After a failed attempt at a relationship, I try to make it on my own. However, I end up with a new neighbor who exudes charm, danger, and sexual energy as if it's a job. To make matters worse, I find myself semi-kidnapped by the same dangerous, foul-mouthed, rude neighbor who turns out to be a part of the Italian Mafia. Now, I'm stuck riding shotgun while being chased by gun-wielding maniacs on our way to someplace "safe." I'm beginning to think this is my new reality. *Trigger Warning* Graphic violence, explicit mature scenes, and non-consensual touching (not from the main love interest).

"Tell me, Gianna," he says her name like a caress and a threat combined. "Were you disappointed?" He steps closer. Invasive. Possessive. "That I wasn't fighting? That you didn't get to see the Devil play?" His hand leaves her hair to trace her jawline-that same touch from before, the one that made her breath catch. "Because I don't fight for entertainment," he breathes, thumb brushing the corner of her mouth. "I fight when something is worth fighting for. When something is worth taking." His eyes burn into hers. "And I'm trying to decide, kotyonok..." The hand on her jaw tightens just slightly. "Are you worth the war I'd start to keep you?" They say the devil doesn't come with horns. He comes with power, legacy, and a smile that promises ruin. At Halgrave University, last names are weapons and secrets are currency. This is a world built for monsters-heirs raised on violence, dominance, and control. And at the center of it all stands Nikolai Vetrova-cold, untouchable, and feared even by those born into darkness. He was never meant to notice her. She was never meant to survive him. What begins as hostility turns into obsession. What feels like hate bleeds into desire. And the closer she gets, the more she realizes-loving him isn't dangerous. Surviving him is. Because some men don't fall in love. They claim. They ruin. And once the devil touches you, he never lets go. He is the Future Pakhan of the Bratva While she is the Cosa Nostra Princess. [Book #1 in House of Halgrave Series] ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This book contains dark romance themes, explicit sexual content (smut), violence, blood, weapons, criminal activities, morally grey characters, depictions of self-harm, PTSD, trauma responses, and emotionally intense scenes. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

CURRENTLY UNDER EDITING!! ________________________ I never believed in MONSTERS until I met him. Men like him don't walk in the light, they are not mentioned by name, their DEEDS are not chronicled, but their HANDIWORK is all around. It began with that one night, at the time, I thought nothing of it. I didn't know that was the night everything would change. The first time I entered his DOMAIN, it was an accident, I had no idea what I was stepping into. But the second time, however, was intentional. I returned for a job-nothing personal, just BUSSINESS. Something I could easily leave behind when it was over. How naive I was! His world is not one you can walk into and out of unscathed. It is built on unspoken agreements, lies that run too deep, and truths too dangerous for most to handle. And every moment spent here pulls me deeper into his orbit. I thought I could keep my distance, instead, I found myself getting closer to him, much closer than I'd ever planned or wanted to be but close enough to almost forget what he really is and that's the problem because deep down inside me still lies this knowledge of how it ends. If he knew why exactly I am here? He would not hesitate for a second before putting a bullet through my head! Walk away now while you can! I Can't! Somewhere along this twisted path of fate and fate's cruel jokes about control and power over others' lives, the ILLUSION began creeping into my mind. That somehow I had CONTROL over everything. That somehow I was PLAYING the game! But no! Never once I ever was the PLAYER but only just a PAWN in this game called BLOOD AND THRONE!! ____________________ ⚠️ WARNING This book contains mature themes and strong language.