Timothy Malone III was born to rule.

Raised in the shadow of a legacy built on blood, power, and calculated cruelty, he was bred to inherit a city—and the empire of violence that came with it.

His father and grandfather reveled in destruction, dancing on the ashes of their enemies.

But Tim?

He walked away.

Now he runs a quiet bar that caters to cops, keeps his head down, and spends far too much time watching me.

Aubree Emeri.

Medical examiner.

Free spirit.

Naive, they say—especially when it comes to the world Tim comes from.

He chose peace.

He chose me.

But peace is fragile, and when war lands on my doorstep, Tim's restraint burns to ash.

The heir who swore off violence becomes the man who'll burn the world to keep me breathing.