Heart Of Ashes

"Alexander-"
"Shh," he murmured, his free hand lifting in a gesture to silence me. "Let's not ruin the moment with demands." He rose slowly to his feet, his movements deliberate, fluid, like a predator stalking its prey. The gun stayed in his hand, though he didn't aim it-yet.
My mouth went dry, and I turned my back to Alexander, my heart pounding against my ribs. "You don't have to do this," I said in a hoarse voice
He took a step closer, the firelight catching in his eyes, turning them into molten pools of shadow. "You've been busy, haven't you? Running around, finding symbols, playing games. But you forgot something important, Elena."
"And what's that?" I managed, voice barely above a whisper.
He reached out, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from my face, the touch deceptively gentle. His eyes burned into mine, and his smile widened just enough to show his teeth. "You're mine."

Archaeologist Elena Voss has dedicated her life to uncovering the past, but her latest discovery-spirals carved into stone, pulsing with an ominous warning-could rewrite history and protect a forgotten empire from destruction.
When the shadow of her greatest betrayal steps into the light, Elena's carefully constructed world crumbles. Alexander Reyes-once her husband, now a dangerous mercenary-stands between her and her mission.
Once, he was the only man she trusted. Until he chose power over their love.
Now, caught between ruthless adversaries and a jungle that guards its secrets, Elena and Alexander must navigate a web of ancient puzzles, human predators, and a passion neither of them can deny. But trust is a perilous gamble, and their reunion could either save them both or destroy everything Elena has worked to protect.
In this race for survival, betrayal runs deep, desire burns hotter, and the second chance they never wanted may be their only salvation.
Perfect for readers who crave a dark, gripping story of redemption, obsession, and passion on the edge of ruin.