Dangerous Men, Dangerous Places

by Krystal Brookes

  Dangerous Men, Dangerous Places

  DangerousMen,DangerousPlaces

  Dangerous Men, Dangerous Places

  Lyncee Shillard

  Sam Crescent

  Dani-Lyn Alexander

  Rhyll Biest

  Krystal Brookes

  Pink Petal Books, an imprint of Jupiter Gardens Press, publishes romance novels where the relationship is primary. It doesn’t matter if you want to read super erotic or sweet inspirational books. Pink Petal Books believes that love is a beautiful thing, no matter what form it takes. For more information about Pink Petal Books visit http://www.pinkpetalbooks.com/.

  The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. Permission is granted to make ONE backup copy for archival purposes.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DANGEROUS MEN, DANGEROUS PLACES

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  TAKING A RISK Copyright © Lyncee Shillard, 2012

  DANGEROUS PLACE FOR LOVE Copyright © Sam Crescent, 2012

  THE PRISONER Copyright © Dani-Lyn Alexander, 2012

  RUSSIAN HEAT Copyright © Rhyll Biest, 2012

  BOUNTY by Copyright © Krystal Brookes, 2012

  Cover Art ® 2011 by Winterheart Design

  Edited by EM Petrova

  ISBN# 978-1-938257-06-3

  Print Publication Date: April 2012

  Electronic Publication Date: April 2012

  This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Jupiter Gardens Press, Jupiter Gardens , LLC., PO Box 191 , Grimes, IA 50111

  For more information to learn to more about this, or any other author’s work, please visit http://www.pinkpetalbooks.com/

  Contents

  Taking A Risk………………………………………………………….1

  Dangerous Place For Love…………………………………… 51

  The Prisoner………………………………………………………...97

  Russian Heat……………………………………………………….123

  Bounty ………………………………………………… 165

  About the Authors……………………………………………… 206

  Taking A Risk

  Dangerous Men, Dangerous Places

  Chapter One

  “If you can’t go, I’m not,” Leigh Ronaldson stated. “It’s that simple. We’ve already discussed this.”

  Rayna Carter shook her head. Her pale blonde hair fanned across the stiff, white hospital pillowcase. “You have to go. I’ll be fine. Nothing is going to happen. It’s a routine procedure.” She grimaced in pain as she tried to sit up. The steady beep of her IV filled the room.

  “People die every day during operations. Do you need me to get a nurse so she can give you something to make you more comfortable?”

  “No. I want you to go home and pack. Leigh, it’s the removal of my gall bladder. It’s bad enough I’m losing my money. There is no reason for us both to.”

  “Maybe if I call them and explain the circumstances, they’ll refund some of our money.” They were scheduled to leave for the Amazon tomorrow.

  Rayna wrinkled her face in a look of disapproval that Leigh saw at least once a week.

  “Don’t do that. You look like an alpaca.” Leigh shifted in the uncomfortable vinyl-covered recliner.

  “I’ll spit on you if you don’t go. Take a ton of pictures for me and send them to that son-of-a-bitch David.”

  Leigh cringed at the mention of her ex-fiancé and reason for this insane trip. After he broke off their engagement, Rayna had been relentless in pressuring her to make some radical decision. Six months ago she’d shown up on Leigh’s doorstep with a stuffed pizza and a brochure. The next day, Leigh was booking an eight-day Ecuador adventure tour. Kayaking, camping, and hiking.

  “Go Leigh.” Rayna’s voice dropped. “You have a great career. You’re the smartest, prettiest woman I know. But as much as I hate to admit it, the prick was right. You’re also the most boring.”

  Leigh curled her hands into tight fists. “I’m sorry I don’t fight off terrorists or capture international spies like you.”

  “Sweetie, don’t be mad. I know my life isn't that exciting either, but yours is more predictable than if the sun is going to set tonight.”

  “I’ll send you a postcard.” Leigh stood and walked out of the hospital room.

  ~* * *~

  The small plane sliced through the thick clouds. The Eastern Cordillera of the Andes rose up to meet them. Leigh laced her fingers together in an effort to stop them from shaking. Glancing to her right, she took in her three companions. All males, younger than her. From their conversation, she gathered they were friends.

  She mentally scolded herself for coming. How stupid could she be? The only woman traveling through the Amazon jungle with strange men.

  As her grandma would say, a chicken had more brains than to do this fool move. When they landed, she’d tell whomever came to pick them up she was returning to Quito . They could keep her money. A couple thousand wasn’t worth dying for.

  “You the base cook or something?” one of the men asked.

  Shifting, she faced the man. His face had a boyish quality to it. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

  “Just wondering what your job was at Eden ’s Exploration.” He smiled with the confidence of a man who rarely heard the word no from a woman’s lips.

  “Why do you think I work for the tour company?”

  He shrugged. “You one of the tour guide’s girlfriend?”

  “So I either work for them or sleep with one of them? Why can’t I be going on the kayaking expedition?”

  The only sound was the steady hum of the airplane’s single engine. All three men stared at her as if she’d just sprouted a second head.

  “To your left is the last human settlement you’ll see for the next eight days,” the pilot announced. His thick Spanish accent added a mocking quality to the statement.

  “I think this is his way of asking if you gentlemen are having second thoughts or developing cold feet?” Leigh smiled. All three of them ignored her and returned to their conversation. Once she got home– if she got home–she was going to find a way to get even with Rayna.

  The plane touched down on the makeshift airstrip. It bounced several times and then the pilot angled to the right. The plane came to a complete stop yards away from a jeep with Eden’s Exploration painted in faded yellow on the side. Leigh allowed her fellow passengers to exit.

  Licking her suddenly dry lips, she leaned back and closed her eyes. What would it matter if she didn’t get off? It wasn’t like she was ever going to see those men again.

  It mattered because no one thought she could do this. Not her best friend, not her ex-fiancé, and not even a group of complete strangers.

  “Senorita, everything okay?” the pilot asked.

  “Si,” she replied and stood.

  Leigh walked out into the early morning. The air held a crispness that made her lungs ting
le. As a runner, she was always aware of the quality of air in her surroundings.

  “Welcome to the Amazon,” a deep voice said from behind her.

  Smiling, she turned. He didn’t sound like a murderer. The air she was just enjoying rushed from her lungs as her heart slammed into her ribs. While the man standing in front of her may not be a killer, there was no doubt he was dangerous.

  Dangerous Men, Dangerous Places

  Chapter Two

  Nick Greco knew if he possessed any common sense, he’d load the woman standing in front of him back on the airplane. Her blue eyes were the type that drew a man in and held him there. Everything about her screamed complicated—the very thing he avoided. His life was simple and he planned on keeping it that way. No relationship hassles and the beauty of the Amazon surrounding him every day.

  “I’m Leigh Ronaldson.” A nervous smile tugged at her full lips.

  He knew his nights would be filled with fantasies featuring those lips. Them slowly parting to welcome his dick. Them working their way down his body. Shit.

  “I’m Nick Greco, part owner of Eden’s Expeditions and your tour guide.” And the person giving you a full refund, the reasonable part of his brain shouted. “Sorry to hear your friend was unable to join us.” He wanted to add, if she felt uncomfortable being the only woman on the expedition, he would understand and reimburse her seventy-five percent of her payment. But the words lodged in his throat and never made it to his tongue.

  “See you in eight days.” Juan dropped the last two bags on the grass.

  What was wrong with him? It wasn’t as if Ms. Ronaldson was the only woman to ever take their tour. He knew from her application that physically she'd be able to do the tour but would he be able to resist doing her?

  “Let’s load up. We need to reach our first camp site before nightfall,” he instructed the clients, unsure why he wasn’t following his basic instinct and sending the sexy district cost manager home. The three men climbed in the back, leaving the front seat open for Ms. Ronaldson.

  Nick glanced over and swallowed the lump of lust that had formed in the back of his mouth. She had the shapely legs of a runner, the cream colored jersey she wore was baggy but he could tell her breasts were full, and her long auburn hair was in a tight braid.

  Shaking his head, he gripped the steering wheel. He never remembered reacting to woman like this. Even as a teen, he’d been in control of his raging hormones.

  “As stated in our information packets and in the agreement everyone signed, Eden ’s Exploration is committed to preserving the natural treasures of the Amazon. We take this very seriously and if any member of the group is found to have violated the agreement, it will result in immediate removal from the remainder of the tour, fines, and possible arrest.”

  “Does it often happen that the guests do not respect the Amazon?” Leigh asked.

  “Sadly, we’ve had several incidents.”

  She shook her head and the faint scent of strawberries filled the air around him. “How can you not be in awe of this and respect it?”

  “Great—a tree hugger,” one of the men mumbled behind him.

  Nick made a mental note to pull the men aside before leaving and make sure they fully understood the rules. He’d also have their duffles emptied. Drugs or alcohol were strictly forbidden. The itinerary was tight and demanding. They kayaked and hiked miles every day to reach their next campsite. There was no flexibility if someone was too high or hung over to keep pace.

  Silently, he prayed the men would abide by the rules. Eight days in the Amazon alone with the woman next to him would be a test of his professionalism. They had a strict policy prohibiting the banging of a female guest.

  The jeep lurched as they headed into the forest toward the base. From the corner of his eye, Nick saw Leigh reach up for the roll bar to steady herself. Instantly, his mind formed the image of her stripped, hands bound, and riding him.

  Shit, he was so screwed.

  ~* * *~

  Leigh’s lungs were now located in her head as a result of the constant jarring of the jeep. Surrounded by lush green vegetation and the sounds of animals she’d never heard before , but all she could think about was the man next to her. It had to be some rebound thing combined with the anxiety of being in a foreign country alone. She didn’t drool over men.

  The jeep stopped in front of a large tent on a raised platform. Two men sat on the wooden steps while a third stood. All the men wore the same royal blue oxford shirts with the company’s name stitched in yellow on the left side. Only Nick’s pulled across his shoulders.

  The tattooed tail feathers of a Macaw poked out of the tight sleeve on his left arm. She hated the entire body art fade, so why did his pique such interest in her?

  Nick swung his long, powerful legs out of the jeep. “Carlos, take Ms. Ronaldson into the office,” he ordered. The shortest of the three men stepped forward.

  “Welcome to the Amazon and Eden ’s Expeditions.” Carlos smiled. A friendly gesture not at all like Nick’s “let’s get nude” grin.

  “Thank you.” She slid out of the vehicle and started toward what was clearly the main tent. One of the other guests, who she learned during the ride was named Ben, fell into step with her.

  “Wait a minute,” Nick called out. “I’d like word with all three of you gentlemen.”

  Leigh paused but Carlos motioned for her to continue.

  “I hope nothing unpleasant happened on the trip,” he said as they entered the office.

  Leigh shook her head. “I noticed nothing but the beauty of the jungle.” And the hot guy next to me I’d like to have sex with.

  “Good. Can I get you a bottle of water? It’s very important you stay hydrated.”

  Before she could reply, the shouted curses of the men erupted from outside. Carlos sighed. “Please wait in here, Ms. Ronaldson. I do apologize for this.” He handed her a cold water and walked outside.

  She followed him to the door. Nick was tossing the duffle bags back into the jeep. The other guests continued to voice their outrage, but no one seemed to be paying attention.

  While nothing about Nick’s face would be described as soft, anger made his hard jaw tighten and the muscles in his neck twitch. His thin lips were firmly pressed together in a clear effort to remain silent.

  “Keep an eye on them,” Nick instructed and stalked toward her.

  She forced herself to breathe and to remain still. He reminded her of a predator about to devour its prey. Desire pulsed through her body and pooled between her legs as a brief image of him nude flashed through her mind.

  “Unfortunately, your fellow travelling companions made some unwise choices and will be returning to Quito .” Nick’s gray gaze held hers.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she sputtered. Oh God, had they slipped some sort of illegal paraphernalia into her bag? What if she ended up in an Ecuador jail?

  “I didn’t mean to imply you did.” Nick pushed past her. The mixed smell of soap and outdoors made every nerve in her body twitch with excitement. “We’ve had incidents like this in the past and have continued the tour with the remaining guests. However, since it will be only you, I’m willing to give you a full refund and you can return to Quito , tomorrow.”

  Leigh licked her lips. This was her way out. She could return to the security of her apartment. The routine of her life. But then she heard David’s mocking voice the night he broke off their engagement.

  “We’re thirty-three living like we’re eighty-three. Nothing changes--ever. It’s Wednesday, so you made pork chops for dinner.”

  “They are your favorite,” she had whimpered.

  “Not every fucking Wednesday. And you’ll be wearing the red lace bra with matching panties.” He crossed his arms. “Watching an episode of Happy Days for the twenty-eighth time is more arousing than you.”

  Shifting from foot to foot, she hesitated a moment longer but the image of Rayna greeting her at the airport filled her
mind. Her friend would offer words of understanding but her eyes would reveal she thought Leigh had chickened out.

  “Is it possible to continue with the tour?” she asked.

  Dangerous Men, Dangerous Places

  Chapter Three

  Nick couldn’t believe the words coming out Leigh’s mouth. First, the assholes smuggling drugs and now she wants to continue. He couldn’t get a break.

  “Of course, you can.” He shifted and tried to pick his words carefully. “I wasn’t sure how comfortable you would be traveling alone through the jungle with a man you’re not familiar with.”

  “Are you a rapist?” She tilted her head to the side. “Or a murderer?”

  “No,” he spat. “Under no circumstances would you be in danger.”

  “Then I don’t see a problem. Let me get my gear.” She turned and started down the path to the jeep.

  Growling, he watched her ass sway. Oh, he saw a problem.

  “Is she returning to Quito ?” Carlos asked.

  “No. Can Ty do the tour?” He turned to Carlos. Ty, Carlos, and he had created Eden ’s Expedition six years ago. With increased bookings, they had hired Raul, a local. Ty, Raul, and he rotated taking tours out while Carlos remained at the base managing the administrative side. “I’ll do doubles so once he gets in, he can have a month.”

  Carlos’s brow drew together. “Trish is flying in with her parents. I’m not sure what’s bugging you, but is it worse than meeting Trish and telling her Ty’s in the jungle?” Trish was Ty’s wife. When comparing the woman to a jaguar, Nick would rather battle the cat than to piss Trish off.

  Raul had just returned yesterday so asking him was out of the question.

  “Have Ty scale back our rations.” Nick told Carlos and walked out of the tent toward Raul and the three assholes. He should have told Carlos to have Ty replace the food rations with condoms. Even thought he was physically fit, the eight days were draining under the best of circumstances. The constant monitoring of the clients and weather, repairs to the kayaks or tents, and administrating any first-aid required wiped all three of them out. Now he needed to deal with a severe case of blue balls.