He's the man buying you." For a few seconds, I couldn't move. Buying me? Like I was something she found in a shop? Something inside me snapped. I crouched down and grabbed one of the sharp pieces of broken glass from the floor. Gasps filled the room. The edge cut into my palm but I barely felt it. I pointed it at Lucien with shaking hands. "Stay away from me." He didn't move. Didn't look worried. Didn't even look surprised. Then he took a step forward. I swung the glass. The sharp edge caught his arm. Blood appeared. Bright red against black fabric. One of the bodyguards rushed forward. "Boss!" Lucien raised one hand. The man stopped instantly. A drop of blood rolled down his wrist. He looked at it. Then looked at me. Not enough to call it a smile. Just enough to make my stomach turn. "Interesting." Then quietly— "You should ask your stepmother how your father really died." The world stopped. I looked toward her. The envelope slipped from her fingers. For the first time that night... she wasn't smiling.

Aria Whitmore grew up in a house where freedom was treated like sin. As the daughter of one of the most respected pastors in the city, her life has always been controlled by strict rules, punishment, and fear. Earrings are sinful. Makeup is worldly. Short skirts lead to hell fire. And saying “no” is dangerous. While her twin sister Aurora is loved for being the perfect church girl, Aria is constantly treated like the family disappointment. But everything begins to change when Vanessa — her rich, fearless best friend — introduces her to a completely different world. A world filled with fashion, parties, secrets, boys, lies, and freedom. For the first time in her life, Aria feels alive. But living two different lives comes with consequences. Especially when your father is a powerful pastor. Especially when your family is already breaking apart behind closed doors. And especially when one reckless decision could destroy everything. THE PASTOR’S DAUGHTER WHO WAS NEVER FREE Some girls grow up protected. Others grow up trapped. :::