Debra Regan - Marriage Confidential

A sexy hero vows to love, honor...and stop the hacker!

Marriage to Madison Goode—his secret high-school crush—is news to billionaire techno whiz Sam Bellemere! The gorgeous State Department liaison has summoned him to fix a cybersecurity breach at an art museum reception. But why is he guest-listed as her husband?

Madison has her reasons...as does a nefarious hacker now threatening her life and career. But once they’ve gone public, introvert Sam and career-focused Madison must play their roles perfectly, trusting and protecting each other as they race to thwart disaster. Surprisingly, being close is easy. A real relationship might be possible...if a worldwide cyber attack doesn’t cost them their lives!

“All right.” He came up beside her and covered one of her chilled hands with his.

“What if we enjoy what is sure to be an outstanding dinner and then head back to my place and handle whatever is coming together as husband and wife?”

She studied his profile, seeing none of the tension or stress in the hard square of his jaw, only resolute determination. “Together?” She was bewildered as much by the offer as she was by the easy way he delivered it.

“Exactly.” He faced her, giving her a heated, toe-curling smile.

If only it would be that easy. “You stepping up publicly as my husband could very well put Gray Box at risk.”

“I’ve factored that in.”

His absolute fearlessness despite the unknowns made her want him more. She hadn’t known it was possible to sink deeper into her infatuation with him.

“You expect me to live with you at your condo?”

Marriage Confidential

Debra Webb

&

Regan Black

www.millsandboon.co.uk

DEBRA WEBB, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until after she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. Since then the USA TODAY bestselling author has penned more than one hundred novels, including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series.

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.

For my grandmother, ever the diplomat in the family,

for being a boundless source of wisdom, inspiration

and unconditional love.

—Regan

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A sexy hero vows to love, honor...and stop the hacker! Marriage to Madison Goode—his secret high-school crush—is news to billionaire techno whiz Sam Bellemere! The gorgeous State Department liaison has summoned him to fix a cybersecurity breach at an art museum reception. But why is he guest-listed as her husband? Madison has her reasons...as does a nefarious hacker now threatening her life and career. But once they’ve gone public, introvert Sam and career-focused Madison must play their roles perfectly, trusting and protecting each other as they race to thwart disaster. Surprisingly, being close is easy. A real relationship might be possible...if a worldwide cyber attack doesn’t cost them their lives!

Introduction “All right.” He came up beside her and covered one of her chilled hands with his. “What if we enjoy what is sure to be an outstanding dinner and then head back to my place and handle whatever is coming together as husband and wife?” She studied his profile, seeing none of the tension or stress in the hard square of his jaw, only resolute determination. “Together?” She was bewildered as much by the offer as she was by the easy way he delivered it. “Exactly.” He faced her, giving her a heated, toe-curling smile. If only it would be that easy. “You stepping up publicly as my husband could very well put Gray Box at risk.” “I’ve factored that in.” His absolute fearlessness despite the unknowns made her want him more. She hadn’t known it was possible to sink deeper into her infatuation with him. “You expect me to live with you at your condo?”

Title Page Marriage Confidential Debra Webb & Regan Black www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author DEBRA WEBB, born in Alabama, wrote her first story at age nine and her first romance at thirteen. It wasn’t until after she spent three years working for the military behind the Iron Curtain—and a five-year stint with NASA—that she realized her true calling. Since then the USA TODAY bestselling author has penned more than one hundred novels, including her internationally bestselling Colby Agency series. 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.

Dedication For my grandmother, ever the diplomat in the family, for being a boundless source of wisdom, inspiration and unconditional love. —Regan

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

Chapter One

San Francisco

Friday, June 10, 6:45 p.m.

Shoulders back, head high, Madison Goode kept pace with the silent and stoic Special Agent Spalding from the FBI at her side. Her high heels clicked softly on the exquisite black marble tile. The sound was the only acknowledgment of their progress. Every inch of the Artistry of the Far East Museum was elegantly appointed and thoughtfully designed, not just the galleries displaying the invaluable collection. To Madison, who’d been behind the scenes of many of the most elaborate venues here and around the world, it seemed as if the museum founders had been as eager to inspire the staff as they were the visitors. She appreciated such excellent attention to detail.

As she turned her wrist to check her watch, her platinum and diamond wedding set glowed beautifully under the perfect lighting. She’d had it cleaned yesterday for this occasion, a little unnerved by how awkward and vulnerable she felt in the hours it wasn’t on her finger. She took comfort in the familiarity of the jewelry in its rightful place, a calming reminder in what hopefully wouldn’t blow up into a crisis.

The countdown for the evening was running in her head. The dignitaries from China’s foreign ministry would be here within forty-five minutes for a pregala toast and a private viewing of the new exhibit on loan to the United States. She knew from her years of experience as a State Department liaison that they would arrive five minutes earlier than scheduled.

Special Agent Spalding held open the door, encouraging her to enter the museum security office ahead of him. Even here, in the controlled lighting, she noted the aesthetic details that would empower the staff and boost efficiency. Her gaze slid over the monitors and the personnel watching each screen and status panel. No one was panicking and everything seemed to be in order, yet the tension simmering in the air was completely different than on her previous visits during the negotiation of the exhibit. When Spalding requested—demanded—her review of a potential security breach, he’d explained the threat was not as clear and easy to locate as a thief lurking in the building for his chance to strike.