Independence is Marigold Hartnett's ultimate goal, but trust is a luxury she can't afford. A lesson she learned the hard way, leaving her with the physical and emotional scars to prove it. Yet, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to a man with deadly skills who is determined to protect her--whether she wants him to or not. A deadly, controlled man with the patience to wait for her.

Golden "Viking" Bailey is a deadly sniper and a highly skilled covert operator. Sparks fly when he meets Marigold, a sassy young woman with a dark secret who insists on keeping him at arm's length. But his heart is all in and no amount of snark or name-calling will chase him off.

Viking is a patient man, a warrior who never loses his cool. When Marigold becomes the target of someone's sick and twisted obsession, he vows to do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means unleashing the trained killer inside of him.