Harlequin Romantic Suspense April 2021 Karen Whiddon (best fiction books to read TXT) 📖

them. “Dominique, I hope like heck you get the truth out of this lying scumbag. We’ve all been following your reports back at GGPD, and while I have to say I wasn’t thrilled when you first exposed the corruption going on in our lab with Randall Bowe, I’m positive we’re on the same side. Whatever you two need, I’m here.”

“Thank you. That means a lot.” Dominique fought back tears. It was one thing for Melissa, who knew her well, to support her efforts, but for a seasoned veteran like Brett to back her spoke volumes.

“Now, go get him.”

CHAPTER 15

Only after they were certain no one would see them entering this back way did they leave the safety of the SUV. They walked into the resort’s back entrance holding hands, each rolling a small suitcase provided by GGPD to help with their disguise. It was all about appearing like the about-to-be-married couple that they weren’t. Stanton was humbled by the grasp of Dominique’s hand in his. “I trust you.” It weighed heavy, the gift of her complete confidence. And he vowed to meet it, to get them out of here alive.

Stanton had gone over every inch of the plan that Melissa gave him to follow, including the intel they were being fed from the DEA as their assigned agent, David Gonzalez, uncovered more about Johnny Blanchard and Pablo Jimenez. There were zero indications that any of the cartel were present at the resort yet, with the only guests confirmed present with the first wedding party. The second wedding’s party and guests would begin arriving in an hour, as per usual resort protocol.

He hadn’t worked as long as he had in the security industry to ignore the one thing his most influential trainer had told him. Always trust your gut, and don’t give up until you figure out the source of your unease. Something was bothering him and it began with Blanchard’s insistence on speaking to Dominique on the resort’s pier. He’d checked out photos of the long wooden structure and it didn’t look like an obvious choice for what was supposed to be a private meeting.

Go over your checklist.

His professional routine tried to take over but he couldn’t stop staring at Dominique in the wedding gown. It was nothing like her taste. He’d always imagined she’d wear a very simple dress, if they ever took vows. Her figure was all the decoration any outfit worn by her needed. And though this wasn’t her style, the over-the-top, celebratory design showcased her beauty. And his secret desire that one day, she’d really be his bride. Or maybe it wasn’t such a secret, after all he’d revealed it to her last night. The dress belonged to one of the officers who’d married in the last year; she’d gotten divorced six months ago and told Melissa that she was happy to see it used for a “better cause.” He’d grinned when Melissa texted him that tidbit, and passed it on to Dominique in an effort to lighten the energy flowing between them in the cabin as they worked and prepared. Dominique hadn’t done more than offer a shadow of her usual smile, preoccupied by their plans.

“Stop looking at me.” She hissed out of the side of her mouth as they made their way down a corridor, past employee locker rooms, and wound up in front of the catering kitchen. Thank goodness for the DEA agent who’d emailed and texted the resort’s floor plan, complete with all of the employee offices. He’d tracked Blanchard to the kitchen, and the plan was to walk through the large space together, acting as if they wanted to see their cake early. It was confirmed that cakes had already been delivered for both weddings, so it wouldn’t seem that unusual.

“I can’t help it. You’re so...foamy.” He swallowed a chuckle.

She tugged the yards of a veil to the side, showing her annoyance with the overdone dress, and frowned. “The word is frothy, and dang it, I just got my lipstick on the veil.” A large smear of crimson stood out among the sea of pearl white netting.

“Good thing it’s a loaner, and the previous wearer doesn’t care what happens to it.” Warmth struck in his chest, and if it wouldn’t be a risk to her life, he’d suggest they disappear into an empty space and enjoy a bridal kiss or two.

“Stanton, there’s so much I want to say.” Tears reflected in her eyes, and the heat in his chest bloomed into all-on protective mode.

“We’ll talk later, after you get the rest of your story.” He tugged on her hands, willing her to stay steady, focused on the plan. He used his finger to catch the tear running down her cheek. Keeping her alive was all that mattered. They could sort anything else out later, couldn’t they?

She nodded, sniffed, swiped at her eyes. “Of course.” Her chin jutted out and she let go of his hands. “Yes, let’s get on with it.”

“Do you have your phone on its record setting?”

“Yes, and—” she pressed the screen “—we’re connected, right?”

His phone vibrated with her call and he answered it, leaving the line open. “Yes.”

“Are your earbuds in?” She was teasing because he hadn’t suited up his audio yet. He retrieved them from his trouser pocket, also checking to see that his weapon was holstered. He set the tiny speakers in place.

“They are now. Ready?”

“Ready.”

She began to turn toward the kitchen entry but he couldn’t let her go in yet. His arms reached out and he looked up and down the corridor to verify they were safe before he planted a searing kiss on her lips. If anyone did see them, they’d assume it was wedding-day magic.

Her lips were so soft, her tongue, her body willing as she clung to him. He forced himself to pull away before they got lost in the moment, lost in each other, lost in the bond they’d have no matter what the future held for them.

“You’ve got this,