Blurb:
own /on/ - verb
have something as your own or possess
Him
A life made of ruthless decisions and a demanding career made Dominic Slade a cold man living in a world of gray. On a mission to eliminate a drug trafficker in Ireland, he meets his match—in an 11-year-old girl. She opens his eyes to the light in the world with her sassy mouth and lack of fear.
It’s just too bad she’s the daughter of his target.
Her
One moment in time and her life is ruined. At six years old her world is shattered, all illusions of safety tossed out the window. With her Mam gone and her Da ignoring her except to scold her, Deidre O’Connor finds a companion in the tall scary man hired to be her bodyguard.
Confusion and bitterness soon engrain themselves in her heart until she fights back and runs.
Them
On Deidre’s eighteenth birthday, she runs away in search of her place in life.
On her eighteenth birthday, Dominic is sent to find her. Never expecting the little girl he used to know to have sprouted into a gorgeous, vibrant woman.
When the sins of the past come back to haunt them, are they strong enough to fight together or will they be left in the cold...alone?
Quick note
Hi everyone! Thank you so much for asking for Dom and Dee to have their own story! I sure hope they live up to everything you could want for them!
I would like to advise you that Jaxson (You’ll see) is very much based off my own son JD. Any mis-spellings in words are on purpose, because my son is one of the sweetest and most amazing little boys I know (I’m biased, I know LOL) So please excuse his speech patterns, but they are on purpose.
Acknowledgments
I truly couldn’t do this without my husband, Steve. I know I say this all the time, but having his support and encouragement has been a tremendous help to not only my confidence, but my drive to succeed. My need to be the very best for not only myself or him, but my children keeps me going. Love you guys!
Mom, Grama, Sabine, and Barb – thank you for believing in me!
Kaci Stewart – You are much more to me than a friend or PA, you’re an inspiration to be the best I possibly can. Everything you do for me from beta reading to talking to photographers and models and all the way down to being my voice of reason when I need to vent is just humbling. I can’t begin to explain how important you are in my life. Thank you for wanting to be a part of this journey with me!
Dessure Hutchins – You’re amazing; your selfless support is admirable. Thank you for being such an inspiration for my Dee!
Katrina Miller – Everything you do for every author you love, it’s something that is so rare and so… I don’t even know; I don’t have words for how amazing you are. You do so much for so many and expect nothing in return. You’re a true one of a kind gem; irreplaceable and unimaginable beauty. Thank you for being my friend!
Sonya, Lynne, Crystal, Elena & Eve – My chatty sisters, the support we give to each is just tremendous! I’m so proud to call you ladies my friends!
My Fighters – Your support and encouragement in this journey keeps me going, and makes me want to just keep getting better! Thank you!
Bloggers – Thank you for supporting all of us authors!
Fans – Thank you for wanting Dom and Deedee to have their own story!
RLS Model Images, AC Solie – Thank you for such a wicked cover photo!
Dedication
For you Mom and Grama;
Thank you for giving me that first Harlequin book when I was 15 Grama!
Those started my love of the world of romance!
Mom, hurry the hell up and read Kennedy! You need to start this new series!
Prologue
Deidre ~ 6 years old
“…And they lived happily ever after.” Watching her mam put away her favorite fairy tale, Deidre was left with one burning question.
“Then what happened, Mam?”
“Well dear, he treated her like a queen. Made her every dream come true. They had beautiful children and grandchildren,” she told her in a thick Irish accent. It was something Deidre always envied because she considered herself just a plain Jane like the boys at school always teased her.
“Mam?” she asked quietly.