In Silas Windsor's world, loyalty is everything-and betrayal is paid in blood. As the ruthless leader of an underground assassination syndicate, he doesn't hesitate when he finds Giadhya Merrani standing over his brother's body. To Silas, it is simple. She was there. Atlas is dead. She's the reason. So, he takes her. He chains her to his world, more aptly, his bed. She swears she's innocent-but he doesn't care. Not when grief demands revenge. Their hatred is violent. Their chemistry is worse. Arguments turn savage. Touch becomes punishment. And soon, Silas's rage gives way to something far more dangerous-desire. She was never meant to survive him. Now he can't live without her.

Alaric Windsor has lost everything. His twin is dead, the blood hasn't stopped spilling, and the only thing keeping him breathing is revenge. When grief drives him to Cedar Creek, he's just looking for another job... Until he sees her. Vaela. Grey-eyed. Fragile. Haunted. She's barely holding herself together after years of abuse-and she has no idea the devil just stepped into her life. She's too young. Too damaged. Too off-limits. He was never supposed to get involved. But the moment Alaric sees her, he makes a decision: he's going to protect her. Own her. Break anyone who ever touched her. So he twists his way in- Becomes her teacher. Marries her mother. Kills her abusers one by one until there's no one left to hurt her... except him. But Alaric doesn't give a damn about right or wrong anymore. She's his salvation. He's her obsession. And he'll bury the whole world to keep her... _______________________________________________________________________________ Trigger warning: CSA, SI attempts/ ideation, mental health disorders, SA, illicit substance use.