Forged In Fire
In Chicago's underworld, power is currency and loyalty is bought in blood.
Jameson Connelly needs a wife to claim his throne. Catarina Vitale needs an escape from her gilded cage. Their arranged marriage should be simple—a business transaction, nothing more. Except nothing about this is simple.
To the world, Catarina is the perfect Italian princess: refined, untouchable, ornamental. The truth is far more dangerous. She's been trained since childhood to wield blades with lethal precision, her family's most lethal weapon hidden behind designer dresses and polite smiles. When Jameson discovers her midnight blade work and weapons collection, all bets are off.
He's grumpy, commanding, and impossibly sexy—everything she shouldn't want. She's lethal, sarcastic, and hiding secrets that could shatter his world. The attraction between them is instantaneous and absolutely forbidden.
But their marriage has painted targets on both families' backs. Rival factions circle like sharks, and assassination attempts multiply as quickly as the stolen glances between newlyweds. When Jameson's uncle emerges as a threat from within, Cat must decide how far she'll go to protect the man she's sworn to resent. And Jameson must choose between the empire he's always wanted and the woman he never expected to need.
In a world where trust is weakness and love is a liability, they'll have to forge something stronger than steel to survive.
A gritty slow-burn mafia romance featuring grumpy meets curvy, sharp banter, dangerous secrets, and the kind of tension that burns hotter than any fire.
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Chapter: The Collucci InsultJAMESONThe interrogation room was cold and sterile, designed that way intentionally. The two Collucci brothers sat across from me, hands cuffed to the table, defiant smirks on their bruised faces."So let me get this straight," I said, leaning back in my chair. "You expected to drug me, force me to sign a contract breaking ties with the Vitales, and somehow walk away from this?""We acted alone," the older one said. "No Russian involvement, no outside funding. We wanted the Vitale territory. Simple business.""Simple business," I repeated, shaking my head. "You thought you could waltz into a restaurant, drug the head of the Irish family, and walk out with a signed contract. You didn't account for my wife. You didn't account for the fact that she'd burn the entire city to the ground to protect me. That's not simple. That's stupidity."The younger one laughed—actually laughed—and started speaking rapid Italian to his brother. I caught maybe half of it, but what I did catch made my jaw
Last Updated: 2026-07-01
Chapter: Safe House Recovery"That's what I need to find out," Jameson said. "The Colluccis don't have the resources to pull off something this sophisticated on their own. Someone had to finance this operation, coordinate the logistics, brief them on the restaurant layout.""You think they have backing?""I think it's possible. Which is why we need to get back to the compound and interrogate those Collucci men. They'll know who's pulling the strings, who's funding them, whether this is part of something bigger.""And if they don't know?""Then we figure out who benefits from destabilizing the Connelly-Vitale alliance. Who has the resources and the motivation to orchestrate something like this." He paused, his expression hardening. "And we find out if this is just the beginning.""One problem," I said."What?""You're still half-drugged. You're not interrogating anyone in this state. You need at least another hour of rest, some food in your stomach, and probably a shower to help your body process the chemicals fas
Last Updated: 2026-06-28
Chapter: The Collucci TrapJAMESON The bedroom was tense as I dressed for the lunch meeting. Cat sat on the edge of the bed, still in her tank top and shorts, arms crossed over her chest. She hadn't spoken to me all morning. Not when I'd kissed her forehead. Not when I'd invited her to shower with me. Not even now, as I buttoned my shirt. "You're sure about this?" I asked, trying one more time. "I'm sure you're leaving me behind," she said flatly. "Because you're just getting your strength back. Because I need to know you're safe.""Mmhmm." I crossed the room and tilted her chin up so she'd look at me. "Cat, I'm coming back. This is just a business lunch." "With a family that wants to take over my father's territory." "Which is why I'm meeting with them. To see what they really want. To assess the threat level." S
Last Updated: 2026-06-27
Chapter: An InvitationJAMESONPatrick Fitzpatrick looked small in the interrogation room.That was my first thought when Declan hauled him in, zip-tied and terrified. The mid-level associate who I'd thought was solid, loyal, was now looking at the cold steel table like it might bite him."Leave us," I said to Declan."Sir—""I said leave."Once he was gone, I pulled out the chair across from Patrick and sat down slowly. Deliberately. I let the silence stretch between us, watching the way his eyes darted around the room like a cornered animal."Patrick," I said finally. "We need to talk about your Russian friends.""I don't know what you're talking about," he said, but his voice cracked."Really?" I leaned back in the chair. "Because we have evidence suggesting otherwise."He started sweating. Actual beads of sweat forming on his forehead."I swear, Mr. Connelly, I'
Last Updated: 2026-06-26
Chapter: Reclaiming The NightJAMESON"We'll find him," Declan said, studying the surveillance footage. "Give us a few hours."I wanted to argue, wanted to push forward, but I was exhausted. More than that, I was done. Done with Patrick, done with threats, done with everything except the woman standing quietly in the corner of the war room."No," I said, surprising myself. "Call it for the night. Send teams to his known locations, but nothing aggressive until morning. If he runs, we track him. We have time."Declan looked at me like I'd grown a second head. "You sure?"I glanced at Cat. She was watching me with an unreadable expression, but there was a slight curve to her lips that suggested she knew exactly what I was thinking."Yeah," I confirmed. "I'm sure. Get some rest. We reconvene at 0600."The team filed out quietly, sensing that their boss had reached his limit. I waited until the last man left b
Last Updated: 2026-06-25
Chapter: A Traitor Among UsJAMESONWe settled on the couch, and I pulled her close, needing to understand what had shifted during that meeting."Tell me everything," I said.Cat took a breath and laid it out: Viktor Volkov, the new Russian leader. More vicious. More vengeful. A direct threat not just to me, but to both families."Your father's not wrong," I said when she finished. "We do have a problem with loyalty. I've been discussing it with Declan. We've identified at least six men who were close to Isaac. Patrick Fitzpatrick is flagged as a priority suspect.""Fiona's father?" Cat's eyes narrowed."He has grievances," I confirmed. "And opportunity. Someone fed Isaac information about your schedule that day, Cat. Someone knew when you'd be on that road."She was quiet for a moment, processing."So we have external threats and internal ones," she said finally."And the two are
Last Updated: 2026-06-24
The Last Strike
I shoot to my feet and practically scream, “She?!? They’re sending a woman?”
I suddenly hear the sound of heels clicking on the floor, and turn to see a pair of eyes I never thought I’d be seeing again.
“Yes, Tate, they sent a woman. I’ve been hired to save your sorry ass,” she calmly states with a look of disgust in her ocean blue eyes.
****
What will happen when Ashton Tate, the scandal-ridden MVP second baseman, comes face-to-face with his ex-girlfriend, Elizabeth Mason, whom the team has hired to salvage his reputation and career?
Sparks are sure to fly when the two of them are forced to spend every waking moment together, in an effort to revamp his bad-boy image. Unresolved grudges, past heartache, and malicious former flames and rivals block the path to redemption at every turn.
Can Elizabeth help Ashton find his way back to the man he once was, or is this his last strikeout?
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Chapter: Love And MemoriesElizabeth’s POV:If someone asked me to name the most frequently asked question this week, I would say it’s who my maid of honor and bridesmaids will be. You can only imagine the look of shock on their faces when I answer that I, in fact, don’t have a maid of honor or any bridesmaids.I am a woman who has spent the past three years handling male athletes and living out of suitcases. Even in college, I was always with Ashton and Malcolm. All the other girls tended to dislike me for that very reason.I haven’t had many opportunities to befriend other women, and quite honestly, I’m much more comfortable with male friends. It’s just who I am.So when Malcolm mentioned that the team wanted to have a bachelor party for Ashton, everyone assumed I’d be having my own fun little bachelorette party as well.Instead, I’m spending the time in my apartment packing up odds and ends that haven’t already been moved over to the penthouse. A dusty scrapbook falls from the shelf behind me, falling open o
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: My MVPAshton’s POV:Three Months Later“Ashton, which event would be more amazing - winning the World Series or your upcoming wedding to Elizabeth?”I covered my face with my hands and shook my head in disbelief.Seriously? They want me to compare the two? We’re one win away from claiming the World Series Championship. My wedding to Elizabeth is a week away. I’m literally one of the busiest and happiest men on the planet right now.Elizabeth is sitting in the corner of the crowded room, watching me with a look of amusement on her beautiful face. She’s clearly waiting to hear my answer to this question.I rake a hand through my hair and grin.“I’m not sure any sane man would choose anything other than their upcoming wedding, especially when their loving fiancée is seated amongst the crowd.”The room filled with laughter, and the reporters turned their attention to where Liz was quietly sitting. She rolled her eyes at me as she addressed the crowd of reporters,“That’s my clever future husba
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: A Big DayAshton’s POV:“Elizabeth Marie Mason, if you don’t hurry up, we’re going to be late for the start of the memorial ceremony!”I poked my head in the bathroom door and watched as she fussed with her unruly curls. Her reflection in the mirror showed that her face was scrunched up in frustration, which I found adorable.She huffed, “Charles has been planning this ceremony for a month now. The game is being featured as ESPN's game of the week. I need to look my best!”Liz’s eyes shot daggers at me as I couldn’t hold back my laughter.“Baby, you could throw on a burlap sack, and you’d still be the most beautiful woman in the stadium. Relax. This is going to be a very special day for you.”You don’t know just how special. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped back into our bedroom, letting her finish, and checked my phone.Malcolm: [Are you ready for today?]Ashton: [More than ready, but Liz is stressing herself out over her appearance right now. She’s been in the bathroom for thirty minu
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: Decisions To Be MadeElizabeth’s POV:“Ashton, honey, what do you mean Sports Illustrated wants us for a cover story? They just want you, right?”His grin reached across his face from ear to ear.“No, baby. The editor specifically requested both of us. They want to do the interview here at the penthouse, on Friday morning.”Seriously, what has my life become??We had only been back in Chicago for a week, and every day felt like a media circus. Apparently, I can’t even go to the grocery store anymore without people approaching me. It took me twenty minutes just to get out of the produce section yesterday, and now they want to put our picture on the cover of Sports Illustrated.Ashton must have sensed my growing apprehension because he was by my side within seconds, wrapping me up in his strong arms. He grazed my cheek with his lightly stubbled chin.“Breathe, love. It’s going to be great. I know you’re still adjusting to being in the spotlight, but you know I’m right here with you. Well, maybe not at the g
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: Like Her FatherElizabeth’s POV:Damn, these San Diego fans really love their gossip! I’ve spent the past half hour answering questions and taking selfies with the crowd seated next to me in the stands. Thankfully, they’ve all been very kind, and I’ve actually enjoyed interacting with them.I took a moment to glance out at the field and saw Ashton making his way towards my section. I hurried down to the first row to greet him.“I see you’re making friends with the local fans. I hope you’re not switching sides on me!”Playfully pinching his cheek, I smiled and assured him, “You and the Grizzlies always have my heart, Tate. Though I do love the weather out here.”Ashton reached up and tickled my waist, causing me to squeal like a little schoolgirl. Everyone was now watching us.“Well, maybe we can vacation here in the off-season.”I leaned over the wall to kiss him. “Maybe. For now, focus on winning this game.”He threaded his hand through my hair, pulling me in closer for a deeper kiss. Giving the fa
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
Chapter: Make It OfficialAshton’s POV:Malcolm: [Bro, I just watched the press conference. Did you just basically admit to the world that you plan on proposing to Lizzy?]Ashton: [I haven’t planned anything yet, but yes, I want to marry Liz. Don’t tell her, though!]Malcolm: [My lips are sealed, buddy, but you know everyone’s going to be watching you like a hawk.]Ashton: [Trust me, I know. You had better be prepared to help me with all of it.]Malcolm: [You know I’ve got your back. When are you heading back to meet up with the team?]Ashton: [We’re flying out tonight. Lizzy is coming with us.]Malcolm: [Awesome! I’ll see the two of you when you get here.]I guess it’s time to figure out how to properly propose to the most incredible woman who deserves the world and then some. Liz was currently curled up next to me on the hotel bed, napping. I guess I should take the blame for her exhaustion. I didn’t allow her to get much sleep last night. Add in all the drama from today, and I couldn’t blame her for crashi
Last Updated: 2026-05-22
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