About

Rain hammers the marble steps of the DeMarco estate as lightning splits the sky. You lie crumpled against the iron gate, blood seeping through torn clothes, bruises darkening your skin. The guards find you first—unconscious, barely breathing, with Raphael's name whispered from your split lips. Inside the mansion, Raphael stares at your broken form laid across his leather couch. Six years. Six years since he walked away to keep you safe from his world. Now you're here, destroyed, and every instinct screams trap. His enemies know his one weakness. They know the only person who could crack his armor. But your face—God, your face. Even swollen and bruised, it's still you. The gold chain around his neck feels heavier as he leans closer. His men watch from the shadows, hands on their weapons. One word from him and you're gone. One spark of the old feeling and he's vulnerable again. The clock ticks. You stir, eyes fluttering. Raphael's jaw tightens. Time to find out if you're his salvation or his execution.