“I’m not going to have sex with you, Martinez.” “I didn’t ask you to have sex with me,” he said slowly, but the naturally seductive quality of his voice only tempted her all the more, despite his rather flat denial. The flame that kindled to life in his eyes further belied his words and made her ache in places too long neglected. “Yes, you did.” He moved a step nearer to her. “I didn’t ask. I won’t ask.” There was no mistaking the added layer of huskiness in his voice. “Don’t come any closer,” she warned, though her words were meaningless, since she couldn’t possibly bring herself to move, much less run away. “Don’t worry, querida, I have no intention of starting anything neither of us wishes to pursue.” Oh, but she did wish to pursue—that was the whole problem. PERSONAL PROTECTOR DEBRA WEBB ABOUT THE AUTHOR Debra Webb was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, to parents who taught her that anything is possible if you want it badly enough. She began writing at age nine. Eventually she met and married the man of her dreams and tried some other occupations, including selling vacuum cleaners, working in a factory, a day-care center, a hospital and a department store. When her husband joined the military, they moved to Berlin, Germany, and Debra became a secretary in the commanding general’s office. By 1985 they were back in the States, and finally moved to Tennessee, to a small town where everyone knows everyone else. With the support of her husband and two beautiful daughters, Debra took up writing again, looking to mystery and movies for inspiration. In 1998 her dream of writing for Harlequin came true. You can write to Debra with your comments at P.O. Box 64, Huntland, Tennessee 37345. Books by Debra Webb HARLEQUIN INTRIGUE * 583—SAFE BY HIS SIDE * 597—THE BODYGUARD’S BABY * 610—PROTECTIVE CUSTODY 634—SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT: BABY * 646—SOLITARY SOLDIER * 659—PERSONAL PROTECTOR HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE 864—LONGWALKER’S CHILD CAST OF CHARACTERS Piper Ryan—The hottest news reporter in Atlanta. A terrorist organization wants her dead. The word is that they have special plans for her. Ric Martinez—This is his first big Colby Agency assignment. He has to stay focused, but the beautiful and intriguing Piper makes it difficult. Victoria Colby—The head of the Colby Agency. Lucas Camp—The deputy director of a highly covert government organization. Piper is his one and only niece. Jack Raine—A trusted confidant to Victoria and Lucas. Townsend and Green—FBI agents assigned to Piper Ryan’s security detail. Dave Sullenger—The news director at WYBN-TV. Keith—The news desk assistant at WYBN-TV. Senator Rominski—The president has named him head of the United States’ new antiterrorist organization. He has plans for Piper, as well. Jacob Watts—Personal assistant to the senator. He wants to make a name for himself. Alex Preston—One of the Colby Agency’s finest. Life is what we make it, some say. But in my opinion, life is also about who we are and who we meet along the way. I have been extremely fortunate in my journey, and this book is dedicated to someone who has helped to make my dream of writing come true. She has encouraged me to stretch my imagination and to go where I wasn’t sure I could. This one is for you, Denise O’Sullivan. Thank you so much for your faith and encouragement. You are the very best editor an author could wish for, and a truly wonderful person. It is both my professional and personal privilege to know you. 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 Epilogue Prologue “I hope you’re not leaving out anything relevant, Lucas.” Victoria leveled her gaze on her oldest and dearest friend. That sprinkling of gray at his temples and the sparkle in those devilish gray eyes wreaked havoc with her usual strict control. Lucas’s smile widened at the implication. “Don’t you trust me, Victoria?” He propped his cane against the arm of his chair and tilted his head, emphasizing his question. A hint of amusement flickered in his eyes. In blatant skepticism, Victoria arched one eyebrow a fraction higher than the other. “I don’t trust anyone who has worked for the Company and Special Ops as long as you have.” “Well,” he offered in that smoky voice that did strange things to her ability to think rationally, “I suppose I can’t blame you there. But you know I would never deceive you, Victoria.” The sound of her name on his lips sent a rush of warmth through her. Yes, she knew he was telling the truth. Lucas would never do anything to hurt her. He had always been there for her, and now she would have one of those rare opportunities to repay him just a little of what she owed. “All right, then, I believe I have the perfect man for the job.” Victoria pressed the intercom button. “Mildred, please ask Ric Martinez to join this meeting.” “Martinez?” Lucas frowned. “I don’t think I know him.” “He’s fairly new,” Victoria agreed. “But he’s good. And he has the right background for the job.” “Mind if I perform a little screening test of my own?” All signs of amusement had vanished from his expression. “After all, this is my one-and-only niece we’re talking about.” Victoria shrugged lightly. “Be my guest.” The door opened and Ric Martinez stepped into the room. Tall, dark and handsome, the man’s Latin good looks combined with his fountain of charm proved valuable assets in this business. Ric Martinez could charm or con anything out of anyone. Ric’s gaze darted from Victoria to Lucas and back. “You wanted to see me,” he said as he closed the door behind him.