Decorah Security Series by Rebecca York

Recovering from serious war wounds at the Naval Medical Center, Navy SEAL Frank Decorah is awakened by another patient's scream. Stumbling to the man's bed, he interrupts a mind vampire's feeding frenzy. Frank has no power against the evil creature, but another supernatural being does--Ariel, once mortal but long ago chosen by the gods as a guardian of humanity. Her beauty, her dedication, and her purity capture Frank's heart... moreRecovering from serious war wounds at the Naval Medical Center, Navy SEAL Frank Decorah is awakened by another patient's scream. Stumbling to the man's bed, he interrupts a mind vampire's feeding frenzy. Frank has no power against the evil creature, but another supernatural being does--Ariel, once mortal but long ago chosen by the gods as a guardian of humanity. Her beauty, her dedication, and her purity capture Frank's heart. With superhuman determination, he follows her back to her stronghold where he shows her what pleasures a man and woman can give each other. But how can he possibly forge a relationship with an immortal being whose life is dedicated to the service of the god? And what happens when they discover his audacious transgression? Frank heads the Decorah Security Agency, and this story provides the background on why he gathered a group of agents with paranormal powers and why he has such uncanny insights into which agents are right for which jobs. less

A police detective and a woman who files a missing persons report become the pawns of an unholy serial killer in a game of deadly attraction.

When death is stalking, only a phantom can save her--and love her. Fleeing to her father’s abandoned Arizona ranch to hide from political assassins, Isabella Flores is attacked by a ghost haunting the property. He’s Decorah Security agent Matthew Houseman, killed in the line of duty. Still, passion blooms between Isabella and Matthew, and as their relationship turns more physical, Matthew becomes more real to himself and to her... moreWhen death is stalking, only a phantom can save her--and love her. Fleeing to her father’s abandoned Arizona ranch to hide from political assassins, Isabella Flores is attacked by a ghost haunting the property. He’s Decorah Security agent Matthew Houseman, killed in the line of duty. Still, passion blooms between Isabella and Matthew, and as their relationship turns more physical, Matthew becomes more real to himself and to her. After the ranch is attacked and Matthew helps save Isabella’s life, she learns a startling secret. There may be hope of bringing her ghost lover back–if she dares to risk everything. less

Suffering from PTSD after a traumatic undercover assignment, Decorah Security agent Ben Walker must cope with a new mission—and a woman determined to find her kidnapped sister at all costs. He'd prefer to work alone, but Sage Arnold insists on coming with him to Doncaster, Maryland, where secrets fester below the surface of small-town life. Sage and Ben grow close, but can she help him heal his psychic wounds? And will his ability to read the last thoughts of murder victims get them both killed?

Decorah Security Series, Volume #4, from NY Times Best-Selling Author Rebecca York PRAISE FOR REBECCA YORK"Rebecca York delivers page-turning suspense."--Nora Roberts"A true master of intrigue."--Rave ReviewsOVERVIEWAMBUSHED is a Decorah Security short story.Sworn to protect federal witness Elizabeth Bannerman, Decorah Security Agent Jordan Stone fights the emotions building between them. When they're ambushed by terrorists, Jordan realizes he actually does have something left to lose-Elizabeth... moreDecorah Security Series, Volume #4, from NY Times Best-Selling Author Rebecca York PRAISE FOR REBECCA YORK"Rebecca York delivers page-turning suspense."--Nora Roberts"A true master of intrigue."--Rave ReviewsOVERVIEWAMBUSHED is a Decorah Security short story.Sworn to protect federal witness Elizabeth Bannerman, Decorah Security Agent Jordan Stone fights the emotions building between them. When they're ambushed by terrorists, Jordan realizes he actually does have something left to lose-Elizabeth.MORE PRAISE FOR REBECCA YORK"Rebecca York's fast-paced suspense, innovative stories and sexy characters set the standard for paranormal romantic suspense."--Ann Voss PetersonIf you enjoy the action-packed plots of of Dick Francis, the suspense of Clive Cussler and the sensuality of Angela Knight, you'll LOVE AMBUSHED. **More stories in Rebecca York's Decorah Security Series: #1 On Edge - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella - introduces founder of Decorah Security Agency #2 Dark Moon - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel #3 Chained - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella #5 Dark Powers - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel #6 Hot and Dangerous - Paranormal romantic-suspense short story #7 At Risk - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel #8 Christmas Captive - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella**The Decorah Security Collection is an anthology containing Chained, Dark Powers, Hot and Dangerous, and Ambushed.**For more sexy, action-packed thrillers from Rebecca York, check out the science-fiction romance stories in her Off-World Series: #1 - Hero's Welcome - Sexy science-fiction romance short story #2 - Nightfall - Sexy science-fiction romance novella #3 - Conquest - Sexy science-fiction romance short story less

When Mack Bradley bails out of his F-18, he ends up at a hotel in the Twilight Zone, where nothing is as it seems. He's drawn to one of the other residents of this strange place, Lily Wardman, and she appears to return the attraction, but is she an ally or part of a grand conspiracy?Grant, Mack's brother, has been told he's dead, but when Grant opens the coffin to put in Mack's class ring, he finds a fake body. This discovery sends him on a frantic search for the truth... moreWhen Mack Bradley bails out of his F-18, he ends up at a hotel in the Twilight Zone, where nothing is as it seems. He's drawn to one of the other residents of this strange place, Lily Wardman, and she appears to return the attraction, but is she an ally or part of a grand conspiracy?Grant, Mack's brother, has been told he's dead, but when Grant opens the coffin to put in Mack's class ring, he finds a fake body. This discovery sends him on a frantic search for the truth. But is Mack beyond his reach? less

Decorah Security Series, Volume #6, from NY Times Best-Selling Author Rebecca YorkPRAISE FOR REBECCA YORKRebecca York delivers page-turning suspense.--Nora RobertsRebecca York never fails to deliver. Her strong characterizations, imaginative plots and sensuous love scenes have made fans of thousands of romance, romantic suspense and thriller readers.--Chassie WestOVERVIEWHOT AND DANGEROUS is a Decorah Security short story... moreDecorah Security Series, Volume #6, from NY Times Best-Selling Author Rebecca YorkPRAISE FOR REBECCA YORKRebecca York delivers page-turning suspense.--Nora RobertsRebecca York never fails to deliver. Her strong characterizations, imaginative plots and sensuous love scenes have made fans of thousands of romance, romantic suspense and thriller readers.--Chassie WestOVERVIEWHOT AND DANGEROUS is a Decorah Security short story.What's more dangerous--terrorists or a hot and sexy werewolf?She's on vacation, hoping for some romance. He's a werewolf, trying to outrun his destiny. When they flee from a terrorist attack on their island resort, they end up in each other's arms. What happens when she discovers her lover is more than a man?MORE PRAISE FOR REBECCA YORKRebecca York will thrill you with romance, kill you with danger and chill you with the supernatural.--Patricia Rosemoor(Rebecca York) is a real luminary of contemporary series romance--Michael Dirda, The Washington Post Book WorldRebecca York's writing is fast-paced, suspenseful, and loaded with tension.--Jayne Ann KrentzIf you enjoy the action-packed plots of of Dick Francis, the sensuality of Angela Knight, and the B&D themes of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, you'll LOVE HOT AND DANGEROUS.**More stories in Rebecca York's Decorah Security Series: #1 On Edge - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella - introduces founder of Decorah Security Agency #2 Dark Moon - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel #3 Chained - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella #4 Ambushed - Paranormal romantic-suspense short story #5 Dark Powers - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel #7 At Risk -Paranormal romantic-suspense novel #8 Christmas Captive - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella**The Decorah Security Collection is an anthology containing Chained, Dark Powers, Hot and Dangerous, and Ambushed.**For more sexy, action-packed thrillers from Rebecca York, check out the science-fiction romance stories in her Off-World Series: #1 - Hero's Welcome - Sexy science-fiction romance short story #2 - Nightfall - Sexy science-fiction romance novella #3 - Conquest - Sexy science-fiction romance short story less

After a series of muggings outside her New Orleans restaurant, Eugenia Beaumont hires Decorah Security to find out who's trying to sabotage her business. Frank Decorah sends Rafe Gascon, a man with psychic powers. He and Eugenia were almost lovers as teenagers, and each thinks the other broke off the relationship. The moment they connect again, old feelings leap to life. Then a murder at a voodoo ceremony in her restaurant makes them both suspects... moreAfter a series of muggings outside her New Orleans restaurant, Eugenia Beaumont hires Decorah Security to find out who's trying to sabotage her business. Frank Decorah sends Rafe Gascon, a man with psychic powers. He and Eugenia were almost lovers as teenagers, and each thinks the other broke off the relationship. The moment they connect again, old feelings leap to life. Then a murder at a voodoo ceremony in her restaurant makes them both suspects. Can they avoid a voodoo curse, find the real killer and admit the feelings they still have for each other? less

When Jenny Seaver escaped from her worst nightmare, she hoped she had found a refuge with Decorah Security agent Grant Bradley. But deep in her heart, she knew safety was only an illusion. Could she risk the night of passion they both wanted before she disappeared from his life?Grant’s need for Jenny defied any danger. But unless she decides to trust him with the secrets of her past, the evil that followed her could destroy them both.

Was it attempted murder or a boating accident? Either way, the hard-driving Jordan Campbell is in a coma. When Frank Decorah asks nurse Hannah Andrews to use her psychic talent to connect with Jordan, she knows it's a dangerous job. Once she's on the case, whoever tried to kill Jordan will likely turn on her. But as she digs into the man's background, she can't refuse Frank's assignment. Now she's risking her life---and her heart.

From New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling Author Rebecca YorkPRAISE FOR REBECCA YORK"Rebecca York delivers page-turning suspense. "--Nora Roberts"(Rebecca York) is a real luminary of contemporary series romance "-Michael Dirda, The Washington Post Book WorldOVERVIEWAfter a billionaire's daughter, Camille Norland, is kidnapped by a Russian mobster bent on matrimony, Decorah Security agent Nick Cassidy is her best hope of rescue. Nick's never admitted his feelings for Camille... moreFrom New York Times and USA Today Best-Selling Author Rebecca YorkPRAISE FOR REBECCA YORK"Rebecca York delivers page-turning suspense. "--Nora Roberts"(Rebecca York) is a real luminary of contemporary series romance "-Michael Dirda, The Washington Post Book WorldOVERVIEWAfter a billionaire's daughter, Camille Norland, is kidnapped by a Russian mobster bent on matrimony, Decorah Security agent Nick Cassidy is her best hope of rescue. Nick's never admitted his feelings for Camille. Now he's desperate to save her before the wedding night. But can they escape from Victor Zanov's heavily fortified island paradise?MORE PRAISE FOR REBECCA YORK"Rebecca York's writing is fast-paced, suspenseful, and loaded with tension."--Jayne Ann Krentz"Rebecca York will thrill you with romance, kill you with danger and chill you with the supernatural."-Patricia Rosemoor"Rebecca York never fails to deliver. Her strong characterizations, imaginative plots and sensuous love scenes have made fans of thousands of romance, romantic suspense and thriller readers."-Chassie West"No one sends more chills down your spine than the very creative and imaginative Ms. York!"--Melinda Helfer, Romantic Times**More stories in Rebecca York's Decorah Security Series:#1 On Edge - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella - introduces founder of Decorah Security Agency#2 Dark Moon - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel#3 Chained - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella#4 Ambushed - Paranormal romantic-suspense short story#5 Dark Powers - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel#6 Hot and Dangerous - Paranormal romantic-suspense short story#7 At Risk - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel#8 Christmas Captive - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella#9 Destination Wedding - Paranormal romantic-suspense novella#10 Rx Missing - Paranormal romantic-suspense novel**The Decorah Security Collection includes Chained, Dark Powers, Hot and Dangerous, and Ambushed.**For more sexy, action-packed thrillers from Rebecca York, check out the science-fiction romance stories in her Off-World Series:#1 - Hero's Welcome - Sexy science-fiction romance short story#2 - Nightfall - Sexy science-fiction romance novella#3 - Conquest - Sexy science-fiction romance short story#4 - Assignment Danger - Sexy science-fiction romance novella#5 - Christmas Home - Sexy science-fiction romance short story**The Off World Collection includes Hero's Welcome, Conquest, and Nightfall. less

Olivia Weston is sure her boss has imported a shipment of stolen antiques. And when Decorah agent Luke Garner handles one of the items, an ornate puzzle box, the spirit of a warrior, locked away for centuries, takes possession of his body. Zabastian, the guardian of the box, forces Luke to help him return the object of power to its rightful owners. As Olivia sees Luke change before her eyes, his transformation both frightens and arouses her. And both men who inhabit Luke’s body want her... moreOlivia Weston is sure her boss has imported a shipment of stolen antiques. And when Decorah agent Luke Garner handles one of the items, an ornate puzzle box, the spirit of a warrior, locked away for centuries, takes possession of his body. Zabastian, the guardian of the box, forces Luke to help him return the object of power to its rightful owners. As Olivia sees Luke change before her eyes, his transformation both frightens and arouses her. And both men who inhabit Luke’s body want her. But they must also learn to work together to protect the mysterious artifact from a trio of murderous thieves who will risk anything to steal the prize. And in the end, will the warrior allow Luke and Olivia their happily ever after? EXCERPT: Luke offers to help Olivia unpack the shipment. He walked toward the cases, then stopped at the table where she’d set the objects she’d already removed. The box was there. At least, it looked like the right box. Now that he saw it, he had the feeling he shouldn’t pick it up. He did it anyway, turning it over in his hands. “What’s this?” “My friend, Beth Lawrence, says it’s from an old religious cult. The Moon Priests.” Somehow, hearing the name sent a shiver over his skin. “She says they were supposed to have magic powers.” “Oh yeah?” “When I touch it, I get this tingling sensation.” He did too. He should put the damned thing down. But he felt compelled to move his fingers over the sides of the chest. When he pressed the lower right side of the box, a panel sprang back. “Hey!” He propped his hips against the table as he turned the box, holding it up to the light and looking at the design. Then he pressed a flower on the left side. Again, a panel opened. “Stop,” Olivia said, her voice uneven. He shook his head. From the moment he’d seen the box, he’d known he had to get his hands on it. “I think it’s . . . dangerous,” she said, but now her voice seemed to be coming from a far distance. “You remember that chest in the Raiders of the Lost Ark?” “What about it?” “When the Nazis opened it, something bad happened to them.” “This isn’t the lost ark.” “It’s from an ancient religion.” “And?” “And . . . it’s giving me the creeps.” He nodded, but now it seemed impossible to put the box down. Instead, he kept working on the pressure points. More panels opened, and then the top sprang up. A white mist came blasting out of the box like it had been fired from a cannon and struck him in the face. In the next moment, he fell to the floor unconscious. less

Werewolf detective Knox Marshall makes a near-fatal mistake when he tries to get the goods on a drug lab in isolated Western Maryland. Captured and used as a test subject in a diabolical experiment, he manages to escape. After nurse Maggie Leland finds him naked and wounded in the woods, she patches him up; but she’s hardly prepared for the drug flashbacks that spin his mind out of control or the side effects that turn him on. She and Knox get close quickly... moreWerewolf detective Knox Marshall makes a near-fatal mistake when he tries to get the goods on a drug lab in isolated Western Maryland. Captured and used as a test subject in a diabolical experiment, he manages to escape. After nurse Maggie Leland finds him naked and wounded in the woods, she patches him up; but she’s hardly prepared for the drug flashbacks that spin his mind out of control or the side effects that turn him on. She and Knox get close quickly. He thinks he’s found his lifemate—until it looks like Maggie is working with the drug dealers. When he realizes he’s wrong, is it, too late to save her life? less

Desperate to get home for Christmas, Samantha Donovan doesn’t realize she’s in terrible danger as she drives through a blinding snowstorm. Only Jax Warden’s psychic powers can save her. But Sam is suspicious of the explanation Jax gives her for why he showed up at just the right time to rescue her from a serial killer... moreDesperate to get home for Christmas, Samantha Donovan doesn’t realize she’s in terrible danger as she drives through a blinding snowstorm. Only Jax Warden’s psychic powers can save her. But Sam is suspicious of the explanation Jax gives her for why he showed up at just the right time to rescue her from a serial killer. Can she trust him enough to accept his help? When Samantha’s car goes off the road, a man she doesn't know has kidnapped and killed several women offers her a ride to her parents’ house. EXCERPT: “Would it be too much of an imposition to take the stuff I’m bringing?” she asked. He hesitated for a moment. “Everything’s right in the back seat.” When she saw his uncertain look, she added, “But we don’t have to bring it all. Maybe we can leave the presents. I can put them in the trunk so nobody can see them.” “Sure. I can do that. Why don’t you get in my car, and I’ll go down there.” “I have to lock up.” “I can do that, too. Give me your keys.” He was being super helpful now, yet there was something in the tone of his voice that set her nerves tingling. “I’ll wait out here,” she said as she stood shivering in the cold and snow. “I said get in the car,” he ordered, his voice sharpening. In the space of a second, she knew she was in bad trouble. She backed away, her heart slamming against the inside of her chest. She couldn’t outrun this guy. But maybe she could make it back to her car and lock herself in. She was still grasping at that slim chance when he reached under his coat and pulled out a gun, aiming it at the center of her chest. “Get in the car, I said. In the back.” She flicked a glance inside. There was no back seat, only a flattened cargo area, and on the surface she saw a large metal ring–like the kind used to tie down cargo. less

Witnessing the murder of New York mobster, Johnny Denato, is only the beginning of the terror closing in on nightclub dancer Tory Robinson. Kidnapped and spirited off to an isolated upstate New York sanatorium, she’s held captive by a sadistic doctor who drugs her and insists she’s there for psychiatric treatment. But his focus is on getting information about Denato. Enter werewolf Brand Marshall, out hunting in the deep woods when he discovers Tory’s frightening predicament... moreWitnessing the murder of New York mobster, Johnny Denato, is only the beginning of the terror closing in on nightclub dancer Tory Robinson. Kidnapped and spirited off to an isolated upstate New York sanatorium, she’s held captive by a sadistic doctor who drugs her and insists she’s there for psychiatric treatment. But his focus is on getting information about Denato. Enter werewolf Brand Marshall, out hunting in the deep woods when he discovers Tory’s frightening predicament. Getting her out alive will take all of his courage and cunning, but Brand's ultimate challenge is convincing Tory that she is his destined mate. less

Cash Baker wakes up in a secret military bunker, drugged, with vague images of a mission gone horribly wrong. Which of his memories are true and which are fake? There’s no one he can trust in his nightmare world until the woman he never forgot risks everything to save him.Psychologist Sophia Rhodes never got over the bad boy who stole her good-girl heart a decade ago. Now she knows Cash is in terrible danger... moreCash Baker wakes up in a secret military bunker, drugged, with vague images of a mission gone horribly wrong. Which of his memories are true and which are fake? There’s no one he can trust in his nightmare world until the woman he never forgot risks everything to save him.Psychologist Sophia Rhodes never got over the bad boy who stole her good-girl heart a decade ago. Now she knows Cash is in terrible danger. But without military training, how can she possibly spring Cash from a high-security facility? Sophia discovers that breaking in and rescuing Cash is easier than dealing with his damaged memories, as desperate men try to make sure he never tells her what he knows. less

Wearing a new face, he comes back to the town where he was framed for murder to catch the real killer. Completing his disguise, he now calls himself Mark Ramsey. Soon after he arrives, he collides with Molly Dumont, the woman he dreamed about the whole time he was in prison. But he can’t tell her who he really is, and as they get more intimate, he knows she will hate his duplicity. His questions around town stir up a hornet’s nest of danger... moreWearing a new face, he comes back to the town where he was framed for murder to catch the real killer. Completing his disguise, he now calls himself Mark Ramsey. Soon after he arrives, he collides with Molly Dumont, the woman he dreamed about the whole time he was in prison. But he can’t tell her who he really is, and as they get more intimate, he knows she will hate his duplicity. His questions around town stir up a hornet’s nest of danger. Can he and Molly prove his innocence and work out their relationship before the real killer catches up with them? less

When Jenny Seaver escaped from her worst nightmare, she hoped she had found a refuge with Decorah Security agent Grant Bradley. But deep in her heart, she knew safety was only an illusion. Could she risk the night of passion they both wanted before she disappeared from his life? Grant’s need for Jenny defied any danger. But unless she decided to trust him with the secrets of her past, the evil that followed her could destroy them both.

Jonah Ranger was restoring an antique 1955 Chevy when he heard a woman’s voice on the car radio pleading for help. She said her name was Alice Davenport, and a man was holding her captive, forcing her into a grueling workout routine so she’d be a proper challenge when he hunted her like big game on his private estate. As they talked, her voice shifted from the radio to inside Jonah’s head... moreJonah Ranger was restoring an antique 1955 Chevy when he heard a woman’s voice on the car radio pleading for help. She said her name was Alice Davenport, and a man was holding her captive, forcing her into a grueling workout routine so she’d be a proper challenge when he hunted her like big game on his private estate. As they talked, her voice shifted from the radio to inside Jonah’s head. Born with telepathic abilities, he’d helped Decorah Security rescue kidnap victims, but never had he felt this personal connection to one of them. Calling on psychic resources he didn’t know he possessed, Jonah was able to project himself to Alice’s location, where he could hold her in his arms, touch her, kiss her, and plan. less

When Francesca Turner visits her estranged uncle’s estate in Florida, she doesn’t know she’s stepping into a death trap. Only the cunning strategies of werewolf Zane Marshall can save her. But as the two of them are hunted down, they must fight for survival and the happily ever after they both desire. EXCERPT:As Uncle Angelo turned to see what had caught her attention, he made a strangled sound.“Oh no. Not now.”“What?”“Come on. Quick.” He turned and took her arm... moreWhen Francesca Turner visits her estranged uncle’s estate in Florida, she doesn’t know she’s stepping into a death trap. Only the cunning strategies of werewolf Zane Marshall can save her. But as the two of them are hunted down, they must fight for survival and the happily ever after they both desire. EXCERPT:As Uncle Angelo turned to see what had caught her attention, he made a strangled sound.“Oh no. Not now.”“What?”“Come on. Quick.” He turned and took her arm.Dragging her up, he propelled her toward the house. Inside, he headed back to the front hall and opened the double doors to the coat closet. He swept the hanging clothing aside and pressed the edge of the back wall. A door slid open, and he shoved her into a dark, closed space. “Don’t make a sound if you don’t wanna get dragged into this.”Quickly he closed the door, and his footsteps receded.It had all happened so fast that she hardly had time to absorb his words. But as the implications slammed into her, she started to shake.Voices drifted toward her from the back of the house.“Don’t try it, old man,” a threatening baritone advised.She heard something that sounded like a fist slamming into flesh, and someone made a gagging sound. She had to assume one of the men had hit her uncle.God, if she could only call 911 and ask for help from the police. But her phone was in her purse, and it was still on the table on the veranda.Oh no. Her uncle had shoved her into this hidden space at the back of the closet, but the men had surely seen her pocketbook and knew she was here.One of the men was speaking again. “You think you can go up against the boss?”“I’m not.” Her uncle answered, his voice sounding high and thin.“What would you call it?”“I was going to let him in on it.”“Sure.”There was a pause in the threatening conversation, and she held her breath, waiting for what might come next.Not more words, only another cry of pain.She hardly knew her uncle, but it was torture standing here in the dark listening to him being hurt. And there was nothing she could do. If she went out there, they’d just beat her up, too. Or maybe they’d kill a witness.Could she get out of the closet and make it to the street? She wasn’t even sure how the hidden door worked, and if she tried to open it, the noise might give her away.“You got one more chance.” The murderous voice threatened from the back of the house.There was a long pause. It was followed by two little popping sounds that might have been firecrackers. Under the circumstances she was pretty sure they had come from a handgun. less

Kathryn is hired to socialize a criminal whose memory had been erased. But the better she gets to know him, the more she fights to strip away the lies she'd been told and get to the heart of the man. Even as the two of them grow to care deeply for each other, she knows that every move she makes only puts her in graver danger... moreKathryn is hired to socialize a criminal whose memory had been erased. But the better she gets to know him, the more she fights to strip away the lies she'd been told and get to the heart of the man. Even as the two of them grow to care deeply for each other, she knows that every move she makes only puts her in graver danger. Does the man who named himself Hunter have the skill and the cunning to save her life? And what if he has to sacrifice himself to do it? EXCERPT: Acting out of character, Hunter has defended himself by decking a man before going off to take a shower. The staff are all afraid of what he will do next. Kathryn volunteers to bring him out. She wanted to bolt from the room. But she remembered the face of the man on the road. She’d seen a bleakness behind his eyes that had wrenched at her heart. No wonder, when you considered the implications of Emerson and Winslow’s callous conversation. Instead of running away, she crossed the tile floor on unsteady legs and dropped quickly onto one of the benches. There was no noise from inside the shower room besides the steady dripping of water. And she could see nothing beyond the billowing steam. “Hello?” she called. No answer. “Hello. It’s Kathryn Kelley. Do you remember me? We met while you were on your run. I’m in the locker room.” She sat staring into the mist, wondering if he had heard. Or if he even remembered her, for that matter, she thought with a jolt. If they’d been feeding him mind-altering drugs, there was no telling what they’d done to him. After several seconds she saw a form moving indistinctly in the vapor. A tall, man-shaped form. Moving closer. Moving slowly on feet that were silent as a cat. Then he stepped through the doorway and into the locker room, and she couldn’t hold back a gasp. A towel was draped across his shoulders. Otherwise, he was as naked as the day he was born. She saw her own feeling of shock mirrored on his face as he came to an abrupt halt, staring at her with a mixture of recognition and astonishment. Well, he remembered her, all right. Apparently, their meeting had been as unique for him as it had been for her. The disbelief vanished as he continued to regard her, standing comfortably with his feet several inches apart. He was tall and intimidating, towering over her where she huddled on the bench. Droplets of water clung to his skin. His dark hair was wet, making it look almost black. “You were with McCourt,” he said, his features filling with a roiling mixture of emotions before he got control of them. She struggled to keep her posture relaxed as she looked up at him. He had been compelling in running shorts and a tee shirt. Naked he reminded her of Michelangelo’s David. And he stood with the same unconscious nobility, as if nudity were the norm and she was overdressed in her beige skirt and jade silk blouse. His shoulders were broad, his hips lean, his stomach flat. And his sex was proportioned to inspire some very erotic fantasies. But this was no time for fantasies or recklessness. One wrong move and she could be in serious trouble. The two of them were alone, and he could hurt her if he wanted, she reminded herself. The thought of rape leaped into her mind, to be dismissed at once. He wasn’t looking at her like a would-be rapist. In fact, he didn’t look as if he were trying to embarrass her or make a point about a woman invading the guys’ locker room. There was no smirk on his face—only an expression that had become carefully neutral. less

The moment Andre Gascon read Morgan Kirkland’s bio on the Decorah Security Web site, he knew she was the right person to investigate the eerie murders plaguing his estate deep in the Louisiana bayou. His e-mails drew her to him. But when she arrived at Belle Vista, she learned he was a man with dark secrets. He lived like a captive on his own land, disappeared into the swamp at twilight, drank a strange homemade tea–and refused to trust her... moreThe moment Andre Gascon read Morgan Kirkland’s bio on the Decorah Security Web site, he knew she was the right person to investigate the eerie murders plaguing his estate deep in the Louisiana bayou. His e-mails drew her to him. But when she arrived at Belle Vista, she learned he was a man with dark secrets. He lived like a captive on his own land, disappeared into the swamp at twilight, drank a strange homemade tea–and refused to trust her. And why did a voodoo priestess show up every night with her drum? Morgan knew destiny had drawn her and Andre together. But could she break through the barriers he erected around his heart–before evil forces doomed them both? less