Some damages can't be seen...

CHARLIE

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

It was supposed to be one kiss, one simple kiss to test my conviction that I'm unable to feel desire after what those bastards did to me. Just a kiss, nothing more. And the only guy I trust enough to kiss without triggering a full-blown panic attack?

Mark.

It was just a test.

It wasn't supposed to be the hottest damn kiss of my entire life.

Now I wish I'd never kissed him, because it's destroyed our friendship.

MARK

Charlie was positive that past traumas had left her too broken to feel desire. She declared she was done with dating because it was pointless. But I could see what she couldn't. All she needed was to just let herself feel with someone she trusts.

She trusts me.

Charlie knows I'd never take advantage of her. I suggested we kiss, just to test her theory, knowing her trust in me would allow her to relax and simply explore the moment.

She startled me by accepting my offer.

She stunned me with her passionate response.

My own intense reaction rocked me to my core.

Now I want the one thing I can never have: Charlie. In every way.

NOTE: This is Book 2 in a three-book series. These books need to be read in order. Charlie and Mark's journeys to self-acceptance will conclude in Book 3 of the SHATTERED series.

NOTE: The series ends with a HEA, but the first and second novels do not.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book contains subject matter which some readers may be sensitive to. Please read the note from the author to see if this book is a fit for you. Specific trigger warnings are located inside.