I have loved Matteo Marchetti since before I understood what wanting a man could do to a heart.

He was my father's best friend. My protector. The man who paid my rent in secret, bought my paintings under another name, and stood at the back of every gallery show like a ghost who could never come close.

He says he only watches over me because of a promise.

Because my father died saving his life.

Because eighteen years ago, Matteo swore he would keep me safe.

But I am not a little girl anymore.

I am twenty-four. An artist. A woman. And I am tired of being treated like a memory he owes something to.

Then the Catalanos take me.

One night, three men break into my loft and drag me into the dark, believing I am Matteo's weakness.

They are right.

Matteo comes for me with blood on his hands and murder in his eyes. He carries me out of that warehouse like I belong to him, then moves me into his house where he can protect me.

Where he can watch me.

Where he can keep pretending he does not want me.

But the walls between us are cracking.

Every look is a confession. Every silence is a sin. Every touch we do not allow ourselves becomes another kind of fire.

Matteo thinks loving me would betray my father.

I think my father is already gone - and I am the one still alive, still aching, still waiting for the man who has protected me from everything except himself.

But in his world, love is not private.

Enemies are circling. His family is watching. A rival wants his throne. And the more Matteo tries to keep me safe, the clearer it becomes:

I am not just the girl he promised to protect.

I am the innocent sin that could destroy him.

HIS INNOCENT SIN is an age-gap forbidden love mafia romance featuring a tortured protector, his dead best friend's daughter, forced proximity, dangerous obsession, family betrayal, secret longing, and a possessive antihero who will burn the city before he lets anyone take her again.