Protecting the Songbird by Ava Storm

Like most former servicemen, I was floundering after I got out.
Being a Marine was the only thing I was ever good at.
I needed to figure out my life going forward, or I’d end up right back in the sandbox,
As a mercenary, or worse.
Looking out over the land my father had bought just before he died, I formed a plan.
Four of my closest brothers in arms joined me and a few years later, the plan was a reality.
Now we run a facility that trains other former soldiers as personal protection agents,
Giving them a purpose and a way to put their military skills to use in a good way.
Along came Avery, a sassy, independent budding singer-songwriter,
With nerves of steel and a voice that could melt the ice around this cold heart of mine.
A nearly disastrous encounter in a dark parking lot brings her to my facility for self-defense classes.
But as I teach her how to keep herself safe, I find myself unable to defend my heart against her.
I tell myself she’s too young for me; I tell myself it’ll never work between us,
I learned restraint in the Marines…
But I’ve never been tested like this before.
I tell myself I’m protecting her.
But who will protect us from each other?