Swallow

I thought I'd reached my breaking point.Escaping my violent ex had left me drained-emotionally, physically, and financially. But I refused to be defeated. I ran, determined to reclaim my life.One stormy night, I stumbled into a small-town bar, soaked to the bone, with desperation clinging to me like a second skin. The last thing I expected was for Ash, the rugged, brooding owner, to give me a safe haven and a free, hot meal.Ash didn't know me, but he recognized the shadows in my eyes. His possessiveness toward me was startling, but it felt right.For reasons I couldn't fathom, he wanted to keep me safe.Trust didn't come easy these days. But Ash was determined to protect me, no matter what.And as my past caught up with me-as it always did-Ash made one thing clear.I was his, and he'd make sure no one else touched me ever again.