The Tempted. Amanda Stevens

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      He knows. He’s going to ask me point-blank if Emily is his, and I’m not going to be able to lie…

      “Tess?”

      She turned toward Jared, her hand at her heart. In spite of her trepidation, a secret thrill raced through Tess. She couldn’t deny that she still felt something for Jared Spencer. But there was danger in the temptation he offered her. If she let Jared back into her life, the serpent would be sure to follow.

      He gave her a bemused look. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

      She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and relaxed. He didn’t know about Emily. He couldn’t. “I’m just surprised to see you, that’s all.”

      He smiled at her, and Tess’s heart began to pound in earnest. She was a grown woman, for goodness’ sake. She shouldn’t be reacting so strongly to a good-looking man.

      But of course, Jared wasn’t just any man. He was her daughter’s father. That alone made him irresistibly sexy.

      Dear Harlequin Intrigue Reader,

      Welcome again to another action-packed month of exceptional romantic suspense. We are especially pleased to bring you the first of a trilogy of new books from Rebecca York’s 43 LIGHT STREET series. You’ve loved this author and her stories for years…and—you ain’t seen nothin’ yet! The MINE TO KEEP stories kick off this month with The Man from Texas. Danger lurks around every corner for these heroes and heroines, but there’s no threat too great when you have the one you love by your side.

      The EDEN’S CHILDREN miniseries by Amanda Stevens continues with The Tempted. A frantic mother will fight the devil himself to find her little girl, but she’ll have to face a more formidable foe first—the child’s secret father.

      Adrianne Lee contributes a terrific twin tale to the DOUBLE EXPOSURE promotion. Look for His Only Desire and see what happens when a stalker sees double!

      Finally, Harper Allen takes you on a journey of the heart in her powerful two-book miniseries, THE AVENGERS. Guarding Jane Doe is a profound story about a soldier for hire and a woman in desperate need of his services. What they find together is everlasting love the likes of which is rarely—if ever—seen.

      So join us once again for a fantastic reading experience.

      Enjoy!

      Sincerely,

      Denise O’Sullivan

      Associate Senior Editor

      Harlequin Intrigue

      The Tempted

      Amanda Stevens

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Born and raised in a small, Southern town, Amanda Stevens frequently draws on memories of her birthplace to create atmospheric settings and casts of eccentric characters. She is the author of over twenty-five novels, the recipient of a Career Achievement Award for Romantic/Mystery, and a 1999 RITA finalist in the Gothic/Romantic Suspense category. She now resides in Texas with her husband, teenage twins and her cat, Jesse, who also makes frequent appearances in her books.

      Books by Amanda Stevens

      HARLEQUIN INTRIGUE

      373—STRANGER IN PARADISE

      388—A BABY’S CRY

      397—A MAN OF SECRETS

      430—THE SECOND MRS. MALONE

      453—THE HERO’S SON*

      458—THE BROTHER’S WIFE*

      462—THE LONG-LOST HEIR*

      489—SOMEBODY’S BABY

      511—LOVER, STRANGER

      549—THE LITTLEST WITNESS**

      553—SECRET ADMIRER**

      557—FORBIDDEN LOVER**

      581—THE BODYGUARD’S ASSIGNMENT

      607—NIGHTTIME GUARDIAN

      622—THE INNOCENT†

      626—THE TEMPTED†

      CAST OF CHARACTERS

      Tess Campbell—Her little girl is missing, and in order to find her, Tess may have to reveal a secret she swore she’d take to her grave.

      Jared Spencer—Six years ago, Tess left town without a backward glance. Now she’s walked back into his life, but before he succumbs to temptation, Jared has to know the truth about that night.

      Royce Spencer—Taught all his life that winning is the only thing that matters, he will do anything to best his older brother, Jared.

      Ariel Spencer—Is she frightened of her husband, or is she a willing accomplice in his dangerous machinations?

      Cressida Spencer—She knows the sort of woman she wants for her son, and Tess Campbell is not the one.

      Melanie Kent—One of the few people who knows Tess’s secret, she paid a huge price six years ago for her involvement with Royce Spencer.

      Willa Banks—A dedicated volunteer or a suspect?

      This book is gratefully dedicated to my editor, Denise O’Sullivan, without whom EDEN’S CHILDREN would not have been possible.

      Contents

       Prologue

       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