Lynette Eason - Protecting Her Daughter

ANYTHING FOR HER CHILD

After someone attempts to abduct her daughter, single mom Zoe Collier flees to a remote ranch for safety. But when the would-be kidnappers follow them to Wrangler’s Corner, Zoe must figure out why somebody wants Sophia. Local vet Aaron Starke is determined to help Zoe investigate—and to keep his intriguing new neighbors safe. Zoe’s used to relying on her own wits to survive. But quick-witted, caring Aaron is just the type of man she needs in her corner. And he might be her partner for keeps…if they can find the truth without losing their lives.

Wrangler’s Corner: Family comes first

“I don’t think I could shoot someone, Aaron.”

“If it comes down to his life or yours or his and Sophia’s, I think you could.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she glanced up at him, not caring if he saw the wetness. “Yes, I could for Sophia.” She sniffed, and a tear traced down her cheek. He lifted a hand and thumbed it away but left his palm cupping her cheek. She drew in a sharp breath.

“Clay will figure out what’s going on. The man in the hospital will wake up eventually, and Clay will get him to talk.”

Zoe closed her eyes against the lovely sensation of his touch. She had no business feeling an attraction for him. Not when she was fighting for hers and Sophia’s lives. She opened her eyes and met his. “Aaron, I appreciate everything you and your family and friends have done for Sophia and me, but I think it’s time for us to run again.”

“How is that going to help?”

She sighed. “Well, for one, it’ll give the authorities time to try to figure things out. But I can’t run without help.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I want you to help us disappear.”

LYNETTE EASON is a bestselling, award-winning author who makes her home in South Carolina with her husband and two teenage children. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and teaching at various writing conferences around the country. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Lynette can often be found online interacting with her readers. You can find her at facebook.com/lynette.easonand on Twitter, @lynetteeason.

Protecting Her Daughter

Lynette Eason

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.

— Psalms 46:1

This book is dedicated to those in law enforcement.

Thank you to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to make the world a safer place for me and my loved ones. “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you. Amen.”

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text ANYTHING FOR HER CHILD After someone attempts to abduct her daughter, single mom Zoe Collier flees to a remote ranch for safety. But when the would-be kidnappers follow them to Wrangler’s Corner, Zoe must figure out why somebody wants Sophia. Local vet Aaron Starke is determined to help Zoe investigate—and to keep his intriguing new neighbors safe. Zoe’s used to relying on her own wits to survive. But quick-witted, caring Aaron is just the type of man she needs in her corner. And he might be her partner for keeps…if they can find the truth without losing their lives. Wrangler’s Corner: Family comes first

Introduction “I don’t think I could shoot someone, Aaron.” “If it comes down to his life or yours or his and Sophia’s, I think you could.” Tears filled her eyes, and she glanced up at him, not caring if he saw the wetness. “Yes, I could for Sophia.” She sniffed, and a tear traced down her cheek. He lifted a hand and thumbed it away but left his palm cupping her cheek. She drew in a sharp breath. “Clay will figure out what’s going on. The man in the hospital will wake up eventually, and Clay will get him to talk.” Zoe closed her eyes against the lovely sensation of his touch. She had no business feeling an attraction for him. Not when she was fighting for hers and Sophia’s lives. She opened her eyes and met his. “Aaron, I appreciate everything you and your family and friends have done for Sophia and me, but I think it’s time for us to run again.” “How is that going to help?” She sighed. “Well, for one, it’ll give the authorities time to try to figure things out. But I can’t run without help.” He frowned. “What do you mean?” “I want you to help us disappear.”

About the Author LYNETTE EASON is a bestselling, award-winning author who makes her home in South Carolina with her husband and two teenage children. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her family and teaching at various writing conferences around the country. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). Lynette can often be found online interacting with her readers. You can find her at facebook.com/lynette.eason and on Twitter, @lynetteeason .

Title Page Protecting Her Daughter Lynette Eason www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. — Psalms 46:1

Dedication This book is dedicated to those in law enforcement. Thank you to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to make the world a safer place for me and my loved ones. “May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you. Amen.”

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EPILOGUE

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

ONE

Zoe Collier gripped the pitchfork and stabbed it into the bale of hay. “I’m going to grab some water bottles from the fridge, okay?”

“Okay, Mom.” Nine-year-old Sophia turned the water off and started wrapping the hose.

“Remind me to put some in the fridge out here for later.”

“Put some out here for later,” Sophia dutifully said.

“Haha. Come on in after you finish that, and we’ll make some cookies.”

Zoe relished her daughter’s grin. One that used to flash all the time before the kidnapping attempt a month ago. She’d been walking home from school when a car pulled up beside her. The vehicle door had flown open, and hands had reached for Sophia. Zoe had been standing on the porch watching it, horrified at the possibility that the man would manage to get her daughter into the vehicle. She’d raced toward them screaming for Sophia to run. Sophia had, and the car had squealed away.

Zoe shuddered.

Then the attempt to run Zoe off the road and leave her in the ditch—or worse, have her go over the side of the cliff...

She shook her head.

At least now they were safe until she could figure out whom to trust and ask for help. Running two hundred miles away from Knoxville, Tennessee, to this little town in the middle of nowhere had seemed like a good idea a few weeks ago. Now she wasn’t sure.

Oh, the people in town were friendly enough, but she and Sophia were so isolated out here. More isolated than she’d intended or understood it to be when she’d taken the job. She drew in a deep breath. But it served its purpose. “Stop it. Get the water and put your worries behind you. You have a painting to finish,” Zoe told herself. She was extremely grateful she could work from anywhere. Her paintings sold well in a variety of shops all over the country, providing a good living for her and Sophia. She looked over the area. If she could live anywhere on a permanent basis, it would be somewhere like this. A rich land with horses to ride and plenty of fresh air to breathe.