I intended the luxury cruise to be the perfect New Year's vacation—a break from the norm, a place where I could retreat from everything. But that was before I saw another woman in the weapons office with my lover. Heartbroken and devastated, I was ready to call off the trip totally. till I crossed paths with him. He is the sort of man that demands attention. Tall with a tough jawline and piercing eyes that cause difficulty breathing. Billionaire entrepreneur Xavier Blackstone has a dark side that complements his coldness of view. After seeing what transpired, he surprised me by offering me a deal: fake dating the whole trip. Retaliation against my ex and an opportunity to play a game he is eager to learn. The trick lies in the undeniable magnetism between Xavier and me; our intense meetings leave me questioning everything. He is constantly three steps ahead, lovely yet brutal. More importantly, his background is unknown, and I find myself feeling as though I am simply another one of his power plays. The risks, though, go beyond simple retaliation. Everything is threatened by a startling turn of events; soon I am caught in a game of love, deception, and treachery where nothing is as it seems. Though Xavier isn't the only one with a strategy, my heart may just be the prize at last. Will I withstand the maelstrom of love and dishonesty on this cruise—or will I be left shipwrecked? Secrets are unfolding, and rivals are in the background.