Some scars tell stories of survival. Some secrets aren't dark—they're devastating. When Ember Winters tries to save socialite Aria Holbrook from a brazen daylight kidnapping, she's caught in the crossfire and taken captive alongside her. One reckless act of heroism throws her back into the nightmare she thought she escaped years ago, forcing her to face the childhood trauma she's spent a lifetime trying to forget. Enter Blaze Hawkins of Guardian Hostage Rescue Specialists—ruthless, commanding, and hiding scars of his own. The rescue should have been get in, save the hostages, get out. But one look at the fierce survivor with sea-glass eyes changes everything. She's no damsel in distress—she's a force of nature who's survived hell and emerged stronger. As a sadistic crime lord's obsession with Ember threatens to destroy them both, they discover their pasts are intertwined in ways neither could have imagined. Now they're on the run, hunted by a man who's spent years building an empire of human trafficking and corruption. A man who sees Ember as the one who got away—and wants to finish what he started. With danger closing in and betrayal lurking around every corner, Blaze and Ember must decide if they can trust each other with their secrets... and their hearts. But in a world where trust is a weapon and love is a liability, the wrong choice won't just break their hearts—it'll get them killed. Sometimes the greatest act of bravery isn't surviving—it's letting someone in after life has taught you to trust no one. A raw, emotional romantic suspense - A fierce heroine who refuses to break - An alpha protector who's met his match - Explosive chemistry that defies all reason - Heart-wrenching emotional trauma - Edge-of-your-seat suspense - Soul-deep connection forged in crisis - Protective instincts that border on possession - A love worth dying for—or killing for This gritty, emotional romance explores survival against impossible odds, the healing power of trust, and how love can bloom in the aftermath of trauma. When two broken people find each other, they either shatter completely or forge something unbreakable. Content This romantic suspense contains themes of human trafficking, childhood trauma, violence, and steamy scenes. Recommended for mature readers who prefer their happily-ever-afters hard-won and their romance raw and real.