One week before her perfect wedding, Skylar Johnson finds her fiancé having wild, breathless sex with her sister in her parents' winery. She is left broken and humiliated. But one reckless kiss with a stranger in an elevator changes everything, especially when that stranger turns out to be Carter James Ford, a married mafia billionaire heir. When their paths cross again, he offers her a position at his company, pulling her into a world of power, obsession, and deceit. Behind the luxury lies a hidden empire, the American Mafia, waging a silent war against the Italian Camorra. And Skylar? She's the perfect pawn. What begins as passion spirals into obsession as Carter draws her into his illusion, remoulding her into the image of his first love. By the time Skylar sees the truth, it's too late. She's already his masterpiece and his prisoner.

"What did he - Where did he touch you?" His voice had hardened, mad. I swallowed and looked down. "You son of a-" He walked off the porch, angrily running his hands through his hair. "What did he look like? I'm swear I'm gonna kill him. Tell me what he looked like? Are there cameras?" I shook my head. I didn't want to look him in the eyes. "I swear. That son of- Violet, tell me what he looked like." He came closer. Tears filled my eyes, "... I can't," I said, my voice started to shake. "I... I don't, I can't." I swallowed, biting down on the inside of my cheek, trying not to cry. He stood there quietly for a moment, before he leaned down, his voice was softer, "Violet, I'm sorry. I just... I'm so mad right now. I'll kill him." ▪︎●▪︎ Violet, who endured a harrowing childhood, struggles to heal from her history. As she navigates the shadows of her past, Violet finds solace in an unexpected connection with Dominic, her best friend's older brother. Drawn to Violet's vulnerability, Dominic craves to understand the pain and the secrets she guards. However, Violet's fear and scars run deep, leaving her paralyzed with fear. Dominic displays a genuine kindness and care towards Violet that sets him apart from others. However, his contrasting behavior towards those around him raises questions about the depths of his character. Despite Violet's growing affection for Dominic, she remains haunted by the scars of her childhood, making it difficult for her to trust and share her painful secrets. As their bond deepens, Violet finds solace in Dominic's unwavering support and kindness, grappling with the decision to confide in him, knowing that revealing her past could either strengthen their connection or shatter it completely. Will Violet find the courage to open up to Dominic, allowing him to understand the depths of her pain? Or will her fear of reliving the horrors she endured keep her locked in silence, forever guarding her heart? #1 Trauma

Nicholas Adams has lived a life of abuse from his alcoholic father and sex addict mother. So growing up was tough. He makes sure everyone fears him. He refuses to get close to anyone. But, new girl Alice might be the one to change his plans. Alice navigates through the ups and downs of high school trying to hide her feelings for the cold and closed off Nicholas. Little does she know, Nick harbors the same feelings. As soon as Nicks eyes land on the fragile Alice, his heart desires her. But with so much baggage on both sides, could they really make it out of high school hand in hand? ~~ "I love the things you hate about yourself. And we're going to do this your way. If you're not ready I'm not either." My hands drop to my side at what he says and my eyes fill with tears. "Alice we don't have to..." His hand cups my cheek and I place mine over his. "I love you," I whisper and his forehead falls against mine. ~~ Highest rankings: #1 in badboy #1 in teenfiction #1 in possessive #1 in protective #1 in goodgirl #1 in insecure #4 in love #5 in romance WARNING: swearing, mature scenes, references and actions of abuse Posted: 5/17/20