Knot Innocent

Birdie isn't who everyone thinks she is, a shy, smart, loyal intelligence genius. She hides a secret sin, one that drives her to risk her life over and over again to pay penance for a life she failed to protect.
Bastien makes no effort to hide the monster he's sure to become. It's in his blood. He was born of a man that used his fists too many times on Bastien's mother.
Determined to outrun his father's legacy, he joins the Navy, hoping the intense training of the SEALs will tame his demons.
The demons win out when an officer in the navy harasses a female sailor in front of the volatile protector. Bash loses his temper in defense of the woman, costing him his career in the SEALs.
Picked up by Knot, Bastien settles into his new role as a private military contractor, determined to cage his demons once and for all. Even though it means locking away his heart from any woman.

He won't risk hurting anyone the way his father did, especially the quiet intel analyst who bandages his hands after taking out his rage on a tree.
Birdie's and Bash's secret lives cross paths again one night, when Bash has to step in to save her from some grabby jerk. Startled by Birdie's suspicious behavior and appearance, Bastien determines to find out what she's gotten herself into.
Fighting off his interest in Birdie proves difficult, even after learning her secret. Instead of writing her off, Bastien vows to help Birdie hunt the monsters that killed her friend.
Soon, they'll both find out how hard it is to battle three fronts at one time, Birdie's obsession, Bastien's fears, and a ghost from Birdie's past.