Addison Fox - The Manhattan Encounter

Will the mighty Steele fall?

He’d faced down madmen with guns, hunted thieves and jumped off buildings for fun. So why is Liam Steele at his wit’s end when Dr. Isabella Magnini needs his protection? The brilliant and beautiful scientist’s work is revolutionary, and someone wants to keep her insights secret—no matter what it costs.

When the House of Steele comes together to protect Isabella, Liam realizes just how isolated he’s truly become. And as he and Isabella dodge bullets, fires and even an invasion, he knows he’s in more danger than ever. Because how will he ever let her go?

“Somehow I don’t get the feeling you’re a man who asks for kisses all that often.”

Was that her voice? Those seductive, breathy tones that sounded like they came from the deepest part of her?

“I can’t remember ever wanting one more.”

He hesitated for the briefest moment, those vivid blue eyes sparking with fire, before pressing his lips to hers. Where she thought the awkward angle of their airplane seats would make it difficult to enjoy his kiss, it did the opposite. The barrier actually made the kiss sweeter, a subtle reminder they needed to work for what they wanted.

Or reach out and take it.

The thought hovered in the back of her mind as she laid her hands on Liam’s shoulders. If their kiss in the elevator that morning had been a surprise assault on the senses, this was a lush invitation.

Dear Reader Contents Dear Reader 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 Epilogue Extract ,

Welcome back to the House of Steele! I’ve had a wonderful time writing about the Steele siblings—Liam, Campbell, Kensington and Rowan—and the high-end security firm they founded as a family. And oh, boy, have I been looking forward to writing Liam’s story.

In The Manhattan Encounter the elusive, play-by-his-own-rules Liam finally falls into a situation he can’t brush off, walk away from or ignore. Pressed by his wily grandfather, Liam reluctantly takes on the case of a family acquaintance who has fallen into a spot of trouble.

Dr. Isabella Magnini, a quiet scientist, has discovered an incredible breakthrough in DNA research. But when that breakthrough leads some unpleasant people to her door, she goes to the House of Steele for help.

One of the things I most love about being an author is when a book takes me places I never expected. The Manhattan Encounter was one of those special books. When I started out, this was a fun, suspenseful romp putting two polar opposites on the run from the bad guys. What came out was an exploration of the importance of family, of self and of the deep importance of giving yourself—heart and soul—to another.

I hope you enjoy Liam and Isabella’s story!

Best,

Addison Fox

The Manhattan Encounter

Addison Fox

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ADDISON FOX

is a Philadelphia girl transplanted to Dallas, Texas. Although her similarities to Grace Kelly stop at sharing the same place of birth, she’s often dreamed of marrying a prince and living along the Mediterranean.

In the meantime, she’s more than happy penning romance novels about two strong-willed and exciting people who deserve their happy ever after—after she makes them work so hard for it, of course. When she’s not writing, she can be found spending time with family and friends, reading or enjoying a glass of wine.

Find out more about Addison or contact her at her website— www.addisonfox.com—or catch up with her on Facebook (addisonfoxauthor) and Twitter ( @addisonfox).

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Contents

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Dear Reader 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 Epilogue Extract , Welcome back to the House of Steele! I’ve had a wonderful time writing about the Steele siblings—Liam, Campbell, Kensington and Rowan—and the high-end security firm they founded as a family. And oh, boy, have I been looking forward to writing Liam’s story. In The Manhattan Encounter the elusive, play-by-his-own-rules Liam finally falls into a situation he can’t brush off, walk away from or ignore. Pressed by his wily grandfather, Liam reluctantly takes on the case of a family acquaintance who has fallen into a spot of trouble. Dr. Isabella Magnini, a quiet scientist, has discovered an incredible breakthrough in DNA research. But when that breakthrough leads some unpleasant people to her door, she goes to the House of Steele for help. One of the things I most love about being an author is when a book takes me places I never expected. The Manhattan Encounter was one of those special books. When I started out, this was a fun, suspenseful romp putting two polar opposites on the run from the bad guys. What came out was an exploration of the importance of family, of self and of the deep importance of giving yourself—heart and soul—to another. I hope you enjoy Liam and Isabella’s story! Best, Addison Fox

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

Epilogue

Extract

Chapter 1

London, Today

“You can’t be a damn playboy all your life.”

Liam Steele stared down his grandfather and ignored the fact the man’s rheumy blue eyes held more mischief than censure. “Fascinating advice coming from a man who narrowly avoided an arranged marriage to a princess because the urge to sow wild oats remained too strong.”

“I was waiting for the right woman. She wasn’t it.”

“Maybe I am, too.”

Alexander Steele’s snort was loud and about as subtle as the whistle of an oncoming freight train. “Could have fooled me.”

A light sigh floated over the top of Liam’s head before a gentle hand cupped his shoulder. “Alex. For the love of God and all that’s holy, would you please leave the man alone? Even I’m sick of listening to you.”

Liam stood and took his grandmother’s hand, helping her into the chair. “Nice save, Grandmother.”

“A necessary one.” She settled her hands in her lap, her gaze focused on her husband. “He’s been going on and on and I’m done listening to him. You’ll settle down when you’re damn well ready to and not a moment sooner. Just because your father married at twenty doesn’t mean that’s the right path for you.”

“Now, Penelope.” His grandfather started in with the tone Liam and his sister Kensington had dubbed the “Parliament Address.” “Marriage is good enough for Campbell, Rowan and Kenzi.”