The world has changed. Women have almost no rights and men hold all the power. The insidious influence of the oppressive Vanguard Group is spreading around the world and beyond. But while they can try to roll back the clock on social progress, they can’t control the human heart. Or the will to rebel. Joshua Bryce has wanted to be a Lawman for as long as he can remember. Never once has he regretted the sacrifices his job as a Federal Interstellar Lawman demands, from the weeks away from home to the ever-present danger. Lily Montgomery is no stranger to fear or humiliation. Her one golden light is her precious little girl. She will do anything to keep Katie, even seduce the sexy Lawman she once shared a forbidden kiss with—what a hardship. Josh vowed never to sentence any woman he cared about to the uncertain life of a Lawman’s bride. But thanks to the Vanguard Group’s draconian laws, it’s either marry Lily or send the only woman he’s ever wanted to another man’s bed. When a monster from her past threatens Lily and her daughter, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep them safe. To keep Lily, period.