Blood and Bone

by Dawn Brown

  “I was crazy to think I could walk away from you, from what I felt.” She struggled not to give in to the sobs gripping her body. “Twice I thought you died.”

  “I’m here,” Des murmured, brushing his lips against the top of her head, stroking her hair. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  Her face burned, as her tears continued to fall, soaking the collar of his hospital gown. Eventually, they tapered off. She pulled back and stood.

  “I’m not normally a cryer,” she said, grabbing a handful of tissues from the box on the table next to his bed. She wiped her face and blew her nose. “It’s just a tension release after the day we’ve had.”

  When she turned back to look at him, Des was grinning, dimples grooving his cheeks. “I didn’t mind. I kind of liked having you close.”

  “Oh, yeah?” She dropped onto the edge of his bed.

  “Yeah.” He slid his hand up her arm, sat forward and cupped the back of her head. “I love you too.”

  Before she could respond, he captured her mouth with his, drawing on her lips in a slow, deep kiss that shot straight to her core. She moaned softly, leaned into him.

  What are you doing? The man has been beaten up and shot, and you’re making out with him in his hospital bed? What is wrong with you?

  “I’m sorry.” She pulled back. Her ragged breathing made her voice sound soft. She could almost taste the frantic beat of her pulse. “I shouldn’t have done that after what you’ve been through.”

  “Just so you know,” Des said, leveling a pointed stare at her. “I will never have been through too much for that.”

  She shot him her own wry grin. “Never say never. You shouldn’t tempt fate. You’re sure you’re okay knowing we’ll never have a family together?”

  “Yes,” he said on an exasperated sigh. “You keep worrying about not being able to have children, but I’m the one who’s not much of a catch. A lousy real estate agent and an unemployed web designer—you could do better.”

  She brushed his hair back from his forehead, still grinning like a lovesick schoolgirl. But she couldn’t help herself, she was just so damned happy. “You’re who I want.”

  He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. “Me too.”

  Epilogue

  Shayne pulled into the driveway of the red brick two-story. The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the thick lawn and pale purple blooms covering the lilac bush near the front door. She shut off the motor, and the day’s tension eased from her limbs.

  Home.

  She got out of the car, hauled her purse and computer bag from the backseat, then followed the flagstone walk to the front door. The sweet fragrance from the lilac bush tickled her nose as she grabbed the mail poking out the top of the box and went inside. Silence greeted her as she walked through the living room to the kitchen, rifling through the bank statements, flyers and bills. She dropped the mail on the table, set her bag on the kitchen chair and smiled. The sliding-glass door stood open, the spring breeze blowing the sheer, white curtain away from the screen.

  Shayne pulled back the drape and found Des stretched out on the hammock they’d tied between two pear trees last weekend. One hand was tucked behind his head, the other clutched a paperback novel. Bigwig sat curled on his chest. Tiny white blossoms from the trees fluttered to the ground around them.

  Her heart expanded, filling her with an almost silly happiness as she slipped out back. She stepped onto the deck and Des set his book aside and grinned. “You’re home early.”

  “You too,” she said, walking across the grass to the hammock. She had to put her weight on her toes so her heels wouldn’t sink into the soft ground. She should have taken them off. Too late now.

  “I wrapped up my meeting sooner than I thought I would. New client,” he told her.

  She smiled. He was back to web design, slowly building his business again, and thrilled to never again have to show another house. “We should celebrate. Room for two?”

  “Definitely.” Des shifted so she could slip onto the hammock beside him, displacing Bigwig. The cat stared at her balefully with his one good eye until Shayne stretched next to Des with her cheek resting on his chest. Bigwig curled up on the other side of Des and purred like a propeller plane gearing up for takeoff.

  “How was court?” Des asked. He always asked, but they both knew it was a pleasantry. She’d spent weeks at his uncle’s trial. He didn’t ask for details and she didn’t give them to him. The only time he’d participated was when he’d been called as a witness.

  “Fine. They’re getting close to wrapping up. With all the evidence, Ian doesn’t have a hope in hell of getting off.”

  He nodded and they lapsed into a contented silence.

  “Are you sure about the book,” she asked, as she did every few days.

  He chuckled and his lips brushed the top of her head. “Yeah, I’m sure. I want people to know my father was innocent.” He was thoughtful for a moment, fiddling with the ends of her hair. “Heddi died last night.”

  Shayne sat up, rocking the hammock and earning another glare from Bigwig. “And you waited this long to tell me? Are you okay?”

  He looked at her like she’d lost her mind. “I’m fine, really. I have to admit, I thought she’d hang in there until she knew Ian was behind bars.”

  “Even she can’t control death. When’s the funeral?”

  He rolled his eyes. “We’re not going. The only reason I’d visit her grave is to dance on it.”

  “Are you sure? What about closure?”

  He chuckled softly. “I’m good. Anyway, we should get going.”

  Fine, they’d talk about it later. “Where are we going?”

  “Your mom called and asked us to dinner. Both your sisters and their husbands are going to be there.”

  She rolled off the hammock and Des did the same. “You know, you don’t have to say yes every time she asks.”

  “Yeah, I do. She still blames me for taking off and getting married in Aruba.”

  Shayne laughed. “It’s been four months, she’s over it.”

  “I like going.” He shrugged. “I like your dad.”

  “I know. That boggles my mind. He likes you too, though.”

  Des grabbed her hand and pulled her tightly against him, his mouth catching hers in a frantic kiss that made her blood hot and her muscles soft.

  “It’s ’cause he knows I’m crazy in love with you,” Des murmured, tracing nibbling kisses along her jaw toward her ear.

  She shivered. “The feeling’s mutual.”

  He pulled back suddenly. “Hey, your mother emailed me a link for an employment agency.”

  Shayne rolled her eyes, heat stinging her cheeks. “Sorry, she really doesn’t understand what you do, and that neither of us has what she would consider a real job makes her extremely uneasy.”

  He laughed and linked his fingers with hers. “Just one of the family, aren’t I?”

  And together they walked to the house with Bigwig plodding behind them.

  About the Author

  Dawn Brown’s first sojourn into storytelling began when she was nine. She would gather neighborhood kids in her garage and regale them with ghost stories, believing even then that atmosphere played an important role in a good story.

  Dawn has a diploma in journalism, but found herself pursuing a career in computer leasing. After the birth of her son, she gave up the corporate world to be a mom and write full time, trading in her dreary cubicle for a dreary room in the attic.

  Now Dawn spends her days creating dark, romantic mysteries with edgy heroes, clever heroines and villains she hopes will keep her readers sleeping with the light on.

  Dawn lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son.

  Blood and Bone is Dawn’s third published title. To learn more about Dawn and her books, please visit her website www.dawnbrown.org.

  Look for these titles by Dawn Brown

  Now Available:

  Living Lies


  Doing whatever it takes could get them both killed.

  Living Lies

  © 2008 Dawn Brown

  Twelve years after her sister’s disappearance, Haley Carling spends her days trying to hold what’s left of her family together, running her late father’s shop and caring for her alcoholic mother. Then her sister’s remains are uncovered in the basement of their old home, and fingers start pointing. At the Carlings.

  Dean Lawson, long the prime suspect in the Carling girl’s disappearance, is sure he’s got evidence proving who the killer is. He’s determined to clear his name, and he won’t let anything stand in his way. Not even his lingering attraction to Haley.

  Haley is just as determined to protect her family from the former town bad boy’s accusations. But now someone is stalking her, and Haley realizes Dean’s the only one she can trust.

  With a killer closing in, Dean wonders if he’s made the biggest mistake of his life…a mistake that could cost Haley her life.

  Warning: This title contains a mystery to keep you turning the pages late into the night.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Living Lies:

  The Mountainview Motel was neither on a mountain nor did it offer a view of one, as the name implied. Little more than a row of shabby rooms slightly north of town, Haley was surprised the place managed to remain open.

  As she drove into the lot, she spotted Dean’s car parked in front of one of the rooms and pulled up next to it. What was she doing here, really? Hadn’t she had enough drama for one day? Maybe, but she needed to know why he was back. Why now?

  With a sigh she opened the door and stepped out into the cold. The walk running the length of the motel had been shoveled, exposing weathered wood planks. She crossed to his door and knocked loudly before she changed her mind.

  After a moment, the door swung back and Dean filled the opening. He didn’t look at all surprised to see her. Al had probably called to warn him after she’d left.

  She could understand how she hadn’t recognized him. The boyishness had left his face, making his features sharper, almost predatory and, if at all possible, more attractive. Even his body seemed harder and leaner than she remembered.

  Her heart rate quickened, and something fluttered in her stomach. Could he really have killed Michelle?

  Killer or not, she would have to say something soon. She couldn’t just stand there staring like a twit all day.

  “I didn’t recognize you earlier,” she said. Better than silence, but only marginally.

  Dean leaned casually against the frame. “I figured.”

  “Erin recognized you.” She should have stuck with silence.

  “What do you want, Haley?” His voice was deep and quiet.

  “Why are you here?”

  He sighed and moved aside. “Do you want to come in?”

  She hesitated. If she went inside that room, would anyone ever see her again? Allister was the only person who knew where she was and she didn’t have a whole lot of faith he’d come to her rescue if she needed him to.

  “People know where I am,” she said at last.

  Dean smirked, but said nothing as she stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

  “Nice place you have here, Matthew Clarke,” she said, taking in the faded beige wallpaper and gold shag carpet. An ugly oil painting of a gnarly sea captain hung over the sagging double bed.

  “I wanted to keep a low profile.”

  “I thought you would have stayed with Al.”

  “Have you seen Al’s apartment?” A faint smile touched his lips. “This place is a palace.”

  He had a point. She had seen Al’s apartment once and had gone straight home and showered.

  “Sit down,” he offered, gesturing to the only chair in the room. As she pulled it away from the desk, she noticed a thick envelope and file folder with bits of paper curling around the edge stacked neatly in the top corner. She would have loved to go through those pages. To see just what Dean studied on alone in a grubby motel room.

  “So,” she said. “Why are you here?”

  “Maybe I just wanted to pay my respects.” He sat on the corner of the bed, his eyes bright and his mouth still twisted in that slightly mocking smirk.

  “By lurking in the parking lot?”

  The grin vanished. “I wasn’t in the parking lot the whole time. I watched the service from the door. When I saw you get up and start to leave I decided to go.”

  “You came back for the memorial?”

  “Maybe.” He shrugged.

  “Or maybe you’re worried there’s something to link you to Michelle after all.”

  A tiny muscle twitched in his jaw. “Is that what you think?”

  I don’t know what to think, and you’re not giving anything away. “I don’t think you came back here just to watch Michelle’s memorial from an open door. So why not tell me what you’re really doing here?”

  “What do you want me to say, Haley? That I did it? That I killed her?”

  “Did you?”

  “If I did, it wasn’t too smart to come looking for me now, was it?” His voice was quiet, but there was an edge, jagged, like a serrated blade.

  A tiny ember ignited within her. A slow fury growing hotter and brighter each time he spoke. “Are you threatening me?”

  “No,” he said on a sigh, suddenly sounding very tired. “No, I’m not.”

  “Why are you here?” she asked again.

  “I’m not ready to tell anyone yet, but when I am, I’ll tell you first.”

  “That’s it? That’s the best you can do?”

  He nodded.

  “Well, sorry, not good enough. Tell me why you’re back. I’m not going anywhere until you talk.”

  “Suit yourself.” He shrugged. “I was thinking about ordering dinner. Pizza or Chinese?”

  “This isn’t a joke, Dean. My sister is dead.”

  “I know. And I will tell you why I’ve come back, but not yet. I need to be sure of some things first.”

  “Fine. You have until tomorrow. If I don’t get some answers before the end of the day, there isn’t a person in this town who won’t know you’re here.”

  Haley stood and strode out the door, suppressing a smile at the sight of his stony stare.

  As she marched to the wreck parked next to his car, Dean stood in the open doorway, half shocked, half irritated, shaking his head.

  She’d threatened him.

  It took her three tries to get her heap started, taking a little something away from her dramatic exit. But not much. As he closed the door, he could hardly believe it. Quiet little Haley, who used to watch him with those amazing eyes so long ago, had threatened him. And he didn’t doubt for a second that she meant what she said. To think, he actually felt sorry for her for a second there.

  He would have to get things done tonight. That was probably better anyway. The sooner he finished, the sooner he could get the hell out of this town.

  A little lying and misdirection in the name of love is never wrong. Right?

  Deliberate Deceptions

  © 2011 Leah Braemel

  Hauberk Protection, Book 3

  Chad Miller once had the perfect life—a beautiful baby daughter, a loving wife, a promising career with the FBI. Within a year, he’d lost everything. Making Hauberk Protection a success salvaged his career, but he’s never managed to get over the one fateful decision that spelled the end of his marriage. And the death of his child.

  For eight years, grief and guilt have haunted Lauren Miller’s climb up the ranks of the Light Brigade, a secret international hostage rescue team. Now she’s the target of a vengeful ex-Brigade operative who’ll stop at nothing to take her down. Even if it means taking out everyone she cares about. Including Chad. Getting him to accept her as his bodyguard? It’ll take some fast talking—and faster hands.

  Trapped in a remote safe house with Lauren is the last place Chad ever wanted to be. He may finally have the chance to get some answers about wh
y she ran, but with his hard-won defenses crumbling, he’s having trouble remembering the questions. In the heat of their rekindled passion, Lauren struggles to keep her professional focus…and keep the secrets that could break his heart all over again.

  Warning: Angst dead-ahead! Lost love. Angst. Reunited lovers. Angst. Sex. More angst. And did I mention the angst? A box of tissues is definitely needed. But don’t worry, there’s still a Happy-Ever-After.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Deliberate Deceptions:

  He was so cold, so controlled. The struggle to keep her disappointment from showing challenged Lauren. Did he not feel anything for her anymore? Did he have none of the desire, none of the need that had tied them together? The desire that had flared inside her, setting her body aglow as soon as she’d seen him? The need for him hadn’t lessened over the years. If anything, he was more attractive than he’d been before. She’d always found a man with just a hint of silver at his temples sexy.

  How could she get him to stay? To listen to her with an open mind?

  She took a step closer. Please don’t let him leave. Don’t let him close the door between our rooms and shut me out completely.

  She toyed with the buttons of her blouse. She’d left the top two undone out of habit, but now she toyed with the next one, undoing it, then the next. The fabric parted just enough to show the lace of her chemise. He’d always preferred the fantasy of wondering what was beneath, letting his imagination take over. “Thank you for volunteering to guard me. I was surprised when they said you’d be the lead op.”

  She had been surprised, she realized. She’d been half expecting them to call the whole thing off. Fear that she’d screw things up even more and lose any chance for a reconciliation set in, leaving her frozen deep into her bones.