A story of sacrifice, enduring love, and the undeniable bond of two people from different worlds. Keeping my family's secret meant living in the shadows and guarding my heart. Then Nic Marcelli came into my life with a force I couldn't resist. Devastatingly handsome and way too cocky, he was from a world different from mine – a world of designer clothes, brunches, and fancy cars, a world I didn't understand, a world that would never accept me. I fought him and my desire, but in a moment of weakness, I caved. I thought he'd be nothing more than a fling, someone to have fun with until graduation. Then we'd go our separate ways. I was wrong. If I had known then the sacrifices he'd make to stay by my side, I never would’ve surrendered to his love.

There are moments in your life that you’ll never forget. Meeting Nic Marcelli was one of those moments. With Nic by my side, we'd built a comfortable life filled with college classes, studying, and midnight pizza runs. My new life as a college student was perfect with everyone I loved exactly where I wanted them to be. Then I met Julian, and it all fell apart. In a whirlwind, he blew into my life with his solid, muscled arms and unforgettable Aztec tattoos, shattering everything I thought I already knew about myself. I was trapped in a deluge of emotions that should've been impossible for me to feel for anyone but Nic. Confused and terrified, I wondered if I could ever put the pieces of my life back together again, and if I did, would Nic still be a part of it.

Conclusion to the Secrets & Surrender Series. Nic's love meant everything to me, but his betrayal crushed my soul. In a brief moment of doubt, I left his side and stood alone, drowning in a sea of Juan's anger, Julian's jealousy, and the loneliness of a broken heart. Even though Nic regretted what had happened with my mother and vowed to do everything he could to make things right, I couldn't shake the fear that our love wouldn't survive. The entire world seemed to be against us, and I didn't know if I could continue to fight for him. A trembling hand, a single bullet, a final breath, and the decision to fight for Nic was made for me.