MIA CRUZ
The air crackled with tension, heavy and charged, wrapping around us like an unspoken promise. My breath came in uneven gasps, my pulse hammering against my ribs in a frantic rhythm. Marco’s fingers rested lightly on my waist, a touch that felt both possessive and teasing, his lips hovering just inches from mine. Every nerve in my body was aware of him—of his presence, his power, the quiet restraint in his stance. And yet, despite the space he left between us, I could feel it—the unmistakable heat radiating off his skin. His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with something dark and unreadable. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, lazy and knowing. “You’re blushing, Mia.” I felt my cheeks burn hotter, my stomach twisting at the teasing edge in his voice. “I—” I started, but words failed me. How the hell was I supposed to respond to that? Marco chuckled, the deep, rich sound rolling over me like warm honey. “Didn’t expect that reaction from you.” I glared at him, desperate to regain some of my dignity. “Didn’t expect you to stop.” The moment the words left my mouth, I felt the heat rush to my cheeks. I was blushing—mortified that I’d actually said that out loud. Did I really just say that? His smirk deepened, but there was something else in his expression now—something dangerous. His fingers ghosted along my jaw, slow, deliberate. “Careful,” he murmured. “You say things like that, and I might not stop next time.” My breath hitched. Next time. The words echoed in my head, looping over and over like a taunt. Next time as in what? Another kiss? A full-blown make-out session? Or did he mean all the way? I swallowed hard, my skin still tingling where his hands had been. Marco Valentino wasn’t the kind of man who made empty promises. If he said next time, then there would be a next time. And that thought alone sent a shiver down my spine. The implication hung between us, thick and heavy, making my pulse spike. I needed to get out of here before I completely lost myself to whatever this was. I took a step back, feeling the loss of his warmth instantly. “I should go,” I said, my voice weaker than I wanted it to be. Marco simply watched me, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Of course.” I turned on my heel, all but rushing out of the room, my heart still hammering against my ribs. As soon as I stepped outside, the cool air hit my flushed skin, but it did nothing to settle the storm raging inside me. The sleek black car Marco had arranged was waiting, and I slid inside, gripping my bag so tightly my knuckles turned white. As the car pulled away, I dared a glance back at the grand estate. Marco stood at the entrance, watching me leave. He wasn’t smiling anymore. His expression had shifted, dark and unreadable, a stark contrast to the teasing smirk from earlier. And then, as if pulled by something unseen, he turned and disappeared inside. MARCO VALENTINO Mia had left. And all I wanted to do was pull her back. The taste of her still lingered on my lips, the memory of her flushed skin, her wide, stunned eyes burning itself into my mind. I wanted more. I wanted to feel her tremble against me again, to hear the way her breath hitched when I touched her. But not like that. Not rushed. Not in the heat of the moment. If I was going to have Mia, I was going to do it right. Properly. A slow smirk pulled at my lips as I slipped my hands into my pockets. I’d ask her out, take my time peeling back those layers of hers, making her realize she was already mine before she even said yes. But first, business. A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Boss,” a gruff voice called from the hallway. “He’s in the basement.” My smirk faded. I rolled my shoulders, shaking off the last remnants of Mia’s touch, and turned toward the door. “Good,” I murmured. “Let’s go.” As I descended the hidden staircase, the warmth of the estate above vanished, replaced by the cold, unrelenting darkness below. The scent of blood, sweat, and fear thickened the air. Such a beautiful place… And yet, beneath it, an ugly secret thrived. Raoul was exactly where I left him—strapped to a chair, barely conscious, his head hanging low. Blood had dried against his temple, fresh wounds blooming across his body. I stepped forward, crouching in front of him, and tilted his chin up with two fingers. His swollen eyes cracked open, and even in his broken state, I saw the flicker of fear. I smiled. “Hey, Raoul,” I murmured. “Miss me?” Raoul’s breath came in ragged gasps, his body barely holding itself up against the restraints. His face was a mess of bruises and dried blood, but I could still see the flicker of defiance in his swollen eyes. Good. I preferred it when they had a little fight left. It made breaking them all the more satisfying. I sighed, rolling my sleeves up, not bothering to rush. This was my favorite part—when they thought they’d reached the worst of it, only to realize I was just getting started. “You know,” I mused, circling the chair slowly, the sound of my footsteps echoing off the cold, damp walls, “I was in a good mood today.” I stopped behind him, resting my hands on his shoulders, feeling the way he tensed. “Had a nice morning . A beautiful woman. A moment I actually enjoyed.” I gripped the back of his neck and squeezed—not enough to choke, but enough to remind him who was in control. He winced. “And then I come down here,” I continued, my tone still light, conversational. “And I see you. Still breathing. Still taking up space.” I sighed dramatically. “And just like that, my good mood is gone.” I let go and stepped around to face him again, rolling my wrists. A knife lay on the table nearby, gleaming under the dim light, but I wasn’t reaching for that. Not yet. First, my fists. I cracked my knuckles before driving a punch straight into his gut. His body jerked violently against the restraints as he gasped for air. Before he could recover, I grabbed his jaw, forcing him to look at me. “You cost me money, Raoul,” I said, my voice deceptively calm, though the fire of rage burned beneath my skin. He coughed, blood speckling his already ruined shirt, but he still managed a weak smirk. “It’s… just business, right?” His words were slurred, pained, but I could hear the mockery beneath them. I sighed, shaking my head. “Wrong answer.” This time, I didn’t go for his gut. I sent a sharp, calculated punch to his ribs, satisfied by the crack that followed. His strangled cry echoed through the basement, bouncing off the stone walls. I crouched in front of him, tilting my head. “That was for the money.” I reached for the knife on the table, letting the cool steel glide between my fingers before pressing the tip just below his collarbone. “Now, this… is for wasting my time.” Raoul stiffened, his breathing turning shallow as the blade bit into his skin, a thin line of blood blooming beneath it. “You think you can cross me and just walk away?” I murmured, pressing just a little deeper—not enough to kill, but enough to make him feel it. Really feel it. His lips parted in a shaky breath. I could see it now—the realization sinking in. The fear finally setting in his dark eyes. Good. I twisted the blade slightly, and he let out a strangled groan. “Please,” he rasped. I leaned in, my lips curling. “Please?” I mocked. “That’s it? No excuses? No last-minute deals?” His chest heaved. “It wasn’t my call…” I stilled, my grip tightening around the knife. “Lies,” I said, my tone dipping into something far more dangerous. “No,” he coughed, blood trailing down his chin. “It was—” I yanked the knife away, wiping the blade clean on his shirt before standing to my full height. “Too bad,” I muttered. “You had your chance to talk.” Then, without hesitation, I drove my fist into his face one last time, his head snapping back. His body sagged against the restraints, barely conscious. I stepped back, exhaling slowly as I rolled my shoulders. The rush of violence had settled my nerves, but it hadn’t erased the lingering thoughts of Mia. That was a problem. One I’d deal with soon enough. For now, I had unfinished business. I turned to one of my men, wiping the blood off my knuckles. “Clean this up,” I ordered. “And find out who gave him the order.” “Yes, boss.” I adjusted my cuffs and strode toward the exit. The morning was still young, and I had other things to handle. Like figuring out what the hell Mia Cruz was doing to me.MIA CRUZ Three days. Three days, and I hadn’t seen Marco. I told myself I didn’t care. I told myself I had more important things to focus on—work, my bookstore, my life. But my mind had other plans. Sitting at my desk, I tapped my pen against my notepad, staring blankly at the emails I was supposed to be responding to. The words blurred together, my focus slipping every time I remembered the way his lips had lingered just inches from mine. The way he pulled away like he was testing me, teasing me. The way I had wanted him to stay. I groaned under my breath and squeezed my eyes shut. Get a grip, Mia. “You okay?” I snapped out of my daze, looking up to see my co-worker, Naomi, peering at me from across the desk. She raised a brow, eyes full of suspicion. “Yeah. Fine,” I lied, sitting up straighter and forcing my attention back to my laptop. She smirked
The moment I stepped out of the car, the cool evening air kissed my skin, sending a slight shiver down my spine. The entrance to the gala was nothing short of breathtaking—golden lights illuminated the grand building, luxury cars lined the driveway, and men in sharp tuxedos escorted women draped in elegance. But none of it compared to the man walking toward me. Marco Valentino. His presence commanded attention, his dark eyes locked onto me with an intensity that made my breath hitch. He looked effortlessly powerful in his tailored suit, the crisp black fabric molding to his frame in a way that was both refined and utterly sinful. A slow smirk tugged at his lips as he reached me, his gaze roaming over my figure in a way that sent warmth pooling in my stomach. “You wear it well,” he murmured, voice smooth as silk. I swallowed, heart racing. “Thank you… for the dress.” His smirk dee
Marco leaned in, his nose brushing against mine, his breath warm and intoxicating. My own breath hitched, my lips parting instinctively.And then—He pulled away.A slow, deliberate retreat, his lips curving into something smug, something wicked.Heat flared in my cheeks as frustration tangled with the ache in my chest.“Are you—” I swallowed, gripping the fabric of my dress. “Are you teasing me?”Marco smirked. “Maybe.”I narrowed my eyes, but before I could retort, he leaned in again, his fingers brushing against my wrist, his voice a low murmur against my ear.“But when I finally take what I want, Mia,” he whispered, “you won’t be questioning anything.”My stomach flipped, my skin burning where he touched me.And just like that, he straightened, composed as ever, like he hadn’t just turned my entire world upside down.I exhaled shakily, my heart still racing as he walked ahead, effo
Marco’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant. The composed, enigmatic man I had seen moments ago was gone—replaced by someone colder, sharper. His jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides as his gaze swept across the ballroom.Something was wrong.I took a hesitant step forward, but before I could call his name, he turned, barking out orders to the men stationed discreetly around the room.“Lock down the exits. No one leaves until I say so.”A shiver ran down my spine. The air grew heavy with tension as the guards moved swiftly, their expressions grim.People in the ballroom were oblivious for now, laughing, drinking, swirling across the dance floor. But I could feel it—the shift in the atmosphere, the weight of something unseen pressing in.Marco’s head snapped toward one of his men, who had just rushed up to him. They exchanged a few hushed words, and whatever he was told made his already sharp expression darke
MIA CRUZI tossed and turned, my sheets tangled around my legs, my mind refusing to give me peace.No matter how many times I shut my eyes, the scene played on repeat—the gunshot, the screams, the way Marco’s arms had caged me against him as he rushed me out the back door.The way blood had spread across the pristine floor, staining the elegance of the night with something raw and violent.I squeezed my eyes shut, willing sleep to take me, but it never came.And then—BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!My alarm blared through the room, dragging me into the present. I groaned, pressing my hands over my face. The sharp ring was an unwelcome reminder that life didn’t pause just because my world had been turned upside down.I forced myself to sit up, my body feeling heavier than usual. My heart was still racing from memories I couldn’t shake, my hands curling into fists in my lap.Everything had changed last night.
The moment I stepped off the train and into the cool Chicago air, a shiver ran down my spine. The city was alive—too alive. Streetlights flickered in the fading evening light, illuminating the busy sidewalks where businessmen hurried past, laughter spilled from a nearby bar, and the faint scent of roasted chestnuts lingered in the air. Yet, beneath the surface, something felt… off. I pulled my coat tighter around me and shifted my overnight bag higher onto my shoulder. I wasn’t here for sightseeing. I was here because my mother, Emily Cruz, practically forced me to attend a book club event in her place. The thought made me sigh. “Mia, it’s important to keep connections alive,” she had said. “You never know when you’ll need them.” As the owner of Cruz’s Bookstore—one of New Orleans’ oldest independent bookstores—my mother was obsessed with building literary networks. I, on the other hand, had no such ambitions. I just wanted to survive the night and catch my flight home in the m
The sharp sound of shattering glass jolted me awake.My heart slammed against my ribcage, a frantic rhythm that echoed in my ears as I jolted upright. The once quiet room was now thick with an unsettling stillness, the kind that made the hairs on the back of my neck rise. Shadows stretched across the walls, shifting with the faint flicker of the streetlights filtering through the partially drawn curtains. Each breath I took was uneven, shuddering past my lips as my chest rose and fell in rapid succession.Disoriented, my mind struggled to piece together the moments leading up to this instant—what had disturbed my sleep? A noise? A presence? Or just the lingering tendrils of an anxious dream?I swallowed hard, willing myself to steady the erratic pounding in my chest, but a gnawing sense of unease curled deep in my stomach. Something wasn’t right.The broken window.The realization sent a shiver down my spine.Had the wind knocked it loose? Or—A groan.Low, pained.Not from me.My hea
I jolted awake, a shudder ripping through me before I could fully process why. The room was dark, but something felt… off. My breath came in uneven gasps as I scanned my surroundings, my mind still groggy with sleep. The bed beneath me was slightly rumpled, the blankets twisted from restless tossing. But that wasn’t what sent ice trickling down my spine. The silence. It was too still. I turned my head toward the spot where he had been slumped against the wall. Empty. My pulse kicked up. I scrambled upright, my bare feet hitting the cold wooden floor as I stumbled toward the window. It was slightly ajar, the cracked pane allowing a thin breeze to snake through. I pressed my fingertips to the glass. Still cool. He was gone. A part of me had expected this, but now that it was real, I felt an odd mix of relief and unease. He had been injured—badly. And yet, he had vanished into the night like a phantom, leaving nothing behind except a smear of dried blood on the floorboards. I sw
MIA CRUZI tossed and turned, my sheets tangled around my legs, my mind refusing to give me peace.No matter how many times I shut my eyes, the scene played on repeat—the gunshot, the screams, the way Marco’s arms had caged me against him as he rushed me out the back door.The way blood had spread across the pristine floor, staining the elegance of the night with something raw and violent.I squeezed my eyes shut, willing sleep to take me, but it never came.And then—BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!My alarm blared through the room, dragging me into the present. I groaned, pressing my hands over my face. The sharp ring was an unwelcome reminder that life didn’t pause just because my world had been turned upside down.I forced myself to sit up, my body feeling heavier than usual. My heart was still racing from memories I couldn’t shake, my hands curling into fists in my lap.Everything had changed last night.
Marco’s entire demeanor shifted in an instant. The composed, enigmatic man I had seen moments ago was gone—replaced by someone colder, sharper. His jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides as his gaze swept across the ballroom.Something was wrong.I took a hesitant step forward, but before I could call his name, he turned, barking out orders to the men stationed discreetly around the room.“Lock down the exits. No one leaves until I say so.”A shiver ran down my spine. The air grew heavy with tension as the guards moved swiftly, their expressions grim.People in the ballroom were oblivious for now, laughing, drinking, swirling across the dance floor. But I could feel it—the shift in the atmosphere, the weight of something unseen pressing in.Marco’s head snapped toward one of his men, who had just rushed up to him. They exchanged a few hushed words, and whatever he was told made his already sharp expression darke
Marco leaned in, his nose brushing against mine, his breath warm and intoxicating. My own breath hitched, my lips parting instinctively.And then—He pulled away.A slow, deliberate retreat, his lips curving into something smug, something wicked.Heat flared in my cheeks as frustration tangled with the ache in my chest.“Are you—” I swallowed, gripping the fabric of my dress. “Are you teasing me?”Marco smirked. “Maybe.”I narrowed my eyes, but before I could retort, he leaned in again, his fingers brushing against my wrist, his voice a low murmur against my ear.“But when I finally take what I want, Mia,” he whispered, “you won’t be questioning anything.”My stomach flipped, my skin burning where he touched me.And just like that, he straightened, composed as ever, like he hadn’t just turned my entire world upside down.I exhaled shakily, my heart still racing as he walked ahead, effo
The moment I stepped out of the car, the cool evening air kissed my skin, sending a slight shiver down my spine. The entrance to the gala was nothing short of breathtaking—golden lights illuminated the grand building, luxury cars lined the driveway, and men in sharp tuxedos escorted women draped in elegance. But none of it compared to the man walking toward me. Marco Valentino. His presence commanded attention, his dark eyes locked onto me with an intensity that made my breath hitch. He looked effortlessly powerful in his tailored suit, the crisp black fabric molding to his frame in a way that was both refined and utterly sinful. A slow smirk tugged at his lips as he reached me, his gaze roaming over my figure in a way that sent warmth pooling in my stomach. “You wear it well,” he murmured, voice smooth as silk. I swallowed, heart racing. “Thank you… for the dress.” His smirk dee
MIA CRUZ Three days. Three days, and I hadn’t seen Marco. I told myself I didn’t care. I told myself I had more important things to focus on—work, my bookstore, my life. But my mind had other plans. Sitting at my desk, I tapped my pen against my notepad, staring blankly at the emails I was supposed to be responding to. The words blurred together, my focus slipping every time I remembered the way his lips had lingered just inches from mine. The way he pulled away like he was testing me, teasing me. The way I had wanted him to stay. I groaned under my breath and squeezed my eyes shut. Get a grip, Mia. “You okay?” I snapped out of my daze, looking up to see my co-worker, Naomi, peering at me from across the desk. She raised a brow, eyes full of suspicion. “Yeah. Fine,” I lied, sitting up straighter and forcing my attention back to my laptop. She smirked
MIA CRUZThe air crackled with tension, heavy and charged, wrapping around us like an unspoken promise. My breath came in uneven gasps, my pulse hammering against my ribs in a frantic rhythm. Marco’s fingers rested lightly on my waist, a touch that felt both possessive and teasing, his lips hovering just inches from mine. Every nerve in my body was aware of him—of his presence, his power, the quiet restraint in his stance. And yet, despite the space he left between us, I could feel it—the unmistakable heat radiating off his skin.His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, filled with something dark and unreadable. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, lazy and knowing.“You’re blushing, Mia.”I felt my cheeks burn hotter, my stomach twisting at the teasing edge in his voice.“I—” I started, but words failed me. How the hell was I supposed to respond to that?Marco chuckled, the deep, rich sound rolling over me like warm honey.
The grand foyer stretched before me, a masterpiece of timeless elegance and quiet opulence. The floors were polished marble, smooth and gleaming beneath my feet, reflecting the soft glow of the golden chandelier hanging above. High ceilings made the space feel impossibly vast, and intricate crown moldings framed the room with refined detail.A sweeping staircase curved to the second floor, its railing carved from dark mahogany, polished to perfection. The scent of leather, wood, and something distinctly Marco—masculine and expensive—filled the air.I took a slow breath, trying not to seem too affected by the sheer grandeur surrounding me. This wasn’t just wealth. It was power, woven into every inch of the space.Marco shut the door behind me, the quiet click echoing in the vast room. I felt his presence at my back, close but not touching.“Come on,” he said smoothly, walking ahead. “Let’s go somewhere more comfortable.”I followed him thr
MIA CRUZ The blaring of my alarm jolted me awake, dragging me out of a restless sleep. I groaned, rolling over and slamming the snooze button before burying my face in my pillow. Just five more minutes. Except five minutes turned into ten, and by the time I finally forced myself up, the sun was already peeking through my window, casting a warm glow across my room. Sunday. The realization hit me fully, sending a jolt of awareness through my still-sleepy mind. I was meeting Marco today. At his house. I shook off the nerves creeping in and stretched, rubbing my eyes before dragging myself out of bed. My feet padded across the cool wooden floor as I made my way to the bathroom. A splash of cold water to my face did wonders in shaking off the last remnants of sleep. I brushed my teeth, letting my mind wander as I moved through my morn
MIA CRUZI took a deep breath before stepping out of the storeroom, my hands tightening around the book samples. I had only been in there for a few minutes, but it had been enough to gather myself—or so I thought.The moment I looked up, my stomach did a ridiculous flip.Marco was still there.He leaned casually against one of the bookshelves, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching me with an amused expression. His dark eyes held a knowing glint, like he could see right through me.“You sure took your time,” he mused.I forced a small laugh, shifting the samples in my grip. “Just… making sure I got the right books.”He hummed as if he didn’t believe me but didn’t push. Instead, he straightened, his gaze settling on me in a way that made my skin prickle.“So,” he said smoothly, “since I’m already here, how about we grab a coffee? You must have a lot of questions.”Coffee?I blinked, caught