by Kathy Ivan
ANTONIO
TEXAS BOUDREAU BROTHERHOOD
By
KATHY IVAN
COPYRIGHT
Antonio – Original Copyright © March 2020 by Kathy Ivan
Cover by Elizabeth Mackay of EMGRAPHICS
Release date: March 2020
Kindle Edition
All Rights Reserved
This book is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are fictionally used. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead is coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced, downloaded, transmitted, decompiled, reverse engineered, stored in or introduced to any information storage and retrieval system, in any form, whether electronic or mechanical without the author’s written permission. Scanning, uploading or distribution of this book via the Internet or any other means without permission is prohibited.
Please purchase only authorized electronic versions, and do not participate in, or encourage pirated electronic versions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright
Description
Books by Kathy Ivan
Author’s Note
Editorial Reviews
Dedications and Acknowledgements
Newsletter Sign Up
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two – Epilogue
Excerpt from Brody
Newsletter Sign Up
Books by Kathy Ivan
About the Author
ANTONIO – Texas Boudreau Brotherhood
Tasked with locating a missing government witness, FBI agent Antonio Boudreau jumps at the chance to work closer to his home town of Shiloh Springs, Texas. Ever since somebody tried to kill her while under the feds protection, Serena Snowden’s been on the lam. Serena holds the key to defeating a homegrown terrorist, but can Antonio keep her alive long enough to use it?
BOOKS BY KATHY IVAN
www.kathyivan.com/books.html
TEXAS BOUDREAU BROTHERHOOD
Rafe
Antonio
Brody
NEW ORLEANS CONNECTION SERIES
Desperate Choices
Connor’s Gamble
Relentless Pursuit
Ultimate Betrayal
Keeping Secrets
Sex, Lies and Apple Pies
Deadly Justice
Wicked Obsession
Hidden Agenda
Spies Like Us
Fatal Intentions
New Orleans Connection Series Box Set: Books 1-3
New Orleans Connection Series Box Set: Books 4-7
CAJUN CONNECTION SERIES
Saving Sarah
Saving Savannah
Saving Stephanie
Guarding Gabi
LOVIN’ LAS VEGAS SERIES
It Happened In Vegas
Crazy Vegas Love
Marriage, Vegas Style
A Virgin In Vegas
Vegas, Baby!
Yours For The Holidays
Match Made In Vegas
One Night In Vegas
Last Chance In Vegas
Lovin’ Las Vegas (box set books 1-3)
OTHER BOOKS BY KATHY IVAN
Second Chances (Destiny’s Desire Book #1)
Losing Cassie (Destiny’s Desire Book #2)
Dear Reader,
Welcome to Shiloh Springs, Texas! Don’t you just love a small Texas town, where the people are neighborly, the gossip plentiful, and the heroes are …well, heroic, not to mention easy on the eyes! I love everything about Texas, which I why I’ve made the great state my home for over thirty years. There’s no other place like it. From the delicious Tex-Mex food and downhome barbecue, the majestic scenery, and friendly atmosphere, the people and places of the Lone Star state are as unique and colorful as you’ll find anywhere.
The Texas Boudreau Brotherhood series centers around a group of foster brothers, men who would have ended up in the system if not for Douglas and Patricia Boudreau. Instead of being hardened by life and circumstances beyond their control, they found a family who loved and accepted them, and gave them a place to call home. Sometimes brotherhood is more than sharing the same DNA.
If you’ve read my other romantic suspense books (the New Orleans Connection series and Cajun Connection series), you’ll be familiar with the Boudreau name. Turns out there are a whole lot of Boudreaus out there, just itching to have their stories told. (Douglas is the brother of Gator Boudreau, patriarch of the New Orleans branch of the Boudreau family.)
So, sit back and relax. The pace of small-living might be less hectic than the big city, but small towns hold secrets, excitement, and heroes to ride to the rescue. And who doesn’t love a Texas cowboy?
Kathy Ivan
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
“Kathy Ivan’s books are addictive, you can’t read just one.”
—Susan Stoker, NYT Bestselling Author
“Kathy Ivan’s books give you everything you’re looking for and so much more.”
—Geri Foster, USA Today and NYT Bestselling Author of the Falcon Securities Series
“In Shiloh Springs, Kathy Ivan has crafted warm, engaging characters that will steal your heart and a mystery that will keep you reading to the very last page.”
—Barb Han, USA TODAY and Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling Author
“This is the first I have read from Kathy Ivan and it won’t be the last.”
—Night Owl Reviews
“I highly recommend Desperate Choices. Readers can’t go wrong here!”
—Melissa, Joyfully Reviewed
“I loved how the author wove a very intricate storyline with plenty of intriguing details that led to the final reveal…”
—Night Owl Reviews
Desperate Choices—Winner 2012 International Digital Award—Suspense
Desperate Choices—Best of Romance 2011 –Joyfully Reviewed
DEDICATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To my sister, Mary Sullivan, for her unwavering belief that I can write good stories. She is always there, helping me, encouraging me, and generally doing whatever it takes to get the writing done. Trust me, if she wasn’t there prodding me, the books might never be finished. And I always dedicate books to my mother, Betty Sullivan. Her love of reading and sharing that love for books, no matter the genre, set me on the path to storytelling. She instilled in me the joy of reading at an early age and a love of romance. I’d also like to thank Chris Keniston and Barb Han, and our weekly portal calls, for keeping me accountable and determined to get the book written. Sometimes it’s not easy, but with good friends helping and supporting me, I can do anything! And a special shout out to all the readers, who keep me going. Knowing that you enjoy my books and want more, there’s no greater feeling in the world.
More about Kathy and her books can be found at
WEBSITE:
www.kathyivan.com
Follow Kathy on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/kathyivanauthor
Follow Kathy on Twitter at
twitter.com/@kathyivan
Follow Kathy at BookBub
bookbub.com/profile/kathy-ivan
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ANTONIO
By
KATHY IVAN
CHAPTER ONE
The pages of the slick glossy magazine taunted her, laying poised smack dab in the middle of her desk. The sight sent a shiver of dread down Serena Snowden’s spine. Everyone in the office had been over the moon when a national interior design magazine contacted the real estate company’s owner, Patti Boudreau, about being part of a spread featuring the top twenty-five best real estate companies in the country, and Boudreau Realty made the short list. Although a fairly small real estate company by national standards, heck, even by Texas standards, mention of the company in its prestigious pages was a big deal, and Ms. Patti deserved all the credit. She treated her agents and realtors with honesty and respect, and Serena adored her mentor. But, she’d deliberately skipped out of the photo shoot the day the photographer came to highlight their company.
Why did it feel like an alien lifeform was currently trying to claw its way out of the pit of her stomach? There was no way—absolutely no way—the photographer from the magazine captured a picture of her. Even if they had, what were the odds of it making it into the magazine? Surely they wouldn’t post pictures of all twenty-five realty companies and their associates? The magazine’s interior was prime real estate. If anything, the pics would be small, the people unrecognizable—she hoped.
“Did you see our picture, Serena?” Elizabeth Burkette, office manager for Boudreau Realty, perched on the chair across from Serena’s desk, practically vibrating with excitement. “They only used five pictures for the entire article, and we’re one! Isn’t it awesome?”
“Awesome,” Serena echoed, reaching for the magazine with a trembling hand. She wanted to pick it up as much as she wanted to grab a rattlesnake by the head, but Elizabeth sat on the edge of the chair, a huge grin on her face, waiting for her to look. Every instinct screamed for her to flee, and she swallowed down the bile in her throat, before picking up the glossy magazine.
“I marked the page for you with a sticky note.”
“Thanks, Elizabeth.” Drawing in a deep breath, she opened the magazine, her eyes scanning the page, focusing on each photo. Near the bottom, in bold brilliant color, Boudreau Realty was displayed. It was one of those candid-type shots, where people sat at their desks or at the file cabinets, instead of a posed group pic. Releasing the breath she’d been holding, she looked at Elizabeth and smiled. Everything was good. Serena wasn’t in the picture.
“The one on the bottom is good, but I meant the one on the top of the next page.” Elizabeth stood and leaned across the desk, tapping her finger on the picture at the top of the opposite page. Serena’s breath caught in her throat. She felt lightheaded at the sight of her, Elizabeth, and Ms. Patti standing beside the copier. They looked to be having an animated discussion, and Serena held a sheaf of papers in her left hand. How was this possible? She’d been so darned careful, made sure she and the photographer hadn’t been in the office at the same time.
“I can’t believe my picture is in a national magazine! My sister is going to have kittens when she sees this.”
“Here.” Serena pasted a smile on her face and handed the magazine to Elizabeth, her heartbeat racing, bile churning in her stomach. “Take mine so you’ll have an extra one.”
“Are you sure? Don’t you want a copy? I mean, you’re in there too.” Despite her words, Elizabeth snagged the magazine and clutched it to her chest.
“It’s fine. Keep it.” Serena stood, pulling her purse from the bottom drawer of her desk, and slung the strap over her shoulder. She took a long look around her desk, the realization sinking in she probably wouldn’t see it again after today. Turning away so Elizabeth wouldn’t see her tearing up, she gave herself a mental shake.
Get it together. You knew you’d have to leave eventually. It’s not safe to stay in one place too long.
“I’m running late. I’ve got an appointment to show a couple of rental properties. Can you let Ms. Patti know I’ll give her a call later tonight?” Serena grabbed the manila folder from her inbox and shoved it into her purse, the one she carried everything in, not caring if the pages got wrinkled and mutilated in the process. She needed to get out. Away from the office, someplace where she could draw breath and figure out her next move.
Staying in Shiloh Springs was no longer an option. Not once the magazine hit the shelves. If anybody in her family caught wind of where she lived—well, it didn’t matter, because she wouldn’t be living much longer if they found her.
Every instinct screamed for her to run, jump in her car and drive, without a backward glance. Leave everything behind. Starting over was hard, but she’d done it before, and she could do it again. Nobody in Shiloh Springs knew who she really was; they knew the persona she’d adopted the last time she’d moved, trying to stay one step ahead of her uncle and his followers after they’d found her before. Tears burned her eyes as she fumbled with her keys, dropping them on the ground at her feet.
“Crap.” Squatting down, her hand wrapped around the key fob. Clutching it in her fist, she drew in a deep breath. It wasn’t the end of the world, just the end of this phase of her life of changing identities and running away from her troubles. Everything would work out, though right now her heart was breaking to leave it all behind. She’d been so sure this time was different, hoping she had a chance at a normal life.
Looks like I was wrong.
“Everything okay, Serena?”
Time froze at the sound of his voice. Antonio Boudreau. What was he doing here? She hadn’t known Antonio was in Shiloh Springs. Last she heard, he’d headed back to Dallas after everything calmed down with the whole Rafe and Tessa scandal, a fiasco which nearly ended up killing the schoolteacher and the county sheriff. Fortunately, things worked out and they were blissfully happy. She wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t wedding bells in their future.
“Antonio, you startled me.” She straightened, holding up the keys. “A case of butterfingers. I’m late for an appointment.”
His dark eyes studied her intently, and she ducked her head, refusing to meet his direct stare. Sharp as a tack and adept at reading people better than anybody she knew, she didn’t dare let on anything was amiss. He’d get suspicious and go into Mr. FBI agent mode, sticking his nose into her business. It was the last thing she could afford to happen now, not when she stood on the brink of her whole world imploding.
“Okay.” He drawled out the word, still watching her closely, a tiny smile playing on his lips. “Thought I’d stop by and say hello. I’m headed to Austin. The Dallas office is loaning me out to help on a case, because they’re short-staffed. I don’t mind, it gives me a chance to be a little closer to home, which is always nice.”
“That’s great. I’m sure Douglas and Ms. Patti will love you’re being able to visit more often.” She pressed the button on the key fob, unlocking the door and pulled it open, tossing her bag onto the passenger seat. “Sorry, I’ve gotta go. My client is waiting for me.”
“Of course. I’ll see you later.” He stepped back, making room for her to inch past him. Her shoulder brushed his arm as she scooted past, and her breath caught in her throat. Why, why, why did this have to happen now? Antonio’s finally going to be around Shiloh Springs more, which is what I’ve always wanted, and I’ve got to run—again.
As she drove away, her gaze strayed to the rearview mirror. Antonio stood still as a statue in the parking lot, his eyes watching her, his expression serious yet unreadable. She kept her eyes glued to him silh
ouetted in the mirror until he disappeared from view, trying to memorize the sight. One last memory of the man who’d fascinated her from the moment they’d met. Another regret to add to the list of things she wished she could change. Swallowing back a sigh, she headed for her townhouse to pack.
Antonio stared as the car pulled away, arms crossed over his chest. Well, that had been strange. Nothing about his encounter with Serena felt normal. She’d been flustered and jumpy, almost skittish. Not the woman he’d known for almost a year. Tugging on the brim of his cowboy hat, he debated going into the real estate office and saying hello to his mother. He’d be lying if he said the only reason he’d stopped by Boudreau Reality had been to visit with family. Catching a glimpse of the dark-haired beauty who’d skedaddled away as though her tail was on fire might’ve played a significant part in his detour.
Glancing at his watch, he realized it was later than he thought. He’d have to call his momma from the road, because he needed to check in with the Austin office before the end of the day and get a quick briefing on the case he’d be working. Come morning, he could hit the ground running. He’d been feeling stifled in Dallas, the big city closing in on him, suffocating any pleasure he got from doing the job he’d always loved. It hadn’t taken him long to realize he wasn’t meant for big city living, but once there, he’d been kinda stuck. Maybe this change of location, being a lot closer to Shiloh Springs and his family, could help him make the hard decisions about his life and what he wanted to do with it.
With one last look in the direction Serena had driven away, he shook his head and climbed into his car. Figuring her out would have to wait. He had a job to do.
CHAPTER TWO
Serena parked in the driveway of Ms. Patti’s house, known throughout Shiloh Springs as the Big House, and shut off the engine. Even though the Boudreaus had lived here for generations, nobody called the Boudreau ranch anything but the Big House, and the name stuck. She loved the place, and was going to miss being able to spend time out here in the country, breathing in the sweet, clean air and the feeling of home she always got whenever she stepped foot on the land.