The Lives We Leave Behind

Being America's Sweetheart had its perks, but for me, that honor came with a price. I lived my life in the closet per the terms of an outdated contract and learned quickly that I couldn't trust anyone except the bodyguards I paid to protect me, but that meant finding love was nearly impossible. I'd settled for secret hookups that never quite filled the void for years, and when I finally had a chance for something real, everything started to fall apart.

I had a choice to make - continue living a lie to keep my fame and fortune, or take the plunge and out myself to the world, consequences be damned.

Leaving the Marines to be a bodyguard should've been easy. And maybe it would've been if I hadn't fallen hopelessly, unreasonably in love with my charge the very first time I ever met him. I was committed to my oath, so when Nolan decided it was time to come out of the closet and the once-harmless threats on his life got more frequent and much more serious, I had to put my responsibilities to him above my own desires.

I'd lay down my life to get him to safety, but if I could manage it and keep both of our hearts beating... I might just get everything I'd ever wanted.

*this is a slow-burn steamy m/m romance with some darker themes and language that may be harmful to some. It's intended for mature readers, as some elements may not be appropriate for all audiences.