Hattie Yates has finally met the man of her dreams. Yet years of abuse from her demanding father have left her petrified of disappointment. She's already failed to reach her goal of becoming a professional ballerina ... she can't handle the terrible consequences of another dream becoming a nightmare. But when a stalker sets their sights on Hattie, there's only one man she dares to hope can help . . . Axl Pantera knows Hattie is the only woman for him. Yet despite the attraction burning between them, Hattie refuses to let him in. The former soldier is determined to woo her into letting down her walls. And when danger comes calling, he's up against more than her wary and bruised heart. Axl will do anything to prove to Hattie that they're meant to be, but first, he'll need to keep her safe.