essence_raine
In Los Angeles, where lies are currency and appearances can kill, two elite operatives are ordered to do the one thing neither of them is trained for: fall in love-convincingly.
Manon Bannerman is precision incarnate. Swiss-Italian discipline, Ghanaian fire, and a reputation built on control, restraint, and survival. She doesn't improvise. She doesn't flirt. And she definitely doesn't play house.
Daniela Avanzini is chaos with a smile. Venezuelan-Cuban, dangerously charming, allergic to rules, and far too good at pretending she doesn't care. She lies like she breathes-easily, beautifully, and with a wink.
Their mission is simple: infiltrate a powerful crime syndicate by posing as a wealthy, affectionate couple embedded in Los Angeles' most exclusive social circles. The rules are clear. The cover must be flawless. The feelings must be fake.
But between staged arguments, over-the-top public affection, one-bed safehouses, and whispered banter during gunfights, Manon and Daniela discover that pretending to love each other might be more dangerous than the mission itself.
With enemies watching, bullets flying, and two very different bosses breathing down their necks, they'll have to decide what's real, what's survival, and what they're willing to risk when the mission ends.
Because in a city built on illusion, the most dangerous lie might be the one they tell themselves.