Kasiyr Bennett never planned on coming home for long. Chicago was supposed to be a quick stop for him and that's all. However, the city has a way of reminding you who you are and who you loved first. Ajani Washington is rooted where Kasiyr once stood. She carries the weight of the community, years of memories, and a love she never fully let go of on her shoulders. When Kasiyr's return puts them back on each other's radar, old truths resurface and boundaries start to get crossed. Some loves don't fade with distance and some choices demand a cost that neither of them is ready to pay.

Some wars don't end when the uniform comes off. Naomi Amira Smith is a trauma therapist who believes in structure, boundaries, and healing the right way. She's spent her life helping others face their pain-never letting her own heart get too involved. Kyzier Saint Bennett is fresh out of the military and drowning in the aftermath. PTSD, survivor's guilt, and sleepless nights follow him everywhere. He doesn't believe in therapy, peace, or love-until Naomi becomes the one place his mind feels quiet. What starts as professional turns dangerous when feelings blur, lines shake, and two broken souls find comfort in each other. But healing isn't linear, and love doesn't erase trauma. Sometimes the hardest battle... is letting yourself be loved.

Khysen Bennett grew up in the streets with a father who turned him into a soldier, not a son. Violence was all he knew, and loyalty to his dad, Kion Bennett, was the only way to survive. He never questioned orders, until his father told him to follow Saija Fletcher and take her out. She was supposed to be just another target, watching her, move, and pull the trigger, but the more Khysen watches her, the more he feels something he hadn't felt in forever, and that makes the job impossible. Now he's stuck between the only life he's ever known and the girl who makes him want better. With his anger always one call away from blowing up and his father watching his every move, Khysen has to figure out what's worth more - his loyalty or his heart, but in his world, turning your back on family can get you killed.

"𝖨𝗇𝗌𝗂𝖽𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖳𝗈𝗉. 𝖡𝗎𝗍 𝗈𝗎𝗍𝗌𝗂𝖽𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝗍𝗈 𝖠𝗅𝗒𝗌𝗌𝖺, 𝗁𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗌. 𝖧𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝖪𝖠𝖨𝖹𝖨𝖤𝖱." Kaizier was known by many names in the streets. 9, Top, Youngboy. Alyssa, however, knew him as Kaizier, a younger boy that quickly captured her heart with his charm, manners, and gentleness. Follow them along as Kaizier rises to the top with his older girlfriend, while also dangerously trying to make sure he doesn't sink in the boxing world.

Amour was a young lady from around the way. Shes been around the hood her whole life. She never gives these boys chances so they always assume she's stuck up. One comes along and tries to see what's she's stuck up over. No pictures used in this story is mine they belong to people in the photos.

"ᴡᴀꜱꜱᴀᴍ ʙᴀʙʏ"

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭!