TAZIO I breathe for the Agosti family, and I would lay my life down for them without a second thought. Everything I have is because of them and I’m rewarded for my loyalty. I have no problem using the skills they’ve given me to extract revenge or payment in blood when it is required of me. When a debt is owed and ignored, I am the one who will be calling. When Dahlia is offered up as payment by her brother, I don’t hesitate in cashing in. Not because it erases her brother’s debt, but because the moment I see her, with fear in her eyes and betrayal in her heart, I know she’s mine. I’m taking her to protect her and claim her, but her brother’s payment is far from cleared. He thinks he’s gotten away with it, but he’ll see there is a reason people fear me. I am the king of pain, the bringer of death for the Agosti family. Dahlia is the only one who will never have to fear me. The only thing I ask for in return is her loyalty and her love. DAHLIA I’ve never been close to my brother, Brett, and we’ve never liked each other much. Still, we’re family. I didn’t think he would ever do something so stupid or involved me. All the illusions I might have had about him are shattered when he uses me as payment for his debts. When Tazio makes the deal, I should run, but there’s something about the intimidating man I can’t ignore. He doesn’t tower over me, but there is power in his frame. Maybe I can find protection there as well; if I can trust him, but I’m not sure I can. Tazio says I’m his, but can I be loyal to a man who took me as payment for my brother’s debts, even if he did it to protect me? Can I find love with a man who knows what it's like to take a life? When he proves to me that his words are true, can I make it up to him for doubting him? He’s my king and I have much more than my loyalty to give him. *18+. This story has dark themes and a morally gray hero. You’ll still find an insta-love story that is spicy and isn’t necessarily simple, but with darker themes, situations, rough spicy times, and depictions of violence (not between the MMC and MFC). No cheating with a guaranteed HEA. This book is part of my Agosti Crime Family series but can be read as a standalone. Meet the Agosti family in Flames and Flowers. Check out the chronological reading order for the Agosti Crime Family books below.* Agosti Family Chronological Reading Order: Where Roses Lay Lilies and Lies Plucking His Daisy The Taste of Temperance Blossom in Shadows King of Pain and Petals Kick-off 2023 with a short slice of heaven. Your favorite instalove romance authors have come together to bring you a fun-sized selection of mafia men, billionaires, best friends, enemies, and more. Whether you like your short kings dangerous or sweet, these men will show you that height doesn’t have to get in the way of true love. Short Kings: proving you don’t have to be tall to have it all.