"Ren's warm forehead presses against mine, and I feel his breath tickle my cheek as he speaks. "I could lose myself in the scent of your skin," he murmurs, tracing the curve of my cheek with his nose. His lips brush against mine in a gentle kiss, and he continues, "the taste of your lips," savoring each word. With a soft sigh, he places his hand over my heart, feeling its rapid beat. "And the rhythm of your heart beating against mine," he says, his voice barely above a whisper." "You'll be the ruin of me, won't you?" Gianna Marconi is a force to be reckoned with. She's fiercely independent, with a sharp mind and stunning beauty. But being the daughter of one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in the world comes with its own set of challenges. As much as Gianna tries to distance herself from her father's dangerous world, she can't escape the constant threat of danger that comes with his enemies. And now, her father has made the ultimate move to protect her - he's hired a bodyguard. Renato 'Ren' Volta is a seasoned bodyguard with years of experience protecting some of the most high-profile individuals. But Gianna Marconi may be his toughest assignment yet. She's determined to live her life on her own terms, and she's not about to let anyone, especially a bodyguard, hold her back. As they navigate the dangerous world of power and wealth, Gianna and Ren find themselves drawn to each other in ways they never expected. Will they be able to protect each other, not just from external threats, but from the growing attraction between them? This story contains mature content. 18+ only. This is book 1 in The Vice and Virtue Collection [Started: 01/24/2023] [Ended: 03/27/2023] [Editing started: 02/27/2024] [Final Version Posted: ]