Interview with Danger

By Lisa Watson

Danger Doesn't Make An Appointment...It Just Shows Up!

When Sasha Lambert’s debut novel, The Passport Diaries, hits the bookstores it quickly becomes a bestseller. Her ex-boyfriend, and Greek tycoon, Milo Georgopoulos, believes one of the characters in the book sheds a not-so-positive light on his own extracurricular activities. He gives Sasha an ultimatum: Ditch the book or else.
Retired football player, Pierce Deveraux thinks he too has been placed between the pages of The Passport Diaries. Determined to make Sasha pay for putting a ding in his knight-in-shining-armor image, Pierce contemplates how best to even the score.

Suddenly strange things start happening wherever Sasha goes. Even her twin sister, Dr. Sienna Lambert-Deveraux worries for her safety. With an adoring assistant, an ambitious publicist, and jealous ex-lover vying for her attention, Sasha soon finds herself at the center of dangerous tug-of-war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Watson
• Release date: Feb 28, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999891711

Lisa Watson

Lisa Dodson (formerly Watson), is a National Bestselling Author, and native of Washington D.C. She writes in the Multicultural & Interracial, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Sweet Romance, and Clean Read genres. Nominated for Best Contemporary Fiction, her debut novel, Watch Your Back, sparked Lisa’s desire to continue creating engaging storylines, strong characters with universal appeal, and a keen sense of humor. They are drawn together by love, respect, and strong family ties. Lisa loves traveling, so weaving beautiful destinations into the pages of her novels as lush backdrops, or the heritage of her characters is not uncommon.Her novels for Harlequin's Kimani line, The Match Broker series: Love Contract, Her Heart's Desire, and Love By Design, introduced readers to matchmaking guru, Norma Jean Anderson, aka The Love Broker. Each novel in the series hit the #1 spot on Amazon's Bestseller List.Lisa enjoys writing warm-your-heart stories. Her novellas, A Summer of Stars, her holiday-themed Sweet Romances, A Heart for Christmas, Two Hearts for Christmas, and A Fiancé for Christmas, make great reads no matter what time of the year.Her Romantic Suspense, Spicing Things Up, proves that there’s a time for playing it safe, but sometimes you need to spice things up!Danger doesn’t need an appointment...sometimes it just shows up! With an adoring assistant, an ambitious publicist, and jealous ex-lover vying for her attention, debut novelist, Sasha Lambert, soon finds herself at the center of a dangerous tug-of-war. Interview with Danger is a thrill ride that you’ll want to be on!Lisa is also a contributing author to the new novel, Kings of the Castle.Fate made them brothers, but protecting the Castle and the women they love, will make them Kings. If you like romance, suspense, or contemporary fiction, it's past time for you to visit ... The Castle.This world was brought to you by S.L. Jennings, Naleighna Kai, Martha Kennerson, J.L.Campbell, Lisa Watson, Karen D. Bradley, Janice M. Allen, London St. Charles, and MarZe Scott.Her latest novel is King of Hyde Park – Book 8 in the Kings of the Castle Series.Lisa works at a technology consulting firm and is a Co-Publicist for the BookLovers Con. She is the mother of two young adults, a Maltipoo, Brinkley, and lives in Raleigh, NC. She is avidly working on a new Romantic Suspense for her next series.Connect with Lisa on Facebook (authorlisadodson), Twitter(@LisaYDodson), Goodreads (Lisa_Watson_Dodson), Pinterest (LisaYDodson), Instagram (LisaYDodson), and www.lisawatson.comWant a FREE e-book? Sign up for my Newsletter and you’ll receive one of my e-books as a thank you! https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y4o9u7

Book preview

Interview with Danger

Copyright © 2017 Lisa Y. Watson

This is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living, or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality.

Any similarities in other names, characters, places, and incidents are entirely coincidental.

Dedication

For my grandmothers, Corona Dash and Margaret Dodson… I miss you, Mama and Granny.

Table of 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

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter One

Sasha Lambert inhaled deeply, counted to eight, then expelled the air from her lungs with slow deliberation. Well, that was stupid.

She knew the moment she accepted a call from her ex-boyfriend, Milo Georgopoulos, that it had been a bad idea, especially with his determination to argue. And for what? They had broken up a few months ago, and Sasha had effectively kept her distance. She wasn’t taking him back. And why should she when the truth she thought she was living was nothing more than a beautiful, well-fabricated lie?

Sasha thought back to the last time they were together. She and Milo were on vacation in Corfu, Greece. She’d gone searching for him and had overheard a business call. Moments later, her world came crashing down around her head. In seconds, Sasha discovered that Milo’s continued promises of ending his marriage to his estranged wife, Andromeda, were just a ruse. She’d been duped.

And who could she blame but herself? She’d entered into a relationship with Milo with the understanding that things were over between him and his wife. He’d told her they were married in name only, that divorce was imminent and he lived his own life. Her family and friends had warned her against becoming involved with Milo, but Sasha hadn’t listened. Instead, she’d believed his claims they were estranged. Each and every one of them.

From the tone of the conversation, Milo and his wife were anything but estranged. In fact, the caring note in his voice was unmistakable.

Overhearing the discussion was as fatal a blow as if a sharp knife had been plunged into Sasha’s heart. In that split second, it was lights out…game over…heart broken.

In shock, Sasha had staggered away, looking for a safe refuge to pull herself together. They were on his yacht, so her choices were limited. She ran to their stateroom and bolted the door. She sagged against the thick wood with her hand to her mouth.

Just reliving the hurtful scene caused her palms to sweat. Her body trembled as the tears trickled from her eyes. In retrospect, it was naïve for her to think Milo would jeopardize everything for a life with her. Weren’t there signs? she wondered frantically. There had to be signs. Isn’t that what people always say in those magazine articles? The signs are usually right in front of you, but you choose to ignore them. Well the signs were screaming loud and clear now. She’d been nothing but a glorified plaything. It was true, Milo had confessed to loving her, but then again, he loved his cars, horses, yacht and every other possession he’d acquired over the years.

Count your blessings. At least you won’t ever end up on some daytime talk show with the two of you crying and fighting over him while he stands there looking surprised. She laughed aloud at the absurdity of it all. Considering how horrible she’d felt, escaping that kind of public humiliation was a hollow consolation. Unable to help it, that fateful evening appeared vividly in her mind.

She stood there a full minute trying to hear if Milo had followed her. When it was apparent he hadn’t, she wiped a hand over her face in relief. Seconds later, her feet propelled her to the bed where she collapsed face down, finally giving way to the overload of emotions she felt. She cried until there was nothing left.

Exhausted, sleep crept in, but instead of giving in to it, Sasha rolled off the bed and grabbed her laptop. Several internet searches later, Sasha knew all she cared to about Milo’s not-so-alienated wife, Andromeda Castaki Georgopoulos. Wealthy in her own right, she had tripled her husband’s fortune upon their marriage twenty-two years ago. Though she’d never met them, Sasha knew of their two children, Calandra, who was twenty-one, and nineteen-year-old Paris.

It was no secret Milo was a doting father. His children wanted for nothing. Privilege was an understatement in his family.

His sharp business acumen, combined with his in-laws’ worldwide connections was an advantageous merger—one that catapulted Milo in to the top echelon. Everyone wanted a piece of him. Even some of his competition had been esteemed guests at his dinner parties, charity events, and soccer matches. Milo had joked often enough that he believed in keeping his friends and enemies close. Sasha was closer than anybody—or so she’d thought.

Her stomach still churned at the humiliation of being deceived. Her twin sister, Sienna Lambert-Deveraux,, and her friends cautioned that Milo never intended for her to be anything but a chick on the side. Now, she realized they’d been right all along. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

Are you all right, Miss Lambert?

Sasha snapped back to the present. She stared at the concerned make-up artist’s reflection in the mirror. Yes. Yes, I’m fine. Thank you.

The woman nodded and finished with Sasha’s face before slipping quietly out the door.

With her interview minutes away, Sasha tried to relax and not be nervous. She’d worry about her personal life later. This was her day. Sweat or frown lines would only ruin her flawless makeup. Her gaze roamed around the green room before settling back on the mirror. It was then that she noticed a wayward curl. I look like Alfalfa from The Little Rascals. That thought made her smile. Poking and prodding the curl, she finally got it back in place.

This was her first television interview in the United States to promote her debut novel, The Passport Diaries. Thus far, she’d done only print and radio interviews. Sasha was determined not to mess it up. Babbling incessantly or giving the impression that she was ready to bolt from her chair any second would never do. She was supposed to look like she did this sort of thing every day, right?

Calm, cool and collected, she repeated aloud.

Seconds later, there was a knock at the door.

Come in.

The door opened, and a young woman rushed in. Ready, Miss. Lambert?

Sasha’s fingers slid over her navy-blue pantsuit. Her tongue ran over her front teeth while peering at her reflection in the mirror one final time. She looked amazing, and that added a sudden boost of confidence that rivaled a double shot of her favorite espresso. You bet I am.

Following the woman down a dark, narrow hallway, Sasha walked confidently onto the set of a local television station’s morning show.

There was a blur of activity as Sasha was led to her seat, outfitted with a microphone and briefed by a producer. Her stomach did the same flutter thing that happened to her at the top of mile-high roller coasters. Just like on one of those theme park rides, Sasha took a deep breath, pasted a smile on her face and held on for dear life.

Seconds later, they were live. The woman seated across from her smiled into the camera and welcomed viewers to the show before introducing Sasha as her guest.

"The Passport Diaries," the host prompted after reading Sasha’s bio. Tell us about it.

Repositioning herself in the plush chair, Sasha began, Well, it’s a work of fiction. My main character, Genevieve Wyndham, works for a high-powered media mogul. She travels all over the world with him to some very exotic places. People cross her path; each more interesting than the last, so she keeps a diary of all her destinations—and the zany things that happen at each one. Eventually, she finds love, but the path she travels is not without its share of bumpy rides and near misses.

Aside from this being your first novel, you were born in the United States and now live in London. You’ve traveled extensively, just like your character Genevieve. Tell us, are there some autobiographical elements to your book?

In a way, yes. I’ve met some very interesting people in my travels, too. Some have lives that could only be described as a soap opera, but let’s face it, unless you’re dead, famous or have slept with someone famous, nobody wants to read your autobiography.

So, you turned it into fiction, and Genevieve Wyndham was born?

Exactly. Though she’s less me and more a representation of women that I’ve met over the years, Sasha replied.

"I’m sure our audience is dying to know: Have you had any clandestine encounters?"

For a second, Sasha’s thoughts drifted to Milo. She felt like screaming her anguish aloud at the notion that she’d turned out to be nothing more than his clandestine encounter, but life had moved on. She had moved on. Sasha blinked a few times and forced a smile.

Trust me, my life isn’t that exciting. There are no Miguel Reyes–type men to be found during the course of my day.

I wouldn’t say that. You’ve been romantically linked with business tycoon Milo Georgopoulos. I’m sure that’s plenty of excitement.

Was, Sasha corrected. He and I are no longer involved.

Really? Her host’s eyes grew wide with surprise. I can’t believe we missed that tidbit of information.

Sasha shrugged. It’s not surprising. I’d hardly call me newsworthy.

The host leaned forward. So you’re single now?

You’ve got it, Sasha acknowledged, trying her best to appear unaffected.

You heard it first here, viewers. Sasha Lambert is back on the market.

Not exactly, she corrected, not wanting to appear to be hunting for Milo’s replacement. For now, I’m focusing on promoting my novel and meeting new readers.

Is it true that one of your characters gets threatened with scorpions? Her host blurted out before throwing her hands up excitedly. I couldn’t believe it. You must have had fun writing that scene.

Sasha was past that first gravity-defying roller coaster hill and was now enjoying herself. She leaned back in her chair and relaxed. Absolutely. Though I’m sure it was more fun for me than my character.

I read your book in one day, the host confessed, then looked at the camera. I can tell you it was hard to put down. There were some very funny moments, and I found your description of every locale picture perfect.

Thank you. I wanted Genevieve’s excursions to be memorable in the minds of my readers. For various reasons, some people aren’t able to travel. I thought that by really concentrating on the details, I could take my readers on a virtual trip through dark, lush rainforests; striking coral reefs; or behind ancient waterfalls.

Personally, I think this book would make a great movie. I’m sure your fans would be thrilled to hear that.

Yeah, so would I. Sasha laughed. So far no one has contacted my publicist about that possibility, though I’m certainly open to the idea.

And what Hollywood leading lady do you have in mind to play Genevieve?

I’m not sure, Sasha answered honestly. But trying to decide would be a fun problem to have.

I don’t doubt it. You’ve had such success in a short amount of time. Is your head still reeling from all the attention your book has received?

In some ways it is. I’ve had such great support from my family and friends, and everyone that I’ve met so far has been extremely kind and wished me the best. Just hearing that readers enjoy my story and are looking forward to the next one makes me feel…there are no words, Sasha choked out, overcome with emotion. I’m very appreciative.

They chatted about Sasha’s upcoming events and how to contact her. Minutes later, her interview was finished. The host made one more plug of the book, then they were done.

That was a lot of fun, the woman told Sasha once they’d wrapped up.

Sasha was thanking her when a well-dressed woman in red stilettos breezed onto the set.

Sasha, I’m so sorry I’m late. I caught the last few minutes though, she apologized in a rush. And you were fantastic.

She smiled at her publicist. Hi, Jewel. You really didn’t have to come.

What? And miss my client’s first television interview as a bestselling author? Never, Jewel Barker vowed, falling into step beside her. Besides, I love Chicago. Who wouldn’t? They’ve got some of the best shopping. You’ve got to check out the Magnificent Mile while you’re here. And a friend told me about the best place for Italian beef.

As they walked past the newsroom, a few employees came up and asked Sasha to autograph their copy of her book.

Jewel moved off to the side, but when an intern came up and asked for a picture, she motioned for the cell phone. I’d be happy to take it for you.

After thanking her new fans, Sasha waved goodbye and returned to Jewel’s side.

As I was saying, I think you need an assistant.

What? Wait. When did you say that?

Just now. Jewel threw her hands up to stave off any protest. "Before you say no, just hear me out. The Passport tour has been a huge success, right? You’ve sold out at every event."

Sasha couldn’t contain a grin of excitement. Let’s hope it stays that way.

That’s what I’m saying. We need to keep the momentum going and the social media blitz as well. Virtual tours, internet radio shows…guest blogs.

Stifling a groan, Sasha faced Jewel. That sounds like a lot of time.

Exactly why I think an assistant would come in handy. She can stay on top of your correspondence and post to your blog, your fan page and everything else.

I don’t have a blog.

My point exactly, Jewel replied. Honey, if you’re going to increase your followers, you need to build up your social media presence. Right now, it’s pretty sad, but don’t worry. That’s what I’m here for. I’ll help guide you and keep that buzz going, but you need to make yourself more accessible to your followers.

It was Sasha’s turn to throw up her hands. Okay, okay, I get it. An assistant it is.

Fantastic. Jewel squeezed her shoulder. Now if you need any suggestions, I can do some digging.

Thanks, but I’ll find one.

Suit yourself. Oh, by the way— Jewel stopped talking long enough to rummage inside the large designer red leather hobo bag hanging on her forearm. This was delivered by courier after you went on air. I told them I’d give it to you.

Sasha glanced down at the beautifully wrapped box. Turning it over a few times, she wondered who had sent it. As if Jewel read her mind, she peered closer.

Who do you think it’s from?

Beats me, Sasha answered. It’s not like that many people know I’m here.

Jewel glanced up. No, just anyone with an internet connection. This interview was listed on your website and mine for weeks. Anyone following you knows you’re here. Maybe it’s a fan?

It had better not be Milo.

Handing Sasha her purse and coat, they resumed walking. A boyfriend? Jewel perked up. I can’t believe I’m just now hearing about that, she protested. So what’s he like?

Long story.

Jewel leaned forward. I’ve got time.

Sasha sighed. What’s there to say? He’s my ex. We broke up, and he isn’t too thrilled about that…or my book, even less so now that it’s getting some press.

Jewel looked confused. I can’t believe you’ve never mentioned him.

We broke up months ago. I didn’t see the point.

Let’s see. Jewel scrunched her face in concentration. He’s loaded, owns a soccer team, lots of business interests… She held her fingers up to count. He happens to be ridiculously good looking, and…hmm…has an estranged wife? I’d say there’s definitely a point.

Sasha stopped in her tracks. Wait, I thought you didn’t know about him?

Jewel shook her head and waved her phone in the air. Uh, I didn’t. I just looked him up.

With a sigh, Sasha gave her the short version. He lied to me about his relationship with his wife. When I found out they weren’t estranged, it was over. Jewel’s jaw dropped open, but Sasha left it at that. Ancient history.

By the looks of it, not that ancient.

Angrily, Sasha wiped at her eyes. It galled her that the subject still had the power to affect her. He was so darn convincing.

Aren’t they all?

Yeah, Sasha agreed. I turned out to be quite the cliché.

Seeing Sasha’s distress, Jewel dove into her bag and retrieved a pack of tissues. She held it out. I’m really sorry you’re having to deal with all of this, especially now, she apologized, her face etched with concern. Still, I don’t get what any of this has to do with your book.

That part’s easy. Sasha sniffed before dabbing her eyes with the cottony soft material. He views this book as my way of trying to get back at him. I assured him I was doing no such thing, but he wouldn’t believe me. We even had a fight over it. It was huge. And then he called this morning, minutes before my interview to ask how things were going. Is he kidding me? she snapped. Why does he even care? Before I knew it, we were arguing.

Well, this could be his way of apologizing for his actions, right? Maybe this is his peace offering.

Sasha’s eyebrows shot upward. Highly unlikely. One thing I do know is that Milo Georgopoulos would never admit to being wrong—at least not publicly. Besides, it’s a moot point anyway. I’m just sorry I didn’t realize where I stood years ago.

Laying a hand on her shoulder, Jewel squeezed reassuringly. I know this must be hard for you.

Sasha shrugged. I’ll survive. That which doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger, right?

That’s what they say.

Touching the wrapping paper, Sasha’s expression was reflective. You know, for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m pointing in the right direction…like I have my head on straight. With that, she pulled the ribbon and yanked off the gift wrap. So in a way, I guess I should thank him. The blinders are finally off. She shook the box.

Don’t, Jewel warned. It could be crystal or something breakable.

Diamonds aren’t breakable, Sasha teased before removing the top.

Just the thought made Jewel perk up. Neither are the keys to a brand-new sports car.

She peered inside the box first. Her expression of excitement instantly turned to fear. Crying out, she reared back in fright.

Cautiously, Sasha peered down at the contents. Her eyebrows hiked upward, but unlike Jewel, she kept it together. When she spoke this time, her voice was steady. Dead scorpions aren’t breakable, either.

Chapter Two

They’re just disgusting, horrible creatures… Are you sure they’re dead?

If they aren’t, I think your screaming did them in, Sasha chided. You almost gave me a heart attack, Jewel.

Before Sasha could set the container down, there was a loud commotion, followed by people rushing up to them from all directions. Two security guards descended on them, knocking a cameraman out of the way.

Hey, watch it. This camera costs more than you make in a year, the man protested angrily. Ignoring the security guard’s sputtered apology, the cameraman pivoted at different angles to get the best shot of the two women. Jewel slowly moved away from the wall. I’m sorry I screamed, she said over the commotion. I just…I don’t like bugs.

Sasha lowered the box, which was miraculously still in her hand despite the crowd moving in. I’ll definitely remember that for the next time.

Should we get a live shot? a woman exclaimed.

No, Sasha protested, but at the same time, Jewel answered, Yes.

There’s no need. This was just a big misunderstanding… Sasha began.

Free publicity, remember? Jewel whispered in to her ear.

The host ran up and peered in the box. Hey, are those scorpions?

They’re dead, another employee chimed in.

Even better. Okay, people, a producer yelled as he pushed through the crowd. Let’s get ready. We’re live in five.

Before she could blink, Sasha was shuttled down the hall and back on to the set she’d just vacated. Her host was quickly seated, and when she got the signal they were live, she slid her tongue over her teeth and pasted on a high-wattage smile.

As if bestselling author Sasha Lambert’s interview couldn’t get any better, it would appear someone decided truth could be just as strange as fiction, the host began.

Sasha glanced over to her publicist. Miraculously, Jewel had recovered from her fright moments before. Her grin could’ve lit the small space they were all shoved into on its own. In fact, Jewel looked like she’d just been handed an award for Best Publicist of the Year. If the situation weren’t so bizarre, Sasha would’ve laughed.

It was hard to believe that this was the same woman screaming and terrified moments earlier. For Sasha, one thing was certain: It was time to make the proverbial lemonade out of lemons. Decision made, she sat up straight, pasted on a solar smile of her own and answered, Who’d have guessed that the way to a girl’s heart would be dead arachnids?

Trust me, Sasha, Jewel said confidently. Once the news spreads of you receiving dead spiders, people will definitely be checking you out. All the buzz is bound to translate to more book sales.

Sasha wasn’t so sure. It wasn’t spiders, it was scorpions, she corrected. She almost dropped her cell phone while rummaging through her purse looking for the hotel room key card. When she found it, she pressed her phone to her neck while cautiously opening the front door. Besides, I doubt many people even saw the added footage, Jewel.

Doesn’t matter. I posted a few pics already and got some great feedback. With lots of interest to see the interview.

What? Sasha moaned.

Don’t worry. It’s definitely working in our favor. Trust me.

Sasha shook her head. Jewel—

Sasha, this incident could’ve been a disaster. We turned it around. What’s the harm if we get more readers out of the deal? It’s win-win, right?

If you say so. Sasha sighed. I’ll talk to you later, okay?

Ending the call moments later, Sasha dropped her cell phone back inside her purse. With a sigh of relief, she set her bag down before flopping into a plush chair. She closed her eyes. What a fiasco.

Her special delivery had been pandemonium, but in a way, she never would’ve expected. Even as she was leaving, employees at the television studio were still buzzing about the unexpected excitement. She’d sold another ten books before she’d even reached the parking lot.

Well, at least some good came out of the weirdness. She opened her eyes and glanced around the hotel room. It was well decorated, but she missed London. She missed her home. After being on the road for several weeks promoting the U.S. leg of her book tour, the cities and towns were starting to blur. Sasha was homesick for her own Collington Gardens flat in South Kensington. She longed for her four-poster king-sized bed with the oversized down comforter that engulfed her like a big fluffy hug.

Just thinking about the familiarity of home caused Sasha’s heart to tighten in her chest. It beckoned to her like the red beam from a lighthouse warning ships on a fog-choked sea. Her home wasn’t the only thing she yearned for. Every Sunday, Sasha walked to a nearby shop for cranberry scones with lemon curd. She would sit outside in the communal gardens, sip her morning tea and read. It was quiet and tranquil in her neighborhood. It was one of the reason’s she’d chosen to live there.

When life got hectic and she needed to clear her head, Sasha would take long drives through the English countryside. That usually did the trick. Even the chaotic bustle of taking the Tube to Harrods for shopping deepened her homesickness.

At first, Sasha’s life had been turned upside down after her breakup