Hard Core: Axel — Virna DePaul

Built, tempting, and deadly.

Axel Jackson is an ex-marine, haunted by what he's done, but when he sees her, he dreams of the man he can become…

When Axel returns home, he's shrouded in darkness, unable to forget the blood that stains his hands or the screams that haunt his dreams. When a dark force from his past offers him a job, he wonders if taking it will be his salvation or his downfall.

Then he meets Alyssa, a waitress working at a strip club, and he steps in just in time to save her. She's beautiful, with her dark hair and darker eyes, with a body made for sin. He has to protect her, but he can't love her.

She's too good for him. Too innocent, too pure.

He knows he should let her go so she can find a better man.

But all he wants is to claim her, body and soul.