WORKING BLURB:
I followed her even though I knew better. Distance has never been enough to save me from the things I want—or the damage I leave behind.
I spared a life I was ordered to end, something that only buys time with the ruthless crime family that shares my blood. There is no debt they fail to collect.
Relocating to Colson Creek wasn’t an accident. I came to watch over the woman I swore to protect years ago, the life I spared. Hiding in a quiet Minnesota town was never part of the plan, but it gave me something I never expected: A sense of belonging. My best friend’s family welcomed me as one of their own, and for the first time, I started to believe I could be more than what I was raised to be.
I tell myself I’m here out of duty, though I know it’s also out of guilt. The truth is darker and far more dangerous, because I’ve always wanted more than her safety. I’ve wanted her.
When she learns the truth, she’ll never forgive me. But I would give up everything I am, everything I’ve ever known, to see her safe… and happy.
After a lifetime of bloodshed and vengeance, the real question isn’t whether I deserve redemption.
It’s whether love can survive the truth.
Working tropes list: Later in life second chance, small town, romantic suspense, ex-mafia, touch her and die, protective hero, single parent.
Potential triggers: On- and off-page violence/unaliving, childhood trauma.
I followed her even though I knew better. Distance has never been enough to save me from the things I want—or the damage I leave behind.
I spared a life I was ordered to end, something that only buys time with the ruthless crime family that shares my blood. There is no debt they fail to collect.
Relocating to Colson Creek wasn’t an accident. I came to watch over the woman I swore to protect years ago, the life I spared. Hiding in a quiet Minnesota town was never part of the plan, but it gave me something I never expected: A sense of belonging. My best friend’s family welcomed me as one of their own, and for the first time, I started to believe I could be more than what I was raised to be.
I tell myself I’m here out of duty, though I know it’s also out of guilt. The truth is darker and far more dangerous, because I’ve always wanted more than her safety. I’ve wanted her.
When she learns the truth, she’ll never forgive me. But I would give up everything I am, everything I’ve ever known, to see her safe… and happy.
After a lifetime of bloodshed and vengeance, the real question isn’t whether I deserve redemption.
It’s whether love can survive the truth.
Working tropes list: Later in life second chance, small town, romantic suspense, ex-mafia, touch her and die, protective hero, single parent.
Potential triggers: On- and off-page violence/unaliving, childhood trauma.