Preorder Tension: A state of mental, emotional, or interpersonal strain

October 7, 2026

Christina Banks is exhausted.

After years of supporting an unemployed boyfriend who repays her loyalty with lies, cheating, and manipulation, she's finally pushed to her breaking point. 

Vel has spent years keeping women at a distance. One mistake in his past taught him that getting too attached only leads to damage, so he keeps things simple.

He isn't looking for commitment, and Chris isn't looking for another man to take care of.

But somehow, they find each other anyway.

What starts as a one-night stand meant for nothing more than a little “get-back” slowly becomes something neither of them expected. As Chris rebuilds her life, Vel becomes her unexpected safe place. He offers patience instead of pressure, protection instead of control, and affection without asking her to earn it.

But leaving her ex doesn't mean he's ready to let her go.

As the unwanted attention escalates, Chris realizes that the life she's fighting to rebuild may not be as safe as she thought.

And for Chris, learning how to be loved may be harder than learning how to survive.