Protecting His Brother's Bride. Jan Schliesman

      

       Dalton dropped the handcuffs and kicked them across the floor to her. “Put those on.”

      “A frequent fantasy of yours?” Kira had been aiming for a sarcastic tone and instead, the words came out breathy. Like an invitation.

      “Definitely.” His raised eyebrow spoke volumes and she balanced on the thin line between anger and appreciation. He was good. Scratch that. He was very bad, and he knew it.

      “I meant, use them on your friend. We need to get out of here before the fire closes in.”

      “And if I refuse?” She swiped her cheek across her forearm and stifled a groan when her skin burned from the action.

      “Then you deserve each other,” he drawled. His warped sense of humor added to his raw appeal. Laughter and looks were a dangerous combination.

      His silky brown eyes slid down her body and then to the gun in her hand.

      “You’re making me nervous. How about a truce?”

      Protecting

       His Brother’s

       Bride

      Jan Schliesman

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      JAN SCHLIESMAN became addicted to Mills & Boon® novels in high school, often swapping bags of books with her girlfriends. Shortly afterward, Mr Wonderful walked into her life, and it was love at first sight. At least for her. It took a few months for him to realise that she was mowing the grass in tight spandex to get him to notice her. They married and started a family and she became a stay-at-home mum. Not as much time to read meant Mills & Boon® Desire™ books were her new best friend, especially when they started including wineglasses in the monthly shipment. After their son was diagnosed with autism, it was also vitally important that somebody, somewhere, was getting a happy ending. She returned to college in pursuit of an English degree, but working as a police dispatcher provided too many story ideas. The Romantic Suspense line became her new love, and a degree in criminal justice followed many years later.

      Most days you’ll find Jan listening to love stories and helping couples choose the perfect engagement ring. Most late nights she’s in her office, getting new words on the page. Born and raised in Iowa, she’s the mother of three semi-grown children. Jan lives in Kansas with the man she still calls Mr Wonderful. Find her on Facebook, follow her on Twitter or check out her website at www.janschliesman.com.

      MILLS & BOON

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      Sixteen years ago I drove sixty miles on a Thursday night to attend a Heart of Iowa Fiction Authors meeting. I brought along ten single-spaced pages of my manuscript, which I’d printed on lavender paper. No one laughed at me. I received nothing but encouragement and amazing advice. Thank you, Roxanne Rustand, Kylie Brant and Cindy Gerard for being such great roomies at the conference and for including me in all your fun.

      When we moved to Kansas nearly six years ago, I connected with a critique partner, Sarah Cannon. We kept each other going when it might have been easier to give up. And thank goodness we didn’t give up, because 2014 was the year we both sold manuscripts to Mills & Boon. It’s been an exciting ride and one that wouldn’t have been possible for either one of us without the unwavering support of Mills & Boon® Intrigue author Angi Morgan. Besides being my toughest critic, she’s also my best friend. I am lucky beyond measure to have her in my life.

      Contents

       Cover

       Introduction

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

       Chapter 4

       Chapter 5

       Chapter 6

       Chapter 7

       Chapter 8

       Chapter 9

       Chapter 10

       Chapter 11

       Chapter 12

       Chapter 13

       Chapter 14

       Chapter 15

       Chapter 16

       Chapter 17

       Chapter 18

       Chapter 19

       Chapter 20

       Chapter 21

       Epilogue

       Extract

       Copyright

Prologue

      “I am not a criminal,” Kira Kincaid announced to the female FBI agent who watched her every move. On the contrary, Kira was an upstanding example of citizenship. “I never even drive over the speed limit.” The fact that she didn’t own a car was inconsequential.

      “Save it for the judge,” her keeper barked.

      Kira pressed the cup to her lips and finished the last drop of water. She wished she had more. The third-floor interrogation room faced west and the late-August sun was outpacing the air-conditioning.

      Rocking back and forth in the seat, she focused