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by Taccara Martin (Author), Liza Illuzi (Editor)
Men are trouble. At least, that's what I've always told myself. After a lifetime of disastrous relationships-each one a masterclass in betrayal, manipulation, and heartbreak-I swore off men entirely. No more compromises, no more ignoring red flags, and definitely no more letting anyone close enough to hurt me again. It's just me, my healing journey, and a promise to myself to finally do better.
Then Diego Contreras walked into my life. A doctor with a reputation for being as smooth as he is smart, Diego isn't just the kind of man I've avoided-he's the embodiment of every warning sign I've ever ignored. And yet, there's something about him. His patience. His quiet consistency. The way he sees me in a way no one else ever has. Is he really different, or is this just another illusion waiting to shatter?
As my life spirals further out of control, Diego and I strike a deal-one that forces me to let him in, just enough to get by. But the more I let him in, the harder it gets to keep my heart guarded. And as much as I want to believe Diego is different, I can't help but wonder: what happens when the truth about me becomes too much for even him to handle?
This is a story about love, trust, and the walls Black women build to protect ourselves-only to find that just maybe, the right person is worth tearing them down for.
