Unexpected Consequences

[18+ You've been warned.]

"So that's it? You're just going to walk away from this? From us?" His laugh is bitter, a far cry from the usual genuine sound I've grown used to.

I take a step back, not liking how close he's gotten, and run a hand through my already messy hair. "What did you expect? That we could somehow make this work?" I desperately wanted that to be true, but everything was so damn confusing right now. I didn't know what the right thing was. What would my parents have done in this situation?

"Whatever this is?" Mason steps forward, forcing me to take another step back until I hit the wall. He's too close-way too close. He leans in, his minty breath mixed with cologne brushing against my face. "This-whatever's between us-is just as real as everything else, whether you want to believe it or not."

___________________

Eighteen-year-old River Banks has survived the streets of Chicago by learning one hard truth: the only person she can count on is herself. Living in a run-down apartment with her shady uncle, River notices something is wrong when he starts disappearing for days after a night of fear. She suspects he's involved with dangerous people.

Enter Mason O'Neal, a ruthless 20-year-old who inherited a black-market weapons empire from his father. No one dares cross him-except Jonathan Banks, River's uncle, who steals something that could destroy Mason's operation. Mason is ready to take Jonathan out, but when River gets caught in the middle, his plans take a turn. As danger closes in, an unexpected connection sparks between Mason and River-one that may change both their fates.