The headlines all call me a hero, but I don't deserve anyone's praise.

No one would give me accolades if they knew how many men and women I lost in my last mission.

I didn't pull that kid out of the burning vehicle to gain attention, I did it because that's what needed to be done. Plain and simple. I didn't sign up for all this fanfare, and I certainly had no idea a raven-haired goddess would start asking me endless questions.

Between pain from new injuries and scars from old ones, I don't have a pretty story to tell the little ball of sunshine who keeps showing up, wanting an exclusive interview. I can't tarnish her with the details of my past. It would kill me if the light in her bright green eyes grew dim.

One fateful night, we get snowed in together. If the sweet, curvy little Maribel isn't careful, she might get more than she bargained for. She might just get my heart and soul, forever.