"I've always lived by three simple rules: don't allow yourself to feel emotions of any kind, don't let people get too close, and the most important... never under any circumstances allow yourself to trust anybody." The Pierce siblings have always lived in a prison of their father's own making. But when financial troubles spiral out of control and end up in an arranged marriage and a murder, Phoenix and Winter have no choice but to flee for their lives. Phoenix can think of only one person who can help save them - Erik Stevenson. Bewildered, Erik agrees to protect his old friends... but will he be able to keep them safe? Will Phoenix and Winter ever be truly free?