In a world where vampires rule behind the veil of secrecy, Ryan Saint is a cold, domineering billionaire CEO and one of the world’s most renowned neurosurgeons. Ruthless in business and relationships alike, he’s untouchable—until an unexpected twist binds him to someone he never expected.

Mia Walls, a warm-hearted pediatrician with a mysterious past, lives in the human world, completely unaware of the supernatural forces surrounding her. She’s driven, kind, and fiercely independent—a woman who doesn’t believe in fate, let alone mates.

When their lives collide through a sudden contract marriage—meant to silence pressure from Ryan’s powerful vampire grandfather—they're forced to play a game neither of them wants. What starts as pretense soon tangles with unspoken emotions, stolen glances, and dangerous secrets.

Mia doesn’t know the truth about Ryan's world… yet.
Ryan refuses to believe he could ever be bound to one woman… until her warmth starts melting his icy walls.

But love isn’t safe in a world built on lies.
And the greatest threat might be what they’re both trying hardest to deny—
their feelings.

The image of Mia in that damn wine-red gown clung to the inside of my eyelids like a tattoo I couldn't blink away. The way the fabric traced her curves, the sparkle in her eyes from the subtle makeup, the way she didn't fidget or shy away from attention—it was like seeing a new version of her.


There was nothing overtly sexual about how she presented herself tonight. Yet it left me more on edge than any lingerie-clad model I'd ever known.


And when Ezra touched her hand? I almost snapped the damn fork in my grip.


I wasn't a one-woman man. I'd made that clear. I'd told her this wasn't love, this wasn't a fairy tale. But seeing her like that, confident and warm… it made my carefully constructed walls feel too thin.


I sighed and sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on knees, dragging a hand down my face.


"I knew it," Paula grinned as we curled up on the couch with leftover cake after the boys left. "You're totally in a fake marriage with feelings that are getting not-so-fake."


I snorted. "Please. You're overreacting."


She lifted a brow. "Mia. The man looked like he wanted to eat you alive when Ezra handed you that salad bowl."


I opened my mouth to argue… then stopped. "He was acting… different."


Paula nodded smugly, licking frosting from her fork. "Exactly. He looked possessive. Which, might I add, is wild for a guy who probably signs NDAs before kissing someone."


I rolled my eyes. "You're not helping."


I stared at the half-eaten cake on my plate and whispered, "I don't know."


"Liar," Paula said, nudging me with her foot. "You cook for him. You take care of his nephew like your own. You're nesting, Mia. And the way he looked at you tonight? He's not unaffected."


I exhaled slowly, staring out the window.


The city lights were still awake, but my chest felt heavy.


"I don't want to get hurt, Paula," I said softly. "He said he's not a one-woman man."


Her gaze softened. "Then you have to decide, babe. Are you going to guard your heart… or risk it to see if he even wants to be that man for you?"


Chapter 30 - Chapter 29: Restless Minds and Pillow Talks