Rancher and military hero Bane Westmoreland is on a
mission to reconnect with the one who got away. And when the
beautiful chemist's discovery puts her in danger, Bane vows
to protect her at all costs
Read on for a sneak peek of BANE
the latest in New York Times Bestselling author
Brenda Jackson’s The Westmorelands series
“Why are you acting so secretive?” Bane asked, puzzled.
“You’ve never acted that way with me before.”
No, Crystal hadn’t. But then the Bane she used to know, the
secret husband she’d loved more than life itself, would not
have forgotten her for five years. He would have moved
heaven, hell and any place in between to have her with him
so the two of them could be together.
“You’re not the only one who’s changed. Just like you’re not
the same, I’m not the same.”
They faced off. She didn’t see him move, but suddenly his
body brushed against hers and she drew in a sharp breath.
The touch had been electric, sending a sizzle through her.
Suddenly, her mind was filled with memories of the last time
they’d touched. Really touched. All over. Naked. Those
memories were enough to ignite a fire in the pit of her stomach.
“You may not be the same,” he said, breaking into the
silence between them, speaking in a low tone. “But you kept
your wedding vows.”
He spoke with such absolute certainty, she wondered how he
could be so sure. But of course he was right. “Yes, I kept
them.”
He nodded. “And before doubt starts clouding that pretty
little head of yours, let me go on record to say that I
might not be the same, but I kept my wedding vows as well.
Now, why did you come to the door with a gun and packed bags?”
Just like she didn’t want to involve her mother and Aunt
Rachel in whatever was going on, she definitely didn’t want
to involve Bane.
She nibbled her lips as she tried coming up with something
that would sound reasonable. Something that wasn’t too much
of a lie. So she said, “The reason for the packed luggage is
because I’m taking a trip.”
“Where are you headed?”
If she told him the truth, he would question her, so she
said, “Chicago.”
“Fine. I’ll go with you.”
She blinked, anxiety closing in on her. “Go with me?”
“Yes. I’m on leave so I can do that,” he said calmly.
“Besides, it’s time I got to know you again, and I want you
to get to know me.” She knew she was a goner when he asked
in a husky voice, “You do want to get to know me all over
again, don’t you, Crystal?”
Getting to know Brisbane Westmoreland the first time around
had been a roller coaster and she’d definitely enjoyed the
ride. There was no doubt that getting to know the new Bane
would be even more exhilarating.
As if he knew what she was thinking, he caressed the side of
her face with the tip of his finger. “I definitely want to
get to know you again.”
Then he brought her body closer to his. She felt his
erection, pressing hard against her middle and a craving
she’d tried to put to rest years ago reared its greedy head,
making her force back a moan. If she didn’t get her
self-control back, she would jump his bones without a second
thought. And that wasn’t good.
She didn’t even know him anymore.
But then she stared into his eyes. Hazel eyes that had
branded her the first time she’d gazed into them. Eyes
belonging to Bane. Her Bane.
At that moment, she didn’t care that they’d both changed.
She wanted his hands on her and his tongue in her mouth.
He bent his head closer, and she refused to consider
anything other than what she wanted, needed and had gone
five years without. She clutched tight to his shoulders and
leaned up on tiptoes to cover his mouth with hers.
Don’t miss BANE by Brenda Jackson available December
2015 wherever Harlequin® Desire books and ebooks are sold.
Harlequin.com
Copyright ©2015 by Brenda Streater Jackson
