Guarded — Kaylea Cross

She's a warrior at heart. Briar's life was changed forever by a childhood marked by loss and trauma. When she was an orphan the government recruited her into a secret program and turned her into a contract killer. No matter how hard she tries to leave that life behind her, it's still a part of who she is. She loves and trusts her husband deeply, but old habits die hard. Now everything is about to change for them. When things take a life-threatening turn, Briar is forced to confront her most deeply buried insecurities and find the courage to lay herself bare to the man who has promised to stand by her always. But this is one battle she can't win alone. Matt loves his independent, badass wife more than anything, but she's also the most stubborn and frustrating woman he's ever known. Haunted by a loss that shook him to his core, he's even more determined to protect Briar now that their lives are about to be altered forever. He'll do anything for her, but if they're going to have a shot at a happily ever after as a family, his fierce Valkyrie must first learn to lower her guard and let him in completely.