Scarlett Petrova has always dreamed of freedom-of a life she chooses, of a love that ignites her soul. At twenty-four, she never imagined her world would be ripped from her hands, replaced with a life she didn't want, with a man she was raised to fear. Roman Volkov, twenty-eight, ruthless, untouchable, and dangerous, is everything she's been warned against-and now, everything she's forced to live with.Their marriage is a contract, a trap designed to control, to bend her to a world of power, violence, and loyalty she doesn't understand. Hatred should come easy. Fear should keep her safe. And yet, in the shadows of Roman's touch, desire flickers, raw and undeniable. Love was never meant to exist here. But neither was the pull between them.As betrayal, secrets, and danger close in from every side, Scarlett must fight for her independence, her heart, and the chance at a love that isn't tainted by duty or fear. In a world where trust is a weapon, and passion is a risk that could kill, can she survive-and will she ever find the freedom and love she's always longed for?BOOK ONE THE "e;CHAOS"e; SERIES