I’m so excited about the new books in the Crooked Pass Security series! I loved giving Sophie and Robbie their stories and also introducing you to new characters who you will see in future stories, including the new Cold Case K-9 series coming in late 2026/2027. For today’s Write Wednesday, I’m sharing a little teaser from DEFENDED BY THE BODYGUARD. In this scene, Robbie and the crew at Crooked Pass Security have identified quote a number of suspects who may be responsible for the attacks on Selene’s life. Selene is worried about the long list, but Robbie reassures her that she has even more people to keep her safe. Here’s the teaser and you can grab your copy at https://amzn.to/47cmo2o.
Stroking his thumb across her cheek, he said, “You have lots of people to protect you and who love you.”
Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but a shadow of a smile drifted across her lips. She reached up and raked her fingers through his hair, then trailed her hand down tenderly across his bruised cheek. Wincing slightly, she said, “Does it still hurt?”
“Only when I smile,” he said, then grinned and faked a grimace.
She chuckled and shook her head, but then her almost electric blue gaze darkened. She rose slightly on her knees, until she was eye to eye, lip to lip, with him.
“Selene?” he asked, wanting to be sure of what she wanted.
She answered by leaning in and skimming a kiss across his lips, the touch a hesitant exploration as she returned to kiss him over and over.
He cradled her back, offering comfort and support as the kiss deepened.
Her breath soughed against his lips as she broke away for a second, but then returned, opening her mouth to his. Pressing her body to his, he drew her in tighter until they were breast to chest and his body responded, hardening against her softness.
She shivered then and he tempered his hold, loosening it so she could draw back and meet his gaze.
She licked her lips, then bit her lower one and shook her head, as if in denial of what she was feeling.
“I’m not… It’s been…” She shook her head harder then and looked away before blurting out, “I’m not sure of what I want. I’m sorry.”
He clasped her cheek and tenderly urged her to meet his gaze. “I’m a patient man, Selene. I would never rush you or hurt you.”
Through incipient tears, she nodded. “I know,” she said, voice hoarse, and in a softer tone added, “I do. I do.”
It was almost as if she was trying to convince herself. To truly believe he wouldn’t damage her as other men had, which made his heart hurt at the pain she’d suffered.
“Whenever you’re ready, Selene,” he said and meant it, even if whenever turned out to be never.
