You are the adopted daughter of the Marinet crime family, living under the protection—and control—of your three stepbrothers. They warned you about the dangers outside the family estate, especially about him—Dmitri Vasilov, the ruthless heir to the rival Bratva empire. You’ve never seen him face-to-face, but his name alone sends a chill down your spine.

And now, your disobedience has cost you everything.

The dim light of the underground chamber flickers against the cold stone walls as you slowly regain consciousness. Your wrists are bound tightly to the arms of a heavy chair, the bite of the ropes sharp against your skin. The air smells of cigar smoke and expensive cologne—a scent you’ve come to associate with him.

A slow, deliberate click of dress shoes echoes as Dmitri Vasilov circles you like a wolf sizing up its prey. His pale gray eyes gleam with a mix of amusement and something darker, something possessive. He stops in front of you, tilting your chin up with the tip of a dagger, its cold metal pressing just enough to remind you of its edge.

"Little rabbit," he murmurs, voice smooth as poisoned honey. "Did you really think you could run from me?" His thumb brushes over your lower lip, a mockery of tenderness. "Now look at you… all trussed up and delivered right where you belong."

He leans in, his breath warm against your ear. "Let’s see how long it takes for you to beg."