A Man Like No Other

By Aliyah Burke

Two headstrong, single-minded agents, one incredibly fiery passion, can they stay alive long enough to see where it leads?

Special Agent Taber Kysenzki is the DEA's bad boy, he has no qualms of straddling the line of right and wrong, doing whatever necessary to get the job done. But when he botches up an undercover operation, he's faced with a woman unlike any he's met before.

She saves his life but doesn't deign to give him the time of day. He'd heard rumours of an agent with his reputation in the ATF but hadn't met her until today.

Special Agent Serefina LeBenoit is the ATF's equivalent to Kysenzki. She knows all about him, how he goes through women and she doesn't have any desire to be another notch on his belt. She has a rule of not sleeping with certain men, he fits that criteria. All that changes one night a few months after their first volatile meeting, when he tracks her down in a bar in New Mexico.

Circumstances bring them together again when a killer from her past resurfaces. Together they work, skirting the line of the law, to get the murderer off the street. Sparks fly hot between them as they close in on the target. When the bullets stop flying and the smoke clears, will they ignore the chance of a lifetime?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
• Release date: Dec 6, 2010
• ISBN: 9780857153579

Aliyah Burke

USA Today bestselling author Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She is happily married to a career military man. They are owned by six Borzoi. She spends her days at the day job, writing, and working with her dogs.

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

www.total-e-bound.com

A Man Like No Other

ISBN # 978-0-85715-357-9

©Copyright Aliyah Burke 2011

Cover Art by Lyn Taylor© Copyright December 2010

Edited by Jess Bimberg

Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing.

Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

Published in 2010 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

A MAN LIKE NO OTHER

Aliyah Burke

Dedication

To the ones who willingly give up time with their loved ones to protect people they’ll never meet. Your sacrifice may not be noticed or recognised by everyone, but I thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you!!

To my husband, thank you for being you!

Trademarks Acknowledgement

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

Cuervo: Tequila Cuervo

Coke:  The Coca-Cola Company

Nissan Xterra: Nissan Motors

Dodge Dooley 3500:            Chrysler Group, LLC

Popsicle: Unilever

Charger: Chrysler Group, LLC

Mossberg 500: Mossberg & Sons, Inc.

Taurus Judge Magnum: Taurus International Manufacturing, Inc.

Colt: Colt Defense

SIG: SIG Sauer, Inc.

Chapter One

What the fuck?!

Serefina LeBenoit cursed again as she tracked the movement through the object up to her eye.

What’s wrong? a whispered voice questioned in her ear.

We have a problem, she muttered, moving the scope between the ongoing deal and the approaching man. He wore a black vest with the letters DEA in white across the front.

He had a fluid grace about him, despite how cautiously he progressed. His blond hair was tied back, and dark glasses sat upon his ruggedly handsome face. Suddenly, he froze and glanced in her direction, a slight frown filled his features. She remained immobile out of instinct even though she knew he couldn’t spot her.

What’s the prob? the voice asked. It was male and belonged to Hector.

She wiped the sweat from her brow after the unknown man faced forward again. God damn DEA agent approaching. You know they can’t travel alone. The second the agent began moving once more, so did she. ETA, two minutes.

She ran with subconscious perception. Having traversed these areas countless times, she had the confidence to do so blindfolded. She ran hard. Fast. Pouring everything into it, for she knew if that man made it before her, there would be bloodshed. She stashed her earwig down the front of her bra and kept going.

She was fast.

He, unfortunately, was faster.

The unmistakable sound of gunfire reached her. Damn it! Sounds like it’s all going to hell over there. Have I cursed the DEA yet?

Gun deals were dangerous anyway. Throw in the unexpected arrival of a federal agent, and sure as shittin’, this would happen.

Trigger-happy, over-testosteroned…

Her mood dropped even further south when she came around the final corner. DEA swarmed, they were cuffing others, her team included, and shouting to one another. A glint to the right caught her eye and she turned. There was a shooter in another corner sighting down on the agent she’d had in her own scope. She never hesitated, just took aim and fired. Seconds later, she found herself slammed on the ground, gun scattering across the pebbled ground, an agent digging his knee into her back. The hiss of pain almost slipped through but it stopped courtesy of the anger flooding her.

Black boots filled her vision and she looked up. Her blond Adonis stood there, powerful arms crossed, staring at her with blue eyes. His face was composed of sharp angles—nothing soft about him—and raw masculine strength. Intense, panty-wetting strength. The kind which would have affected her if not for the fact she was in the process of being cuffed, the small sharp rocks slicing into her skin. Even so, dude was hot.

Damn hot. And when did I claim him as mine?

He stepped forward, reminding her of a predator when she was jerked to her feet. His height added to the intimidation factor. Well, it would have had she been intimidated. As it was, she wasn’t. However, with each passing second, her ire grew. If there was one thing she hated it was incompetence. She flicked her eyes in Hector’s direction and sent him a look she knew he would understand for silence and pass it along to the rest. Then she lifted her chin and held the gaze of the man before her.

Who are you?

His voice, while angry, was decadent, rough-hewn and dangerous. She stared at him. He had a body to die for. One that would give her hours of pleasure to explore.

Okay, I obviously need to get laid.

I’ll ask you again. Who are you?

The rough baritone had a deep Texas drawl to it and felt like he pulled velvets and silks across her naked body. Harsh, intense need filled her from the soles of her feet to the top of her head.

Really, really need to get laid.

Sinfully long lashes lowered when he narrowed his gaze. Do you have any idea how much trouble you’re in?

Do you? she retorted, not backing down from his acute look.

I’m arresting you.

She watched as the crates of guns—her guns—were loaded into newly arrived vehicles. You think so?

I’d say it’s a safe bet given the silver you’re wearing.

I like silver. Gold is too pretentious. One shoulder lifted in a lazy shrug.

Although he never cracked an official smile, she could see the amusement lingering behind the hawk-like stare.

His voice was nothing but business when he spoke. So you’ve been arrested before. He made it a statement.

She shut down. If he didn’t know who she was, that wasn’t her fault. And given the handcuffs she wore, she bet he didn’t. So she arched a brow and gave him a bored look.

You know those men will sell you out. Give me something to work with and I’ll tell the judge you helped.

Skimming her teeth with her tongue, she snorted in derision. Her men would never do that but if she said anything, he would know he had gotten under her skin. And that was not an option.

You don’t think they will. He stepped closer, getting in her face. The scent wafting from him smelled like a man. Strong, virile, and so much more. "You’re wrong and you will go to jail for it. Not just county jail. I’m talking federal prison."

Another agent grabbed her arm and shoved her towards a waiting converted ice cream truck. A black suburban raced towards them, lights flashing and sirens blaring.

What the—? Blondie muttered from beside her.

Hot on the heels of the SUV was another paddy wagon type. They squealed to a stop before them and a tall man stepped out. She knew him and yet continued to keep her face blank. Salt and pepper hair in a nice neat cut. He wore shades but his expression showed his immense displeasure. The fact his lips were pressed together informed her his anger sat on the cusp of its boiling point.

Explain, the new arrival snapped.

Tall, buff and blond made himself a target by putting himself in front of her. Almost in a proprietary motion.

Who are you, he growled in response.

Director McKeon, ATF. He flashed his badge. What’s the DEA doing here? He waved his hand and the sun glinted off his wedding ring. Never mind. Take her to that vehicle.

I arrested her.

McKeon gestured impatiently like her blond man had not said a word. Blondie’s fingers dug into her arm and he led her over to the waiting truck. She saw the rest of her team already in there and the sight of their injuries revived the anger within. With a sharp swallow, she glanced to her director. He wore the hell out of his suit. A very handsome man, cold, calculating and one hell of a boss.

Get these off me, she ground out.

She heard the DEA man argue but paid him no mind as the cuffs were loosened and given to her. Serefina took them and stepped up into the back of the RDV, Rapid Deployment Vehicle.

Hell no, you can’t release my prisoner.

Sunglasses were removed and she got the full weight of James McKeon’s stormy hazel eyes. He looked past her briefly to where she knew the DEA man stood then back at her.

Why were you cuffed? McKeon demanded. You can leave. That directive was for the blond.

I didn’t see the point, she said. There was more to it than that but she didn’t want to discuss it in front of the man who’d made her panties wet.

You’re still here? James asked as a large presence appeared beside her.

I’m not handing my prisoner over to you.

Fine. Let’s roll.

Doing her best not to look at him, she sat and stretched out her jean clad legs. He sat across from her and removed his own sunglasses. Amazing eyes watched her. She winced over the stiffness gathering on her left side. The one which had hit the ground first. From the slight narrowing of his blue eyes, she knew he’d caught it. It wasn’t just him watching her; she could feel the other gazes although none had the effect of the lone DEA agent in the vehicle.

From beneath lowered lids, she stared at him. Still no name. His DEA vest did nothing but highlight the power in his body. She fought the urge to squeeze her legs together. A knowledgeable and mocking grin turned up one side of his Cupid bow-shaped lips.

Jackass.

The truck rumbled to a stop and he got to his feet. She waited. When the back door opened, McKeon stood there.

Move, he ordered.

With a single push, she got to her feet and headed to the door. Beyond McKeon, she

Reviews for A Man Like No Other

[arecafe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

DEA Agent Taber Kysenski’s reputation as a no strings attached kind of guy is well known. Serefina LeBenoit is a kickass ATF agent but years ago, her fiancé walked away on their wedding day choosing his career with the DEA over a life with her. Now all her hook ups are for sexual release; nothing more. Their paths cross when a joint task force operation goes awry. Taber has Serefina to thank for saving his life but it is not gratitude that propels him to seek her out. Serefina will have nothing to do with him because he works for the same agency as her ex. Then lust gets the best of them and they share a night of passion. Serefina is first to walk away but when Taber follows she doesn’t try to chase him away. They find themselves once again working on the same team and trying to determine whether what they have is worth exploring or should they quit after a few good rolls in the hay.

A Man Like No Other by Aliyah Burke is one of those stories that even after you’ve completed reading you wished there was more. The first line of the story is like a light bulb coming on illuminating a room and what follows is enough to keep you riveted to this “room,” or the book all the way to the beautiful ending. The plot was really good, the characters felt very real and both have a presence that makes them memorable. For Serefina, she is a kickass, ATF agent but you see insecurity in her eyes when she’s fearful of her growing feelings for Taber. And, Taber is tougher than nails but he goes against everything he’s ever done before; go chasing after a woman! The interracial, action/adventure, erotica novel is all that and then some. Serefina happens to be African-American and female in a male dominated environment and is subjected to prejudices but she doesn’t let that stop her from giving her best on the job. Taber is white and Texan born but based on his family structure he is no stranger to mixed couples as one of his brothers is married to an African-American woman. However, it’s not this differentness that draws Taber to her but Serefina’s essence; who she is as a woman. Serefina and Taber’s career is filled with action and adventure and at any moment either can die in the line of duty but they are good at what they do. It was great that Taber respected Serefina’s career and didn’t expect her to make changes in order to be with him. There is a energy between Serefina and Taber that is untamed and fiery. Their first sexual encounter is almost primitive the way they attack each other but what they feel cannot be contained. Taber and Serefina must take down a common enemy who has affected both and this journey to justice gives them the chance to bond and connect beyond a physical level. For two very tough people, the tender moments are very beautiful and I was ecstatic they found love with each other.

~ Susan for ARe Cafe