Stefan Sabbioni showed up uninvited in my bedroom on my 16th birthday. He stood in the shadows, smelling of whiskey and death and wrapped a broken, blood-crusted necklace around my neck. I thought he’d strangle me with it. That night, he left a message for my father. He said he’d be back to take something precious. I never delivered that message, though. I wonder if things would be different if I had because now, two years later, he’s back. And he’s not hiding in any shadows.

USA Today best-selling author Jane Henry delivers a high-stakes, gritty story of forbidden romance, devastation, and taboo love that knows no bounds. She's barely legal. Under my protection. Fully off-limits. But all mine.

We're a match made in hell, Stefan and I. He took me to exact his revenge. I went from being a pawn to my father to being a pawn to Stefan. The only difference is I have a ring the size of a boulder on my finger and a husband I don't want. And the hardest part is I thought he was different. I thought I was falling in love. I guess my father was right. I'm not a very smart girl. Stefan is a powerful man. He doesn't play nice, not if you're his enemy. But I've learned one thing about my husband.

I'm the girl no one wants. Scarred beyond repair and locked away, I'm tainted and tarnished. Unworthy of friendship, love, or hope. But I was born into Bratva life, and my life is not my own. I'm ripped from my home and forced to marry a man I've never met, sight unseen. He's ruthless, possessive, and fierce. My husband.

We start off with a lie on Valentine’s Day. My blind date isn’t the studious guy I expected: He’s a drop-dead gorgeous player with sinful amber eyes. Somehow we end up at his penthouse. I blame the gin and tonic. The next day I learn he’s Jack Hawke - bad-boy professional quarterback with a murky past.

It all started with a contract signed by him, then by me, while our families watched. While my father sat silent, a man defeated, giving his daughter to the Benedetti monsters. I obeyed. I played my part. I signed my name and gave away my life. I became their living, breathing trophy, a constant symbol of their power over us. That was five years ago. Then came the time for him to claim me. For Salvatore Benedetti to own me. I had vowed vengeance. I had learned hate. And yet nothing could have prepared me for the man who now ruled my life.

I was upgraded to first class on a flight from London to New York. The food, champagne, and service were impeccable. The blue-eyed man sitting next to me, even better. He was suave and intelligent. We talked and laughed, and something clicked. Fate took over and the plane was grounded, and we had an unexpected stopover for the night. With no plans, we made our own. 

I do what I want and who I want. I don't follow anyone's rules-even my own. I knew I shouldn't touch her, but it didn't stop me. Didn't stop me the second time either. Only made me want a third. My lifestyle suits the savage I am, and she doesn't. But Temperance Ransom is my newest addiction, and I'm nowhere near ready to quit her yet. I'll have her my way, even if it means dragging her into the darkness. Hopefully it doesn't kill us both.

What happened on that island didn’t break me. It twisted me. Corrupted me. Made me into a monster. Although, I guess, it’s true what she says. You can’t become something that wasn’t inside you all along. This was always going to happen. I was always going to take Amelia Willow. History and destiny sealed her fate. Sealed both of ours. For months, I’ve been waiting. Watching. Preparing.

They call him The Mute for a reason. Hard, cold, and calculated, he rarely speaks. When he does, it's with disdain. When he does, his words aren't meant for me. When he does, my stomach flips and my world tilts on its axis. He is 33. I am 18. He's a single dad and my father's business partner. I'm just a kid to him and his enemy's daughter. He's emotionally unavailable. And I am...feeling. Feeling things I shouldn't feel for him. Trent Rexroth is going to break my heart. The writing isn't just on the wall, it's inked on my soul.

Gypsy - Lucian West isn’t husband material. He's a stiff in a suit. Granted a hot one, but still. He’s one of the most hated men in America. An arrogant asshole. A ruthless attorney. He gets what he wants in the courtroom, and outside of it. Now, he wants me. For reasons I can’t fathom, he’s determined to make me his wife. He makes it clear he’s not above blackmailing me to put a ring on my finger. The man might be richer than sin with devilish good looks, but hell will freeze over before I ever give my heart to him.

Valetti crime family underboss Vincent Valetti is hot. Like...jaw dropping, lip biting, panty wetting kind of hot. Tall and muscular, with the kind of dominant, cocky attitude that makes a girl's knees go weak. He commands respect and fear from the familia, and he deserves it. He's earned it. As for women...they can have one night and the most amazing f--k of their life, but that's all they get.

I've been in love with Stefan Morozov for as long as I can remember. He's fearless. Powerful. A vicious leader of the Bratva underworld. And he barely notices my existence. That is, until the day I see something I shouldn't. The day the man I love makes me his prisoner. The day my love turns to hate...

I was raised to be ruthless, and as muscle for the Petrov mafia, that's all I am.Then she got caught in the crossfire, and when it was over, she was mine - given as a temporary gift. Once a mafia princess, now just a bargaining chip, she wasn't a part of my plans. She's scared, alone, and has the most perfect, innocent baby blues that beg me to protect her. There's not an ounce of good in me. I don't deserve her, but I want her. I want her sweet submission and tempting curves, at any cost.

Dominic Valetti is only interested in two things: getting paid and getting laid. He's a bookie for the Valetti crime family, and he knows his shit. Dom's busy doing business, no time to dabble in social niceties. The women that chase after him wanting more than a dirty, hard f--k are only gonna get their hearts broken. That is, until Becca stumbles into his office to pay off her ex's debt. A hot brunette who's just as guarded as he is and has a body made for sin...and for him.