Love Without Permission

My studies in Paris took my art, my confidence, and the future I thought was mine. So I come to New York to hide from everyone who still thinks I’m in France. This is my chance to figure out who I am when no one else is deciding for me.

Unfortunately, my brother still thinks he gets a vote. He asks his morally gray billionaire friend to keep me out of trouble, with one very clear warning: I’m off-limits.

Instead, the notorious playboy hires me as his girlfriend.

His next business venture depends on convincing the world he’s changed. I need space from my family. He gets a respectable girlfriend. I get my freedom.

Except Nico Lock doesn’t do anything gently. He closes every exit and dares you to stay. His idea of protection is obsession.

New York is my chance at freedom, and I won’t let the controlling bastard take that away from me.

It doesn’t matter that he looks at me like he’s already decided I belong to him. That his teasing makes me forget I’m supposed to hate him. Or that every perfectly tailored suit makes me wonder what he looks like without one.

Maybe I develop a tiny attraction, but that’s all.

Our worlds are miles apart. I raise money at charity galas. He makes money in businesses respectable people pretend don’t exist.

Fake dating Nico Lock was supposed to solve both our problems.

It only gave him permission to become one of mine.