Colton Cowboy Protector
Autor:in
Beth Cornelison
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21
Rancher and single dad Jack Colton must face an assassin in the thrilling first book of The Coltons of Oklahoma… A beautiful stranger appears at the Colton ranch during a party, and Jack is none too pleased. With ties to his ex-wife, Tracy McCain claims to be on a mission to bond with his son. But this intriguing widow also has a target on her back. As the Colton family brings Tracy under its broad wing, a relentless assassin puts everyone in jeopardy. Jack's protective instincts go into overdrive…and only fuel his secret attraction to Tracy. Living closely together under Jack's roof, the heat between them starts to sizzle. In fact, the only thing stronger than Jack's heady desire for Tracy is his will to keep her safe…so that one day they can become a family.
Prologue
The man reminded her of a wolf. His pale eyes held a feral quality, his heavily graying black hair was shaggy and thick, and his thin, sloped nose brought to mind a canine muzzle. She shivered as he slid into the front seat next to her, but his wild appearance boded well. She needed him to be the deadly predator he resembled. The two-faced mouse that had ruined her life and stolen her child from her needed to pay.
They’d parked in the farthest corner of the parking lot outside the range of the security cameras. She knew the spot was safe, because she’d checked the surveillance tapes herself. As it was after hours, few cars were left in the lot, and darkness added another layer of cover.
She slid the wolf man a file and gave him a hard stare. “I hired you because I was told you’re the best. Naturally, discretion is of utmost importance. This can’t be traced back to me or my husband.”
“Naturally,” he deadpanned. He reached into his front shirt pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes. Tapping one out, he flicked a silver lighter and lit his smoke. The tip glowed red like an evil eye in the dark.
She balled her hands in her lap, watching him uneasily as he flipped through the file. “I’ll want proof when the job is complete.”
Blowing smoke after her, he sent her a snide look, as if her request was beneath him. “I’ll finish the job.”
“Be sure you do. You don’t get the last of your fee until I know that she’s paid for what she did to my son.”
He slapped the file shut and curled his lip in a sneer that revealed a lupine-like incisor. “Oh, she’ll pay. Your son was my friend, my partner in a deal that went south when he died. I lost a small fortune. This job is personal. I won’t rest until his death is avenged and that backstabbing bitch is dead.”
