Empire of Blood

What happens when the man sent to destroy you becomes the only one who can save you? CELESTINE<BR>I spent twenty-nine years believing I was nobody.<BR>Then my grandmother died and left me a letter. Turns out my father was François Augustine-head of one of the most powerful crime families in the South. I have siblings I've never met. An empire I never asked for. And someone who wants me dead before I can claim any of it.<BR>Enter Rafael Navarro.<BR>He's dangerous. Calculating. The head of a rival family who showed up in New Orleans with an agenda he thinks I can't see.<BR>He's also the man assigned to keep me alive.<BR>I don't trust him. I don't even like him.<BR>>RAFAEL<BR>I came to New Orleans for one reason: power.<BR>I'm Cuban mafia royalty. Head of Miami's most dangerous family. And the Augustine empire is vulnerable. Their secret daughter is the key. Get close to her. Gain her trust. Use her to secure everything my family has been building for generations.<BR>Simple. Clean. Business.<BR>Then I met her.<BR>Celestine Divine doesn't play by my rules. She sees through every mask I wear. She challenges me, infuriates me, makes me want things I swore I'd never let myself have.<BR>I was supposed to be her downfall.<BR>Now I'm taking bullets to keep her breathing.<BR>>Two rival families. One deadly secret. A love that could save them-or destroy everything.<BR>Enemies to lovers. Hidden heir. Forced proximity. He falls first. Standalone with HEA.