Poodle's childhood sweetheart and mother of his child was murdered when he was 17 years old his 4 month old daughter was stolen from him, he's spent the last 13 years searching for her and avoiding emotional entanglements(telling no one about them or his search) until Melissa comes to live with the Kings. Melissa is one of the women that were rescued during the raid in Jersey, but even before being abused by the members of the rogue chapter her father had been selling her to every one and using her himself since she was 15/16 years old so big TW for sexual abuse(not on page).
Poodle is so afraid to let anyone in because he's afraid he'll forget Holly and Ellie, Melissa wants to be near him but is not sure she wants to try because she's never had a choice before and the idea is terrifying. These 2 are intense and angsty and the whole story is emotional starting with the prologue and Poodle finding Holly's body and realizing Ellie is gone. MMC has only been with one person and has been celibate since her death, which you don't see often.