Lara Lacombe - Her Lieutenant Protector

A mysterious outbreak propels a doctor and a wounded warrior into escalating danger

After a traumatic incident years before, Mallory Watkins, ship’s doctor aboard the Abigail Adams, doesn’t trust easily. On her latest cruise, she’s wary of sexy security chief Everest LeBeau, but when passengers suddenly fall sick and a dead body is uncovered, Mallory must turn to the handsome veteran for help.

Wary of intimacy since suffering a life-changing injury, veteran Everest recognizes a kindred spirit in Mallory. His beautiful coworker stirs tender feelings in him he’d long forgotten. While Everest and Mallory close in on a lethal saboteur, trust is at a premium as their hearts—and their lives—are in peril.

Mallory’s panicked brain latched on to one thought: Everest.

She had to find Everest, and now. She couldn’t sit here and wait for him to arrive any longer—she had to go track him down. She was way out of her depth and needed help.

The door shushed over the carpet as it opened behind her, and she felt a wave of relief.

“Thank God you’re here—”

The blow was unexpected and came without warning. One second, she was turning to greet Everest. The next, she was on the floor, her vision blurring as spots of light danced across her eyes. The back of her head felt like it was on fire and she tried to lift her hand to touch the spot. But a wave of dizziness swamped her and she closed her eyes, sinking into the inky black depths of unconsciousness.

* * *

We hope you enjoyed a sneak peek at the latest

volume in Lara Lacombe’s exciting series,

Doctors in Danger!

Dear Reader,

I can’t believe this is my tenth book for Harlequin! This has been an amazing and exciting journey, and I’m so thrilled to be part of the Harlequin family.

This book means a lot to me, and not just because of its milestone number. Mallory is a special character, one who has more than earned her happily-ever-after. She’s met her match in Everest, a hero with a true heart of gold.

A word of caution: Mallory is a sexual assault survivor, and some of her scenes were tough for me to write. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please don’t suffer in silence. Contact RAINN for support ( centers.rainn.orgor call 1-800-656-4673).

Be well,

Lara

Her Lieutenant Protector

Lara Lacombe

www.millsandboon.co.uk

LARA LACOMBE earned a PhD in microbiology and immunology and worked in several labs across the country before moving into the classroom. Her day job as a college science professor gives her time to pursue her other love—writing fast-paced romantic suspense with smart, nerdy heroines and dangerously attractive heroes. She loves to hear from readers! Find her on the web or contact her at laralacombewriter@gmail.com.

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This book is for my friend Shayla Swift,

in honor of her work as founder and director

of Speak Truth to Sexual Violence Nebraska

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Prologue

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

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Epilogue

Extract

Copyright

Prologue

Peterson Shipyard

Norfolk, Virginia

“You heading out, Cam?”

Cameron leaned back and glanced at his watch. “A little early, isn’t it?”

Frank shook his head. “Boss told us to knock off at four for the holiday weekend. Didn’t you see the announcement posted in the elevator?”

“I must have missed it.”

Frank shifted his thermos to his other hand and pushed his hard hat back off his forehead. “So are you coming, or what?”

“Yeah, just gimme a minute.” Cameron began to gather up his tools, stuffing them into the tough canvas bag that served as his carryall. He was done installing this toilet, and the others would keep for the weekend. The boss didn’t give them a break very often, so he wasn’t about to pass this one up.

Frank waited patiently while he got his tools in order, then the two of them set off, joining the steadily growing stream of workers headed for the main exit of the ship. She wasn’t a huge ship, by industry standards, but Cam had caught a glimpse of the master plans and knew she was going to be overflowing with features and amenities galore. Her beauty was already starting to take shape in the clean lines of the cabins, the elegant scrollwork adorning the walls of the common areas, and the large, open spaces scattered throughout the ship for guests to congregate and socialize. Even the toilets he was installing were top of the line. There was no way a man of his salary would ever be able to afford a voyage on this ship, but he felt a quiet pride at the knowledge he had helped build her.

Cameron and Frank chatted amiably as they walked until they reached the parking lot. Both men paused, each one searching for his respective vehicle in the lot.

“A bunch of us are getting together down at the Crow’s Nest,” Frank said. “Want to join us?”

Cameron thought of his small apartment and the frozen TV dinner waiting for him there. Not the most appealing way to spend a Friday night. “Sure thing,” he said, patting his pockets for his keys. His stomach dropped as he realized they weren’t there. “Damn,” he muttered.

“What’s wrong?”

“Left my keys inside.”

“That’s a bummer,” Frank said, shaking his head in sympathy. “Want me to wait?”

It was a nice offer, but Cameron could tell by the way Frank glanced toward his truck that he was anxious to get going. “Nah, you go on ahead. I’ll meet you there.”

“Thanks, man,” Frank said, the relief in his voice confirming Cameron’s suspicion. “I’ll save you a seat at the table.”

Cameron gave him a wave, already turning back to the gangplank that led to the ship. It didn’t take long to make his way back on board; the crowd of workers had thinned substantially, all of them eager to get home to their families or to head to the bar to unwind.

The keys were exactly where he thought they’d be, sitting on the floor next to the last toilet he’d installed. They must have slipped out of his back pocket while he was on the floor working; he really should just clip them to his belt...

He scooped them up and began to retrace his steps, heading back for the parking lot and the promise of a relaxing evening with the guys. He was halfway down the hall when the shadow of a movement caught his eye. He stopped and leaned back, glancing into the cabin he’d just passed. Was it just the dying rays of the sun shifting through the window, or perhaps something else?