Ties That Burn

Elio Alcvez has spent his whole life being the "soft one" in a family that doesn't allow softness. Under Enzo's watchful eye, every step feels like another test he'll never pass, every lie another stone added to the weight crushing him. He dreams of words, not weapons. Of helping, not hurting. But in his world, wanting a different life is dangerous.

Mick has scars of his own.He is all edges and control, a fighter who's spent years hiding the scars of the family he never wanted. Responsibility weighs heavy on him, and all he wants is the chance at a normal life-something simple, something his bloodline won't ever allow.

When their worlds collide, Elio sees Mick as another mystery to unravel, another story to write his way into. Mick sees Elio as a spoiled distraction he doesn't have time for. But in each other, they find something neither expected-an escape, a glimpse of the life they're both desperate for.

Except family is never that easy to leave behind. And falling for someone while trying to run from the past might be the most dangerous choice of all.