Chapter One Miami, Florida Victor glanced at her resume, certain he wouldn't hire her.

She was too young and too inexperienced. Nancy at the personnel office must have been crazy to even send her over. He considered calling the agency to cancel her upcoming interview, but the young woman was probably on her way. Disgustedly, he stared at the empty waiting room of his office. This was going to be a bad day all around. The temp had misread his note, cancelled his appointments for the day, and rescheduled them for tomorrow. Too bad that today was the day he had time for his patients. Tomorrow he was expected in surgery. Victor dragged a hand through his hair and tried to guess how many of his patients would remain with him if these screw ups continued. And all because his regular nurse/receptionist, Yolanda, had decided to get pregnant. Damn, he cursed, but Victor wasn't angry at Yolanda. He was sorry that she was now at home, flat on her back until the arrival of the baby in another four or five months. He couldn't wait for her to come back once she had the baby, even if only on a part-time basis. But Yolanda's unexpected defection to the ranks of motherhood had thrown his neat little world into a state of chaos and made him question too many things. He was supposed to be a triple S if there was such a thing -- thirtySomething, Single, and Successful. An up-and-coming orthopedic surgeon who hopefully would be Chief of Orthopedics sometime this year. So why was it that with so much supposedly in his favor, at times he didn't know who or what he was any more or what he wanted out of life? He set aside the resume, drew in a deep breath, and smelled something rank. Looking down at the overflowing wastebasket next to him, he caught a glimpse of the days old remains of someone's lunch. Something else the temp couldn't seem to do right, although it defied logic why someone couldn't arrange to keep the wastebaskets clean and the office looking neat.

Victor shook his head, stood, and began to straighten the disorderly piles of magazines and health brochures available for his patients. He walked into the receptionist's area and stopped short. A number of his patients' files were haphazardly stacked on the desk, waiting to topple at the slightest provocation. If they did, it would take hours of work to reorganize them. He reached to balance the precarious pile. "Hello," she said loudly from the other side of the desk, surprising him into jostling a goodly portion of the files onto the floor. They landed in a heap of scattered papers and manila file folders. He cursed under his breath and glared at the young woman. "Couldn't you have knocked at least?" She squared her shoulders and crossed her arms in front of herself in a defensive posture. "I did, but apparently you didn't hear." She eyed him curiously as he stooped down and shoveled together the papers from the files. "If your bedside manner's like this, it's no wonder you have an empty waiting room." He stopped picking up the papers. "Who are you anyway?" "Carmen Gonzalez. I'm here for the interview for the nurse/receptionist position, although you look like you're in more of a firing than hiring mood." He laughed, surprising himself. There was just something about her that made it hard to stay angry. Maybe it was her sauciness or her young eager face. Too young. "I'm sorry you wasted your time coming." "You're not even going to interview me?" she said softly, her crimson painted lips forming a frown. "Look I know we started off on the wrong foot." He held his hand up to stop her. "It's not you. I'm in a rotten mood and besides, you're too--" "Young and too inexperienced," Carmen finished for him. "Nancy was afraid that you would say that." Victor nodded, bent, and returned to gathering the papers. "Nancy knows what I want." "And you're certain that I'm definitely not it," she shot back quickly. He laughed again, shook his head, and glanced at her. "Do you always do that?" She looked taken aback and her dark chocolate eyes widened with doubt. "Do what?" "Finish whatever anyone is saying."

She blushed brightly and looked away. "Only when I'm nervous." Victor doubted that there were many situations in which Carmen could be nervous. She struck him as the cool and capable type. Just like his old receptionist Yolanda who could handle just about anything. Despite that, he needed someone with more job experience, especially with the nightmare his office had become in the last few weeks. He stood and rearranged the scattered papers and folders into a pile on the desktop. He would have to organize them when he had a precious spare moment. "Look, I appreciate your coming down here, but I think Nancy made a mistake. It just wouldn't work. I need someone who can straighten out this mess and handle my patients." "You actually have patients?" she teased and glanced around the empty waiting room. A chuckle worked out of him and he pondered again what it was about her that could make him laugh given the current state of his life. In fact, he couldn't remember the last time he had actually been this spontaneous. Not in a long time anyway. "Yes, I do have patients. The problem is that the temp canceled today's appointments and rescheduled them for tomorrow. I have to be in surgery tomorrow. So if you don't mind, I really have to go and start calling them. Hopefully I'll still have some patients left when I'm done." He bent, collected the last of the papers, and dumped them on the desk. Carmen had yet to move, so he eyed her, wondering why she was still lingering and she finally got the message. Carmen gave him a disappointed nod and walked away. The office phone began to ring. The problem was the phone was nowhere to be seen. Victor searched all over the desk and burrowed under the pile of papers that had once been his files. "Well don't just stand there," he snapped at Carmen. She had stopped at the sound of the ringing and now stood in the middle of the waiting room.

"Please help me find the phone," he added more politely, ashamed that he was being rude. That wasn't normally his style, but he had neared his limit of patience. Carmen shook her head in amusement, picked up the phone they kept for patients to use, and with the quick push of a few buttons, she answered, "Dr. Cienfuego's office." She glanced at him for further instructions as the garbled sound of someone on the other end of the line drifted over to him. Victor didn't know how she had done it and didn't care at the moment. He waved for her to go on with the call. "Yes, Mrs. Ruiz. We're sorry that Dr. Cienfuegos's temp called you to cancel your appointment." Victor heard the angry burst of Spanish from his position across the room. Carmen held the phone away and motioned for him to take the call, but he waved his hands and shook his head. The last thing he needed to deal with today was Mrs. Ruiz. He didn't care if she was one of his mother's very rich, very influential friends. She was a royal pain in the ass, generally vicious, and he was in no mood to deal with her today. Carmen relented and got back on the phone. In Spanish, she calmly explained the mix-up. She reminded Mrs. Ruiz about Victor's problem, what with poor Yolanda having difficulties with her pregnancy and leaving him without help. That seemed to bring a round of commiseration from the other woman. "Yes, of course. I can imagine how hard it was for you, too. I'm sure you can understand how Yolanda feels and how poor Dr. Cienfuegos is trying to handle all this with her gone. You know men are lost without us," Carmen said, earning the other woman's sympathy. Another burst of Spanish came across the line and then Carmen laughed, a rich, full-throated laugh that reached into her eyes. He grinned, enjoying how she had the shark eating out of her hand. It gave him second thoughts about his earlier decision not to hire her.

"Yes, yes, I agree," Carmen said, shaking her head and looking his way. "I'm so glad you're not angry. What would be a better day for your next appointment, by the way?" She motioned for him to bring over his appointment book and after a few tries, he located it, and brought it out to her. Carmen plucked the pen from his shirt pocket, sat down, flipped through the pages, and very efficiently rescheduled Mrs. Ruiz for another day. "Thank you very much for being so understanding." She hung up and handed him his appointment book. There was no way Victor was going to take it. "Please reschedule the rest." She eyed him doubtfully and clutched the book to her chest. "I thought you weren't going to hire me." "I'm not. Not yet anyway," he admitted with a grin and a shrug. He motioned to the phone sitting in the patient's area. "How did you do that with the phone and how did you know about Yolanda?" Carmen laughed, her dark eyes sparkling and her smile displaying straight, toothpaste bright teeth. "We have the same phone system at the nursing school. I temp there sometimes for Nancy, who happens to be Yolanda's cousin. And you will hire me. Trust me. I'm very determined." She surely was, he thought with a nod. Victor walked back toward the receptionist's desk. "I'm going to try and straighten out the files." He stopped short, turned, and asked, "You're not planning on getting pregnant any time soon, are you?" "You're not allowed to ask that question," she reminded him, waggling a finger. Victor knew that only too well, but that didn't stop a suddenly mischievous streak from tossing back, "Well, I did ask. Are you?" Carmen chuckled and shook her head. "If I was, my parents would be checking me into the nearest convent." He wrinkled his brow, trying to figure out that comment. "Why?"

She shot him a saucy grin. "Because I'm a good Cuban girl and still single. We don't do that kind of thing," Carmen said with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. The laughter that erupted from his chest was heartfelt. It made him feel warm and alive, something he hadn't felt in a long time. "Carmen, you are too much." She nodded, placed the appointment book down, and dialed the next patient on the list. "My sister Connie says the same thing." He stopped short. "There are two of you?" She waved him off. "We're not twins. Connie's my older sister. My way too serious older sister." Victor smiled and mumbled again, "Too much." "Hey, Dr. Cienfuegos," Carmen called out. "You should do that more often." He faced her, slightly confused. "What's that?" "Smile. You're kinda cute when you smile." "Now, Carmen. You know you're not supposed to say that kind of thing," he teased, waggling his finger in warning as she had done before. She grinned saucily. "Well, I did." Victor chuckled and walked away to fix his files. He stopped at the desk and looked back at her as she started making calls. He wasn't going to hire her. She was too young. Too sassy. And as he looked at her, took in for the first time all her too dangerous feminine curves, he wondered if he was dead not to have noticed them before. He was definitely working too hard.

Chapter Two
Connie Gonzalez slipped on the thin latex gloves before entering the crime scene. She stopped at the door and checked the frame for signs of forcible entry. Not a nick marred the lock or door jamb. "The perp had a key or was let in by the victim," she told the agent behind her, who examined the door and agreed. "Easy work, Gonzalez. Any beginner could see that." "So let's see what else we have then." Stepping inside the room, she scanned the interior of the shabby motel room, typical of those backstreet, by the hour establishments. Two mismatched chairs sat beside a scarred table whose top was strewn with the remnants of a take-out Chinese dinner for two. She stepped over and opened the containers. "One from Column A. One from Column B. Husband says they had finished dinner when he left. Must be light eaters," she commented about the nearly full containers. The agent behind her grunted, entered the room, and sat down at the table. He picked up a fork and one of the containers. "Want some?" he asked. Connie shook her head as he dug into the fried rice and leaned back in the chair.

"Sir, I don't know how you can handle that," she said as she approached the bed where the victim lay. Or at least what remained of the victim. "What's the matter, Gonzalez? Stomach a little queasy?" he teased as she bent at the knees and made herself face level with the edge of the bed and the body of the victim. Connie laughed and tossed her shoulder length cap of hair aside. "Hell, no. The salt and grease will kill you. Plus the MSG always gives me a headache." He chuckled and dug back into the fried rice as Connie rose, walked to the other side of the bed and examined the blood splatter patterns on the sheets and victim. "Twelve gauge shotgun. Two blasts. One to the chest. One to the privates." She blushed as she examined the victim's body. The other agent laughed, nearly choking on the mouthful of rice. "That some new technical term, Connie. Privates?" "Yes, sir. I petitioned to add it to the FBI dictionary. What do you think?" While she waited for his reply, she checked out the bathroom, and after examining the area, returned to the main area of the staged hotel room. Her superior grabbed an egg roll, waving it as he spoke. "I think you need to get a thicker skin. That Catholic school innocence gives the male agents a real opportunity for making you uneasy. Want some egg roll?" He held up the victim's purported dinner and as he moved it around, bits of filling flew off. "Can I help it you guys don't have any class? Anyway, let's get this over with. You're making me hungry. Where's the other body?" she said and sat down at the table across from him. This time her superior did choke on the egg roll. She reached over and pounded his back until he had control. "How did you know there was another body?" he asked once he could talk again. "No forced entry. The posture of the victim's body would indicate that she wasn't yet asleep and the sheets were off her even though it's kinda cold in here."

She rubbed her arms against the chill and looked up at the two-way mirror at one side of the room where other instructors were monitoring the test. "If it's intentional, please turn up the heat. My Cuban blood can't handle this cold and it's the least you can do for solving this little puzzle." The instructor sitting across from her laughed and dug back into the pint container of Chinese food. "Don't get too cocky, Agent Gonzalez. Or should I say, Agent-in-Training? Since so far you're the only one to have picked up on it, let's hear your theory." Connie nodded, leaned back in her chair, and confidently laid out her explanation for the crime. "As I was saying, the victim was not covered, and the bed, lumpy and soft as it is, shows a deep impression. More than our little 'victim', if she was of average weight for that height, would have made," she said, pointing to the mannequin that had been prepared for the exam. "The husband claims they had been involved with some drug dealing and that his wife was supposed to meet with one of the men." She chuckled and shook her head in disgust before proceeding. "You guys have a twisted idea of what meeting with someone is. Anyway, as I said before, there was no forced entry. The nature of the gunshots is not typical of a drug style execution. The husband claims they ate dinner, but it was barely touched. My guess is, he went to get dinner, came back, and saw through the window that his wife was doing it with someone else. Not too smart on her part, but maybe she thought he would take longer to return. In any case, when he saw them doing it, he lost it, went and got his shotgun, returned, and blew them away. He laid out the dinner to support his story." The instructor nodded and urged her to go on. "What about the other body? Where did it go?" Connie stood, walked over to the mannequin, and pointed to the groin area. "I'm assuming you intended these bits of stuff on the mannequin to be brain matter, because it's inconsistent with what would happen to a shotgun blast to the 'privates'," she said with a smile, teasing him. "So, I'm assuming they were involved in, let's just say something my Catholic school mind would rather not discuss in mixed company." "I knew you were good," the instructor said.

Connie did a mock bow and continued. "The plastic liner of the shower curtain is missing from the bathroom and there's no trail of blood from the bed to outdoors. Therefore, the husband likely wrapped his wifes lover in the shower curtain and took the body elsewhere. That's supported by the small bit of plastic caught on a nail by the door jamb." The instructor clapped. "Very good, Agent Gonzalez. Nice job today." "Thanks. If you don't have anything else, I'd like to go back to the dorm now," she said and walked back to her teacher. He stood and plopped the pint container of food back onto the table. "Big exam tomorrow, right?" Connie nodded. "I have some studying to do and I want to call home and see how things are going." He laid a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Connie. You're going to pass that test with flying colors. You're the first one to solve this crime and only a few others will get it as quickly as you did. You're one of the best I've had." "I appreciate that vote of confidence." Only the best could choose where they wished to be and she was itching to go home to Miami. After another few exams, she only had one real hurdle left to go: the self defense test. She hoped that when all was said and done, she would be at the top of her class and buying a ticket back to Miami. # After a quick dinner in the cafeteria, Connie returned to the small, dormitory style room she shared with one other woman. She sat at her desk, quickly glanced through her mail, and seeing nothing urgent, set it aside. It could wait until after she talked to her family. She dialed and the phone rang a few times before her sister Carmen answered. "Hey, sis. How are you?" she asked. "Good. What about you?" Carmen responded. "I'm fine. Have any luck landing a job yet?" Carmen had been looking for a nursing position for once she graduated.

"Even if I told you, you'd probably never believe me," Carmen replied. Connie leaned back in the chair, propped her feet on the desk, and wondered what trouble her sister had gotten into this time. "Carmen, with you anything's possible. Please, don't keep me waiting." Carmen regaled her with the details of her interview with her prospective employer. Connie laughed as Carmen described the look on his face as his files fell on the floor. Her eyes teared up from her amusement as her sister exaggerated the telephone run-in with Mrs. Ruiz. "This guy sounds like he's in real trouble," she said. Carmen chuckled. "Yeah, real trouble. He needed help right away and I felt so bad for him that when he asked me to call everyone, I gave in." Connie shook her head. "Oh no, sis. Don't tell me he's got a pretty face and got you to do the work for free. We didn't raise a fool, you know." "I know, Connie," Carmen said with an exasperated sigh at her sisterly chiding. "He offered to pay me." "And you accepted of course," she jumped in. "Now, Connie, don't get all crazy." "Tell me he paid you, Carmen." There was a moment of silence on the line, then her sister laughed-the unrestrained, earthy laugh Connie had missed so much during the months of their separation. "Well?" she prompted. "Do you always do that?" Carmen asked. Connie furrowed her brow, trying to imagine what her sister was talking about. "I don't get it." "Victor--" "It's Victor now? When did that happen?" she teased as she slipped her feet off the desk, tucked the cell phone between her ear and shoulder, and gathered her books and study materials. "Victor asked me if I always finished sentences for other people. So do you?"

Heat crept into her cheeks and Connie was glad her sister was not in the room to witness her embarrassment. "All right, you got me. I'll keep quiet while you explain how he got you to do his work for free, didn't hire you, and became Victor all in the course of one day." Carmen chuckled. "Lighten up. He did pay me for the day and he likes to be informal." Connie waited for her sister to go on, wondering if she had gotten the job, but Carmen didn't say another word. After fifteen seconds or so, Connie asked, "So did he--" "Hire me? I knew you couldn't keep quiet," Carmen teased. Connie wished her sister was in the room with her so she could provide a sisterly smack to get her in line. "Tell me," she pressed and looked at her watch. She had to hit the books shortly. "Do you know he actually had the nerve to ask if I planned on having babies soon?" Carmen admitted. Connie bolted upright in her chair, righteous indignation seething in every pore of her lawyer's body. "He's not allowed to ask that. The Neanderthal should know that. If he refused to hire you because of that, we'll sue." "Take it easy, my little legal eagle. He admitted he shouldn't have asked, but then again, it's something I wasn't thinking of doing right now." Her adrenaline going, Connie couldn't stop. "I should hope not. At least not until you're married." "Ah, Connie. Earth to Connie," Carmen teased. "This is the twenty-first century. People do that now." "But not you, Carmen." "How do you know?" her sister said, knocking all the wind out of her sails. Connie's little sister had. . .well, lost it while Connie was still nearly a virgin at the age of twenty-six. She didn't consider her couple of short college relationships a lot of experience, sexually that was. She didn't know what upset her more, Carmen's active love life or her own chaste state. "Carmen," she said huskily and paused to clear her throat. "As long as you took the right precautions."

And as long as her sister wasnt doing it with that no account Julio from down the block, she thought to herself. A heavy sigh drifted from the other end of the line. "Of course, I do. Don't you?" Connie blushed, hesitated, and then stammered out a quick, "Of course. Of course I do." Well, at least the few times she had in any case. "Believe it or not, Victor hired me, even though I was too young and too inexperienced. I don't know why and I don't care. He's paying me well and I'll be able to get experience so I can get another job once Yolanda comes back." "That's great, Carmen. Congratulations. We'll have to celebrate once I get home." Home, she thought with a pang of longing. It had been months since she'd been back to the small cinder block house off Calle Ocho in Little Havana. "You know where you're being assigned already?" Carmen asked. Connie hesitated and finally admitting, "Well, no. Just wishful thinking on my part." "Con?" Carmen asked softly, using her pet nickname for her older sister. The one reserved for important moments or serious ones. Connie wondered what was suddenly bothering Carmen. "Whats up, sis?" "Have you talked to Mom and Dad about where you'll be living if you're assigned to Miami?" Connie chewed on her bottom lip. "No, but they have to know I'm not going to live at home if I come back to Miami. I mean thats so Old School." "I know. Still, Mom launched into one of her 'My Daughters' speeches the other day. I think she'll give you a hard time if you tell them you plan on getting your own place." Connie sighed and dragged a hand through her hair. "Well, I'll deal with it if and when I'm lucky enough to get the Miami assignment." Not to mention good enough, she thought, suddenly assailed by doubt.

"Okay. I won't say anything. Besides they're not home right now. Want me to have them call you later?" "No. I'll be at the library studying. Tell them I'll call tomorrow. Carmen?" "Yes, Con. What is it now?" Carmen said with a sigh, as if waiting for Connie to chide her about something. Connie smiled, certain she would catch Carmen off guard. "You never told me if he was cute or not?" "Who? Victor?" Carmen said, obviously playing dumb. "Of course, Victor. Who else?" There was a long, drawn out moment over the phone line as her sister considered it. " I don't think he's your type at all, Connie." "And yours?" she teased. "No way," came the immediate reply. "He's much too old." Connie pictured him, wondering what he looked like from Carmen's sparse references. The picture of a cigarette-smoking, paunchy, sixty-something male chauvinist immediately came to mind. "Well, I hope he's not so old that you'll be looking for another job in a few weeks." "I said old, not ancient. I think he'll be around for a while." Carmen stopped for a second and laughed. The kind of laugh that told Connie her sister wasn't being totally truthful. "Okay, Carmen, spill the beans. What's with this doctor of yours?" "Don't worry, Connie. You have to go, remember, so take care. I'll talk to you soon." Connie stared at the phone for a second after Carmen ended the call, wondering what her sister was keeping to herself. Then she grabbed her things, slipped them into a well-worn knapsack that had seen her through law school and now nearly thirteen weeks at the FBI Academy. She hoped that in another two weeks, she would retire the knapsack forever as she left the academic realm and jumped into the real world. That was, if she could nail all her exams. She rose, heading to the library for another long night of studying. This was too important to leave anything to chance.

Chapter 3 It was bedlam inside the kitchen, Paul decided. The women bustled about, putting away food, preparing plates for washing since to his surprise there was no dishwasher in the small confines of the kitchen. He placed the empty dishes on the counter and asked Connie's mom if he could help out. "No, thank you. You are a guest. Please go and sit, or go for a walk with the men. We'll bring out the dessert in a little while," she offered generously. Paul hesitated. Victor was donning an apron, a flowered, ruffled little thing which barely covered the broad plains of his chest. When Victor glanced up, caught his amused grin, the other man laughed. "Run while you're still a free man, Paul. I'm doing this to avoid the doghouse." Victor held up his hands then like the surgeon that he was and faked a serious face. "Nurse, my gloves please." Carmen gently tossed the latex gloves in his face, then relented and slipped them on Victor's hands, mimicking the actions of a scrub nurse. "I get double time on holidays," she teased her boss, who merely grimaced and shook his head. "I get no respect," he mumbled and headed to the sink to wash. A swell of longing washed over Paul. There was no doubt about the love here. As a child he had envied families like this, the Cosbys of the world. He had certainly never had anything remotely similar while growing up nor to this day. That was why he was here now, thanks to the generosity of Connie. In a moment of epiphany, he decided he wasn't going to let this moment pass. For tonight, on this night when miracles were supposed to happen, he would be part of this loving, caring family.

Paul slipped off his sport jacket, laid it over the back of the chair, and grabbed another equally frou frou apron. He slipped it on, folded back the sleeves of his shirt, and joined Victor at the sink. "I'll dry," he stated and Victor looked at him and grinned. "I'm jealous. You look better in that thing than I do. It must be true then," he said, shaking his head and passing Paul a dripping dish. "What's that?" Paul asked, surprised by the instant sense of camaraderie he felt with this man. "Blondes do have more fun." Both men laughed together, then continued washing and drying with amiable chatter about their jobs, Connie, and Carmen. They were almost finished when Carmen approached, dangling a small piece of something, Paul couldn't tell what, between her fingers. "Cook's treat," she said and offered the piece to Victor. Victor shook his head and motioned in Paul's direction. "Let the gringo try it," he said, and Paul knew he was teasing. Carmen glanced at him, hesitating. Finally she took the step closer to Paul and held up the dark brown piece of what looked like meat. He leaned down and she brought it to his lips, but barely, forcing him to make the last final move. He grabbed hold of her wrist to hold her hand steady and placed his lips around the meat. Figuring he had no choice, or at least hoping that was the way it seemed, he continued to hold her hand and licked the fingers which had held the tasty, somewhat crunchy piece of meat. "Delicious." Carmen's fingers tingled where his lips had touched her. Her wrist burned from the heat of his grasp. "Thanks. It's called a chicharron. It's the skin off the pork leg."

She had hoped to shock his sensibilities, but he merely grinned and whispered in low tones, "I wasn't talking about the pork." Heat raced up her throat and across her cheeks. She pulled her hand away and was about to launch a scathing retort when her mother came by, advising it was time for dessert. Carmen bit her tongue, but glared at him as he motioned for her to precede him back into the dining room. He held the chair out for her and then sat. Carmen accepted the plate of pastries Victor passed to her and held it out to Paul. He hesitated, clearly unfamiliar with the Cuban sweets, and Carmen relented and helped him select a few, but with a little surprise thrown in. "Try this one first." She pointed to a conical, wet-looking pastry he had placed on his plate. Paul hesitated, looked at her and then down at the confection, a befuddled look on his face. Carmen huffed, grabbed his fork, cut off a piece, and brought it to his lips. He grinned, winked at her, and took the pastry into his mouth. A second later he grimaced, swallowed, and reached for his glass of water, nearly draining it. "What was that?" She laughed and turned her attention to her own plate. "It's a cake soaked with rum, honey, and sugar." And one for which she had never acquired a taste. "Ah, I get it," she heard him reply. "I do something to tease you and you put a bug in my sandwich to get even, right?" She closed her eyes, wanting to die at his analysis of their behavior and how close to truth it was. They were acting like they were in grade school and didn't quite know how to deal with that first blush of interest in the opposite sex. She looked down at her plate and mumbled, "I'm sorry."

"Mmm, I didnt quite hear that." He moved his hand, cupped her chin, and applied gentle pressure to bring her head around until she faced him. "Care to repeat that, again, maybe a little louder?" "No way." His thumb traced the small dimple in her chin and he shifted his hand to rub it across her cheek. "All right, then. Would you be willing to declare a truce?" he said softly. Her skin burned where he touched, making her mouth dry, and her chest grow too tight. It wasn't like her to be unnerved so easily, so quickly. Especially by a man she barely knew and that was frightening. Maybe she had sensed that attraction early on, from the moment he had walked in through the door. And maybe that was why she had been trying to keep him at arm's length. A truce meant she would have to lower those barriers, just a little. She glanced across the table at her sister and Victor, who were clear examples of where things could lead if one took a chance sometimes and had a little faith. She returned to gaze at the man sitting beside her, this very handsome, very blond Anglo man who had tried so hard to be nice tonight and nodded, held out her hand. "Truce," she replied softly and was rewarded by his full, unrestrained smile, and the hint of promise in his gaze. The remainder of the night passed all too quickly and Carmen wondered how it was possible to feel like a child again, waiting for Santa to come. After dessert they cleaned up, laid out finger sandwiches and other appetizers for those who were lingering. In their small living room they had set aside a tiny square and her parents slipped on some albums of old Cuban classics to dance. Her parents swept into each other's arms and executed the paces

of the music effortlessly. Soon, Connie and Victor joined them and Carmen sighed, happy at the clear joy and love on her sister's face as she danced with her husband of only a few months. "Care to show me how it's done," Paul asked as he came to stand next to her. Carmen held out her hand and he stepped close. She helped him position his hands, one on her waist, the other held in hers. The song playing was a danzon, one of the traditional Cuban styles of music. One of the slower styles as well luckily. She counted out the steps for him, moving her feet slowly. Paul tried to follow, his head bent down, intently following her count and movements, but it was clear after a few minutes it was a lost cause. He groaned and glanced at her in chagrin. "Should I have warned you that I have two left feet?" Carmen laughed and relented. She laid her hands along his shoulders, pulled him closer as the song ended and Connie switched over to her Ipod and a more modern, slower song. "I guess we'll just have to do it the old fashioned American way," she said and slipped into his arms, forcing him into a simple one-two shuffle. Paul wasn't going to argue. He held her close, but not too close in deference to her family, and swayed to the music, all the time hoping he wouldn't step on her feet. She must have sensed the tension in his body for she softly whispered, "Relax. My toes can handle it." He took a deep breath and gave himself up to the feel of her hands on his shoulders and of her small waist beneath his fingers. With each sway of her hips, her muscles moved and he wondered what all those lovely curves looked like beneath the clothes. Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead and he drove the image from his mind.

Regretfully the song ended and a fast-paced piece came on, one he knew he could never handle. He excused himself, wiped his sweaty palms on his pants and looked around, realizing for the first time he was the only one left. All the other family and friends had somehow departed without his noticing. A quick glance at his watch told him it was high time he left as well. "I really should go," he told her and was somewhat pleased with her momentary look of regret. Carmen nodded and led him to her parents so he could offer his thanks for the night. "Muchas gracias," he said slowly, the sounds uncertain on his lips, but she still gave him credit for the effort. Her parents beamed and he smiled back, calling out to Connie, "Hey, SpeeConnie. I'll see you on Tuesday. Thanks." Connie and Victor waved to him, clearly unwillingly to break out of each other's arms for the goodbye. "Take care, Paul. Merry Christmas," Connie replied. Paul smiled happily. "It might just be one after all," he said, and shot Carmen a quick glance. She walked him to the door and stepped outside with him. He turned to her as she stood on the porch, hugging herself to ward off the slight chill of the Miami night air. "I'm glad we called that truce," he admitted, running a hand along her forearm. Carmen almost hated to admit it, but she did as well. "I'm glad, too," she finally said and stood there, feeling awkward with this man. Feeling as if she didn't quite know what to do next, which was a first for her. There were very few times in her life when she had been as uncertain as tonight. He peered down at her, still inches taller despite the fact she was standing on the porch. It was unsettling, all that masculinity waiting before her, expectant and just as hesitant, she realized. "I guess

you should go. It was nice meeting you," she offered and held out her hand in what she hoped would be a neutral gesture. Paul smiled and glanced at her hand, then quickly back up to her face. He took hold of her hand, gave it a slow tug to draw her to the edge of the step, and Carmen stumbled on the uneven brick of the porch. He brought his arms around her waist to catch her. They were hard and unyielding, like bands of iron. Slowly he shifted his head down, seemingly intent on one thing. She raised her face hesitantly, eyes opened wide to watch as he did. But she was still uncertain and at the last minute, moved. Their noses bumped and he smiled, used the opportunity to rub his face across hers. His skin was soft, his beard non-existent as if he had shaved before coming over. She savored the caress, the hesitant brush of his lips which enticed and promised so much. Finally, thankfully, he moved his head that last fraction of the way, meeting her lips with his. Carmen lingered on the edge as he gently moved his mouth against hers and she wanted more. She opened her mouth slightly, darting her tongue out quickly to taste the hard line of his lips. Paul groaned at the first tentative swipe of her tongue and pulled away. It was too much, too fast. He was overwhelmed by it all. The whole unfamiliar family thing and the feel of this woman in his arms, too welcoming and too dangerous to the defenses he had erected over the years. Still, it wasn't something he wanted to walk away from, not just yet. "I'd like to see you again." He continued to hold her and caressed her back beneath his hands. She smiled shyly and moved her hands back and forth across his shoulders. "I'd like that, too." Paul grinned and a light-heartedness he hadn't experienced in a long time burst through his body. "I'll call you as soon as I know my schedule."

Carmen nodded and hesitantly gave him a quick kiss on his cheek before stepping away and back into the house. Paul managed to restrain himself from doing the little jump he wanted to and instead sauntered down the walk feeling like a new man.

THE PERFECT MIX

Chapter 1 Jeans that tight and faded should be illegal, Bianca Martinez thought. She approached the bar where her partner and the man she assumed was their prospective contractor were busy reviewing the plans drawn up by the architect for the renovation of their newly acquired restaurant space. As she got closer, she once again appreciated how the well-worn denim hugged the slim line of the contractor's hips. She moved her gaze down his muscled thighs to a pair of clean, but abundantly used work boots. Above his narrow waist a pair of broad muscled shoulders stretched out to there and a head of nearly blue-black hair called to Bianca to smooth out the tousled waves. She resisted the temptation, telling herself that the rest of him couldn't be as good as the back of him, but as he sensed her approach, he turned and smiled. In that instant, her heart skittered to an abrupt halt and her breathing ceased. His face was stunning. Dark finely arched brows swept over eyes the color of rich caramel toffee. His nose was a straight sharp slash and drew attention to lips just too sinful to describe. Especially when he grinned as he was doing now, displaying perfect white teeth and a deep dimple on one side. He was masculine perfection. The half-sleeve tattoo across one bicep just added to all that dangerous masculinity, warning her to avoid his bad boy mystique. Her mother had advised her more

than once about this kind of man -- the ones who seemed too pretty and too sure of themselves for their own good. Her mother had said to run hard and run fast, and Bianca was actually going to listen to her mother this one time. Except that she had promised Alex and Maya that she would interview this man for her renovations, what with him being a friend of the family. But agreeing to interview him didnt mean that she had to hire him, did it? # Rey Ramos heard someone enter and assumed it was Alex's sister, the third partner in this fledgling restaurant business. He didn't turn around right away, too busy looking at the plans with her partner and getting a sense of what he wanted, not to mention that he was a little pissed that she was late for their meeting. Rey had a tight schedule today. He had to check on a couple of other job sites before the end of the day since business was good lately. In fact, if it had been any one other than Alex and Maya asking, he wouldn't even have gone to look over the plans and present a bid. He was just too busy and he didn't like the idea of spreading himself thin. He prided himself on not just the quality of his work, but on finishing his projects on time. It was what had earned him repeat business and a lot of excellent referrals. People liked it that he came when he was supposed to, did the job with professionalism, and finished within a reasonable timetable and close to budget. Part of the reason Rey could afford to do that was because he didn't overextend himself by taking on more contracting jobs than he and his crews could handle at one time. Right now they were exceptionally busy and working on a project of the scope before him would mean Rey would have to put in a lot more hours and assemble another crew of workers for this site.

As he finally turned and grinned at Alex's sister, he considered again that maybe he was better off not even considering this job. Before him stood the kind of woman that meant trouble, in capital letters. She was young and very attractive. There was something in her eyes that bore a slight resemblance to her brother Alex, but that was where any resemblance ended. She was totally feminine and elegant in that rich girl kind of way. Her chic black suit probably cost more than his entire wardrobe. But then again, denim work shirts and jeans weren't all that pricey. The suit hugged the slim lines of her body, accentuating her slender curves. Beneath the fine fabric of the suit, a form-fitting white shirt molded to her body. Rey took a deep breath to battle his response to her generous breasts and a narrow waist that flared into womanly hips. He already itched to explore all those tempting curves, but he resisted. He told himself again that he was crazy to think about this job. Especially when she held out a well-manicured hand, one sporting an intricately worked topaz ring, and introduced herself in a voice that started an unsettling heat way south in his body. Her voice was low, with just a slight trace of huskiness. The voice of a seductress and totally in keeping with the sexy image she presented. Rey glanced at her hand uncertainly, but finally took it in his. He was surprised by the strength in her grip and the slight roughness of her palm which redeemed her somewhat. After all, she couldn't be that much of a princess if she had even some callous, could she? But then he caught the winking gleam of gold and diamonds, and her sleeve shifted enough for him to see the tennis bracelet encircling her fine wrist.

"I assume you're Bianca Martinez?" he said and continued holding onto her hand, enjoying the slight tremble and the flush working across the fine line of her cheeks. He was both glad and worried that she, too, was affected by just this simple touch. "You must be Rey. I've heard a lot of good things about you from Alex and Maya," Bianca replied. She slowly eased her hand out of his work roughened one, although not before wondering how that hand would feel against other parts of her anatomy. In the back of her mind, her mother's voice cried out, "Run, girl, run!" She motioned to the blueprints spread out on the surface of the bar. "I assume you and Eduardo were going over the plans?" Rey nodded and stepped aside to let her approach the bar and her partner. With a quick chaste kiss for Eduardo, she laid her hand on the blueprints and smoothed them out. "What do you think, Rey?" "Gorgeous plans, although a little too much for my tastes," he said and shrugged. "It'll take a lot of work. Major reconstruction actually," he continued as he gestured to the plans and then examined the interior of the restaurant. Bianca cringed at his words and glanced at the blueprints intently. Major reconstruction meant major money, something they really didn't have. In fact, it was the reason she was late. Shed been at the bank trying to get them to up the amount of the loan they had applied for. The loan officer had been sympathetic, but unwilling to budge, giving them a loan for only a portion of the amount they had requested. Where they would get the other financing to cover their expected expenses, including the renovation, was something she still had to figure out.

"What kind of 'major reconstruction' are we talking about?" she asked, all the time hoping Rey was wrong. Rey placed his hands on his hips and moved a few steps away. He motioned to the one wall right in front of them that cut the restaurant in half. The plans want to take out this wall, but it's load bearing. That means well have to find another way to support the area, he said. He continued, pointing out on the plans where the architect wanted to take down other walls, reroute existing plumbing, and a number of things which she worried would be costly. Rey sounded competent and very thoughtful as he explained what was involved with all the changes. When he was done with that explanation, he turned to the specification sheet which listed the grade of materials to be used on the job. "The choice of the lumber is the same I would have made. It's high grade and will hold up well. But the specs call for hardwood on all the doors, trim and molding, and you're staining them to a deep walnut color. We could get the same effect with a high quality pine and it would save a ton of money." Bianca shot a glance at the plans then at her partner. "I don't know why the architect would do that since we told him we had a tight budget." "Maybe he took one look at you and thought the budget was unlimited, Princess," Rey said. Bianca's temperature jumped up a few degrees, but from anger this time. "Eduardo, Diana, and I made ourselves quite clear, Mr. Ramos." "Rey," he corrected and grinned at Bianca again, enjoying the way the color rode high on her cheeks with her irritation. Rey had no doubt that he had pissed her off with his comment, but he hadn't been able to control himself. Something about her made him want to not only push her

buttons, but find a way to create some distance because of the attraction that had hit him like a sledgehammer. "Well, Rey," she began and rolled up the blueprints. "We'd appreciate any suggestions you could make as well as seeing your bid as soon as possible." He was surprised that she would still want him to bid and was equally shocked at himself when he answered. "I'll work up an alternative to the design and change out some of the specs for the job." "We want quality work, Rey," she said, her voice hard and her grey-green eyes turbulent. Rey wondered what those eyes would look like while making love and tamped down the thought with all the strength he could muster. This woman was way out of his league, she was Alex's sister, and she was a prospective client. Three definite strikes against her. But despite that, he couldn't control himself from egging her on. He leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, "Princess, everything I do is quality work." She jumped away, her face flaming with color. "Yes, well. . .we need everything to be done quickly -- " "But some things shouldn't be rushed, Bianca," he urged, arching a brow while he gathered up the blueprints. "I'll have another copy made and drop these back off tomorrow since I'm assuming you'll be getting other recommendations and bids. I should have my bid, plans, and specs for you by the end of the week." Bianca nodded and as he held his hand out to her, she hesitated, afraid that this time she would not be able to hide her reaction to him and his earlier words which had gotten all kinds of nasty thoughts running through her head. She could just imagine those work roughened hands running over her the way they would over a piece of wood, slowly finding the right grain and working it until the

wood did what he wanted. So instead of taking that hand, she took a cowardly step away and sidled next to her partner. "Eduardo and I look forward to seeing what you have in mind." He gave her that devil-may-care bad boy grin again and shot a quick glance to her partner, who obviously all too aware of her ploy. But he said nothing else and walked out, leaving Bianca to stand beside Eduardo and meet his inquiring gaze. "Hes very attractive, isn't he?" Eduardo said. Bianca shrugged. "I wouldn't know, I wasn't looking," she lied, which earned a loud laugh from her partner. "Princess," he said, mimicking Rey's earlier endearment although coming out of his mouth it had none of the fire or passion Rey had managed to imbue in that one word. "You would have to be dead or blind not to notice him. Even very straight and very married little old me can see that he is 100% hunk material. Which is why after you and I have a discussion about the meeting at the bank, I'm going to go home and make my wife very happy so that she won't even think about anything else when Rey is around." Bianca laughed and eased onto a stool by the bar. "Your impeccable taste is what made me want to be your partner, Eduardo. But this time, I think you're way off and I don't think it's guaranteed that Rey is going to be around that much. We haven't seen his bid." "Methinks the lady doth protest too much," Eduardo replied. "I saw more going on in the minutes he was here than I've seen in the months you've been dating what's his name." Eduardo disliked Bianca's boyfriend. Or maybe loathed might be a better word, Bianca thought. It had always surprised her how strongly Eduardo felt about David to the point that Eduardo

refused to even call him by his given name. It was "what's his name" or whatever else, including "He who shall not be named." It was one of the reasons David and she rarely socialized with Eduardo and his wife, Diana. It was a shame because when the three of them had been together at cooking school, they had spent a lot of time together. Even afterward, when they had all gone on to be sous chefs at the various restaurants in New York where they had learned their trade, they had remained steadfast friends who regularly met for meals or just to hang out. Since meeting David and starting to date him that part of their friendship had unfortunately seemed to end, although their partnership in this new restaurant had given them the opportunity to spend time together and rekindle that intense friendship. Which brought her back to the reason she had been late for the meeting. I spoke to the loan officer at the bank. They can't increase the amount of the loan they're giving us, she said and ran her hand over the wood of the bar thinking it had seen better days. She pictured how it would look once the renovations were done, but it was tough to do considering the money issues. In his typical don't worry be happy fashion, Eduardo shrugged and said, It'll work out, Bianca. We'll figure out how to get it done. But our budget is getting busted every time we turn around and discover we need to do something else. Not to mention all the licenses, inspections and other red tape that seemed to be tangling them up every time they went to do something. Don't worry. If we need to, we'll rethink the plans for the renovations and make do with the money we have, he insisted.

"Maybe I can ask David -- " she began, but Eduardo cut her off with a slash of his hand. "Diana, you and I have all talked about this and the answer is still No. I don't want you indebted to this guy in any way, shape, or form," he said adamantly, reminding her of how deeply he felt about her boyfriend. "I wish you would try to get to know him better. I think youd like him," she said, but Eduardo merely shrugged. "I know you think you care for him, but I keep on hoping that in time you'll see the light. He's not the one for you." "No one's perfect, Eduardo. David and I have a nice time together," she said and got up to walk toward the kitchen where loads of work awaited them. "But what about passion? What about that extra spark that brings you to life?" Eduardo pressed, his tones wistful as he followed her. Bianca knew he was thinking of his wife, Diana. Diana and Eduardo shared that kind of passion. That extra something Eduardo had just mentioned. From the moment they had met at the cooking academy, something had clicked between them. It had been obvious to all they were destined to be together. But she wasn't the same way and didn't believe that kind of passion and love came to everyone, just a lucky few. Like her brother, Alex, and his wife, Maya. "Not everyone can be as fortunate as you, Eddie," she teased, knowing he hated that nickname. "In time you will realize what youre missing with what's his name," he said and headed to the back of the kitchen to examine the stoves theyd need to get cleaned and working. "David," she emphasized, "is just right for me."

Eduardo only shook his head and tsked away. "One day youll meet the right man. Maybe even Rey," he said, but Bianca chose not to respond. Instead, she stood by Eduardo as they reviewed the condition of the stoves and decided what work was needed in the kitchen. Luckily, most everything seemed functional, although dated and a little dirty, but it was nothing a little elbow grease wouldnt fix. As they finished their inspection, she held out her hand to her partner as a peace offering. "Care to give me a ride to the station so I can get back to Manhattan?" Eduardo grinned at her, took her hand, and led her outside of the restaurant. They both paused and looked at its dated faade and the parking lot where weeds grew up from between the cracks in the asphalt. At one time the restaurant had been quite popular, but now it was in sad shape, which had been good for them. They had gotten a deal from Eduardo's uncle who had sold it to them for a low price in exchange for a share of the profits of the restaurant. In her mind's eye, Bianca pictured the way it could be, spruced up and cleaned, with its large windows gleaming and providing their patrons a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline across the way. She was sure their plans to bring Nuevo Latino food in a classier setting would appeal to the largely Latino population of the area and to others as well. "We can pull this off, right?" she asked, still a little nervous about the undertaking even with all her optimism. Eduardo smiled. "We can do this. But Im going to warn you again that if you re serious about this, you need to consider moving to this side of the river. Those Manhattan digs of yours will be impossible once we start work."

Bianca nodded, aware that he was right, but also uncertain as to how she would ever convince David that she had to make the move. Things had started to get more serious between them and he wanted her close by. Plus David thought anything off the island of Manhattan was equivalent to being in a foreign country. Funny considering that he had been brought up in nearby Union City, New Jersey. It was one of his quirks, she thought, but one she'd have to work on since she was not up to making the long ride back and forth to Manhattan every time she had to work. He was a reasonable man and would handle it well, she told herself. So why did her gut tighten at the thought of telling him?

Chapter 1 Tracy Gomez had heard her share of contest prizes that were too good to be true, but it was hard to ignore this one. From the personal delivery of the invitation via bonded courier to the name of the very reputable New York law firm on the return address, everything about this contest seemed genuine: A one million dollar prize to anyone who could solve the mystery of the Ryan deaths which had occurred nearly eighty years earlier. An infamous case involving a politician, his actress wife, and newborn daughter. It was a winner take all challenge set to take place at the former Ryan mansion, now a historic site in Sea Girt, New Jersey. As a local true crime writer, Tracy had some familiarity with the basics of the case. Francis Skippy Ryan had been an up-and-coming State Senator. His wife, Anna Dolan, had made a name for herself in an assortment of small roles on Broadway and attracted the eye of the handsome Senator. Romance ensued and soon the two were an item, making the rounds of the nightclubs and local hangouts. Surprising everyone with their unlikely marriage and the child that followed barely nine months after. Although tongues were wagging about the precipitous birth, the marriage itself seemed blissful.

Until one morning when Skippy Ryan had been found hanging from the parlor room chandelier in his mansion. His wife and daughter were nowhere to be found and judging from the blood and trashed state of the room, it was assumed Skippy had done them in and disposed of his wife and child in the waters near the oceanfront mansion. Their bodies had never been recovered and with no other motive available, it had led to the commonly held belief that it had been a simple case of murdersuicide. It had also spawned a host of legends about the former Ryan mansion being haunted. But clearly someone thought otherwise given the prize, Tracy thought as she turned the expensive invitation over and over again, debating the merits of participating in the competition. As she stood there, wondering who else had gotten an invite, an icy draft shivered along the floor, creating a reciprocal shudder in her body. Reason one to participate: Money to fix the run down inn she had inherited from her grandmother. It had been in the family for nearly four generations and Tracy didnt want to sell it, but repairing and maintaining the building required major bucks. Reason number two: A boost to her flagging writing career. The numbers on her last book had been middling hence the lack of bucks to fix the inn. If she were able to solve the mystery and win the contest, it would help drive sales for a new book. If she could win, which made Tracy wonder again who else would be participating? Dialing her cell phone, she called the Manhattan lawyer who had sent her the invitation. His assistant answered, but as soon as she identified herself, Tracy was transferred to the attorney. Peter Angelo, he said when he picked up, his voice a deep sonorous baritone that rumbled across the phone line and made her imagine what he looked like. Mr. Angelo, this is Tracy Gomez. Im calling about

The invitation. I hope this means that youre accepting. She tamped down the flare of irritation at his interruption. Actually, I had a few questions. I hope you have the time to answer. Of course, Ms. Gomez. I apologize for being presumptuous. Its just that I hoped youd be onboard. His apology mollified her somewhat, but made her question why her attendance mattered. I appreciate the vote of confidence, Mr. Angelo. Peter, please. Your reputation precedes you. That book you did on the Sylvester serial killer case was quite well-done. And had been her biggest bestseller, Tracy thought. May I ask who else has been invited? Im not at liberty to say. In fact, anyone who participates will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement, the attorney replied and a chill note filtered into his voice. Tracy thought of all the research time she would need to prepare for the contest. So much work with the possibility of zero reward if someone else beat her to solving the case, since a confidentiality agreement would preclude her from using any of the work for a new book. Ill have to give this some thought, Mr. Angelo. Im not sure it would be the right kind of project for me. A surprised silence came across the line before the attorney said, I hope you reconsi der, Ms. Gomez. A million dollars is a lot of money. Tracy had no doubt about that. A million dollars would take care of fixing the inn and set her up quite nicely while she worked on her next book. But she was cautious by nature and wasnt about to change her spots for this case, even with the huge prize. Before she considered it further, there was one other thing she had to know.

You seem to be quite determined about this contest. May I ask why? An amused chuckle was followed by, I guess its hard to deny that Id like you to participate. Annoyance flared up at that he hadnt really answered her question, so she repeated it. Why is that so important to you, Mr. Angelo? Silence came once more, followed by a heartfelt sigh before the attorney said, My father believes he is Skippy Ryans grandson. He also thinks youre the only one who can prove it.

Chapter Eleven Kathleen took a long, surprised look at the image in the dressing room mirror. Tatiana had been recruited to help her get ready for tonight's introduction to Petrov. Alexander had invited him to one of the premier events, an exclusive invite-only wine tasting, being held at Russian Nights that evening, and since it was a formal affair, Kathleen had to be dressed for the occasion. The form-filling merlot-colored gown and three-inch heels from one of the casino's designer shops that Kathleen was expected to wear hadn't been enough to please Tatiana. Alexander's sister had insisted on a full beauty treatment at the spa, including a facial, haircut, pedicure, and manicure. The end result was a woman Kathleen didn't recognize as she did a slow turn, stunned by the change. Liking it more than she thought she would, and yet discouraged as well. This glamorous female in the mirror was the kind of woman Alexander would want in his life. A polished and primped and expensive woman. A woman she could never be, other than in her pose as the prince's current lover. "I'm not sure this is a good thing considering how dangerous it is for you," Tatiana said, "but I think Alexander will have a stroke when he sees you and Petrov ... Iet's just say he's got no pulse if he doesn't notice you." She stood to one side of the dressing room, a conflicted look on her attractive face.A face that reminded Kathleen way too much of Alexander's, with its coloring and perceptive blue eyes. "Our relationship is not what you think, Tatiana." "Sure, Kathleen. Keep on saying it and maybe it'll be true," Tatiana teased, but then her cell phone chirped and she excused herself to deal with the call.

Kathleen shook her head and with a last look in the mirror, made sure the wireless earpiece was securely placed. A sleek black clutch sat on a nearby settee. Kathleen grabbed it and the familiar weight of her small pistol tucked inside reassured her. That pistol and her job were what she was. Not this glittering and almost unrecognizable version of herself in the mirror. A knock came at the door and she called out, "Come in,Tatiana. I'm ready." When she turned, however, it was Alexander standing there. A dangerous gleam entered his gaze as it danced across the new haircut, make-up, and dress. "Ready for what, I wonder?" The low tone of his voice was intimate. He stalked to her, one hand tucked into the black pants of his tuxedo and the other gripping a square velvet box. When he was barely a few inches away, he stopped. With his nearness, and the high heels Tatiana had insisted on, her lips almost grazed Alexander's chin. His warm breath spilled against her forehead. Needing distance, she took a wobbly step back. She so hated heels, and wondered how she would ever be able to last the night in such instruments of torture. "Is it time to go?" she asked. He grinned. "It is, but first ... " Raising the velvet box, he popped it open to display a ruby and diamond necklace with matching pendant earrings. It was jewelry fit for a queen. She laid a nervous hand against her throat, afraid he meant for her to wear it. As she met his gaze, no doubt remained that was precisely what he intended.

"I can't. It's worth a fortune." And she wasn't that kind of girlunlike the women he was used to. "It's not that valuable. Besides, if we want Nicolai to believe you are mine, you must be outfitted appropriately." With a long, appreciative look, he continued. "I see Tatiana has taken care of most everything, and this will complete your outfit." Before she could renew her protest, he took out the necklace. The metal and stones were chill against her skin when he placed it around her neck, but the iciness warmed from his nearness. With the weight of the jewelry as a vivid reminder of their different stations in life and all that she hated, she nevertheless held still as he removed the earrings from the box and clipped them on her lobes. "Beautiful." He tossed the box onto the settee and laid his big hands on her bare shoulders. Gently he urged her to face the mirror again, where their reflections stared back at them. It was impossible to deny they were the kind of couple who would turn heads. First there was Alexander's rugged masculinity mixed with his elegance in a high fashion tuxedo. But more shocking was the woman who stood before him, looking nothing like a tired and uncertain FBI agent. That woman was nothing short of a princess standing beside her prince. They looked so right together that for a moment she imagined it might actually be possible, but then pushed that idea far away and forced herself to think about the job she had to do. Alexander had known this was an insane idea. He should never have agreed to it. He tamped down his anger that Nicolai would be as entranced with Kathleen as he was. She was stunning. Beautiful, desirable, and vulnerable as a young girl as she gazed at him for approval- though she'd probably shoot him if he said so aloud.

"Will Petrov take the bait?" She met his reflected gaze in the mirror, and raised a brow. "He'd be a fool if he didn't," he managed. Looping his arm around hers, he escorted her from the designer shop. Heads swung around to follow them as they walked out and with each step that they took, a low buzz could be heard as people stopped to stare and talk about them. Alexander understood the interest. He was a prince and Kathleen was as gorgeous and regal as any high-born royalty. But that didn't mean he had to like it. For the sake of show, and because he wanted the buzz and talk in case Petrov was anywhere nearby, he made a point of leaning toward Kathleen to murmur in her ear. "We must make this convincing, Ko'shechka maja." She inclined her head an inch, bringing her lips dangerously close to his. "How do you propose we do that?" He answered her with his mouth, taking hers in a searing kiss and wrapping his arm around her waist, dragging her close. They kissed for long moments, until a ding warned that the elevator nearby had arrived. Almost stumbling onto the elevator, they broke the kiss, both of them breathing heavily. Kathleen wiped her stray lipstick from his lips and he did the same to her, smoothing away a smudge at the edge of her mouth. Wanting nothing more than to take her lips again and not stop until they were lying in bed together and using their mouths for other, even more pleasurable things. He coughed to control his desire, but stayed close, with his arm possessively around her waist. She smoothed his lapel, making sure the small mike tucked beneath was not visible. The mike would hear everything said within a few feet and relay it back to the team recording the night's events.

Thankfully, the ride to the event room was blessedly short because he was having a hard time containing his need to keep kissing her. Once the doors opened, he escorted her to the front of the baUroom, where a small orchestra was softly playing classical music. He was pleased to see that quite a number of celebrities had accepted the invitation to the wine tasting dinner. Along the front of the room was an elegant display of assorted American wines, including a good representation from New Jersey and New York. As he reached the display, one of his assistants approached with a microphone. Alexander quickly introduced himself and the various vineyards whose wines would be showcased during the meal. "But first, we have entertainment and a cocktail hour. Please enjoy," he said, and shut off the mike. He returned it to his assistant and then hurried back to Kathleen. He slipped his arm around her and nuzzled her ear playfully before they began a tour around the room. Kathleen kept her eyes and ears open while she and Alexander moved together like Siamese twins through the crowd. She smiled and shook hands with his guests, hoping that Petrov would soon arrive. Her mouth ached from maintaining the constant smile. Another thing she hated almost as much as the gown and heels was the fakeness of always being on for the crowd. She didn't know how Alexander did it. But then again, he had been born to it and didn't know any other way of life. She could not imagine doing this on a regular basis. When the cocktail hour was nearly over, there was still no sign of their suspect. Alexander exerted delicate pressure on her waist and urged her toward their reserved table. The seating was by invitation only and most of the spaces were already occupied. Except Petrov's.

But after Alexander had introduced her to the others at their table, mostly representatives of the vintners, Petrov rushed in, looking a little disheveled. "So sorry to be late, Alexander. 1 had some business to attend to." Petrov raked back his tousled blonde hair and straightened his jacket. Alexander shook Petrov's hand and clasped his shoulder with exaggerated affection. "So good to see you, Nicolai. May 1 introduce my guests? This is my friend Katerina Martin." Effortlessly, Alexander made the other introductions and seated Petrov at a spot between the two of them. "You don't mind do you, Kat? I'd love to catch up with myoid friend." "Not at all, Sash a," she purred, playing her role as the sexy Kat. They had agreed to keep her cover name as close to her real one in case Alexander slipped up. Not that she thought he would. He was too detail oriented for that, but why take the risk? "Sasha? Only his closest people caU him that," Petrov said with a surprised glance. "Sasha and 1 are quite close," she cooed sexily, earning the expected reprimand from Alexander. "I'm sure Nicolai is not interested in our personal life, Kat," he chided in harsh tones. They wanted Petrov to think there was something off between them and that he could displace Alexander in her affections. It worked. The tension between the two caught Nicolai's attention immediately. Nicolai had never been overly friendly with Alexander and always relished seeing him have problems. "I was surprised by your invitation, Sasha. So nice to see an old friend." His eyes shifted. "And even nicer to meet this stunning creature," he said, indicating Kathleen. "I see your taste in

women has greatly improved with age." He grinned as he bent over her hand and kissed it in a courtly gesture. "And you've gotten less rigid, as well, it seems. That kiss!" He winked broadly. Alexander didn't have to pretend to look uncomfortable. He had never been one to parade around women, much less suggest publicly that he was involved with one by displays of affection. Kathleen giggled, and he shot her a warning glare, both keeping to the script perfectly. "I'm fascinated, Alexander," Nicolai taunted, watching the byplay. Faking a world weary sigh, Alexander responded. "I need it now more than ever, my friend." "Why is that?" Waiters came around and placed the first course on the table along with a tasting of two local wines. "First there is Tatiana. Do you know how hard it is to keep an eye on an eighteen year old in America?" Alexander's made his tone as exasperated as that of any parent. "Not like in Mother Russia, I wager," Nicolai replied. Alexander nodded in agreement. In their old home it would be quite easy to keep a watchful eye and rigorous control on a child. Certainly, Petrov's parents had done the same with Nicolai after his brother's death. Maybe that explained in part why Petrov, like Tatiana, had always chafed at the restrictions. "So many things here are different than in our home. It makes things difficult." "Like what Prince Alexander?" one of the vintners asked, overhearing their discussion. Alexander feigned apprehension at the question, but then quickly relaxed and replied, "You know, all these regulations. FDA. USDA. EPA. I'm sure you have your share of paperwork to do." That was enough to get the winemaker discussing the demands caused by red tape and it gave Alexander some breathing room. He sat back and ate. Drank some wine and then more and more, hoping that Nicolai noticed. As the event wore down, Alexander had hoped that he had played his

hand well, but there was one more test of how well he had done that night. Alexander invited Nicolai to his private quarters for a night cap. Nicolai accepted the invitation readily, relieving some of Alexander's anxiety. Nicolai followed him and Kathleen to his penthouse apartment. Once inside, Alexander offered some more drinks and the three sat down in his living room to chat. "This is quite an amazing space," Nicolai said, eyeballing not only the expensive antiques and priceless paintings on the walls, but also the multi-million dollar view of Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore. "It is beautiful," Alexander replied, although his gaze was on Kathleen as he skimmed his finger along the line of her shoulder. "Beautiful, but expensive to keep." "Surely money is not a problem?" Nicolai asked, presumably nibbling at the bait Alexander had been tossing out. Alexander bent and dropped a kiss on Kathleen's cheek. "Why don't you give us some privacy, Kat. I'll be in shortly." Kathleen made it clear she didn't like being dismissed. With an abrupt surge to her feet and her lips in a rigid slash, she rose and held out her hand. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Nicolai. Hopefully we will see each other again soon." He stood and shook her hand. Watched as she flounced from the room without giving Alexander a second glance. "Women," Alexander murmured, sat back, and sipped his brandy. "A handful, but so delightful in bed." Alexander laughed out loud. "Quite delightful, so much so I may decide to keep her around for a lot longer."

"Really? She doesn't seem like the kind who would interest you." Nicolai eased back down onto the full cushions of the buttersoft leather couch and then sipped his drink. "Why is that?" Alexander challenged, eager to discover what was going on inside Petrov's head. He hoped that he and Kathleen had been convincing in their roles. Nicolai arched a brow, crossed his legs, and peered at him while swirling the brandy in his snifter. "Well, you were always so perfect. So rigid, eager to follow the rules." Alexander shrugged negligently. "Things change. Surely you understand that." "I do." They both knew Alexander was referring to what had happened after Nicolai's brother's death. "I thought this casino was a good move, but it cost a great deal more than 1 thought. Especially with aU the extra work that had to be done to repair the boardwalk and building after Hurricane Sandy. Plus I have one government agency after another in here all the time, breathing down my neck with their crazy regulations." "Not so easy in this country to slip them a little and have them go back to their dingy little offices," Nicolai replied with a sneer of disdain. "Not easy at all. If 1 don't get the money flow turned around soon ... " Alexander took a big gulp of his brandy before loosening his tie and yanking it off, his actions intentionally jerky and portraying disgust. "It would be a shame to let such beauty fail." Nicolai's greedy gaze drifted over all the possessions in the room before skipping down the hall to the room Kathleen had disappeared into earlier.

Alexander met Nicolai's gaze and the look there made his skin crawl. The other man hadn't changed in all the years since they'd been in school together. Still greedy and covetous and not above breaking the rules to get what he wanted. "I see," he said, much more calmly than he was feeling at the thought of what Petrov wanted with Kathleen. "I may have an ... investor. 1 could get you some quick cash in exchange for a favor or two." Alexander hesitated. He had agreed with Kathleen not to appear too eager, but he was also delaying because he was unsure of the wisdom of continuing with this plan. Petrov's eagerness was more worrisome than he had expected. Or maybe he had been lying to himself all along that he could allow Kathleen to go ahead with this. "Does she mean that much to you, my friend?" Nicolai pressed at his hesitation. He seemed pleased with Alexander's upset. Nicolai was still clearly someone who liked other people's toys best. Which made his decision, as distasteful as it was, the only way to proceed. "You're asking a great deal of me." "As are you," Petrov smoothly replied. Alexander nodded and rose. "May I sleep on it? Get back to you in the morning?" Petrov got to his feet and dipped his head in agreement. "Of course. I couldn't imagine giving away something so valuable without some thought." Alexander walked him to the door and escorted him to the elevator, wanting to make sure he didn't wander anywhere that might reveal their little ruse. With a final clasp of the man's shoulder, he got him on the elevator and waited until the display indicated the car was past the point where he could re-enter the penthouse area without a key.

If Petrov attempted to get out on any of the business levels, he would be unable to get past the keycard-protected doors. Satisfied, Alexander returned to his apartment and found Kathleen waiting for him by the sofa where he had been sitting moments earlier with Nicolai. Thanks to the mike tucked into his lapel, she had heard the entire exchange with Petrov. "How did I do?" He closed the door behind him. "You sounded quite convincing." Anger filled him as he realized that she hadn't meant it as a compliment. He strode to her side, yanking the microphone from his lapel and tossing it at her. "Shut these things off. We need to talk. In private."

Despite his family's wealth, Peter had never flown in a private jet. It was a completely different experience, and one he wasn't quite sure he liked. But then again, he wasn't a fan of flying under any circumstances. Logic told him this was a far safer mode of transportation than a car or train, and that crashing was less likely than getting hit by lightning, but he couldn't keep from imagining that every little bump or whine of the engines was the beginning of a death plummet. As the plane banked to one side and the cabin rattled with a bit of turbulence, he clenched his hands on the arms of his seat and gritted his teeth. He must have made some kind of noise because Tatiana looked up from the papers she had been reading for the last hour or so. Looking green, much? Im fine, he managed to bite out past the tension in his jaw. She grinned with amusement, then contained it. Unbuckling, she walked to the seat that faced his and sat. Took me a bunch of flights before I got used to it, too. Feel like a fool, he admitted, thinking that he was losing hero points with her in a major way. She laid her hand on the taut muscles of his thigh and smoothed it reassuringly. Let's get your mind off the flight. His eyebrows shot up in surprise, one thought paramount about how she could accomplish that. As she realized where his mind had gone, she blushed, and waved her hands. No way, not the mile high club. Hell, no. Alexander would shoot me just for thinking about it, he kidded, and actually managed a chuckle, but his comment only brought additional color to Tatiana's cheeks.

You thought about it? Really? she asked with a slight stammer. The plane did another little bounce, but the last thing he was thinking about now was dying. All he could think about was Tatiana and him in the bedroom on the plane, making love. You're a beautiful woman, Tatiana. I'd have to be dead not to think about about it, he confessed. * * * Second Excerpt* * Whirling from the mirror, Tatiana snatched a dark charcoal grey wrap from her bed and tossed it over her shoulders. Monaco was far warmer than the winter weather in New Jersey, but the night air could sometimes hold a chill. She rushed into the shared living room, otherwise known as the demilitarized zone. She stopped short at the sight of him standing there, looking anything but scruffy. Or rumpled. Or anything but devastatingly handsome and sexy. In fact, she blinked just to make sure of what she was seeing. She had found him attractive before, even with the slight shadow of beard on his face, the longish, sometimes unruly brown hair, and the bargain basement suits that failed to hide the lean sculpted physique beneath them. Now he literally took her breath away. She had to gulp in some air and press a hand to her midsection to contain the curl of desire as she took in all the changes. His face was freshly shaven and the lack of stubble showed off the sharp, crisp lines of his jaw and a mouth that had hers watering for a taste. His thick cocoa-colored hair had been cut short in

stylish layers, although the top locks were still a little longer and still a little rumpled, as if he had run his fingers through them. The suit. . .well, the suit was luscious. It hugged a body that could grace any fashion magazine, and made her want to see what was beneath. If she was honest with herself, she had been hoping for another look for quite some time. Summer on the Jersey Shore could not come fast enough. At her prolonged, stunned examination, he grinned. That sexy, dimpled grin that sent a wave of heat through her, especially when his gaze settled on hers and she saw his interest reflected right back at her. He held out his hands in a check-me-out gesture and said, So do I pass muster, Your Highness? Boy, did he ever. He was every inch the prince she now knew him to be, and despite the fact that she wasn't sure she could trust him and was angry with him, it was difficult to battle the desire he roused in every inch of her body. She walked to him, reached out, and straightened his tie just a bit. Then she trailed her hand down to rest in the center of his chest and with a mocking smile said, You really clean up nice. The grin broadened. He laid a hand at her waist and skimmed his gaze along her body. You look pretty in pink.

Miguel called himself a fool, and yet was powerless to deny he needed her. Needed the comfort of her arms. Needed to reach beyond her inflexible faade to the intense woman within. The one who felt pain and joy so deeply. Who understood the need for justice, and strove so hard to find it. The woman he hoped might be capable of more than just an occasional one-night stand. She was leading him toward the door to another part of the club. It was guarded by a pale, muscular bouncer. The bouncer moved to block their path, but she held up the key and waved her hand, literally brushing him aside so they could pass. Her steps were quick and short, the sound of her heels staccato sharp against the tiled floor in the hall. Room number five was at the end of the hall. Her hand fumbled as she tried to slip the large key into the lock and Miguel reached out to steady her hand. She looked up at him and murmured, Thanks. My pleasure. Never one to miss a beat, she said, And mine, I hope. They went in and she locked the door behind him, then flashed him a sexy smile. For a brief second, he registered an assortment of adult toys tacked up on one wall. And then her body was pressed against him, his back against the door. She was quick to reach for his suit jacket, but he gently grabbed hold of her hands and stilled their motion. I know you need to forget what happened today, but theres no sense in rushing. We have all night. He reached up and caressed her curls, then rested his hand at the crook of her neck. He gently brushed aside her hair and bent his head. Nuzzling the soft skin by his hand, he whispered, Youre very beautiful.

She tipped her head to give him better access and murmured playfully, Tell me something I havent heard before. Immodest, too. He kissed the side of her throat and leisurely dragged his mouth along the sensitive skin to a spot behind her ear. And headstrong. Ooh, you say such sinful things to a girl, she cooed breathily. He tugged on her finely worked hoop earring with his teeth, tongued her lobe, and whispered, Opinionated. She cradled the back of his head and slipped her hands beneath his suit jacket to tug him closer. I think those two are almost redundant, she murmured. Smart-mouthed. Then he covered that smart mouth with his, tasting her full lips. Urging her into the kiss with the press and tug of his mouth against hers. Inviting her to open, and when she did, slipped in to trace the perfect line of her teeth. He danced his tongue across hers and dared her to do more. She dropped her hands from his shoulders and covered his pecs. Found the hard nubs of his nipples beneath the fabric and circled them with her fingers, making his erection surge to life. He gave a rumble of pleasure. She smiled against his lips. You like that, dont you? He could lie, but what was the sense. She seemed to know more about what gave him pleasure than he did himself. Mmm. I like. She increased the pressure, tweaking the nubs before bending down to suckle first one, then the other, through the fabric of his shirt. He held her head to him and because he needed more, he grasped her hand and moved it to his cock. Touch me.

She thought she'd escaped the abyss, but accepting Ryder into her life had forced her to once again confront the darkness within her. She loved him, but the happiness hed given her was tinged with sadness as she thought of all shed lose if she committed to him and his undead worldfamily, friends, marriagebabies. She honestly didnt know if she could give it all up.

The young mother Diana saw earlier with her baby reminded her ofher friend Meghan. The cute, young cheerleader had been consumed by self-pity, rage, and loss after Blake turned her. She had lived for only one thing: to rip out Blake's throat for stealing her humanity.

With Dianas dangerous past and inner demons, that could be her fate, too. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

Still, Blake and Meghan had eventually gotten their happily-ever-after and were now newlyweds.

Newlywed vampires. She ground out a laugh and poured herself another drink. She didn't dare hope for such a happy future for herself. There was too much unrest within her soul that she feared her new demon would embrace. That it would take her over, and bring death and destruction to those she loved.

And she feared that Ryder would endlessly blame himself for turning her and awakening those darkest parts of her.

Not a good basis for a forever kind of relationship.

She raised her glass and offered up an imaginary toast as Ryder stepped through the balcony doors onto the patio. He stood rigidly, mired in murky shadow. He was dressed all in black, melding into the night.

Behind him, the reflection of the neon Silvercup Studios sign across the East River framed him in crimson.

Midnight and blood, the vampires milieu. The world of her future?

He strode to her and tipped her face up, but even with her enhanced vision, his features were all shadowed planes and angles.

Do you think that's wise? He inclined his head in the direction of the bourbon bottle.

Unlike you, I know my limits.

Ryder frowned. Clearly you don't, judging from what's left in that bottle.

I don't need you telling me what to do, she shot back, hating his protectiveness. Hating more that he was right. She'd almost emptied the bottle.

Moonlight flashed off his fangs as they burst forth and he growled out a warning. Seems to me you do, darlin'.

I'm so not afraid of you. She rose on tiptoe to stare into his neon-green vampire gaze.

Maybe you should be, darlin, he said, a world of danger in those words, but not enough to dissuade her from challenging him.

"You shouldnt have followed me tonight. For good measure, she jabbed her index finger into his chest feeling the need to hurt as she was hurting.

He snagged her finger mid-poke. I had to give your boss a piece of my mind.

She ground her teeth. God damn it, Ryder. You have no right to interfere in my career.

Which is exactly what I told him. So I guess you want a piece of me for doing that, too. A hint of his native Louisiana rested in his tones. That little drawl never failed to stir her, awakening a wave of heat deep between her legs. She fought the desire because it weakened her anger.

Damn right, I do. I don't need you being all stalkery and watching over me. I can take care of myself.

He loomed over her. Really? I guess you're feelin all Buffy tonight?

Enough to kick your ass.

Apparently you're forgetting what happened last time you thought you could take me down? The deep,

rich tone reverberated inside her in a way that had her clenching her legs.

Sweet Lord did she ever remember. And so did her body. Her nipples tightened and dampness moistened her cleft.

I can see you do. He stepped forward until they were barely an inch apart, his voice pitched low with the growly hint of vampire again. As she met his gaze, a tease of neon cautioned that the demon scented the rise of her desire and wanted a taste of it. Inside her, the darkness that loved that side of him, loved the danger of the beast, throbbed in anticipation.

She tilted her chin defiantly and pushed him away with a rough shove. I think you need a reminder of what I am.

He placed his hand at her waist, his touch possessive. Bending from his greater height, he whispered in her ear, Id love to take you up on that offer.

FBI Agent Diana Reyes had faced down serial killers, terrorists, and drug-crazed vampires, but nothing scared her as much as what she was about to do. She was getting married. To a vampire. And she was pregnant. She didnt know which of the three worried her the most. Each presented its own problems. Each was scarier than virtually anything she had ever encountered. All those other things could only kill her ...and almost had at one time or another. But these three could break her heart, and that was a much more enduring pain to live with. Briefly, she considered turning away from the French doors leading onto the penthouse balcony where the wedding ceremony was about to take place. The balcony was as long as the city block and about a quarter as wide with plenty of room for the three dozen or so chairs filled with friends and family waiting for her to begin her walk to meet the love of her life. Ryder. She gave a heartfelt sigh and peered past the rows to search for her future husband. He stood near the far wall of the balcony, lethally handsome. The black of his tuxedo emphasized his dark hair and eyesfathomless eyes filled with both love and guilt. The fabric was perfectly fitted, accenting broad shoulders shed leaned on more than once. He was so many things to her. Lover. Friend. Soon her husband...and that thought filled her heart with emotion so strong, it nearly stole her breath. Just behind Ryder stood an arch decorated with flowers in pale shades of blue, lavender, and white. They matched the heavy, fragrant bouquet in her hands and the bunches of flowers at the end of

each makeshift row of chairs. At a far corner of the balcony, a chamber music quartet played softly. Ryder had spared no expense to make this day special for her. Even now, a crew of caterers was at work in the kitchen, preparing an array of dishes for the reception right after their nuptials. Diana placed a hand over her midsection as her stomach knotted at the thought of eating and threatened to revolt. In the month since discovering she was pregnant, her bouts of nausea had abated only slightly. Shed hoped they would hold off on such a special night so she wouldn't embarrass herself. Cold feet? her brother Sebastian asked at her hesitation, and reassuringly squeezed the arm she had tucked through his for her impending walk down the aisle. Maybe, she forced out past the giant lump in her throat. She shot a cautious look at her brother and found him smiling indulgently. Even though I've had my doubts at times, Di, I know this is the right thing for you to do. Maybe you should be the one walking down the aisle to get married, she said. Then she chuckled and added, Youre right. Im just being stupid. Sebastian chucked her under the chin and grinned. Never stupid, Sis. Its just typical bridal nerves. Sure, because your average bride was pregnant with a vampires baby and about to marry him. Totally typical. Before she could reply, he continued, Besides, if I have to shave, get a haircut, and endure this monkey suit, the least you can do is go through with it. He raised his hand to signal the string quartet that they were ready. The head musician wound down the piece they were playing, and the lush and melodic strains of Pachelbels Canon swelled into the night air, inviting her to action. But it wasnt until her gaze connected with Ryders across the distance that she boldly took the first step.

And finally admitted that, as scary as it all was, she wanted to be Ryders wife and have his baby. ##### At Ryders first sight of his gorgeous bride, it had taken all his restraint not to fly across the balcony and whisk Diana to the altar where a priest waited to perform the ceremony. He suspected that some of the guests might not appreciate his releasing the vampire within, whod been restlessly waiting for hours for her appearance. As he battled back the anxious demon, he watched the tender exchange between brother and sister, and wondered what they could be discussingand whether it was good or bad. Relief washed over him as she looked his way and her gaze was filled with nothing but love. Love for him alone, he realized with unrestrained joy. The prickly, kick-ass, and courageous warrior with whom he had fallen in love nearly five years ago was well and truly in love with him. And pregnant with his child. He pushed that last thought away, fearful as he was about how the pregnancy would affect Dianas already fragile health. But as she stepped through the French doors onto the moonlit balcony, she was positively radiant and full of life. Her smile was bright and her gaze glittered with delight as she approached him. Her brother was smiling also, a welcome relief from the anger that had simmered between him and Sebastian for months. Ryders best man and fellow vampire, Diego Rivera, leaned close and whispered, She looks lovely. She did at that, but not because of the designer gown hugging a petite body that had the obvious hint of a baby bump. Nor because of the tiny and artfully beaded cap covering her nearly black hair that held a veil in place that swept down to brush against the creamy skin of her bare shoulders. Her beauty radiated from a welcoming and certain smile that grabbed his heart and squeezed

tightly, as if to remind him that she was the only person who had ever totally possessed his love. Eager to be with her, he took a step toward his fiance, but Diego laid a restraining hand on his forearm. Easy, mano. Shell be here soon enough. Ryder shook his head and smiled. It could never be soon enough. Diego smiled as his gaze skipped to his own wife sitting in the front row. I know just what you mean. Diana finally reached Ryder and paused, and Sebastian turned and hugged her hard , then reached out and clasped Ryders hand warmly. Good luck, man. Turning, Sebastian took a spot beside Diego and the other groomsman, Blake Thomas, another vampire friend. The priest had been asked not to go through the traditional wedding vows, and also skipped the opening, Who gives this woman away? No one did anything with Diana that she didnt want them to do. Her determination was one of the things Ryder loved most about her...even though that resolve brought risk whenever she was on an assignment. With an incline of his head, the priest directed Diana to hand off her bouquet and she passed it to her maid of honor, her best friend and fellow FBI Agent, Maggie Gonzalez. Maggie was flanked by Melissa Danvers, Ryders former keeper and Sebastians wife, and finally Meghan Thomas, Blakes wife who was also Dianas friend. Diana faced Ryder with an almost effervescent smile on her face, and held out her hands. He didnt hesitate to gently grasp them with his. Hed been waiting for this moment far too long. He didnt think he could wait a second longer to be bound to her forever. Maybe it was because of that wish that the ceremony seemed to fly by until the moment when the priest asked for the rings.

Then slow motion kicked in as Diego reached into his pocket and brought out two simple gold bands. After Ryder took the smaller of the two rings from his friend's hand and tenderly slipped it onto Dianas finger, he dropped a kiss there to seal the promise he had made to her moments earlier. The tremble in her hands was noticeable as she eased the larger ring onto his finger. He searched her features, but her smile still gleamed with happiness although her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. He realized she was feeling as emotional as he was. A lone tear slipped from the corner of her eye and he swiped it away just as the priest offered his final words. I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride. Ryder kissed her reverently, cradling her cheeks in his hands as she went on tiptoes to meet him. Over and over they kissed, until the claps and cheers of those present and the first strains of their exit march filled the night air. They pulled apart, grinning so hard he thought the smile might stick on their faces forever , giddy with joy and delight at what had been too long in coming. He tenderly grasped Dianas hand as Maggie returned the bouquet , lacing their fingers and swinging them playfully, the elation of the moment overshadowing any worries. Any fears. In this life and the next they would be together, and that was the way it should be. They walked past the smiling faces of their friends and family, their steps light with happiness, hurrying in their haste to be alone...if only for a few stolen moments. As soon as they cleared the French doors, he faced her once more and kissed her again. Harder. More urgently. Then tempered his kiss as she rested her hand on his chest and nudged him away gently. We have a reception to survive, remember? she teased, and wiped the coral hints of her lipstick from his mouth.

He glanced outside to the guests rising from their chairs and heading toward them. I should have listened to you and had it be just the two of us. Nice and simple. No, you were right. And I totally love everything youve done to make this a special day, Diana confessed. She hadnt wanted all the bother and tradition, but realized now that sharing this moment with their friends and family had been the right thing to do. They no longer had to keep their love hidden in the darkness in which they both had lived for too long. They stepped to the side, hands still joined, smiles still bright, to greet each of their guests as they walked into the immense living room space. Theyd cleared out some furniture so people could mingle and once most were inside, the crew Ryder had hired would prep the outdoor area so people could return there to sit and eat, or just enjoy a marvelous late autumn night. Dianas best friend Maggie was the last one to come through the doors. She hugged her hard, knowing how difficult it must be for her friend to see her get married when all along theyd both been certain it would be Maggie who would walk down the aisle first. She wished Maggies ex, her own former FBI-partner David Harris, had relented and attended the wedding. But David still blamed her, and maybe Ryder too, for the injuries nearly three years ago that had forever changed his lifeas well as hers...but he didnt know that. You look lovely, Maggie said, and bent to embrace her. With her nearly six foot height and Dianas barely over five foot stature, they were like Mutt and Jeff physically, but alike in so many other ways. So do you, she said, and stepped back to admire her friends navy blue gown that draped flawlessly down a body most women would envy and most men would want. Maggie chuckled and smoothed her hand over the fabric covering her flat abdomen. This ol thing? she teased, a cheery smile on her face.

Sebastian came over, interrupting them with a wink. Would you excuse us, please, Maggie? Theres something important for the bride to do.

Chapter 3

It was well past midnight when they ushered out the last of the guests. Finally alone, Ryder said as he leaned against the condo door and faced his newlywed wife. A tired smile played about her lips as she sauntered to him and undid his bow tie with a sharp tug. Does that mean its time for the honeymoon to start? You bet. He bent and swept her into his arms, earning a decidedly un-Diana-like giggle as she grabbed hold of his shoulders. What are you doing? she half-heartedly protested. I cant carry you over the threshold since were already inside, so... He put on a burst of vamp speed that had her head spinning as the condo around them became a blur. When he stopped, he was at the door to their bedroom. He kicked it open and stepped through, pausing to allow her a moment to appreciate the care he had taken there. On her dresser was a large arrangement of the same flowers from her bouquet hydrangeas of varying blues and whites mixed with immense velvety and fragrant white roses. The bed linens had been changed and were a mix of matching blues. Scattered white rose petals lay along the surface of the bedspread. From throughout the bedroom came the soft glow of a dozen or so candles. As he slowly released her to stand before him, she caressed his cheek and smiled. Youve thought of everything. I wanted to make this special for you. For us. She wanted to make it special as well, but unlike Ryder, she had never been one to plan. At least

not for personal things like this. Romantic things. She had always been someone who acted on impulse , who seized what she wanted. What she wanted right now was him. Slipping her hand into his, she led him to the bed and urged him to sit on the edge. What are you doing? he asked as she jerked his bow tie open and undid the first few studs on his shirt. Seducing you. He grinned, displaying the boyish dimple that always warmed her heart and parts south. Laying his hands on her hips, he tugged her forward into the vee of his legs. You seduced me the moment I saw you come down the aisle. He leaned forward and whispered a kiss along the swell of her breasts, exposed above the low neckline of her off-white satin gown. She sighed as her nipples tightened beneath the heavy fabric, but she shifted away from his gifted mouth. I dont want to rush, she said as she met his questioning gaze. Neither do I. He pulled her close once more and drifted a line of kisses along her collarbone to the sensitive underside of her jaw, then nuzzled a ticklish spot just beneath her ear. Stop, Ryder. Im serious. I cant think when you do that. When he made love to her, her mind became a jumble of emotions and sensations while logic and anything remotely reasonable fled her brain. He leaned back, a cocky grin on his face. Okay. Im all yours, just be gentle. It is our wedding night, after all. Oh My God! It was their wedding night. A flood of emotion brought the threat of tears once more. She battled them back, wanting this night to be solely about joy.

# Ryder couldnt fail to see the glimmer of tears in Dianas gaze as she slipped her hands beneath his tuxedo jacket and eased it from his body. She rarely cried, his warrior. Normally she was tough as nails, but the pregnancy had wrought all kinds of changes in her, both physically and emotionally. It had made her softer, more rounded. And not just her body as it grew ripe with the pregnancy. As she undid his cuffs and pulled off his shirt, he couldnt resist covering the delicate swell of her belly with his hands. So much hope and sadness were carried within her. She laid her hand over his and he tipped his head up to meet her watery gaze. She leaned forward and took his lips in a tender kiss opening her mouth to welcome him inside, kissing him until he shook with need. When he drifted away, they were both breathing heavily, desire barely banked. She made short work of helping him out of his pants and briefs, and as she encircled him with her hand, slowly stroking along his cock, he groaned and dragged her near. He stopped her as she moved her hand on him again, uncertain if he could rein in his need if she continued. She eased away, smiling. Please help me out of this gown. She reached behind her, struggling with the tiny row of satin-covered buttons down her back. He smiled back and spun her around slowly, caressing her thickening waist as he did. In his haste, he fumbled with the first few buttons, but quickly undid the rest, baring her to mid-back, where another confection of beige satin edged with chocolate brown lace and ribbons waited for his touch. He helped her step from the gown and carefully folded it over the thick wooden footboard of their bed. When she faced him once more, it was like being punched in the gut.

The bustier she wore pushed up the already generous proportions of her breasts and enhanced her hourglass figure. Beneath the satin and ribbons, her long, lean legs were covered in beige thigh-high stockings. Youre so beautiful, he said, and skimmed the tips of his fingers along the swell of her breasts. She smiled, confident and knowing, as she unlaced the front of the bustier, the reveal of each inch of flesh a slow and dangerous seduction. You made today so special, Ryder. I want to make tonight just as memorable. With a quick pull, she untied the ribbons to mid-waist. Ryder couldnt wait another moment. He eased his hands beneath the fabric and spread it wide, baring her full breasts to his gaze. Her nipples were already tight caramel-colored nubs aching for his touch. For his kiss. He leaned forward and lightly brushed his lips across those tight tips, made more sensitive by her pregnancy. She jumped and moaned, then threaded her fingers through his hair and kept him close. He closed his lips around one tender nub, sucked and teethed it gently, drawing soft cries of pleasure from her , and earning the demanding touch of her hand along the head of his cock and down his length where she cupped his balls. A low growl erupted from him. He wanted to be in her. Needed to be. The demon inside him, barely kept in check, wanted it also. Wanted the heat of her body and the beat of her heart, pounding with life. # Diana stilled. She shifted away slightly to examine Ryder. His eyes were beginning the turn from the dark cocoa brown to the glaring neon of the vampire.

Just beyond his full upper lip, the first hint of brilliant white fang warned her that Ryder was fighting for control. She knew what it cost him each time. How he battled the demon. But it was as much a part of him as the man she had come to love. Its okay, Ryder. I trust you. He shook from the force of his surrender and she wrapped her arms around him, gentled him as he completed the morph to the demon. I love you, he whispered, the low rumble of the vampire tingeing his tones. And I love you, she replied, smoothing her hands across his hair. Shifting her hands down to his shoulders, she rubbed them all along the wide, powerful expanse. And invited his hands upward, back to the last of the ribbons on the bustier. He eagerly yanked them free and let the lacy garment fall to her feet. She shivered as he kissed and sucked at her nipples, his fangs grazing the tender skin. Between her legs, damp heat built and she longed for his touch there. As though reading her mind, he reached down and eased aside the small scrap of panty she wore. He found her center and pressed against it, building her passion. Dragging her ever closer to release. She touched him, drawing her hand over his length, tracing the sensitive edge along his head, and earning a rough groan from him. I need you. Need to be inside you. She needed it, too. She didnt protest as he tore apart the panties with greedy hands. He grabbed hold of her hips and, with his vamp power running high, moved them to the center of the bed with a blast. But his actions

were guarded and gentle, mindful of the delicate burden in his hands. She met his gaze as she spread her legs , and welcomed his slow and possessive entry. Of that she was sure. He owned her heart, body, and soul. Just as she owned him. She sensed the reticence in him. The tremble in his body above her. The shakiness in his arms, as she danced her palms along his arms to his shoulders, where she held him. He remained still inside her. I wont break, she teased, sensing part of the reason for his uncertainty. I know, its just... A powerful shudder ripped through his body and he closed his eyes. Like a lion roaring to declare its territory, he shook his head and released a loud, long groan. When he opened his eyes again, only faint hints remained of the vampires neon, and his fangs had retracted until the barest bumps remained. Only then did he move his hips, a tardy in and out, drawing her slowly toward release. He bent his head to kiss her, becoming one with her in every way , loving her with his mouth until they were both breathless. Reluctantly they moved apart, sucking in rough breaths as he lowered his head to taste her fullness. She jumped again, every touch on her breasts so sensitive that his tender suckling created an intense pull in the muscles deep between her legs. That feels amazing, he said before resuming his loving. It did. But she needed more. She cupped his head to her and raised her knees. With a slight shift of her hips, his penetration grew more profound , more forceful, the reins of his control beginning to slip. Its okay. I wont break.

### Dianas words echoed in Ryders brain through the special connection they shared, freeing him. No, she wouldnt break. Diana was strong. Courageous. If she dared to love, to live, so would he. He moved, reaching for their release , hiking her leg higher onto his hip, increasing the friction of their bodies and the pleasure of it. He pushed deep, ever mindful of the baby, his movements restrained. Gentle. Diana gripped his shoulders, her fingers digging roughly into his flesh. Her breath jumped with each thrust of his hips. Eager cries urged him on, driving him to fulfill what they both desired. Man and woman. United. Together. Together, he thought, as with one final push, passion swept over them, tumbling them down. She cradled the back of his head and pulled him close, until her lips brushed along his and she whispered, Ryder, her voice filled with emotion and a plea. He gifted her all of himself with his kiss, promising with his actions and with a mental shout out. I will love you forever.

Jesus pushed up on one elbow until his lips were a scant inch from hers and the warmth of her breath spilled against them. I'm not sleepy. Are you? Michaela smiled and wagged her head playfully. Actually, I am. I'm so tired I can't even get my clothes off. With a pretend pout, she rolled off him onto her back, then closed her eyes and lay there, her body relaxed and loose. I can definitely help with that, he assured her. He started at her feet, pulling off the supple leather boots he had bought to replace the ones stained with her and Benjamin's blood. Her socks quickly followed, and he bent to drop a kiss at each ankle, making her squirm and giggle. Not fair. You know I'm ticklish there. And here I thought you were too tired to move. He unbuckled the thick leather belt around her narrow waist, unzipped her jeans, and in one smooth motion, pulled them off her legs. She was naked beneath, and as she parted her legs slightly to expose her flushed lips, he nearly came at the sight of the precisely trimmed dark curls at her center. Sucking in a deep breath to control himself, he grasped her thighs and caressed the smooth skin, urging them apart to accommodate his large frame. He kissed one ankle again, then moved slightly higher on the other leg, back and forth, kissing his way up to her center. He nuzzled the short, crisp curls before tasting her with the tip of his tongue. She shook and called out his name, then cradled the back of his head to urge him forward. He obeyed, eager for a greater taste. Licking and sucking at the sensitive nub, he dragged a harsh breath from her. Her muscles were already trembling, but he had only just begun. Bringing one hand around, he slid his thumb along her damp, warm cleft, pausing to spread the wet across her. Dipping his tongue down to taste her sweetness, he was driven by her soft cries of pleasure and the upward thrust of her hips, seeking fulfillment.

His cock jerked in anticipation as he imagined the feel of her moist heat surrounding him. Of her powerful muscles, milking him. He groaned, trapped by the passion, wanting release so badly, but wanting her to experience the pleasure first. Kissing her clit again, he eased his thumb inside her and pressed with his hand, increasing the tension, shifting in and out. He slid two other fingers into her and pumped as he slid his body higher, kissing every inch of flesh as the friction dragged her T-shirt up. She surged against his hand. Oh, God. I dont know if I can Oh, J, I want you so much. I need you inside me, she pleaded. Need to feel your skin against mine. With trembling fingers, she yanked at the hem of her shirt and managed to jerk it off, baring herself to him. He groaned. She was so insanely beautiful. He pushed off the bed with one hand to drink in the gorgeous sight of her, and his gaze dipped unwillingly to the angry scar on her midsection. Instantly, guilt assailed him. Before he could stop himself, he splayed his hand there and whispered, Love. I wish I could have She covered his lips with her hand, the slight rasp of her palm reminding him she was no ordinary woman. She was a fighter, and this was part of her being as much as the scars he bore.As though she were reading his thoughts, she moved her hand to his shoulder and the star-shaped scar from an old bullet woundone of several puckering his skin. I wish that too, J. But that's not who we are. Neither of us. She was right. Which only made time like this, tenderness like this, all the more priceless. He wanted to say he loved her, but it was too soon. It might never be the right time for those

words. He was still so unsure of their relationship, of her feelings for him. So he showed her how much she meant to him with his hands and his mouth, and with his body as he thrust his thick length inside her and her body shuddered beneath him. He bent and kissed the tips of her full breasts, sucking the hard nubs into his mouth. Teething them until she shook and cried out. She raised her knees to deepen his penetration as he finally moved his hips, driving in and out of her. Building her passion. Her welcoming moans and the caress of her hands along his body urging him on. He came in a burst, the pleasure explosive, driving the air from his lungs as his climax crashed over him.

Copyright Notice
These books are a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright 2014 Caridad Pieiro Scordato All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of Caridad Pieiro Scordato.

All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

About the Author Charity Pineiro is the pseudonym for NY Times and USA Today Bestseller Caridad Pineiro. Caridad is a Jersey Girl who just wants to write, travel, and spend more time with family and friends. Caridad is the author of over 40 novels/novellas and loves romance novels, super heroes, TV and cooking. Caridad writes dark and sexy romantic suspense and paranormal romances for those who live to love on the edge. Her sweet, but still naughty side, Charity Pineiro, writes contemporary romances packed with emotion and humor. For more information on Caridad/Charity, please visit www.caridad.com, www.charitypineiro.com or www.rebornvampirenovels.com. Follow Charity on Twitter at https://twitter.com/caridadpineiro and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Caridad.Author.

Additional Books by the Author Writing as Charity Pineiro

NOW AND ALWAYS June 2013 ISBN 1490362770 FAITH IN YOU July 2013 ISBN 1490412697 TORI GOT LUCKY December 2013 ASIN B00HGYIPGY

Additional Books by the Author Writing as Caridad Pineiro Books in The Gambling for Love Romantic Suspense Series THE PRINCES GAMBLE November 2012 ISBN 9781622668007 Entangled Publishing TO CATCH A PRINCESS August 2013 ISBN 9781622661329 Entangled Publishing Books in The Sin Hunter Paranormal Romance Series THE CLAIMED May 2012 ISBN 978-0446584609 Forever Grand Central Publishing THE LOST August 2011 ISBN 978-0446584616 Forever Grand Central Publishing

Books in The Sins Paranormal Romance Series STRONGER THAN SIN November 2010 ISBN 0446543845 Forever Grand Central Publishing SINS OF THE FLESH November 2009 ISBN 0446543837 Forever Grand Central Publishing

Other Novels by Caridad THE FIFTH KINDOM July 2011 ISBN 9781426891885 Carina Press SOLDIERS SECRET CHILD Dec 2008 ISBN 0373276109 Silhouette Romantic Suspense

Novellas

GHOST OF A CHANCE, paranormal short story November 2012 ISBN B00AUGV89G Caridad Pineiro Publishing HER VAMPIRE LOVER October 2012 ISBN 9781459242289 Nocturne Cravings Novella NIGHT OF THE COUGAR June 2012 ISBN 9781459231153 Nocturne Cravings Novella THE VAMPIRES CONSORT April 2012 ISBN 9781459222731 Harlequin Nocturne Cravings Novella NOCTURNAL WHISPERS February 2012 ISBN 9781459221437 Harlequin Nocturne Cravings Novella AMAZON AWAKENING December 2011 ISBN 9781459282766 Available Harlequin Nocturne Cravings Novella WHEN HERALD ANGELS SING novella in A VAMPIRE FOR CHRISTMAS October 2011 ISBN 0373776446 HQN AZTEC GOLD January 2011 ISBN 9781426891045 Carina Press Novella Crazy for the Cat in MOON FEVER Oct 2007 ISBN 1416514902 Pocket Books

Books in THE CALLING/THE REBORN Vampire Novel Series DIE FOR LOVE, December 2013, ASIN B00H6EFD5U Entangled Publishing BORN TO LOVE, November 2013, ISBN 9781622663705 Entangled Publishing TO LOVE OR SERVE, October 2013, ISBN 9781622663477Entangled Publishing

FOR LOVE OR VENGEANCE September 2013 ISBN 9781622662937 Entangled Publishing KISSED BY A VAMPIRE (formerly ARDOR CALLS) October 2012 ISBN 9780373885589 Harlequin Nocturne AWAKENING THE BEAST Collection featuring HONOR CALLS October 2009 ISBN 0373250940 Silhouette Nocturne FURY CALLS March 2009 ISBN 0373618077 Silhouette Nocturne HONOR CALLS February 2009 ISBN 9781426828362 Nocturne Bite HOLIDAY WITH A VAMPIRE December 2007 ISBN 0373617763 Silhouette Nocturne THE CALLING COMPLETE COLLECTION October 2008 ISBN 9781426807657 Silhouette Includes Darkness Calls, Danger Calls, Temptation Calls, Death Calls, Devotion Calls, and Blood Callsas well as a the online read Desire Calls. BLOOD CALLS May 2007 ISBN 0373617631 Silhouette Nocturne DEVOTION CALLS January 2007 ISBN 0373617550 Silhouette Nocturne DEATH CALLS Dec 2006 ISBN 0373617534 Silhouette Nocturne TEMPTATION CALLS Oct 2005 ISBN 0373274602 Silhouette Intimate Moments DANGER CALLS June 2005 ISBN 0373274416 Silhouette Intimate Moments DARKNESS CALLS Mar 2004 ISBN 0373273533 Silhouette Intimate Moments

Romantic Suspense Series SECRET AGENT REUNION Aug 2007 ISBN 0373275463 Silhouette Romantic Suspense MORE THAN A MISSION Aug 2006 ISBN 037327498X Silhouette Intimate Moments