They protected each other at all costs. It was them against the world until it wasn't. Now they have a chance to be stronger together once more.
When he was thirteen, Daniel Bell was ripped away from his loving parents and thrown into the foster care system. Alone, grieving, and desperate for companionship, he clung to his foster brother, Luke. They quickly became best friends, providing each other with protection and comfort through their teenage years. Luke Allen was fourteen when he met Daniel, the small and terrified teen. That was the day he fell in love. He took Daniel under his wing and vowed to protect him at all costs, even at the expense of his own heart. No good would come from being gay and pining over your straight best friend. Eventually, his unrequited love grew too painful, so he separated from Daniel when they graduated high school.
After tragedy hit Luke, he reunited with Daniel eighteen years later to work together for Ronan O'Callaghan, the leader of the Irish mob. Luke realized his love never waned for Daniel and finally confessed to him. Both men quickly jump into a relationship, realizing their love all along. Can Luke get past his fears of Daniel being straight? Can Daniel stop obsessing about his sexuality? Will Luke's past catch up with him and destroy the relationship he fought so hard for?
A friends-to-lovers, second chances, m/m dark romance with HEA and no cliffhangers.
CW: Molestation of a child (small mention), mentions of rape of a teen boy, bullying, teen smoking, abuse, homophobia, PTSD, strong language, violence, and explicit sex.
Each story in this series can be read as a standalone, but it will be better understood and appreciated reading in order.
