He never wanted any of this.

His sister, Nova, had always been the one holding everything together; sharp, ambitious, and unafraid of the fire she danced with. When their parents died, it was Nova who stepped up, sacrificing every bit of freedom she had left to ensure he never went hungry, never felt the weight of poverty like she had.

And when she married a mafia leader, it was for both of them.

He got more than enough money, a house too big for just two people, and the kind of security most people could only dream of. But there was still something

Rogen, the second heir of the mafia. The younger brother of Nova’s new husband and acting leader of the organization. Twenty-eight. Cold eyes. Calloused hands. A man who lived his life in shadows and blood wants to marry him? He hadn’t wanted it. He didn’t love him. He didn’t even know him. But Nova had looked so happy, so relieved that her little brother would be safe forever. So they agreed when he is over 18, this marriage will be done.

fast forward

He didn’t think, didn’t pause when kids at school annoy him. He just grabbed the guy by the collar and slammed his fist into his face. Over and over until someone pulled him away, his breath ragged and his hands coated in someone else’s blood. They sent the other kid to the hospital with a fractured nose and two broken teeth. He was brought in for his own treatment—split knuckles, bruised ribs, and a gash above his brow from a poorly aimed counter-punch.

Now, he sat inside the hospital, his bloodied hands rested on his lap, wrapped loosely in gauze. The nurse had been hesitant to treat him, eyes wary. He waited on that bench for her. For his dear sister to come.

But instead, it was Rogen.