Allegiances

“I’d do anything for you.”

In that instant, she believed he meant those words. Her heart ached. “Kiss me.”

There was just enough room between those bars. He could kiss her once more. It would be a kiss goodbye.

Sullivan instantly leaned toward her. His lips brushed against hers, and then that kiss deepened.

She hated the bars. If only she could touch him fully. Savor him.

Why had fate been working against them from the very beginning?

She gave herself fully to that kiss, trying to forget everything else in that moment but him. She’d always loved his taste. Loved the way his lips pressed to hers. Her heart galloped in her chest and she pressed ever closer to him.

She’d never wanted anyone more.

www.millsandboon.co.uk

CYNTHIA EDEN, a New York Times bestselling author, writes tales of romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Her books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and she has received a RITA^>® Award nomination for best romantic suspense novel. Cynthia lives in the Deep South, loves horror movies and has an addiction to chocolate. More information about Cynthia may be found at www.cynthiaeden.com, or you can follow her on Twitter, @cynthiaeden.

Thank you, Denise Zaza and Shannon Barr! It is truly a pleasure to work with you two wonderful ladies.

Contents

Cover

Introduction

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“Hello, Sullivan.”

At that low, husky voice—a voice Sullivan had heard far too many times in his dreams—his head whipped up. He blinked, sure that he had to be imagining the figure standing in his office doorway. He even shook his head, as if that small movement could somehow make the woman before him vanish.

Only she didn’t vanish.

She laughed, and the small movement made her short red hair brush lightly against her delicate jaw. “No, sorry, you can’t blink or even wish me away. I’m here.” Celia James stepped inside and shut the door behind her.

He rose to his feet in a quick rush. “I wouldn’t wish you away.” Just the opposite. His voice had sounded too gruff, so he cleared his throat. He didn’t want to scare her away, not when he had such plans for her. And she’s actually here. Close enough to touch. “Should you...should you be here? You were hurt—”

Celia waved that injury away with a flick of her hand. “A flesh wound. I’ve had worse.” Sadness flickered in her eyes. “It’s Elizabeth who took the direct hit. I was afraid for a while...but I heard she’s better now.”

He nodded and crept closer to her. Elizabeth Snow was the woman his brother Mac—MacKenzie—intended to marry as fast as humanly possible. Elizabeth was also the woman who’d been shot recently—when she faced off against a killer who’d been determined to put Elizabeth in the ground.

Only Elizabeth hadn’t died, and in that particular case...it had brought Celia back into Sullivan’s life.

Now I can’t let her leave.

He schooled his expression as he said, “She’s out at the ranch. And I’m sure Mac is about to drive her crazy.” He was absolutely certain of that fact. His brother had broken apart when Elizabeth was shot. There was no denying the love Mac felt for her. “I think his protective instincts kicked into overdrive.” So did mine. When I saw you on the ground...

Because Elizabeth hadn’t been the only one hurt on that last case. Celia had also been caught in the cross fire.

But Celia didn’t appear overly concerned with the injury she’d received. “I was knocked out for a few moments. My head hit the wall.” Her calm expression dismissed the terrifying moment, but then, he knew it took a lot to terrify her. “The bullet just grazed me.”

He hadn’t realized that fact, not at first. He’d just known that she was limp in his arms.

A whole lot had sure come into crystal-clear perspective for him in those desperate moments.

“I came to make you a deal,” Celia said as she took a step toward him.

His head tilted to the side as he studied her. “A deal?” Now he was curious. Celia wasn’t exactly the type to make deals. She was the type to keep secrets. The type to always get the job done, no matter what.

During Sullivan’s very brief stint with the CIA, he’d met the lovely Celia.

And he’d fallen hard for her.

Until I thought she’d betrayed me.

“I have information you want.” She pulled a white envelope out of her purse. “I’ll give it to you, but you have to promise me one favor.”

Suspicious now, he asked, “And just what favor would that be?” She had plenty of government connections. She didn’t need him now. Never had. He knew that now.

Her smile flashed. A smile that showed off her dimples. Those dimples were so innocently deceptive. So gorgeous.

So Celia.

They made her appear so delicate.

But the truth of the matter was...Celia James was a trained killer. One of the best to ever work for the CIA.