The Next Thing by Ellie Bradshaw

When you live a lie, nothing stays the same. Everything leads to The Next Thing.
Miranda
Everything about my life is a lie.I don’t belong here. I’m not taking care of a sick aunt. My name isn’t really Miranda. But I can’t tell a soul.Not my parents. Not my friends. And especially not Ryan Calder. Even though I never feel safe…except for that one, amazing night in his arms.I pretend to be someone I’m not.I pretend to be happy.I lie and pretend a one-night stand was good enough.It’s for his own good.I grit my teeth and live the lie.Until they come for me.And everything changes.
Ryan
All I’ve ever known is fighting. In Afghanistan. Now in the ring. My life is defined by aggression, speed, strength.I thought that was all I wanted.Until I met her.Now, I can’t think about my next fight. Hell, I can barely remember how to tie my shoes.There’s no room in my mind for anything except her.She tells me it was just a one-time thing. No way is that enough for me.I never knew what I wanted until I wanted her.But then they come to take her. Big mistake.They’re in my world now.I might only just be figuring out how to love.But I’ve always known how to fight.