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

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ISBN-13: 9781488071430

Colton 911: Chicago Soldier’s Return

Copyright © 2021 by Harlequin Books S.A.

Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Karen Whiddon for her contribution to the Colton 911: Chicago miniseries.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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“Don’t.”

His plea came out in a gravelly whisper, and he kept his eyes closed. But he didn’t stop her. Her ire melted into compassion. She knew too well what it was like to fight it as he did now. She’d struggled to keep her physical desire in check from the moment he’d looked into her eyes right after he’d rescued her this morning.

“It’s okay, Stanton. Isn’t it normal to feel like this with an ex? We’re not robots.” She shouldn’t be standing so close to him, shouldn’t tempt fate by touching him at all. Her fingers explored his jaw, stubbled by beard growth, unable to get enough of him. No amount of touch with Stanton would ever be enough. She swayed toward him, unable to stop the desire-fueled momentum that pushed her closer.

“Dom.” With no further preamble, Stanton’s arms came around her waist and he tugged her flush against him. Air whooshed from her lungs as she felt his full length, including his erection, through their layers of clothing. She let her arms go to his shoulders and met him halfway as his mouth came down on hers.

* * *

The Coltons of Grave Gulch: Falling in love is the most dangerous thing of all...

* * *

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Dear Reader,

Welcome back to Grave Gulch, Michigan, with Dominique and Stanton’s story. As a suspense writer, I had my hands full with all of the bad guys throwing themselves at this intrepid couple, and even I wasn’t sure how they’d get out of certain predicaments. What struck me about Dominique and Stanton, however, was how even though they’d parted ways two years ago after a brief but passionate relationship, the bond between them remained stronger than ever. Which makes for the best romantic tension and their pursuit of happily-ever-after while fighting to stay alive all the more intense. Please enjoy this story as much as I did writing it, dearest reader!

I’d love to connect with you. Please find me at my website, gerikrotow.com, and sign up for my newsletter at gerikrotow.com/contact.

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Happy reading!

Peace,

Geri

Colton Bullseye

Geri Krotow

Former naval intelligence officer and US Naval Academy graduate Geri Krotow draws inspiration from the global situations she’s experienced. Geri loves to hear from her readers. You can email her via her website and blog, gerikrotow.com.

Books by Geri Krotow

Harlequin Romantic Suspense

The Coltons of Grave Gulch

Colton Bullseye

Silver Valley PD

Her Christmas Protector

Wedding Takedown

Her Secret Christmas Agent

Secret Agent Under Fire

The Fugitive’s Secret Child

Reunion Under Fire

Snowbound with the Secret Agent

Incognito Ex

The Coltons of Mustang Valley

Colton’s Deadly Disguise

The Coltons of Roaring Springs

Colton’s Mistaken Identity

Visit the Author Profile page at

Harlequin.com for more titles.

To my dad, Ed—your love has made all the difference.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

CHAPTER 1

“I am being careful, trust me. It’s my job. If I’m not on my toes, I’ll never get to the bottom of Charlie’s murder. I’m starting with the man who falsely accused him and whose testimony put Charlie behind bars.” Dominique de la Vega focused on driving in steadily increasing traffic as she entered downtown Grave Gulch, Michigan. Her morning call to her fraternal twin, Soledad, was over her car’s hands-free option.

“I get what you think your job is, sis, but I’m worried. You’re pushing your luck too far. If Charlie really was murdered, as you suspect, there are bigger forces at work here than one or two criminals.” Soledad’s concern made Dominique wish they were speaking face-to-face, so that she could better reassure her sister.

“I’m telling you, Soledad, Charlie was innocent. And I’m chasing down the best lead since his death, since he was convicted.” Ever since she’d started teaching creative writing at the county prison two years ago, Dominique’s investigative-reporter instincts had gone into full alert mode. One of her students there, Charlie Hamm, had convinced her that he’d been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned; he’d insisted that the drugs he’d been accused of dealing were never his. He’d claimed the witness who’d testified against him had lied, and that false evidence had been planted, too. When he was found dead from an “apparent prison brawl,” she’d wished she’d acted sooner on Charlie’s claims of innocence. The least she could do now was dig until she uncovered the truth.

“I get it, Dom. You want justice for Charlie. He was one of your best students and his poetry touched you. He convinced you he’s innocent, and I have to agree that it sounds like he was. That’s fair. But what kind of justice would it be