by Nana Prah
The last thing she expects is to fall in love with a prison guard...
Hotshot Secret Service Agent, Sarita Cerez is thrown into a medium security prison--for work. Her job is to protect the daughter of the president of South Korea. She never envisioned making friends with illegal immigrants or falling head over heels for one of the guards. Now the clandestine activity, which is integral to protecting her charge, may destroy her only chance at love.
He's never fraternized with the inmates--until he met her...
Matthew Carter always plays by the rules, which includes maintaining a strictly professional relationship with the inmates in his charge. But when Sarita saunters onto the unit, all bets are off. Her status as a deportee with a permanent ticket to Columbia means they can never be together, but try as he might, this doesn’t stop him from risking his career for her.
He's a man who values honesty above all else, and she lies for a living. Can two people from such different worlds find any common ground?
KUDOS FOR LOVE UNDERCOVER
In Love Undercover by Nana Prah, Sarita Cerez is a secret service agent who goes undercover in an ICE prison facility to protect the daughter of the President of South Korea who stays in the US after her visa expires. The girl’s father wants her taught a lesson, but of course they can’t just stick in prison without protection. While in the slammer, Sarita falls hard for one of the guards, Matt, who values honesty above all else. So their relationship is doomed from the beginning, since Sarita has lied to him from the moment they met. Of course, the fact that he thinks she’s being deported doesn’t help matters any. Unlike Prah’s first book, Love Through Time, Love Undercover isn’t a paranormal romance or even a romantic suspense. What it is, however, is a charming, heart-warming, and fun romance, full of complications, delightful characters, and light-hearted entertainment. It’s a refreshing change of pace from all the dark paranormal romances that have been coming out recently. ~ Taylor Jones, Reviewer
Love Undercover by Nana Prah is a worthy addition to this new author’s credit. The story is sweet--there’s no sex scenes, but hey, you can’t have everything--and features a young Latino woman, Sarita, who is a secret service agent. While she normally doesn’t work undercover, the service needs someone to pose as a Columbian immigrant being deported so that she can act as protection for a young dignitary while the girl spends a few days in detention to “teach her the error of her ways.” They don’t think it will take more than a few days. But Sarita isn’t chosen for her skills, although she obviously has them. No, she’s chosen because she speaks with an accent, which will be essential for her cover. Sarita reluctantly agrees to the mission, but she didn’t expect to find love while she’s there. I thought the book was well written, intriguing, and fun. It also gives you a glimpse into the life of an illegal immigrant, waiting to be deported. They’re treated just like criminals when their only crime was to let their visas expire. The story is charming and poignant, a sweet romance that is both fun and educational. ~ Regan Murphy, Reviewer
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A gigantic thanks to Debbie and Cathy, the best beta readers and author friends a girl could have.
To Empi and Kiru, my ever present friends and consultants for all things big and small.
To all of my fans, thanks for sticking around. I hope to keep you proud of me.
I didn’t get a chance to publicly thank Zee Monodee before, so I’m taking the opportunity now. Thank you for being a wonderful writing guide and role model.
My biggest gratitude goes to everyone who has supported me through this journey of life. The good, the bad, and the dramatic.
Love UNDERCOVER
Nana Prah
A Black Opal Books Publication
Smashwords Edition
LOVE UNDERCOVER
Copyright © 2014 by Nana Prah
Cover Design by Kimberly Killion
All cover art copyright © 2014
All Rights Reserved
EBOOK ISBN: 978-1-626941-71-7
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
EXCERPT
She’d be gone for good in just a few days, but until then she was his...
As inappropriate as the situation had turned out to be, Sarita was his. At least until she returned to Columbia in...what? A few days? A week? No matter when, she would go. “No. No wife or girlfriend to hang out with,” Matt said.
Her chest deflated with her released breath. Matt wished he could have taken her air into himself. I’m screwed. “What about you? Are you married or have a boyfriend waiting to break you out of here at the first opportunity?”
Her eyes blazed into his. “Single as single can be.”
The admission sparked something deep within him. He had to touch her. Nothing else mattered except having his fingers glide over her flawless mocha skin. The all-encompassing urge pushed him to stand.
With a controlled effort he strode to the area across from the television and leaned against the wall. On every unit, one spot existed where neither the cameras nor inmates could see.
He’d never used the spot, but as he waited for her to join him, he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. He beckoned her over to him with a crook of his index finger.
“Come here.”
DEDICATION
To all immigrants attempting to obtain a better life for themselves and their families.
Chapter 1
It’s amazing how many nice people you meet in jail.” Sarita Cerez leaned against the cool cement wall, making sure to keep a close eye on her surroundings. She could never be too careful in this environment.
“Only you would say something like that.”
Her boss’s voice, filled with amusement, made her smile.
As her gaze darted over to the guard’s desk the corners of her lips turned downward. Annoyed that the sight of Carter always made her heart race, she pulled her attention back to the conversation.
“Well it’s true. I wish you could meet some of them, they’ve had very interesting experiences.”
“I’m sure they have. Is there anything you need?”
“No, I’m good for the next two weeks. Thanks for the setup. By the time I’m released I’ll be ten pounds heavier from eating all the chocolate in my canteen.”
“You’d better be hitting the gym. I don’t need you getting fat on me.”
Sarita chuckled. “No worries. I used to be a chubby teenager. There’s no way I’m heading back down that road anytime soon.”
“Are you sure you don’t need anything? There’s no telling how long you’ll be in there.”
Sarita’s head drooped. She hated having to endure this unfortunate incarceration. “Thanks for the words of encouragement.”
“Don’t get huffy. You know what I mean. Do you know how long you’ll be in there?”
“Well no, but I’m praying for sooner rather than later.”
“Pray away, my friend, but it’s still an unknown. That’s the nature of the business. Don’t forget to share your goodies with some of your nice new comrades. I’ll be coming to see you next week. Can I bring you anything? A book on the life of Plato perhaps?”
Sarita’s ears perked up at the changed tone in Corinth’s voice. “A visit would be great to break the monotony. Philosophy is not my usual taste in books but I’ll give it a try. You’re always trying to broaden my horizons, aren’t you?”
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“Someone’s got to get you out of all that happy ending fiction you’re always reading.”
“I like the happy stuff. We both know the world is a harsh place. Books take me out of it. It helps to keep me balanced.”
“Whatever floats your boat, kid. I hope you’ll like the one on Plato.”
“I’ll be sure to give it a thorough read.” As if Sarita had a choice in the matter.
“If I could do more, you know I would.”
What Sarita wouldn’t give for the whole nightmare to be over tomorrow. “Is it any closer?”
“You’ll find out more soon. In the meantime enjoy your vacation.”
“I never knew you had a sense of humor. This is hell. Okay sometimes it can be fun, but not someplace I’d ever choose to be.”
“Hang in there. I’m sure it won’t be too long.”
“Says the woman on the outside of the barbed wire.”
Corinth’s rare laughter surprised her. “Stay safe.”
“You, too.”
Sarita’s hand moved in slow motion to place the earpiece on the receiver after hearing the click on the other end of the line. With a sigh, she pushed herself away from the wall so someone else could escape the realities of imprisonment by listening to a familiar voice.
She glanced around the room, at a loss for what to do next. The monotony of jail life sucked the energy out of her.
Her new home provided shelter, food, and an overabundance of protection, but happiness eluded her. Prison shouldn’t have been her destination. She’d lived her life on the straight and narrow so she’d never end up here.
“Sarita, what’s wrong?” Ursula’s rough Polish accent pushed through her hopeless thoughts.
As with most of the conversations she had in this place, a partial truth escaped her lips. “I just got off the phone with a close friend. I miss her.”
“I know how you feel. If I don’t get out of here soon I think I’ll go nuts.”
That statement could be considered the mantra of the joint, repeated on a daily basis by everyone locked into this medium facility prison.
“Me too, but we’re at the mercy of the government, whether it’s paying taxes or being in jail.”
“Don’t I know it? Rec time’s almost over. I’m headed back to my room. I’ll see you later.”
“Later.” Shuffling back to her cell Sarita stood frozen at the entrance. No wonder people got depressed in jail, the place had been designed for it.
The glossy cream paint over raw concrete blocks didn’t evoke a sense of warmth. An open toilet behind a wall which reached mid-thigh stood to the right a few feet after she walked in.
The solid metal framed bunk bed to the left had been built for durability not style.
She encountered the most uplifting part of the room when she looked straight ahead. Before her lay an incredible view of the Washington D.C. skyline. While gazing out of the huge bay window, she found it ironic that freedom sat a pane of glass away, but she couldn’t experience it. Partly because of the seven-story drop, which would mean instant death if she attempted to break the glass to escape.
In the unlikely event of surviving the fall, she’d have to deal with the ten-foot barbed wire fence, but before then, a group of determined guards would tackle her to the ground.
Oh, but a girl could dream.
She glanced at her cellmate lying on the bottom bunk with her face buried in a book. “How come you didn’t go out for rec, Monica?”
“I didn’t feel like it. Same ole shit, different day, ya know?”
Sarita nodded.
“Everyone back in their cell.” Carter’s deep rich voice infiltrated the room, making Sarita’s skin tingle. “Rec time is over.” He enunciated each word.
She closed the door, hearing the finality of the click, knowing that if she tried to open it she’d be disappointed. She looked out the small window in the door. Women scurried to get to their rooms before punishment got doled out.
She watched Carter do his job, going from door to door, making sure all of the inmates were locked in. When he reached her room, she smushed her face against the glass. He hit it with his knuckles, pausing for a few seconds before moving forward without a change in expression. Pretty sure he had a smile plastered to his face as he checked the room next door, she sighed.
As far as guards went, Carter had to be one of the coolest. She wasn’t alone in her assessment considering how much gossip floated around about him. When he came into view again her gaze settled on his tight, perfectly rounded ass. Would her hand sting if she hit it? Her fingers flexed, dreaming of an experimental tap. With an effort she shifted her gaze up his body. His skin reminded her of the caramel in a Twix chocolate bar. The girls had come to a consensus about his African American heritage, but no one could figure out if his light complexion came from being Asian, Latino, or Caucasian. His exotic features made it impossible to tell. Even Natasha, who had no interest in men, voted him to be one of the most gorgeous guards in the prison, at least amongst the ones who rotated to their unit.
He happened to be the sort of guy Sarita would consider dating if they’d met on the outside. What had gone wrong in her life that she’d found an intelligent, interesting, attractive man, while in jail? Was it retribution for persecuting her younger brother when they were little? Whatever the cause of her misfortune, Carter had been stamped by the powers above as off limits.
The flutter in her stomach when she’d first seen him at the guard’s station three days ago should’ve been her first clue that she’d entered into a land of torture. She’d attributed it to nervousness from being led onto the unit that would house her.
The odd sensation went away but returned when he smiled at her later that same day.
She couldn’t be one hundred percent sure because of the impersonal nature of his job, but she’d stake money, a good chunk of cash, that the attraction ran both ways.
She and Carter were never going to happen. The fact didn’t stop her from imagining being held in his muscular embrace, kissing him as if her life depended on it, and progressing to--
Still envisioning Carter’s touch, the thoughts screeched to a halt as she squinted at her nemesis. Whoever created the damn bunk bed should be shot. Well, not fatally, but at least nipped in the ass.
At night she hugged it like a lover so she wouldn’t fall off.
They’d be enemies to the bitter end. She moved towards the warped plastic jail mirror and examined herself.
“I wish I had your eyes.” Monica’s lilting African accent floated through the air.
Sarita’s large, light-brown eyes, complimented skin which one of her exes had once described as mocha with a generous splash of heavy cream.
Her nose sat a little wider than she’d have created for herself, but at least she didn’t snore like her older sister, who’d gotten their mother’s perfect button nose. She smiled at her cellmate.
“If we’re making honest wishes, then I’d have your breasts in an instant.”
Monica winked. “You can have them, for ten thousand dollars and a whole lot of recovery pain.”
“You had a boob job?”
Monica put her hands on her breasts and shook them. “About four years ago. The doctor did a great job didn’t he?”
“I’ll say. They’re amazing. Now I’m really jealous. It didn’t hit me so hard when I thought they were yours.”
“They feel natural, too. You want to touch them?”
Sarita backed away, raising both hands in front of her.
“Are you kidding? It would be just my luck that Carter walks by at that exact moment. I can’t take the risk of being separated from you for inappropriate behavior.”
Monica’s shoulders shook with her laughter.
“And besides, I had a friend who had them done. It was disturbing the way she kept lifting up her shirt for us to take a peek and insisting we feel them. So I’m good.”
Monica shimmied her shoulders jiggling her e
nhanced globes. “You don’t know what you’re missing. You’ve never touched these bad boys.”
Sarita gazed down at her own breasts, happy with her modest B-cup size. At least they never got in the way when she performed a physical activity. “I’ll risk it. What’s for lunch?”
“Today is Wednesday, right?” Monica reached for the meal calendar. “We’re having chicken. Yum.”
The woman’s enthusiasm for food amused Sarita. In jail, the small events created a sense of joy. She made a mental note to apply this to her life when she got out. Get excited and celebrate the small things. “Today will be the first time I’m having it. So far my favorite is their fresh, soft, white bread.”
“The bread is good. But you go too far to say it’s fresh.”
Sarita’s shoulder’s lifted in a shrug. “Not from the oven, but it’s fresh from the bag. In here, it’s the same difference. If they wanted to punish us some more they could serve us old, stale bread.”
The idea of lying down to read appealed to her. She looked at the top bunk and sighed.
Monica’s hearty laughter burst out. Sarita had noticed long ago that laughter came easily to her cellmate, leading Sarita to believe that on the outside Monica lived life to the fullest. Sarita fought down the giggle attempting to escape. “What’s so funny?”
“You are. You and that top bunk. I’ll always remember the first time I met you.”
Sarita smiled at the memory although she should’ve frowned at the trauma of it.