Falling for the protector

Brinley Carter's life was shattered the night she became the victim of a brutal crime, leaving her scarred in ways she struggles to hide. Now, as the only witness to a high-profile criminal operation, she's thrust into the care of the FBI-and under the protection of Agent Zane Mercer, the last person she wants around.

Zane is no ordinary agent. With his rough exterior, bad-boy attitude, and a past shrouded in secrets, he's everything Brinley doesn't trust. But as much as she resents his overbearing presence, his relentless dedication to keeping her safe is something she can't ignore.

Zane knows the pain of a broken past all too well, growing up with an abusive, criminal father who left scars he's still trying to heal. Protecting Brinley isn't just a job-it's personal. But her defiance and insistence on living her life, even in the face of danger, test his patience and his self-control.

As Brinley begins to let her walls down, Zane's own defenses crumble, and their connection deepens into something neither expected. But their budding romance is dangerous-his job forbids it, and the criminals hunting her are closer than ever.

With her past trauma threatening to consume her and his haunted memories surfacing at the worst possible moments, they'll have to fight their demons together to survive.