Brutal Vows

Capo to the Luciano Famiglia was my birthright. The cruelty needed to succeed in this life has been beaten into me since I was a young boy. My father, Vincent Luciano, taught by example and with the slap of his hand. My independent streak took me down paths my father would never have gone. With our enemies gaining strength, it is my idea to attempt an alliance with an unlikely bedfellow. The Roríguez Cartel and the Luciano Famiglia are improbable partners, yet even Vincent Luciano can’t deny the possible benefits. The only way to solidify the deal is for me to marry Catalina Ruiz.

As the only daughter of the Kansas City capo, at eighteen years of age, I was given to the son of my father’s consigliere, a man who was expected to accomplish great things for the famiglia. Things didn’t go the way we planned. There wasn’t love. My husband was a traitor, a part of a coup against the famiglia. My husband is dead. I’m free. Until the fateful night my brother, our new capo, informs me that I’ve once again been promised in marriage.

Camila Ruiz is the youngest daughter of Andres Ruiz, a top lieutenant in the Roríguez cartel. From the first moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I wanted her. She is too young and fragile to be with a man like me, a killer, and criminal. I don’t deserve a woman like Camila. Taking her would be to ruin her.

Mafia/cartel, arranged marriage, forbidden, possessive hero, sheltered heroine, he falls first, dangerous romance. Reinaldo Rodríguez. Emiliano Ruiz. Both are dangerous, deadly, and powerful. Both are second-generation soldiers proving themselves in the Rodríguez cartel. Both want me. Of course, I wasn’t told until it was too late. That’s the way things work in the famiglia. My fate is up to Dario Luciano, my guardian. He doesn’t care about the way the men make me feel.

The Roríguez cartel is spinning out of control, tragedy putting the alliance and our future in question. I’m Emiliano Ruiz and throughout the last few years, I’ve witnessed my sisters being doled out to members of the Luciano Mafia. The cartel has also taken famiglia women. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Luciano famiglia’s turn to take a bride. My mind is set—it’s my turn.

As a newly declared lieutenant in the Roríguez cartel, I’m told I need a wife. The cartel allegiance with the Luciano family has mandated multiple matrimonial mergers. However, I’m not looking for a wife in the true sense of the word. Liliana Ruiz has been in my life for years. I’d never before looked at her as a woman to pursue. When I first met her, she was damaged and timid. Time allowed Liliana to grow into not only a beautiful woman, but an independent soul. She doesn’t want to marry, yet the time will come when it isn’t her choice.