I live on the mountain for a reason.

Out here, it’s quiet. Safe. No attachments, no risk of losing anything—again.

Then she comes tearing through the woods in a storm, soaked to the bone, wedding dress ripped and clinging to her curves.

Too young. Too innocent. Too tempting.

I should send her away.

But with the thunder rolling in and the roads washed out, she’s stuck in my cabin. With me.

She ran from a man who didn’t deserve her.

She ran straight into the arms of the one who will ruin her.



I was supposed to marry a man who only cared about my last name.

Instead, I bolted—straight into a thunderstorm, down a mountain trail I barely understand, and into the path of the grumpiest, roughest man I’ve ever seen.

Bentley doesn’t smile. Doesn’t talk much either.

But he watches me like I’m the only thing that’s ever made him feel something.

He’s a reclusive veteran with a beard, an axe, and eyes that make promises without saying a word.

I should be scared.

But in this cabin—stranded with lightning outside and heat crackling between us—

I’ve never felt safer… or more wanted.