Daniel Semensky

I knew the rules. Never reveal my true identity. Play the game, give the illusion. Don't get close to the clients. The dark and glamorous lifestyle of the rich and shameless open my eyes to a lavish world of sin and wealth, and a man I can't have. A man I desperately want - James Riviera. We're treading a fine line as we live the ultimate double life until we make a startling discovery that tests both our loyalties. I only had to follow the rules, but rules are meant to be broken.

The longer I live at Bainbridge Hall, the more apparent it is that someone is out to get me. They know too much and are determined to use my worst fears against me. As my memories rise to the surface, they bring with them vivid reminders of what I've lived through.

Kieran Murphy is an Irish mob boss and one of the most powerful men in Boston. When he walks me home, people step aside out of respect for him. He could have any woman he wants. So why does he have eyes only for me? Is it how he has to lift my chin with his fingers to keep my eyes level with his when he scolds me and how I cover my bottom instinctively when he tells me that I've earned a spanking? Or is it how I quiver at the thought of everything I'm too ashamed to beg him to do to me? Maybe it's all of those, but I'm pretty sure there's something else too.

It was dark, and in my defense, he was tall, muscled, and smelled like the most tempting sin. I couldn't resist, and the second he touched me, I knew I was never going to be the same. It was a night filled with the kind of intensity a woman could only ever dream of. Nothing could have tainted such perfectness. At least, that's what I thought. Because the delicious man I let rail me into oblivion isn't the perfect stranger I thought he was. No, he's anything but.

My father is a genius. A scientist determined to unlock human potential. Only his experiments? He conducted them on me. I managed to escape his cruel, painful control, and for years I hid. Until one day, news comes of his death. Along with the fact his experiments are still being carried out. This time I cannot run, I cannot hide. I must stop them once and for all. He thought he was invincible…. but me? I'm unstoppable.

In fifth grade my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed. It didn't take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever. For the next seven years, it was us. She's the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

Broken down, and wounded by my emotionally neglectful ex, I wanted someone to tell me I was good enough. Then, I stumbled into a new job with a boss who brought me to my knees - literally. He has me do things a real secretary would never do. Emerson Grant tells me I’m more than just good enough. I’m worthy of his praise. There are a million reasons why I should stay away. The owner of the Salacious Players’ Club is not just my new boss - he’s twice my age. And my ex-boyfriend’s father....I’m a good girl, but I’m falling for the wrong man.

When I was born, my life was set on a path of destruction, greed, enemies, and certain death. None of that mattered until them: Ryder, Gage, Dex, Holden, and Leo. They are my life, my loves, and in the blink of an eye, they were ripped away from me. At twenty-two, I rose to power as the first female Boss of the Italian Mafia, and at twenty-five, I almost died because of it. I didn't take the threat of a deranged stalker seriously, and it could cost me and Zane, a former love, our lives and sanity.

When Dad died, he made me the leader of the Italian Mafia. That position was unheard of for a woman—until me. Ryder, Dex, Gage, and Holden are my team, my closest friends. Then Leo waltzes into my life, turning it upside down, along with everyone in it. One lie. One secret. That's all it took to bring it all burning down around me. Jealousy and hidden desires from the four guys I thought only saw me as their friend and boss stoke the flames even higher.

Life at Bainbridge Hall is everything I feared it would be, yet these bastards have me in a chokehold. With each passing day, I struggle with my growing affection for them. The lines I drew in the beginning have begun to blur. I should've left… back before feelings were involved. From the moment I met them, I was intrigued, but nothing about our situation is simple. Every time they touch me, another broken piece is mended. And now, everything I want is wrapped up in three unruly men.