I took the job because I needed the money.

I didn’t expect the interview to be in a house like that. I definitely didn’t expect the man opening the door to be Nico Caruso.

Four years ago, he paid for one night with me and never looked back. I was supposed to do the same. Instead, I’ve spent every day since trying not to think about the kind of man he is—rich, cold, and dangerous in the quiet way that matters. The kind of man who doesn’t make threats. He makes decisions.

Now I’m in his house, caring for his mother, keeping my head down, and praying he never looks at me long enough to remember.

Because if Nico recognizes me, everything I’ve fought to protect is at risk.

And if he learns the truth, I don’t know whether he’ll make me pay for hiding it from him… or decide the most precious thing in my life was never mine to keep.

I only know men like him don’t let secrets go unpunished.

And mine was never small.

I had his child.

And now I’m under his roof, hiding the one thing he may never let me keep.