Lara Lacombe - Lethal Lies

Trusting the man she loves could cost her her life

Putting her faith in someone who lies for a living isn’t the safest thing Dr. Jillian Mahoney has ever done. But to stay alive, she has to believe the undercover agent—who’s kidnapped her to prove his innocence—isn’t a traitor to the FBI. And to help him, she must deny their intense attraction as they run from two vengeful killers.

Her captor, Alex Malcom, has lived a life of lies—some worse than others. Still, there’s one truth he’s reluctant to disclose to Jillian, the woman of his dreams. One that could stop their relationship cold.

Her fingers were gentle when she pressed around his stitches. Then she placed her other hand flush against the center of his chest, and he stopped worrying about his shoulder.

He closed his eyes, enjoying the comforting weight of her palm above his heart. Could she feel it beating, the way it sped up when she was near? Did hers do the same?

Her hand slipped away as she leaned back. Alex opened his eyes to find her watching him, and the naked yearning on her face nearly stole his breath.

“Well?” he croaked.

“I do believe you’ll live to fight another day,” she said, her own voice deep and sensuous.

“Glad to hear it.”

“Me, too,” she whispered.

“You know, Doc, I just noticed something.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re a bit overdressed for this party.”

She cocked her head, considering him for a long moment. “You know what? I do believe you’re right.” She stood and peeled off her shirt, dropping it to the floor to join his own.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 Extract Copyright ,

As a native Texan, I have an ingrained fear of snow. Growing up, it was never a part of our regular winter weather, so when I moved to the DC area for graduate school, I packed a ridiculous number of coats and jackets in preparation for the coming cold.

My first real winter was an eye-opener. True to my roots, I abandoned the lab as soon as I saw flakes falling from the sky. There were many days I walked into work (yes, in the snow, uphill both ways!) because I was too scared to drive. And let’s not forget my lack of a windshield ice scraper, which meant I had to use a credit card (something I do not recommend). Nevertheless, I survived, mainly because of the kindness of my friends. They had all grown up in states that celebrated winter, so they taught me a lot of the tricks of the trade. I’ve since made my peace with snow, although we’ll never really be friends.

When I started this book, I knew Alex and Jillian were going to face a lot of difficulties. His cover has been blown, she’s been kidnapped, and a murderous gang is after them both. How could things get any worse? You guessed it—snow.

So grab a warm beverage and make yourself comfortable. I hope you enjoy reading their adventures as much as I enjoyed writing them!

Lara

Lethal Lies

Lara Lacombe

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Lara Lacombe

I earned my PhD 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 laralacombewriter@gmail.com.

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This one is for Adam, with love.

Thanks as always to Jessica Alvarez

and Rachel Burkot.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Trusting the man she loves could cost her her life Putting her faith in someone who lies for a living isn’t the safest thing Dr. Jillian Mahoney has ever done. But to stay alive, she has to believe the undercover agent—who’s kidnapped her to prove his innocence—isn’t a traitor to the FBI. And to help him, she must deny their intense attraction as they run from two vengeful killers. Her captor, Alex Malcom, has lived a life of lies—some worse than others. Still, there’s one truth he’s reluctant to disclose to Jillian, the woman of his dreams. One that could stop their relationship cold.

Introduction Her fingers were gentle when she pressed around his stitches. Then she placed her other hand flush against the center of his chest, and he stopped worrying about his shoulder. He closed his eyes, enjoying the comforting weight of her palm above his heart. Could she feel it beating, the way it sped up when she was near? Did hers do the same? Her hand slipped away as she leaned back. Alex opened his eyes to find her watching him, and the naked yearning on her face nearly stole his breath. “Well?” he croaked. “I do believe you’ll live to fight another day,” she said, her own voice deep and sensuous. “Glad to hear it.” “Me, too,” she whispered. “You know, Doc, I just noticed something.” “What’s that?” “You’re a bit overdressed for this party.” She cocked her head, considering him for a long moment. “You know what? I do believe you’re right.” She stood and peeled off her shirt, dropping it to the floor to join his own.

Dear Reader Dear Reader Dear Reader Title Page About the Author Dedication 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 Extract Copyright , As a native Texan, I have an ingrained fear of snow. Growing up, it was never a part of our regular winter weather, so when I moved to the DC area for graduate school, I packed a ridiculous number of coats and jackets in preparation for the coming cold. My first real winter was an eye-opener. True to my roots, I abandoned the lab as soon as I saw flakes falling from the sky. There were many days I walked into work (yes, in the snow, uphill both ways!) because I was too scared to drive. And let’s not forget my lack of a windshield ice scraper, which meant I had to use a credit card (something I do not recommend). Nevertheless, I survived, mainly because of the kindness of my friends. They had all grown up in states that celebrated winter, so they taught me a lot of the tricks of the trade. I’ve since made my peace with snow, although we’ll never really be friends. When I started this book, I knew Alex and Jillian were going to face a lot of difficulties. His cover has been blown, she’s been kidnapped, and a murderous gang is after them both. How could things get any worse? You guessed it—snow. So grab a warm beverage and make yourself comfortable. I hope you enjoy reading their adventures as much as I enjoyed writing them! Lara

Title Page Lethal Lies Lara Lacombe www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author Lara Lacombe I earned my PhD 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 laralacombewriter@gmail.com.