Alexa Carter has her life planned out. Get through college, ace her psych classes, and avoid unnecessary distractions-especially the charming, overconfident kind. But when Diego Álvarez, a ridiculously handsome pre-med student with a Spanish accent and a talent for getting under her skin, claims the seat across from her in the library, her world is thrown off balance. What starts as innocent study sessions quickly turns into late-night debates, stolen glances, and a chemistry too strong to ignore. Alexa insists they're just study buddies-nothing more. Diego, however, isn't one to back down from a challenge. As their connection deepens, so do the risks. Alexa's fear of getting too close battles Diego's determination to prove they're meant for more. But love is messy, unpredictable, and far from the logical world Alexa clings to. And when hearts are on the line, denying feelings might not be enough to stop them from falling.

"Look at me when you lie." His voice didn't rise. It didn't have to. "If you're gonna insult my intelligence, at least have the decency to look me in the fucking eye." Evangeline Summers wasn't made for this world- where silence is a weapon, and submission isn't requested. It's taken. She didn't volunteer. Her father handed her over like a signed debt. And Kenji Tanaka collected. He doesn't raise his voice. He doesn't repeat himself. He speaks in commands disguised as questions- and touches like he's confirming damage he already caused. Eva was never taught how to survive men like him. Only how to be polite while they take. "Tell me what you're hiding." She stayed silent. He smiled. Just enough teeth. "Don't make me drag it out of your skin." Now, she has two options: Play the part. Or get eaten alive by it. Because Kenji isn't just the devil in the room. He built it. "You keep fighting the knots like you got somewhere better to be." He growled, breath hot against her skin. "Go ahead. Make me tighten them." And he's about to teach her: Pain isn't punishment. It's permission.