DISCLAIMER: This book contains explicit content and mature themes intended for readers aged 18 and over. It is not a traditional romance, but rather a deeply complex and dark exploration of a toxic relationship. The characters' dynamics involve intense emotional manipulation, power struggles, and actions that may be triggering to some readers. Please be advised that this story delves into themes that are explicit, emotionally charged, and may not be suitable for all audiences. Proceed with caution. "Tell me again how you don't want me," he whispers, dragging his lips down her neck. "Say it under oath, and I might even believe you." Jasmine Taylor doesn't lose. Not in the courtroom, not in life. At just twenty-six, she's built an ironclad reputation: fierce, brilliant, and unshakably professional. But when she's assigned the biggest case of her career-defending Dimitri Alekseev, a dangerously alluring Russian immigrant accused of murder-her world begins to crack. Dimitri isn't just a suspect. He's a problem. Tall, tattooed, and terrifyingly unreadable, with ties to a powerful family the law doesn't dare touch. The evidence against him is overwhelming. The press wants him buried. And deep down, Jasmine suspects the whispers are true. But the more time she spends with him, the harder it becomes to separate fact from instinct. Because beneath his cold exterior is something intoxicating. Calculated charm. Raw heat. And secrets whispered in the dark. As the trial barrels forward, Jasmine finds herself pulled into his world-one filled with shadows, blood ties, and undeniable temptation. The closer she gets to the truth, the more she risks not just her career, but her safety... and her soul. What happens when the woman who always plays by the rules falls for the man who was born to break them?

"I know I should've talked to you about it but I-" I started but stopped, looking down at my feet again. I had no excuse. The only thing on my mind was graduating, I never put his feelings into perspective. "Dominic, I'm sorry. I was being selfish and only thinking of myself but baby, I promise if you give me another chance.." I trailed off, breathing heavily. "..if you give us another chance, I'll never do it again. I promise." I tried to grab his face but he roughly pulled away from me. "Don't touch me." He spoke sternly, breaking me even more. "Look.." He trailed off, looking away again. "Me and you..we're done." He spoke, finally looking down at me. "Dominic." I pleaded. "Don't say that. Please." "Na', this shit is over, T." He went on and I began to sob.

Blue hated her dad's best friend, Brandon. He was tall, scary, and mean. He was the drummer in her dad's band. Every time they saw each other, a scowl was on his face. She didn't know why, but whenever she looked at him, she would get butterflies in her stomach and her heart would race. He was so much older than her, she knew she shouldn't be feeling this way. She thought he hated her too, until he kissed her. Until he touched her.