Cassie

My whole life, I've been caged—controlled, shaped to fit the mold of my father's ambitions, a pawn in his endless business games. For eighteen years, Ive been trapped in a life that wasnt my own, suffocated under the weight of expectations. I've felt the walls closing in, my every move dictated by someone else's will. Then one day, beneath the cedar trees, Jax Regent enters my world. He's everything I never knew I needed—my hero, my protector. His presence feels like a lifeline in my sheltered existence. But as I start to let my guard down and cling to his strength, a question lingers: Is he here to free me, or is he just another force trying to control me, like my father always has? In my helplessness, I need him more than ever, but I can't shake the thought that even this might come at a cost.

Jax

From the moment I laid eyes on Cassie, I knew she was going to be mine, even if she didn't realize it yet. She's everything I've ever desired—strong yet vulnerable. In her world, she's nothing more than a worthless doll, left on a shelf, unseen and neglected. But that's about to change. I'm taking Cassie for myself, determined to protect her and be the one she relies on. I'll shield her from the bad men that threaten her, and I won't hesitate to unleash my own brand of ruthless protection to keep her safe. Nothing—absolutely nothing—will stand in my way. I'm claiming her, and I'll make sure that anyone who dares to challenge me learns the true meaning of fear.