Dangerous to Her

Eyes narrowed, she pulled away from him. Despite the scare, Dom had no say in how she chose to describe the incident or what she did about it. “I am fine.”

She had a fairly even temperament, she truly did, but Dominic was making her emotions bounce from one extreme to the other. He’d made it quite clear what he thought of her ten years ago. Granted, she’d probably speeded his rejection along, but she’d been scared. She’d wanted him safe, even if that meant giving up his dream job. After all, she’d thought she was his dream, too.

Obviously not, since he’d certainly dropped her quick enough when things had started to get complicated.

“You’re not afraid of me anymore,” Dom said quietly.

“I was never afraid of you.” Afraid of the feelings he inspired, sure, but not of him.

The barely-there smile suddenly radiated pure arrogance. “Prove it. Have dinner with me.”

Be sure to “Like” us on Facebook at

facebook.com/RomanticSuspenseBooks and check us out at www.Harlequin.com!

Dear Reader,

The year 2011 has been a dream come true in many ways, including the release of my debut novel with Harlequin Romantic Suspense. I feel beyond privileged to be working with a publishing house where so many great authors first started their careers. I can still remember reading Linda Howard’s Diamond Bay (back when the Harlequin Romantic Suspense line was still Intimate Moments) and immediately launching a mission to find the previous book, Midnight Rainbow. Those two books are still on my “keeper shelves,” and I aspire to be an author on one of your keeper shelves someday, too!

Dom and Mattie’s story is particularly special to me because I was able to use my experiences as a criminal prosecutor to add authenticity to the courtroom settings. Plus, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of young lovers who connect a little too early and are torn apart, but then, after growing and living and learning what really matters to them, are able to reunite so that their bond is not just stronger, but unbreakable.

Every book I write is meant to inspire and empower the belief that our capacity for love and goodness never dies. I’d love to hear from you! You can always reach me at [email protected].

Wishing you much love, happiness and reading pleasure,

Virna DePaul

was an English major in college and, despite a passion for Shakespeare, Broadway musicals and romance novels, somehow ended up with a law degree. For ten years, she was a criminal prosecutor for the state of California. Now she’s thrilled to be writing stories about complex individuals (fully human or not) who are willing to overcome incredible odds for love.

Although I conceived this story, I owe its birth to the

family and friends who’ve always supported me, and to those who, in recent years, have become part of my writing family. In particular, thank you to my agent and editor, Holly Root and Mary-Theresa Hussey, my critique partners, and my boys, Joshua, Ethan, and Zachary. Finally, I dedicate this book to Craig, my first, best and only, always and forever, for helping me sprout wings.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

“Joel’s dead.”

Dominic Jeffries stared at fellow detective Cameron Blake, wondering if he was dreaming. It was only a little after six in the morning, less than eight hours since he’d finished his latest undercover op, and he had stopped by to have a quick drink with his best friend, Joel Bustamante. Despite Dom having been gone for six months, their drink together had been quick because Dom had been focused on getting three things: a bed to sleep in, a woman to hold for a few hours, and then his next assignment before he was tempted to examine his life and exactly where it was going a little too closely. Likewise, Joel, a newly promoted sergeant and perpetually starry-eyed honeymooner, had been anxious to get back home to his new wife, Tawny.

After talking business and then listening to Joel extol the virtues of settling down with one woman, Dom had finally gotten the bed, had lost interest in the woman, and had been prepared to nail down his next assignment—and not the one Joel had wanted him to take—later today.

Now? Standing in his living room, shirtless and in baggy sweats, his hair falling in eyes that were still half-blurry, Dom locked his knees to keep them from collapsing.

He’d had a brief premonition of trouble before leaving Joel last night. Hard not to given Joel’s ultimatum that Dom finally take some time off or settle for babysitting a judge who might be dirty, in danger or neither. Still, Dom had dismissed the premonition as paranoia. After all, he’d just spent six months living in deep cover with a group of ruthless criminals. But not once in those six months had he felt as defenseless as he did now.