Caught red-handed. FUBAR. Soup Sandwich.

All terms that would describe my current predicament.

Just a few months ago, I was happy as can be, reuniting with my childhood friend and realizing she was the one for me.

Then, the senator entered the picture—aka my father—and everything went sideways.

Now Isla looks at me with distrust. The love that used to shine bright in her eyes is replaced with wariness. I’d give anything for a do-over, but since that’s not going to happen, I’ll have to find another way to make it up to her.

So, when she gets a job offer in New York, I go with her, eager to be of any help I can.

But I may also be holding back another secret. I’m not exactly certain it’s safe for her to go. Which will be another strike against me if I get caught.

Enter Fox.

He’ll be my backup, working with me to ensure her safety at all times. I know I can’t follow her wherever she goes. Eventually, she’ll push me away.

It’s a foolproof plan. It can’t fail.

At least, that’s what I thought.

When my marriage crumbled, I tossed the armoire down the stairs and laughed hysterically as I moved to another state with my crazy sister.

And it was all for one man.

He was my best friend growing up, and when everything went to shit, I needed the comfort of something familiar.

I didn’t have it all planned out.

In fact, the only thing I figured out ahead of time was where I was going to live.

And then he showed up in the grocery store, looking devastatingly handsome and so scrumptious I could eat him. Not that I would.

At least, not until a few days later.

Everything was going so well. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and my lady parts were humming. It was perfect— until my ex decided he wasn’t so happy about me leaving.

Minor burns and a few nightmares later, I was dealing with an overprotective boyfriend, a man who was protecting me that was way too sexy for his own good, and getting the divorce I desperately needed.

I had a feeling something major was going to happen.

You know, bigger than being nearly blown up.

She fantasizes about me in public.

Daydreams take over her mind and she forgets to do her job.

It's freaky as hell, but what's even worse is how much I want her.

Stunning, sexy…absolutely freaking beautiful.

Not that I would ever tell her that. I already made the mistake of getting down on one knee in front of her to help her with her shoe.

I could see the stars in her eyes and already knew she was planning our wedding.

I ran like hell.

I did everything in my power to stay away from her, and it would have worked if it werent for Fox and his avocado wars.

Eventually, I just couldn't fight the attraction any more.

I couldn't fight her.

So, I let her into my bed.

And then I let her under my skin.

It was a mistake. One big—it was a giant mistake.

Because the more I let her into my heart, the harder I fell.

Until it all came crashing down.

Just like I knew it would.

I hate it when I'm right.

But even worse, I despise when I'm wrong. And this time, I may have screwed up and taken things too far.

I may have just ruined the best thing that ever happened to me.

Just when I thought I had a grip on the dark world of The Crowned Syndicate, everything spun out of control. I'm in too deep with the most powerful guys at Crestmont University and they've become my protectors, my partners in the dangerous mafia underworld.

We're bound by secrets and blood now. After a betrayal that nearly shattered us, we're picking up the pieces. The Syndicate are ready to fight to keep our empire from crumbling, and I'm right there at the heart of it all.

But this fight is bigger than us. It's about loyalty, power, and a vendetta that could destroy everything we've built. We're up against the ropes, and trust is more fragile than ever.

As we face down our enemies and stand our ground, I know one thing for sure—we might just end up saving each other in the process.

I should be on Island Time right now.

They say no man is an island.

Well, let me tell you something. I was born for island living.

I like to drink, smoke my cigars, and sleep under my favorite hat.

That's my idea of a good time.

Island living isn't for everyone, especially the guys at OPS.

You would think as former military that I would fit right in.

But unlike them, I don't take great pleasure in rescuing the girl, taking out baddies, or saving the world.

That's not what Island Time is about.

All I need is a woman in my bed and a drink in my hand.

I just didn't realize what I was getting myself into when I brought this particular woman home.

It started as an obsession.

One that I couldn't contain.

It wasn't supposed to go as far as it did, but things spun out of control.

Our lives became so intricately intertwined that there was no escaping the fact that this woman would become mine.

But she wasn't as willing.

She ran from me.

She denied me the simple courtesy of knowing her plans.

She forced my hand when I least expected it.

And then everything fell to pieces.

Alliances were exposed.

Truths were revealed.

And in the end, only one thing was clear.

This story was bigger than the two of us.

And it was about to blow up in our faces.

I live in the Shadows.

My life has never been my own. Every second of every day was another op—another month away from my family.

The job was a necessity.

I toppled governments.

I hunted down criminals.

I put politicians in their place.

But I always knew there would be a price to pay. I just never thought the threat would be to my family. After all, I kept them at a distance for most of my life.

After years of dedicating my life to service, it's time to put an end to it all.

Too much was taken from me.

The sacrifice was more than I could bear.

There's only one way forward, and that's to take out everyone that's turned my life to hell.

But in doing so, I might end up losing more than I bargained for.

This isn't just another op.

The only way to end the suffering is to win.

There's just one thing I need to remember…

Every victory comes at a cost.