To Catch a Thief
Christina Skye
Nell MacInnes can spot a forgery from a mile away.After all, she learned from the best – her father is one of the art world's most notorious thieves. His brutal beating by the very authorities who claim to keep the world safe from harm taught her one more valuable lsson – trust no one. The last thing rugged navy SEAL Dakota Smith needs on his mission is a tempting woman he doesn't trust.But a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci has gone missing, and the art conservator's skill in detecting forgery would be invaluable, if only her ties to the criminal world are as dead as she says they are.Soon an edgy partnership and white-hot attraction are forged between Nell and Dakota as they race to Draycott Abbey to track down a ruthless criminal with terrorist ties before time runs out – and the da Vinci is lost forever.
CHRISTINA SKYE
is code for romance and adventure!
CODE NAME: BIKINI
“A fun, antic read.”
—Publishers Weekly
“When it comes to sexy suspense and high-tech adventure, the Code Name series delivers big time.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
“Fast-paced action, flashes of humor, and futuristic flavor typify this romantic action-adventure. Fans of the ‘Code Name’ series will enjoy this delicious addition.”
—Kristin Ramsdell, Library Journal
CODE NAME: BLONDIE
“Romantic thrills and adventure from the expert.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews
“Skye is terrific at writing fast-paced adventure romances…a tantalizing addition to the compelling Code Name series.”
—Booklist
CODE NAME: BABY
“Thrilling…fans should eagerly await the next in the series.”
—Publishers Weekly
THE DRAYCOTT LEGACY
“Christina Skye’s delightfully haunting Draycott Abbey tales…pass the test of time, as they remain some of the better romantic fantasies available.”
—Harriet Klausner
Christina Skye
To Catch A Thief
Dear Reader,
Some characters you never forget.
Some stories grip you from the first word, locked deep in the heart. For me, that love struck with a great gray cat, a brooding English abbey and its aristocratic guardian ghost, Adrian Draycott.
I’ve walked through eight books and two novellas set at the abbey now. Each story brings more secrets and the heady scent of rich heritage roses climbing up tower and parapet.
Dangerous magic.
White-hot passion.
Undying love.
How could any writer resist?
And just to keep the tension hot, I’ve brought a rugged Navy SEAL from my Code Name series to the abbey, locked in pursuit of a vicious enemy.
I hope you enjoy the adventure.
See you at the abbey.
Christina
CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN