When a self-made beauty boss tries to leave her toxic past behind, she crosses paths with New York's most feared kingpin who's already decided she'll be his, whether she's ready or not.

[𝐌𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞] Once lovers, now enemies, but their love was stronger. Milana Levine used to be one of the most well known assassins in New York, maybe even in all of the US. Known as Demise, even her title sent a warning. She wasn't one to be messed with. Everything changed when she fled the reckless city to escape the aftermath of her father's murder. She was born into the Russian Mafia and wanted to finally give herself the life she felt she deserved. But nothing lasts forever. Upon returning to New York, Milana finds she has more enemies than she bargained for. With a gun to her head, her only chance is to appeal to the heartless and powerful Marco Cortez, the leader of the Italian Mafia, and hope he doesn't hold a grudge... Does she really want an alliance as badly as she wants him? And most importantly, how will Milana juggle revenge and desire? Started: 03/03/23 Ended:

"Why is it that whenever I try to get closer to you, you always shy away from me?" Aiden asks, hurt dripping from his voice I look at him and instantly i'm filled with regret and fear. "You wouldn't understand Aiden." I say pleading with him "Try me," He challenges. "Listen," I pause. "I need you to understand that when I push you away, it's because it's the only thing I know how to do anymore." He opened his mouth to say something but she stopped him, holding her palm up like a white flag. "You need to understand that everyone else has left and my problem," I say raising my voice. "My problem is that I'm scared," "I'm scared of getting too attached to someone, until eventually, that someone has the power to control me. To end my world when they feel like it." Aidens eyes bore into mine but he doesn't say anything. "Are you attached?" He asks. I glance away and then back at him nodding "With you? Too much." I say as a tear rolls down my left cheek "I'm scared that you are going to leave." I whisper as Aiden wraps his arms around me. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• A grumpy figure skater and a golden retriever Hockey Captain.