Tortured Crown

HAYLEY

Heartless. That's what he is.

Yes, he's pretty to look at with his hard body, chiseled jawline, and towering height. And yes, he may charm others with his stoic and confident demeanor, making them feel safe under his guidance as he takes them under his wing-but I know better.

It's all fake. Nothing more than a facade to draw you in, just close enough to rip your heart out and leave you for dead.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice... Yeah. That's not happening. He thinks me a thief and a liar? Well, then, that's just what I'll do. I'm stealing his soul and dragging it to the pits of hell with me, right where it belongs.



MATTHEW

I can't help but be drawn to her.

She's smart, beautiful, ambitious... and unfortunately, completely off-limits.

But I will not fall. I cannot fall.

Not only is she way too young, she's the enemy. Hayley may have fooled them all with her act of innocence and virtue, but I see her for what she really is, and no matter how tempting she becomes, I will not give in to her trap of seduction.

She's a thief-the mole putting our family in danger. They can't see it, but I do, and I'll die proving it if I have to.