Fate’s Dark Shadows by Abby Knox

Silent Doyle:
I only wish to be left alone. Being the town recluse is my penance for what my family has done to this once-thriving town. I’ve taken a vow of silence, and it serves to keep people at a distance, as well as keep the storm that roils inside my head under tenuous control.
Meeting new people in Fate usually means more people to keep at arm’s length, but once I lay eyes on Maya, everything changes. The clamor in my brain stops when she’s near. My hard heart begins to crack open. Worst of all, I have a new desire to no longer be alone.
But if I claim her as mine, what then? She has her whole life ahead of her. Will I just be using her to soothe my inner demons? I couldn’t live with myself if I took advantage of a young woman with such a sweet nature.
Still, she’s there. Everywhere I go, Maya is reaching out with a caring touch and a healing presence.
I know in my heart there is no one else for me, but there is no way this beautiful angel will be able to stand the monster in me for long.

Maya:
I don’t quite understand this new town I’ve stumbled into. And I definitely do not understand this man who keeps staring at me while I’m working at the diner. He lives alone in a big black mansion and doesn’t speak out loud to anyone. And yet, everyone in Fate acts like this is completely normal.
He and his Edward Cullen-like vibe just won’t leave me alone. It’s almost as if he knows…
Ever since I was a young teen, I’ve had urges I don’t understand. I like older men, and I’d like to be handled a certain way. I’ve never entertained these desires, and I’ve been careful not to let my guard down around the wrong person. And yet, I feel like Silent Doyle is someone who understands.
It makes no sense for me to trust him. Yet the more I let myself fall into his gaze, I’m under his thrall. We just met, and yet all I want to do is for him to lay me bare and take what he wants.