Kain Kessler created a life defined by control, ink, and the belief that love is a weakness he can’t afford. But when Eva Collins crashes into his life, his entire world is turned upside down, sparking a fierce devotion he never expected. When a brutal kidnapping drags Eva into Kain’s dangerous past, he realizes there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep her safe. Readers who crave high-stakes, he-falls-first, age-gap romances will fall head over heels for Etched in Ink, a steamy billionaire romantic suspense from Nadia Han.
She is the flower soothing my soul, and I am the thorn protecting her.
With dark secrets etched in his soul and on his skin, Kain Kessler is a talented tattoo artist who does not believe in love. But that belief changes when he meets a beautiful woman who stuns him on the spot. He’s determined to make her his, even after she rejects him.
An eager and resourceful young florist, Eva Collins dreams of owning her own flower shop—and that’s all she wants. One serious heartbreak was enough for her . . . until a family member sets her up with an irresistible man who’s much older than her. When she’s kidnapped and tossed into the terrifying underbelly of a black market operation, she gathers every ounce of courage to survive.
Eva wants nothing more than to erase the cruelty Kain has suffered, and all he wants is to protect the woman he loves from the darkness that wants them both dead.
Excerpt
Copyright 2026, Nadia Han
Her POV
“You’re older than me by sixteen years. Don’t you want a woman closer to your age?”
“I go by feelings.” He lifted a shoulder. “Besides, being older means I have a lot to teach you.” A wicked smile stretched across his handsome face. “Is there anything you’d like to learn? To know?”
I want to know what it’s like to kiss you.
But I was too embarrassed to say that out loud, especially when my grandfather was just around the corner, probably eavesdropping.
As though Kain understood, he leaned in and whispered, “I’ve imagined doing so many things to you. Very inappropriate things that would have your grandfather kicking me out right now if he knew.” His warm breath caressed my skin, and tingles rushed through me. “Give me the chance to show you.”
Gathering myself, I touched his cheek. “Why are you still single?”
“Like I told your grandfather, I’m waiting for the right woman. I haven’t wanted anyone as much as I want you.”
His honesty warmed me, and I didn’t know what to say. Some people might not be concerned about the big age gap between us, but I was. Kain was an experienced man. Would he get bored talking to someone like me who hadn’t seen life as much as he had? Would he move on after one date?
Give him one date. You have nothing to lose.
Accompanying him at the event would allow me to get to know him.
Before I could reply, Grandpa walked into the room groaning. I knew from his facial expression that he’d been eavesdropping.
“My back is sore from all the cooking.” He stretched to the side. “I heard something about a banquet? In case you’re thinking about inviting me, I won’t be able to make it. I’ve got a bingo game going on with my friend Emilio. You kids go and have fun.”
“It’s not until next week, Grandpa.” Apparently, my grandfather had a friend who lived in my building but forgot to mention it.
“Oh.” He looked up at the ceiling, pretending he’d forgotten something. But I knew the wheels in his head were spinning fast. Looking back at me, he said, “Maybe you can take one of his self-defense lessons and come home to show me. You’re home all week.” He turned to Kain. “Do you have time to squeeze my granddaughter in?”
“I always have time for Eva.”
“I’ll give you my bingo winnings as a thank you.”
Oh my God.
“No need for that,” Kain said, probably suppressing a laugh. “Thank you for lunch.”
I looked at Kain, and an amused glance passed between us—Grandpa had just set me up on a date at the gym. My grandfather was such a troublemaker.
“Thank you for the cupcakes, Kain. I’ll be having one tonight.” Grandpa went back to the kitchen, leaving me alone with Kain again.
“I can’t believe this,” I muttered.
“I can.” Kain looked down the hallway. “He’s a smart man. He knows what’s best for his granddaughter.”
“Is that so?”
“Meet me at the gym tomorrow and you’ll find out.”
About Nadia Han
I write swoonworthy, sophisticated, and suspenseful romance for readers who love protective heroes, sassy heroines, and twisty plots. I live in New England with my husband and two creative children. My love for mysticism, astrology, astronomy, K-Dramas, C-Dramas, true crime TV shows, cats, and nature are sprinkled throughout my stories. When I’m not writing, Ispend time with my family, create art, practice yoga, read, explore nature, and eat all kinds of foods.
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