Dearest reader, I must warn you… This story will take hold of your heart, and not return it the same. You can turn back now. Or stay, if you dare… ~ Sierra Vaughn was supposed to be Brandon Carr’s future wife, until he humiliated her in a ballroom full of the city’s elite. He dumped her, the same night he proposes to her childhood best friend, a move so cold it left her breathless and broken. Staggering out in shame, Sierra didn’t find comfort. She finds Xavier Knoxx. Brandon’s uncle. Twice her age. Dangerous. Off-limits. Addictively wrong. Xavier didn’t do society balls, family drama, or emotional entanglements. He was fine with remaining in the shadows. Until one night of raw, reckless passion left Sierra breathless again…with a baby on the way. And a secret that could change everything. FIVE YEARS LATER “Here he comes, Sierra. Smile,” my stepmother said without turning. “The Knoxx family doesn’t forget humiliation. You’d do well to remember that.” My fingers gripped the champagne glass, as the stem threatened to break. I didn’t need to look to know who Rose meant. The air grew thicker and my breath stilled, as he approached. “Hello, Sierra,” he said, voice low and sinful. I turned. Heart in my throat. He stood behind me, all in black, radiating dangerous calm. A smirk curved his mouth, and his gaze threatened to pull me under. “I told you not to make me regret touching you.”