Winter Hawk's Legend

Winter Hawk's Legend
Aimee Thurlo

If Holly Gates must hide out in a snowbound New Mexico cabin, she's glad it's with Daniel Hawk. The fearless Navajo security expert has sworn to protect her from a relentless would-be killer.But Daniel himself, a scintillating package of Native American tradition and all-American sexiness, presents an even greater danger to Holly. She's quickly falling for him and can only foresee heartbreak.Daniel, Holly knows, remains true to his Navajo upbringing. Unlike her, he craves no home or family–just the same freedom as the great hawk. As they run for their lives, Holly's courage and spirit spark in Daniel irresistible passion. Her heart may not be broken after all, if he can save her one last time.…

“Who’s the tall Navajo man in the brown leather jacket with a pistol on his hip?”

“That’s Daniel Hawk,” Holly’s contact said, following her gaze. “Hawk conducts our training exercises, not only here, but also at every critical tribal facility. Naturally he’s got the highest clearance level.”

Holly nodded, finally being able to put a face to the name. She’d heard Daniel Hawk described as a one-time bad boy who could attract women faster than free chocolate. Daniel had presence. That confidence and take-charge attitude, coupled with those wide shoulders and long legs, sure made him easy on the eyes.

She watched Daniel Hawk as he moved, his back straight, his steps measured and filled with purpose. He came to a stop and glanced around the room, his gaze missing nothing. Then, for a brief moment, his eyes met hers. His steady, penetrating look was a blend of curiosity and casual sensuality that made her body tingle all over.

Yet it wasn’t admiration that was mirrored in the dark eyes that held hers—it was a subtle challenge.

Winter Hawk’s Legend

Aimée Thurlo

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

To Sydney Abernathy, the best assistant—ever. May your future be

bright, and may you always walk with beauty before you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aimée Thurlo is a nationally known bestselling author. She’s the winner of a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews, a New Mexico Book Award in contemporary fiction and a Willa Cather Award in the same category. Her novels have been published in twenty countries worldwide.

She also cowrites the bestselling Ella Clah mainstream mystery series praised in the New York Times Book Review.

Aimée was born in Havana, Cuba, and lives with her husband of thirty-nine years in Corrales, New Mexico. Her husband, David, was raised on the Navajo Indian Reservation.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Daniel Hawk —His job was to keep Holly Gates alive, but he’d never factored falling in love into the equation. Christmas was fast approaching and a killer was on their trail. With everything on the line, win or lose, Daniel knew his life would never be the same again.

Holly Gates —She had an enemy, a man determined to see her dead. The only person standing between her and the grave was temptation itself—a sexy but dangerous security expert with a clear future—but a clouded past.

Martin Roanhorse —He was their boss, at least on paper, and knew everything about them. He was definitely part of the problem, but he was also hiding secrets of his own that could cost them all.

Arthur Larrabee —An ex-cop running for city council, Art was also a security consultant who operated on the principle that the best defense against intruders was overwhelming violence. That made him a potential liability to his clients, including the tribe.

Johnny Wauneka —The young hacker had his own agenda, and Holly, the tribal publicist, was near the top of his enemies list. Was he out to kill the beautiful Anglo woman, or just her message?

Gene Redhouse —He was Daniel’s foster brother. Even if it meant leaving his beloved ranch in a neighbor’s hands, he had Daniel’s back.

Clyde Keesewood —The Navajo activist was an angry man with a mission. The last time they’d met he’d threatened Holly in front of a hundred witnesses. Did he do that just for show, or did he walk his talk?

Ross Williams —The sleazy salesman had decided that Holly was the woman for him. He never passed up an opportunity to corner her, publicly or privately, and Ross didn’t handle rejection well.

Joe Yazzie —Martin’s tribal assistant appeared to be the perfect patsy after his security lapses put everyone in danger. He was either careless, or taking part in a larger plan only he could know.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two