Fatal Fallout

Torn between duty and desire, two strangers must risk all for love

Nuclear physicist Dr. Claire Fleming has one rule: never get close to anyone. But when her colleague is murdered and she’s targeted next, she must place all her trust in FBI agent Thomas Kincannon. Soon Claire forgets her tenet as she fantasizes about Thomas’s touch.

Thomas is wildly attracted to Claire. But his life and his job are too complicated for any romantic entanglements. Despite this, they share a mind-blowing kiss, and there’s no turning back. When Thomas’s niece is abducted, the stakes become dangerously higher as Claire insists he trade her for the child. Somehow, Thomas must find a way to rescue his family and protect the woman who let her protective walls down just for him.

“You know I care about you.”

She held him a moment longer, then rose up on her tiptoes to press a soft kiss to his mouth.

The contact arced through him, setting all his nerve endings on fire. She met his eyes for a beat, then kissed him again.

He groaned and opened his mouth, giving her the access she sought. He wanted nothing more than to lose himself in her, let her take away the stress and worry and anxiety about everything.

It felt so good to be holding her, touching her, and yet…. He pulled back, framing Claire’s face with his hands. “We should slow down,” he said, in a voice too unsteady to be trusted.

“Let me do this for you,” she whispered, kissing his chin. “Let me help you tonight.”

“Are you sure? If we go much further, I won’t want to stop.”

“Who’s asking you to?”

Dear Reader,

I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I’ve had a crush on Thomas ever since he appeared in my first book, Deadly Contact. And what’s not to like? He’s charming, funny, handsome, smart, and he has a fierce protective streak. In short, he’s the perfect romance hero.

Thomas was originally supposed to play a small role in Deadly Contact, but he very stubbornly tried to steal all his scenes. That’s when I knew he had his own story to tell, and once I stopped fighting him and started listening to him, I realized he was more than just a pretty face.

I really enjoyed working on this book. It was a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs, and I hope I’ve done his story justice. Thomas and Claire both hold a special place in my heart, and I hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as I did!

Lara

Fatal Fallout

Lara Lacombe

www.millsandboon.co.uk

LARA LACOMBE

I earned my Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology and worked in several labs across the country before moving into the classroom. My day job as a college science professor gives me time to pursue my other love—writing fast-paced romantic suspense, with smart, nerdy heroines and dangerously attractive heroes. I love to hear from readers! Find me on the web, or contact me at [email protected].

For the redheads in my life: Will, Josh and Toby Love you guys!

Many thanks to Rachel Burkot, Patience Bloom and the team at Harlequin.

Thanks also to Jessica Alvarez. Y’all are the best!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

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

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Extract

Copyright

Chapter 1

“Dr. Fleming, can you comment on the recent alarm at the Central Virginia nuclear reactor after Tuesday’s earthquake?”

“Dr. Fleming, is nuclear power safe?”

“Is the public in any danger?”

Claire Fleming pasted on a smile as she turned to face the handful of reporters standing on the sidewalk outside the Nuclear Safety Group’s building. She’d known these questions would be coming, but had hoped to at least get a cup of coffee first. Mornings were tough enough without facing a barrage of questions, and she didn’t feel human without that first cup of java.

“I want to assure people that there was no accident at the Central Virginia nuclear plant. The reactor experienced a low-level alarm following the earthquake, but the emergency systems kicked in without a problem, and at no time was the public in danger. Nuclear power continues to be one of the safest options for meeting the growing energy needs of our country.”

One of the reporters—a short, round woman sporting large glasses and a frown—finished scribbling and opened her mouth to ask a follow-up question. Claire held up a hand before she could speak, shooting her what she hoped was an apologetic smile. “We’ll be having a press conference later today, and I’d appreciate it if you hold the rest of your questions until then.”

The small group grumbled but began to disperse, freeing Claire to walk into the building. She waited until the elevator doors closed, then leaned back against the wall and rubbed her forehead. What a mess.

The minor earthquake the day before yesterday had been a wake-up call. Although it was only a four on the Richter scale, the tremors were strong enough to trigger emergency shutdown procedures at the Central Virginia plant. While things had gone off without a hitch, it was only a matter of time before an accident happened. The plant was one of the older ones in the region and needed constant updating, and given budget shortfalls, money was tight. Paradoxically, Central Virginia’s stellar safety record put it at the bottom of the list for repairs—a fact that aggravated Claire to no end.