“You’ll pay.” Ellis Greene will never forget Hollis Alexander’s vow after she testified at his trial. Fifteen years ago, thirteen-year-old Ellis was the only witness in her cousin’s abduction and fatal assault. Today, still haunted by that horrific crime, Ellis is an elementary school teacher trying to get on with her life… until she gets shocking news: Alexander has been released on parole. Originally a suspect in the crime, Nate Vance mysteriously disappeared after the trial. Now he returns to protect his childhood friend, Ellis, from the free and vengeful Alexander. A tough, world-weary man, Nate is enthralled by the strong, beautiful woman Ellis has become. But as he and Ellis reunite and grow closer than they could ever imagine, dark secrets from the past threaten to tear them apart. The only certainty is that a cunning, vicious killer is stalking Ellis with visions of blood…