Crowne Jewel by CD Reiss

Protect me at all costs.

That’s the mission my father placed on Anton Markov—my new bodyguard. Shield me from a ruthless, faceless stalker. The menace hijacked my online presence, levied chilling threats my way, and promised to unleash a barrage of damage to me personally and professionally.
There’s one problem with Anton.
It’s simple. I despise him.
He stole everything years ago—my heart, dreams, and dignity. With a four-line farewell note stuck to my kitchen table, he broke my heart and almost my spirit.
But it seems Anton has his own collection of grievances over what happened in New York, and he’s not willing to let them go.
It’s complicated. He hates me.
As my stalker escalates his threats, Anton and I are thrust closer together. His smoldering good looks, irresistible charm, and unwavering dedication to my safety blur the line between lovers and enemies.
He claims that he can’t protect me if he falls in love with me. With the danger closing in, we’re about to put that theory to the test.

—
Crowne Jewel is a standalone with a hot protector, wounded soldier, an ex you never thought you’d get over.
The story includes non-binary besties, a past abortion that no one feels guilty about, and a hundred right ways to act with an independent woman.
The danger to Lyric is real and manifests in stalking, ugly threats, and descriptions of violence that may take some readers out of the story.
Oh, also role-play shenanigans, a guy who stands up for her when she’s speaking, and two people who bring each other sandwiches in case they’re hungry.