Nothing rivals the sweetness of the forbidden.

Maxine Hartman is sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and sinfully gorgeous. She’s also friends with my sister, making her completely off limits.

She carries the burden of her brothers’ troubles as if it’s her sacred duty. And while she stumbles beneath the weight they put on her, they pile on more.

Her brothers are reckless, peddling guns for an Armenian crew, cozying up to the Italians, and leaving evidence of their stupidity scattered all over town. They drag her straight into the line of fire then abandon her to deal with the fallout.

She’s in over her head but too self-willed to accept help.

Her stubbornness awakens the ruthless protecter inside me. She’s not going to face this alone. Not while I’m breathing. There’s too much at stake— her life, her heart… and what’s left of my soul.