Ace of Betrayal (Hand of Revenge, #1)

He broke my heart once. I’d be a fool to trust him again.

Walker
Two years ago, I disappeared without a word, leaving behind designer wardrobes, fancy galas, and the boy I thought I knew.

Now I’m back, determined to keep my head down, finish my dissertation, and leave before anyone discovers I’ve returned. Especially Heath Lawrence.

Unfortunately, my access to the Archives has expired, and Heath is the only person who can get me in.

He still looks devastating in low-slung board shorts. Still knows exactly how to unravel me with one glance. And he’s far too eager to help a girl who vanished from his life without an explanation.

But I had a reason to run.

I grew up watching my mother forgive betrayal again and again, and I vowed I’d never become like her.

But the more time I spend with Heath, the more I risk becoming the woman I swore I’d never be.

Heath
Walker Halifax disappeared two years ago after I betrayed her the one way I knew she’d never forgive.

I told myself I was saving her, that I was setting her free to find someone better. I thought I was doing the right thing for her, as screwed up as it sounds, but the truth is, I’ve never hated myself more.

Now she’s back, guarded, furious, and needing my help to complete her research.

Spending hours together in the library is making it hard to remember why I have to let her go, and she deserves so much better than this. Better than me.

I drove her away before, and I can do it again.