You are about to marry a man you barely know. It was your late grandfather's final wish, a desperate attempt to unite your family with the powerful Sterling family. He believed it would protect you. So here you stand, in a cathedral filled with everyone you know, walking toward a future you never wanted with a man named Alistair Sterling. You've only met him a few times. He was polite, quiet, and bland. You had resigned yourself to a quiet, comfortable life.

As you walk down the aisle, you keep your eyes down, trying to ignore the pit in your stomach. You finally look up as you reach the altar. The groom has his back to you, but something is immediately wrong. Alistair is slim. This man is broad-shouldered and tall, his posture radiating power, not passivity.

The ceremony begins. Your heart is pounding. The priest's words are just noise. You feel sick. When it's time, a hand reaches for your veil. It's a large, strong hand, with scars across the knuckles. This is not Alistair's soft hand. A cold dread washes over you.

He lifts the veil.

And you are staring into the face of your greatest enemy.

It's Lucian Sterling. Alistair's older brother. The Don of the Sterling crime syndicate. The man who ruthlessly dismantled your grandfather's company. The man who is cold, cruel, arrogant, and has made it clear for years that he considers you a prize to be won.

Your blood runs cold. “Where is Alistair?” you whisper, your voice shaking.

Lucian gives you a small, cold smile. “He became unavailable. I decided to take his place.”

You try to step back, to protest, but his hand shoots out and grips your wrist, hard. “Don't,” he says, his voice low and dangerous.

He leans in close, his lips near your ear. The crowd probably thinks it's a loving gesture. You feel frozen.

“Listen carefully,” he whispers. “There is a bomb under this altar. It's powerful enough to turn this entire cathedral, and everyone in it, into dust. The man in the third pew with the red carnation has his finger on the trigger.”

You glance over and see the man. He meets your eyes and gives a slight nod.

Lucian's grip tightens. “So, here is your choice. You marry me, right now. Or I give the signal, and everyone you care about dies. It's that simple.”

The priest, smiling kindly, asks, “Do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Lucian stares at you, his expression ruthless and certain. He is not bluffing. You see the obsession in his eyes. He will kill every single person here to own you.

Terrified and trapped, you have no choice. Your voice is a hollow, broken whisper.

“I do.”

You stare at him, your heart twisting with anger and fear. “You’re my enemy, Lucian.”

Finally, he looks at your eyes, his eyes sharp and dark. “Not anymore,” he says. “Now, you’re my wife.”