_Mckenzie_

The story follows Avery, a young woman who was seeking shelter from the rain, who accidentally bumps into the infamous Alexander Gibson- a handsome billionaire playboy, who happens to be a mafia Lord. This chance encounter sets off a series of events that lead to a forced marriage between Avery and Alex. As Avery navigates her new life, she faces betrayal, confronts violent challenges and discovers unexpected friendships, all while dealing with the complexity of being married to a powerful and dangerous man. The novel combines the elements of romance, drama and suspense.

Torn between passion and power

The afternoon rays hit his eyes. He groaned as he tapped the side of the bed. He panicked. He checked the time and it was half past four.

" Avery?" Alex called out to her.

He didn't know why he was panicking, he had her mother with her and her friends were here with her. She wouldn't go anywhere. He forced himself out of bed, and he breathed deeply when his movement was inflicted on the wound.

His legs wobbled as he approached the door.

He needed to find her. He tried to overcome the fear that crept into his heart. He opened his door, and the hallway looked empty. He didn't have enough staff in the house, so he wasn't expecting anyone to come down the hallway. However, he wished someone would just come down and he would ask where Avery was. Or she could walk down the hallway with something in her hand.

" Her mother's room," that was the first thought that came to mind after the panic attack he's been through.

" Mom, I know you can hear me. Please wake up. I need you, please."

Alex heard the voice he'd longed to hear. He knew his guess would be right. He walked towards the door to Avery's mother's room, and he didn't want to make a sound to scare her.

Alex clenched his fist, and his other hand around his stomach. He felt fresh blood oozing out.

Alex stared deeply at the ground. He had to do something for her mother. She was his now and that meant her mother was his. She wants her mother to wake up, but he wants her to be happy.

He snapped out of his thoughts. He bit his lower lip when his gaze met her puffy eyes.

Avery gazed travelled to his wound, and she noticed the crimson blood.

" You are bleeding," she said nonchalantly.

"It's nothing. I needed to find you."

"I needed to find you" his words rang in her head.

Was he scared she would run away or did he mean something else?

Avery stared at him intently. What was he trying to say?

She helped him to his room and took care of his open wound.

" Do you wanna go downstairs?" Avery asked as she packed the first aid.

" If I say yes are you going to follow me?"

Avery got on her feet, and she walked towards his closet as she took out a plain blue shirt for him.

She knew the shirt wasn't going to cover up his tattoos but she just wanted him in a shirt. Throughout the day, she has tried her best not to ogle at his Eagle tattoo on his chest, with its wings spread. His back had wings with a cross in the middle.

Panic