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

As long as they were going by gut instincts, Duke was inclined to believe him. He just would have thought the man was smart enough not to tie himself to a sinking ship.


“The DA won’t be able to stall past Monday,” Duke said.


“No, but Hector won’t be in jail after that. I’ll get bail, and the DA won’t be able to do anything about it. He just doesn’t have the evidence he needs yet.”


The temptation was too great. The corner of Duke’s mouth lifted as he said, “Yet. You keep forgetting I haven’t had a chance to tackle this case yet.”


“I’ve no doubt that you’re an amazing detective, but even you can’t find something that’s not there.”


Scott’s nostrils flared. “No. Not as such.”


He let the smile fully form for a flash of a second. “Then there’s something for me to find.”


Scott’s eyes danced. “It’s definitely going to be interesting. Either way. And you never told me if eight-thirty is good for you.”


Chapter 11