"Time is up, I AM CLAIMING WHAT IS MINE!" His voiced shattered throughout the entire tower. He has found me and claiming what is his; me. "Sire please, she not even 21 yet. Please let her stay for the year!" My father pleaded for my life but it was no use. I belong to him. Silence crept through the house before loud banging from large footsteps crept from the staircase. The pleading did not work. He was coming for me. .... BOOM! The large sealed oak door broke down with a simple kick from the notorious beast. I ran to the corner for protection but to no avail. He was taking me to my new life. ------------ My destiny was written before I existed. My family bloodline held much respect throughout generations, we were a perfect fit to be married off to the Vincenzo family. The largest mafia group to rule all of Europe and parts of America. They controlled everything since the beginning of time. So when my ancestor agreed to marry off his 8th grandchild off to the leader of the Vincenzo clan; it was a victory for the family. I am the 8th grandchild. My life now belongs to the Vincenzo clan.

'Pain isn't remotely kind in that way. Pain wants its promised pound of flesh, ounce for ounce. It won't settle until you're left with nothing but a flaky shell of who you were. The burn of betrayal and the sting of rejection hurt, but nothing compares to the pain of being empty. Nothing hurts worse than not hurting at all and it makes no sense and perfect sense at the same time and I'm convinced I'm going crazy and I'm actually okay with that.'

The passionate story of Tessa and Hardin continues as family secrets, deep betrayals, and career opportunities threaten to tear them apart.

This is the sequel (continuation) of After. Hardin and Tessa's relationship will be tested in ways she never expected, but he knew of all along.

Tessa Young is an 18 year old college student with a simple life, excellent grades, and a sweet boyfriend. She always has things planned out ahead of time, until she meets a rude boy named Hardin, with too many tattoos and piercings who shatters her plans.