Jace Marino has mastered control. By day, he’s the brilliant, untouchable criminal law professor at Brooklyn Law. By night, he’s the eldest son of New York’s most powerful crime family — a man whose word still commands the streets, even if he claims to have left that life behind.

Julian Pole never wanted law school. Sensitive and artistic, he’s far more comfortable with a sketchpad than statutes. But with a detective father and a nurse mother pushing him, quitting isn’t an option — even as his grades begin to slip.

When Jace calls on him unexpectedly in class, Julian’s stammered answer and shy, uncertain eyes spark something Jace doesn’t want to name. He should look away. Instead, he finds himself watching.

As rivals close in on Marino territory, Jace’s two worlds are on a collision course — and the quiet, blue-eyed student might be the one thing he can’t protect from the fallout.

The guy was walking through the hospital like he owned it. Hell, maybe he did. His stride was too easy, too confident, like everyone else in the room worked for him. Jaw sharp, smile soft, blue eyes catching light like they knew how to steal attention. And then that damn dimple when he smiled—no way that was real.


"Oh, hey, Enzo," my mum greeted, smiling back at him.


"Mrs. Pole," he said smoothly, pulling out the chair right beside her like he belonged there.


"Enzo, meet my boys. Boys, this is Enzo," Mum introduced.


Silence. Thick, awkward. Because I knew what my friends were thinking. Same as me.


Luka was the first to break. He cleared his throat.


Mum's eyes went wide. "Little bastard, he's the owner of the hospital," she hissed.


Luka leaned back, deadpan. "Exactly my point. Why are you close with the owner of the hospital, Mother?"


Chapter 10 - ENZO