Harlequin Romantic Suspense Box Set, February 2022 by Marie Ferrarella

Author:Marie Ferrarella
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2021-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Circular arguments. Prevarication. And fear.

Whatever Arden had expected in talking to Agent Durant on her own, the fear was a surprise. He masked it well, but it was there all the same. She’d spent too much of her life around animals not to recognize the telltale signs. It was a certain look in the eyes. No matter how tough the outer shell, the eyes always told the truth.

“Your confidence is interesting, Agent Durant. You speak of history like it’s not something humans are destined to repeat, over and over.”

“No, I’m suggesting this isn’t a matter of history repeating itself at all. Your family has had challenges, I’ll grant you that, but those have all been dealt with. And call me Ryder.”

“Fine. Ryder.” Arden felt his name roll over her tongue and wondered why she’d never noticed how a name felt before. Those two syllables were strong on her lips, and enticing, too. Unbidden, an image of uttering his name on a throaty growl as his body pressed hers into cool sheets filled her mind’s eye.

Swallowing back the sudden dryness in her throat, she ignored the traitorous thoughts. Or tried to. “Why don’t you think this is the same problem we’ve been dealing with for nearly a year?”

“Russ Grantham is gone. Reese’s troubles have been handled. So has Veronica’s ex-husband. You can’t repeat history that’s been wrapped up and solved.”

Since there was more truth in his words than she wanted to admit, Arden shifted her focus to Murphy, asking Ryder’s companion his opinion. “Is he always so stubborn?”

The pretty chocolate Lab thumped his tail on the thick concrete floor of the stable, a steady acknowledgment that, why yes, his master was a force of nature.

“Ahh.” Arden nodded. “I can see I’ve hit the mark.”

When Murphy’s tail only thumped harder, Ryder frowned. “Don’t listen to him.”

“Hit a nerve, did I?” Arden couldn’t hold back the quick laugh. “Being forced to acknowledge that even man’s best friend knows I have a point.”

When Ryder didn’t say anything more, Arden pointed toward Murphy. “May I pet him?”

“Sure.” Ryder moved closer, his attention on the dog. “Murphy. Come.”

The dog obeyed instantly, his training so ingrained that he never hesitated as he moved toward Ryder, taking a place at his side. That large, capable body remained alert, his ears pitching forward in a perked motion, as Ryder gestured Arden forward. “He’s all yours.”

Arden dropped to her knees, extending a hand to the dog. Although she had no concern Murphy would harm her, she wanted to give him the courtesy of smelling her before moving straight in for a pat. They’d met before and while dogs inherently reveled in touch and the sense of security it provided, she deeply believed every creature deserved a chance to accept and acknowledge touch. Affection. Companionship.

It was an attitude that had served her well with the varied animals they had on the ranch, honed through years of observation. But it was life that had reinforced the determined notion sharing her world with other creatures, both human and non, was a gift.

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