Forged In Fire
In Chicago's underworld, power is currency and loyalty is bought in blood.
Jameson Connelly needs a wife to claim his throne. Catarina Vitale needs an escape from her gilded cage. Their arranged marriage should be simple—a business transaction, nothing more. Except nothing about this is simple.
To the world, Catarina is the perfect Italian princess: refined, untouchable, ornamental. The truth is far more dangerous. She's been trained since childhood to wield blades with lethal precision, her family's most lethal weapon hidden behind designer dresses and polite smiles. When Jameson discovers her midnight blade work and weapons collection, all bets are off.
He's grumpy, commanding, and impossibly sexy—everything she shouldn't want. She's lethal, sarcastic, and hiding secrets that could shatter his world. The attraction between them is instantaneous and absolutely forbidden.
But their marriage has painted targets on both families' backs. Rival factions circle like sharks, and assassination attempts multiply as quickly as the stolen glances between newlyweds. When Jameson's uncle emerges as a threat from within, Cat must decide how far she'll go to protect the man she's sworn to resent. And Jameson must choose between the empire he's always wanted and the woman he never expected to need.
In a world where trust is weakness and love is a liability, they'll have to forge something stronger than steel to survive.
A gritty slow-burn mafia romance featuring grumpy meets curvy, sharp banter, dangerous secrets, and the kind of tension that burns hotter than any fire.
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Chapter: Processing The ThreatJAMESONI found her by the window.Cat sat in the chair we'd moved into our bedroom weeks ago, her knees drawn up, arms wrapped around her legs. She stared out at the compound grounds, but I knew she wasn't seeing any of it.She was still wearing the same clothes from the interrogation—jeans and a fitted black shirt that now seemed too tight across her shoulders. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, and even from the doorway, I could see the tension radiating through her body."Cat."She didn't turn. Didn't acknowledge me at all.I crossed the room quietly and knelt beside the chair, my hand coming to rest on her knee."Hey."Finally, she looked at me. Her eyes were red-rimmed, exhausted, and filled with something I'd never seen there before.Fear.Not the kind of fear that came from facing down armed attackers or walking into a trap. This was d
Last Updated: 2026-08-07
Chapter: The Endgame RevealedJAMESONThe secure location was a warehouse on the south side—one of ours, reinforced and soundproofed. Tommy Breslin sat in the center of the room, zip-tied to a metal chair, his face already showing signs of Marco's initial "conversation."I stood in the shadows, watching Declan circle him like a predator."Let's try this again," Declan said, his voice calm. "You've been selling weapons to the Russians. We know that. What we want to know is what else you've been selling them."Breslin spat blood onto the concrete floor. "I don't know what you're talking about.""Tommy." I stepped forward into the light. "We have your financial records. We have your communications. We know you've been feeding them operational intelligence. What we need to know is what intelligence and who you're getting it from."His eyes darted to me, then away. "I want a lawyer."I laughed—cold and humorless. "You think this is a courtroom? You think you have rights here?" I leaned down until we were eye level. "Yo
Last Updated: 2026-08-06
Chapter: Pregnancy Reality CheckCATARINAI woke to the room spinning.Not the gentle, disorienting spin of waking up too fast—the violent, nauseating spin that made my stomach lurch and my head pound.I squeezed my eyes shut, willing it to stop.It didn't.The nausea hit next, rolling through me in waves. I pressed my hand to my mouth, breathing slowly through my nose the way Dr. Chen had suggested.In through the nose. Out through the mouth. You can do this.Except I couldn't.I barely made it to the bathroom before I was sick, my body heaving even though there was nothing left to bring up. My hands shook as I gripped the edge of the toilet, sweat beading on my forehead.This was the third morning in a row.And it was getting worse.When the nausea finally subsided, I sat back against the cool tile wall, my head spinning. The war room briefing was in an hour. Declan had received new intel about Russian movements overnight, and I needed to be there to analyze it.I needed to—The room tilted again, and I closed my e
Last Updated: 2026-08-04
Chapter: Finding PurposeCATARINADay five of Rosa's package deliveries, and I was starting to think she'd bought out half of Chicago.I stood in the war room staring at the latest arrival: a maternity pillow shaped like a giant horseshoe with a note attached. Ergonomically designed for optimal fetal positioning AND strategic planning sessions. Love, Mama."Your mother is insane," Jameson said from the doorway.I jumped, spinning to face him. "How long have you been standing there?""Long enough to see you contemplating whether to laugh or cry." He crossed the room and peered at the pillow. "Is that... does it have a built-in lumbar support system?""Apparently it's essential for pregnant women who spend long hours analyzing tactical operations."He started laughing—that deep, genuine laugh that made my chest warm. "I love your mother.""You can have her.""No thanks. I'm keeping
Last Updated: 2026-08-03
Chapter: Balancing War & PregnancyJAMESONDay three of Rosa's package deliveries, and I was starting to think we needed a separate storage unit.I stood in the foyer staring at the latest arrival—three large boxes marked with Italian labels and Rosa's distinctive handwriting."Another delivery, sir," the staff member said apologetically. "Mrs. Vitale called ahead to ensure they were brought directly to Mrs. Connelly."Of course she did.I carried the boxes upstairs myself, finding Cat in the war room—her new domain—surrounded by maps, reports, and her laptop."Your mother sent more supplies," I said, setting the boxes down.Cat didn't even look up from the intelligence report she was analyzing. "What is it this time?"I opened the first box. "Prenatal vitamins. Three different brands.""Of course."Second box. "Some kind of... fermented tea? The label says it's for 'optimal fetal devel
Last Updated: 2026-08-02
Chapter: Cat's FuryCATARINAWe were pulling through the compound gates when my phone rang.Marco's name flashed on the screen, and something in my gut twisted."Marco?" I answered, already bracing myself."Cat." His voice was tight, controlled—the tone he used when he was trying not to alarm me. "Your father's fine. But there was an incident."Ice flooded my veins. "What kind of incident?"Jameson's hand found mine immediately, squeezing hard."The Russians made a move. Attempted hit at the restaurant during his lunch meeting. We stopped it—my team was positioned, and we neutralized the threat before anyone got hurt.""Before anyone—" I couldn't breathe. "Papa—""Is completely fine," Marco said firmly. "Not a scratch on him. We had advance intel and were ready. But Cat, this was coordinated. Professional. They're escalating."My vision tunneled. The ultrasound picture on the dashboard blurred as fury—white-hot and consuming—crashed through me."I'm coming," I said, already reaching for the door handle e
Last Updated: 2026-08-01
The Last Strike
I shoot to my feet and practically scream, “She?!? They’re sending a woman?”
I suddenly hear the sound of heels clicking on the floor, and turn to see a pair of eyes I never thought I’d be seeing again.
“Yes, Tate, they sent a woman. I’ve been hired to save your sorry ass,” she calmly states with a look of disgust in her ocean blue eyes.
****
What will happen when Ashton Tate, the scandal-ridden MVP second baseman, comes face-to-face with his ex-girlfriend, Elizabeth Mason, whom the team has hired to salvage his reputation and career?
Sparks are sure to fly when the two of them are forced to spend every waking moment together, in an effort to revamp his bad-boy image. Unresolved grudges, past heartache, and malicious former flames and rivals block the path to redemption at every turn.
Can Elizabeth help Ashton find his way back to the man he once was, or is this his last strikeout?
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Chapter: Love And MemoriesElizabeth’s POV:If someone asked me to name the most frequently asked question this week, I would say it’s who my maid of honor and bridesmaids will be. You can only imagine the look of shock on their faces when I answer that I, in fact, don’t have a maid of honor or any bridesmaids.I am a woman who has spent the past three years handling male athletes and living out of suitcases. Even in college, I was always with Ashton and Malcolm. All the other girls tended to dislike me for that very reason.I haven’t had many opportunities to befriend other women, and quite honestly, I’m much more comfortable with male friends. It’s just who I am.So when Malcolm mentioned that the team wanted to have a bachelor party for Ashton, everyone assumed I’d be having my own fun little bachelorette party as well.Instead, I’m spending the time in my apartment packing up odds and ends that haven’t already been moved over to the penthouse. A dusty scrapbook falls from the shelf behind me, falling open o
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: My MVPAshton’s POV:Three Months Later“Ashton, which event would be more amazing - winning the World Series or your upcoming wedding to Elizabeth?”I covered my face with my hands and shook my head in disbelief.Seriously? They want me to compare the two? We’re one win away from claiming the World Series Championship. My wedding to Elizabeth is a week away. I’m literally one of the busiest and happiest men on the planet right now.Elizabeth is sitting in the corner of the crowded room, watching me with a look of amusement on her beautiful face. She’s clearly waiting to hear my answer to this question.I rake a hand through my hair and grin.“I’m not sure any sane man would choose anything other than their upcoming wedding, especially when their loving fiancée is seated amongst the crowd.”The room filled with laughter, and the reporters turned their attention to where Liz was quietly sitting. She rolled her eyes at me as she addressed the crowd of reporters,“That’s my clever future husba
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: A Big DayAshton’s POV:“Elizabeth Marie Mason, if you don’t hurry up, we’re going to be late for the start of the memorial ceremony!”I poked my head in the bathroom door and watched as she fussed with her unruly curls. Her reflection in the mirror showed that her face was scrunched up in frustration, which I found adorable.She huffed, “Charles has been planning this ceremony for a month now. The game is being featured as ESPN's game of the week. I need to look my best!”Liz’s eyes shot daggers at me as I couldn’t hold back my laughter.“Baby, you could throw on a burlap sack, and you’d still be the most beautiful woman in the stadium. Relax. This is going to be a very special day for you.”You don’t know just how special. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped back into our bedroom, letting her finish, and checked my phone.Malcolm: [Are you ready for today?]Ashton: [More than ready, but Liz is stressing herself out over her appearance right now. She’s been in the bathroom for thirty minu
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: Decisions To Be MadeElizabeth’s POV:“Ashton, honey, what do you mean Sports Illustrated wants us for a cover story? They just want you, right?”His grin reached across his face from ear to ear.“No, baby. The editor specifically requested both of us. They want to do the interview here at the penthouse, on Friday morning.”Seriously, what has my life become??We had only been back in Chicago for a week, and every day felt like a media circus. Apparently, I can’t even go to the grocery store anymore without people approaching me. It took me twenty minutes just to get out of the produce section yesterday, and now they want to put our picture on the cover of Sports Illustrated.Ashton must have sensed my growing apprehension because he was by my side within seconds, wrapping me up in his strong arms. He grazed my cheek with his lightly stubbled chin.“Breathe, love. It’s going to be great. I know you’re still adjusting to being in the spotlight, but you know I’m right here with you. Well, maybe not at the g
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: Like Her FatherElizabeth’s POV:Damn, these San Diego fans really love their gossip! I’ve spent the past half hour answering questions and taking selfies with the crowd seated next to me in the stands. Thankfully, they’ve all been very kind, and I’ve actually enjoyed interacting with them.I took a moment to glance out at the field and saw Ashton making his way towards my section. I hurried down to the first row to greet him.“I see you’re making friends with the local fans. I hope you’re not switching sides on me!”Playfully pinching his cheek, I smiled and assured him, “You and the Grizzlies always have my heart, Tate. Though I do love the weather out here.”Ashton reached up and tickled my waist, causing me to squeal like a little schoolgirl. Everyone was now watching us.“Well, maybe we can vacation here in the off-season.”I leaned over the wall to kiss him. “Maybe. For now, focus on winning this game.”He threaded his hand through my hair, pulling me in closer for a deeper kiss. Giving the fa
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: Make It OfficialAshton’s POV:Malcolm: [Bro, I just watched the press conference. Did you just basically admit to the world that you plan on proposing to Lizzy?]Ashton: [I haven’t planned anything yet, but yes, I want to marry Liz. Don’t tell her, though!]Malcolm: [My lips are sealed, buddy, but you know everyone’s going to be watching you like a hawk.]Ashton: [Trust me, I know. You had better be prepared to help me with all of it.]Malcolm: [You know I’ve got your back. When are you heading back to meet up with the team?]Ashton: [We’re flying out tonight. Lizzy is coming with us.]Malcolm: [Awesome! I’ll see the two of you when you get here.]I guess it’s time to figure out how to properly propose to the most incredible woman who deserves the world and then some. Liz was currently curled up next to me on the hotel bed, napping. I guess I should take the blame for her exhaustion. I didn’t allow her to get much sleep last night. Add in all the drama from today, and I couldn’t blame her for crashi
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
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