Passion and Lies: Novak Springs: Daring Love, #1

By Dawn Brower

Vivian Miene lost the love of her life, or so she believed... Then one day admist danger she thought she'd escaped, he returns in time to save her, and her twin sister. The shock undos her and, as she picks up the pieces, she has to decide if he deserves a second chance.

Eric Black left because he believed it was the only way to keep Vivian safe. He was wrong. While in hiding, he had someone watching over her, but they were not to contact him unless Vivian needed him. He prayed that she never did. After one call, he drops everything to return to her. He didn't expect to find she wasn't the only one he'd left behind. She was pregnant when he disappeared, and he now has a son.

With Eric back in Vivian's life and no danger to prevent them being together they have to decide what is next for them. They must unravel the secrets and lies before anything can be decided.

The passion is still there, along with the love, but trust is fragile. In time they might find what they need to make their relationship whole again; however, it might take everything they have to erase the imprint of betrayal from their hearts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Monarchal Glenn Press
• Release date: Mar 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393704331

Book preview

Passion and Lies

Passion and Lies

Passion and Lies

Daring Love Book One

Dawn Brower

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Passion and Lies Copyright © 2021 Dawn Brower

Cover art by Victoria Miller

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

For everyone hoping for a second chance. May the one you love be generous enough to give you one.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Afterword

About The Author

Also by Dawn Brower

Acknowledgments

Excerpt: Desire and Jealousy

Prologue

Excerpt: Unbridled Pursuit

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Excerpt: Never Disregard a Wallflower

Prologue

Chapter 1

Prologue

Vivian Miene had everything she could possibly want. The perfect career, the perfect man, Eric Black, and the perfect future—she’d worked hard for the first, and luck had sent her the second, the third had been assured by the prior two. She couldn’t imagine anything that could possibly make her life better. Except all the secrets she kept, the ones that could destroy her perfect life.

The darkness that loomed over her happiness... Eric was a key witness in a case against the leader of a known drug cartel. He had no idea that she kept secrets from him. Her duty was to protect him and she’d been assigned to become close to him. Never had she believed she would fall in love with him. Their relationship started out for all the wrong reasons. Vivian prayed that he would forgive her for the lies she’d told. He didn’t even know her real name…

Via, Eric called out to her as he stepped through the doorway of his loft apartment. Where are you?

She stared out the window in Eric’s bedroom overlooking Seattle. Vivian loved the view. Vivian turned toward Eric as he entered the room. He was the most gorgeous man she’d ever laid eyes on. Dark midnight locks and eyes the color of the Caribbean Sea on a body honed with hard muscle. That gorgeous physique was what had drawn her to him, but it was his heart that had made her fall deeply in love. Vivian smiled and met him in the middle of the room. He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers.

Vivian leaned into him and he deepened the kiss. He lifted his head and smiled down at her. I’ve needed that all day, he told her. I missed you.

It hasn’t been that long, she said. A few hours nothing more.

Any second I’m away from you is too long, he replied with a hint of delight in his tone. I hate when I have to leave you.

Vivian leaned her head against his chest. She reveled in his warmth and strength. He made her feel safe and wanted. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Savored his musky scent and imagined that there was nothing that could tear them apart. She had so many secrets and feared he’d hate her when he heard them all. She had one that he might like, but she wasn’t quite ready to believe it. Vivian needed more proof to believe in it herself.

Are you sad? he asked.

No, she answered. I’m happy. Vivian glanced up at him. Tell me about your morning. Did it all go well? This was the part she hated. She was an agent for the FBI and had been working with them since her graduation from college. Her official title was that of a profiler. She had an uncanny ability to see into the evilest of minds. They used that ability in the investigation of Miguel Santiago. Which, in turn, led them to believe Eric was the key that would lead to Miguel’s arrest. Eric had intrigued Vivian before ever meeting him. She knew every little detail and volunteered to stage a meeting. She had to know if the information in his file was true. The more she knew of him the more she loved him. Reporting everything to her superiors killed a part of her.

Better than expected, he said. We’re invited to a charity ball tonight. Eric rubbed his hands down her back. How do you feel about dressing in a sexy dress and accompanying me?

She nibbled on her bottom lip. I might be interested in what you’re proposing. Vivian trailed her fingers down his back. As long as we can leave early and have a little fun at home afterward.

I like how you think. He grinned. I cannot make any promises. You know how those things go.

Vivian returned his smile. She wanted to stay with him in the loft forever. Forget whatever the outside world had to offer… It would be so nice. If wishing made it so… We can try at least.

That we can, he agreed. Now I only came home because I forgot my laptop. I’d love to stay…

Go, she pushed him away. The sooner you finish your work for the day the sooner you will be mine.

Eric kissed her quickly and then stepped away. You make things difficult. I will return shortly before we’re to leave for the benefit. With those words he spun on his heels and left snatching his laptop as he walked out. Vivian blew out a breath and prayed she was making the right decision. She loved Eric. Perhaps it was time to be honest with him.

Vivian wore a dark gray tea length dress with silver sequins that outlined the deep V-neck and waist of the dress. The silky material swirled around her legs as she walked. She paired the dress with silver strapped half-inch heels. Vivian wanted to be prepared for any possibility and had no desire to run in stilettos if needed.

Eric circled her waist with his arm and pulled her close. I must introduce you to the man in charge.

Vivian swallowed hard. This was the moment of truth. Well, not the complete truth, but the moment when she’d finally meet Miguel Santiago. All the work she’d done had been leading to this point. A part of her wanted to turn around and leave. To pretend that she wasn’t lying to the man she loved and that all of this was a horrible dream. Her life was perfect—apart from the lying and secrets.

Miguel, Eric called.

Ah, a man said as he turned toward Eric. He had tanned skin, dark hair, and chocolate brown eyes. He was almost…pretty. Who is this lovely woman by your side?

This is Vitoria Martel, Eric said.

Please call me Via, Vivian said. She hated the falsehoods, but they were necessary.

Miguel lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the backside. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

It took everything inside of her not to yank her hand away from him. This evil man dared to press his lips to her hand. She suppressed her disgust and pasted a smile on her face. Vivian hoped it didn’t look as false as it felt. It’s wonderful to finally meet the man Eric works closely with.

I hope you’ve come to have fun. There is plenty of food and champagne. He gestured toward the waiters circulating the room. Help yourself and enjoy the evening’s entertainments.

With those words he nodded and left Vivian and Eric alone. There are a lot of people here. She met Eric’s gaze. Do you know everyone here?

I do not, he said. But I do see someone I need to speak with. Will you be all right on your own for a little while?

Of course, she said and snatched a glass of champagne from a tray as a waiter passed. She lifted it up in