Chapter 1

Seraphina's POV

Morning light slipped through the curtains, and I slowly opened my eyes.

The man beside me was still asleep, his breathing steady. I sat up, studying him—sharp jawline, chiseled chest, and lips still flushed from my kisses last night.

Goddamn, he's way hotter than his photos.

Caspian Ashford, heir to the Ashford family's billion-dollar empire, New York's most eligible bachelor, now lying peacefully next to me.

Memories of last night flooded back—expensive champagne, heated glances, him calling me the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Pfft, men and their predictable sweet talk. A few drinks later, reason went out the window.

I smoothed my tousled chestnut hair, a $30,000 custom job to match my fake identity as the "Cross Investments heiress."

"Another idiot ruled by his dick," I muttered with a smirk. "Time to reel him in."

I slipped out of bed, barefoot on the cold floor. At twenty-six, I'd already ruined thirteen men. Caspian was number fourteen.

Grabbing my phone, I crept back to the bed. Caspian was still out, the sheet low on his hips, exposing his toned chest and abs. I switched to silent mode and snapped a few photos—his face, the marks we left on each other, the condom wrapper I'd strategically placed on the nightstand.

These shots could torch any high-society man's reputation.

Photos done, I started typing a "mission accomplished" text to my client, Madison Vale. By this afternoon, I'd vanish, leaving Caspian heartbroken and these photos as a ticking bomb.

Then my phone rang.

I glanced at the screen, frowning. Why the hell was Madison calling this early?

"Madison? What's up?" I whispered, hurrying to the bathroom.

"YOU IDIOT! You slept with the WRONG GUY!"

Madison Vale's scream nearly blew out my eardrum. I froze, my brain buzzing.

"What do you mean, wrong guy?" My voice sharpened.

"Caspian Ashford! He's NOT the target!" she shrieked. "The target's Phoenix! Phoenix Ashford, his TWIN BROTHER!"

FUCK.

I stared at the photos on my phone—now useless, a liability instead of a weapon. My first screw-up in my entire career.

"Damn it, the intel got mixed up," I hissed.

"The intel was FINE! You were too impatient!" Madison's voice dripped venom. "They're twins! You should've confirmed his identity! Phoenix is still training in Miami, and you're there screwing his brother!"

I'd botched everything. Madison Vale, former pro tennis coach and once a top sports agent, had gone unhinged after Phoenix Ashford rejected her. She'd paid me five million to ruin him.

"Listen, I can fix this—"

"SHUT UP!" she cut me off. "Seraphina Cross—if you don't finish the job in ONE WEEK, I won't just withhold the rest of your payment, I'll make sure every high-end client knows you're a FAILURE."

The line went dead, leaving only the piercing busy tone.

I glared at my reflection in the mirror, chest heaving. That bitch Madison, threatening ME? But first, I had to deal with Caspian.

"Baby, up so early?"

A low, magnetic voice came from behind. In the mirror, I saw Caspian stroll in, wearing a black silk robe, his muscles teasing through the thin fabric. His piercing gray eyes were fully awake.

"Morning, darling," I said, turning with a smile.

But Caspian's gaze set off alarms in my head. It wasn't the lust-drunk look from last night—it was a predator's stare, calm, sharp, and possessive. His eyes roamed over me, from my face to my collarbone, and lower…

"Where're you going?" He stepped closer. "You promised me the whole day yesterday."

"Just a quick shower, then I'll make you breakfast," I said, keeping my cool.

Damn it, why did his presence make me nervous? I'm a pro!

"No need." He pulled me into his arms, his grip like steel around my waist. "The staff can handle breakfast. All I need is you."

His body heat was scorching, his chest hard as stone. The mix of his woody cologne and raw masculine scent made my head spin.

"Caspian, I—"

"You're not going anywhere," he murmured, his fingers grazing my cheek. "From the moment I saw you last night, you were mine."

His thumb brushed my lower lip, and I saw the dark fire in his eyes—pure, dangerous desire.

Pathetic possessiveness, I scoffed inwardly. But you'll be useful soon enough.

I rose on my toes, kissing him. His kiss was fierce, his tongue claiming my mouth, stealing my breath. I could feel his hardening bulge pressing against me.

"I'm all yours, darling," I whispered against his lips. "Always."

Caspian's breathing hitched. In one swift move, he pinned me against the bathroom counter.

Before I could react, he thrust into me, his thick cock filling me completely, no warning. I gasped, gripping the counter's edge as he moved, each deep thrust hitting my core, a tidal wave of pain and pleasure.

"Seraphina…" he growled my name, hands gripping my hips, pulling me closer, each thrust nearly suffocating.

I clenched my teeth, my body betraying me, moving in sync with him, my walls tightening around his heat and power.

This game just got a lot messier—and a hell of a lot more dangerous.

But I'm Seraphina Cross, the best emotional assassin in the game. I don't back down from any challenge.