Protector's Honor

Protector's Honor
Kit Wilkinson

It's instinct. When NCIS agent Rory Farrell hears a woman scream, he reacts.But even after he saves her from abduction, Rory can't get the beautiful and fragile Tabitha Beaumont out of his mind. Especially when he finds a connection between Tabitha and his latest murder investigation. She needs protection–Rory's protection–while Rory needs answers Tabitha doesn't even realize she holds. Yet how can he find the truth without betraying Tabitha's trust? Soon, Rory must decide what matters most–keeping his objective distance, or keeping Tabitha, in his arms and under his protection, forever.

“You still believe my brother was in on this?

“Every time I think I can trust you, you remind me why I shouldn’t. We’re not on the same side.” Tabitha stood abruptly and started for the door.

Rory grabbed her hand. “We are absolutely on the same side,” he whispered. “Tabitha, face the facts. Somehow, you and your brother are involved in this mess. Only your brother can tell us if he was a willing participant or not. I know that you are not. I want to find your brother and make sure he has the chance to tell us his side of things.”

Her anger abated somewhat. “So what do we do now?” she asked.

“We need to go back to the safe house. Let me see what I can dig up. All you have to do is follow my lead.”

“What else is new?”

KIT WILKINSON

is a Phi Kappa Phi graduate, holding multiple degrees from the University of Virginia, the University of Tennessee and the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. After teaching for many years, she became a stay-home mom and started writing romantic fiction while her kids were napping. Besides writing, Kit loves hanging out with friends and family, cooking for lots of people and participating in almost any sport. She and her wonderful husband reside in Virginia with their two young children and one extremely large Labrador named Ernie.

Protector’s Honor

Kit Wilkinson

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

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.

—John 16:33

To David, for loving me always, in sickness

and in health. I love you this much.

And to my mother, for all her gifts,

guidance and graciousness.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to my fabulous editor for shaping this story into its current state. Thanks to Donna, Ron and Charlotte for their many hours of help. Thanks also to Darin Riedlinger for technical support, to Steve Bracciodieta of the Chesterfield County Police Department for his savvy on procedure, to Brendan Conroy for his Navy knowhow, and to the art department for the perfectly fitting cover design.

CONTENTS

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

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

ONE