At twenty-two, Damian Whitmore is the heir to one of South Carolina’s oldest old-money dynasties. Standing 6’5” with dark hair, emerald-green eyes, and a powerful build from years of boxing, he’s incredibly strong, dangerously handsome, and known for his explosive temper. Forced by his father, Robert Whitmore, to attend college before inheriting the family empire, Damian is used to getting whatever—and whoever—he wants. Until he meets the one woman completely unimpressed by his wealth, charm, or reputation.

At twenty-five, Ramiro Montenegro is the quiet opposite of Damian. Standing 6’5” with blond hair, striking gray eyes, an athletic build, and intricate black-and-gray tattoos covering most of his body, he has an intimidating appearance but a calm, protective nature. Born into one of the country’s oldest old-money families, Ramiro was raised with loyalty, honor, and discipline. As Leonardo’s lifelong best friend, he has been part of the De la Vega family since childhood and has watched Leonardo’s younger sister grow up. When she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend to escape college gossip and unwanted attention, he agrees without hesitation. What begins as a simple favor slowly becomes something much more complicated as the line between pretending and real feelings begins to disappear.

At twenty-five, Leonardo De la Vega is calm, loyal, and protective of his younger sister, with dark hair and striking eyes