It's been a year since I've felt safe.

A year of looking over my shoulder and struggling to sleep at night, afraid of everyone and everything.

Except for him.

I knew it was wrong to watch Zeke the way I did, but I couldn't stop myself. He was so big. So strong. Calm and controlled.

He was also lethal and deadly. The kind of man capable of conquering everyone and everything.

Just what I needed.

So I collected every bit of bravery I possessed and asked for his help, hoping he wouldn't turn me down.

He didn't.

Now I'm spending every day at his side, learning to be my own hero. He makes me feel strong. Confident. Understood.

He also makes me want what I never expected to want again. To be touched. To be held. To be desired. I know he feels the same-I see how he looks at me when he doesn't realize I'm watching-but I also know he'll never act on it. If I want more from him, I'll have to be the one to make it happen.

Luckily, someone's been teaching me how to be brave.

How to reach for what I want and grab it.

And how to hold on tight enough no one can take it away.