She’s running scared for her daughter’s sake. He’s the safe place they both need.



I like my space. My quiet. My routine.

Then she moved in next door.

Lucy’s got curves for days, eyes that never meet mine, and a daughter who clings to her like she’s the only safe place in the world.

She’s scared. Hiding. But I see her. And the second I figure out what she’s running from—

I’ll make damn sure it never touches her again.

She thinks I’m just the grumpy neighbor.

She has no idea how far I’d go to protect what’s mine.



New town. New name.

No friends. No noise.

Just me and Mila.

That’s how we stay safe.

Until the firefighter next door starts knocking down every wall I’ve built.

Charlie’s intense. Quiet. Too much. And when he looks at me—

I forget every rule I made to keep us safe. But wanting him?

That might be the most dangerous thing of all.