XANDER

Xai Joaquín was born into blood. The only daughter of Alejandro Joaquín, head of one of Spain's most feared mafia families, she grew up with knives in her hands and four overprotective brothers at her side. Badass, sharp-tongued, and scarred - both inside and out - she's no stranger to violence. But Mexico left her with more than a wound across her eye. It left her with holes in her memory.

Now, back in Spain, her name is whispered in the shadows: la princesa de la mafia. She is untouchable... until the Italians arrive.

Xander Acroyed - the ruthless heir to the Italian mafia - remembers the girl who once laughed beside him in orchards. The girl who was promised to him. The girl who now looks at him with cold eyes and no recognition.

What begins as betrayal and blood soon tangles into something darker: an arranged marriage neither asked for, a dangerous game of power, and the slow unraveling of a bond both of them are afraid to claim.

Because Xai may have forgotten their past... but Xander never did.

......................................................................................

Xai: "Step closer, and I'll cut you."

"Sempre con il coltello... You always did hide behind steel."
(Always with the steel)

"¿Siempre tan arrogante? You think knowing my name gives you power over me?"

"No, princesa. What gives me power is knowing the things you've forgotten."

"Then remind me... before I bury this knife where it hurts."

"Careful, Xai. Some memories draw blood."

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The air between them is fire and ice - a thin line between hatred and something neither of them wants to name.

🔥 Dark Romance | Enemies-to-Lovers | Mafia | Spanish & Italian Dialogue | Slow Burn