Protecting the Colton Bride

Protecting the Colton Bride
Elle James

A cowboy's marriage of convenience may lead to a deadly honeymoon in the latest from New York Times bestselling author Elle JamesWith his ranch in financial trouble, cowboy Daniel Colton makes the perfect proposal to Megan Talbot–a marriage of convenience to save his business and ensure she receives her inheritance. But spending night after night with the strawberry blonde beauty tests all boundaries of Daniel's self-control. And when a killer targets his new bride, vying for her estate, it sets off all of his protective instincts. Daniel refuses to trade his honeymoon for a funeral. Now it's a race against the clock to track down the culprit and protect the wife who's starting to be so much more to him than just a business partner.

Megan’s arms slipped around his waist.

“I don’t expect you to take on my problems. You’re my boss, not my fairy godmother.”

Daniel chuckled. “Yeah, I’d look pretty silly in a dress carrying a fairy wand, and I’m not such a great boss at that.”

“Why do you say that?” She looked up at him through watery green eyes. “You’re great.”

“Because a good boss doesn’t go around kissing his employees.” He stared down at her damp cheeks, his belly flipping. “Right now, I want to be a very bad boss.”

Her eyes flared with desire. “How so?”

“I want to kiss you. Again.”

She sucked in a breath and bit down on that lip before saying, “I told you, I quit. That means you’re not my boss.”

He leaned his forehead against hers and sighed. God, he wanted to kiss her. “I’m not accepting your resignation.”

“You don’t have a choice,” she said, her lips so close.

* * *

Be sure to check out the next books in this series.

The Coltons of Oklahoma: Family secrets always find a way to resurface…

Protecting the

Colton Bride

Elle James

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author ELLE JAMES is a former IT professional and retired army and air force reservist. She writes romantic suspense, mysteries and paranormal romances that keep her readers on the edge of their seats to the very end of every book. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling to exotic and wonderful places, snow-skiing, boating or riding her four-wheeler, dreaming up new stories. Learn more about Elle James at www.ellejames.com (http://www.ellejames.com).

This book is dedicated to my father, who left his home in Arkansas to join the US Air Force and gave twenty years of his life to his country. He ultimately followed his heart all the way back home, where he lives today and is happy to stay there. Home was where his heart was, and his heart was in Arkansas. I love you, Dad!

Contents

Cover (#ub77b9883-adb2-56e9-a24d-63bd2b1fbb81)

Introduction (#u231ce080-9823-5dd3-8023-a5582683228e)

Title Page (#u070082ff-df94-5d0e-8828-25e92a2e3dae)

About the Author (#u222deb87-07a2-5603-8bab-4949e5b86a12)

Dedication (#ue0e535b9-f8a6-5c7b-86cd-de31987dec76)

Chapter 1 (#ulink_e379b03b-e9a3-5807-ac9f-88d52266cd38)

Chapter 2 (#ulink_2b2da87e-e3eb-59f2-b5df-816ba59c90ce)

Chapter 3 (#ulink_e9c0f669-7975-54b5-9429-4336bf537f68)

Chapter 4 (#ulink_817470b3-3931-5743-8ca5-472a62a79b83)

Chapter 5 (#ulink_13616aa6-1a56-56b9-874d-16069aa7c490)

Chapter 6 (#ulink_91a5542b-29b7-572d-89f8-0c30a9c2350d)

Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 1 (#ulink_90761468-7c4a-51b8-b7c2-4a092cbf485f)

Daniel Colton swept the brush over Rider’s black coat, comforted by the scent of animal hide, manure and fresh-cut Bermuda. With every swish of the horse’s full black tail, hay dust sparkled in the air, reflecting the afternoon sunlight streaming through the open door of the Lucky C breeding barn.