Mercenary's Dilemma (Solar Hearts #5)

Sometimes lying is the only way to survive.

The goal is simple: get out. Emerson doesn’t care how it happens; he only cares about leaving the mercenary life behind for good. He has spent too many years fighting to survive, and an opportunity has finally presented itself where he can maybe—just maybe—change his life. Nothing can get in the way of his plan, not when he’s finally so close to being free, not even a beautiful, determined, unlucky friend of a friend who needs his help.

Vacations aren’t supposed to be dangerous. Bethany and her boyfriend are supposed to be enjoying a little getaway with just the two of them. She just wants to see the sights and not think about work for a while, but somehow trouble still finds her. When her life is put in danger, a complete stranger appears out of nowhere to save her. Only, she can’t trust anything he says or does. He’s lied to her, kidnapped her, and claims he’s doing it all to keep her safe.

Their circumstances are complicated, and Emerson can’t explain any of it to Bethany without risking his entire plan failing. His motives are unclear, and Bethany doesn’t know what to believe. Nothing he does makes sense. He’s kidnapped her, and yet whenever they face danger, he does everything in his power to shield her from it. Can she really believe that he’s only trying to protect her, or is something more sinister going on?

Can they escape danger safely, or will everything fall apart for both of them?

Content warning: This story contains references to child slavery, child abuse, sexual abuse and rape, attempted rape, nonconsensual drug use, and torture. There are no explicit depictions of rape or sexual abuse.

Mercenary's Dilemma is the fifth book in the Solar Hearts series, and the books should be read in order. There will be eight books featuring six couples.