One mob family. One dying witness. One second chance they never asked for.
FBI profiler Sara Deckker built a life out of control, order, and emotional distance. She had to. Especially after walking away from the father who betrayed her—and the partner who saw too much. But when her father becomes the sole witness in a federal case against Richmond's most dangerous crime family, Sara is dragged back into the past she swore she'd never face.
Assigned to protect him? Doug Fairbanks. Her ex-partner. Her biggest regret. The only man who ever made her feel safe... and the only one who could break her again.
Doug doesn't want messy. And nothing about Sara—her secrets, her stare, or the kiss they never talk about—is simple. But when the Manicotts start silencing witnesses and closing in fast, Doug and Sara are forced into hiding with a man neither of them trusts. Close quarters. Shared history. Buried emotions waiting to ignite.
As bullets fly and old wounds reopen, desire flares—but so does the truth neither of them can outrun.
Because if Sara can't learn to trust again—and if Doug can't forgive the past—neither of them will survive this mission.
And they'll lose more than the case.
They'll lose each other.

TROPES
✅ Friends to lovers
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Only one safehouse
✅ Grumpy/sunshine (gender-flipped!)
✅ He fell first

Virginia Justice
Deadly Chase
Marked by the Mob
Fatal Exposure