Her suffering is mine. Her weaknesses are mine. Her happiness is mine. She is mine.
Tillie Porter and Jansen Quinn are runners. One runs from her abuser and the other, from his past. Tillie disappears to Novaridge, where she’ll continue fighting to keep her head above water amidst her recovery and the deep-seated shame that has arisen while sober-minded.
Just as Tillie begins to hope again as she walks into an interview, that spark is almost extinguished. Jansen’s judgment lands on her like a blow as his eyes trace the tiny scars along her arm with immediate accusation. Yet as he stumbles upon the truth she’s fought to hide, his certainty fractures, leaving space for empathy.
When Tillie’s trauma begins to bring up his past, forcing him to confront memories he’s spent a decade avoiding, he has to make a choice. Fight their demons alongside each other or run again. Jansen’s priorities shift to protecting Tillie—mind, body, and spirit—from the man whose lies and manipulation led to years of agony.
Tropes:
- Dual POV, 1st person, open door
- Loathe to Lovers
- Dark secret
- Psychological scars
- Banter
- Found family
- Spice
