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 ride to the house felt longer than it was.


I drove too fast, but somehow not fast enough. My phone kept vibrating in the cup holder, one call after another from Mateo, from numbers I didn't recognize. Probably my father's men who are loyal to me.


The gates opened before I even slowed down. Cameras tracked me the whole way in. The Marino estate looked the same as always. Too big, too quiet and too clean. It didn't matter how many times I came back here, it always felt like stepping into a museum I didn't belong in.


I parked crooked, didn't care. The front door opened before I reached it.


Aiko stood there. She looked like she hadn't slept either. Her hair was still perfect, but her eyes were red-rimmed.


"Jace," she said softly. "You shouldn't have come here."


Her mouth tightened. "Inside. But you need to listen to me first—"


Chapter 29 - Deal With The Devil