[CASTELLO DI CARTE MAFIA CHRONICLES, #1]
[Formerly known as *Precarious: The Game of Hearts*]
𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀
When my mother's declining health forced me to reconsider my career options, my boss steered me in an unexpected direction. The job was simple: get in, get the information, and get the hell out.
Except, it wasn't that easy.
Especially when my target was the most nefarious man alive in New York.
The closer I got to him, the more I saw sides of him I never knew existed. He burned me with his scorching touch, demanding kisses and eager gazes. He was determined to have me at all costs.
One might think he would stop at that, but-devil, help me-he needed more. More than I was ready to give.
There was a reason I never wanted to enter the Underworld.
When my past came crashing onto my doorstep, every lie unravelled, but nothing prepared me for the worst.
That was the truth about the connection between the man I desired and my dead sister.
𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒
We all know what they say about sweet things: when consumed excessively, they turn from savoury to bitter in seconds. That was what she was. A poor excuse for a sweet I wanted to devour.
I wanted to make her suffer with the same intensity.
She deserved it. And so did her scheming sister.
Only, I didn't know the latter was dead, and I might be the one at fault.
But did that stop me from craving the sweet? Hell, no. If anything, my desire to have her had magnified. She became mine the moment she walked into my life with those hauntingly beautiful blue eyes.
She was the only one who could give me the one thing I never had in life: happiness.
But being the master at ruining everything I cared for, how could I ever be the man she wanted me to be?
CONTENT WARNING (CW): This book contains depictions of violence, abuse, trafficking and other darker themes, along with sexual content that may not be suitable for some readers. 18+ recommended.
I saw her long before she saw me. She didn't know then that her fate had already been sealed, that every step she took was drawing her closer to me. Closer to what she would become.
There was something in her-something fragile, something wild. A fear she tried to hide, wrapped in defiance and confidence. It was intoxicating, watching her, knowing that no one else could see what I saw. No one else could feel the pull like I did. The slow, deliberate unraveling of her world as it would soon be tethered to mine.
I felt my heart beat once, hard and fast. It was the only signal I needed. She would be mine-not in some fleeting, hollow way. No. I would strip away every shield, every defense, until she was laid bare, body and soul.
And when she looked at me for the first time, I knew.
She was already mine.
A.
Trigger Warning ⚠️:
This story contains intense and graphic content, exploring dark and disturbing themes that may be triggering for some readers. Sensitive topics are depicted throughout. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
Proceed with caution: after this point, no additional warnings will be provided.