Rebel

Maxon James understands me in a way others can’t. For as long as I can remember, he’s vowed that one day he would claim my wild, rebel heart. God knows I wanted him to try. I wanted the life he promised me in his lyrics. But his assurances couldn’t change the past, and the infamous mafia blood in my veins guarantees my heart can’t be claimed. Somewhere along the way, I slipped. I let myself believe we could have it all. Now a dark, menacing shadow hovers between us, mocking us for daring to hope for a normal future.

I’ve waited for him for over a decade. Loyalties kept us apart. A death set us free. Our passion unleashed, nothing could stop us. Until my world was rocked - my greatest failure leaving me with my greatest heartbreak. Now Maverick is baring his soul to me, begging me to let him in. God knows I want to, but I love him, and that means I’ll do anything to keep him from the pain haunting me. Even if it destroys us both. Someone has been waiting for this perfect moment to strike. Watching me. Studying me.

Protecting people isn’t simply my job - it’s engrained in me. It doesn’t atone for my countless sins. There’s no washing the blood off my hands after a lifetime in the mob. I just want to save those who can’t save themselves. Then Sutton Larson came at me with diamond-encrusted heels. She’s judgmental and guarded and the most infuriating woman I’ve ever met. Gaining her trust is nearly impossible. Protecting her is anything but easy. When she becomes more than a job, our passion builds like a brutal storm - beautiful and consuming.

I’ve always known where I ranked in every aspect of my life. Parents? Not the favorite twin. Military? Dangerous scapegoat. Women? Practically a god—they’re welcome. Mafia? Irreplaceable member of the family. When Willow Bennett moves into our little town, I find that confidence rocked for the first time by how guarded she is. But that secretive smile and those dancing eyes keep drawing me back to her as if falling in love isn’t a danger I never wanted to put on anyone.