Shay has her life down to a science, and a sharp tongue that keeps everyone at arm's length.
She's finally found a version of peace, until Wayne walks in. He's steady, observant, and carries a calm-storm energy that threatens to break every wall she's spent decades building. For the first time, Shay isn't just being pursued; she's being seen. But in Shay's world, true love is a luxury she can't afford. When the shadows of her past start showing up at her door, Shay's first instinct is the only one she knows: push him away. She wanted to protect him from the crossfire. Wayne isn't playing that game. He's spent his life building foundations, and he isn't about to let Shay's past tear down what they've started. He's ready to burn the world down to keep her safe, but he has one condition: Shay has to stop running and finally admit she's worth the fight. As the threats escalate, Shay has to make a choice. Can she trust Wayne's strength enough to lay down her arms, or will her need to handle it alone cost her the only man who ever made her feel like she was finally home?
