Rawlins Debbi - Secret Defender

Keep your head down! Luke shouted

Like lightning Luke was under a tree, perfectly still, his feet shoulder-length apart, his gun aimed toward a patch of blue sky between the trees. A second later he fired. Another shot. She saw the helicopter drop a few feet, then sway. Blades sputtered, and the helicopter lurched forward.

Shivering, she slowly raised her head. She couldnt see Luke at first, and alarm rose in her throat. Panic slithered down her spine. Shed heard two shots. Had Luke been shot?

The sudden thought rocked her to her core.

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

Its the most wonderful time of the year! And we have six breathtaking books this month that will make the season even brighter.

THE LANDRY BROTHERS are back! We cant think of a better way to kick off our December lineup than with this long-anticipated new installment in Kelsey Robertss popular series about seven rascally brothers, born and bred in Montana. In Bedside Manner, chaos rips through the town of Jasper when Dr. Chance Landry finds himself framed for murderand targeted for love! Check back this April for the next title, Chasing Secrets. Also this month, watch for Protector S.O.S. by Susan Kearney. This HEROES INC. story spotlights an elite operative and his ex-lover who maneuver stormy watersand a smoldering attractionas they race to neutralize a dangerous hostage situation.

The adrenaline keeps on pumping with Agent-in-Charge by Leigh Riker, a fast-paced mystery. Youll be bewitched by this months ECLIPSE selectionEdens Shadow by veteran author Jenna Ryan. This tantalizing gothic unravels a shadowy mystery and casts a magical spell over an enamored duo. And the excitement doesnt stop there! Jessica Andersen returns to the lineup with her riveting new medical thriller, Body Search, about two hot-blooded doctors who are stranded together in a windswept coastal town and work around the clock to combat a deadly outbreak.

Finally this month, watch for Secret Defender by Debbi Rawlinsa provocative woman-in-jeopardy tale featuring an iron-willed hero who will stop at nothing to protect a headstrong heiresseven kidnap her for her own good.

Best wishes for a joyous holiday season from all of us at Harlequin Intrigue.

Sincerely,

Denise OSullivan

Senior Editor, Harlequin Intrigue

Secret Defender Debbi Rawlins

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Luke BoudreauEx-cop, ex-con, hes kidnapped Sydney but claims he wants to protect her.

Willard SeymourSydneys godfather and lawyer, trusted friend of the Wainwright family whos controlled the company since the death of her parents.

Rick WainwrightThe brother Sydney didnt know she had until a year ago.

JeffThe new man in Sydneys lifean attorney she met at a party.

JulieAn old friend from the wrong side of the tracks, whos suddenly popped into Sydneys life again.

Mama SadieThe only person who truly knows and trusts Luke Boudreau.

This is for Karl. See? I told you Id make

an honest man out of you.

Contents

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Epilogue

Chapter One

Sydney Wainwright stared at the bold black letters on the sheet of white paper. Her hands no longer trembled like they had when shed received the first two threats. Shed been fearful then; now, she was angry.

She wadded up the note and then slipped it in the top drawer of her desk, way in the back where no one would see it. Better that Willard and her brother didnt know shed received another one. Theyd already accused her of not taking the threats seriously enough.

They thought she should disappear for a while, go to France or Rio, or take a cruise. No way was she running scared. Shed finally taken control of her life. She wouldnt give it up that easily.

After locking the desk, she grabbed her purse and headed down the hall. She had half an hour to make it to her hair appointment. That gave Willard only two minutes to complain about her venturing out alone.

He was such a dear man, a trusted and loyal friend of the family forever, but hed become too protective since her parents death. He kept forgetting she wasnt a child anymore.

She stopped outside his office and knocked briefly before opening the door. Rick was sitting across from Willards desk. They abruptly stopped talking when they saw her. Then her brother slid Willard a cryptic glance, which made her uneasy.

Hey, what are you two doing? Conspiring against me? She grinned, and Rick looked away.

On your way to lunch? Willard eyed the Chanel bag slung over her shoulder.

Rick immediately stood. I was just on my way out, too. Lets go together.

She gave him a bland look. Subtle, Rick. She aimed her gaze to include Willard. Im going to quit telling you guys when I leave the building if you keep acting this way.

What? Rick had the affronted-big-brother look down pat already. Im not supposed to break for lunch?