Cowboy in the Crossfire. Robin Perini

Чтение книги онлайн.

      She's the one piece of his past this cowboy can't escape

      Unjust accusations shattered Blake Redmond’s big-city police career—and destroyed everything around him. Now, all this sheriff lives for is keeping watch over his small Texas town…until Amanda Hawthorne and her five-year-old son come fleeing out of a snowstorm with killers on their trail. The terror Blake sees in the young boy’s eyes makes Blake swear to protect him and his injured mother. But winning Amanda’s trust is as difficult as resisting the passion drawing him to this beautiful, determined woman. With their every move thwarted and time running out, the only way Blake can clear his name and save this little family is to confront his own dangerous past—no matter what the cost.

      “I have to disappear, Blake. I can’t stay.”

      Amanda’s heart pounded in anticipation even as she uttered the halfhearted resistance.

      “I always wondered,” Blake whispered, “if you really tasted as good as I remembered.” He rubbed his thumb on her lower lip. “May I?”

      She didn’t think, just nodded her head.

      With a deep groan, he took her lips with a force that made Amanda whimper. No one had ever kissed her as if he was too hungry to let her go.

      He wrapped her in his arms, and when he pressed her lips open, she gladly let him in. She pressed closer to Blake, her breasts crushing against his broad chest.

      Heat sprang between them, and her body sizzled with want. Low in her belly, the recognition of her yearning for this man kindled something she hadn’t felt in too long.

      Amanda rubbed her hands over the strength of his muscles, the broadness of his shoulders, the narrowness at his waist. His response to her touch was primal and immediate. Blake wanted her. As much as she wanted him....

      Cowboy in the Crossfire

      Robin Perini

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Award-winning author Robin Perini’s love of heart stopping suspense and poignant romance, coupled with her adoration of high-tech weaponry and covert ops, encouraged her secret inner commando to take on the challenge of writing romantic suspense novels. Her mission’s motto: “When danger and romance collide, no heart is safe.”

      Devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes adventures with a love story sure to melt their hearts, Robin won the prestigious Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award in 2011. By day she works for an advanced technology corporation, and in her spare time you might find her giving one of her many nationally acclaimed writing workshops or training in competitive small-bore rifle silhouette shooting. Robin loves to interact with readers. You can catch her on her website, www.robinperini.com, several major social-networking sites or write to her at P.O. Box 50472, Albuquerque, NM 87181-0472.

      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Amanda Hawthorne—Determined to protect her son from a murderer, and out of options, she must seek help from the disgraced cop who her brother framed.

      Blake Redmond—This by-the-book sheriff never crosses the line. Can he ignore his badge to protect a fugitive and her son from those willing to kill anyone who gets in their way?

      Ethan Hawthorne—Amanda’s son can identify his uncle’s killer. Now the five-year-old witness is the next target.

      Logan Carmichael—Blake trusts the private investigator with his and Amanda’s lives, but will Logan stay loyal when powerful forces threaten to take away everything he holds dear?

      Vince Hawthorne—His secrets got him killed. Can Blake and Amanda find the evidence Vince left behind in time to save Ethan’s life?

      Shaun O’Connor—Why does the Internal Affairs cop offer to help? Is he out for justice or is he involved in murder?

      Paul Irving—The lieutenant tried to save Blake’s job. Is Paul now a target?

      Matt Johnson—The detective got in over his head. Can he find a way out?

      Rafe Vargas—The former special ops soldier knows how to kill. Can his loyalty be bought?

      Deputy Parris—Blake’s right-hand man was in line to be sheriff until Blake returned to Carder, Texas. Does Parris want the job at any cost?

      For my dad—my hero. His love for our family inspires me.

      He taught me that a man can be tough and tender, strong and loyal, wise and funny—and he taught me to shoot and dragged me all over West Texas on adventures, which came in mighty handy while writing this book! I love you, Dad. Always!

      Contents

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Epilogue

       Excerpt