He's a hardened ex-criminal. She's a stranger to his world.

Adrik Volkov worked hard to wipe the slate clean of his criminal past for his sake and his brother's. Bringing Volkov Industries into the 21st century has taken everything he's got.

But it's been worth it. His company's patented mining techniques for harvesting rare earth metals used in electronics and smart tech have made him a billionaire.

Instead of breaking legs and taking names, he's attending parties with people he neither likes nor understands. It's all part of his new title.

But money can't erase his harsh upbringing. Once a brawler, always a brawler.

Those skills come in handy when he sees a woman being accosted at one of the ritzy, booze filled gatherings he must attend. Sofia DiFalco was more than just a damsel in distress.

The curvy stranger made his body buzz with desire and his hard heart beat a little faster. From the second he saw her, Adrik wanted only one thing.

Sofia in his bed. But after one tantalizing night, she disappears without a trace.

He tries to forget her, but she's an obsession, and he just can't let go. .