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.

By morning, the air had cleared a little. We went down to the hotel restaurant for breakfast — mostly because Luka was starving. Typical. That's where it finally happened: Rico and Luka made up. It didn't take long, of course. A pout, a half-smile, a muttered "sorry," and they were back to teasing each other like nothing happened.


When we got back to our room, all three of us were too full and too tired to move. The event wasn't until five. So we decided to nap for a bit.


Fast forward to five. We're getting ready, and of course, we're already thirty minutes late. Typical us.


"I'll get it," I said, walking over and pulling it open.


A middle-aged man in a black sleek suit stood in the hallway, all polished and proper.


"Hello," I said cautiously. "How can I help you?"


Chapter 21 - THE WEEKEND