Dangerous Toys

Born into a lower middle class family, Ace Lander grew up being told there was a simple formula for success: get an education, graduate, and work hard to build a prosperous future. But that formula failed him during the final stretch of his senior year when a local gang targeted him, putting everything he had and was building towards at risk. Trapped and desperate, Ace felt his life spiraling out of control—until Ria Hart, a fellow classmate, discovering Ace's innate aptitude to become a Curse Master, a being capable of wielding curse energy and abilities but haunted by Curselings, took pity and introduced him to the secret world hidden beneath the mundane surface of their world, the World of Curses. Awakening as a Curse Master, Ace discovers he possesses an extraordinary innate curse tool: the Cursed Toybox. This tool comes with a unique class, Toymancer, granting Ace powers unlike any curse master the world has seen before. The Cursed Toybox allows him to animate and actualize toys, transforming them into powerful, living beings bound to his will. From overpowered heroes to legendary gods, any toy that falls into Ace's Cursed Toybox springs to life with powers beyond one's imagination but bound to him in eternal servitude. Armed with his Toy Summons, Ace must navigate the perilous world of curses, protect his loved ones, and reclaim control of his destiny before the gang—and the darkness of the hidden world—consume him entirely. [ — Status Screen — > Your Cursed Toybox is animating the doll 'Silicone Sailor Stella' as a toy summons… > Your Cursed Toybox has animated the doll 'Silicone Sailor Stella.' > Toy summon 'Silicone Sailor Stella' added to your toy space. > Toymancer can now summon Sailor Stella. Summoning Toy Summons... Name: Stella Race: Curse Tool Class: Toy summon Title: Silicone Sailor Durability: (100/100) Enchantment: 1-Star Individuality: (100/100) Curse Energy Consumption: 5 units per hour Skills: Toy Actualization, Seamanship, Armed Security, Adult Gratification. Toy Actualization: Bring Toy Summons' original character design and skills to existence when they are animated based on their individuality stats. Addition Effect: Toy Physiology. Seamanship: Expertise in navigation, sailing, and ship handling alongside wilderness survival, first aid, and emergency procedures. Armed Security: Proficiency in the use of small arms and other naval weaponry with training in close quarters combat, surveillance, and counterintelligence. Adult Gratification: Creatively addressing emotional, mental, and physical needs of Toymancer till gratification.] "Cursed armies, Curselings, and Curse slaves are nothing—I've got a Toy legion of overpowered action figures and unrealistically beautiful silicone goddess." ~Toymancer Join the saga of the Toymancer's rise to become the Strongest Curse Master.

Yan Lidong always thought he would live out a relatively ordinary life, free of trouble. Waking up five years in the future, after the world had been swept by a zombie apocalypse, was certainly not within his expectations. Luckily for him, and unluckily for everyone else, there are still plenty of opportunities to stir up mischief. If they happen to involve the romantic affairs of the nearly omnipotent Lord of the apocalypse, who singlehandedly defeated the zombie king, then so be it. One problem. Yan Lidong might just have an extensive past with the Lord, and the Lord might have been harbouring some rather untoward feelings for many, many years.

A naive fox and a cunning tiger, tangled in a dangerous game of secrets—Sohwa and Dohwi’s thrillingly seductive cohabitation! Sohwa, a red fox half-beast born with rare white fur, was shunned by her pack and forced to live a lonely, solitary life. Her days were filled with quiet isolation until one fateful day, while wandering the mountains, she stumbled upon Dohwi, an abandoned wildcat cub on the brink of death. Moved by compassion, she decided to take him in. “We’re different species, so we won’t go into heat with each other. You’re gentle and kind, so living together should be fine. What do you think?” And so begins their life together. But the “wildcat” Sohwa rescued turns out to be anything but ordinary. Dohwi is no mere feline—he’s a tiger reborn after a thousand years, hiding a ferocious side that Sohwa never saw coming. Terrified that Sohwa might abandon him if she learns the truth, Dohwi does everything in his power to conceal his identity. Yet, as time passes, Sohwa begins to sense that Dohwi is hiding something. When she starts showing signs of fear and attempts to flee, Dohwi begins scheming to keep her by his side. “You’re all I have, Sohwa. You know that.” Who will win this battle of wills—Dohwi, determined to keep Sohwa close, or Sohwa, desperate to escape the tiger’s grasp? #Romance #Sexual #Fantasy #Comedy #Romanticcomedy #Anthropomorph #Obsessive Text copyright ⓒ 2024 by MaCherie All right reserved. The Korean edition was originally written by 마셰리, Korea Translated and Published by We’ve Lab.

This is the story of two people who once shared a past. Now, they are forced to work together for their own interests. Starley Bellamy is a free-spirited hacker. And Raul Blackwell owns Chicago's most prominent private spy agency. Until one day, Starley's identity as a hacker is exposed, her family is framed, and her parents are detained. That's when Raul reappears in Starley's life, offering a collaboration. Starley, who once loved Raul, reluctantly accepts the offer to save her parents. Their previous relationship was complicated; they were just friends with benefits. Because of this, they have to meet often. Will they become more than just friends with benefits this time? They will face obstacles, trials, and the hidden truths that have been kept from them all along. A romance, action, and mystery story where every wrong move could cost them their lives. ……………………………… "Why do we have to be like this?" Raul suddenly asked. Starley glared at Raul with sharp eyes. "What do you mean? I don't understand," Starley replied coldly. Then, she quickly broke eye contact with Raul's dark eyes. "You know what I mean, cupcake," Raul said in a low voice. Starley tried to look unaffected by Raul's nickname, even though her heart was beating much faster than usual. "No, I don’t understand." Starley flinched slightly when she felt Raul’s warm hand on her elbow. It was like he was holding her back from running away again. Finally, Starley looked back at Raul with a neutral expression. "Mr. Blackwell, I’ve told you, I have a boyfriend," Starley replied. She was lying; she didn’t have a boyfriend. But she had to say it to push Raul away. Otherwise, she knew her defenses would crumble at any moment. Raul squinted his eyes and said, "Then where is your boyfriend? I’ve never seen him." "He’s out of town," Starley replied. Raul raised an eyebrow and smirked. "So, you’re in a long-distance relationship?" Raul asked, walking closer to Starley. Starley didn’t back down. She lifted her chin and stared at Raul, "Do you have a problem with that?" This time, Raul’s smirk resembled a devilishly handsome smile, "Oh no, that’s actually good news, isn’t it?" Starley narrowed her eyes and said, "You already know, you and I can never happen again." "As long as he’s not your husband, I think anything is possible, cupcake." Starley knew Raul didn’t mean it that way. All their history would repeat itself. We were not meant to be together, Starley thought. "Don’t you hate me?" Starley suddenly asked. After the question left her lips, Raul’s face tensed, and he released his grip on Starley’s elbow. Raul’s gaze now was darker than usual as he replied, "Yes, and you hate me too." Starley didn’t answer because Raul already knew the answer. There was a brief silence before Raul spoke again. "But you know, there’s a fine line between love and hate. And both make you unable to stop thinking about me, Starley," Raul whispered. Starley held her breath. After all this time, she had kept her distance; why now did she have to work with this dangerous man? Dangerous for her heart.

The top-tier professional player Lis woke up to find himself having crossed into the "Divine Revelation" game, becoming a Viscount enamored with magic. Knowing that he would soon face a continent engulfed in war smoke, grand otherworld expeditions, the mysterious decay of the World Tree, and the constant threat of Abyss Demon invasions... Lis admitted he was a bit panicked. ...... Fortunately, the game system was still in place, and he still possessed the "All-Purpose" Talent. With the memories of his past life, he switched his class to Arcanist, analyzed the Element Model, reshaped the world's rules, and step by step ascended to that supreme throne. ...... Players complained about him, "This boss is too perverted, he can even grow stronger, we protest!" Elves worshiped him, "Lord Lis is the strongest Divine Favored, he has brought peace to the world." Mages praised him, "He is the pioneer of magic, as well as the Guardian. His revered name is Lis Kane, He is the god of the arcane."

One must always sacrifice something to strive for survival in this world. But when all that is sacrificed becomes meaningless, turned into a toy for others to freely squander, with no compensation paid. Then, the Bounty Mercenary Group does not mind resorting to their own hands, and collecting the interest they're rightfully owed!

Locked away deep down in the newly claimed castle for the Demon King, Kalika Archelion, a young immortal woman awaits in her dungeon prison. Her spirit broken many times, over, and over again. despite this, she refuses to give up on one day freeing herself of the confinements of her now demonic sisters Lillian. The very sister she had executed. The very sister that is now the Demon Queen of their now fallen country that is still embroiled in the war of human versus demons. Now peering through the darkness, Kalika resigns herself to biding her time. awaiting for the opportunity that she may use to escape this cruel predicament to grasp control over her own life once more. With an uncertain future, and vile schemes lurking in the background. Kalika must steel herself, preparing for the worst to come as there is no hope of escape or rescue. Just a deep dark abyss that is so dark, that it is practically corruptive. [THIS STORY WILL HAVE MATURE THEMES INCLUDED] [Updated Every 3-4 Days] {Artist: Sikeseeing}

Edwin was once a world renowned scientist, attested for his understanding in genetic. Was. Involved in a scandal, he was disgraced and thrown to the dirt. And when he wanted to commit his final act of revenge upon the one who threw him there, he die, not by the assassin sent after him, but death through the illness that have been plaguing him since childhood. However, after death, he soon woke up in a brand new world, one filled with magic and monsters. However, he woke up as demon, enemy of humanity, and given a system that will help him empowered monsters through either magic or genetic modification. -x- "Hah, enemy of humanity, I like that. When have human ever been grateful to me! Now, I will plunge the world into an age of demon and monsters!" Filled with desire to watch the world fall into ruin, Edwin, now Alros Kadarni, will cause as much destruction as he can. From one kingdom to the next. From one continent to the other. All by using the different danger zones that is feared by all sentient beings that is not monsters not demon.

“Where do you think you are going with those bags?” Xander interrogated as soon as he cornered her. “Of course, I’m leaving you!” She said, standing her ground, despite the fear in her eyes. “Why?” “You forgot to mention how dangerous you were.” Xander let out a deep throaty chuckle. “Sweetheart, you didn’t ask.” “I don’t care! I don’t want to be a part of this anymore!” She insisted. Xander shook his head. “Too late. We are already married. You now belong to me, and divorce is out of the question.” — Aurora Swift’s world shatters when Owen—her boyfriend of five years—breaks up with her via text. The betrayal deepens when she finds out he’s also getting engaged to her half-sister, Olivia Swift on the same day. Heartbroken and filled with rage, Aurora has a one-night stand with Xander Scott, Owen’s enigmatic uncle and the youngest billionaire in the country. When the fling leads to a marriage proposal from Xander with a promise to help her get her revenge, Aurora finds it hard to refuse. However, Aurora soon realizes that this is anything but a whirlwind romance. Xander Scott hides more secrets than Aurora knows, and the dangers that follow his mysterious identity soon bring about complications in their marriage. When Xander’s secret identity comes to light, will Aurora choose to remain in the marriage as her love for him has grown in depth, or let it drive them apart?

(Chapters 1 to 30 are being edited right now, next chapter will come out in a couple of days) The Path to Immortality is elusive, and everyone wants to achieve it even if there's only a glimmer of hope. Tian Yongheng is a person who regained his past life memories after his family was brutally slaughtered. His extreme fear of death and desire to be undying have forced him to step onto this dangerous path of Immortal Cultivation. He is not a Chosen One who is the favored son of heavens, nor is he the reincarnation of a Great Emperor. Armed with a unique system of unknown origins and his obsession with immortality, he sets forth to carve a way of his own in this world where fate toys with one's very existence itself and cosmic horror-like beings devour universes for fun. However, can he really touch the illusory, eternal and ethereal Immortal Dao that is everlasting and everchanging? Will he ever be able to reach the end of this grand path to eternity, establishing himself as a myth and beyond? or will he also drown in the long river of history just like many others? ------- The background settings and world building of this story are greatly inspired by Top Tier Providence, Secretly Cultivate for a Thousand Years. the main characters are also pretty similar, so if you like stories where the MC is a hidden powerhouse who, despite being hidden, is still known across the world, then you can give it a try. Please be patient while reading, as this is my first time writing a novel and don't hesitate to point out any mistakes I do in the comments. Also, I'm not a native of China, so there are probably going to be a lot of mistakes in names and history and stuff, please bear with it. Note: English is not my first language and the cover image is not mine.

#Age gap #taboo #Erotica #Smut #love triangle #boyxgirl #BDSM #dominant #possessive #submissive #poortorich #billionaire #mafia WARNING!!! (THIS BOOK IS A DARK ROMANCE WITH BDSM, SLUT-SHAMING, ROUGH AND PAINFUL SCENES, AND MORALLY AMBIGOUS THEMES THAT MOST REFER TO AS DUBIOUS CONSENT. IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH ANY OF THESE THINGS THEN READ AT YOUR OWN RISK) Milo was the most dangerous mobster in Russia and I was his slave, his sex toy, and his property. He was one step closer from branding me as his. He killed anyone who got close to me or touched me in any way. He showered me with luxury and gifts that I would have never afforded myself. I didn’t care that he had many enemies who would use me to get to him. He was everything I could have dreamt of and more. The only problem was, I was 19 yrs his junior and I was his son’s ex-girlfriend. I found myself caught between father and son. Was blood really thicker than love? My name is Emilie and this is how Milomir Petrov ruined my life. {Daily updates of two chapters} As you know, my books is not a Dual POV {100 powerstones = 4 bonus chapters in Milo's POV} {50 golden tickets = 6 bonus chapters in Milo's POV} (Or any characters you may request)

Selene Wade, a girl who was arranged to marry into the Black family to the young CEO who doesn't love or acknowledge her. After a night of steamy drunken love with her husband, his childhood bestfriend and his relatives try to get rid of her as she was close to the matriarch and not someone they could manipulate, unlike Emma. She comes back years later with a son and Alexander Black finally takes notice to her. "I'm nolonger the girl I was Alex, Sebastien may be your son but I am not your woman."

Rose is the typical college-girl who goes unnoticed but secretly craves adventure, and someone to share her life with. Being a college senior with a writing major, she needs to find someone to give her the inspiration for her first novel. The next day, she bumps into Brandon, who has a secret stepbrother, Damon, who is running from a dangerous past. Together, the boys give Rose everything she has always wanted: excitement, family, and inspiration. However, not everything is perfect. Damon’s past is quickly catching up to him and Rose may be in more danger than she bargained for.

In a world of killers and mercenaries, love floats in the air. Warm and intoxicating. It's like sweet and delicious poison. And all are affected. Isn't that wonderfully terrible?

Rowen thought her life was predictable—work, walks through the woods, and the occasional argument with her roommate. But a single glowing mark changes everything, pulling her into Vireth, a realm where magic breathes life into danger. Stranded with no way home, Rowen finds herself tied to Dryanden, a stoic vampire with a sharp blade and sharper secrets. Forced to adapt, the two become Helpers, taking on the impossible jobs that others won’t—tracking monsters, unraveling curses, and confronting magic that defies reason. Each case draws them deeper into a world of peril and intrigue, where every answer uncovers more questions, and the stakes are always life and death. As Rowen’s untamed magic begins to awaken and Dryanden’s past resurfaces, their bond deepens, intertwining their fates in ways neither could have predicted. But with every solved mystery, the threads of fate tighten around them, threatening to expose a secret that could shatter Vireth itself. In Bound by Blood and Magic: My Journey Through a Dangerous Otherworld, every adventure is a step closer to the truth—and a reminder that some doors, once opened, can never be closed.

**Warning** Be sure to read the trigger warnings before starting! Trigger warnings: There are some explicit scenes, mentions of gore/violence, and other items mentioned in the Author's Note Updates every Tuesday! ****** Valerie Campbell is a ruthless CEO who runs a powerful investment empire by day and a dangerous drug operation by night. She's built an empire on manipulation and control, never letting anyone get close enough to break her hardened heart. Adelaide Mitchell is a stripper, fighting to survive and paying off her student loans, hospital bills, and gambling debt left behind by her late mother. Vulnerable but strong, she'll do anything to stay afloat even if it means being controlled by the one woman she despises: Valarie. As secrets unravel, power dynamics shift and emotions run wild, can Adelaide and Valarie overcome their demons, or will their toxic relationship destroy them both?

Every five decades, a human princess will be offered as a sacrifice to the bloodsuckers in exchange for protection from the other kingdoms ruled by various creatures of the dark. As the only princess of her generation, Ariana has been chosen as the offering. However, she is more than unwilling, and understandably so. The royal family of the vampires is known to be cruel and sadistic. When she arrives, she plans to escape. Yet, her plans are quickly thwarted by the youngest vampire prince, Dimitri, who claims her as his own personal toy on her first night there. Will Dimitri be able to keep Ariana safe? Will she become his true love, not just his toy?

Mikel Woke up five days before the vampire apocalypse caused by a scientist who had been experimenting on a vampire and ended up weaponizing the vampire virus. It created a world spread outbreak mutating humans and other living things turning them into supernatural beings, vampires and ghouls. The world plants, soil and even the air became contaminated with the virus making it impossible to grow food again. Ghouls are the new species from the outbreak. They are powerful and very dangerous preferring to eat humans, vampires and werewolves alike. Mikel had a dark life during this apocalyptic era in his previous life partly because of his own fault and partly due to his bad luck. This time he somehow obtained the knowledge that he was a villain character in a novel where his twin that he hadn't met was the real protagonist who had immense good luck and a group of handsome men willing to serve him. Mikel is determined to stay away from these people this time around and use his ability to make a comfortable life for himself.

Suddenly thrown outside their bubble of comfort, the MC must explore the world and find a new meaning to live. Thirsty for power the MC plows through every adventure and obstacle alike for the chance at revenge. *** Great, great, great action/fantasy novel along with humor and occasional romance. This novel I have been preparing for a while, so I am very excited to finally release it. If you give even the first chapter a try, I am sure you will love it. Thank you!!! Chapter releases every Sunday 10am EST

[Warning ⚠️/Context.] [This is a warrior cats based/inspired custom Clan novel, so if don't like don't like I guess.] Two clans existed in one single rainforest. CeladonClan and CavernClan. They are rivals, both clans that are just a mix of cats completely. CeladonClan is led by the Monarch, while CavernClan is led by the King and Queen. No problem, right? Yes, there really is a problem. Why? Why has this random cat emerged, ruining everything? The Monarch, who are you exactly? What are you exactly? Your paw steps that lightly touch the ground, the certainty of importance radiant from you, who are you, showing all of those emotions? Unnamed- who was later named Winter, then Winter-Rise, needed to find out. With her curiosity, it really itched her that there was a mystery one the horizon. Along with her beloved, slurring wording brother, Winter-Rise needs to find her answers by something so simple she didn't believe it. Medicine. [Another thing, MC will become evil!! Villian tag is /not/ fake!]

Dr. Bai Meili, a scientist grounded in logic and empirical evidence, finds her reality upended when she's thrust into a world governed by ancient magic and brutal power. Here, she encounters Jin Hong Hui, a being whose beauty is as breathtaking as his power is terrifying. He's on a quest to recover a stolen treasure, and his wrath burns like wildfire, consuming anything in its path. Their paths collide when Jin Hong Hui, with a predatory grin, traps Bai Meili in a game of cat and mouse. Her attempts at rational explanations and escape are met with amusement, as he toys with her, relishing the chase before the inevitable capture. Bai Meili, armed only with her scientific mind and a surge of adrenaline, must confront a power beyond her comprehension, a force that mocks the very laws of nature she holds dear. This is a world where might makes right, and she is about to learn that lesson the hard way.

Three rejections. Three shattered dreams. That was Layla’s reality, all because she was different—a half-shifter in a world obsessed with purity. Ostracized, shunned, and finally sold off like a pawn to the most feared ruler alive—the Lycan King. He was ruthless, a king with a graveyard of brides, each one a ghostly reminder of a fate worse than death. Layla loathed him. Hated the way his gaze cold and fathomless, held no warmth for her. Hated how his touch, both thrilling and terrifying, sent an uninvited chill down her spine. --- “I hate you!” I screamed, hands clenched so tight my knuckles ached. He sighed, a smirk curling at the edge of his lips, his tone mocking as he closed his book with a deliberate snap. “Stressed, are we?” he asked, strolling toward me, each step reminding me exactly who held the power here. “Lucky for you,” he drawled, rolling up his sleeves as he stopped just inches away, “I know exactly 70 ways to ease those nerves.” His fingers brushed my cheek, a touch that seemed to burn into my skin. “The first… a hug.” His voice dropped to a rough whisper as he leaned in, breath hot against my ear. “And the rest... well, that's 69? what do you say about that?" I swallowed hard, my heart thudding wildly as he tilted his head, waiting for me to react, that insufferable smirk still in place. “What’s the matter, darling?” he murmured, a taunt lingering in his gaze. --- A Dangerous Obsession Can she resist the pull, or will she dance into the flames of her own destruction? A dark dive into obsession, raw need, and the razor’s edge between desire and devastation. --- LYCAN KING CASSIAN I will tear her apart piece by piece, feeding the wildfire that grips her with each shuddered breath. Like air to flame, I’ll claim every inch, drawing heat from her skin until it sinks into her bones. Her pulse will race under my hands, her breaths shallow, pleading. Her eyes may scream, but her lips will still murmur my name. That first taste of fear will only feed something deeper—a need that burns through her veins, molten and fierce. And just when she’s too far gone to turn back, I’ll twist the knife, giving her the pain she’s learned to crave. She’ll be the moth to my flame, helpless against the very thing that will consume her.

She's an FBI agent, and he's the son of one of the most feared mafia families. Sent undercover to infiltrate his gang, Lexi Thompson never expected to be caught. What happens when the ruthless Alex Esposito holds her fate in his hands? Will their worlds collide, or will the truth tear them apart? — LEXI I've spent years fighting for justice, but now I find myself tangled in a web of lies. Caught in the dangerous world of the Esposito mafia, I'm determined to take them down. Yet, as I face Alex Esposito, the ruthless heir, I can't help but feel drawn to him. He's everything I despise, yet something about him makes my heart race. ALEX I've always been told to trust no one, especially not a woman like her. Lexi Thompson is a threat, an infiltrator sent to destroy my family. But the moment I laid eyes on her, everything changed. I'm torn between my duty to my family and the growing connection I feel for her.

I just want to be useful... It all begins in a society far more advanced than ours. This new country is known as the Commonwealth . A country littered with flying cars and strange devices being an everyday occurrence. This world isn't just home to humans, but also beings of great power destined to save the world . They are known as supers. Some of these beings inherited strange abilities from the floating particles a mysterious meteorite that crashed on earth a millenia ago while others used the elements of this meteorite to craft powerful new weapons. For this godlike rock, they call it, the Godmaker and only few know of it's existence. However this story isn't about these supers. Not yet. This is the story of Jake Scott. A convenience store clerk who had just come to a horrifying realization. He had wasted his life. Well there was nothing he could do about it now since he was stick in a dead end job making minimum wage and living in a cruddy and cramped apartment with an annoyingly nerdy roommate. Or was there? Scott is given the chance to become a super after performing a heroic deed for an old friend. However he's about to get way more than he bargained for ... And a new evil emerges to reclaim what was rightfully hers.

Roses are beautiful but have thorns. Ivies are known to be dangerous and poisonous, right? So what's purity got to do with danger. How can something as dangerous and poisonous be pure. Join Xia in her exciting journey.

[Warning! Mature content such as violence and sexual themes. 18+] The only thing that Kai wanted was nothing more than have a normal life. He always wanted a girlfriend until… One day, he saw a beautiful girl standing under the cherry blossom trees. The girl he saw was perfect to his eyes. Beautiful, sweet… He fell in love almost instantly. Once the finally knew each other, everything seemed to be perfect… But Kai slowly finds out that under that veil of beauty, there was a dangerous person. A beautiful girl with a dark past consumed by pain, murders and blood. As soon as they continue to date, Kai would soon find himself in a very dangerous situation where his life would’ve drastically changed… …Jealousy, obsession, pain, death, blood… “A love so deep that it hurts so much…” “Do you still love me, Kai-Kun? Am I a good girl, Kai-Kun?”

Adele runaway from a life a privilege and entered a new world of mafia, mysteries secret that could be killed for and love. Born a wretched life and adopted into a life of privilege.. Adele Callahan has spent her life under the thumb of a prestigious family that controls her every move. When she escapes an arranged marriage, her only plan is to run as far and as fast as she can—until a fateful encounter changes everything.. Adele seemed to live a nice life but it's all a different story behind the reflection. Forced to marry a rich influential abuser, Adele escapes in a bid to leaves a life that was arranged and all planned out for her when her paths crosses with a man who introduces her to a life she never knew existed. Lucian runs a mafia group but there's more to him than he let out, one of the influential person feared by most. But women are his toys, a new one each day to add to his record of decanhery. Lucian. He’s dark, enigmatic, and devastatingly handsome, but beneath his flawless exterior lies a dangerous secret. His piercing eyes see too much, his voice commands obedience, and his presence is like a storm she can’t escape. He warns her to leave, but his words come too late—Adele is already entangled in his world. What starts as a chance meeting spirals into a deadly game of survival, as Adele learns the truth about Lucian. Drawn together by fate, their connection defies reason, even as the shadows of Lucian’s mafia ties threaten to tear them apart.