Damaged Goods

In these moments, I find myself dreaming of the day I could cradle someone as precious as the tales I love. I would wrap them in a world of comfort, shielding them from all worries and fears, whispering reassurances that the world outside could not touch us. I'd be their protector, their confidant, and in return, I would ask only for their love. To give you the world feels like a promise I could keep-I'd do anything, even burn it down if it meant ensuring your safety and happiness.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

Maddie Tiernan is a 24-year-old stripper and a fiercely devoted single mother, doing whatever it takes to provide for her four-year-old daughter. Misunderstood, overworked, and guarded, she's long since sworn off love after the heartbreak her ex, Dean, left behind. To her, men are nothing more than customers-until one Saturday night changes everything.

That night, she's chosen to give a lap dance to a man who will turn her world upside down.

Christian Vitale is powerful, dominant, and completely unattached. He's had women before-plenty-but no one has ever made him want-until Maddie. The moment she moves against him, he's undone. Ruined. Obsessed. The dance was supposed to be fleeting, but for Christian, it was a vow.

She belongs to him now.

And he'll do whatever it takes to claim her-even if it means getting on his knees and begging for whatever parts of her she's willing to give.