Locked In Temptation

By Brenda Jackson

His job is to protect her…no matter the cost.

Police detective Joy Ingram's connection to elite security expert Stonewall Courson is instant. Undeniable. Electric. But her commitment to protect and serve has always come first. Everything else is secondary – especially when she uncovers an underground surrogate baby–making ring. Joy can't risk a distraction during the most important case of her career, not even one as sexy as reformed ex–con Stonewall.

There are few things Stonewall values more than a strong woman. But when Joy's investigation draws her into a deadly conspiracy that goes deeper than she ever imagined, he must convince her that he's the best man to protect her. And while he puts his life on the line to save hers, the insatiable attraction between them becomes the one danger neither of them can escape.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Australia
• Release date: Aug 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781489242525

Brenda Jackson

Brenda Jackson is a New York Times bestselling author of more than one hundred romance titles. Brenda lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and divides her time between family, writing and traveling. Email Brenda at [e-mail] or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

I HAVE TO keep moving.

Although her entire body ached with pain and felt as cold as ice, Mandy Clay continued to force one foot ahead of the other. Ignoring the icy wind whipping through the thin dress she wore, she continued to walk in bare feet as fast as she could, making her way someplace...anywhere but back there. That god-awful, evil place.

By now they would have discovered her missing and someone would have sounded the alarm. There was no doubt in her mind they’d be searching for her. She had no idea where she was, wasn’t even sure if she was still in the United States. The only thing she knew was that she had to keep moving. It was dark and she was in some wooded area. She didn’t want to think about all those sounds she was hearing. Animals? Predators? She was determined to stay alive. Sooner or later she would reach some sort of civilization. Right?

Mandy could tell it had snowed recently because the ground felt cold and squishy beneath her feet. Her toes were numb. She had to find somewhere safe. Hopefully someone would help her and call the police. Then she could tell them about the others. Those poor women...being forced to...

She slowed her pace when she thought she heard a sound. Looking through the trees, she couldn’t see anything, but she could swear she heard the sound of a dog barking. Were the dogs being used to look for her? Hunt her down like the animal they’d treated her as? She wrapped her arms around herself, using all her strength to move faster. It had started snowing again. Heavier now. She felt stiff from the cold, and the pain she felt in every part of her body was almost unbearable. But she couldn’t think of any of that now.

She had to keep moving. No matter what.

CHAPTER ONE

Five months later

WHERE ARE WE GOING, Stonewall? This is not the way to my house.

Stonewall Courson brought the car to a stop at a traffic light and glanced at Joy Ingram. They had attended Striker and Margo’s wedding together, and she was right. This was not the way back to her home. She was staring at him with those beautiful brown eyes that had the ability to send desire twisting in his gut and give his libido a high five whenever their gazes locked for any length of time. He would never forget the first time he’d looked into them and been totally mesmerized.

A sensual mist seemed to surround them whether they were alone or in a crowd. Those vapors were in full force now and had been from the moment he’d picked up her from her home earlier today. Stonewall had always known sexual chemistry was a powerful thing. He hadn’t known just how powerful until he’d met Joy. Now he was tuned to her every breath.

Looking at her lips, he was entranced by the memory of their one and only kiss. He could recall every lip-licking detail. Just the thought sent a needy rush through his veins and made sexual excitement curl in his stomach. That single kiss was all it had taken to deeply embed her in his system. But then, he would admit the scent of her was mind-boggling, as well. In the small confines of the car, he breathed in her sensual aroma. She was wearing the same fragrance she had the night they’d met. It had been hypnotic then and it was hypnotic now.

He couldn’t help but smile. It hadn’t taken her long to notice he was driving in the opposite direction of where she lived. Joy was a cop, after all—a detective. Being observant and perceptive and paying attention to detail were essential parts of her job.

Today she was off the clock and she was with him. He didn’t want her in cop mode. He much preferred having the element of surprise on his side. He’d known when he’d decided on this plan of action that it wouldn’t be easy, given the astute person that she was. But he was determined to pull it off anyway.

No, this is not the way to your house, he finally said. Where we’re going is a surprise. He decided to at least tell her that much.

A surprise?

He liked the way her brows shot up whenever she received new information. Yes, Joy, a surprise.

He liked her name. Something about it, especially whenever he said it, made him think of pleasure, contentment and sexual bliss. They had met six months ago, at a charity function at Charlottesville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Performing Arts Center. While standing in a group conversing with friends, he’d glanced around the room and seen her.

Actually, he’d caught her staring, checking him out. And she’d been pretty damn bold, not stopping when their gazes connected. He’d boldly checked her out in return, and had definitely liked what he’d seen. She was a beautiful woman. And the silky-looking emerald green dress she’d worn that night had complemented her body and clung to her curves. It had showcased a pair of gorgeous long legs in a pair of gold stilettos.

He’d even liked the way she’d worn her dark brown hair that night, chin-length and cut into a trendy and sassy style. But then, he would admit that he liked how she wore it now, as well. It was a lot longer and fluttered against her face while falling in fluffy waves to her shoulders. And speaking of her face... He would admit to having a thing for her high cheekbones, sable-brown complexion, straight nose and rounded chin.

On that night, even from across the room, the sexual chemistry had flared between them, nearly tripping his pulse and definitely stirring his libido in all kinds of ways. His attraction to her was stronger than any he’d ever felt, and he knew there was no way he would leave the charity ball without learning her identity. In less than twenty minutes he’d finagled an introduction. And the strange thing was, he’d always had an intense dislike for cops. At least, he had...until her.

And since it’s a surprise, that means you won’t be getting any more information out of me, he added, studying her outfit. He thought the blue lace dress she was wearing today looked good on her. Sexy as hell. Clinging to her curves as if they were a lifeline. Definitely his link to sensual fantasies. He’d told her more than once today just how nice she looked.

This was only his second time seeing her in something other than a pair of dark slacks and a nondescript button-up shirt. He knew that as a police detective, she intentionally downplayed her beauty. But her looks and curves were things that couldn’t be hidden no matter what she wore.

Normally I don’t like surprises.

The corners of his mouth twitched in another smile. That’s what he’d heard from one reliable source, but he intended to make sure she liked this one. Just keep an open mind, Joy. I decided it was time for our first official date.

"I thought attending Striker and Margo’s wedding together was our first official date."

Turning his eyes back to the road when the traffic light turned green, he said, Attending the wedding with me doesn’t constitute a date.

And why not?

He quickly stole a look at her in time to see her brows shoot up again. Because you were invited to the wedding anyway. We just happened to ride in the same car together.

She chuckled, and the feminine sound stirred something deep within him, assaulting his senses in ways he definitely wasn’t used to. I guess that’s a different way to look at it, Stonewall. The way she said his name, in that sexy voice, made his insides shiver.

He knew how her mind worked. Already she was trying to figure out where they were going and what he was up to. His goal was to get her to relax and be comfortable with him. He didn’t want her to think of work. All he wanted her to think about was him, just like he was thinking only of her.

On four different occasions since meeting six months ago, they’d made plans to go out on a date. However, each and every time those plans got canceled due to their work schedules. His job as a bodyguard for Summers Security Firm took him away from Charlottesville quite a lot. And hers as a police detective kept her busy solving homicides.

Whenever he was in town and their busy schedules allowed, they would meet up at a café on Monroe Street for doughnuts and coffee or grab a beer at Shady Reds Bar and Grill. However, as far as he was concerned, those brief good-to-see-you-again-and-goodbye-until-next-time encounters didn’t constitute dates, either. Since meeting Joy, even though he’d never gone out with her, he hadn’t been able to muster interest in any other woman. A part of him felt he wouldn’t be able to move on until that changed, which was why he was taking her on a real date. A date that was long overdue.

So, what do you have planned for this date, Stonewall?

He chuckled. Like I said, it’s a surprise and I’m not answering any more questions, Detective, so let’s talk about something else.

She didn’t say anything for a minute and then, as if she’d decided to concede—for now—she said, Margo was such a beautiful bride, wasn’t she? And her wedding gown! OMG! It was simply gorgeous, and to think, she designed it herself.

Good. Stonewall figured if he kept her talking, chances were she wouldn’t think about where they were going. Hopefully she would let her guard down and relax. Joy had met Margo while working a case that had her racing against time trying to solve a deadly puzzle that had placed Margo’s life in danger.

Yes, Margo looked beautiful and her gown was gorgeous, he agreed. Striker is a lucky man. Margo’s a lucky woman. I’m glad they have each other.

Stonewall truly meant it, although he still found it hard to believe that Striker Jennings, one of his two best friends, had gotten married that day. Like him, Striker had enjoyed his life as a single man too much to think about getting serious with any one woman. Until Striker was assigned as a bodyguard to protect Margo Connelly. The man Stonewall figured would never fall in love had done that very thing.

The same held true for his other best friend, Quasar Patterson, who was engaged to marry a woman by the name of Randi Fuller. After both his friends married, that would leave him as the lone bachelor with all the women. However, Joy was the only woman he thought about. Constantly.

I thought it was pretty neat how both of Margo’s uncles walked her down the aisle.

I thought so, too, Stonewall agreed. Margo’s quick acceptance of Roland into her life is special.

Roland Summers. CEO of Summers Security Firm and his boss as well as a man he considered a good friend. Years ago, Roland had been a cop for the Charlottesville Police Department when he’d discovered some of his fellow officers on the take. Before he could blow the whistle, he’d been framed for murder and sentenced to prison for fifteen years. Roland’s wife, Becca, had refused to accept Roland’s fate and worked hard to get him a new trial. In retaliation, the dirty cops had killed not only Becca but also Roland’s half brother and sister-in-law—Margo’s parents.

Roland looks good. It’s hard to believe that only six months ago he was in the hospital, fighting for his life.

Roland had been shot earlier that year in an attempted carjacking. Just so happened, it was the same night that Stonewall and Joy had met.

And it was good seeing Randi again, Joy said.

Randi was a psychic investigator. She and Joy had met earlier this year when the two worked together to solve the very case involving Margo. Several people lost their lives before the assassin had been taken down. Stonewall had never believed in psychic powers until meeting Randi. Her help on the case had been instrumental and had made a believer out of him.

I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Randi, Joy continued. I will never forget the day she saved my life.

Stonewall nodded. From what he’d heard, Joy had been about to drink a cup of coffee tainted with poison. Luckily, thanks to her psychic powers, Randi had detected it and stopped Joy just seconds before it was too late.

Randi and Quasar look good together, Joy added. And just the thought that they’re engaged is wonderful.

Stonewall smiled in agreement, happy that for the time being, Joy was so caught up in the wedding and the people she’d seen that day that she’d temporarily forgotten she had no idea where they were going.

And Carson Granger looks simply radiant pregnant, he heard Joy add. So do Caden Granger’s wife, Shiloh, and Dalton’s wife, Jules. I can’t believe there are three pregnant women in the same family and all due around the same time. How cool is that? Sheppard Granger will definitely have his hands full becoming a father and grandfather.

Stonewall couldn’t help chuckling. Shep’s wife, Carson, would be having a baby in a few weeks, around the same time that two of his sons’ wives would be having theirs. Yes, Shep will definitely have his hands full. But if anyone can handle an expanded family with ease, it would be Shep, he said of the man he considered a father figure and mentor.

Dalton, Shep’s youngest son, was almost twenty-nine. That meant Shep would be starting all over with the diapers, preschool, high school, college...practically everything. Like Roland, Shep had been locked up for fifteen years for a crime he didn’t commit, and if starting over in fatherhood was what he wanted, then Stonewall was happy for him.

When Joy ran out of people to discuss from the wedding, he kept the conversation going by telling her about his recent trips to Dubai, Australia, Thailand and Cape Town. His extensive travels were part of his job assignment to protect wealthy businessman Dakota Navarro, who preferred to be called Dak. Over the past six months, his and Dak’s relationship had moved beyond that of client and bodyguard to good friends.

Stonewall brought the car to a stop. Well, here we are.

He watched as Joy looked out the window before glancing back at him. A private jet?

He smiled. Yes, and no, it’s not mine. It’s belongs to Dakota Navarro. He loaned it to me.

She lifted a brow. "Loaned it to you."

Yes, he loaned me the plane and the pilot.

Why?

Stonewall unsnapped his seat belt and smiled at her. Because he’s aware of how I’ve been looking forward to finally taking you out on a real date. Dak’s also aware that jet-setting around the world protecting him is one of the reasons I couldn’t do so. He figured the least he could do was help our romance along.

Our romance?

Yes. There was no need to tell her that romance hadn’t been the word Dak used. The international playboy and businessman considered each date with a woman as a conquest of the most sexual kind.

And just where is this jet supposed to be taking us?

Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve made reservations for dinner. Anticipating her next question, he added, And I promise to have you home before midnight.

CHAPTER TWO

DINNER FOR TWO? On Martha’s Vineyard? And they would fly there on a private jet owned by Dakota Navarro?

Although Joy had never met the man, she’d heard about him. Who hadn’t? And she was well aware Stonewall had been working as Navarro’s bodyguard. But still...

She switched her gaze from Stonewall to the sleek jet. On their first official date, he planned to whisk her away on a private jet from Charlottesville to Massachusetts?

She glanced at Stonewall only to find him staring at her with the same intensity he’d looked at her with from across the room the night they’d met. The desire in his eyes was easy to read. It said, I want you.

Drawing in a deep breath, she broke eye contact with him to look out the window again, to make sure the jet was really there. When she glanced back at Stonewall, the deep desire that had been in his eyes just moments ago had been replaced with something else. Amusement. However, there was that seriousness she could always detect, even when she figured he was working hard to keep it hidden.

I don’t know what to say, she said against the lump in her throat. And honestly, she didn’t. She had been excited that after six months he’d finally arrived at her house to take her somewhere, even if the destination had been to their mutual friends’ wedding.

You can start off by saying that you’ll fly away with me. Quasar was quick to remind me today that kidnapping is a federal offense. Jail time is something I don’t want to do again.

Joy swallowed tightly. There it was. Anyone who knew her would find it surprising. That someone who was as straightlaced and by-the-book when it came to upholding the law as she, would even consider dating an ex-con.

But she was a believer in second chances. Stonewall had served his time, and since his release over eight years ago, he’d become a model citizen. She didn’t know his story, but she hoped he would eventually trust her enough to tell her.

Joy was convinced that, considering everything about him, there had to be a reason she was so attracted to him. At least a reason other than the obvious. And the obvious was that the man was so drop-dead gorgeous, he could take a woman’s breath away, literally. She might be a cop, but around him her hormones boldly reminded her she was also a woman.

And Stonewall Courson had the ability to make her want to be all woman whenever she wasn’t busy arresting criminals. That was one of the reasons for this short, sexy, lacy dress she was wearing. She’d seen it in the store months ago and had imagined it on her when she would be with him. That had been months before she’d received an invitation to Striker and Margo’s wedding.

So, do I kidnap you or do you come willingly? he asked, breaking into her reverie.

She smiled over at him. I’ll come willingly, Mr. Courson.

The smile that curved his lips from corner to corner was sexy as hell, just like the rest of him. In his black tux he looked scrumptiously delicious. It had been hard to keep her eyes off him during the ceremony, and more than once she’d checked out his broad shoulders, commanding biceps, muscled arms and firm thighs.

Give me a minute so I can check with the pilot, and then we’ll be on our way. And like I said, I’ll have you home before midnight.

He opened the door and got out, and she watched him walk away. He moved with long strides and a swagger that she doubted he realized he possessed. And because of the way his slacks fit him, she could see the thick muscles in his thighs with every step he took. Like always, whenever she ogled him her wild, needed-to-be-censored imagination would kick in. When he entered the building and closed the door behind him, she drew in a deep breath. Be still my hormones.

It had turned out to be a beautiful day in June, the perfect day for a wedding. The sun was shining brightly through the windshield, nearly blinding her. She decided to close her eyes for a moment, and when she did, memories of the night six months ago when she and Stonewall met floated through her mind...

* * *

JOY GLANCED AT her watch. Less than five more minutes and she would be free to leave the charity ball. When an informant had gotten word to Police Chief Harkins that an organized pickpocket ring would be working the unsuspecting crowd here tonight, several law enforcement officers were enlisted to work undercover. She was one of them.

Already three individuals had been arrested without incident and without anyone in attendance knowing they’d been targeted. All in a day’s work, which for her would be coming to an end in three minutes and two seconds she concluded, glancing at her watch again.

Unlike some of her fellow detectives, she hadn’t griped about being chosen to come here tonight. She supported Chief Harkins’s belief that every member of the police force should be flexible, regardless of whether they were uniformed officers or detectives sitting behind a cushy desk. When you were needed, you stepped up. Plus, working an undercover gig that actually required wearing something other than her dark slacks and plain button-up shirt? She’d enjoyed getting dressed up for tonight’s event. She’d even called her neighbor, Cherish Greenleaf, to help do something with her hair. She hadn’t expected Cherish to take the scissors and whack it off, though. But then, Joy had to grudgingly agree that the shorter style looked good on her.

When she had arrived tonight, several of her fellow male officers had blinked more than once to make sure it was her. Even her former partner, Darrin Chadwick, had told her she looked good, and had even gone so far as to ask her out on a date. Seriously, Darrin Chadwick? The man who’d been a thorn in her side since she’d arrived in Charlottesville for work almost two years ago? He’d thrown a hissy fit at having a woman for a partner and more than once had tried making things hard for her. She’d survived all Darrin’s BS and felt she was an even better cop because of it. Rumor had it that Chadwick had applied for a lieutenant position in Ohio. Personally, she hoped he got it. She would do the good-riddance dance all over the precinct if he did.

She glanced at her watch again. Less than a minute to go. She might as well grab another one of those delicious treats off the snack table on her way out the door. One thing about doing a gig like this—you definitely wouldn’t leave hungry.

Joy chose a couple of chocolate fritters. She couldn’t resist anything chocolate. She bit into one and closed her eyes. Delicious.

She opened her eyes and found herself staring across the room at a stunning man while thinking the same thing. Although she couldn’t see his face, from his profile he appeared as sinfully delicious as the fritter tasted. He was tall, his hair was cut low on his head and he had broad shoulders with a nice physique. She couldn’t help wondering who he was.

She studied the people around him and recognized the Grangers. Sheppard Granger had made news a little over a year ago when, after serving fifteen years for a crime he hadn’t committed, he was exonerated as the case was solved. And it had been solved in a big way, with the bust of a computer network fraud scheme that resulted in several CEOs and politicians being indicted. Presently Sheppard Granger was making his rounds on the talk-show circuits, pushing for prison reform.

Included in the group were three men she recognized as Sheppard Granger’s sons, along with their wives. Joy knew Jules Bradford Granger, who had married the youngest Granger a year ago. Jules, who used to be a street cop and detective while living in Boston years ago, was now a top-notch private investigator. One of the best the city of Charlottesville had to offer. Joy had gotten to know Jules when they’d collaborated on a cold case that resulted in a murder from five years ago getting solved.

Joy could only assume the remaining people in the group were friends of the Grangers. Her eyes found their way back to the one man who, even from across the room, was sending flutters of heat all through her, seeping into her every pore. How was that possible when he hadn’t even looked her way?

She stopped staring at him long enough to check her watch. She was officially off work and could leave. That meant going home to an empty house with hopes of getting a good night’s sleep without any interruptions. However, as a homicide detective, it wasn’t unusual to be awakened in the middle of the night and summoned to police headquarters because of some murder case she’d been assigned to.

Joy decided to take one more quick look at that man before leaving. Nothing like a good drool before going home.

She released a slow, deep sigh, and as if the sound carried across the room, he suddenly turned his head and looked right at her. She knew she should have looked away, broken eye contact. It wasn’t nice to stare. But it was as if their gazes were locked and she couldn’t break the hold. She practically forced air into her lungs. He had to be the most gorgeous specimen of a man she’d seen in long time. A very long time. Just looking at him had her heart racing at top speed in her chest. What in the world was wrong with her? She’d never in her life been this affected by a man.

Everyone appeared to fade into oblivion except for the man whose gaze was holding her captive in the most delectable way. Then his gaze began scanning over her, boldly checking her out from head to toe, returning to look into her eyes every so often as if daring her to look away. His silent and bold appraisal filled her with heat of the most intense kind. Suddenly her dress felt too tight. It was obvious her nipples had hardened and were stretching against the material.

She could see more of him now that he’d turned his body. Like the other men present, he was wearing a black tux, and she definitely appreciated the way it fit him, defining all those muscles. He had a very handsome face, and even from where she was standing, she liked the shape of his lips. Even more, she appreciated the neatly trimmed beard that covered the lower part of his face, making him even more handsome. From the distance separating them, she could only speculate about the color of his eyes. Were they black or dark brown? Either one worked in such a gorgeous face.

He suddenly broke eye contact with her when one of the men with him said something and regained his attention. That was her cue to exit. She needed to get home and turn up the air as high as it could get to cool her off while she drank a glass of wine.

She moved toward the exit, which would put her in closer proximity to the hottie, but there was no way of getting around it if she wanted to leave. She felt flutters move inside her once more and knew his gaze was back on her. Although she was tempted to take one last look, she refrained from doing so.

Joy kept walking, determined to make it to the door, when suddenly she heard someone call her name. She stopped, her heart nearly in her throat when she realized the person calling out was Jules Granger.

Jules was all smiles as she walked toward her. Joy, how are you?

Joy returned Jules’s smile. I’m fine. What about you?

I’m doing great. You’re leaving already?

Yes. She wasn’t at liberty to admit she’d been working undercover.

It’s still early. Come over and join us for a minute. I’d love for you to meet everyone.

Joy knew that meant she would also be meeting the guy who’d caught her staring. Mr. Oh-So-Fine-And-Sexy. It would be easy to tell Jules that she really had to go. But instead, she heard herself say, Okay.

Jules hooked their arms together as she led her back over to the group. Everyone, this is Joy Ingram, a homicide detective here in the city. She then introduced her to everyone, including the man who had so intrigued her. Joy, I’d like you to meet another good friend of the Grangers, Stonewall Courson.

He was even more handsome up close. His dark brown eyes were striking, and she felt a tightening in her midsection when a pair of flawless lips eased into a smile. Joy, it’s nice to meet you.

Joy thought he sounded delicious, as well. His deep, throaty voice sent pleasurable shivers up her spine. Nice meeting you, too, Stonewall, she said, taking the hand he extended. The touch suffused her with heat. When she was about to pull her hand back, his fingers tightened their grasp, holding her hand captive even as she was introduced to the next two guys.

And these two are also family friends, Quasar Patterson and Striker Jennings.

She smiled up at the two men. Quasar. Striker.

Nice meeting you, both men said. Although he didn’t say anything, the one named Quasar showed a hint of a grin when he saw Stonewall still holding her hand.

* * *

YOU’VE FALLEN ASLEEP on me?

Joy opened her eyes to find Stonewall sitting beside her again in the car. She hadn’t heard him return. Not asleep. Just blocking the sun from my eyes. There was no way she would tell him what she really had been doing. Is everything okay? she asked him, feeling excited about their first official date.

A smile crinkled the corners of his lips. Everything’s fine. The pilot is filing our flight plans. Ready to go?

She couldn’t help returning his smile. Yes, I’m ready.

CHAPTER THREE

STONEWALL HAD FLOWN on this jet many times over the past four months with Dak, but he doubted he’d ever enjoyed it more than he was now with the exceptional woman sitting across from him. He’d seen the way her eyes had lit up the minute he’d escorted her on board. Dak’s jet was impressive, to say the least. However, what impressed Stonewall the most was Joy.

He recalled the night they’d met. It was the same night Roland was shot. He and everyone in his group had immediately left the charity event to go straight to the hospital.

To Stonewall’s surprise, Joy had followed them to the hospital in her own car, and he was grateful that she had. He’d discovered that night that having a police detective in your corner could cut through a lot of red tape. She’d been able obtain information quickly, about both Roland’s condition and the attempted carjacking.

It had been a long night, and although she had never met Roland, Joy had stayed at the hospital with them, throwing her weight around as a detective to get updates whenever she could. It had been close to four in the morning before they’d gotten word that Roland had survived surgery and would be okay. Everyone had thanked Joy for her help, and Stonewall had walked her to her car. Even now he remembered that night as if it had been yesterday...

* * *

THE NIGHT AIR was cold as they walked beside each other in the hospital’s parking garage. The sexual chemistry that had pulled them together most of the night had taken a temporary back seat while they’d awaited word on Roland’s condition. Everyone had let out a sigh of relief when the doctor appeared to announce Roland had come out of surgery and was on his way to the ICU, where his condition would be monitored.

I’m glad your boss will be okay, Joy said, breaking into his thoughts.

He glanced over at her. Roland is more than just my boss. He’s a good friend.

I gathered as much tonight. It’s obvious that he’s special to a lot of people. She didn’t say anything for a minute and then, You didn’t have to walk me to my car, you know.

In truth, Stonewall didn’t know anything. The only thing he was certain about was the fact he wasn’t ready for them to part ways. It’s the least I could do for all your help. Getting information from those cops was like pulling teeth. You didn’t have to do what you did, and we’re grateful for your intervention.

They walked slowly and in silence for a few moments. So, how long have you been a cop?

About five years. I entered the police academy right out of college. I did my time as a beat cop before being promoted to detective.

I understand you’re new to the city.

Yes. I’ve been here for almost two years now.

From where?

Baton Rouge.

Nice city.

Yes, it is. I loved it there.

If she loved it so much, then why did she leave? He would save that question for another night because he had every intention of seeing her again...but only if she said no to his next question.

Are you involved in a serious relationship with anyone?

Reviews for Locked In Temptation

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good conclusion to The Protectors series. There has been a connection between Joy and Stonewall since they met in Forged in Desire, but their work schedules have prevented them from even having a date. Stonewall was determined, however, and his chance finally came when he and Joy attended Margo and Striker's wedding. I loved how he went all out to impress her with an incredibly thoughtful and romantic event. It was no surprise that the attraction between them lit up like the Fourth of July.As deep as their connection went, both Stonewall and Joy are wary of any kind of commitment. Stonewall doesn't believe in forever. He lost his parents and his grandfather in a short space of time when he was a youth. The pain of those losses has made him determined to keep his encounters emotion-free. Joy was engaged to a man who resented her career and the time she spent on it. Convinced that relationships are impossible for her, Joy only agreed to the occasional "diversion." I loved the development of their relationship. Though both believed it was simply physical at first, it was clear that the connection between them went much deeper. I loved how Stonewall's way of taking care of her made Joy feel cherished, without diminishing her independence and strength. At the same time, Stonewall's growing feelings for Joy made him reconsider his beliefs about forever. But it took nearly losing each other for them to realize the depth of their feelings. I loved the ending and seeing them open up to each other about their love.I really liked both Stonewall and Joy. Stonewall turned his life around while in prison. I loved his commitment to helping others the same way that Seth Granger helped him. He is also a man with a kind and loving heart, which is easy to see in his relationships with his grandmother and sister. One of the things I liked best about him was his vocal support of Joy and her career. I loved the scene in the restaurant after her promotion and how he shut those men down. Joy was amazing. I loved her commitment to her work and the protectiveness she felt for the people. I loved how she didn't let the naysayers in the department get to her; she simply did what she did best and proved her worth. I loved how tenacious she was when it came to solving her cases.The suspense of the story was very good. I loved how one new piece of information gave Joy the key to unlocking the mystery of the unidentified dead woman. Following Joy's investigation was fascinating as she put all the pieces together, trusting in her instincts as well as the clues. Getting the point of view of the various bad guys gave excellent insight into how convoluted the whole thing was. It was also interesting to see the connection between the surrogate scheme and the events of the first two books. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until everyone was safe.I loved seeing more of Striker and Margot, and Randi and Quasar. The strength of the friendship among the three men was fantastic. It was wonderful to see how they were always ready to back one another up if needed, but that they could also cut loose with some hilarious teasing. I also enjoyed seeing more of the Grangers and how they are doing since Seth's acquittal. The hospital scenes at the end were great.