Hide, Little Thief: An Enemies to Lovers Why Choose Masked Men Stalker Dark Romance Novella

by Scarlett Croft

“You can’t hide from me, little thief.” I thought I was safe. I was wrong.
Turns out stealing from one of the most dangerous Mafia families in London has consequences. They sent their most ruthless enforcer after me. A lethal man with a skull mask covering his face, rough hands, and a voice that sounds like sin.
The first time Reaper caught me was in an abandoned church in the middle of nowhere. That night I might have been on my knees praying, but certainly not to God.
Now he’s back, set to punish me and grab the files I stole from his boss. If I don’t play by his rules, I risk losing everything—including my life.
He didn’t come alone, though. This time, he’s brought a friend with him.
I survived Reaper once, but can I survive not only one but two dangerous masked men intent on ruining me?

This is a steamy why choose novella set in the Deadly Universe with a HFN. This dark mafia romance can be read as a standalone or as part of the Deadly Shorts series.

Genres: Dark Romance

53 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2026

About the author

Scarlett Croft writes spicy dark mafia romance packed with high-stakes action, twisted obsession, and unapologetically lethal love stories. Her books feature morally grey anti-heroes, women just as dangerous as the men who desire them, mafia empires, assassins, sizzling chemistry, and fierce enemies-to-lovers tension.

When she’s not writing and emotionally wrecking her readers (you’re welcome!), she's surviving on strong coffee and good books, rewatching her favorite comfort movies, planning her next trip, or plotting her next deadly romance.

Welcome to the Deadly Universe.

You might want to check your morals at the door. 🖤

Reviews

[Rayrayreadsxo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wham bam thank you ma'am

This was a quick and dirty novella. If that's not what you were going for then this isn't for you lol

[LollyDolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️. So in book one, thief Riven met the skull mask wearing Reaper, the mafia enforcer. His job was to retrieve what she stole, but he ended up giving her orgasms instead. Good times 🤭😮‍💨 She eventually evaded his clutches after said orgasms, left him a sassy note and off she popped. Now he is back..... but this time he has brought a friend. 😏🤭 anddd what do you know, he is also wearing a mask. Must be a standard issue thing 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

This is a smutty good time, very short and very much to the point 🤭 but that aside I am also pretty intrigued to see where this is going next. What was on those files she stole? Is she actually going to be killed or just given more orgasms? And will there be another masked man? I need answers to these very important questions in the Halloween themed next book😂😂 I will absolutely be picking it up when it is released.❤️

[Jasmine Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with Riven and the Reaper for another spicy novella ;) Riven thought she got away from the Reaper but he has returned for those files and this time he has brought along his friend named Ghost o: so this time not only do we have one masked man but now we have TWO!!! Even better. This was another short and spicy good time. I’m loving these shorts because it is helping me with my reading slump… novellas are always a must.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting Reaper to add a friend. He doesn't seem like the type to share. I was a little surprised Riven thought she was free after escaping Reaper the first time though. She really thought they wouldn't come for her.

[The Poisoned Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular... Gimme 14 of 'em

Dirty, quick, and just what the doctor ordered.

[Briana Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rate: 5/5⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️

What to expect when reading ;
-Enemies x Lovers
-Why Choose (MFM)
-Dark Romance
-Mafia Enforcer x Thief
-Masked Men

This is book two of the Deadly shorts series! You get to continue to follow Riven and Reaper! Riven thinks she can hide, but the Reaper isn’t going to let her off the hook that easily.

We left off with Riven leaving the Reaper behind. Well he’s back and he has back up. This was just as spicy if not spicier than the first book. Riven and Reaper and their cat a mouse chase is so fun an entertaining. Reaper being possessive was something we didn’t get to see in the first novella and honestly I have so many different scenarios for them that I hope we get. I need the next two book because I honestly need more of


Favorite line:
•“Open sesame” 😂💀
•”I’ll never let you go, little thief. Not now, not ever”

#review #bookstagram #books #booklover

[TheCaffeinatedTBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Smut: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)

Scarlett Croft delivers another fantastic, fast-paced novella that is short, sweet, and absolutely packed with steam.

This installment continues with our FMC from book one. The Reaper tracks her down once again, but this time, he brings a friend along: Ghost. 🔥

If you love MFM romance with masked stalkers, this is the one for you! Both MMCs stay masked and we still have no idea what they look like. Bonus points go to Reaper for being unhinged and possessive too!

Because it's a quick novella, there's just one very steamy scene and it makes up about 60% of the story. Even with all the heat, the plot didn't feel like filler.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep yep yep this hit just like book 1 did. I am a sucker for a masked man why choose mafia romance so I just knew this was have me giggling and gasping.

Reaper has now found Riven and knows everything about her...so why not bring his friend Ghost in on the fun.

Ugh this was perfection and so sad I have to wait for the next 2 in the series because miss Scarlett Croft has put crack in these books honestly.

[Megan A Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book on the release and immediately read it! I am more obsessed after reading! I loved the quick read, the suspense, and spice! Amazing work Scarlett! Loved every word! I also love/hate that she gave me the first chapter for "Scream Little Thief" because it was so damn good! I can't wait for 3rd book to come out!

[AlexsReadingCave · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continues right where book one left off.
And we get a new addition to the series, a second mask men. Ummm….. yes please!!!

This book is definitely more spicy than book one
and honestly, I’m not mad at it. Finished this book in one sitting because it was too good to let go of.

Literally can’t wait for the series to continue to see where the story line goes.

[Kimberly | Copyeditor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hide Little Thief
Scarlett Croft

I only have one word: SPICY!

Reaper once again finds our little thief, Riven, and the world combusts once again for both of them. Along with our new friend, Ghost. Reaper once again comes for the files Riven stole, but is that truly why he searched for her? Or is she the only thing he truly wants?

[Megan Mellady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story continued and added in another mask. I am officially obsessed with this short series.

Mafia
Masked men
Why choose

I cannot wait to read the next one because Reaper, Ghost, and Riven are addictive.

[Esmeralda Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving these Novellas. They are so good and so fun. They get you hooked and wanting more. I can’t wait for the next one. To know more of The Reaper and now Ghost. I am hooked on them like I always want more and more. I can’t wait for the next one. 😮‍💨🫠🔥♥️🥀

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast-paced, sizzling adventure with Riven, Reaper and special guest Ghost. This is not a short with the presence of a heavy plot, so if you're looking for that it's best to skidaddle.

Dark, forbidden, and a tad depraved 😜

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

[Stef(midnight_reads_addict) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I wish this was a full-length novel! The way I devoured this novella. Reaper is just perfection and he’s brought a friend with him this time. Say less. If you haven’t read Run, Little Thief where it all began. You should! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Sam Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only problem was it wasn’t longer.

I love me a spicy novella …. Bring on the next one!!

[Teneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect dirty little palate cleanser—short, fast, filthy and completely unhinged.

Two masked men, one little thief and absolutely no healthy coping mechanisms in sight. I devoured all 53 pages in one sitting and loved every chaotic second. It gave me obsession, stalking, enemies with benefits and enough spice to keep me thoroughly entertained.

Now I’m impatiently waiting for book three because I need more of Riven, Reaper and Ghost immediately!

[Piia Pauliina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Emma Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hide Little Thief!

Love the gripping story of reaper and the unnamed thief! Love the sexual tension and mystery behind the mafia also! Definitely recommend!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story continues off from first one. Reaper finds Riven and brought a friend to help him try to get what she stole back.
It's short, spicy and filthy.

[Bee's Book Buzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riven & Reaper & Ghost
Riven is still hiding from hiding from Reaper...or so she thought. She gets cornered by him and his masked friend, Ghost.
This picks up right where Run, Little Thief ends. It's a quick novella with just the right amount of spice.
I can't wait to read what happens next.