Love? For Maja Storm? From a man? Laughable.

One too many traumas disrupted my brain chemistry, turning me into something I never thought I would be. Once a bright star, I was now something akin to a burning sun. Anyone who dared to cross me was dealt with accordingly. Bumping into someone like Vonshae Gunner, whose easy eyes and thick charm are too much to resist, threatens everything I thought I knew about myself.

To her, I'm No One. No One Vonshae Gunner.

I'd be whatever Maja wanted me to be. From the minute we collided, she belonged to me. Our collision was divine, and I refused to see it any other way. The emptiness in her eyes implored me to pour life into her. My duty was to protect and to serve. What type of man would I be if I neglected the call?

All I wanted was one night. One night where I wasn't Heir Bell. Just Heir.

It was supposed to be a simple birthday fix. One night with Kody McAroy was all I wanted. No strings. No connections. Nothing. Just a means to an end. Even the best plans sometimes come back to remind you of how stupid your original plan was.

Take me seriously. At all times.

Translation. Don't play with me. Ever. I either care, or I don't. Which was exactly what I told Heir. Although she was forbidden fruit, nothing ever put fear in Kody McAroy. Especially not someone wearing the Bell name.