Lara Lacombe - 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 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 ,

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 laralacombewriter@gmail.com.

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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 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.

Introduction “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 Dear Reader 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 , 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

Title Page Fatal Fallout Lara Lacombe www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author 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 laralacombewriter@gmail.com.

Dedication 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!

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