never forget him.
Outside Tampico, Mexico
“Is it…”
“Is it…”
“…him?”
A woman’s voice filtered through the fog in his brain. Her words overlapped like undulating ripples across still water, mixed with the faint, distant echo of a child’s laughter. The sounds nudged his faltering consciousness or tapped into his memory. He didn’t know which. And he had to concentrate to hear anything at all. He didn’t know where he was or how he got there. He barely remembered his own name as his body drifted through the shadows from where he’d come.
When he felt a cool velvet touch on his fevered cheek, he heard a moan, unsure if the sound came from him. He forced his eyes open a crack and caught a glimpse of light. Shadows eclipsed a dim glow, but he was too weak to move. With the drug still too strong in his system, he wavered on the razor’s edge of darkness and took the only comfort he could. He imagined the woman’s voice he had heard morphing into a more familiar, sultry one and pictured running his fingers through a soft tumble of blond strands as he gazed into pale blue eyes.
His lover’s throaty voice stirred him and her haunting eyes lingered along with a trace of her perfume. He felt her kiss and her whisper in his ear as she trailed a finger down the bare skin of his chest and onto his stomach. Her touch made him flinch and his body reacted.
He wanted her.
He needed her.
And when he willed the beautiful woman to stay—
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This is the fourth book in the Sweet Justice series and is an Alexa Marlowe story. Many readers have written to say how intrigued they are with her, and as you might imagine, I love hearing from my readers, so thanks for writing. Alexa is a strong, resilient woman who has found a way to thrive in a covert world without sacrificing her feminity…too much. But with something missing in her life, she questions what her future holds. Her journey has been an intriguing one to write. She is much braver than I would ever be, but she’s a woman who would be great to have as a friend. And speaking of friends…
Even though writing is a solitary course, I have been blessed with a wonderful support group of friends who help with the process. For their continued support and invaluable input, I’d like to thank Dana Taylor, Tom Radcliffe, and Joe Collins for their help with this book. I feel lucky that our paths crossed and that I didn’t scare you away. And to the real Deacon, Mrs. Torres, and my dear, sweet husband, who continue to color my life. Who knew such nice people could inspire such devious thoughts? Pass the gingersnaps.
Special thanks to my editor, Lucia Macro, for your spot-on insight into this book, making the story and the characterizations stronger. As always, you rock. And thanks to all the staff at Avon Books who had a hand in this project, with a special shout-out to my terrific agent, Meredith Bernstein. It’s great having you in the trenches.
Last but certainly NOT least, I would like to thank all of you crazy readers who have written me about this series and my other books. I especially love getting e-mails through my website at
About the Author
Ripped from the headlines, JORDAN DANE’s gritty suspense plots weave a tapestry of vivid settings, intrigue, and dark humor. A thrilling ride of mystery and suspense–all in the first degree! She’s a member of Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the International Thriller Writers. Jordan and her husband share their Oklahoma residence with an intelligent canine and two cats of highborn lineage.
Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins author.
“Jordan Dane crafts nail-biting thrillers with fully realized but very damaged characters and plots that twist and turn and double back to bite the unwary. Her novels are twenty-first-century
Jonathan Maberry, multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author of
“A wonderful author who sets you up on a roller coaster, rising, falling, twisting.”
“Dane’s smooth style, believable characters, and intense pacing will remind readers of Lisa Jackson, Lisa Gardner, and Tami Hoag…. Her tight plotting and male characters are exceptional, bad guys and good.”
“Breathtaking action, nail-biting suspense, and sizzling tension…Dane proves she’s a talent worth watching.”
Amanda Stevens
“High suspense and hot sex…all in the first degree.”
Maggie Price, award-winning author of
“Jordan Dane will wring your emotions dry as she takes you on a wild ride…”
“Jordan Dane will make you think twice before you ever walk alone in the dark again.”
Robin Burcell, award-winning author of
By Jordan Dane
THE ECHO OF VIOLENCE
THE WRONG SIDE OF DEAD
EVIL WITHOUT A FACE
NO ONE LIVES FOREVER
NO ONE LEFT TO TELL
