Damaged Intentions — Monica Walters

Trying to be there for someone that just refuses to do right can be difficult and taxing on the mental. Kema Richardson Semien understands this predicament well, because the love of her entire life has put her in the middle of all his toxicity. After dating in high school and breaking up due to Philly's involvement with drugs, Kema decides to focus on her rodeo career, not giving another man a second look. When Philly enters her life again, over ten years later, it's because his brother has married one of her best friends. Convincing her he'd left the streets behind and was now the owner of a successful mechanic shop, she succumbs to how she still feels for him and gives him a second chance. After marrying him and loving the life they were creating together, she finds out that they are living a lie. Philly never left the streets, and she has some serious decisions to make.Philly Semien has been the local supplier for years and as his street pharmacy expands its reach, he knows that he is in the position to take over all of Southeast Texas. However, the one thing he wants is to have Kema Richardson. He vows that he will do whatever he has to do to get her, including fabricating stories to deceive her. When his truth is discovered, Philly doesn't know which way to turn. He knows that he is wrong for lying to his only love, but he doesn't know how to run the streets and give her what she wants simultaneously. There isn't room for both, especially since the lifestyle and Kema are like oil and water. His heart is begging for her forgiveness, but it is also longing for that adrenaline rush he gets from the fast money the drug game offers.Kema loves Philly with everything in her, but she knows she can't continue the path they are on. Philly has deceived her and betrayed her love in the process. Philly realizes that life just isn't worth living without Kema, but will he be able to convince her that his intentions are pure?