HIS ONLY JOB WAS TO PROTECT HERNOT GET HER INTO BED
When his coinvestigator was attacked just moments after Detective Nick Fensom left the scene, he swore hed never let her get hurt again. Thanks to their tense relationship, criminologist Annie Hermann wasnt happy to have Nick as her newly appointed protector. And although Nick couldnt blame her, being together 24/7 caused him to see Annie in a whole new light. Before long, he couldnt stop picturing the beautiful brunette wrapped up in his armsand in his sheets. But allowing unfamiliar feelings to get in the way of the job was completely unprofessionalespecially once Annie discovered the evidence that could cost her her life.
Twelve hours ago, a man nearly killed you. He knows where you live. Are you going to trust that he has no reason to come back to finish what he started?
If you stay here, we cant You have to promise
Youll know when I make a promise to you, Annie.
Before she could guess his intent, his hand snaked out to cup the back of her neck. He stroked his thumb against the thumping beat of her pulse.
I am keeping you safe whether you like it or not. Youre right. We are on this task force job togetherso you do your brainy thing and Ill do what I do so that you can get us whatever clues you can. Im tired of this Rose Red bastard and his sick fan club having the upper hand on us. You will not be hurt again. Not while theres breath in my body. Understood?
Tactical Advantage
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
Julie Miller
www.millsandboon.co.uk
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
USA TODAY bestselling author Julie Miller attributes her passion for writing romance to all those books she read growing up. When shyness and asthma kept her from becoming the action-adventure heroine she longed to be, Julie created stories in her head to keep herself entertained. Encouragement from her family to write down the feelings and ideas she couldnt express became a love for the written word. She gets continued support from her fellow members of the Prairieland Romance Writers, where this teacher serves as the resident grammar goddess. Inspired by the likes of Agatha Christie and Encyclopedia Brown, Julie believes the only thing better than a good mystery is a good romance.
Born and raised in Missouri, this award-winning author now lives in Nebraska with her husband, son and an assortment of spoiled pets. To contact Julie or to learn more about her books, write to P.O. Box 5162, Grand Island, NE 68802-5162 or check out her website and monthly newsletter at www.juliemiller.org.
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CAST OF CHARACTERS
Nick FensomA KCPD detective with a protective streak that fills every inch of his broad shoulders. Hes as baffled by the eccentricities of the brainy Annie Hermann as he is by his attraction to her soulful eyes and curly hair. But whats a man to do when a killer targets the woman he has to work with? He becomes her round-the-clock protectorwhether she likes it or not.
Annie HermannThe quirky criminologist understands science and lab samples better than she understands most people, and has grown used to a lonely existence. When shes attacked while processing the Rose Red Rapists latest crime scene, its Nick Fensom who charges to her rescue. But with the two of them sharing a history of getting along like oil and water, can she trust her lifeor her heartto Nick?
Roy CarvelloAnnies neighbor takes his job very seriously.
George MadiganNicks uncle is the deputy commissioner of KCPD.
Nell FensomNicks youngest sister.
Jordan GarzaNells bad-news boyfriend.
Adam MatuszakAnnies ex-fiancé didnt think shed fit in with the life he wanted.
Gobel and RamirezWhat happened to the two cops on duty that night?
Raj KapoorA fellow criminologist from the crime lab.
The Rose Red RapistHis attacks on the women of Kansas City are growing more frequentand more violent.
The CleanerThe Rose Red Rapists accomplice. Psycho fan? Or key to breaking the task forces investigation wide-open?
With thanks to my editor, Allison Lyons.
Some books are harder to write than others.
Your patience, insight and support make a difference.
And the Italian food was yummy!
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Extract
Prologue
The screech of brakes clawing at the frosty pavement set the drivers teeth on edge as the van up ahead careened around the corner and jerked to a stop near the alleyway by the Fairy Tale Bridal Shop. Of all the stupid...
Rolling to a quieter, gentler stop half a block away, the curious driver following the van turned off the headlights and shifted the car into Park. Hugging long arms around the steering wheel, the driver leaned forward to watch the vans door open and see the reckless daredevil climb out. Ethereal snowflakes drifted from the low-hanging sky, turning the illumination from the streetlamps translucent, and making it difficult to pinpoint an exact height for the man, or even determine the color of clothing he wore beyond something dark. But one could make out broad shoulders as he hunched them against the wintry air and looked up and down the street.