THE TEXAS TATTLER
All the news that’s barely fit to print!
Fortune Fiancée Arrested For Murder
A media frenzy erupted last week when a blood-red ruby bracelet found at the scene of a heinous crime led police to the doorstep of the Double Crown Ranch. A seemingly stunned Lily Cassidy, Ryan Fortune’s fiancée, was taken into custody and awaits trial for the murder of Sophia Fortune, Ryan’s wife.
The megamogul has been in a grueling divorce standoff with second wife Sophia, who refused to bow out of their marriage even though hubby’s offer would have made her a millionaire—many times over. Ever-devoted Ryan has been keeping constant vigil at the prison and swears on his Texas-sized integrity that Lily is innocent. Still, the district attorney continues to mount a strong case, making Lily out as the sort of woman who’d stop at nothing to get her man…and his money.
And in the wake of this shocker comes the next…the life of Victoria Fortune, international do-gooder, is reportedly at risk. Sources confirm that the knockout nightingale became stranded in San Bonisto when the tiny, remote nation broke out in civil war late last month. Fearful father Ryan has commissioned mercenary-for-hire Quinn McCoy to smuggle the heiress back to safety. But those close to the fiery innocent know she doesn’t kowtow to anyone, especially her father’s errand boys—even when this “errand boy” is 100% virile man!
About the Author
BEVERLY BARTON
has been in love with romance since her grandfather gave her an illustrated edition of Beauty and the Beast. An avid reader since childhood, Beverly wrote her first book at the age of nine. After marriage to her own “hero” and the births of her daughter and son, Beverly chose to be a full-time homemaker—aka wife, mother, friend and volunteer. The author of thirty books, Beverly is a member of Romance Writers of America and helped found the Heart of Dixie chapter in Alabama. She has won numerous awards and has made the New York Times, Waldenbooks and USA TODAY bestseller lists.
In the Arms of a Hero
Beverly Barton
Meet the Fortunes of Texas
Victoria Fortune: Her life was on the line, and out of nowhere hero Quinn McCoy arrived. And soon days spent dodging danger with the handsome stranger led to nights of passion. But was it just the moment or could it be forever kind of love?
Quinn McCoy: Protecting former debutante Victoria Fortune was turning into the mercenary’s most perilous assignment ever…because this time he was in danger of losing not only his life, but also his heart.
Lily Cassidy: When Ryan Fortune’s wife was found murdered, all fingers pointed to the billionaire’s soon-to-be third bride. Did Lily resort to murder to clear her path down the aisle with Ryan?
Cole Cassidy: He couldn’t stand idly by and let his mother go to jail. But would he be able to prove Lily’s innocence before it was too late?
To my wonderful former editor, Lynda Curnyn, whose tireless efforts to help me make each book the best it can be are greatly appreciated.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Prologue
“I can’t guarantee the man that I can bring his daughter home safe and sound!” Quinn McCoy narrowed his piercing blue eyes into slits as he glared at the closed door to Ryan Fortune’s study.
Sam Waterman scrutinized his old friend, someone he trusted implicitly, despite Quinn’s mercenary background and mean-as-the-devil reputation. Women considered the man good-looking, in a rough and rugged way. They were attracted to him like bears to honey. And he was definitely a man other men respected and feared. Smart men. Those not so smart learned the hard way not to cross swords with Quinn McCoy.
As head of security for the Fortunes since Ryan Fortune, the patriarch of the family, had hired him, Sam took his responsibilities seriously. After the man’s grandson had been abducted right out of his own crib, more bodyguards had been added to protect the family. It seemed unfair that with Ryan already having to deal with his fiancée being accused of murdering his former wife and his grandson being kidnapped that he now had to worry about his daughter Victoria’s safety.
But Sam knew, without a doubt, that the hardboiled gun-for-hire was a godsend for the Fortunes—the only man on earth he felt certain could bring Victoria home to her family.
“I told Ryan you were the best, that you’re worth every penny of what he’s offering you,” Sam said. “Just go in there and talk to him. He’s a father who’s worried sick about his child. He’ll give you anything you want, if you bring Victoria home to him.”
“And what happens if I go after this spoiled little heiress and don’t bring her back?” Quinn turned his speculative gaze on Sam. “Ryan Fortune is one of the most powerful men in the U.S. and not someone I’d want as an enemy.”
“But if you succeed, he’d be your friend for life.”
“Do you know how slim the odds are that I’d be able to make it in and out of Palmira, let alone bring Victoria Fortune out alive, now that Santo Bonisto is at war?”
“Just talk to Ryan before you make your decision.” Sam rapped loudly on the closed door.
“Come in!”
Sam opened the door. Quinn hesitated.
Ryan Fortune rose from behind his massive desk, his dark eyes surveying the man Sam ushered into his private domain. Sam waited for several minutes, allowing the two men to size each other up and assimilate their gut reactions. As two bucks about to go into battle over a doe, the wealthy, powerful older man studied the lean, broad-shouldered warrior while the younger man defiantly met his perusal with a cool, confident observation of his own.
Before Sam could make the introductions, Ryan rounded the edge of the desk. “So you’re Quinn McCoy.”
Quinn didn’t so much as flinch. “So you’re Ryan Fortune.”
The corners of Ryan’s lips twitched as if he were going to smile, but instead he nodded to a manila file folder on his desk. “I know everything there is to know about you, Mr. McCoy, from your shoe size to how many fillings you have in your teeth. You’ve lived a rather dangerous, exciting life, haven’t you?”
“Yeah, I suppose I have.”
“Sam tells me that I can trust you, Mr. McCoy. His faith in you is the reason you’re here today,” Ryan said. “The reason I’m willing to offer you half a million dollars