Crimson Sins — Wendy Owens

Lev, the scarred and tormented brother of Alexei Ivanov, bears the physical and emotional scars of a childhood fire and the subsequent abandonment by his father. His pursuit of vengeance resulted in five years in a psychiatric facility. Desperate to escape the shackles of hatred and self-loathing, he seeks solace in the arms of a sex worker. But not just any—Serena is a dominatrix whose therapeutic approach reveals an uncanny understanding of Lev's deep-seated traumas. Driven by a fervent desire for change, Lev makes a radical proposal: Serena moves in with him and makes him her only client to expedite the healing. This unusual living arrangement opens the door to a world of new experiences for Lev, challenging his perceptions of power, trust, control, and emotional openness. Simultaneously, Serena finds an unexpected refuge from a dangerous ex who has been relentlessly stalking her—a peril she hadn't disclosed to Lev. Alexei, witnessing his brother's transformation and grappling with the expansion of his own family, contemplates Lev's reintegration into their lives. But the road to reconciliation is fraught with obstacles. Lev must prove that he can transcend his past and become a man worthy of forgiveness.