He’s sworn to protect her. He thinks he’s the one in charge. She thinks . . . that’s cute.

By occupation, Gia Loren is a beloved Brooklyn trauma nurse with a coffee addiction and pink scrubs. By blood, she’s Giovanna Marcelli, daughter of one of the most powerful Italian mafia families in New York. And even though she walked away from that life years ago, the mob never forgets . . . and never lets you go.

When a rival boss is murdered and the city’s criminal underworld teeters on the edge of war, Gia is dragged back into the shadows and placed under lock-and-key protection, trapped in a safe house with a man who drives her crazy—in more ways than one: Nico Vitali, the Marcellis’ lethal, brooding enforcer and the one man completely off-limits. Too bad Gia’s never been good at playing by the rules.

Ex-Marine. Combat-trained. Emotionless—at least on the outside. Nico’s life depends on his ability to control himself and his surroundings, and protecting Gia should be just another assignment. Except she refuses to behave. Fiery, flirty, and furious at her family and the situation, Gia turns captivity into a challenge, determined to rattle Nico’s unshakable discipline with every tease, every glance, every slow, dangerous smile.

Giving in would mean death. But resisting her just might be worse. Because in this city, love isn’t safe. It’s a liability.

And it might cost them everything.