He's royalty. Ruthless. And used to getting exactly what he wants.

Payton doesn't belong in my world of crowns and calculated lies—she's too real, too raw. She thinks she can slip into my life for one night and vanish. But I've already decided... she's mine.

She planned for a quick escape.

I plan to never let her go.

She hides in the shadows, playing it safe behind her clipboard and perfect smile but I see the fire underneath, and I want to be the one to unleash it. To claim it.

In my world, secrets are currency and power is a weapon. She doesn't know it yet, but loving me comes with consequences. And I'll burn kingdoms to the ground to protect her from every single one.

Now, she has a choice—run from what we've started, or risk everything to stand beside a man who would give up the throne for her.

Because I'm not just falling for her.

I'm ready to rewrite the rules for her.

And this time, I'm not asking.