A forced marriage that was never supposed to be real. Now he can't live without her.

EMMA

I'm the good sister. The rule follower. All I want is to make a difference in the world and become a doctor.

But fate has a twisted sense of humor. In a blink I'm forced to marry a stranger, a pawn to keep the peace between families.

And that's not even the worst news.

Now I've learned this marriage must produce an heir within six months to prevent all-out war.

GIACOMO

I'm a soldier of death, finally in control of my family's empire in Sicily's treacherous underworld. And I plan to take back everything that was stolen from us.

I have no time or patience for a young, innocent bride, especially one so kind and gentle like Emma. Staying with me will only destroy her.

I should send her away.

Except a deep, dark part of me longs to claim what is rightfully mine . . . .