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

You’re on duty. Stop staring. Think about work.


“Did you ever work on the list of possible subjects for the drive-by?” Yeah, that was much safer.


Scott tapped his temple. “It’s all up here. But I’ll send it on over in the morning.” He walked around the end of the counter and stopped at Duke’s side, the half-finished drink still in his hand. He was standing much too close. “Unless you’re going to take a special interest and investigate yourself?”


His throat was dry again. Damned water wasn’t doing a bit of good. “That might be considered a conflict of interest.”


“Unfortunately. I would feel much safer in your hands…the investigation, that is.”


“That’s only because you know me.”


“Not as well as I’d like.” Scott held up his hand as Duke opened his mouth. “I know, conflict of interest. Major, undeniable conflict of interest. But I’ve had a long day and…” He took a half-step closer. Duke knew he should take a half-step back. “It’s hard to remember that.”


Chapter 20