“Off,” the guard growled between clenched teeth in a hushed, commanding voice.
The guard had Blair pinned under him. Thick, black eyelashes framed his whiskey-colored eyes that glowed as he stared through his black balaclava, mere inches away from Hope.
Was he insane? Why would he think Hope would listen to him? Every taut millimeter of Hope vibrated as she maintained her clamp on his arm. The guard would be lucky if Hope lunged at him and only came away with the balaclava. But then, to Blair’s utter shock, Hope obeyed his command and released his arm.
The guard sprang to his feet, still maintaining his grip on Hope’s leash, and pulled Blair to her feet. Blair’s heart slammed against her ribcage. She wasn’t giving up now. She sucked in air trying to steady her breathing. The instant the guard loosened his grip she would alert Hope and they’d run. The muscles in her legs started to cramp. No! They were doomed. He’d drag them back and Blair would never see the dogs again.
He held her so close that Blair couldn’t help but sense the impenetrable muscles of his chest, even through his parka.
“Run.” The guard shoved her forward.
What kind of game was this guy playing?
“Why? So you can shoot Hope or me in the back?”
“If I were going to hurt the dog, it would have already happened,” he snapped back. “And I’ve never shot anyone in the back, but if I had, it wouldn’t be a woman.”
USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author Joanne Jaytanie writes mystery/thriller/suspense, romantic suspense, and paranormal. A transplant from upstate New York, Joanne lives with her husband and Doberman in their home located on the Olympic Peninsula with a panoramic view of the Olympic Mountains.
When she’s not writing, she loves to travel and enjoys time with her family and friends. Joanne has recently returned to dog training. Mazie, their newest addition to the family loves to work. The duo is training for Scent Work and plans to start trialing in 2021.
In her previous life, Joanne showed and titled dogs in conformation, obedience, agility, and rally. She has worked in personnel, finance and managed her husband’s forensic engineering firm.
Joanne is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America, Kiss of Death, Greater Seattle Romance Writers Chapter, Rose City Romance Writers, Sisters In Crime, Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal, and Pacific NW Writers Association. She served as President of Peninsula Romance Writers, which was Debbie Macomber’s home chapter.
