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: One Year LaterJAMESONAria had my grandfather's stubbornness and Cat's exact glare, which meant I was outnumbered in my own house by two women who could reduce me to rubble with a single look, and one of them wasn't even old enough to talk yet."Dada." She said it like an accusation, banging her palm flat against the tray of her highchair, sweet potato flying in a small orange arc onto my shirt."That's assault," I told her.She grinned at me—gummy, delighted, four teeth and pure chaos—and banged the tray again."She's negotiating," Cat said from the stove, not even turning around. "You're losing.""I'm aware."A year ago I couldn't have imagined this—not the mess, not the noise, not the absurd domestic rhythm of a Tuesday morning that had nothing to do with shipments or threats or blood. The compound still had guards on the perimeter. Marco still ran his rotations, Declan still checked t
Last Updated: 2026-08-30
Chapter: HomeJAMESONMarco had six men on the perimeter before we even pulled out of the hospital parking garage.I hadn't asked him to. I hadn't needed to. He'd simply looked at the car seat in the back of the SUV, then at me, and nodded once like we'd made an agreement neither of us needed to say out loud.My daughter was three days old, seven pounds and two ounces of pure, terrifying fragility, and every instinct I'd spent my whole life honing had rewired itself around one singular purpose: keep her breathing, keep her safe, kill anything that so much as looked at her wrong."You're gripping the wheel like it insulted you," Cat said from the passenger seat, exhausted but watchful, twisted around to keep her eyes on the car seat."I'm driving carefully.""You're driving like we're smuggling explosives.""We're smuggling something far more valuable."She smiled at that, soft and tired, and rea
Last Updated: 2026-08-29
Chapter: Labor And DeliveryCATARINAThe first contraction hit at 2:14 AM, and I thought it was just the baby using my bladder as a punching bag again.The second one, four minutes later, disabused me of that theory."Jameson." I shook his shoulder, hard. "Jameson, wake up."He was up instantly, mafia-trained instincts kicking in before his eyes even opened. "What's wrong? Who's here?""No one's here. I'm in labor."That got him moving faster than any threat ever had.By the time we reached the hospital, the contractions were six minutes apart and I was already regretting every decision that had led me to this moment—especially the one involving unprotected sex on a cabin floor nine months ago."This is your fault," I informed Jameson as a nurse strapped monitors to my belly."Noted.""I want that on record. When this baby is eighteen and I'm asking who ruined my pelvic floor, I want it documented that this was your fault.""Documented," he agreed, kissing my forehead. "Anything else?""Yes. Never touch me again
Last Updated: 2026-08-28
Chapter: The Attack & RescueJAMESONThe warehouse inspection was supposed to take twenty minutes.We were finalizing paperwork for the Connelly-Vitale Logistics Group's newest distribution site—a legitimate deal, clean on paper, the kind of thing I'd spent two years building toward. Declan stood beside me, going over lease terms with the site manager while four of our men checked the perimeter out of habit more than necessity.That habit was the only reason any of us survived what came next."Boss." One of the perimeter men, Sully, came through the side door too fast, too quiet. "We've got company. Multiple vehicles, blocking both exits.""Whose?""Moretti crew. At least a dozen men."The Morettis. A mid-tier family that had been quietly absorbing territory since the Russians fell apart, testing how far they could push before anyone pushed back.They'd chosen well. The warehouse had one main entrance, one loading dock, and no clean line of sight to the street. We were boxed in before I'd even registered we were
Last Updated: 2026-08-26
Chapter: Six MonthsCATARINASix months pregnant, and my center of gravity had officially betrayed me."I can still tie my own shoes," I announced to the room, mostly to convince myself, as I bent forward and immediately felt the baby protest with a sharp kick to my ribs."Nobody said you couldn't," Jameson said, not looking up from his tablet, though the corner of his mouth twitched."You were thinking it.""I was thinking you look beautiful and slightly murderous. Very on-brand."I threw a throw pillow at him. He caught it without even glancing over, which was almost more annoying than if he'd let it hit him.Today was the ribbon-cutting for the Connelly-Vitale Logistics Group—the first fully public, fully legitimate joint venture between our families. Shipping, warehousing, distribution. Boring on paper. Historic in practice. Two years ago, our families' names in the same sentence meant blood. Today, it meant a press conference and a very expensive charcuterie table."Talk me through security one more
Last Updated: 2026-08-24
Chapter: The New FoundationJAMESONThe building smelled like fresh paint and possibility.I stood in the lobby of Connelly Holdings' new downtown headquarters, watching contractors put the final touches on the reception desk while Declan checked security feeds on his tablet. Eighteen weeks since we'd started this—the construction contracts, the restaurant group's corporate offices, the real estate division consolidating under one roof. Legitimate. Clean. Ours."Cameras are live on all floors," Declan said. "Panic room on six is stocked and ready. Not that we're expecting trouble.""Not expecting doesn't mean not preparing.""Old habits." He smiled slightly. "Marco says the Vitale side is quiet too. No chatter, no movement. It's been three weeks."Three weeks of nothing. Three weeks of actual peace.I still didn't quite trust it, but I was learning to let myself enjoy it anyway.Cat came down the hallwa
Last Updated: 2026-08-22
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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