Ciaran Delaney rules the Bratva from his shadowed office with a control that leaves no room for weakness. Camille Kirkland's presence disrupts that order, her body straining against the desk as she seeks the praise he alone can give, the approval that makes her feel seen for the first time.

The ledger blurs when his scarred hand brushes hers, her breath caught on the approval she craves above all else. The vault door below stands slightly open, a reminder of the hidden space where his dominance meets her need and the forbidden line they are about to cross.

He will use that praise to guide her, murmuring how perfect she is as he claims her curves, milking the surrender she has hidden from everyone else until the risk of their world crashes in and leaves them both bare.