Double Cross (Hard Target Book 1) (18 page)
Read Double Cross (Hard Target Book 1) Online
Authors: Silver James
“Get what? That you’re the man I love? Because you are. Just you, Duke. Only you. I love you. I can’t make it any plainer.” She reached for him, but he jerked away. “Is that what you need to hear? It’s the truth.”
“Truth? How do you know it’s love?” He threw back the covers and got up to pace. “Love? I don’t even know what the hell love is, princess. You’re asking for something I’m not sure I can give. You want forever. I can’t even promise next week.”
He stalked from one side of his room to the other and back, over and over. Cory shifted, sitting up and pulling her knees to her chest, then wrapped her arms around them. She watched, saying nothing for a long time.
After a soft sigh, she spoke. “What do
you
want, Duke?”
Duke stopped, turned to face her. “I want you warm and naked and compliant in my bed. I don’t want any other sonavabich to touch you in any way, shape, or form.” He scrubbed his jaw. “But that’s not love. That’s sex. Maybe even obsession. But that’s all it is.”
He turned away again, unable to stand the pain etched in her expression. He was incapable of tenderness, of giving her what she deserved. He could dominate her in bed. He could hold her afterward while she spiraled down from the orgasms he gave her. But he couldn’t love her. Not here. Not now.
Or could he? He was a selfish bastard. He wanted Cory to surrender to him, to hand over her heart and soul to him and him alone. But that came with a price. Was he prepared to pay it?
Sheets rustled before arms slipped around his waist, and Cory pressed against his back. A moment later, she stepped away, and he immediately missed her warmth. He heard the bed creak and then her voice. “Come to bed, Duke.”
He glanced over his shoulder. She knelt, naked, in the center of his bed, her head lowered in submission. She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever laid eyes on.
SHE WAS warm and naked and still soft from the night. In the dark, morning just a whispered promise outside the window, she moved over him like a dream, all scent and touch and shadow. Her lips and fingers stroked over him, stirring needs that were never quite still, never quite sated.
Her hands cupped his face. Her mouth sank to his, but rather than giving in to his needs, he balked. Cory pushed off his chest to stare down at him, concerned confusion clouding her expression.
“Don’t, princess.” He shifted her off him, and sat up, resting his back against the rounded bars of the headboard.
“Duke?” Her voice quivered and he hated that he was the one who’d put that uncertainty in her tone.
“Questions, Cory. There’s always so many questions between us.”
“I don’t understand…”
“I know. I’m not sure I do either.” He traced a finger down her arm and almost sighed as she moved closer, snuggling against him, her head on his thigh. His fingers tangled then combed through her silky hair, over and over. There was peace…contentment…in the gesture.
They remained silent for a long time before Cory spoke. “Are you scared?”
What the hell? Instead of spewing that, Duke held back, thinking. Was he? “Yeah.”
“Of what?”
That was the question, wasn’t it? What scared him? Hurting her—physically and emotionally. Betrayal. Being double crossed.
“Why did you lie to me the night I brought you here from the bar?”
“I thought you hated me. And I was…I guess I obsessed over you.” He felt her smile against his bare skin. “I had every reason to believe you wanted nothing to do with me, but I worried about you, about your recovery.” Her eyelashes tickled as she blinked. “Then there was that kiss in Africa…I wanted to see if it was real, or if it was just the circumstances and adrenaline.” Her cheek plumped against him again. “And oh, yes. It’s definitely real.”
She pushed up to look at him. “In the hospital, when I tried to see you—”
Duke cut her off. “I heard your explanation to Mother.”
“Oh.” Her lids lowered, hiding her eyes from him. “I never really meant to deceive you. I’m sorry for that.”
He cupped her jaw, hand gentle as he silently asked her to look at him. His chest expanded when she did. “But why didn’t you say something after? Why did you run?”
“I was scared.”
Consternation wrinkled his brow. “Of me?” He growled the words, afraid of her answer but needing her honesty.
“No. Of…us.”
“Now I don’t understand, princess.”
“You…we…the things we did that night, what we did last night. I’ve never…I’m not very experienced, but what you make me feel? I…”
He could see her blush even in the pale light filtering through the curtains. He waited, the patient hunter once more.
“Maybe what I feel
is
obsession. I don’t know anything about love. I have no experience to rely on. How do normal people relate? How do they negotiate the twists and turns of an intimate relationship?” She sat up and tucked the sheet chastely across her lap. “I don’t understand any of it, but I am positive about…” She gestured with her hand to indicate him, her, the bed. “…this, about the way you make me feel.”
He remembered to breathe as he steeled himself. “Yeah? How do I make you feel?”
“Safe.” The word whispered from between her lips. “I trust you to keep me safe. To protect me. To give me what I need, what I want. You make me want to take care of you, to give you what you want and need. I
see
you, Duke. All of you and I love you.
All
of you.” Her gaze remained steady as a small smile peeked out from the corners of her mouth. “I trust you with my heart, Duke. With my hopes and dreams.”
She stretched out beside him, tugged him down to join her. She sighed into him. He heard something wistful in the sound as she moved over him. He traced his hands up and down her back, that long, curving line, as much for comfort now as seduction.
In a long, slow movement, he rolled her to her back. He laid his lips on her collarbone as their legs tangled, hers parting to accept him. He could see her clearly now, the shape of her face, the shine of her eyes. He slid into her, a slick glide of flesh against flesh. A quick and quiet catch of breath. Hers. His.
Slide out. Push in. Again, long. Again, slow, and deep, with her body rising toward him, with his falling toward hers. She caught him each time. He trusted her, as she trusted him. Time stretched out, a long gliding moment then she shuddered, and groped for his hands. Their fingers linked; their mouths met. Sweet. Strong. One.
One. Together.
Overhead, the day burst open. Cory’s lips brushed his, and she whispered, “Just watch. The colors paint the world, making it new. Just like us. Just like now.”
Maybe…just maybe, he did know what love was after all. He tasted the words then pledged them from a place deep in his soul. “Now. Always. I love you.”
When I was writing the Moonstruck series, many readers wanted to know more about the SEALs Hannah “rescued” in BLOOD MOON. I reintroduced them in MOON SHOT, the book where the Wolves of the 69
th
and their families found a home for the pack. My plan was to explore these genetically enhanced SEALs who made up SEAL Team Atlantis and share their stories. Well, we all know about those best laid plans, right?
Mother Goose, the intrepid Key West bar owner introduced in MOON SHOT, handed me a cold one and explained the facts of Hard Target life. Duke, Dalton, and Tank were on board. Kin, the Scottish Wolf who once served with the SAS appears in BLUE MOON and he threw his lot in with the others. Shortly thereafter, more characters showed up so I ended up with a multi-national mixed bag of
special
operators. I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I enjoy writing about them.
If you are new to the Moonstruck world, you can start at the beginning with MOONSTRUCK: SECRETS. This full-length novel includes the first two novellas in the series, BLOOD MOON and BAD MOON, and provides new material not in the novellas. It’s available in both print and digital formats. All of the novellas and short novels are available individually in digital format.
As an author, I’m always humbled when readers love my characters as much as I do. I live with these people during the course of their stories. They are very *real* to me and to know that they *live* in readers’ imaginations leaves me gobsmacked. Thank you.
I would ask a favor before you go. Talking about a book is a priceless gift readers can give an author. When you like a book, please consider leaving a review and recommending it to your friends. Heck, even if you didn’t like it, leave a review so I know why. I appreciate the “I hated this book and here’s why” reviews. I want to know why or why not a story works.
Again, thank you for visiting my worlds. The book is always open so don’t be a stranger. Happy reading!
~Silver James
Thank you!
Thank you for reading DOUBLE CROSS. I hope you enjoyed it. Reviews help other readers find books to read. I appreciate every review, good or bad. Please consider leaving one at Amazon or on Goodreads. If this is your first book from the Moonstruck world, please check out other books set here, and my other books, too.
MOONSTRUCK
The Award-winning Series
Coming soon: MOONSTRUCK: LIES
This second full-length Moonstruck novel will contain all new material in addition to HUNTER’S MOON (Book 3) and WOLF MOON (Book 4). Look for it Fall of 2015
Available Now:
The existence of Wolves has remained a secret for over 200 years. Now, the members of Army Special SciOps Unit 69 are about to be exposed. When a covert operation behind enemy lines goes wrong, Sergeant Major Ian McIntire must trust Major Hannah Jackson to save his men—and his heart. She's already privy most of his secrets but the one she doesn’t know about the moonstruck alpha werewolf may get them all killed. She has one chance to get them undercover and safe, but it may already be too late.
Ten years later, former Army sniper Michael Lightfoot’s life as a forest ranger fits his need to run wild when the moon is full—until two wild wolf pups are kidnapped, along with Dr. Liz Graham, the wildlife biologist who makes him want to howl. The last thing he expects when he rescues the feisty doctor is to be moonstruck. With her life in danger, he must reveal his true self—and risk losing her—in order to save her from the shady corporation stalking the Wolves.
Warning: Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Welcome back to the Moonstruck world with this first full length Moonstruck novel containing new chapters and deleted scenes in addition to the first two novellas, BLOOD MOON and BAD MOON.
Still Available – the original Moonstruck novellas
Click HERE for the entire series listing
(Moonstruck –Book 1)
Army Major Hannah Jackson knows where the skeletons are hidden at the Pentagon and now she’s been tasked with keeping the secrets of Army Special Sci Ops Unit 69—the Wolves—and their secret is a doozy. That a civilian corporation wants to exploit the Wolves is a matter of pressing concern.
Sergeant Major Ian McIntire doesn’t trust Hannah as far as he can throw her—and that’s quite a ways considering he’s an alpha werewolf. The woman is a pain in his butt and with the Blood Moon coming, the unit needs to complete their mission and get home before tempers flare. While she might know most of their secrets, the one she doesn’t know about the moonstruck Wolf might just get them all killed.
When a covert operation goes wrong, Mac must trust Hannah to save his men—and his heart. Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
Warning: Pursue an alpha Wolf at your own risk. Hot sex, bad words, and action of the blood and guts kind will ensue.
BLOOD MOON: WINNER 2013 INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL AWARDS SHORT PARANORMAL NOVEL
(Moonstruck –Book 2)
Former Army sniper Michael Lightfoot lives a simple life as a forest ranger in Wyoming. The job fits his need to run wild when the moon is full—until two special wolf pups are kidnapped, along with Dr. Liz Graham, the wildlife biologist who makes him want to howl.
The last thing Michael expects when he meets the feisty doctor is to be moonstruck, but the alpha Wolf has more on his plate than just convincing Dr. Liz to love him for who he is. She's being stalked by mercenaries who stole two wolf pups for an unknown faction. Now, with her life in danger, he must reveal his true self to save her. Reuniting with some of his old Army Special SciOps unit, Michael takes on the corporate raiders who want more than just his hide—and Liz’s expertise.
Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a Wolf loves a woman, he’ll risk heart and soul to keep her.
Warning: When a moonstruck Wolf meets his mate, hot sex will ensue. If his mate is threatened, bad words and violence of the blood and guts variety will definitely occur.
(Moonstruck –Book 3)
Dr. Jacey Randolph just might be crazy. A rescued wolf is more than he seems and his ability to get into her head—literally—makes her doubt her sanity. After the death of her husband in the Gulf War, she returned to the family ranch to run an animal sanctuary. Bad enough she has to fend off advances from the local sheriff, but now she’s turning into some sort of Dr. Doolittle. Except she doesn’t talk to animals, dammit.
When Colonel Joshua Harjo, an old friend of her husband’s, shows up on her doorstep with a wild tale that the wolf is actually Marine Captain Nathaniel Connor, Jacey must make a leap of faith—and jeopardize her heart—to get involved with the wolf and a group of former Army SciOps soldiers in full rescue operation mode.
Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon but when a woman loves a Wolf, he can do no wrong. And Jacey Randolph is not about to let a little thing like a band of mercenaries keep her from the Wolf she loves.
Warning: Explosions, death, and sex go hand in hand when a group of Wolves and their women fight for their existence.
(Moonstruck Book 4)
Sean Donaldson, former combat medic and demolition expert, answers an SOS from an old Army buddy and rides smack dab into the middle of a conspiracy. Murder and kidnapping are just the tip of the iceberg. Going undercover with a biker gang seems the quickest solution but Sean’s best intentions are complicated by Annie Simmons and her son, Cody.
Annie is a waitress at the Half Dollar Bar and Grill just scraping by to provide a better life for her son. She doesn’t want a man in her life, especially a scary dude like “Boomer,” the big biker who steals a part of her heart. What she doesn’t know about the lies he’s told can hurt her…and put Cody in danger.
Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon but when a Wolf fights for his heart, he’ll risk his life to make sure the family he loves survives.
Warning: When it’s the month of the Wolf Moon, anybody who gets between a moonstruck Wolf and his mate deserves what they get. Blood, sex, and four-letter words dead ahead.
(Moonstruck Book 5)
When the remnants of Special SciOps Unit 69, the Wolves, reunited to save a group of soldiers used as lab rats in a secret experiment, Colonel Joshua Harjo never expected to command the covert government unit again. Someone near the top wants the 69th back on active duty and Harjo is tasked with making it happen, along with keeping the men the Wolves rescued top secret.
Amy Rouse is the best “cat herder” around and she’s recruited for administrative duties with the new unit, a job with perks—Wolves and their commanding officer, Joshua Hargo, the man of her dreams. Amy didn’t count on murder, mayhem, and a redheaded Deputy US Marshal to complicate her life.
Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a man loves a woman, nothing will stop him from tying the knot.
Warning: The road to romance is never smooth and a runaway bride might just jinx a highly sensitive operation.
(Moonstruck Book 6)
Rudek Tornjak is a Wolf without a pack. A man scarred by his past, he prefers it that way. While living in the shadows of the French Quarter, whispers of treachery and betrayal reach his ears—along with accusations implicating him in unthinkable acts. He comes out of hiding to confront his accusers only to discover he’s under a death sentence. On the run, he encounters Isabelle Fontaine, a woman with a past of her own she’d rather keep hidden.
Family is everything to Izzy and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep hers safe. Crossing paths with a shadowy corporation and a rogue Wolf puts the people she cares about in jeopardy—not to mention her own life and heart.
Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the full moon, but when a betrayed Wolf fights for his honor, no one is safe—not even the woman he loves.
Warning: Doubt a Wolf’s honor and you’ll get a serving of hot blood and guts to go.
(A Moonstruck Novella)
The Wolves have been busy since blowing up half of Louisiana. Thanks to the government, there’s a bounty on their heads so they’re living off the grid. But Christmas is here and the kids want to know if Santa will find them this year. Not a problem until the phone call asking them to find and rescue a pregnant girl. On December 20th. In New Mexico. Piece of fruit cake, right?
Walking into a firefight with a drug cartel is never easy, but with Hannah’s wrath and Liam’s first change on the line, Mac and the Wolves face a harder choice—save the girl or save Christmas.
Secrets, lies, and betrayals are more personal under the Christmas moon, and it might just take the magic of Santa to help the Wolves save the day and make it home to their families in time. Because in the end, it’s all about family.
Warning: Santa’s making his list and when the Wolves go into action, they’ll find out who’s naughty and who’s nice.
CHRISTMAS MOON: FINALIST 2014 INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL AWARDS SHORT PARANORMAL NOVEL
(Moonstruck Book 8)
DJ Collier is a manhunter. As a Deputy US Marshal, she’ll go after any fugitive, but the names in the secret file dumped on her desk must be ghosts considering the lack of information she can gather. Where better to hunt them than in the last place she encountered the elusive group of military Special Operators? She never expected to find death, destruction, and a sexy Wolf determined to make her his in the Louisiana bayous.
Antoine Fontaine has lived in the bayous all his life. Always standing on the outside of his close-knit Cajun family, he thinks he’s one of a kind. He never expected to discover another like himself, much less a whole group of SpecOps Wolves who welcome him into their pack. He has no idea what it means to be moonstruck until he rescues a feisty Deputy US Marshal. Now, he’ll fight to the death to keep her.
Once in a Blue Moon, a Wolf finds his mate and even if he’s up to his ass in alligators, he’ll keep her safe. Warning: Hot sex, explosions, and mayhem of the blood and guts kind dead ahead.
(Moonstruck Book 9)
A Moonstruck/Hard Target Crossover Novel
Scorched earth. The Wolves are damn tired of being hunted. They’ve licked their wounds and now it’s time to take the fight to the enemy. They’re moving on up—all the way to the hallowed halls of government. Intelligence reports indicate their enemies are getting closer—and more personal. Assassination of the Wolves and their families is on the menu and SEAL Team Atlantis has the kill order.
Unexpected allies, a new baby, and the healing of old wounds give the Wolves something to live—and fight—for. Every last one of them is ready for a Happy Ever After.
Retribution. There are three things a Wolf holds sacred—his mate, his pups, and his pack. Threaten any one of them and you’d better be checking your six. Threaten all three? Just remember—secrets, lies, and betrayals demand payback and the Wolves are ready to hunt.
Warning: Wolves don’t hold a grudge, they get even.
Also set in the Moonstruck world
Nightriders Motorcycle Club
Welcome to the darkest side of the Moonstruck world. Not every Wolf walks the straight and narrow like the Wolves of the 69th. Gritty, earthy, and violent, rogue Wolves run on the criminal side of society. Gun running, strip clubs, bounty hunters, the Nightriders live their lives in the outlaw 1%. There’s sex, violence, and violent sex, and sometimes, a Wolf smacks up against the woman destined to turn him moonstruck…
