She’s the only one who can save her sister’s life…
He’s the only one who can save hers
For Zoe Goodwyn, dog-sitting for her twin shouldn’t be a life-and-death situation. But when she’s mistaken for her hard-hitting journalist sister, security specialist Noah Casey stops the kidnapper. And designates himself her bodyguard to keep her safe. Zoe knows the only way to catch the culprit is to use herself as bait—endangering her life and her heart. The heated attraction between Zoe and Noah is almost as overwhelming as the current threats, even with Noah vowing to protect her. But will this well-meaning mission lead to deadly consequences?
From Harlequin Romantic Suspense: Danger. Passion. Drama.
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THE TWIN’S BODYGUARD
by Veronica Forand
Chapter 1
For as long as Zoe Goodwyn could remember, she’d put the needs of her twin sister, Allison, first, even if it meant sacrificing her own needs. She’d given up career opportunities and even let go of a boyfriend or two to remain in their hometown to care for their father. Her latest sacrifice seemed mild by comparison—abandoning plans with friends to catch the ferry from Nantucket and watch her sister’s dog.
Stepping off the bus into the heart of Boston, Zoe shielded herself from the city’s loud energy, a sharp contrast to the meditative qualities of waves breaking on a sandy beach and the call of seagulls darting across the sky. The salt air in Boston felt invigorating, but the bags of trash waiting for pickup added a somewhat sour city smell that wrinkled her nose. Although Zoe enjoyed visits to Boston, she preferred when Allison traveled to Nantucket so Zoe could remain in her zen place. Not that she entirely disliked the city. Just city people. People acted differently in large groups. They had more of a survival of the fittest mentality. She preferred any groups around her to be under the age of ten. In fact, her third-grade students were her favorite people. Everyone else brought too much with them. Too much noise, conflict, gossip, expectations, and superiority. She slipped away from the crush at the bus station while texting her dad that she’d made it into the city.
Zoe relaxed as she reached her sister’s neighborhood. Few cars ventured down the one-way cobblestone road to the three-story brownstone. Pausing in front of a florist, she bought a bundle of white and pink peonies before traveling the final block to her destination. Flowers always made everything a touch brighter and more fragrant.
A woman, dressed in a pale blue shirtdress and walking a large white dog, waved from across the street. “Allison, I loved your report on stolen pets. Keep up the good work.” As a young and energetic investigative reporter for a local news channel, Allison had minor celebrity status in the city. She thrived among people and could persuade anyone to hand over their most personal stories. She also loved getting in the middle of complicated issues.
Normally, Zoe would ignore people confusing her for her sister, but she couldn’t make her sister appear unfriendly. Trying to explain that she was not, in fact, Allison, was always too much of a chore. Not many people knew about Allison’s sister, and Zoe liked it that way. Her baseball cap, ponytail and sunglasses should have kept her identity hidden. This was her sister’s neighborhood, however, so perhaps, people could see through a disguise here. She waved and mouthed thanks to the woman, who smiled and continued down the street with her dog.
Once inside the building, Zoe heard howling. Marlowe. Mrs. Peterson, an older woman with a tousled, pewter bob and a charming disposition, never disciplined Marlowe when she watched him. She preferred the bribery method in restraining him. Zoe entered the apartment and was greeted by one very excited beagle. As soon as the door closed behind her, she let go of her suitcase, kicked off her red Mary Janes, never allowed on the perfectly waxed floor, and headed to the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase. Marlowe’s intensity didn’t slow. His tail wasn’t wagging. Instead, he appeared distressed. He was always happy to see her, so his behavior caused her to pause and crouch down to his level.
“What’s the matter, little man?” Zoe asked the shaking beagle. Normally, he’d greet her between blistering romps around the foyer, into the kitchen, over the living room furniture and right back to her side. Now he didn’t leave her side.
She dropped the flowers on the counter and scanned the room. The kitchen and living room seemed as sterile and minimalist as always, but quiet, except for Marlowe.
“Mrs. Peterson?” she called out, as Marlowe continued his barking. He nearly tripped her as she tried to walk into the room. “Go to bed.” She pointed to Marlowe’s bed and looked around for Mrs. Peterson. She paused and stared him down. He popped into a down position on his bed, but as soon as she walked further into the apartment, he bounded to her side.
Turning away from him, she took a deep breath.
The energy inside the apartment felt unfamiliar. Something was off. Whatever created the tension in the room lifted the hair on her arms and made her almost turn around and run back out the door. But Mrs. Peterson had to be here because Zoe could smell hints of the jasmine perfume she always wore.
Marlowe rushed ahead, barking and winding up again. Zoe stalled at the door to Allison’s study. Papers and drawers and files had been tossed all over the floor. Marlowe skittered back into the hall away from Mrs. Peterson, who was face down on the floor.
Zoe rushed over to her. It appeared as though she’d fallen or maybe collapsed. A good-sized gash was on the back of her head, matting her hair with blood.
“Mrs. Peterson, are you okay?” she asked, knowing she wasn’t. Marlowe rushed toward her, barking louder. Zoe wanted to comfort him but had to focus on the unconscious woman in front of her.
“You’re here?” A gruff voice came from behind her.
Before she could turn, the stranger’s hand reached around and covered her mouth with a cloth. She tried to push him away, but his grip was strong and her ability to fight was fading. Her eyes closed, the barking grew faint, and everything went black.
***
Feel the excitement in these uplifting romances, part of the Fresh Pond Security series:
Book 1: Protector in Disguise
Book 2: The Twin’s Bodyguard
Book 3: The Heiress’s Bodyguard