Maksim Nikiforov became the most ruthless Pakhan in St. Petersburg at nineteen by killing his own father and taking his place, and since then no one has seen the face behind his mask.
To silence rumors that threaten his rule, he cancels a drunk's gambling debt in exchange for the man's daughter, expecting a distant wife he can control.
Anya Voronova was raised in violence and forged by the brutality of Russian ballet; after an accident destroyed her career, she has nothing left to lose.
Maksim wanted a trophy and instead met the one woman who will not flinch from him.
A marriage meant to be convenient turns into obsession, and he will not allow anyone to endanger the bride he claimed.
