by Beck Knight
**She was forbidden.** **I touched her anyway.** For nineteen years, I protected Nikoletta Romanoff. Watched her. Guarded her. Kept my vow. Until one night. One crypt. And one line I could never uncross. Then she ran. Now she's back, standing in my world like she didn't leave me fractured. Like I didn't become something unrecognizable in her absence. She thinks I'm the monster. The beast lurking in shadows, punishing her for the line we crossed. **She's wrong.** The monster is what's left
Genres: Mystery/Thriller
Tropes: Mafia, Forbidden Love, Dad's Best Friend, Enemies to Lovers, Possessive Hero, Age Gap, Captivity, Jealousy
Published: 2026-03-11
Publisher: Self-Published/Indie