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

The first splatter across his skin triggered his release. Duke drove upward one final time, his entire body stiffening, and slammed his head back into the pillow. He shot once, twice, too many times to count as Scott’s passage squeezed around him with the same swift shivers that wracked the rest of his body.


“James…” He tugged at Scott, relieved when he fell forward without hesitation. He sought out his mouth. Already, he missed the taste of him.


Scott sighed into the kiss, following Duke’s lead without trying to take control. Scott’s frame shook with the occasional aftershock, and Duke didn’t know if he’d ever stop trembling.


“God, Owen…I felt like I was waiting forever for this.” He kissed the corner of Duke’s mouth. “It was worth it.”


“Yes, it was.” It was worth even more. Duke thought he would sacrifice almost anything to ensure he got it again. “I can’t…I don’t…” He chuckled, burying his face in Scott’s neck. He couldn’t even speak, apparently.


Chapter 47