Operation

Shepherd Security Operator, United States Marine Raider Rich 'Handsome' Burke was assigned to protect team member Laura Lee 'Lah-lee Saxton's civilian sister, Donna, and her three young children a year earlier. During that mission, he became close to the family.

Despite his attraction to Donna, Burke has not pursued a romantic relationship due to agency rules and her inability to handle the job they do. He remained her friend and acted as a father figure to her children. When pressed about his relationship with her by colleagues, he's insisted, "It's not like that."

If there is one thing that Donna Saxton knows, it's that the men in her life abandon her. The pattern began when she was just twelve years old, when her father-a police officer she idolized-was killed in the line of duty, leaving her reeling with grief. Later, each of the three fathers of her children walked away. But Rich Burke stayed in her life, a friend to her, a father to her children. Unfortunately for her, her feelings for Rich extend far beyond friendship.

After witnessing something horrific, Donna calls Rich for help. His protective feelings for her go far beyond friendship, something his teammates and Donna clearly see. She knows she has a chance to prove to Rich that she can handle the job he does, but will she have the courage to put her feelings out there and risk more abandonment?

Warning: this story is realistic, with adult language and content on the way to the HEA. This is book 19 in the Shepherd Security series. It is highly recommended that you read book 14, Operation: Reluctant Angel, before this book. Even though the story does continue from book to book, each is a stand-alone story and can be read without reading the prior book(s), but they are best enjoyed in order.