First to Fight

He doesn’t know me, but he’ll die to save me. Or at least, that’s the gist I get when I’m taken hostage by a psycho with a gun. He’d meant to take a little girl, but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t try to save her. Now I’m in her place instead and my captor is determined to blow it sky high unless his demands are met.

It was only supposed to be a fling with my brother’s best friend. The same man I’ve loved since he gave me my first kiss. I knew he was about to leave for a year, but I couldn’t let him go without showing him how I felt. Our paths crossed again, but we’re both different people. I should have told him the truth, but I couldn’t. Not when he ignored every message I ever sent. He’s no longer the man I once knew. He’s warring with his own demons, against silence threatening to swallow him, and I know if he ever learns the truth, he will never forgive me.

When past and present collide, sparks fly. Ten years ago, I broke Jack Walker’s heart without an explanation, and we’ve been bitter enemies ever since. It hasn’t been easy considering he’s my best friend’s brother, but it’s better all around if I keep my distance from the only man I’ve ever loved. Some secrets are better off buried. When my mother dies and leaves behind my two teenage brothers, I don’t have a choice but to return home to take care of them. The last person I expect to be waiting for me is Jack. And this time he isn’t going away without answers.

I lost everything when my family was murdered, including myself. After years of therapy and conquering my agoraphobia, all I wanted was to start over. The quiet North Carolina resort seemed like the perfect place. Until I discovered a dead body.

He’s the last person I ever wanted to see again. Callum Reece. My late husband’s brother. The man who took my virginity and then left without so much as an I’m sorry. The Marine operator who makes a living from putting his life on the line. But loving me? That had been too much of a risk.