Bulletproof Princess

by It Girls

  Chelsea got into the limousine without uttering a sound.

  When Chloe and Jack returned to the ballroom, Renee, with her usual aplomb, had the orchestra playing again and the Rose agents had dragged their men onto the dance floor. The flurry of the arrests wasn't over— and wouldn't be for weeks— but the crisis point was over.

  Rubi and Ashley stood near the bar, and even from a distance, Chloe heard Rubi's voice. "Just read my column tomorrow. You'll know more than you dared to imagine about that bastard Ryan Greene."

  "I guess he's not her most eligible favorite anymore." Jack smiled.

  "I'd say not." Chloe sniffed a final time. "My parents are crushed."

  "Your father wasn't that surprised, honey. Your mother was crushed. But he'll help her through it."

  He would. Even after all these years, he still adored her mother.

  Through the excited chatter, the sound of Rubi's voice had Chloe's mind slipping back to the hallway at Hollow Hill. Remembering the women who'd been rescued with Rubi and Ashley. She'd known the moment she'd seen them wearing her clothes that Erik, not her mother, had stolen her clothes. She gasped. Not one of them had been wearing the red Vera Wang dress.

  Her Rose pin!

  "Jack. Jack, come on." Chloe ran outside, half-dragging him. On the street, she stopped and faced him. "I remembered. I didn't remove my Rose pin. I thought I'd left it on the dresser, but I didn't. I left it on the dress."

  "I'm working at this, Princess, but I'm not tracking— "

  "Tracking. Exactly." She gasped. "My Rose pin is still on the red Vera Wang dress that I wore to the date auction. Erik stole all my Vera Wang couture— for the women to wear when they were sold."

  "Call Alan," Jack said. "I'll get my resources ready."

  Chloe dialed Alan at the G.R.C. "Alan, activate my Rose pin."

  "I thought you lost it."

  "It's important, Alan. Just do it, okay?"

  "Activating it now."

  "How long will it take?" Chloe asked, gripping Jack's sleeve and squeezing. This had to work. It just had to work. It was the only way to find these women and those who'd been taken before them.

  "It's done, Chloe," Alan said. "The Rose pin is active."

  Her heart slammed against her ribs. She covered them with her hand. "Where is it?"

  "Holy cow." His shock rang out. "It's in Hong Kong."

  Oh, yes! "Excellent." Chloe smiled at Jack. "Hold on." She covered the phone. "Hook them up, Jack. We've got them."

  Jack handled the connections with Alan, then hung up the phone, smiling broadly. "My contacts will handle the retrieval." His eyes twinkled. "Outstanding work, Chloe."

  "Yeah, sometimes I surprise even me." She wrinkled her nose at him. "They'll definitely find the women, right? Or at least the people who know where they are?"

  "Absolutely. They're all over it. Odds are good they'll retrieve even more women— and that bastard, Brit."

  She reveled in the flush of victory. Sweet success. "Then now, my darling Jack Quaid, we're done."

  "Oh, no, Princess." He spun her in his arms on the sidewalk. "This assignment is done. We're just beginning."

  He had forgiven her, too. She caressed his jaw. "Looks like it's me and you for the duration. Think you can take it?"

  "Oh, yeah," Jack said. "But don't forget your Jimmy Choos." He winked. "Why risk breaking our lucky streak?"

  "Perfect." Looping his neck with her arms, Chloe laughed from the heart out. Thank you, Jimmy Choo.

  There's more Silhouette Bombshell coming your way!

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  HELL ON HEELS

  By Carla Cassidy

  On sale March 2006 at your favorite retail outlet.

  Chantal slumped back against the sofa, as if she was too drunk to hold herself upright. She allowed her eyelids to drift down to half-mast as Marcus continued to drone on and spin lies about his childhood.

  "Hey Carol, are you all right?" he asked suddenly, using the fake name she'd given him.

  "I'm fantastic," she muttered, slurring the words together as she willed her body to go completely limp and she closed her eyes. Let him buy it, she thought fervently. Please, let him buy her act.

  "Carol?" He grabbed her hand and shook it. "Carol? Are you okay?"

  She didn't move a muscle, willed herself to breathe deep and even as if she were unconscious. He chuckled, a low, wicked sound that chilled her blood. "I warned you that the drink was strong."

  She sensed him moving closer to her, so close she could feel the warmth of his sour breath on her face. "Carol, are you in there?"

  The most difficult thing she'd ever done in her life was to remain unmoving. She wanted to spit in his face, she wanted to claw at his handsome features and mark him, make him as ugly on the outside as he was on the inside.

  Again she focused on keeping her breathing slow and steady, not wanting him to have a clue that she was conscious and her heart pounded so fast it felt as if it might explode out of her chest.

  Minutes, she reminded herself. Within minutes it would be all over. Willowby would be in custody. Luke had her back, the jet was on standby and everything was coming together just as they'd planned.

  "Carol? Didn't anyone ever tell you it was risky to go to a stranger's house for a drink that you didn't watch him prepare?" He laughed again, a low deep sound of extreme pleasure.

  If she had any doubt as to whether he'd spiked the drink or not, these words confirmed it to her. Bastard, she thought. He was the worst kind of predator.

  Then he touched her breast.

  It was a light skim over the top of her dress, but it burned the skin beneath her clothes and made her want to throw up.

  Oh God, she didn't know if she could follow through on this or not. His breath, his touch filled her with revulsion. Stay calm, she told herself. Luke is just outside watching all this and should be coming through the door at any minute.

  She fought an impulse to gasp as Marcus reached an arm beneath her and with a grunt of effort scooped her up and stood.

  She kept herself limp as he carried her down the hall and into the spare bedroom where he tossed her on the bed. She sprawled inelegantly, but remained unmoving as he left her there.

  She waited a long moment, then another, then she cracked open one eye just enough to see him setting up a tripod with a video camera at the foot of the bed.

  He was not only intending to rape her, but he also intended to memorialize the occasion. He seemed to be in no hurry as he set the camera and focused it. GHB usually rendered the victim unconscious for six hours or so. She was sure he figured he had plenty of time.

  He fiddled with the camera for several minutes. "You're going to be a movie star, Carol. Well, actually I'm the star, you're just a prop, but a very important one."

  Was that the way he saw his victims, as nothing more than props?

  "We're going to have a good time, Carol," he said as he kicked off his shoes and sat on the edge of the bed to remove his socks.

  Any time now, Luke, she thought. When he stood and unzipped his pants, Chantal thought she was going to throw up. Urgency filled her. Come on, Luke, she thought frantically as Willowby returned to the bed clad only in a pair of boxers.

  "Oh baby, have I got something for you." He moaned, then placed his hand on her dress.

  Where are you, Luke? God, why wasn't he in here yet? Willowby had his pants off, it was time for Luke to burst into the room and stop everything from progressing further.

  "You're going to have the best time of your life tonight," he breathed into her ear. "Unfortunately you won't remember a thing about it in the morning."

  No more. She couldn't wait for Luke, couldn't imagine what he was waiting for. But she had to act now.

  As Willowby tried to pull her dress from her shoulders, she snapped open her eyes and sh
oved at his chest with a force that sent him backward and off her.

  "What the hell?" He jumped off the bed, a look of complete shock on his face as she scrambled to her feet and faced him. "What in the hell is going on?"

  "I'm your worst nightmare…a woman who is conscious and can fight back. You bastard! I'm here to take you into custody and bring you back to face the justice you've escaped for too many years."

  Willowby's eyes narrowed. "You aren't a cop. Are you some kind of bounty hunter? I'll pay you twice the fee you'd get for bringing me in if you forget you found me here."

  Dammit, where was Luke? Chantal had no weapon. She didn't even have her cuffs. They were in her purse in the living room.

  "You can't pay me enough money to forget I found you," she replied as she stepped closer to him. There was no way she was leaving this room without him in tow. She'd use whatever means necessary.

  "This is personal, Willowby," she exclaimed. "You raped my friend ten years ago at a party at your house. Now I'm taking you in."

  Coming Next Month

  Be enthralled, moved, thrilled and delighted by exceptional reads from outstanding authors and well-loved series.

  Come back every month for newly released selections in a variety of categories offering stories that appeal to every taste and mood.

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  ON SALE IN MARCH 2006

  Look for new titles in the following categories

  Bestsellers

  Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women's fiction— from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away— from HQN Books

  KILLING KELLY by Heather Graham (romantic suspense)

  Passionate Reads

  Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion— from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents

  CAUGHT by Kristin Hardy

  THE GREEK'S CHOSEN WIFE by Lynne Graham

  TOTALLY TEXAN by Mary Lynn Baxter

  Romantic Suspense

  Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away— from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments

  A HUSBAND'S WATCH by Karen Templeton

  Inspirational

  Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul— from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense— from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café

  FRONT PORCH PRINCESS by Kathryn Springer

  Women's Fiction

  Books that celebrate the "next" stage of women's lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next

  MY PERFECTLY IMPERFECT LIFE by Jennifer Archer

  Women's Action Adventure

  Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell

  SOMETHING WICKED by Evelyn Vaughn

  Chick Lit

  Women's fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life's little curves…From Red Dress Ink

  THE MATZO BALL HEIRESS by Laurie Gwen Shapiro

  Fantasy/Science Fiction

  Powerful, magical tales, vivid characters and richly imagined worlds from the first imprint solely dedicated to female focused fantasy— Luna Books

  ONE GOOD KNIGHT by Mercedes Lackey

  THE FAIRY GODMOTHER by Mercedes Lackey

  AVAILABLE NOW

  Bestsellers

  Enthralling stories by the brightest stars in women's fiction— from MIRA Books. Big romances that sweep you away— from HQN Books

  KILLER TAKES ALL by Erica Spindler, MIRA (psychological thriller)

  BEFORE SUNRISE by Diana Palmer, HQN (contemporary romance)

  DARK SKY by Carla Neggers, MIRA (romantic suspense)

  50 HARBOR STREET by Debbie Macomber, MIRA (women's fiction)

  GHOST WALK by Heather Graham, MIRA (paranormal mystery)

  MASQUERADE by Brenda Joyce, HQN (historical romance)

  CODE NAME: BABY by Christina Skye, HQN Books (romantic suspense)

  NIGHT FEVER by Diana Palmer (contemporary romance)

  ANYONE BUT YOU by Jennifer Crusie, HQN (contemporary romance)

  A PERFECT EVIL by Alex Kava, MIRA (psychological thriller)

  DEADLY KISSES by Brenda Joyce, MIRA (romantic suspense)

  IN THE GROOVE by Pamela Britton (contemporary romance)

  Passionate Reads

  Powerful, provocative tales full of heat and passion— from Harlequin Blaze, Silhouette Desire and Harlequin Presents

  THE ITALIAN'S STOLEN BRIDE by Emma Darcy, Harlequin Presents

  UNCONTROLLABLE by Susan Kearney, Harlequin Blaze

  WHATEVER RILEY WANTS by Maureen Child, Silhouette Desire

  SEXY ALL OVER by Jamie Sobrato, Harlequin Blaze

  HOT TO THE TOUCH by Jennifer Greene, Silhouette Desire

  TALKING ABOUT SEX… by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Blaze

  THE TYCOON'S TROPHY WIFE by Miranda Lee, Harlequin Presents

  BOSS MAN by Diana Palmer, Silhouette Desire

  DON'T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS by Leslie Kelly, Harlequin Blaze

  ANGELS AND OUTLAWS by Barbara Dunlop, Harlequin Blaze, White Star miniseries

  AT THE PLAYBOY'S PLEASURE by Kim Lawrence, Harlequin Special Releases

  THE MAN MEANS BUSINESS by Annette Broadrick, Silhouette Desire

  HIDDEN GEMS by Carrie Alexander, Harlequin Blaze, White Star miniseries

  FOREVER MINE, VALENTINE by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Harlequin Special Release

  SKIN DEEP by Tori Carrington, Harlequin Special Release

  SEDUCING SULLIVAN by Julie Elizabeth Leto, Harlequin Special Release

  A COWBOY & A GENTLEMAN by Ann Major, Harlequin Special Release

  STONE COLD SURRENDER by Brenda Jackson, Kimani Press

  Romantic Suspense

  Danger…romance…adventure…suspense! Stories that will take your breath away— from Harlequin Intrigue and Silhouette Intimate Moments

  MAN OF HER DREAMS by Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue

  LOVING THE LONE WOLF by Ingrid Weaver, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  GHOST HORSE by Patricia Rosemoor, Harlequin Intrigue

  SUSPICIOUS by Heather Graham, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  RIDER ON FIRE by Sharon Sala, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  SECURITY MEASURES by Joanna Wayne, Harlequin Intrigue

  EPIPHANY by Rita Heron, Mallery Kane, Debra Webb, Harlequin Intrigue

  FEELS LIKE HOME by Maggie Shayne, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  RICOCHET by Jessica Andersen, Harlequin Intrigue

  HIGH-STAKES BRIDE by Fiona Brand, Silhouette Intimate Moments

  Inspirational

  Stories of faith, hope and love that warm the heart and nourish the soul— from Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Compelling suspense— from Love Inspired Suspense. Faith-inspired chick lit from Steeple Hill Café

  LOVING FEELINGS by Gail Gaymer Martin, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  BLESSED BOUQUETS by Lyn Cote, Lenora Worth and Penny Richards, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  FOR THE TWINS' SAKE by Jillian Hart, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  NOTE OF PERIL by Hannah Alexander, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS by Elizabeth White, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  BLACK HILLS BRIDE by Deb Kastner, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  WINDINGO TWILIGHT by Colleen Rhoads, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  MILLION DOLLAR DILEMMA by Judy Baer, Steeple Hill Café

  STORM CLOUDS by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  DIE BEFORE NIGHTFALL by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  DECK THE HALLS by Arlene James, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  HER BROTHER'S KEEPER by Valerie Hansen, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense

  WEDDING AT WILDWOOD by Lenora Worth, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  EVEN IN THE DARKNESS by Shirlee McCoy, Steeple Hill Love Inspired Susp
ense

  PAST SECRETS, PRESENT LOVE by Lois Richer, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  HOME TO YOU by Cheryl Wolverton, Steeple Hill Love Inspired

  A HANDFUL OF HEAVEN by Jillian Hart, Love Inspired

  Women's Fiction

  Books that celebrate the "next" stage of women's lives…because every life has a second chapter! From Harlequin Next

  THERE'S ALWAYS PLAN B by Susan Mallery, Harlequin Next

  RIGGS PARK by Ellyn Bache, Harlequin Next

  CUTTING THROUGH by Joan Hohl, Harlequin Next

  THE ME I USED TO BE by Jennifer Archer, Harlequin Next

  PELICAN BAY by Charlotte Douglas, Harlequin Next

  STARTING FROM SCRATCH by Marie Ferrarella, Harlequin Next

  GRIN AND BEAR IT by Leslie LaFoy, Harlequin Next

  THE PAYBACK CLUB by Rexanne Becnel, Harlequin Next

  WHO MAKES UP THESE RULES ANYWAY by Stevi Mittman, Harlequin Next

  Women's Action Adventure

  Strong, sexy, savvy heroines who save the day…and always get their man. From Silhouette Bombshell

  ONCE A THIEF by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell

  HOT PURSUIT by Kathryn Jensen, Silhouette Bombshell

  DEVIL'S BARGAIN by Rachel Caine, Silhouette Bombshell

  THE GOLDEN GIRL by Erica Orloff, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  FLAWLESS by Michele Hauf, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  LETHALLY BLONDE by Nancy Bartholomew, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  MS. LONGSHOT by Sylvie Kurtz, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  A MODEL SPY by Natalie Dunbar, Silhouette Bombshell The It Girls miniseries

  BULLETPROOF PRINCESS by Vicki Hinze, Silhouette Bombshell, The It Girls miniseries

  Chick Lit

  Women's fiction with attitude, these humorous, edgy, hip stories celebrate life's little curves…From Red Dress Ink

  WITH OR WITHOUT YOU by Carole Matthews, Red Dress Ink

  KILLER SUMMER by Lynda Curnyn, Red Dress Ink

  DO THEY WEAR HIGH HEELS IN HEAVEN? By Erica Orloff, Red Dress Ink

  THE NIGHT I GOT LUCKY by Laura Caldwell, Red Dress Ink