martha mccauley

"Stop calling me that," he muttered. "Max. To you, it's Max." His fingers slid from my wrist to my palm, and then, slowly, he brought my hand to his chest, pressing it over his heartbeat. I froze. "You're not them," he repeated, quieter this time. "You're Ava." Something inside me cracked. I should have walked away. I should have left him in that car. But instead, I leaned in. And when I kissed him, he didn't pull away. His lips were warm, his breath slow and deep as he let me in. His hand tightened around mine, anchoring me to him. I was holding onto him- even if just for tonight. *** She was his perfect assistant. He was her forbidden obsession. For years, Ava has been the invisible force behind Max- his shadow, his confidante, the woman who knows him better than anyone. But when Max orders her to buy an engagement ring for his fiancée, Ava's built walls crumble. Until one night. A mistake. A passion too dangerous to ignore. He swore their night meant nothing. She vowed never to be seen again. Bound by duty, Max has no choice but to follow his family's demands—to marry the perfect woman from the perfect family. His life is not his own. His choices are not his own. At her lowest, Ava finds an unexpected savior. Wealthy, powerful, and… he also happens to be Max's brother. Ava never thought she'd cross paths with another Anderson. And Max never thought he'd crave what he let slip away.