Page 1 of Billionaire Protector

CHAPTER 1

Sarah Sloan’s Review

Cole Carter:1 star

Avoid at all costs. Arrogant, brutish, authoritative and overprotective. Still thinks he can control everything…

Including me.

What would the man do to her?

Would – not could – because the powerful embodiment of masculinity could do whatever he wanted. Even in the darkness, his size was apparent, his strength undeniable. Only his outline was visible, as he rose from the shadows like a conquering warrior, tall and muscular and solidly built. She was below average height (not that she’d ever admit it), but he soared to way over six feet, with the strength to match. Oh yeah, to a defenseless woman, he could do anything.

Only she wasn’t a defenseless woman.

He was going down.

Sarah Sloan crept over the slick pavement, her regulation boots treading with the smoothness of a Stealth Bomber. Sheinhaled jasmine-scented rain, barely noticing its icy stings as it pricked her face, bit her arms and hands. She peered into the alleyway, but only shadows and bright yellow police tape greeted her. The crime scene made an unlikely showing in her small town of Harmony Creek, marking the area where the arsonist once stood. Had he returned for more action?

It was a curious night to do so, when the velvet sky poured down water that would extinguish any blaze, but perhaps he’d come back for some other mischief. Of course, it might be someone else entirely.

Yeah, right.Who else but the culprit would return to the crime scene during one of Florida’s fiercest tempests?

Sarah glanced at her watch, its silver hands barely visible in the moonlight. Three in the morning, playtime for storybook witches and vampires – and real-life criminals. She looked back and gasped. Where was the man, the one examining the crime scene he’d likely perpetrated? A chill crept up her neck, a tingling, an awareness. It was her only warning…

Before she was captured.

Strong arms grabbed her from behind, securing her, pulling her against a chest crafted of pure granite. An expansive body pressed along her length, locking her in possessive heat as he tightened his hold. She grasped for her gun, hidden under her jacket, but his grip and her awkward position made even the smallest movement impossible. Still, even without her weapon, she was no fragile prey. She would not go down easy.

Sarah relaxed, feigning weakness where none existed. As expected he slackened, too, ever-so-slightly, but it was enough. She blasted her elbow back, rejoicing when a soft grunt signaled she’d hit just the right spot. Most men would’ve doubled over in pain, but her muscle-bound warrior merely loosened his hold. She seized the opportunity, jerking her other arm free to attempt another jab.

It didn’t work.

Anticipating her exact move, he blocked her. She tried another attack, this one with her foot, but again he foresaw it, tightening his hold. Through it all, he maintained exquisite control, never hurting her, attesting to far more skill than raw power. Heat engulfed her, screaming inescapable danger. Her captor was no amateur. Just like her, he’d clearly trained in the art of hand-to-hand battle. Furthermore…

She was in deep trouble.

She could take down most men, even as big as her current captor, but he far surpassed most men. Perhaps if they were the same size, she’d have a chance, but the combination of pure brawn and innate skill granted him an undeniable advantage. Hope was not lost, however. Time to use some brains.

“Do you know the punishment for attacking a police officer?” she yelled over the still-pounding rain. “Backup is on its way. You’re going to see nothing but bars for the next decade.”

Unfortunately, he didn’t release her and start begging for forgiveness, as the script in her mind read. His hold didn’t loosen. Not. One. Little. Bit.

Too bad that backup part was a complete lie.

He chuckled. “Did you think I’d fall for that? You’re going to jail, and I’m going to personally escort you.” The voice was deep and strong. And, she paused, slightly familiar.

“A criminal escorting the sheriff to jail? That’ll be a first. If you let me go now, I’ll be gentle when I escortyouto jail.” She struggled again, but he held her fast.

“Don’t bother.” He easily contained her movements. “You’re not getting away. First I’ve got to handcuff you.”

Handcuff?

Handcuff!

Definitely not the direction she wanted to take. “Calm down, buddy. Let’s work something out. Maybe you had a reason forsetting the fires. Why don’t you let me go, and we’ll talk about it?”

“We both know I didn’t set the fires,” he rumbled. “Of course, the same can’t be said for you. Why else would you be skulking around a crime scene during a thunderstorm?”

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