Protecting Lila

"You're mine to protect."

I'm a single mom with deadly secrets, not looking for a scarred enforcer with tattoos, a dark past, and that possessive look that says we're already his... even if it makes me feel things I can't afford to want.

I didn't come to Sunset Cove to fall for a man. My plan was simple: stay hidden and keep my daughter safe from one of the most dangerous crime families in the country.

But fate finds me anyway, breaking down on the side of the road—and that's when he shows up. Rafe is all controlled danger, hidden weapons, and a growl that could terrify anyone... anyone but me.

He's ruthless with threats, lethal to enemies, but with my daughter? He's a complete marshmallow. And with me... let's just say I'm not used to feeling claimed. Guarded. Like someone else understands what it means to escape the grasp of your past.

I don't know if I can trust him with my secrets, and if he knew about the blood on my hands, he might run. But when he looks at me like that, like we could build something real, it's tempting to believe he might be the one man who could help me stop running.