His Sheltering Arms

His Sheltering Arms
KRISTI GOLD

His job was to keep Erin Brailey safe. But first, security expert Zach Miller had to convince the sultry beauty that she needed his protection…while keeping his desire for her hidden lest it lure them both into danger….Taking control of her life for the first time, Erin wanted to rely on herself– even though Zach looked more than capable of handling all her needs. But after exchanging heated embraces with her new protector, Erin couldn' t help wondering: Was the safest place she could be…right in Zach' s arms?

“We Could Meet In The Boardroom And Have Access To The Conference Table.”

A burst of heat shot through Zach at the thought of what he would like to do with Erin on top of that table. That bothered him. He suspected Erin was the kind of woman who could make him reveal his darkest secrets.

“What time?”

“Six.”

“Good. I’ll bring dinner. What do you like?”

“Spicy,” she said.

If she only knew what she was doing to him, she’d probably prefer to walk back. But maybe not. Maybe she did inject passion into everything she attempted. Something told him he just might have to find out.

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Silhouette Desire, the ultimate treat for Valentine’s Day—we promise you will find six passionate, powerful and provocative romances every month! And here’s what you can indulge yourself with this February….

The fabulous Peggy Moreland brings you February’s MAN OF THE MONTH, The Way to a Rancher’s Heart. You’ll be enticed by this gruff widowed rancher who must let down his guard for the sake of a younger woman.

The exciting Desire miniseries TEXAS CATTLEMAN’S CLUB: LONE STAR JEWELS continues with World’s Most Eligible Texan by Sara Orwig. A world-weary diplomat finds love—and fatherhood—after making a Plain Jane schoolteacher pregnant with his child.

Kathryn Jensen’s The American Earl is an office romance featuring the son of a British earl who falls for his American employee. In Overnight Cinderella by Katherine Garbera, an ugly-duckling heroine transforms herself into a swan to win the love of an alpha male. Kate Little tells the story of a wealthy bachelor captivated by the woman he was trying to protect his younger brother from in The Millionaire Takes a Bride. And Kristi Gold offers His Sheltering Arms, in which a macho ex-cop finds love with the woman he protects.

Make this Valentine’s Day extra-special by spoiling yourself with all six of these alluring Desire titles!

Enjoy!

Joan Marlow Golan

Senior Editor, Silhouette Desire

His Sheltering Arms

Kristi Gold

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

KRISTI GOLD

began her romance-writing career at the tender age of twelve, when she and her sister spun romantic yarns involving a childhood friend and a popular talk-show host. Since that time, she’s given up celebrity heroes for her favorite types of men—doctors and cowboys—as her husband is both. An avid sports fan, she attends football and baseball games in her spare time. She resides on a small ranch in central Texas with her three children and retired neurosurgeon husband, along with various livestock ranging from Texas longhorn cattle to spoiled yet talented equines. At one time she competed in regional and national Appaloosa horse shows as a non-pro, but she gave up riding for writing and turned the “reins” over to her youngest daughter. She attributes much of her success to her sister, Kim, who encouraged her in her writing, even during the tough times. When she’s not in her office writing her current book, she’s dreaming about it. Readers may contact Kristi at P.O. Box 11292, Robinson, TX 76116.

To Leigh Riker—long before I called you my friend,

you were my inspiration. Now I am twice blessed.

To those who have left their abusive partners

to find a better life,

I honor your courage and dedicate this book to you.

And to the women who have lost their battle

in the domestic violence war, may we never forget you.

Special acknowledgment goes to

Sharon Benner and Family Violence Prevention Fund

for their invaluable insight and information.

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

One

He wore his all-American good looks like a merit badge, but the devil in his dark eyes told Erin Brailey this man was no Boy Scout.

Zach Miller strode through Erin’s office door with an athletic grace that immediately captured her imagination. Although some might deem his appearance inappropriate for a business meeting, she appreciated his chambray shirt and jeans. The clothes fit as if tailor-made to showcase his attributes.

But no matter how perfect his layered black hair, how breathtaking his six-foot-plus frame, she refused to allow his presence to distract her. This was business. Maybe the most important business of her life.