The Quiet That Burns

He was her first everything. She was the only thing he ever wanted to keep.

Four years ago at a high school party, Lilly St. James asked Luke Richards to take her virginity. No one ever found out. They never spoke of it again.

Now they're both at Trentwood University. She's a rising ballet star with a killer body, flirtatious charm, and a reputation for keeping things casual. He's the stoic, unshakable goalie with an NHL contract to protect and desires he can't risk sharing with anyone.

Except Lilly.

Because she's the only one who knows what he really wants.
And he's the only one who knows how dark it got in her head.

They don't hide anything from each other. That's always been their problem.

So when she asks him to help her explore the fantasies no one else has ever made her feel safe enough to admit, he says no.

Until one reckless night, he doesn't.

What starts as a private, no-strings arrangement turns into something messy, addictive, and dangerously intimate. She's supposed to be just a list. He's supposed to stay detached. But the more control she gives him behind closed doors, the more he unravels outside of them.

Because the truth is-he never forgot the sounds she made that night. And now that he's had a taste, letting her go again might destroy him.

But the real threat isn't what they do together in the dark.

It's what happens when the whole world finds out.

Secrets they can live with.
Shame is another story.
Especially when it goes viral.