Regan Black - Killer Colton Christmas

The Coltons of Shadow Creek series comes to a shocking Christmas climax in two heart-pounding stories

Special Agent Cowboy by Regan Black

When hackers strike Colton, Inc., they put executive Marie Meyers in their crosshairs. FBI agent Emiliano Ortega is charged with protecting the beautiful city girl on his ranch. But keeping their mutual attraction professional under the mistletoe is impossible...

The Marine’s Christmas Case by Lara Lacombe

When Dario Ortega meets Felicity Grant, the lovely marine-turned-PI spurns his advances. Instead, Dario offers his tech expertise to help Felicity solve the Colton, Inc., hacking. Working the case together softens Felicity’s steely heart and makes Dario rethink bachelorhood. But can they catch a killer Colton in time for Christmas?

Praise for USA TODAY bestselling author Regan Black

“Black seamlessly blends romance and mystery, infusing enough tension to heighten the suspense. Filled with heartbreakingly tender moments, this story is both touching and entertaining.”

—RT Book Reviews on A Stranger She Can Trust

“A Stranger She Can Trust is just about as good as it gets when it comes to romantic suspense.”

—Buried Under Romance

“The early connection between the hero and heroine was nice to see before all of the adrenaline-packed action. The hero’s backstory was touching and added depth to the story.”

—RT Book Reviews on Heart of a Hero

Praise for Lara Lacombe

“Aggressive action, terrifying suspense, delightful and dreamy romance in a well-written story.”

—Book & Spoons on Enticed By the Operative

“An enjoyable romantic suspense, with plenty of danger and spice to keep a reader happy.”

—Fresh Fiction on Killer Season

“With smart dialogue and a solid, intriguing mystery at its center, this story will draw readers in. Add two vulnerable characters with great, electric chemistry, and this story is one fantastic read.”

—RT Book Reviews on Killer Exposure

* * *

The Coltons of Shadow Creek:

Only family can keep you safe...

REGAN BLACK, a USA TODAY bestselling author, writes award-winning, action-packed novels featuring kick-butt heroines and the sexy heroes who fall in love with them. Raised in the Midwest and California, she and her family, along with their adopted greyhound, two arrogant cats and a quirky finch, reside in the South Carolina Lowcountry, where the rich blend of legend, romance and history fuels her imagination.

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.

Special Agent Cowboy The Marine’s Christmas Case

Special Agent Cowboy

Regan Black

The Marine’s Christmas Case

Lara Lacombe

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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Table of Contents

Special Agent Cowboy by Regan Black SPECIAL AGENT COWBOY Regan Black

The Marine’s Christmas Case by Lara Lacombe

Extract

Dear Reader,

Happy holidays! It’s Christmastime in Shadow Creek, Texas, but the town’s jovial holiday spirit is threatened by Livia Colton, a manipulative killer everyone believed was dead.

Like you, I’m a huge fan of the many branches of the Colton family tree and it’s an honor as an author to add this story to that world—at Christmastime, no less—with two special characters who have ties to the incredible Colton dynasty.

Emiliano Ortega grew up in Shadow Creek surrounded by a nurturing family, and though he leaves frequently for his FBI assignments, he always knows home is there, waiting for him to return.

For Marie Meyers, family is an elusive concept. Having grown up in the Dallas foster care system, life has taught her the only person she can count on is herself.

You might not find two people more different in their view of family, friendship, work and the holidays. But when Marie becomes a central target in Livia Colton’s most recent game of revenge, Emiliano is tasked with keeping her safe until his team can resolve the threat.

Emiliano and Marie face an uphill battle of shedding their expectations in order to cooperate and reveal a criminal. Is it possible that in each other they will also find the genuine, lasting love they’ve both been quietly seeking? Fortunately, this is the season of miracles.

Live the adventure,

Regan Black

SPECIAL AGENT

COWBOY

Regan Black

For Mark, Jordan and Robert.

The three of you fill my holidays with more joy, love and laughter with every passing year.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 1

Livia Lives!

Marie Meyers cringed at the headline alert on her phone, the sugar-sweetened coffee in her mouth going bitter. It couldn’t be true. A headline like that was an exercise in sensationalism. Click bait. Livia Colton, ruthless killer and crime boss of Shadow Creek, Texas, had died on her way back to jail when her car was washed into the river. True or false, this was almost the worst news Marie had ever heard.

As the chief digital officer for Colton, Incorporated, Marie defined her primary goal as creating a superb online experience for their customers and she worked to keep that positive experience a priority in long-term corporate growth strategy. Not only did that require her to collect data on their customers’ habits, it meant being aware of what was trending in the media and analyzing the corresponding data to better anticipate their subsequent interactions with the company.

Marie’s thumb hovered over the link on her cell phone, resisting the inevitable. She had to open the article, had to know what kind of message, rumors or facts were circulating out there, so she could be informed during the inevitable crisis meetings at the office today.

She set aside her coffee and held her breath as she clicked the link, half expecting her phone to explode. Or implode. Didn’t matter, as the result would be the same.

The banner for Everything’s Blogger in Texas had been updated to reflect the top, scintillating story, and the article boldly declared Livia Colton, criminal mastermind presumed dead, was in fact back among the living. The blog promised to deliver every juicy detail of the hunt for the Queen of the Coltons in real time. There was a convenient link to subscribe for updates.

“Lovely,” Marie muttered. A quick search proved Everything’s Blogger did have the jump on other gossip sites and traditional news outlets. They posted quotes from victims and people connected to Livia’s prior crimes and were weaving the story as they went along, connecting dots that might not even be related. The other sites were merely reporting the shocking news and waiting for confirmation, making them appear half a step behind.