Before the Storm

Drake

I'm not usually a fan of women with emotional baggage. Some days after taking care of my patients, I can barely take care of myself, let alone someone with issues. But my new nurse, Ally, is different, and I don't know why.

Since day one she's been closed and distant—cold, even. I would be lying if I said I wasn't intrigued. There's something about her that has me pushing past her walls. Or trying to, anyway.

When she finally opens to me and reveals the past she left behind, I promise her that I will do anything and everything to keep her safe. I'm not letting her run this time, and if it takes killing the person who is responsible for her fear, I will.





Ally

Getting away from Jared and moving to Seattle to start over is the scariest thing I've ever done. My new friends, like Charlie and Doctor Drake, make it easier to fit in and feel safe. But there's a problem … I think I'm falling for Drake.

And I can't. I can't fall for my boss, because I can't put him in that situation.

Jared is dangerous, and within time he'll be after me.

Drake doesn't understand. I mean, how could he? He has no idea what my ex-fiancé is capable of. He can't help, the police can't help. No one can help me now.

I want to run, to escape the city, but Drake won't let me go.

I'll protect you, he says. But I fear the only thing that can protect me from Jared is his death.