She faints in a grocery store—but the mafia boss who catches her notices hidden bruises and uncovers a truth that changes everything

Rare Books.

The shop carried the scent of old paper, coffee, polished wood, and second chances.

On opening day, customers lined up down the block. Nikolai stood behind the register in a dark suit, looking entirely out of his element as he recommended books to children and elderly collectors with the gravity of a man negotiating peace terms.

Allara watched continue reading …