Love wasn't part of the deal. But obsession never asks permission.

Marco Ricci doesn't believe in love.

Not when his life is consumed by running the family's multibillion-dollar empire-an empire his older brother Enzo walked away from. As the second oldest, the weight of the Ricci legacy falls on his shoulders. He keeps his twin younger brothers in line, protects his baby sister fiercely, and makes sure the Ricci name commands respect. Love? It's a distraction he can't afford.

Until a deal is struck.

A family friend makes an unexpected offer to Marco's father-one that will alter the course of Marco's life forever.

Naomi Miller has always been the obedient daughter.

At 24, she's lived under the thumb of her powerful father, multimillionaire Doug Miller. Reserved, intelligent, and endlessly polite, Naomi dreams not of high society galas or power plays-but of sugar, flour, and sweet freedom. She wants to open a bakery and finally live life on her own terms.

But instead, she's handed over in a marriage arrangement...

To none other than Marco Ricci.

He's ruthless.

She's gentle.

He doesn't want a wife.

She doesn't want a cage.

But what happens when obligation turns to obsession?

And when two strangers bound by duty begin to burn with something far more dangerous?