_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

"Done," Alex said as he put on the shirt.

Avery turned to look at him, and she nodded with a satisfied smile.

Laughter filled the living room as the couple made their way downstairs. Everyone turned to them, which made it a little awkward for Avery. The incident last night kept repeating in her head. She cleared her throat before sitting across everyone. Alex sat beside her happily.

" I didn't know you could walk, Alex?" Stefan said.

Alex rolled his eyes as he leaned towards Avery.

" Maybe he got healed," Samuel chipped in.

"He sure did, look at him, you sicken me," Stefan exclaimed.

A staff member walked towards Avery and asked if she wanted something.

Erica eyed Avery before she got up from her seat. Both Suzzy and her followed her. Before she could get up, she turned to look at her wrist held by the man she was with.

" Can I help you?" Avery asked with a furrowed brow

" Where are you going? What if I need you?"

When he saw their little gesture, he knew she was going with the girls, but he'd been on the edge. He wanted to be with her all the time.

" There are staff around, Alexander. Where else can I go?" Avery asked.

She was raging inside but had to keep her cool. Why did she feel she was a prisoner in this place?

"But?" Alex tightened his grip around her wrist. It wasn't tight to hurt her but to hold her in place. He could feel her anger in her voice. Was he pushing her away? He already did by kidnapping her mom, she doesn't know he saved her mother but, what if she doesn't care about her mother and decides to leave him and her.

He knew it was crazy but that was what he could think about.

" Let go of me, Alex," Avery said with a sigh.

Alex released his grip, and he shifted on the sofa uncomfortably. He had to think positively.

"I'm sorry" he said with his head lowered.

He couldn't bring himself to meet her gaze. Avery left the room with the girls.

" You shouldn't have done that?" Stefan inquired.

Alex huffed before brushing his hand in his hair.

" Easy for you to say. She hates me. What if she decides to leave? I can't go a day without sitting still. I know I fucked up and only that feels like hell."

" She isn't going anywhere, Alex. If you keep on doing that, she is going to leave for sure and I know what I'm talking about." Stefan said.

The room became heavy with silence. Everyone in the underground world knows about Stefan and Erica, but they don't know why they officially broke up. Some say it was Stefan's fault, others say Erica was too good for him."

Panic 2