To end a war between families, Anya Volkov is offered as a bride—an alliance, not a choice. Her groom is Roman Caldero: controlled, lethal, and determined to keep emotions out of the deal. Anya plans to escape the first chance she gets. Roman plans to make the marriage believable enough to stop bloodshed. Their “vows” become a chess match of boundaries and bargaining—until the danger turns personal and the only safe place is in each other’s arms. When betrayal strikes from inside Roman’s own ranks, Anya proves she’s not a pawn. She’s a queen with her own strategy—and Roman’s most dangerous weakness. In a world where love is a liability, they’ll have to decide what’s worth more: power…or each other.