Lorenzo Salvatore always got what he wanted.

He was feared throughout the city, a name whispered in dark alleys and among criminals. Yet his cold, outcast heart began to turn the day he saw her. Elena Rivers wasn’t just beautiful, she was everything Lorenzo didn’t have. Innocence. Freedom. Peace.

It started when he watched her from the shadows. She worked late into the night at a local art gallery, her smile bright enough to light up the dark halls. Lorenzo knew he had no right to her, but he couldn’t help himself.

His obsession grew, a hunger that demanded to be satisfied. When a rival gang moved into his territory, threatening those closest to him, Lorenzo used it as an excuse. If he didn’t act now, someone else might hurt her

The street outside her apartment was quiet, the air cool as she fumbled for her keys. A shadow moved behind her, and she didn’t have time to breathe before a hand pressed to her mouth.

“Shhh,” the voice said, deep and smooth. “I won’t hurt you.”

She struggled, but his grip was firm. The last thing she remembered was the faint scent of his cologne and the blackness that followed.