Nia

I’ve spent the last two years beside Dante Ross, my best friend and the man my heart begged me to love. But I never told him. Not because I don’t feel it, but because I can’t imagine a man like him wanting someone like me. Being best friends with the son of the Atlanta Ventures’ owner has taught me a lot – like how to handle a man who’s charming, frustrating and utterly irresistible. As I dig deeper into a government corruption case that threatens everything I believe in, I start uncovering more than just ugly truths about power and control. So when he asks me to be his fake girlfriend, I say yes … with rules. And these rules can never break, no matter how much Dante tempts me.

Dante

I’ve loved Nia since the very moment we met. Smart, fierce, and beautiful, she’s the one I’ve been waiting for even if I never let her know that. Pretending to date her was supposed to protect my career, and maybe finally make her see what she means to me. We set rules. We tried to keep our hearts in check, but maybe some feelings aren’t meant to be controlled. Every stolen glance and every heated touch makes the line between fake and real blur. I’ll do whatever it takes to help, protect, and stand beside her—even if it means getting tangled in Atlanta’s mess right along with her. Can we convince the world we’re just pretending, or will this mission reveal feelings that are too powerful to ignore?

ADRIENNE

Life is about new experiences—so being offered the role of Unit Chief of the Profiling and Investigation Unit, was a life-changing decision. Everything is finally falling into place. Or so I thought. When I’m assigned to handle a case that could make or break the future of our department, I discover that there’s more at stake than I ever imagined.With my partner, Evan Andrews, and our talented team, I’m determined to uncover the secrets threatening everything we’ve worked for. As the case unfolds, I find myself distracted by something unexpected—the undeniable chemistry between Evan and me. He’s everything I never saw coming, especially with those unofficial dates, the secret hot chocolates, and how he makes my heart race when he enters a room.

Love wasn’t part of my plan when I took this job, yet with every passing day, I can’t ignore that our connection feels real—and that terrifies me.

EVAN

My goals are simple: prove myself to the board and continue to serve my community. What was not on my list; completely fall for my partner Adrienne Cross. Adrienne is everything I never knew I needed. She’s strong, brilliant, and captivating in every way. Working alongside her on this high-stakes case makes me want to protect her even more, even if it costs me my life.This case might be our most dangerous mission yet, but winning Adrienne’s heart? That’s a challenge I never saw coming. Now, I have two missions: solve this case and fight for a future with the woman who is constantly on my mind. But will I succeed or will I fail?