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Book 6 |
Sci Fi Romantic Suspense |
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by Joni Hahn
The D.I.R.E. Agency Book Six
Agent N6: Dylan McCall
Credentials:
Third generation Marine
Mongolian prison survivor
Enhancement:
Nanorobotics
Third generation Marine Dylan McCall has only one goal in mind: revenge. Armed with a new, scientific enhancement, he won’t rest until he destroys Cyrus Matheson’s plans.
Geneticist Teague Hamilton wants nothing more than a healthy baby of her own. Raised in a girls’ home, she knows Cyrus’s genetic engineering technology is her only chance at gaining the family she wants.
Dylan can’t get enough of D.I.R.E.’s confident, sexy-as-hell geneticist, even though his gut tells him she’s hiding something. He won’t rest until he tames her and brings her deception to light.
When Cyrus draws Teague out of D.I.R.E.’s protective custody and takes her to the past, she uncovers lies that prove she’s never controlled her own destiny, while Dylan travels back in time to save her before its too late.
Can Dylan rescue Teague in time, or will he lose the woman he loves forever?
Genre: Sci Fi Romantic Suspense
Content/Theme(s): Superhero, Military, Humor, Time Travel, Suspense
Release Date: July 31, 2015
Publisher: Indie
Excerpts, Books 1-5 & More
Dylan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&NDylan Excerpt:
Sailing through the air, he landed on top of the man and dragged him to the ground. They struggled amongst the grass and rubble, fists flying, before her champion clamped a hand around the attacker’s gun. With stiff, shaking hands, they wrestled with the weapon. The redhead snapped back his arm and dismantled it in two, giving the attacker a shot at his profile. The redhead’s face whipped to the side, but he didn’t slow. With continual fists to the jaw, he rendered the attacker unconscious, the man falling limp in the grass.
Breathing hard, he turned to her, his blue-green eyes glittering with adrenalin. They dominated his face, swirling in shades of teal and aqua, reminding her of the mood ring her mother gave her as a child. Red stubble dotted his upper lip and square, cleft chin, subtle cheekbones complementing his small, angular nose. His nearness sent a shock of awareness through her heated body, kicking her already-pounding heart into overdrive.
Gorgeous seemed too clichéd for this man’s appeal. Too inadequate. From a geneticist’s perspective, Teague decided God had perfected the genetic code with this one.
He gave her huddled form a quick once-over. “Agent Dylan McCall. Can you stand?”
Pushing up her foggy glasses, she gave him an uncertain nod, her eyes straying to the unconscious man lying a foot away. “Yes.”
“Good girl.”
Girl? She hadn’t been called anything but Doctor or Teague in a long time. She hadn’t really felt like a girl since she lost her parents as a child.
Then again, she’d never been held at gunpoint.
Still, something in his deep voice spoke of command, of a confidence she sorely lacked at the moment. It rang of the unspoken knowledge that he had everything under control and would take care of her.
Holding out a hand, Dylan helped her to her feet, his big, rough palm unyielding around hers. Heat sizzled up her arm and rushed through her body, awakening every hibernating erogenous zone in her DNA.
Steering her away from the unconscious man, he escorted her through the rock-filled undergrowth. A concrete sidewalk led to blue doors at the face of a crumbled mansion.
He spoke into an armband strapped to his left forearm. “Mitchell…”
“McCall. What’s going on?”
His tall, lean frame exuded energy as he rushed her up the walk. “Two agents down. We have a person of interest.”
She snatched her hand from his grasp. He made her sound like some kind of suspect. Of what, she wasn’t sure.
Mitchell’s voice carried over the band. “Who is he?”
Dylan gave her another perusal, this one slower, more… pronounced. She refrained from fanning herself.
“He is a she, Mitchell.” His direct gaze sent a shiver down her spine. “Who are you?”
Feeling small in her bare feet, she straightened to her full height before yanking down the hem of her blouse. “Dr. Teague Hamilton. I’m supposed to start work here today.”
“Bring her in.” Mitchell barked the order without hesitation.
Bring her in where? She looked at the mansion. If she went with Agent McCall, at least she’d get some questions answered. If she fought him, she had a feeling she’d end up going with him, anyway.
She had to try.
Whipping around, she took two steps before Dylan snatched her wrist. He yanked her against the hard wall of his chest. She sucked in a breath as tingling budded in her chest and filtered throughout her body.
Loathing swam in his narrow eyes, his grip on her wrist vice-like. “My pleasure,” he said. “Out.”
Adjusting the tote bag on her shoulder, she said, “I’m not going anywhere until I know what the hell is going on.”
“You’re about to find out.”
He led her over the front door threshold and stopped short. A massive, crystal chandelier lay in glistening splinters on the foyer floor, a jagged hole in the ceiling above it. Conversation carried in the distance.
“What happened?” she said.
“More of what you saw on the beach.” Glancing at her polished peach toes, he said, “I should make you walk.”
She had made it through life on her own up to this point. She’d be damned if she’d accept his hostile assistance now.
“I’ll go back to the beach and get my shoes.” Turning around, she took a step, before he swiveled her back to face him.
He lifted her into his arms. She gasped, his close proximity stealing her breath.
“What are you doing?”
His strong arms cradled her against him. Her fingers speared the red curls brushing the neckband of his t-shirt, the scent of sweat filling her nose.
“Put me down.” She pushed away from him.
Gleaming white teeth shone through a false smile, laugh lines bracketing his gorgeous mouth. “Okay.”
He dropped her legs. Her feet slipped to the jagged shards of glass. Wincing at the slight sting, she clung to his neck and curled up her legs.
“That’s what I thought.” He gave her a deadpan stare.
Forget it. She’d walk through the cut glass rather than give him the satisfaction.
Settling her feet on the spiky surface, she took a deep breath and let it out. If she could get around him, she could make a break for the beach.
She glanced up at him. He cocked an eyebrow.
Dammit, she would do this. Gritting her teeth, she turned away and took a step.
“Stubborn woman…”
Scooping her into his arms, he marched across the floor, glass crunching beneath his rubber soles.
She shoved against his chest. “You’re crazy if you think I’m going anywhere with you.”
Reaching a door off the back hallway, he opened it and lowered her to the cool concrete of a cavernous stairwell. “You don’t have a choice.” With a gentle shove, he motioned for her to precede him.
She wouldn’t budge. “I told you, I’m not going anywhere until I get some answers.”
He lowered his face within inches of hers, his minty breath washing over her heated cheek. Dammit, why couldn’t she breathe?
“Yes, you are,” he said.
She gritted her teeth. “No, I’m-“
Bending low, he pushed a shoulder into her middle and tossed her over his shoulder. She gasped, nearly swallowing her tongue. His large, warm hand cupped her upper thigh, sending sparks of arousal straight to her core.
Holy smokes. Now is not the time to get turned on, Teague.
“Put me down.” She pounded a fist against his back.
“I plan to… in a minute.”
Taking the stairs two at a time, he raced down three floors as she bounced against his muscular back. Yanking open a door, he rushed into a hallway filled with fragments of sheetrock, plaster and other debris. Men and women stopped to stare, some laughing, others slapping him on his free shoulder.
She was a world-renowned doctor of genetics, for cripes sake. Her education and position as one of the leading scientists in genetic engineering warranted more respect than a sack of flour on this Neanderthal’s back.
Walking into a room, he lowered her to the floor. People packed up test tubes, vials and other samples into liquid nitrogen tanks and biohazard containers, others throwing medical supplies into boxes. A musty smell of alcohol and sheetrock dominated the wrecked laboratory, the taste of bile rising in her throat.
Teague stared at the obvious, her heart heavy. Was this Cyrus Matheson’s genetic engineering lab? The place where she’d thrown all of her life’s dreams, her future - into this pile of rubble and debris?
How would she ever correct her genetic code and overcome her family’s medical history without his resources? Without them, she had no hope of ever conceiving a healthy baby of her own.
The agency Dylan worked for had the technology. She had no choice but to go with him.
He pulled a pair of handcuffs from a bag. She held out her wrists in invitation.
His eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to fight me?”
Shaking her head, she said, “No. I realize that will only prolong my release.”
Latching one cuff around her wrist, he hooked the other around his own.
Her mouth dropped open. No. She already felt too on-edge in his company. Dylan McCall was far too potent, too appealing to be locked beside him for any length of time.
Tugging on the cuff, she tried to squeeze her hand through the hole. “Is this really necessary?”
Stepping close, he towered over her, his body heat fogging her glasses. She took a deep breath and let it out.
“Yes. I don’t have time to chase after you.”
But, what if I let you catch me? “I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“That’s a matter of opinion, Doctor, and frankly, yours doesn’t count.”
~~~~~~
Dylan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&N
by Joni Hahn
The D.I.R.E. Agency Book Five
Agent S5: Jaydan Rose
Credentials:
Former D.I.R.E. Enemy Agent
D.I.R.E. Double Agent
Enhancement:
Muscle Acceleration/Strength
Betrayed by his former crime boss, Jaydan Rose couldn’t resist D.I.R.E.’s offer to bring down the agency’s greatest enemy. Not only did he get his revenge, he earned a spot on the organization’s elite squad of super-powered agents.
Now days away from his estranged brother’s wedding, Jaydan gets a lead on the missing sister-in-law of Riordan “Saint” St. James, a fellow agent. If he can locate her, perhaps he can make up for not being there when Saint needed him most.
As the only daughter of one of the richest men in the world, Saint’s sister, Hope Powers, wants to be taken seriously. If she can prove the D.I.R.E. Agency needs her new software application, she’ll have the credibility and position she craves.
After she threatens to search for the missing woman with or without him, Jaydan’s conscience compels him to take her. However, when danger and close quarters prove too much for their passion, Jaydan discovers his priorities have changed.
When their quest uncovers scandalous secrets and decades old dangers, they realize they’ve stumbled onto something bigger than themselves. While the lines of reality and imitation become blurred, a psychotic maniac makes plans for Hope.
Will Jaydan’s past rear its ugly head and destroy them both, or does history control their future?
Genre: Sci Fi Romantic Suspense
Content/Theme(s): Action, Suspense, Military
Release Date: December 18, 2014
Publisher: Indie
Jaydan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&NJaydan Excerpt:
“Les, why is your father calling me?”
Shutting her eyes against the dread that settled in her chest, she groaned to herself. She couldn’t open that door. If she did, she’d make a complete fool of herself.
Walking over to the dresser, she checked her phone. Three missed calls and a text. Her father must’ve checked his DNA tracker and realized she was in Hawaii.
“Les…”
Looking at the door, she spoke in a raised voice. “Um, I’m not sure. Why don’t you call him back?”
Jaydan chuckled in the hallway. “You didn’t tell him you were coming to Hawaii, did you?”
Swallowing hard, she gave her chin a determined tilt. “I don’t report my whereabouts to my father. I’m not a child.”
His sardonic chuckle angered her.
Storming over to the door, she told herself she had to remember this. During those smokin’ hot visions, she had to conjure up this memory and the dozens like it she’d experienced in the past.
“Hell, princess, you –“
She whipped open the door to arms’ length. Jaydan stood naked in her doorway, save for a pair of gray, athletic shorts that hung low on his hips. Water droplets hung from his dark, wavy hair and dotted his broad shoulders. His arms and shoulders looked huge, the angles and braids of muscle sharp rather than round, the sinew dense and inflexible rather than pliant flesh. His sculpted torso was covered in hard, ridged muscles with a light dusting of dark hair. He smelled of rosewood and jasmine, his copper and gold armbands branding him a masculine god.
Now, she understood his cougar-like grace, his confident saunter. No man on earth could call himself cut as long as Jaydan Rose walked around. He epitomized the term.
His eyes swirled with dark desire, their focus on her chest. Glancing down, she saw her robe gaped open, exposing the cleavage between her breasts.
She should cover herself. Close the door and walk away. Yet, she stood there, allowing him his fill while she took her fill of him. The sensation started deep inside, her mind recalling the vision, her body readying itself for him.
There was more than one way to prove she wasn’t a child.
With a hesitant reach, she feathered her fingers down the ridges of his abdomen. The muscles contracted beneath her touch, rippling behind her caress in a symphony of sensuality.
His half smile made her toes curl, his voice a husky croon. “My turn.”
~~~~~~
Jaydan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&N
by Joni Hahn
The D.I.R.E. Agency Book Four
Agent M4: Riordan St. James
Credentials:
Former D.I.R.E. Enemy Agent
Mongolian Prison Survivor
Enhancement:
Magnetism
Sent to a Mongolian prison against his will, former enemy agent Riordan St. James is suddenly back in civilization. With his hands crushed, and littered with scars, he trusts no one. When he accepts D.I.R.E.’s prosthetic hands to operate a future, super power enhancement, Riordan knows their offer comes with a price - he just isn’t sure he wants to pay.
After an affair with a client turns deadly, psychologist and senator’s daughter Natalie Meeks, doesn’t trust her own judgment. When she’s hired to help Riordan adjust to civilization again, she finds herself in familiar, forbidden territory – battling a fiery attraction to her client.
One heated encounter with the elegant Dr. Meeks convinces Riordan to abide by D.I.R.E.’s bargain. However, when new evidence about his disappearance uncovers shocking secrets, he questions not only his decision, but the people around him – including his sexy-as-hell doctor.
While their lives become more entangled, yet pulled apart, a madman turns up the heat on his plans for Natalie. And the only person she can trust is the one man that doesn’t trust her…
Genre: Sci Fi Romantic Suspense
Content/Theme(s): Military, Humor, Action
Release Date: June 1, 2014
Publisher: Indie
Riordan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&NRiordan Excerpt:
Hanging his head, he turned to face her with a cocked brow. “Really? You’re going full-on doctor on me? Is this where I lie down on one of the loungers and tell you my troubles?”
She matched his cocked brow. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were ridiculing my profession.”
He held up his hands in feigned innocence. “Not me.”
Lifting a shoulder, she said, “Mitchell is paying me the big bucks to be a full-on doctor, Riordan. If you want to lie down, please do.”
His gaze dropped to her breasts before a smirk crossed his features. “Care to join me?”
Been there, done that – and, it had ruined her life on so many levels.
She tilted her head. “What do you hope to gain with that question, Riordan? Outrage? Shock…?”
“Consent.”
His deep, gravelly voice shot a wave of gooseflesh over her skin. Why did her body scream God, yes, while her brain told her beware men bearing barbaric sex appeal? Rough, arrogant, long-haired men were not an everyday occurrence for her. This one oozed animal magnetism through every tanned pore of his scarred skin.
She sighed. “Riordan, let’s keep things profess-”
His soft chuckle stopped her mid-speech. “When I first saw you, I thought that’s why Mitchell brought you here.”
Stilling, she stared at him, mouth agape, hoping sand wouldn’t blow in her mouth. “Are you implying that I look like a-“
“Prostitute?”
This time, he stared straight into her eyes, his dark with appreciation. Her body tingled in places she hadn’t realized were still around, his smile rueful.
“No, but I thought that could be the only reason Mitchell would bring a woman to me. He knows I’ve been without a long time. You’re just not my type.”
What a complete and total barbarian. “Nor, are you mine.”
With a shake of his head, he looked down at the water again. “Hell, I could see that right off.”
Something in his soft tone told her more stood behind that statement than the obvious. He considered himself beneath her. Growing up in the ranks of high society, Natalie abhorred pretentiousness. She’d been scolded a few times herself for speaking her mind in front of high-ranking officials.
In her eyes, equality ran across the board, regardless of social class or ethnicity. In Riordan’s case, they were just…different.
Regardless, she’d gained no headway traveling down this road. She needed to find some camaraderie.
Pulling off her college ring, she held it between her thumb and forefinger. “May I? It’s made of nickel.”
Glancing at her, Riordan looked down at the ring then back at her face. “You’re proposing? I’m not a virgin, so you don’t have to marry me to get me on that lounger.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “Wow, that was so…not original, St. James. Did you spend the last three years coming up with that?”
He laughed outright, the sound echoing off the cavernous canopy. Natalie couldn’t contain her grin. Laughter looked darned good on him.
“May I?” she said again.
His sober gaze studied her. Did he fear her touch, or the idea of going against his preconceived notion?
Probably both. “I promise I don’t bite.”
Rather than the smart remark she expected, he gave a succinct nod.
With tentative movements, she reached for his now dry hand. It felt warm to the touch, raw strength emanating from his artificial bones and rough flesh. He had capable hands, limbs that were just an extension of the man himself. Natalie had a feeling he could be enlisted to perform any task and would eagerly face it head on. When it came to dares, the word no would never enter his vocabulary.
If she ever went on one of those survival shows, she wanted Riordan St. James with her.
Holding his hand, she set the ring upright on top, before slowly moving away. It stood erect, just shy of his knuckles.
She felt her smile grow of its own volition. “You do have magnetic hands.”
His sky blue gaze roamed over her face. She felt heat bloom in her cheeks.
“I do. Once my enhancements are complete, my pull will be more powerful. I’ll have to control it with my mind.”
Cocking her head, she said, “And, you’re okay with that? With someone altering your body that way?”
He graced her with another bright smile. She took a deep breath and let it out.
“To be the only man in the world with the ability to attract and repel objects with his hands? To be one of The D.I.R.E. Agency’s super agents? Damn straight, I’m okay with that.”
When it came to his career, the man knew what he wanted. It didn’t sound like Riordan had made a forced decision out of some sense of loyalty to Mitchell. If he lacked self-confidence as Mitchell said, his assurance proved a step in the right direction.
Clenching his hand into a fist, Riordan watched the ring tumble into the clear water. No sooner had she gasped than he dropped into the pool.
She waited for him to resurface. When he didn’t show after long moments, her heart started to pound. “Riordan?”
The water lay calm, gently lapping against the side of the pool. “Riordan?”
He sprang from the water like a dolphin at play, his head popping up between her legs. Gasping, she braced a foot on the concrete and shoved away from the pool, her dress riding high on her thighs. His beautiful, pale eyes went from playful to dark as he placed the ring on the ground between her legs – just inches from the crotch of her black thong.
She didn’t move.
Her mind swirled with images of him touching her there, slipping a finger under the lace. She could feel her body prepare for an invasion that could only take place in her mind. Yet, she did nothing to stop it.
Her legs fell open further. Breath rushed through his nose. Their gazes held, his dark as sapphires, hers clouded with visions of his hand on her.
Riordan’s gaze dropped to the hem of her dress. Her breath caught. Bracing both hands on the edge of the pool, he jumped out of the water, flinging heavy droplets on her.
Natalie held up her hands to ward off the dousing. What was she doing? Hadn’t she learned anything with Paul?
Heart pounding against her ribs, she snatched up the ring and shot to her feet. She grabbed her shoes.
“Natalie…” He grabbed her arm with a wet hand.
She flung it away.
Rushing to the fitness room door, she had to find Mitchell. She couldn’t do this.
“Meeks…” Riordan came up behind her.
Hurry, Natalie…
She grabbed the door handle just as Mitchell shoved it open from inside. He glanced at her with narrowed eyes, before turning to Riordan beside her.
“I’m sorry, Mitchell,” she said, “but you’ll have to get someone else.”
Mitchell’s thunderous gaze shot to Riordan, who crossed his arms over his chest.
“We’re up a creek then, Mitchell…” Riordan pointed his thumb at her. “…because I’ll only work with her.”
~~~~~~
Riordan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&N
by Joni Hahn
The D.I.R.E. Agency Book Three
Agent T3: d'Artagnan Naylor
Credentials:
Rebel son of Former Navy SEAL
Trained under his father
Enhancements:
Time Travel
d’Artagnan (Dar) Naylor: trained by the best, disciplined by the toughest, and raised by the vilest - his father. He bought into Robert Naylor’s life of crime, until he learned the reasons behind it.
Now, he possesses enhancements installed by The D.I.R.E. Agency – an organization he once called enemy. He has to stop the traitors from the past before they destroy the future. And, despite what they say, his decision has nothing whatsoever to do with retro beauty, Jocelyn Chalmers.
Jocelyn wakes up in the future without a memory. All she’s certain of is the fear in her gut and her blinding attraction to gorgeous, protective D.I.R.E. agent, d’Artagnan Naylor.
When close quarters prove too much for their passionate hunger, Dar knows his future is destined for hard decisions. Once Jocelyn’s memory returns, she begs Dar to return to the year nineteen forty-four and save the world.
Yet, to change the past, changed the future. How can they be certain of the consequences of his actions? How can he return her to the past where she belongs after all they’ve shared?
Turbulent times come to a head when the past sends its own version of destruction to the future in the midst of long-awaited retribution.
Can Dar escape his past to save the future? Or, does fate have its own reckoning in mind?
Genre: Sci Fi Romantic Suspense
Content/Theme(s): Time Travel, Action, Military
Release Date: December 7, 2013
Publisher: Indie
d’Artagnan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&Nd’Artagnan Excerpt:
“I thought I’d seen the last of this damned hospital.”
Dar walked beside Tristan down the third floor corridor of Creekmore General. Mitchell had stopped at the nurse’s station to ask of Brentwood’s whereabouts while they went to find Jocelyn Chalmers.
“If Rachel and I have kids down the road, we’ll expect you to be here for the deliveries. Get used to the place.”
“Kids? “ Dar couldn’t contain the incredulity in his voice. “You mean we’ll have mini-teleporters running around? Damn, babysitting could get interesting if the kids turn invisible at will.”
Laughing, they came up on Jocelyn’s room. Kids. Damn. He couldn’t imagine having children. He’d never met a woman-
Someone blindsided him in the doorway, knocking him into Tristan.
“Help me, please. They’re coming.”
A tiny, petite woman shook him. Her dark, nearly black eyes were wide with fright, her hands shaking where they clutched his biceps. Dark bruises covered the left side of her face and circled her eye, with a mishmash of scratches marring her forehead and nose. She had a split upper lip and a chin scraped and dotted with blood.
The injuries disgusted Dar, anger pumping through his veins like an active hydrant. Yet, even disfigured, her beauty stunned him. The woman was freaking hot.
Shoving her behind him, he looked inside the room.
Empty.
Holding his arm in a vice grip, she peeked around him, her breath coming in short spurts. “Are they here?”
Looking over his shoulder, he met her fearful gaze. “No, you’re safe.”
She shook her head vigorously. “No. I’m not. They’re coming.”
“Who? Who’s after you?”
Stilling, her eyes searched his face with frantic movements – before she passed out.
“Shit.”
Catching her, Dar lifted her into his arms. The woman weighed no more than a pillow. He carried her to the rumpled hospital bed.
“Jocelyn Chalmers, I assume?”
Following him inside the room, Tristan went to the opposite side of the bed. “Yes. Damn, that car really did some damage.”
Dar pulled up the covers to her chin. “She’s terrified of someone, isn’t she?”
“Hell, Naylor, we saw them hold a gun to her head that night in the electronics store. When Monroe time traveled to the past, she asked him to bring her back.”
His gaze shot to Tristan. “She rode in that time machine with those bastards?”
His brother nodded with a cocked brow. “Yeah. Ballsy, huh?”
A fierce, protective streak shot through Dar. He wanted Tristan to teleport him back to D.I.R.E. so he could help Mitchell interrogate the spy they’d captured last night. He’d show the guy some freaking fear.
Mitchell strode into the room and motioned for them to step away from the bed. He lowered his voice. “Brentwood said she has hysterical amnesia. She has no memories before the hospital. She doesn’t even know her own name.”
“Her subconscious remembers.” Dar nodded toward her. “A minute ago, she tore out of the room, terrified.”
Mitchell stared at her still form. “Other than her concussion, she’s got a boatload of cuts and bruises, and a sprained elbow. She’s a tough cookie.”
Jocelyn didn’t look so tough to him. Right now, she looked completely vulnerable, like a little girl lying in a bed too big for her.
“So, are you transferring her to D.I.R.E?” Dar really didn’t want her near that spy.
“No. I’ll leave her here for now, and send down a couple of agents to guard the room.”
Dar crossed his arms in front of him. “I’ll stay.”
Tristan’s gaze shot to him. “You just said you hated this place.”
He frowned at his brother. “I’m not leaving her alone.”
“She wouldn’t be alone, Naylor,” Mitchell said. “Did you miss the part about the two agents?”
Damn, Mitchell had a sarcastic streak to match his own. “No. I’m not leaving her alone.”
Tristan smothered a grin. Mitchell shook his head.
“Don’t even go there, Naylor.”
He held out a hand, palm up. “Where?”
Mitchell pointed at Jocelyn. “There. Way too many complications.”
Jocelyn sat bolt upright, gasping for breath. Her dark, wild gaze searched the room before zeroing in on Dar. Twin tears trailed down her flush cheeks. “Help me.”
Dar rushed to the bed, his gut clenched in a tight knot. Dammit, the woman was petrified.
He helped her lay back. “I’m here. You’re safe. Go back to sleep.” He pulled up the covers again and sat beside her.
Teardrops hung on her long, dark lashes. “You won’t leave?”
His heart constricted like a stress ball. “No. Now sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
“Promise?” Her voice shook.
He gave a firm nod. “I promise.”
She fell fast asleep, snoring softly.
Dar watched her sleep. Why had she fixated on him? Why, in her nightmarish state, had she turned to him, the only criminal in the room, for safety?
Did it matter? If he could help this beautiful, confused woman from the past, he’d do it. The idea that she needed him appealed to him on a level he’d never traversed before.
He looked back at Mitchell. “I’m already there, Mitchell, and have nowhere else to go. Unless you don’t trust me to stick around.”
~~~~~~
d’Artagnan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&N
by Joni Hahn
The D.I.R.E. Agency Book Two
Agent E2: Aidan Monroe
Credentials:
Second generation Former Navy SEAL
DIRE’s latest SEAL acquisition
Enhancements:
Electrical Conductor
Former Navy SEAL, Aidan Monroe, embraces risk. Show him a hint of danger – or a beautiful woman - and he’s all over it. The only commitments in his life: his new D.I.R.E. enhancements and finding his father’s killers.
Cassandra Naylor, daughter of D.I.R.E.’s greatest foe, has one goal in mind: save her father and twin brother. However, she didn’t bank on D.I.R.E.’s superpowers, or Aidan Monroe’s irresistible appeal.
Cassandra can’t ignore the scorching electricity between her and Aidan. When their passion is unleashed after a night of dangerous, life-changing events, Cassandra knows there’s no going back. Yet, giving in to her feelings guarantees her father’s vengeful wrath.
While they fight their attraction for one another, traitors from the past, and death-defying circumstances force shocking revelations to the surface.
Can their love overcome history and betrayal? Or, will the past rob them of any future they have together?
Genre: Sci Fi Romantic Suspense
Content/Theme(s): Action, Military, Action, Humor
Release Date: December 8, 2013
Publisher: Indie
Aidan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&NAidan Excerpt:
In order to be a true super-agent, a man needed a pair of breasts and a push up bra.
Cassandra Naylor zipped up her black jacket as she stepped over the unconscious D.I.R.E. agent lying in the hospital’s fourth-floor corridor. Men were such predictable animals. Flash them some perky cleavage and they were distracted like an ADD child at an amusement park.
Slipping off her high-heel pumps, Cassandra shoved them into her tote and jogged down the hall barefoot. It hadn’t taken much to hack into the hospital’s computer network and find her father’s name on the patient roster. What had scared the manure out of her was his location: Fourth Floor ICU.
According to the hospital’s map, ICU was on the second floor.
Finding a door marked ICU, Cassandra pushed it open and peeked around the corner. Big, rugged Robert Naylor laid pale and unconscious, a myriad of tubes and wires connected to intimidating machines. An oxygen mask covered his face, a ventilator at his bedside.
Letting the door swish shut behind her, Cassandra stepped over to the bed. Fear knotted in her throat as she took in her father’s lifeless form. His ghostly complexion made him look years beyond his age, the veins under his skin prominent against his pallid flesh.
Taking his limp hand in hers, she squeezed it, hoping to elicit some type of response. Her tears increased with her grip until she held his hand in a white-knuckled hold.
“What happened, Father? Who did this?”
You know who did it. Mitchell Jacobs and his D.I.R.E. Agency.
The hospital records showed a gunshot wound to the chest. Thank God, he’d survived. She couldn’t imagine life without him. He, Dar and Naylor Interests were her life. If he died, her entire world died with him.
Leaning over, Cassandra gave him a feather-light kiss on the forehead. His skin felt cool against her lips, her body heated from the post-midnight excursion into the hospital. She’d never attempted anything like this alone. That had always been Dar’s specialty.
“Where’s Dar, Father?” She stroked back the hair from his forehead. “What have they done with him?”
Her twin could be free, in a local jail, or well on his way to D.I.R.E. Headquarters. Mitchell Jacobs would like nothing more than to interrogate Robert Naylor’s son – then kill him.
The elevator dinged down the hall. She heard male voices, then running footsteps.
Guess they found her unconscious agent. She had to get out of there.
Pulling up her blonde waves into a ponytail, Cass shoved her feet into a pair of ballet slippers and donned her glasses. Her father wasn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. She had to find Dar so they could decide what to do. How would they get her father out of D.I.R.E. custody like this? What should she do about the weapon technology deal that was supposed to take place tomorrow night?
Inadequacy weighed on her shoulders. She’d never been involved in that side of the business. Her father and Dar had purposely kept her away from the danger. Yet, now she found herself in charge and in doubt about what to do next.
Opening the door a slit, she peeked down the hall.
Empty.
Opening the door farther, she stuck out her head and looked to her right. The body had disappeared, an agent standing in its place. Spotting her, he ran toward her.
Blast.
Bolting out the door, Cassandra ran in the opposite direction. Taking a right at the first crossroad, she sprinted toward the stairwell, heavy male footsteps closing in on her. She hit the exit door and flew down the stairs, her slippers floating over the hard concrete steps.
The door slammed open behind her. Shit, shit. Strong footsteps followed, gaining more ground than she could ever cover with her size eight feet. He jumped over the handrail and landed behind her.
Cassandra’s heart leapt to her throat. She couldn’t afford to get caught. She had to save her family.
“Stop. I just want to talk to you.”
Sure, you do. With a little water and a towel over my face.
The first floor door came into sight. If she could make it to the ground floor, she could lose him in the bustle of emergency room activity.
The agent grabbed her arm from behind. Electricity shot through her. She convulsed with violent spasms, her body shaking and quivering in wild abandon.
He released her arm. She collapsed on the landing, her head bouncing off the plaster wall. Pain exploded at the back of her skull as dizziness shrouded her head. Her body hummed with residual power, every nerve-ending charged and sizzling.
He dropped down beside her. She gazed up at him through clouded, lazy eyes. Her heart stopped, any hope for breath lodging in her lungs.
She must’ve died and gone to the hot angel floor of heaven.
Bright, emerald green eyes stared down at her beneath furrowed brows, a lock of dark copper hair falling over his forehead.
“Are you okay?”
Yep. He was an angel all right, with a soft, deep voice that made her body sizzle, and her head spin all the more.
His full, gorgeous lips were by far his most appealing feature, although his chiseled, smooth jaw came in a strong second. He even wore intricately carved copper and gold armbands like archangels in paintings of old.
The stories of heaven she’d always heard were way underrated.
“You’re beautiful.”
He grinned with a dimpled smile that would render an auctioneer speechless. “I think you hit your head. Can you stand?”
Cassandra frowned. As a matter of fact, her head did hurt. Reaching behind her, she felt around in her hair and found a knot the size of a Ping-Pong ball.
She wasn’t dead?
Damn. That meant this guy worked for D.I.R.E.
That just wouldn’t do.
Shutting her eyes, Cass took a mental inventory of her body. Other than limbs like noodles and a nagging headache, she felt okay.
She had to lose him. What a pity.
Mustering strength she would surely beg for later, Cass backed away from him when he tried to help her up. “Don’t touch me.”
Holding up his hands, he unfolded to stand above her. “Sorry about that.”
Glaring up at him, she got to her knees. Bracing a hand on the wall, she slowly climbed to her feet - with a swift uppercut to his crotch.
Sonovabitch echoed in the cavernous stairwell as he doubled over.
Cass flung open the first floor door. Running into the busy corridor, she lost her footing.
Shit, shit, shit.
Grabbing a handrail on the wall, she righted herself and took off. Thank God she wore stretch jeans. She had a little crawling to do.
~~~~~~
Aidan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&N
by Joni Hahn
The D.I.R.E. Agency Book One
Agent I1: Tristan Jacobs
Credentials:
Second generation Former Navy SEAL
DIRE’s top agent
Enhancements:
Teleportation
Invisibility
Raised in the art of warfare, Former Navy SEAL, Tristan Jacobs, has always been a force to reckon with. Now that D.I.R.E. has successfully implemented his scientific enhancements, he’s a walking weapon. Unstoppable, as long as he stays focused. No relationships.
When ex-BUD/S teammate, Aidan Monroe, interrupts his long-awaited sabbatical to call in a favor, Tristan reluctantly fills the simple request: take out his sister’s fiancé.
One problem: Rachel Monroe - smokin’ hot, kind-hearted, and in desperate need of a protector. After the best sex of his life, Tristan’s afraid unstoppable is just a memory. Knowing Aidan’s temper, Tristan could be, too.
Rachel Monroe had a plan to help her mother. Her brother ruined everything when his gorgeous, super-agent friend teleported her to some forsaken island - and his bed. She’s drawn to him despite the fact he’s a professional agent, much like the people suspected of killing her father.
Now, his enemies have come to her small town, looking for vengeance. Have they found more than they bargained for? Or, does the past have its own retribution in mind?
Genre: Sci Fi Romantic Suspense
Content/Theme(s): Military, Action, Humor
Release Date: December 12, 2013
Publisher: Indie
Tristan Purchase links: Amazon Smashwords iTunes Kobo B&NTristan Excerpt:
Jogging down the church hallway, he found a closet. Looking around, he slipped inside and shut the door behind him. Sliding open the copper plate on his armband, emblazed with The D.I.R.E. Agency emblem, he ran the pad of his forefinger over the scanner beneath. Closing his eyes, his blood pumped wildly as an electrical current shot through his system, deactivating the gold and copper compound. A bright flash of light flickered behind his eyelids, before the bulk of his flesh weighed on his bones.
He was visible again.
Opening his eyes, he smoothed down his grey-striped tie and adjusted the cuffs of his white shirt. Rushing out the door, he ran to the bride’s room. Reaching for the knob, he stopped short when the door yanked open from the inside. Rachel ran straight into him, Aidan on her six.
Don’t look down, Jacobs. Don’t even think about those impossibly perfect breasts crushed against you. Aidan will kill you on the spot.
He stared at Aidan above Rachel’s head. “Houston, we have a problem.”
Aidan let out a breath, his tense shoulders dropping in relief. “Where the hell have you been?”
Trust me, you don’t want to know.
“Bogey and company at nine o’clock, about a half click.”
Looking away, Aidan cursed a blue streak.
Rachel whipped around to glare at him. “Aidan, we are in a church.”
Cocky, smartass Aidan Monroe actually blushed. Tristan grinned to himself. If the situation weren’t so urgent, he would’ve harassed him about it.
Rachel stared up at Tristan, hands on hips. “Who are you and what are you talking about?”
An answer formed in Tristan’s head but couldn’t seem to pass his lips. She focused on him now, her big, aqua eyes shimmering against her tanned skin. His body felt as charged as it had during his visibility transformation a few seconds ago.
“He’s out cold,” he told Aidan. “The old man is dragging him in here. What do you want to do?”
Rachel’s gasp almost swallowed her words. “Who’s out? Cody?”
Brows furrowed, Aidan glanced back at his mother. Kate turned away with a groan.
“Rachel,” Aidan said, “go down the hall with Tristan while Mom and I talk to Jock.”
She turned back to her brother. “No. If Cody is here, we’re getting married.”
A muffled hum and the echo of heavy-booted footsteps grew stronger and louder with each passing second. Rachel moved in closer, trying to see beyond Tristan’s shoulder.
Without a word, Aidan motioned for Tristan to let him and Kate pass. Rachel pushed forward to follow. Tristan stepped into the doorway and turned his back on her. She peered around his bicep.
Jock Brewster shuffled into view, dragging his son under one arm. Cody remained lifeless, his head bobbing in rhythm with their steps. The rubber toes of his boots dragged on the concrete floor, leaving twin, narrow tracks down the church hallway.
Somehow, Jock had managed to get Cody into a full tuxedo. He labored to keep his hulking son upright.
“Cody.” Rachel’s small hands pushed against Tristan’s shoulders.
Stiffening, it took all he had not to flinch away from the contact.
“Let me pass.” She shoved him in the back.
His arm shot out and braced against the doorframe, blocking her further.
“Good heavens, Jock,” Kate cried. “Do you honestly expect Rachel to marry him while he’s unconscious?”
Jock lowered his son into a metal, folding chair beside a water fountain. Cody fell over sideways, his blond head resting in the basin.
“Aw Kate,” Jock said in a breathless voice, his white hair mussed from the exertion. “We all know they both agreed to this. Why don’t we just have Pastor Collins come back here and marry them? No one in town will know the difference.”
Tristan slowly lowered his arm. Holy shit, was this guy serious?
Aidan laughed, his arms crossed over his chest. “I always knew you were crazy, Brewster, but I never knew how crazy until you said that.”
Jock waved a dismissive hand. ““Hell son, you were in the SEALS. You can’t tell me you didn’t look the other way a time or two.”
“Like Sheriff Andrews does when he catches you breaking the law?” Aiden glared daggers at him. “And, I’m not your son.”
“Stop.” Rachel stood on her toes to peer over Tristan’s shoulder. “First things, first. Aidan, make your henchman, here, let me pass.”
His henchman?
With a smirk at Tristan, Aidan shook his head. “I don’t think so, Rach.”
She pounded Tristan on the back with her fist. He grinned to himself, flexing his shoulders in resistance. So, the saint possessed a streak of hellion. Very hot.
“Is he okay, Jock?” Rachel nodded at Cody.
“Ah, he’s fine.” Jock gave another dismissive wave. “He must’ve had one helluva bachelor party last night.”
Aiden and Tristan exchanged a smirk. I enjoyed it, anyway.
“He’s embarrassed my daughter in front of everyone in town.” Kate popped Jock on the chest. “This is unforgivable.” Lowering her voice, she said, “I was counting on this marriage, Jock.”
Tristan felt Rachel still behind him. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath.
“I’ll do it.”
Shock zipped through him before Tristan whipped around. What the hell? She couldn’t be serious. Although, judging by the determined tilt of her chin and her laser-sharp gaze, Rachel meant business.
No wonder Aidan felt the need to step in on this wedding. The woman didn’t play with a full deck.
Aidan pointed a finger at her. “No. Don’t be ridiculous, Rachel.”
Jock gave a wily smile. “She’s a consenting adult, son.”
A wiry, middle-aged man wearing church robes came around the corner. “Hello, everyone.” He nodded at Cody who made soft, groaning noises in the fountain drain. “Looks like someone is trying to wake up.”
Jock and Kate rushed to Cody’s side. Aidan turned to Tristan, his green eyes intense, glittering. Taking Rachel’s hand, he slapped it inside Tristan’s palm. Sparks of awareness erupted under his skin.
“Take her. Now.”
Rachel stiffened beside him. “No.”
Tightening the grip on her hand, Tristan tried to drag her down the hall. Rachel held her legs stiff.
He yanked on her arm, nearly toppling her face first on the floor. Dammit, the woman was stubborn.
He helped her straighten.
“I’m not…” She shoved the veil out of her face. “…going anywhere.”
Aidan growled through gritted teeth. “Rachel, go. We’ll find another way.”
Yanking hard, she tried to break free of Tristan’s grip. He held firm, surprised at her strength.
“There is no other way, Aidan,” she said, tugging down on her hand.
“Like hell there isn’t.” Turning to Tristan, Aidan clenched his jaw. “Do it.”
Tristan stilled, his grip faltering. Oh, hell no. Not here. Not now.
“No.”
Rachel halted mid-motion. “Do what?”
Aidan shoved him back into the bride’s room. Rachel stumbled along with him.
“Do it.”
“No, Aidan,” Rachel said. “I’m not going anywhere. Now, stop this, once and for all.” She turned her big, blazing eyes on Tristan. “And you. Let go of me. Now.”
“What the hell is going on in there?” Jock boomed out in the hallway.
Aidan shoved Rachel flush against Tristan’s chest. The scent of orchids overwhelmed him.
“Go.” Aidan’s usually jovial gaze turned dark with worry.
Cursing a blue streak in his head, Tristan gazed down into her wide eyes, then lower. Her breasts nearly burst free of her strapless gown.
Damn. He should not have Aidan’s saintly sister crushed against him like this. Did Aidan have any idea how long it had been since he’d had a woman?
Cursing aloud this time, he threw his arms around Rachel. He didn’t sign up for this - he was on vacation, dammit. Only six days remained before he had to be in Brazil to intercept one of Naylor’s gun technology deals. He did not want to spend them babysitting.
Intense heat enveloped him like a firestorm. A trickle of moisture slid down his temple.
Was he sweating? Good God. He acted like he hadn’t held a beautiful woman before.
Rachel’s heart galloped against his chest. Fear shone bright in her round eyes and flushed face. He had to get them out of there.
Reaching behind her back, he shoved aside the cuff of his shirt and found the cover plate on his armband. Sliding his thumb over the scanner, he stared into her big, beautiful eyes as the thick, green plasma surrounded them.
“What did you do? What’s happening?”
“Hold onto me, Rachel. And, whatever you do, don’t let go.”
The ensuing burst of light blinded him before the green plasma grounded them on his private, Caribbean beach. He felt the sand beneath his feet, the sun on his back.
Thank God.
He stared at the woman in his arms. Rachel clung to him like a leech, her eyes squeezed tight. She’d made it through the teleportation with no issues. Too bad he couldn’t say the same for her wedding gown. Most of the flimsy train had been left behind.
“Are you okay?” he said.
Her hold on him relaxed but she didn’t release him. Opening her eyes one at a time, she gazed upward. They were the same color as the water lapping at the sand forty feet away.
“What happ - ?”
She whipped to the right, towards the water, and gasped. She whipped to the left, where his tan stucco house stood hidden amongst dense, tropical foliage.
Her body shook in his arms. “What? Where?...”
Tristan groaned mentally. He had to really be careful with this...
“We’re standing outside my home – in the Virgin Islands.”
Rachel’s big, beautiful eyes rolled back in her head before she collapsed in his arms.
~~~~~~
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