Undercover Love

By Becky Barker

Retired FBI agent Kyle Tremont reluctantly agreed to one last job as a favor to his former boss. The mission was to extract an agent by the code name 'Phantom' from a deep undercover assignment. The plan went smoothly until their identities were compromised. On the run with a sexy, yet mysteriously innocent operative, he found her more intriguing by the minute. Which meant the sooner he delivered her to safety and made his way home to Texas, the better!

Phantom, aka Rianna Sullivan, had trained for years to bring down the man who'd destroyed her family, but nothing had prepared her for the impact of working with an FBI legend. The bond of trust they forged was fierce, the attraction between them even fiercer, but what they shared had to be temporary. As they fought side by side for justice, she wondered what it would be like to keep him longer... 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca L Barker
• Release date: Feb 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386449928

Becky Barker

Hi visitors - After many requests from fans, I'm making some of my out-of-print backlist titles available through Smashwords. I also have rights reverted from more recent Cerridwen Press titles, so I hope you'll be interested in reading a few. I offer a monthly readers' contest for backlist titles at my website, so please stop by and visit at www.BeckyBarker.com Or, find me at Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr or Pinterest:-) Hugs, Becky

Book preview

UNDERCOVER LOVE

BECKY BARKER

Reviews for UNDERCOVER VIRGIN (Now UNDERCOVER LOVE)

An Excellent Action/Suspense/Romantic story that will engage your interest from page one...huntress (Robyn U.) The electric attraction between these two is sizzling. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Action and suspense and there is quite a bit of healthy lust between these two. They were made for each other."

A Spicy Romance! M. Hartman Former FBI agent Kyle Tremont was a bit of a Legend...Excellent read...Definitely Recommend—Great action and pace" 

Excellent book, Amazon customer: There was never a lack of action in this book. Just when they think they got away they find out they're not in the clear yet. Kyle is an incredible protector, but Rianna is very strong herself. She doesn't let anyone push her around."

Original Copyright 2004 by Rebecca L. Barker w/a Becky Barker Original title: Undercover Virgin

Editing by Marcia Book Adirim

License Notes:

All rights reserved. All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure fiction.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. It may not be re-sold.

Author’s note: I had no control over the original title of this book so I’m taking the liberty of changing it for the revision and re-issue. Truth is, my heroine wasn’t a virgin when she went to the New York publishing house. TPTB thought the story needed a hook and a virgin was reborn. ☺ I haven’t changed her status in the book, only in the title.  Hugs, Becky

DEDICATION

I’d like to dedicate this book to my siblings and their spouses because the older I get, the more I value them and our big, extended family. With love to Judy and Randy, Cathy and Larry, Tim and Luana, Thom and Sue, Peggy and in memory of Mike. Also, with love to DeeDee and Sue, and in memory of Dave.

As always, a special thanks to Buzz, the wind beneath my wings.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Another author’s note: My original manuscript for this book had a prologue that didn’t get included in the print copy. I’m adding it to the reissue because I think it’s helpful to readers.

PROLOGUE

No good ever came from phone calls in the dead of night, thought Kyle Tremont, as the jarring, unwelcome sound echoed in the silence of his bedroom. At the third ring, he glanced at the illuminated face of the bedside clock. Four AM. Too damn early for respectable callers. His solitary lifestyle didn’t encourage close relationships, and no one else would call at this hour.

Crossing his arms behind his head, he continued to stare at the shadows on the wall, trying to ignore the intrusion. The answering machine picked up on the fifth ring. His outgoing message was greeted by a click of a disconnection. In a few seconds, the phone rang again. The machine picked up again, another click, and eventually, more ringing.

The caller was persistent.

He sighed, switched on the lamp and reached for the caller ID. Squinting against the light, he read the name in the tiny digital screen. Donald Sullivan.

The simplicity of the name didn’t begin to depict the complex man behind it, nor the host of conflicting emotions it evoked. The first was pain; dulled, but chronic. Then came honor, duty and disillusion.

Sullivan was one of the good guys, a relentless pursuer of justice who’d worked his way up the ranks of the Federal Bureau of Investigation until he’d earned one of the top law enforcement jobs in the country. Kyle had been one of them, too, one of Uncle Sam’s best, until he’d wearied of watching justice fail while evil triumphed. 

The phone rang again as he stared at the reoccurring name. His old boss was as obstinate as they came. Sullivan would keep calling until he got a response or the phone was disabled.

Curiosity warred with the temptation to yank the cord.

Curiosity won. On the fourth series of rings, he lifted the receiver to his ear.

What?

Good morning to you, too, Tremont, said an amused voice with a heavy east coast accent.

It’s not morning in Texas, he reminded dryly.

How could I forget?

Kyle decided to jerk his chain a little. Senility?

Sullivan snorted. And I was trying to be pleasant. What’s got you so cranky?

Middle of the night phone calls make me cranky.

I didn’t interrupt anything important, did I? Sullivan sounded almost contrite. Do you have company?

Kyle wished he had someone in bed with him. Maybe then he wouldn’t be so edgy, his body hungering for a woman. Celibacy, even self-imposed, was hell on the nerves.

I'm alone.

Sorry about that. I’m heading to the office soon, but I wanted to call you on a secure line here at home.

Since I’m retired from the agency and plan to stay that way, this can’t be business, said Kyle. That means it could have been made on a non-secure line.

Sullivan chuckled. Nice try. Truth is, I’m calling on unofficial business. To offer you the opportunity of a lifetime.

An instant of dead silence followed his announcement, then a succinct reply. Bull.

Another chuckle from Sullivan. Okay, so maybe you won’t think of it as a favor right now, but . . . 

No buts, Kyle swiftly injected. I don’t work for the FBI anymore. I don’t owe you any favors, and I don’t even want to know what’s on your mind.

He started to hang up, but heard Sullivan throw out the name Haroldson. It was guaranteed to arrest the action. His arm stilled, then he drew the receiver back to his ear. Knowing he’d hate himself, but incapable of resisting, he asked: What about Haroldson? 

We’ve got him.

The deep satisfaction in Sullivan’s tone caused an equally deep reaction in Kyle. He held Gregory Haroldson responsible for the murder of his partner and best friend. Nothing would please him more than to see the wealthy banker brought to justice.

In jail with enough evidence to put that slime ball behind bars for life?

A hesitation on the other end of the line caused his short burst of euphoria to evaporate.           

Not quite, but close. We’ve had someone in deep enough to get all the evidence we need and indisputable testimony against him. The grand jury indictment will come down as soon as we get our agent safely out of his reach.

Considering Haroldson’s wealth and vast crime organization, there was no such thing as being out of his reach, thought Kyle.

You’ve got his records, dates and witnesses?

Water-tight evidence. Account ledgers, tax records and computer files are enough to fry him. It’s being handled with care. He won’t slip through our fingers this time.

You just called to share this news?

Not exactly.

Kyle’s muscles tautened. Haroldson had a reign of corruption that spanned decades, yet he disguised his evil behind an urbane banker's facade. The authorities had never been able to provide enough proof to bring him to justice.

The agent we have inside his operation is Phantom. That’s the reason I called from home. You’re one of the few people I trust explicitly, and now you’re the only one besides me who knows the identity of our agent.

I don’t know Phantom’s identity.

Not the identity, that Phantom is our operative inside.

Kyle didn’t thank him for the confidence. He didn’t want to know privileged information, even if it intrigued him. He’d heard rumors about a fearless young protégé of Sullivan’s, one whose identity remained a closely guarded secret.

Thus, the code name Phantom.                                                              

What does any of this have to do with me?                                  

I need someone to get Phantom out of Haroldson’s organization and into a safe house.

Why can’t your super-agent take care of himself?

Sullivan paused to weigh his words. It’s complicated. I told you Phantom is in deep. Haroldson’s security is tight and surveillance is constant. If our plan goes according to schedule, the extrication will be uneventful, but there’s always a risk.

You have a whole army of agents in your employ.

I’ll use the most trusted ones to guard the safe house.

When?

Soon. The arrest can’t be made while Phantom is still an integral member of the organization.

Why not arrest your agent, too, and then get him into protective custody?

Not an option. Too many things can go wrong in holding cells and with the endless red tape. Besides, we’ve already arranged an alternative plan.

Such as?

I’m going to facilitate a phony assassination attempt. You’ll save Haroldson’s life, so you’ll be an instant hero. He’s big on rewarding heroics. You’ll be offered a job and once you’re in, you won’t have to stay long.

No.

I can’t accept that, Tremont.

You don’t have a choice. I’m not in the spy business anymore. I’m a carpenter.

A carpenter who jogs every day, goes to the firing range twice a week and maintains a black belt?  

Kyle clenched his teeth. It rankled that the director kept tabs on him, but Sullivan wouldn’t have called if he had any doubts about competence. Still, the physical aspects of undercover work weren’t the most important. It took youthful bravado, fierce dedication and an emotional stamina he couldn’t muster anymore.

The answer is still no. I’ve been out too long, and I can’t identify your super-agent.

You won’t have to. It’s safer that way. Phantom knows everything that goes on in Haroldson’s organization. Once you’re in, contact will be made and the plan put in motion. All you have to do is get our agent to the safe house.

If it’s so easy, why go outside the agency for help? Why can’t one of your old-timers do the job?

Another brief hesitation. Kyle’s pulse quickened with the rush of adrenaline he hadn’t felt in years. Sullivan’s hesitancy answered his question.

You’ve got security problems in the agency?

Let’s just say I have a weak link, and I can’t find it.

The mention of a weak link brought Margie to mind along with a rush of bitter memories. He and his former partner had been so much more than friends. Her death had left a raw, still-bleeding wound in Kyle’s soul.

His response to Sullivan was hard and cold. The same weak link that cost Margie her life?

The deputy director’s answer came on a soft sigh of regret. I’m afraid it might be.

A familiar rush of frustration coursed through Kyle, accompanied by the nagging guilt he couldn’t appease. He knew now what he hadn’t known when he left the agency. There’d be no peace for him until Margie’s murderer was brought to justice.

Chapter One

It had been too easy . Too damn easy, thought Kyle as he surveyed the elegant ballroom of Gregory Haroldson’s estate. The plan to get him into the employ of the wealthy banker had come together without a hitch. It had all gone like a perfectly choreographed dance.

The ease of it made him wary and especially vigilant.

An unseen sharpshooter had taken a wild shot at Haroldson, and he’d been on hand to shield the other man with his body. Instant gratitude and a generous job offer. Kyle wondered, several times over, why he hadn’t shoved Haroldson into the path of the bullet. Dead was a more sure-fire way to punish a man than the prospect of a jail term.

Only five days into the operation, and he wanted out. He’d cursed himself a thousand times over for letting Sullivan coerce him into helping. The daily doses of Haroldson’s arrogance knotted his gut. The urge to strangle the man with his bare hands grew stronger every time he laid eyes on him.

Undercover work had lost all appeal. The innate hunger for adventure that had motivated him in his younger years no longer existed. He’d retired four years ago when the thrill of the chase had died along with his partner.

Despite being on Haroldson’s payroll, he’d yet to be contacted by the elusive Phantom. His assignment was to help the agent escape the heavily guarded estate. He’d grown tired of waiting and was at risk of losing his patience altogether.

She’s a first-class babe, ain’t she?

Kyle glanced at his fellow employee. Damon was young, cocky and a little dim-witted, but basically an okay guy. The two of them were usually paired as driver and bodyguard for Haroldson and high-ranking members of his little empire.

Tonight, they were enjoying the annual staff appreciation dinner. The wealthy banker knew how to keep his people loyal by pretending they were important to him. The ballroom’s many chandeliers had been dimmed to a soft, intimate glow. Food was abundant, booze flowed freely and a small orchestra played music for dancing.

Damon’s admiring gaze was fastened on their hostess for the evening.

You mean Haroldson’s fiancée?

She’s a real knock out, and damned nice, too. Always doin’ something for the staff and their families.

Nice wasn’t exactly the word Kyle would use to describe Haroldson’s very young, very blonde girlfriend. Definitely a May/December relationship. Gossip had it that she’d moved in with him as soon as they’d announced their engagement. Apparently, he adored her and refused her nothing.

I guess she can afford to be generous.

Yeah, but I seen plenty of those rich bitches who turn their noses up at guys like us. ‘Fraid they’ll get dirty if we touch ‘em or somethin’. Samantha, she’s not that way.

Kyle had never been introduced to the lady in question. Nor did he want to be. He couldn’t summon much interest in a woman who’d sleep with a bastard like Haroldson. Not much to respect in that no matter how free she was with her boyfriend’s money.

I don’t figure I’ll be getting up close and personal with the boss’s woman.

The younger man laughed. That’s what you think. She’s makin’ her way toward us now. She and the boss, they have this little routine. When he hires a new employee, she gets up close and personal. The boss gets a kick out of watchin’ the hired help drool over her. She’ll have you pantin’ after her in a few minutes.

Oh, hell, thought Kyle. Damon usually knew what he was talking about when it came to his boss’s habits. He ground his teeth in frustration. The last thing he needed was attention drawn to him, especially for Haroldson’s amusement.

Their hostess slowly made her way through the throng of partygoers, stopping to speak to several people as she crossed the room. Everyone wanted a word with the lady of the manor. He watched her graceful, unhurried progress and steeled himself to suffer her attention. It wouldn’t do to make his distaste evident. Better to play the dumb, but awed hired hand.

Damn, but she looks hot in that red dress, muttered Damon. Too bad she never strays for real. I’d be first in line to jump her delicate bones.

Haroldson’s fiancée wasn’t what he’d call petite, probably 5’8 or 5’9, with a slender, but generously curved figure. As she drew closer, Kyle’s gaze drifted down her elegant neck, across the bare, unblemished skin of her shoulders and chest to a hint of softly rounded breasts displayed by the strapless dress.

The full-length evening gown managed to look both tasteful and wickedly provocative. A man would have to be dead not to react. Her heavy mane of platinum hair parted in the middle and framed an oval-shaped face in feathery layers. Although not classically beautiful, her features were striking, attractive and enhanced to perfection.

The best money could buy. She had to be an unprincipled gold-digger who’d sold her soul to the highest bidder. That alone should leave him cold, but his body wasn’t listening to common sense. It was just reacting.

Wide set, exotically highlighted blue eyes captured his attention and held his gaze as she came to a stop in front of him. He felt the impact of her gaze clear to his toes. Her expensive perfume teased his senses, and set his nerves alive with reaction. The sizzle of attraction hummed through his veins at the sultry challenge in those beautiful eyes.

T. R. O. U. B. L. E. The lyrics to a country-western sound popped into his mind. Haroldson’s ladylove packed a sensual wallop that could mean nothing but trouble. 

Mr. Jackson, she greeted him by his alias and offered her hand. I don’t believe we’ve been introduced. Her voice was low and sexy, barely audible above the noise of the party. I wanted to personally thank you for saving Gregory’s life.

Kyle briefly grasped her hand, but kept his grip limp. She responded with a warm, firm grasp. Her touch made his skin sizzle with an awareness.

She smiled, transforming her features to unexpected loveliness. It gave him another jolt. Not just by the physical difference, but from the genuine warmth and charm she emanated. No wonder she had the staff ready to jump her bones or jump through hoops for her. Warning himself to beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing, he briefly returned the smile.

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ma’am.

There’s no need to call me Ma’am. We’re all one big family here. My name is Samantha, she said, and then asked, And your first name is Anthony?

Tony’s fine.

For the duration of this assignment, he’d kept his hair dyed inky black. Thanks to tinted contacts, his blue eyes were temporarily brown. He’d even added a mustache for disguise. A naturally dark complexion had always made it easy to take on a Mediterranean look.

Well, Tony, I certainly hope you’re enjoying yourself. Did you get enough to eat?

Yes, Ma’am... I mean Samantha.

She smiled again, a smile meant to reach right into a man and make him relax. Maybe even threaten his control. Kyle felt another unexpected zing of physical awareness, but hardened himself to the response.

Do you dance, Tony?

He glanced toward Damon, who was giving him a cheesy grin and a sly thumbs-up behind her back. Then he looked toward the dance floor. Several couples were shuffling around to a slow tune, but he wasn’t eager to join them.

I’m not much for dancing, he told her.

Samantha curled her fingers around his forearm, smiled and batted her lashes with the finesse of a siren.

Please, don’t be shy. I promise I won’t step on your feet, she teased lightly.  I’d feel honored if you’d share at least one dance with me.

He glanced toward Haroldson. Sure the boss won’t mind?

Her husky laughter shivered along his nerves. I promise the boss won’t mind. He thinks it’s important for a hostess to mingle with her guests.

Haroldson had bought himself a society gem, Kyle thought grimly. Lovely, elegant, gracious. Her smile encouraged, and her tone sounded sincere. He’d bet she could hold her own at any social affair anywhere in the world.

She gently, but firmly led him to a shadowed corner of the dance floor, and then fitted herself snugly against his body. Heat radiated through him at every point of contact. Her hands slid up his chest to settle lightly on his shoulders, and she tilted her head back to study his face.

Kyle returned her steady gaze while his senses feasted on her warmth, the sweetness of her scent and full, firm breasts pressed against his