BOUND BY DUTY…

Bodyguard and former military man Cutter Bryant has always done his duty–no matter the cost. Now he’s taking one last high-octane assignment before settling down in a new role that means sacrificing his chance at love. But he never expects to share an irresistible chemistry with his beautiful new client.

…TEMPTED BY PLEASURE

 As the star of a steamy television drama, Shealyn West knows fame well, but it has come at the expense of her heart. With a blackmailer watching her every move and the threat of career-ending exposure looming, Shealyn hires Cutter to shore up her security and keep her safe, never imagining their attraction will be too powerful to contain.

As Shealyn and Cutter navigate the scintillating line between business and pleasure, they unravel a web of secrets that threaten their relationship and their lives. When danger strikes, Cutter must decide whether to follow his heart for the first time, or risk losing Shealyn forever.

Series:

Devoted Lovers

Book 1

Can be read as a standalone

Book Type:

Contemporary Romance

Exclusive Excerpt: Devoted To Pleasure

Cutter was so perceptive it was painful.

Shealyn forced on a sassy smile. “Guess you figured me out.”

“I’m not looking to use the information, just understand you,” he assured. “This blackmail scheme . . . it’s seemingly been perpetrated by someone in your life, and as much as you hate it, that reinforces all your distrust.”

Why did he have to be so right? “Are you a soldier or a shrink?”

“To be a good soldier, sometimes you have to be a decent armchair psychologist. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. I would never do it consciously, but sometimes what you don’t know about people can lead you to step into a mess.”

True. He seemed very perceptive and considerate . . . if she could accept him at face value. “What about you? My guess is that you’re a hero because your father wasn’t and you feel as if you have to make up for him.”

“Close.” He gave her a self-deprecating smile. “I refuse to be weak like him.”

That made sense, and she admired him wanting to be a better man.

They’d both had rough childhoods and now found themselves in somewhat fish-out-of-water positions. He didn’t belong in the Hollywood swamp, and she didn’t understand the danger closing in around her.

“Well, now that we’ve psychoanalyzed each other, fish, chicken, or steak?”

A slow smile spread across his face. “Is that really a question?”

It took her a moment to understand his meaning. “You’re a southern boy. Of course you want red meat.”

“Damn straight.”

She giggled. “I almost never have it anymore. I miss it.”

“It’s good for you every now and then. Sticks to your ribs.”

“That’s what my papa always says.”

“Smart man. Where’s your grill, sweetheart?”

She guided him out to the patio and pointed to the built-in grill outside the door, beside a seating area and a fire pit.

As he fired up the propane and let the barbecue heat up, she leaned against the railing, sipped her wine, and looked out over the city. It was familiar to her . . . but it would never be home.

Cutter approached behind her, hands lightly encircling her waist. Before she could speak, he brushed the hair over her shoulder. His breath on the back of her neck made her shiver as he hovered over her skin.

“Are you going to kiss me?” she whispered.

“Do you want me to?”

“Yes.”

“You sure? No reservations?”

This was it, the point of no return. Even knowing that wasn’t going to stop her from diving in headfirst and drowning.

“None.”

His grip around her waist tightened. He sidled closer, until his thighs brushed the back of hers. His chest covered her back. His thick erection nestled against her butt. Shealyn thought she might melt under the scorching heat of her desire.

Then his lips swept up her nape. He followed with a finger down the side of her neck, toying with a soft, sensitive spot in the crook. His tongue trailed just behind. She shuddered, then drew in a jagged breath. Less than thirty seconds under his hands and she was already jittery and aching.

“Cutter?”

“Sweetheart?” he murmured against the shell of her ear. “Want me to stop?”

That whisper resonated under her skin. Her nipples tightened. She let out a shaky shaky exhalation. “Don’t you dare.”