Falling in love is a risk he can't afford... Staff Sergeant Pierce Holden is unrelentingly ambitious, until he visits home and realizes his little sister’s best friend has become a stunningly gorgeous woman…who’s being romanced by a player. No matter how Pierce fights himself, Ella fires his protective instincts—and his libido. Ella Gibson wants to share her future with someone kind and deserving. When ridiculously sexy Pierce interrupts her date with a prospective husband, she's furious. Sure she had a crush on her bestie’s hot brother years ago, but now the elite Special Forces operator is everything she doesn't want in a man—a forceful and relentless warrior who is married to his job. Still, once they’re alone, temptation proves too strong, especially when it’s clear Pierce is determined to claim her for his own. Though she has a million reasons to resist, she can’t help surrendering herself to his passion. But when deep, dangerous secrets threaten everything Pierce holds dear, will investing her tomorrows on the battle-hardened hero be too risky for Ella?