AS A MAN OF ACTION, HEâD NEVER BREAK PROTOCOL. BUT HEâD NEVER BEEN SO TEMPTEDâ¦
Although he was trying to crack a global conspiracy, former soldier Jesse Cooper had an even more important mission: keep new hire and girl-next-door Evie Marsh safe. Shocked to learn Evie could be the key to bringing down this secret plot, the head of Cooper Security had to stifle his attraction to her. After all, the case was on the lineâand so were their lives. But between dodging bullets and staying one step ahead of the enemy, temptation became impossible to resist. As a man made for danger, Jesse thought sweet Evie had no place in his world. Then, in the heat of the moment, she proved sheâd always have his backâor die trying.â¦
âWhat happens now?â
His hand lingered a moment, his fingers warm against her jawline. âWeâre going to a safe house.â
âWe?â
âYou and me.â
âOh.â
He cocked his head. âIs that a problem?â
She shook her head. âNo. No problem.â
Except it was. It was a huge problem. It was hard enough getting over her lingering feelings for her boss when she passed him in the hallway at Cooper Security three or four times a week.
How was she supposed to move on with her life stuck in a safe house with him 24/7?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alabama native Paula Graves wrote her first book, a mystery starring herself and her neighborhood friends, at the age of six. A voracious reader, Paula loves books that pair tantalizing mystery with compelling romance. When sheâs not reading or writing, she works as a creative director for a Birmingham advertising agency and spends time with her family and friends. She is a member of Southern Magic Romance Writers, Heart of Dixie Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
Paula invites readers to visit her website, www.paulagraves.com .
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Evie MarshâCooper Securityâs junior accountant thinks sheâs over the secret crush she had on her boss. But when sheâs the target of a deadly group of guns-for-hire, and Jesse Cooper deems himself her personal bodyguard, will her resolve be put to the test?
Jesse CooperâThe former marine has dedicated all the resources of Cooper Security to bringing down a conspiracy that threatens countries around the globe. But when Evie Marsh becomes a target, will he risk her life to find the answers he seeks?
The Espera GroupâThe oil policy group has been pushing for nations across the globe to sign the Wolfsburg Treaty creating a multinational agency to control oil production and profits. But to what lengths will they go to get what they want?
Special Services Unit (SSU)âThe ruthless mercenaries are paid well to thwart the Espera Groupâs enemies. Theyâll stop at nothing to use Evie Marsh against her father, a man whose secrets are putting his whole family at risk.
General Baxter MarshâThe retired Marine Corps general was one of three generals who uncovered a global conspiracy to manipulate the price and production of oil. So why is he determined to keep his secrets?
General Edward RossâThe late army general kept a coded journal during his last few years of service. But he died without revealing his part of a three-layered code key that could unlock the journalâs secrets.
Rita Marsh KingsleyâEvieâs older sister was once engaged to Jesse Cooper. Though recently married, does she still hold the former marineâs heart?
Nolan CavanaughâThe computer genius knows more than heâs tellingâand now heâs in danger. Can Evie and Jesse find him before the SSU does?
For my Aunt Marie, one of my most avid fans. I love you.
Chapter One
âHave you seen Rita?â
Jesse Cooper peered through the binoculars and wondered if he could avoid answering his sisterâs question. He could pretend he hadnât heard her or fake a reason to get off the phone. But sheâd just ask again.
He lowered the binoculars and leaned against the headrest. âBriefly.â Heâd spotted Rita Marsh and her mother entering Millwood Presbyterian Church a half hour earlier. Her father, General Baxter Marsh, had arrived a few minutes later alone. No idea where Evie was.
âShe didnât see you, did she?â
âNo.â He hadnât been invited to the wedding.
âYou sure we should hang back so far?â Isabelâs voice held a hint of doubt. She hadnât been the only one of his brothers and sisters to question whether Jesseâs âgo it aloneâ decision had been the right one.
Jesse wasnât sure he was right either, but he couldnât pretend he wasnât worried. And because Ritaâs father had hired his own security for the wedding, Jesse and his Cooper Security agents couldnât exactly form a perimeter around the church without drawing notice.