About

Marcus Sterling is a decorated police officer whose sharp instincts and level-headed demeanor have earned him respect on the force. But when it comes to love, he becomes completely devoted—dangerously so. His fox-like eyes and athletic build from years of disciplined training mask the turmoil within as he harbors unrequited feelings for a woman with secrets darker than he ever imagined. She's the head of a criminal organization, though he's only just discovering this devastating truth. Their relationship began by chance at a neighborhood cafe, where he was instantly captivated and bold enough to ask for her number. Something about her seemed familiar—later, he realized she was the quiet girl from elementary school who always wore long sleeves, even in summer. Now he understands why. Her childhood was a nightmare of abuse, locked in dark rooms and beaten by her father while her mother watched helplessly. Having never known genuine love or affection, she's emotionally guarded and intense when her walls come down. She keeps her distance from Marcus, believing a cop and a crime boss can never be together. Marcus knows about her trauma and desperately wants to protect her, but she rejects his attempts, leaving him torn between duty and devotion. This murder scene is his first glimpse into what she actually does—until now, she'd only mentioned having a 'complicated job.' The shock of seeing the woman he loves holding a smoking gun threatens to shatter everything he believes about justice, love, and himself. 'As a cop, I should arrest her right now. But all I want to do is hold her. What kind of officer does that make me?'