She's the opposite of what we need in our lives, but maybe that's what makes her the perfect fit.

Frankie

The wrong side of the town is paradise compared to where I grew up. It's all I've ever known, but that doesn't make it home.

When I'm given an unexpected out from that life, I don't hesitate to take it. Except there's a catch.

Byron Benson needs a nanny. It's almost comical that the grumpy single dad looks at me and sees someone trustworthy for the role. There's not a maternal bone in my leather-clad body.

But as it turns out, Byron isn't in charge of the search. His little girl has big plans for me, and her dad doesn't need any convincing.

Byron

I didn't plan to raise my daughter on my own. Try as I might, even all the money in the world can't replace a mother's love.

Francesca Keller appears like a shadow, disappearing much the same. The memory of her tangles us in trouble, and I'm not sure how we'll escape.

Until one day she needs a place to stay.

My little girl welcomes Frankie into our home with wide open arms. What the ex-con gets from me is a lot less friendly. Personalities clash. Loyalties are tested. But one thing remains constant.

Frankie belongs at my side, fulfilling the needs we're desperate to satisfy, and I'm not letting her go without a fight.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.