He can't trust her-and he can't resist her.

In the desert town of Divine, Arizona, Ryder Lynch rules CoRe, a mercenary group of former black ops agents. After getting burned, Ryder doesn't trust a soul-especially not a stranger like Mercy Thomas. She's on edge, on the run, and all too willing to trade her body for protection. Ryder doesn't believe a word coming out of her pretty little mouth. That's why he's demanding payment up front . . . and every lie is going to cost her.

All she needs is time-and to not fall for him.

Kidnapped, stripped, and left for dead, Mercy has her reasons for getting creative with the truth. As an investigative reporter, she's chasing a story that will put any number of lives at risk, including her own. Ryder is the protection she needs and the lover she wants. But one of Mercy's deadliest secrets is about him. And when everything's out in the open, Ryder Lynch might be the most dangerous mistake she's ever made.