For Nate, all good things have come with consequences, so he settled into a life of pain and solitude. Misunderstood and abandoned by friends and family, punishments, denial, and control are his only companions. When an unexpected olive branch arrives, Nate must decide if he’d rather keep living in the past or reach for a future that might not be so bleak. One thing he never expects, however, is to fall at the feet of a doe-eyed angel when he’s forced to face his greatest trigger. After being teased throughout high school, Ethan has found it difficult to build deep relationships as an adult. When he’s offered a side job for much-needed cash and experience on his résumé, Ethan can hardly believe his luck. Unbeknown to him, though, the side job drops a man in crisis at his feet. Ethan’s inclinations toward introversion and fear are tested when all of his instincts scream that he needs to do what he can to help the suffering man. What begins as an offer of comfort and reassurance, becomes a tentative friendship. But, can Nate lower his guard enough to let the angel in? Is maintaining control worth reliving his trauma? Nate must find the fortitude to stay with the doe-eyed man despite the fear that consequences lurk around every corner. As Ethan’s feelings for Nate evolve, he finds himself torn between wanting more and wanting to protect himself. Nate is a runner. Can Ethan allow himself to hope for more than friendship when he knows Nate will always have one foot out the door? Will Ethan find the strength to heal and help Nate do the same? Ethan must learn to trust again, even if the fear of hurt looms overhead. ***Trigger warning: Self-harm. Mild thoughts and discussions of suicide.