Book excerpt: I thought killing Daniel would secure my bond with Carmen. I believed I had finally claimed her as mine. But just when I thought I was safe, the feds started sniffing around, and everything began to crumble. Now, I’m playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse, trying to dodge the law while keeping her close. Each day is a new risk, and I can feel the pressure closing in around me. I won’t let them take her away from me. I can’t. Carmen is caught in the chaos of my world. She feels my pull, but the darkness surrounding me scares her. As the feds ramp up their investigation, I watch her struggle with her feelings. I can see her being pulled deeper into my life, and I know it’s a dangerous place to be. I have to confront my violent past and make hard choices to protect her. But will I be able to outsmart the authorities, or will the shadows I’ve created tear us apart? Every decision I make could lead to our doom, and I’m left wondering if love can survive in a world filled with darkness.