by L. P. Dover
ARMED AND DANGEROUS SERIES
No Limit
Roped In
High-Sided (August 2016)
FOREVER FAE SERIES
Forever Fae (Forever Fae #1)
Betrayals of Spring (Forever Fae #2)
Summer of Frost (Forever Fae #3)
Reign of Ice (Forever Fae #4)
SECOND CHANCES SERIES
Love’s Second Chance (Second Chances #1)
What He Wants (Second Chances #1.5)
Trusting You (Second Chances #2)
Meant for Me (Second Chances #3)
Fighting for Love (Second Chances #4)
Intercepting Love (Second Chances #5)
Catching Summer (Second Chances #6)
GLOVES OFF SERIES
A Fighter’s Desire: Part One (Gloves Off #0.5)
A Fighter’s Desire: Part Two (Gloves Off #0.6)
Tyler’s Undoing (Gloves Off #1)
Ryley’s Revenge (Gloves Off #2)
Paxton’s Promise (Gloves Off #3)
Winter Kiss: Ryley and Ash (Gloves Off #3.5)
Camden’s Redemption (Gloves Off #4)
Kyle’s Return (Gloves Off #5)
STANDALONE TITLE
Love, Lies, and Deception
Who says a wild heart can’t be tamed?
For years, I lived for the job and let it control me. Violence was all I knew. I protected, killed, and served. My name is Blake Evans, one of the best undercover cops in the country. I thought I was about to live a quiet life on my ranch in Wyoming until an old friend showed up and changed everything. He brought me her, Hadley Rivers, country music sensation and the one woman I couldn’t have. I didn’t want her but she had me completely roped in.
My job is to protect her, to keep her away from some psycho who wants her for himself. However, there’s more to her story than I was led to believe. I promised to keep her safe and I won’t back down . . . even if I have to die trying. I can’t let him have her.
This book is dedicated to my oldest daughter, Abbey. She told me if I ever wrote about a singer, I needed to dedicate the book to her since she loves to sing. I’m living up to my promise. Singing has always been a passion of hers and mine. I really hope she follows her dreams.
Hadley
“Hadley! Hadley! Hadley!” the crowd cheered.
I blew a kiss and waved. “Thank you for joining me tonight. I love the energy here in Los Angeles! I have to say, I’ve missed this place. Make sure to listen to the radio this week for the debut of my new song, Whispered Words.”
“Sing it now!” one of the fans shouted. It was a little girl with blonde braids and freckles, sitting on her dad’s shoulders. She reminded me of myself many years ago, when I stood in almost the exact same spot, watching my idol, Martina Hill perform. One of these days, I was determined to do a duet with her.
I winked at the little girl and shook her tiny hand. “I wish I could, sweetheart, but it has to be a surprise.” Then I lifted my gaze to the thousands of fans in the stands and waved again. “I hope you all like it. Goodnight, everyone.” They went wild and I laughed as I ran backstage.
Waiting for me at the edge of the stage with a huge smile on his face was the love of my life, Nick Meyers. No one could resist his tousled, chocolate brown hair and gorgeous green eyes. The ladies loved him, almost as much as they hated me for having him.
“You were on fire tonight,” he shouted.
Rushing off stage, I jumped in his arms and squealed. “What are you doing here? I thought you weren’t going to be able to make it.”
Cameras flashed and he grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. “I can leave if you want,” he joked, releasing me from his grasp.
I gripped his arm and pulled him back to me. “Definitely not. What would the press think?”
Chuckling, he bent down to kiss me, knowing the reporters were taking note of our every move. “Was that a good enough kiss, or do I need to make it more convincing?” he asked, whispering in my ear.
Rolling my eyes, I playfully pushed him away. “I think you need a cold shower.”
“Care to join me?” he quipped, waggling his brows.
“Right now, we have work to do. Get your head out of the gutter.” We faced the reporters and he held me close as questions were thrown at us in rapid fire. A lady with bright red hair and huge glasses, pushed through the crowd and held out a recorder. “Miss Rivers, we’ve heard rumors you and Mr. Meyers are engaged. Is that true?”
Nick smirked down at me and I held back a snicker. It was crazy how rumors got started out of nowhere. The next thing I knew, we’d be married and having a baby. “If she was engaged,” Nick began, “I would definitely be letting the world know.”
We answered several more questions before it was time to go. I knew I was going to have a gazillion autographs to sign on the way to the dressing room. Relaxation was something I needed to schedule now, or it would never happen. I had to get home and get rested up before my early flight to Texas.
Nick was always patient with me when dealing with the press, but I did the same for him too; he was just as famous. I was a rising, country starlet with one of the best hockey players in the country as my boyfriend. Unfortunately, our romance was all for show, but we played the parts beautifully.
Once we were behind closed doors, I breathed a sigh of relief. “The questions keep getting more outrageous don’t they?”
“Same shit show, different day.” He helped me pack up my things and stuffed them into my bag.
“I thought you were busy with the team tonight?”
“I was, but I made sure to get away early. I missed my buttercup.”
I rolled my eyes, nudging him with my elbow when he pulled me into his arms. “You have a life too, Nick. I don’t want you sacrificing everything to be with me. You should’ve stayed with the team.”
“Trust me, baby, I’m not sacrificing a single thing. I enjoy every minute of it.”
“Even if you don’t get anything in return?” I asked, lifting my gaze to his.
For the last four months, he was mine, but not really. It was his and his sister’s idea for him to be my fill in boyfriend. His sister, Felicity Myers, was also my agent and the one who’d introduced Nick to me. I guess they were right, it was safer for people to see me with someone, instead of single and living alone. And I enjoyed having him with me, but I didn’t want to drag him into the danger surrounding my life.
His smile faded, his gaze serious. “I get plenty in return, Hadley. I’m happy where I’m at, even if I have to steal your kisses. It’s not that bad being with me, is it?”
“Are you kidding? You’re gorgeous and could have any woman you want, but yet you choose to be stuck with me. It makes no sense.”
“It does to me,” he murmured.
“I’ve asked you this before, but I need you to be honest with me.” He sighed and nodded for me to continue. “What did Felicity promise you? Surely you didn’t just agree to be with me for nothing in return.” I had often thought about what it would be like to take things further, but I didn’t want to ruin our friendship. When I met him two years ago, we instantly clicked. I considered him more of a best friend than a lover.
Grazing his finger across my cheek, he answered, “My sister didn’t promise me anything. I offered to do this. Believe it or not, I like being with you. At least it’s gotten that fucking psycho off your back.” And there it was, the sole reason for the mess I was in.
“So we think,” I corrected. “What happens when we can’t keep this ruse up? What if he comes back?” What started out as innocent letters had quickly turned into stalking, then to trespassing. Presents were left on my doorstep, and the ever watchful eyes of that creeper could be felt every time I left the house. It got to the poin
t where I was scared to be alone. I used to be able to run around my neighborhood and go shopping by myself, but I couldn’t anymore.
Nick stepped closer. “That bastard isn’t going to get near you as long as I’m around. I believe this plan will work. Eventually, this guy will give up and find someone else to fuck with. Now stop thinking about him, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about and I’m not going to do it here.”
“Oh yeah? What is it?”
“You’ll just have to find out. Come on,” he said, opening the door.
There were two security guys standing by the door, I nodded at them as we passed. Their steps could be heard on the concrete floor, following closely behind. I never thought having a security team was important, until I heard horror stories from other singers. Luckily, I hadn’t had anyone break into my house to steal my underwear like my nemesis, Lydia Turner. The attention she got after that incident, inflated her already enormous head. I would’ve been scared shitless to know some pervert was in my house. Not her; it was just another way to get free PR.
“Where’s Scott? He usually comes inside to get me,” I mentioned.
Scott Wilson worked security for my father, until he’d been sent to protect me. I didn’t mind having a bodyguard, but I had boundaries. Thankfully, Scott and I had come to a shaky agreement; he wouldn’t hover, unless I wanted him to. He loved to test my patience though.
“He’s waiting out by the car. When I came in through the back, I told him I’d bring you out.”
“Wow. Hopefully, he’s taking what I said to heart.”
Nick shrugged. “Possibly. You ripped him pretty hard the other night. The guy’s just trying to do his job.”
I sighed. “I know, and I hate how I took my anger out on him and not my dad. Scott’s a good guy. I just wish the whole country didn’t think I got my career because of my dad and his money.”
“They don’t. Did you not hear the thousands of fans cheering for you tonight? You have an amazing voice. Money can’t buy what comes naturally. Besides, you know why your father’s so protective.”
I leaned into his shoulder, as memories of my mother came flooding back. It had only been two years since we’d lost her to cancer. The first song I ever wrote was about my parents’ love for each other; it was what skyrocketed my career. It didn’t help I looked exactly like her. My father couldn’t look at me without the pain showing on his face.
“I know,” I whispered, blinking back the tears.
Once we were out the back door, there were more security guards who flanked us as we walked toward the car. Up ahead, Scott straightened his suit jacket and opened the car door. He was in his early forties, with a closely shaved head and an athletic build. In New York, he didn’t have to worry about the paparazzi taking his picture. Now, he was all over the tabloids as one of the sexiest bodyguards alive.
“You did well tonight, Hadley,” he said.
“Thanks, Scott. I really appreciate that. But what I want to know is, how are you going to chase down the bad guys in a suit?” I winked and it made him smile. The last thing I wanted was tension between us when he was obviously going to be working for me long term.
“You’d be surprised what all I can do. But hopefully, we won’t have to find out. Get in.”
I slid into the car and Nick scooted in next, putting his arm around me as soon as he settled into the seat. Once Scott got in the front, we headed out for the thirty minute drive back to my home in Santa Monica.
“I take it you’re not mad at me anymore?” I asked Scott.
He chuckled. “It’s hard to stay mad at you, kid. You just need to understand, I have a job to do.”
“I know,” I said with a nod. “I’m sorry for being a bitch.”
His gaze met mine in the mirror. “You’re forgiven.” All too soon we arrived at the house and he parked the car. “You two have a good night. If you need me, you know where I’ll be.”
I nodded. “See you in the morning.” Nick opened the car door and helped me out.
Scott got out of the car and headed to his apartment over my garage. “Be ready by seven, Hadley. We don’t want to miss our flight.”
I saluted him. “Yes, sir.”
Grinning, he shook his head and disappeared into the garage.
Nick slid his arm over my shoulders and squeezed. “Babe, you ready?”
“Yeah, let me get my keys.” We started for the door while I dug in my purse, my heart thundering out of control. Was I ready to hear what he had to say? “So . . . what did you want to talk about?” I asked, voice shaking.
Chuckling, he stopped mid-step. “Nervous much? Surely you must already know.” His expression turned serious, his fingers made their way to my cheek.
I was nervous, but not in the way he assumed. “Please don’t do this, Nick. It’ll only complicate things.”
“How? When I’m not at my games, I’m with you. Everyone thinks we’re together. Why can’t we make this real?” Body tense, he stared at me with those blazing green eyes of his. “Is it really just an act with you?”
My heart ached but my decision was firm. I knew he had feelings for me, and I’d made damn sure I didn’t fall for him. “It’s not all an act, but you’re my friend. Being with me will only tear us apart. The media has already tried, you know that. We don’t need feelings clouding our judgment.”
He scoffed. “Speak for yourself.” I watched his jaw muscles clench; it was something he did when he was angry.
“Hey,” I murmured, “I do need you. But the last thing I want is to jeopardize what we already have.” He lowered his gaze at my words. “Now let’s go inside and eat some Ben & Jerry’s. It’ll help clear our minds.”
“You got anything for an aching heart? You’re killing me here.”
I shook my head. “I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Now, come on. There are countless girls who’d kill to be yours. It will be easy to forget about me.”
Sliding the key in the door, he mumbled under his breath, “Not going to happen,” but I pretended not to hear. My heart already hurt enough for him. Inside, the house was pitch black. That was strange. I always kept lights on. Sliding my hand against the wall, I found the switch and flipped it. Nothing.
“Is the power out? I don’t remember seeing the rest of the neighborhood this dark.”
Nick followed me into the house. “No, the other houses have their lights on,” he said, pointing to the neighbor’s house through the window. “Let me get a flashlight.” Shuffling through the kitchen, he pulled out our junk drawer and grabbed the flashlight we kept in there. He turned it on and brought it over to me. “Maybe the breaker tripped. Wanna check it out with me?”
“Sure,” I laughed. “I’m sure Scott will be busting through our door any second.” We started for the laundry room, but then a sound above caught my attention. “What was that?” Frozen in place, I kept my gaze on Nick. My heart pounded so hard, I felt sick.
Nick glanced up at the ceiling, eyes blazing. The footsteps were light, but audible as an intruder moved around. “Get out of here, now,” he hissed low. His fingers dug into my arm and he pushed me out the door.
I kept hold of his arms. “I’m not leaving you.”
He jerked out of my grasp and clutched my face, his grip firm. “Stop being so fucking stubborn. Go get Scott and call the police, now!”
Turning his back on me, I got one last look at him before he disappeared into the darkness. I ran out of the house, hands shaking as I tried to dig for my phone. It felt like I was running through quicksand, similar to that feeling you get when running away from someone in your dreams. You can never move fast enough.
“Hadley!” Scott shouted, rushing out of the garage. I ran to him and he pulled me to the side, shielding me.
“Someone’s in the house. Nick’s still in there,” I cried, my hands shaking out of control.
“Go next door and call the police. Don’t step out until I come for you.” Once I nodded, he took off inside
the house.
Determined, I ran as fast as I could to my neighbor’s house. By the time I reached their door, I’d found my phone and called for help.
“911. What’s your emergency?”
“I’m Hadley Rivers and someone’s in my house. Please send help.” I gave the operator my address and hung up just as my neighbor, Gabriella Emerson, opened the door. She was dressed in her workout clothes with her midnight colored hair pulled high into a ponytail.
Her smile disappeared the second she looked at me. “Oh my God, Hadley, what’s going on?” she demanded. She quickly dragged me inside, and her husband, Paxton, hurried over. They were both MMA fighters and had seen their fair share of violence over the years. If anyone could help, it’d be them.
“Someone broke into my house. They’re still in there,” I shouted.
Gabriella grabbed my hands and squeezed. “Calm down, honey.”
“I can’t! Nick and Scott might be in trouble.”
Paxton started for the door. “I’m going over there.”
“Pax, wait!” Gabriella called. He took off and she huffed. “Dammit, why doesn’t he ever listen?” She rushed out after him and so did I.
Scott had told me not to leave their house, but I couldn’t listen. Again, it felt like everything moved in slow motion. I couldn’t get to them fast enough. Before we could reach the edge of my yard, a gunshot fired from within my house and I screamed, ducking down to the ground. Paxton and Gabriella did the same and crouched low. Dread settled into the pit of my stomach as another shot fired, and another.
I had to make sure they were okay. Charging toward my house, I didn’t get very far until Gabriella tackled me to the ground.
“Dammit Hadley, you’re not going in there.”
“Nick! Scott!” I shouted.
I tried to fight her off, but there was nothing I could do against an MMA fighter. Paxton glanced back at Gabriella, a silent plea on his face; Gabriella nodded. “Go.”
“Nick doesn’t have a gun. What if he’s hurt?” I cried. Gabriella loosened her grip, but kept a vigilant watch of the house. I wished I was strong like her. I’d be able to take care of myself instead of having others do it.