Dark and twisted secrets mar Shane Coulter's skin, and darken his fragile heart. Yet he keeps his nightmarish truth hidden from all those he holds dear with a smart mouth and abrasive attitude. His first love, Callan Reid, refuses to accept Shane's tough exterior. Convinced something truly horrific lurks beneath Shane's defenses, Callan vows to uncover the truth. But some things are better left buried. As darkness from the past threatens to be brought to light, there are those who would kill to prevent it. Can Callan break down Shane's walls? Or will digging into the past come with deadly consequences? Trigger warnings for: physical abuse, emotional abuse, self-harm, murder, homophobia. Please use caution when reading.