Lisa Jackson: Obsession

#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson brings you heart-stopping adventure and scintillating romance in this fan-favorite story…

Zane Flannery has always been overprotective of his famous ex-wife, Kaylie Melville—he is, after all, her former bodyguard, not to mention her former husband. And when Zane discovers that Lee Johnston, a maniacal stalker who once threatened Kaylie’s life, is being released from a nearby psychiatric facility, his protective instincts jump into overdrive. Spiriting Kaylie away to his cabin in the mountains, Zane has nothing but her safety on his mind. But being alone together in a remote mountain hideaway proves irresistible for them both, and the sparks that once flew between them are soon reignited…

Praise for New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson

“Turn on the lights before you turn the first page of this electrifying thriller. Set a bare six months after the shocking events of Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded grabs you by the throat from page one and does not let you off the edge of your seat for a moment after that.”

— Romance at Its Best

“Taking up where…phenomenal Hot Blooded left off, Cold Blooded is a tight, romantic, edge-of-your-seat thriller.”

— RT Book Reviews

“Lisa Jackson pulls out all the stops in this brilliantly conceived, chilling, twisted psychological thriller that contains murder, mental illness, incest, love and hope. The Night Before is a page-turner that will have you racing toward the finish.”

— Reader to Reader

“What a story! This is a perfectly put together, complex story with more than one relationship and mystery going on…a perfect meld of past and present. I loved it!”

— Rendezvous on Whispers

“There are hints of Romeo and Juliet when children from two small-town feuding families fall in love. Characters are fully realized, multi-faceted and dynamic…the plot is full of subtle intrigues, forbidden passions and long-kept secrets that culminate in an explosive climax. Author Lisa Jackson has delivered another must-read romantic suspense novel.”

— Gothic Journal on Whispers

LISA JACKSONis a #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy books including romantic suspense, thrillers and contemporary and historical romances. She is a recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and has also been honored with their Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense. Born in Oregon, she continues to make her home among family, friends and dogs in the Pacific Northwest. Visit her at www.lisajackson.com.

Obsession

Lisa Jackson

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Cover

Back Cover Text #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson brings you heart-stopping adventure and scintillating romance in this fan-favorite story… Zane Flannery has always been overprotective of his famous ex-wife, Kaylie Melville—he is, after all, her former bodyguard, not to mention her former husband. And when Zane discovers that Lee Johnston, a maniacal stalker who once threatened Kaylie’s life, is being released from a nearby psychiatric facility, his protective instincts jump into overdrive. Spiriting Kaylie away to his cabin in the mountains, Zane has nothing but her safety on his mind. But being alone together in a remote mountain hideaway proves irresistible for them both, and the sparks that once flew between them are soon reignited…

Praise Praise for New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jackson “Turn on the lights before you turn the first page of this electrifying thriller. Set a bare six months after the shocking events of Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded grabs you by the throat from page one and does not let you off the edge of your seat for a moment after that.” — Romance at Its Best “Taking up where…phenomenal Hot Blooded left off, Cold Blooded is a tight, romantic, edge-of-your-seat thriller.” — RT Book Reviews “Lisa Jackson pulls out all the stops in this brilliantly conceived, chilling, twisted psychological thriller that contains murder, mental illness, incest, love and hope. The Night Before is a page-turner that will have you racing toward the finish.” — Reader to Reader “What a story! This is a perfectly put together, complex story with more than one relationship and mystery going on…a perfect meld of past and present. I loved it!” — Rendezvous on Whispers “There are hints of Romeo and Juliet when children from two small-town feuding families fall in love. Characters are fully realized, multi-faceted and dynamic…the plot is full of subtle intrigues, forbidden passions and long-kept secrets that culminate in an explosive climax. Author Lisa Jackson has delivered another must-read romantic suspense novel.” — Gothic Journal on Whispers

About the Author LISA JACKSON is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than seventy books including romantic suspense, thrillers and contemporary and historical romances. She is a recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and has also been honored with their Career Achievement Award for Romantic Suspense. Born in Oregon, she continues to make her home among family, friends and dogs in the Pacific Northwest. Visit her at www.lisajackson.com.

Title Page Obsession Lisa Jackson www.millsandboon.co.uk

Prologue Prologue Whispering Hills Hospital The patient rocked slowly back and forth in his chair. His eyes, deep-set and pale blue, stared at the television screen, and though he didn’t speak, his lips moved, as if he were trying to say something to the woman on the small color screen, the cohost of West Coast Morning. Kaylie, her name was. He had a picture of her. The one they hadn’t found. The one the orderlies had overlooked. It was old and faded, the slickness nearly worn off, but every night he stared at that picture and pretended she was there, with him, in his hospital bed. She was so beautiful. Her long blond hair shimmered in soft curls around her face, and her eyes were green-blue—like the ocean. He’d seen her once, touched her, felt her quiver against him. He sucked in his breath at the familiar thought. He could almost smell her perfume. “Hey! Lee, ol’ buddy. How about some sound?” The orderly, the tall lanky one called Rick, walked to the television and fiddled with the controls. The volume roared, and the singsong jingle for cereal blared in a deafening roar to the patient’s ears. “Noooo!” the patient cried, clapping his hands to the sides of his head, trying to block out the sound. “No, no, no!” “Okay, okay. Hey, man, don’t get upset.” Rick held his palms outward before quickly turning down the volume. “Hey, Lee, ya gotta learn to chill out a little. Relax.” “No noise!” the patient said with an effort, and Rick sighed loudly as he stripped the bed of soiled sheets. “Yeah, I know, no noise. Just like every day at this time. I don’t get it, you know. All day long you’re fine, until the morning shows come on. Maybe you should watch something else—” But the patient didn’t hear. The program had resumed, and Kaylie—his Kaylie—was staring into the camera again, smiling. For him. He felt suddenly near tears as her green eyes locked with his and her perfect lips moved in silent words of love. It won’t be long, he thought, his own lips twitching. Reaching deep into his pocket, he rubbed the worn picture between his thumb and forefinger. Just wait for me. I’ll come to you. Soon.