Queen of the West

"You don't belong in this world of mine," Liam whispered, his lips inches from mine. "But I'm selfish, and I can't let you go."

"I want to stay," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I'm falling for you too, Liam."

-

I should be sneering, laughing even. How blind could he be? Liam Sterling-the killer, master manipulator, the ruthless, untouchable king of New York's underworld-brought to his knees by the one woman sworn to tear him apart.

For years, revenge was all I had. Liam destroyed my family, tore my life apart, leaving me with nothing but rage. I rebuilt myself piece by piece, every step driven by the thought of making him pay.

But then... I got close to him. Close enough to touch. His touch is fire, burning through every wall I've built. Each kiss, every stolen moment, weakens my defenses, awakening a need that terrifies me.

How can I want him like this? Crave him, when every scar I carry is a reminder of all he's taken?

I should hate him. I should destroy him. But when he looks at me, when he holds me like I'm something he needs to protect, I'm lost.

And as I watch him break, all I feel is a strange, hollow ache where satisfaction should be.

How can I keep fighting him, when I'm already falling, already broken, for the man I was supposed to ruin?