Loneliness is overwhelming in its intensity.

There are times you think you can cope, that you can make it despite the hollow feeling in your chest. Then there are the times when you realize you can’t breathe through the pain of loss.

When Gable Buchanan Carter walks into Athena’s life, it’s like a light is switched on inside her chest. Suddenly she can breathe.

But just as much as she wants him, Gable just as much wants nothing to do with her.

It’s like a cold stab of ice right to the gut at the knowledge that the person you want, that you love, wants nothing to do with you.

At least, that’s what she thinks.

In reality, Gable wants Athena Grace Murphy with every piece of his soul.

But how can he confidently say he’s doing the right thing by bringing her into his life when it’s so dangerous? She’s already lost every person she loves, how can he put her through the possibility of losing one more?

That’s right, he can’t.

So he’ll stay away from her. Even if it kills him.