BREAK DOWN (Dublin Rugby #4)

I left behind everything I loved to keep my secret safe.

I’ve been a starter for Dublin Rugby since I was twenty. It’s all I’ve ever known.

But after a close call with a secret I’ve spent my whole life hiding, I’m forced to leave the club I love, traded to one of our biggest rivals.

Edinburgh wasn’t the plan. It wasn’t even my choice. But it’s where I’ll play out my final season, whether I like it or not.

I told myself I’d keep my head down, finish strong, and pretend that was enough.

Then I walked into a quiet little restaurant and met Chef Lachlan MacLeod.

He’s everything I shouldn’t want—tattooed, stunning, and worst of all, out. The kind of man I swore I wouldn’t go near again.

But I keep going back. First for the food. Then for the friendship.

Until one taste brings me to my knees. Until loving him stops feeling dangerous and starts feeling inevitable.

I want him more than I’ve ever wanted anything. But wanting isn’t enough if I don’t have the courage to tell the world he’s mine.

There’s nothing safe about loving a lie.

I’ve fought like hell to build a life I’m proud of—one where I own who I am and don’t make excuses for my past. For the addictions, the chaos, or the men who broke my heart.

My only rule? I don’t go near closeted guys anymore. Especially not the ones who play it straight in public but beg me to take them apart in private.

But then Liam Donnelly walks into my restaurant—all bruised pride, killer smile, and eyes that won’t stop watching me.

He’s everything I shouldn’t want: guarded, complicated, and deeply closeted.

But underneath all that swagger, there’s something real. Raw. Aching.

I try to be his friend. To keep my distance.

But when he finally gives in to what’s been burning between us, I fall harder than I ever meant to.

I want to build a life with him, but if he can’t love me out loud, I won’t let him love me at all.