Mountain of the Gods by M.E. Clayton

What’s worse than sacrificing yourself for your loved ones?
Finding out that your sacrifice is all for nothing.

Aurelio
As the consigliere to the Sartori Crime Family, Aurelio Provenza wanted for nothing. Without any parents or siblings, it’d been an easy decision to join the Sartoris, even as young as he’d been. With a determination that seeped into his bones, he’d risen in the ranks quickly, and not only was he the voice of reason for the entire family, but the Sartori Boss was also his best friend.
With the world at his fingertips, Aurelio can’t see how things could get any better. The organization was flourishing under their new reign, and there was even an unofficial understanding of peace with the other organizations at the moment. While some might argue that the only thing missing from his life was a wife and kids, he didn’t see things that way. In fact, he’d be perfectly happy if he never had either.

Savina
As the only child of Paulo Valentine, Savina Valentine had been raised to respect what it meant to be in the Mafia and to take her rightful place in that world when the time came. Surrounded by men in suits her entire life, she’d known exactly what would be expected of her, and she’d also known enough to recognize that she’d wanted more from life, no matter the cost.

With the world thinking that she had it made, Savina wonders how she had ever let things get this far. To the outside world, she was a successful real estate agent, lived in a luxurious brownstone, and was dating the son of a very prominent congressman, making future possibilities endless for the power couple. In fact, looking at her life, she’d be a fool to complain about anything.

When the truth isn’t at all what it seems…
Just as Aurelio believes that Savina Valentine is out of his life for good, she shows up unexpectedly, seeking him out, but he finds that he really couldn’t care less why. After all, no matter how much he might still love her, he has no plans on experiencing heartbreak for a second time in his life.
Just as Savina believes that there might be some hope, she realizes that the Aurelio Provenza that she used to know no longer exists, and in his place is a complete stranger. After all, no matter how much she might deserve it, she still prays for a mercy that will probably never be granted.
When Aurelio is ordered to find out why Savina is back in Sartori territory, the truth is more shocking than he could have ever expected. After uncovering secrets upon secrets, they both find themselves in a position where they’ll either have to fight or walk away for good, and both options aren’t good.

Note: This book contains adult situations, adult language, sexually explicit encounters, violence, sexual assault, degradation, domestic violence, guns, graphic violence, mention of drugs and prostitution, murder, and cheating (not of main characters). If sensitive to any of the aforementioned issues, please do not purchase.