Liam Shaw never meant to become a target. Blowing the whistle on a senator's corruption turns the young political aide into public enemy number one—and paints a bullseye on everyone he loves. Enter Caleb Hart, an ex-special forces operative whose calm intensity makes danger feel almost bearable. Caleb's mission is simple: keep Liam alive until the storm passes. But isolation in a remote mountain safehouse turns proximity into slow-burn temptation, and every stolen glance chips away at the walls both men built to survive their pasts.

Liam sees more than a bodyguard in Caleb's steady eyes; he sees the first man who might understand the loneliness beneath his bravado. Caleb sees more than a client in Liam's fierce resolve; he sees a chance to protect something that finally feels worth the risk. When a betrayal from within Liam's own circle shatters their fragile peace, the pair must rely on each other's strengths to outsmart a killer who always seems one step ahead.

Dodging bullets is second nature to Caleb—trusting his heart is not. Standing up to power is familiar terrain for Liam—surrendering to desire is uncharted ground. As threats close in and passion ignites, they must decide if love is the boldest move of all.

Can two men scarred by duty and deceit fight for a future that was never part of the plan, or will the cost of protecting what's forbidden be a price neither can pay?