His Bride

Reader’s Note:

This is a work of fiction set in a fictional mafia world. While this story is not excessively dark, it does contain themes of organized crime, violence, danger, morally gray characters, strong language, and mature romantic content. Readers can also expect scenes involving possessive and protective behavior, power struggles, emotional conflict, and life-threatening situations. These elements are included to serve the story and should not be interpreted as endorsements of harmful behavior or real-life relationships. If any of these themes are triggering or uncomfortable for you, please read with discretion. And I hope you will enjoy Lauren and Hunter’s love story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

PROLOGUE

My name is Lauren Westbrook. I'm nineteen, a senior in high school, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that life doesn't wait for you to catch your breath.

Every morning before school, I'm at Grandma Jami's house, cleaning, cooking breakfast, and making sure she takes her medication. She always insists I eat before leaving, saying I'll work myself into an early grave if I don't.

After school, I head straight to the restaurant for my evening shift. The moment that ends, I change into another uniform and spend the rest of the night behind the bar at Dark Club before finally dragging myself home around nine.

Homework comes next.

Then sleep.

Then I wake up and do it all over again.

The money I make every day keeps food on our table and pays whatever bills my mother can't cover. The money I earn monthly from Grandma Jami's family and the restaurant goes into an old savings box hidden beneath my bed.

That's my college fund.

My mom sells vegetables in the local market. She works harder than anyone I know just to keep me in school.

My dad?

He hasn't worked in years.

He says he already had his turn. That he was once rich before losing everything, and somehow it's all my mother's fault. I don't know if that's true because neither of them has ever told me what really happened.

All I know is that every week, he asks me for money.

I give it to him anyway.

Not because I have to.

Because he's still my dad.

---

Hunter Cyprus

"He doesn't have anything left, Boss," Jax said, keeping his head lowered. "No money. No property. Nothing we can seize until he pays."

I stared at him.

"So you're telling me he owes me a fortune, and you came back empty-handed?"

Silence.

"I think I have an idea, Boss," Cole finally said.

I leaned back in my chair.

"I'm listening."

"He has a daughter."

Jax smirked.

"Still in high school. And she's gorgeous."

That caught my attention.

"How gorgeous?"

"A solid nine point eight."

A smile tugged at my lips.

Interesting.

I picked up my glass of whiskey and finished the last sip before setting it down.

"Get the cars ready."

Both men straightened.

"We're paying Ryder and his family a visit."

"Yes, Boss."

If Ryder couldn't pay what he owed me...

Maybe his daughter could.