---
Beast.
That’s what they call me.
I can’t blame them.
My face half-eaten by a dog, the hideous scars make people gasp and turn away.
Except for her.
Annika Popov. A sheltered Bratva princess who has never seen me.
I’d like to keep it that way.
A glorified thug and interrogator, I work for her family. Doing despicable things. Luckily, my ugly face does most of my work.
Annika is off-limits. The boss’s daughter. She doesn’t know I watch her secretly. Or that I weave fantasies around her. I know I can never act on them.
When Annika’s life is threatened, her father gives me an unexpected task: take her to the lake house and protect her at all costs.
I take my job very seriously.
I am her elusive protector, staying in the shadows.
Until her curiosity brings her closer.
Suddenly, Annika sees the Beast.
But I’m no threat to her.
She has no idea what is hunting her.
Or that the true beast is closing in.
And I’m all that stands between her and danger.