Torched Spades

Never flirt with fireMy life implodes when arsonist, Johnny Malone, shows up at my office, flipping a playing card between his fingers like I'm wasting his time.Me—his court-appointed psychiatrist.The one tasked with controlling his deadly urges.The one whose questions he evades every visit...All while undressing me with dark eyes that drown me in forbidden lust.I fight to keep things professional, but ethical lines blur...And his charm overshadows his inner demons.Ones with no family, no friends, and no past...Just a standing Tuesday appointment.He's hiding from something...And I intend to find out what.I've always had strict rules about men:No liars. No patients. No criminals.In one afternoon, I broke all three.They say you should never flirt with fire...Now I know why.*Torched Spades is book 1 in the Marchesi Empire trilogy and is not a standalone. Book two, Tortured Hearts releases 8/11/25.