After the torment of her childhood, Taya believes in love for everyone ... except herself. Some things can't be untaught.Beautiful and tough, yet the most private woman anyone has ever met, Taya knows everyone has a past, yet she doesn't share hers. Her past must remain behind her for her sanity and so the only man she has ever loved will move on with someone who hasn't been destroyed by those who were supposed to protect her.Then a threat has her past storming back in and taking over. After looking into the big, baby blue eyes of the deranged little orphan who was dragged, kicking and screaming, into his home, Levi is determined to be the boy who will teach Taya that not every offered hand will betray her. Playful and gorgeous, Levi's first passion is the girl who consumes his heart. His second is serving his country, following in his father's footsteps. When Levi is deployed overseas, he encourages Taya to spread her wings and pursue her dreams, hoping she will come back to her roots and the man who is waiting for her.Levi is mistaken.Taya can't change who she is and has built a life for herself far away from the only man she will ever love. Can Levi convince Taya their relationship is worth the fight? Can he force her to overcome her fears and let him in completely? Can Levi prove his love is the freedom she has been searching for? Levi allowed Taya to control their relationship in the past, but now things have changed. He is taking control back, with or without her consent.