Tell me Ill be safe here, Jesse. I just need to know that for a little while I can let go of the fear.
He knew nothing about her situation, knew nothing about what danger might find her here. He wouldnt lie, couldnt give her guarantees that didnt exist.
Somethingan expression of need in her eyestouched him, and he didnt like it. She was a job. Nothing more, nothing less. In two weeks shed be gone, back to where she belonged.
Dear Reader,
As you have no doubt noticed, this year marks Silhouette Books 20th anniversary, and for the next three months the spotlight shines on Intimate Moments, so weve packed our schedule with irresistible temptations.
First off, Im proud to announce that this month marks the beginning of A YEAR OF LOVING DANGEROUSLY, a twelve-book continuity series written by eleven of your favorite authors. Sharon Sala, a bestselling, award-winning, absolutely incredible writer, launches things with Mission: Irresistible, and next year she will also write the final book in the continuity. Picture a top secret agency, headed by a man no one sees. Now picture a traitor infiltrating security, chased by a dozen (or more!) of the agencys best operatives. The trail crisscrosses the globe, and passion is a big part of the picture, until the final scene is played out and the final romance reaches its happy conclusion. Every book in A YEAR OF LOVING DANGEROUSLY features a self-contained romance, along with a piece of the ongoing puzzle, and enough excitement and suspense to fuel your imagination for the entire year. Dont miss a single monthly installment!
This month also features new books from top authors such as Beverly Barton, who continues THE PROTECTORS, and Marie Ferrarella, who revisits THE BABY OF THE MONTH CLUB. And in future months look for New York Times bestselling author Linda Howard, with A Game of Chance (yes, its Chance Mackenzies story at long last), and a special in-line two-in-one collection by Maggie Shayne and Marilyn Pappano, called Who Do You Love? All that and more of A YEAR OF LOVING DANGEROUSLY, as well as new books from the authors whove made Intimate Moments the place to come for a mix of excitement and romance no reader can resist. Enjoy!
Leslie J. Wainger
Executive Senior Editor
Imminent Danger Carla Cassidy
CARLA CASSIDY
Carla believes the only thing better than curling up with a good book to read is sitting down at the computer with a good story to write. Shes looking forward to writing many more books and bringing hours of pleasure to readers.
Contents
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Epilogue
Chapter 1
Jesse Wilder stared out his living room window, watching the beige sedan that had pulled up at the curb. The driver helped a woman from the car then handed her the traditional white-tipped cane for the blind.
Jesse frowned, his mind racing with how the womans sight limitations might complicate things. Already everything was complicated enough.
As the couple drew closer, Jesse studied them intently. He knew the man was Kent Keller, the U.S. Marshal who, along with Bob Sanford, had set up this whole thing. He didnt yet know the womans name, and in any case would probably never be privy to her real name.
In Jesses
eight years of working in law enforcement, the last four as Sheriff of Mustang, Montana, hed never been involved in anything like this. He wouldnt be now if Bob Sanford hadnt asked for his help.
He narrowed his eyes, studying the woman, her cane awkwardly tapping the sidewalk in front of her.
It was difficult to discern much about her features. Oversize glasses and dark bangs obscured the top portion of her face, and the late-summer breeze blew a strand of her long dark hair across her cheek, further cloaking her features.
Protective custody for a week or two. Jesses responsibility was to keep this woman out of harms way.
He moved away from the window as the couple approached the house. A moment later a knock sounded. Drawing a deep breath, Jesse answered the door.
Sheriff Wilder? The tall, gray-haired man had eyes like flint and his face looked as if it had never known the softness of a smile.
Yes, sir, Jesse replied, fighting the automatic impulse to salute the stern man.
Im Marshal Keller.
He shook Kellers hand hard and met his icy gaze unflinchingly.
Jesse stepped aside to allow them entry into his home. Please, come in.
As he closed the front door, Keller helped the young woman to the sofa. She sank down on the cushion and Keller sat beside her. Jesse sat in a chair facing them, waiting patiently, knowing Keller would tell him only what he needed to know.
Sheriff Wilder, this is
Cecilia, Cecilia Webster. Her voice was low and soft, and he knew instantly that the name was a lie. It fell uneasily from her lips, as if she were testing the sound of it.
Nice to meet you both. I assume you had no trouble finding the place. Jesse said.
No problems, Keller replied, offering no information on how long theyd been driving or how far theyd come.