Mallory Kane - The Lawman Who Loved Her

Memories stirred…

Through the endless sleepless nights, she had yearned for the comfort of his long, warm body, and the closeness they’d once shared. For an instant Dana leaned into Cody’s embrace, unable to stop herself.

His hand ran up her back to her neck and he wrapped his fingers around her nape, his thumb tracing her jaw. She lifted her head, caught in a dream of her own making, believing she could have just this one kiss, and then go back to her orderly life without a regret.

His mouth touched hers, the taste and feel so familiar, so welcome, it made her want to cry. She shivered.

“Cody, I’m not sure we should do this.”

His mouth came back to hers and he kissed her again, stealing her breath, her will.

“What should we be doing, then?” he muttered, his breath warm on her lips. “Arguing about the best way to keep you alive?”

Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

Yet again we have a power-packed lineup of fantastic books for you this month, starting with the second story in the new Harlequin continuity series TRUEBLOOD, TEXAS. Secret Bodyguard by B.J. Daniels brings together an undercover cop and a mobster’s daughter in a wary alliance in order to find her baby. But will they find a family together before all is said and done?

Ann Voss Peterson contributes another outstanding legal thriller to Harlequin Intrigue with His Witness, Her Child. Trust me, there’s nothing sexier than a cowboy D.A. who’s as tough as nails on criminals, yet is as tender as lamb’s wool with women and children. Except…

One of Julie Miller’s Taylor men! This month read about brother Brett Taylor in Sudden Engagement. Mystery, matchmaking—it’s all part and parcel for any member of THE TAYLOR CLAN.

Finally, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Mallory Kane, who debuts at Harlequin Intrigue with The Lawman Who Loved Her. Hang on to your hat—and your heart. This story—and this hunky hero—will blow you away.

Round up all four! And be on the lookout next month for a new Harlequin Intrigue trilogy by Amanda Stevens called EDEN’S CHILDREN.

Happy reading,

Denise O’Sullivan

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin Intrigue

The Lawman Who Loved Her

Mallory Kane

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Mallory Kane worked in the medical field for many years before leaving to make time for her other loves, writing and art. She loves romance and suspense, and two of her favorite things are dangerous heroes and dauntless heroines. She lives in Mississippi with her husband and their two dauntless cats.

She would be delighted to hear from readers. You can write to her c/o Harlequin Books, 300 East 42nd Street, Sixth Floor, New York, NY 10017.

HARLEQUIN INTRIGUE

620—THE LAWMAN WHO LOVED HER

Dana Charles Maxwell—She divorced Cody to protect her heart. Now he’s back, and she’s running for her life.

Detective Cody Maxwell—His job is everything to Cody, or so he thinks, until a killer threatens the one person who means more to him than his own life.

Gerard Fontenot—The diabolical killer vowed to make Cody pay for what he’d done. Now neither Cody nor his wife are safe.

Detective Devereaux Gautier—The intimidating cop has a soft spot in his heart for his best friend, Cody, and Cody’s wife.

Captain Hamilton—While the police captain heads the hunt for Fontenot, he sends Cody and Dana to safety, he thinks.

This one is for the intrepid critiquers, Lorraine,

Debbie and especially Sherri, who has already said,

“I told you so.”

Prologue Prologue Gerard Fontenot stood in the shadows, in an alley off St. Peter Street, waiting. Waiting was something he understood. He didn’t like it, but he could do it. He had waited for four years to be here tonight. And while he waited, he’d planned. A small smile played around his thin lips. Detective Maxwell had underestimated him. They all had. They couldn’t pin his wife’s murder on him, although Maxwell had tried. For some reason, he had taken Fontenot’s case as a personal vendetta. He’d dogged Fontenot’s footsteps until he’d nearly driven him crazy. Shooting Maxwell four years ago had been a foolish mistake, caused by Maxwell getting too close. Maxwell had almost blundered onto the truth about Fontenot’s wife’s death. No more mistakes. He’d learned patience and control in prison. He’d perfected his plans and honed his hatred to razor sharpness. He’d always known he was smarter. Now he was invincible. No one could touch him now. He was playing with Maxwell, toying with him like a cat with a mouse, and the results were already more than he could have hoped. It was a brilliant maneuver to involve Maxwell’s ex-wife. Brilliant. Maxwell was spooked. Fontenot could tell. The detective knew what he was up to, but he couldn’t do anything about it. Fontenot’s smile widened as Maxwell’s Laser pulled up to the curb. The detective unfolded his lanky frame from the car, and glanced around. Fontenot stood absolutely still, relishing the tingling excitement as Maxwell’s gaze flickered past the shadowed alley in which he stood. His heartbeat accelerated and a bead of sweat limned his upper lip as Maxwell disappeared into the stairwell leading to his upstairs apartment. Although Fontenot could no longer see him, his mind counted out each step, each action, as Maxwell moved inevitably toward his destiny. Fontenot didn’t move a muscle, didn’t breathe. His muscles tensed, and his groin tightened in anticipation as sweetly agonizing as slow, drawn-out foreplay. He waited.

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

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Gerard Fontenot stood in the shadows, in an alley off St. Peter Street, waiting. Waiting was something he understood. He didn’t like it, but he could do it. He had waited for four years to be here tonight. And while he waited, he’d planned.

A small smile played around his thin lips. Detective Maxwell had underestimated him. They all had. They couldn’t pin his wife’s murder on him, although Maxwell had tried. For some reason, he had taken Fontenot’s case as a personal vendetta. He’d dogged Fontenot’s footsteps until he’d nearly driven him crazy.

Shooting Maxwell four years ago had been a foolish mistake, caused by Maxwell getting too close. Maxwell had almost blundered onto the truth about Fontenot’s wife’s death.

No more mistakes. He’d learned patience and control in prison. He’d perfected his plans and honed his hatred to razor sharpness. He’d always known he was smarter. Now he was invincible. No one could touch him now.

He was playing with Maxwell, toying with him like a cat with a mouse, and the results were already more than he could have hoped. It was a brilliant maneuver to involve Maxwell’s ex-wife. Brilliant. Maxwell was spooked. Fontenot could tell. The detective knew what he was up to, but he couldn’t do anything about it.

Fontenot’s smile widened as Maxwell’s Laser pulled up to the curb. The detective unfolded his lanky frame from the car, and glanced around. Fontenot stood absolutely still, relishing the tingling excitement as Maxwell’s gaze flickered past the shadowed alley in which he stood.