Arranged-marriage, age-gap, Mafia/cartel romance, forbidden

Due to my birth order as child of the capo of the Luciano famiglia, I’m used to second place.

Second son.

Second in standing.

Never number one.

It’s the way my life has always been.

Only in the dark alleys, private clubs, and seedy establishments am I respected. Not just as the consigliere to my brother, the new capo of the Kansas City Famiglia, but also for my unmatched skills with a knife and my particular skills of interrogation. This status is as high as I will achieve. First place will forever be out of reach.

Camila Ruiz is the youngest daughter of Andres Ruiz, a top lieutenant in the Roríguez cartel. From the first moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted her. She is too young and fragile to be with a man like me, a killer and criminal. I don’t deserve a woman like Camila. Taking her would ruin her.

With the newly established alliance between the Luciano famiglia and Roríguez cartel, I ask for the impossible and promise my life. With the blessing of my capo and the Roríguez drug lord, Camila is to be mine.

For once, I will be first in another’s eyes. And Camila will always be first to me.

What happens when the fragile alliance is tested?

Can I keep my promise to my wife and my oath to the famiglia?

Have you been Aleatha’d?