For more than 20 years, I lived by my Air Force code. Until I made a choice. Put my family first. Something a soldier is never allowed to do. Now I don’t know who I am. Or where I belong. Getting lost in Mexico sounds like a good idea, but with only guilt and regret as my constant companions, I’ll never figure it all out. Until a chance meeting in a hotel bar changes my course.

It all started with an unexpected phone call. Two years after my fiancé passed away in an accident, his father died suddenly, leaving Brad’s adult special-needs brother with no one to care for him. The next thing I knew, I was on a cross-country drive to New Hampshire where I’d be moving in to look after Scottie until I could get him into a group home. The last thing I ever expected? I wouldn’t be taking care of him alone.

I can't escape my past. West wants to be my future. When West, a former SEAL and my online gaming buddy, begged me to meet him IRL (in real life), one word, one touch, one look sent me fleeing like a coward. Back to my keyboard, online gaming, and the deadline that could make or break my whole programming career. Back where I'm safe. Problem is, West followed.

Once, Jackson Richards had it in spades. As a member of the United States Special Forces, he fought alongside the bravest and most capable men he’d ever known. Then one mistake landed them all in hell. For six months, he fought. But one terrible day, his captors learned the full extent of his skills, and that sealed his fate.

When the unthinkable befalls Alaska during a trip to Russia, it’s Drake’s turn to drop everything and race to her aid. Safely back at The Refuge, he just as quickly realizes what he’s failed to see for two decades—his oldest, dearest friend is the love of his life. A revelation that may be too little, too late. Because Drake’s brought the enemy right to their door.