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.

When we finally pulled into his driveway, I got out without waiting for him to open the door like he usually does. 


He followed behind quietly. I know his passcode by heart, but I waited for him to punch it in anyway. 


When the lock clicked open, I walked straight inside, pretending like I owned the place, even though my heart was trying to break through my ribs.


I went straight to the table he got for me when we first started the tutoring sessions—my spot. 


I unpacked my bag, took out my notes, and sat cross-legged on the floor like always. Routine. Familiar. Safe.


When I finally looked up, he was standing at the entrance to the living room, fingers tugging nervously at his tie.


Jace. The man who terrifies everyone with a single stare, standing there like a boy caught doing something wrong.


Chapter 19 - The Weekend 2.5