When it came time for Kendrick "XL" Patton to pick between life and death, he chose me.

But with a life-threatening health diagnosis looming over me, I was already prepared to meet my maker.

Until he offered to marry me to save my life.

Talk about a plot twist.

Initially, I thought the idea was foolish.

Who the hell marries a stranger to get health insurance?

I do, apparently, and in more ways than one.

It's only a marriage on paper. It doesn't mean anything.

But as we settle into our secret arrangement, our chemistry becomes impossible to ignore, like a slow-smoldering fire that only strengthens.

Living in such close proximity makes it hard to turn a blind eye to how good his soft lips feel against mine or how his rugged hands grip me like he'll never let go.

Before long, our hearts refuse to be ignored, taking control and leading us into uncharted waters.

Who knows, maybe becoming Mrs. Patton might be the best mistake I ever made.

A Gangsta's Love Language is a standalone novel and part of the Patton Brothers series.