Socially awkward software engineer Allie isn't looking for romance when she moves to New York City to escape her insufferable ex and start over. But then she meets Dacian, her dominant, bad-boy neighbor, who makes her feel things she's never experienced before. She's helplessly drawn to him despite his dark side... or perhaps because of it. Dacian isn't looking for complication in his life. His traumatic past has left him resolved to avoid dating, but when Allie stumbles into his life and makes him feel things again, he quickly finds himself devolving into obsession with her despite his best efforts to keep her at bay. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but can Dacian overcome his past to secure a future worth living? Or will his demons destroy his one chance at happiness? ********* "You are the most arrogant, self-centered, callous asshole - " She abruptly cut off as Dacian approached until he stood directly in front of her, and then leaned both hands on the wall to either side of her head. The brick was cold against her back but she could feel Dacian's body heat radiating toward her. "Wh-what are you doing?" she stammered. "Waiting for you to keep telling me how much you dislike me," he murmured, staring at her mouth like it was a glass of water and he was parched. ********* Ranked #3 in Dominance on 01/28/2023 [[word count: 70,000 - 80,000 words]]