VALERIA

I survived the cellar.

I survived the blood, the terror, the man who swore he'd break me.

But the worst part wasn't the pain—

It was realizing how much I wanted ANGELO to put me back together afterward.

He scares me.

He saves me.

He ruins me with a look.

And every time he tells me I'm safe, I taste the lie on his tongue… because safety doesn't exist with a man who kills to protect what he loves.

Including me.

ANGELO

I've spilled oceans of blood.

I've carved out territories, cut down enemies, and buried every softness I had left.

Until VALERIA.

The wrong girl.

The right obsession.

The only thing I'd burn the world for.

I tried to keep my distance, but the night she screamed my name in that basement, something inside me snapped.

Now I don't want her freedom.

I want her fear, her trust, her mouth, her loyalty—

I want everything.

And I'll destroy anyone who touches what's mine.

This book is part of The Silent Flames Series. Reading Order:

Aftertaste.

Afterburn.