He made one choice that defined his life.Now he's about to make another.Ethan Cole is a Secret Service agent who never leaves his post. Years ago, that discipline saved a President-and cost him his family. Since then, Ethan has lived by a single rule: duty first, no exceptions.Until Elena Morozova.She moves easily through Washington's diplomatic circles-cultured, observant, careful. Too careful. When their paths cross at a high-security reception, Ethan senses what his training won't let him ignore: someone is watching, systems are being tested, and Elena is standing too close to the fault line.Elena has secrets of her own. Bound to handlers she can't refuse, she's been placed near a man she was never meant to care about. Every step toward Ethan tightens the net around them both.As surveillance gaps appear and invisible lines are crossed, Ethan must confront the truth he's spent years avoiding: some threats don't announce themselves, and some choices don't look like choices at all.In a world built on protocols, loyalty, and lies, staying on post may be the most dangerous decision of all.