Hotshot defense attorney James Scott always follows his gut -- even when it tells him an obviously guilty man is a victim himself. Homicide detective Owen Duke doesn't have time for gut feelings -- he lives by logic and evidence. And all the evidence tells him that Scott's client is guilty of the cold-blooded murder of a young ballerina.<br><br>Scott, a notorious media darling, is willing to risk his reputation and his career on the kid's innocence. But his undeniable charm is not enough to save his client's life. He needs Owen Duke, a man who stands for truth and justice, even if the detective hates Scott and his gut feelings.<br><br>What's supposed to be an open-and-shut case quickly becomes a quagmire of lies, murder, and rotting corruption. Suddenly, instead of being a thorn in Duke's side, James Scott is the only person in San Francisco the detective can trust. As the attraction between them deepens, they race to save an innocent man, but can they save their own hearts in the process?

Pas de Deux

“Not as of yesterday.” For the first time since Duke had walked in, Sager fidgeted in his chair. “As of yesterday, he’s got James Scott trying to save his ass.”


James Scott. The name didn’t draw a memory of a man, but of headlines. Lots of them. Scott had no fear of publicity. Unfortunately, he also had both the winning streak and photogenic smile to take advantage of that. He didn’t chase notoriety. Somehow, it always found him.


“I think the operative word in that sentence is trying, sir. It’s a losing case, no matter who takes it.”


Sager relaxed, his smile returning. “That’s the spirit. I knew giving you this was a smart move. I know I can count on you to get the job done.”


Warmth, more fueled by Sager’s faith than Duke’s excitement for the new case, flooded through him. “Always, sir.”2


Chapter 4