The Price of Loyalty

Adrik Marinov was raised to inherit a Russian crime empire and shaped into the monster his father wanted. Walking away should have given him freedom, but Viktor Marinov doesn’t let go of blood. As long as Adrik is alive, he’s a target.
Hans Schroeger is everything Adrik isn’t: steady, gentle, and safe. A German professor and novelist with California warmth, Hans has built a quiet life after heartbreak until Adrik crashes into it, all shadows and intensity.
Their connection is instant. Hans offers the peace Adrik never believed he deserved; Adrik awakens something in Hans he thought he’d buried.

Adrik fled the mafia. Hans fled love. Neither expected the other to be the one thing they can’t walk away from.