"Rule number one: nobody on campus finds out we live together." On campus, Carter Fitzroy is Kingsley's untouchable, cocky hockey co-captain. He’s the guy everyone wants, heading straight for the NHL draft, and completely off-limits. At home, he’s my secret roommate. The guy who walks around in grey sweatpants, steals my food, and wears face masks on the couch while watching TV. For a year and a half, our double life worked fine. Strangers in the hallways at school and friends who gossiped over takeout at night. Until I started having filthy, embarrassing dreams about him that I couldn't shake off. Then at one victory party, too many drinks, and a night where Carter dropped his cool persona and pinned me against our kitchen counter. “I’ve wanted my mouth on you for months, Rhea.” One morning of absolute panic later, we made a stupid deal: Friends with benefits. No feelings, no drama, no strings attached. Just a temporary way to get the itch out of our systems so we could go back to normal. Except Carter doesn't know how to keep things simple. Between locked doors, marked skin, and a hockey captain who suddenly turns possessive the second another guy looks at me, the lines are blurring fast. A nd when a bitter ex-fling catches us on camera (threatening to ruin my scholarship and his NHL future) I’m left with a choice: walk away before my heart gets crushed, or trust the one guy who swore this was just physical.

VANESSA They say revenge is a dish best served cold. But for me, that’s not enough. I want it to hit so hard they beg for their lives. Five years ago, my own husband left me to die in a fire. I watched him walk away, his eyes full of hate. In my last moments, I thought about how unfair it was, that I was dying while the people who did wrong were free. As if some higher power heard me, I was saved. Now, I’m back and my only purpose is to give Ethan Croft exactly what he deserves. He took everything from me, and now I will take everything he loves, in the most painful way possible. I have it all planned out. But there’s something or someone else I didn’t plan on. Ceron Morrison. He’s tall, dark, and dangerously handsome. He’s a mystery and a distraction I can’t afford. He’s a threat to the revenge I have sworn to complete. But no matter what comes my way, I’ll make Ethan pay. I’ll burn his entire world to the ground, even if it means I get burned in the flames, too. CERON Vanessa Ashford has taken over my mind without even trying. The first time I saw her, she was putting a thief on the ground at the airport with a single, perfect kick. I was captivated. As the heir to a powerful family, I’m used to getting anything I want. And I want her. I want to know her secrets. Vanessa has built high walls around herself, but I am not a quitter. As I slowly peel back the layers, I’m discovering a past filled with pain. I can see the fire of vengeance burning in her eyes, a fire so strong it could destroy her. My family wants me to secure our legacy with a sensible, strategic marriage. But all I can think about is the woman who wears her revenge like a custom-made gown. I know I should walk away. But something in me can’t stand the thought of her facing the darkness alone. The real question is, when she finally plays her last card, will I be the one to save her? Or will I just become another victim caught in the crossfire?