She had an identity to protect. He had to make sure it wasn’t exposed.
Since leaving the CIA under questionable circumstances, Amanda Caldwell has been living a quiet, uneventful life in a sleepy mountain town. But when Rick Cooper, her former partner—and former lover—makes an unexpected reappearance, she senses things are about to get a lot more interesting....
Rick’s mission is to protect Amanda and her identity from an assassin who’s picked up her trail. It isn’t long before working together stirs up all the passion and energy they’d once shared on the job. And in Rick’s bed. Still, there’s more to Rick’s assignment than he can share with his “partner.” Revealing the truth wouldn’t be smart. But keeping his secret could be deadly.
“Maybe I should check to see if someone’s outside.” She sat up on her knees, preparing to stand.
“Where are you going?” He caught her arm, holding her in place. She bit back a soft gasp as his fingers tightened on a sore place on her arm. Had she injured herself during her mad dash through the woods?
His fingers loosened and fell away. “Did I hurt you?”
“No,” she said, but the burning in her arm hadn’t subsided. She lifted her fingers, pressing the sore area. She felt a rip in her jacket and a sticky wetness. “I think I cut myself—”
She heard a rustling noise, then a snick. Light cut through the gloom, making her squint.
“Let me see.” Rick pointed his flashlight at her arm.
Looking down, she saw a ragged furrow in the arm of her olive-drab jacket, just above the elbow. The edges were singed and damp with drying blood. She knew exactly what it was, even before Rick spoke.
“You’ve been shot.”
Secret Identity
Paula Graves
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alabama native Paula Graves wrote her first book, a mystery starring herself and her neighborhood friends, at the age of six. A voracious reader, Paula loves books that pair tantalizing mystery with compelling romance. When she’s not reading or writing, she works as a creative director for a Birmingham advertising agency and spends time with her family and friends. She is a member of Southern Magic Romance Writers, Heart of Dixie Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
Paula invites readers to visit her website, www.paulagraves.com.
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CAST OF CHARACTERS
Amanda Caldwell—After suffering torture at the hands of a brutal injury, the former CIA agent has gone into hiding. But a ruthless foe has found her, and she’s forced to put her life in the hands of a man she never thought she’d see again.
Rick Cooper—The former security contractor knew the consequences of falling for a spy, but that hadn’t made walking away from her any easier. Now his lover is in danger, and he’s willing to risk his life to save her. But is he willing to risk his heart?
Alexander Quinn—The CIA master spy was instrumental in tearing Rick and Amanda apart three years ago. Why is he working so hard to bring them back together?
Jesse Cooper—Rick’s brother owns a security agency and hired his brother after Rick’s former employer, MacLear, collapsed under the weight of an international scandal. But does he have an ulterior motive for helping Rick protect Amanda?
The Tiger—The man who tortured Amanda during her spy days has never been identified, much less captured. Is he behind the attempts on her life?
Security Services Unit (SSU)—MacLear Security’s secret unit scattered after allegations that the unit acted as a private army for a corrupt State Department official. But are some of the agents still selling their services to the highest bidder?
Damon North—An undercover agent who’d once infiltrated the SSU, he’s been trying to work his way back into their trust. How far is he willing to go—and who is he willing to risk—to get what he wants?
Maddox Heller—The wealthy former marine seems to be working his own angle in his attempts to help Amanda. Can she and Rick trust his motives?
For my wonderful editor, Allison.
Thank you for your invaluable input and your belief in me. I hope I live up to it.
Contents
Prologue