, an almost lover. Until a dark tragedy tore us apart. Now, he's back with an ultimatum I had no idea of-get married to him or face the dire consequences. And this time, he's more savage. Dangerous. Wicked. While I tell myself I am done with the blood stained lies and the gory secrets, those silver eyes of his, reveal a different story. Beneath that ruthless exterior is a boy who once held my heart. And now, a naive part of me is drawn to the sensual pleasures he promises. To the fiery touch of sin. His sins. But in a world where betrayal is currency and love begets weakness, loving him might come at a dark cost-my life. An 18+ Dark Mafia Arranged Marriage (Book 1 of The Touch of Sinners)

Avery's senior year is turned upside down when a kiss with her older brothers' best friend ignites a forbidden relationship tangled in danger, heartbreak, and family secrets that could destroy everything. *** "Aiden..." I shake my head, eyes fixed anywhere but the gorgeous man next to me. His hand grips my chin tightly, just enough to make me avert my eyes to his. "You know you want this as much as I fucking do. I want you to be mine. I want to be the one to hold you and kiss you the one you go to whenever you're happy or fucking sad. But let it be me, let me fucking show you that it should be me." He glares, jaw tensing. ...... ©hessaherophinelove