Shameless

by Sybil Bartel

RUTHLESS

  Bodyguard.

  Protector.

  Security Detail.

  I wasn’t supposed to join the Marines and serve three tours. I’d been groomed to be another kind of warrior. Since I could walk, I’d been primed to take over the family business. Build the real estate empire bigger, ruthlessly fight my way to the top—make everyone richer.

  Instead, I’d enlisted. Wanting to protect my country, not a bank account, I’d turned my back on the family business and given the Marines eight years. Now I was a bodyguard for the best personal security firm in the business, and life was perfectly uncomplicated… until an innocent redhead smiled at me and destroyed everything.

  Now she was about to find out how ruthless a bodyguard could be.

  FEARLESS

  Bodyguard.

  Sniper.

  Morally corrupt.

  I didn’t care who I aimed at. You paid me, I pulled the trigger. I sold my skills to the highest bidder, and trust me, I had skills. The Marines trained me to aim a sniper rifle, but life taught me to get the job done—at any expense.

  Except hostage recovery wasn’t on my short list. I didn’t care that the personal security firm that’d hired me was paying double to get some rich businessman’s daughter back without casualties. I didn’t negotiate with terrorists. Ever. I had my own plan. Take out anyone in my sights, recover the hostage, and get out. But then I laid eyes on the half-naked, bleeding brunette, and I changed my mind. I was gonna do a lot more than simply pull the trigger.

  Now they were going to find out how fearless a bodyguard could be.

  CALLOUS

  Bodyguard.

  Tracker.

  Silent observer.

  Life was in the details. The weight of a government-issued rifle, the trajectory of a bullet, the speed of the wind—those details were crucial in the Marines. But outside the military, that level of observation was currency, and I was selling my skills to the best security firm in south Florida.

  Except I wasn’t on a job when I noticed the nervous brunette pushing through the crowd. Her hair loose, her shirt borrowed, she stumbled in too-big shoes before looking over her shoulder. I didn’t follow her glance. I didn’t have to. I’d already spotted the muscle after her. The question was if I was going to do anything about it. Before I could decide, her pursuer took aim. It was the wrong move.

  Now everyone was going to find out how callous a bodyguard could be.

  RELENTLESS

  Resourceful.

  Resolute.

  Bodyguard.

  A single diagnosis and I wasn’t good enough—not for college ball, not for my family, and not for the Marines. Medically discharged before I finished basic training, I was determined to prove myself.

  Landing a job as a bodyguard for the best security firm in the business was a second chance. It should’ve been my focus, but a sophisticated blonde walked through the lobby and dismissed me with a single glance.

  Now she was going to find out how relentless a bodyguard could be.

  For all of the men and women in our Armed Forces, thank you for your dedication, your sacrifice, and your service. You have my deepest gratitude.

  Chelsea, I couldn’t have finished this book without you. Your friendship, wisdom, and support mean the world to me, more than I could ever say in words. Love you, friend.

  Jaime, you’re my heroine. Thank you, so very much, for bailing me out on this one. XOXO

  Nikki, this one’s for your grandfather. Best, name, ever.

  To my readers, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for waiting patiently for Shade’s story. I hope you enjoy his story as much as I did writing it!

  XOXO

  —Sybil

  Sybil grew up in northern California with her head in a book and her feet in the sand. She used to dream of becoming a painter but the heady scent of libraries with their shelves full of books drew her into the world of storytelling.

  Sybil now resides in southern Florida, and while she doesn’t get to read as much as she likes, she still buries her toes in the sand. If she’s not writing or fighting to contain the banana plantation in her backyard, you can find her spending time with her family, and a mischievous miniature boxer.

  To find out more about Sybil Bartel or her books, please visit her at:

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