Texas Takedown
He's facing trouble as big—and unpredictable—as the Texas terrainFor security expert Dylan Jacobs, his little daughter is a light against the shadows of his past. But when the sexy ex-soldier locates missing Samantha Turner, the shadows return. Samantha is convinced their childhood nemesis—the Mason Ridge Abductor—is back. And that he’s hunting her.Amid a hail of gunfire, Dylan commits to keeping Samantha safe—then nearly crumbles when his own child disappears. So when the villain poses a vicious ultimatum—turn over the woman he loves or never see his beloved toddler again—Dylan knows what he has to do. Put plan B into action.
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âYou havenât slept. Do me a favor and try to close your eyes.â
He pulled his hand back, gathered up used supplies and tossed them into the garbage.
âOkay.â She bit back a yawn as he turned off the light.
He hadnât wanted to admit just how freaked out heâd been when he saw that sheâd been shot. Heâd stayed calm for her benefit.
Dylan couldnât even think about losing her, too. Whereâd that come from?
Thankfully, Samantha would be all right.
âWill you come over here?â Her sweet, sleepy voice wasnât helping with his arousal.
The room had just enough light to see big objects without being able to tell what they were. His own adrenaline was fading, leaving him fatigued.
He walked over and sat down. She took his hand. Hers was so small in comparison, so soft.
âWill you lie next to me?â she asked in that sexy sleepy voice. âJust until I fall asleep?â
BARB HAN lives in north Texas with her very own hero-worthy husband, three beautiful children, a spunky golden retriever/standard poodle mix and too many books in her to-read pile. In her downtime, she plays video games and spends much of her time on or around a basketball court. She loves interacting with readers and is grateful for their support. You can reach her at www.barbhan.com.
My deepest thanks go to my editor, Allison Lyons, and agent, Jill Marsal. The chance to work with both of you is truly a gift.
There are three people in this world who always inspire me, bring me joy and laughter, and teach me to be the best person I can be. I love you, Brandon (Hookâem Horns), Jacob and Tori.
To my husband, John, because you are the best part of all of it.
Contents
Difficult didnât begin to cover the past year for Dylan Jacobs. Not only had he discovered that he was a father, but heâd learned the mother whoâd kept the baby from him was terminally ill. Heâd wanted to be angry with her on both counts, but his frustration had died on the vine with every step toward the hospital where she lay losing her grip on life. And once heâd looked into his daughterâs green eyesâa perfect reflection of hisâheâd been wrapped around that little girlâs finger.
Falling in love with Maribel had been the easy part. She had rosy cherub cheeks, dark curls for days and a laugh brighter than the Texas sun. Caring for a two-year-old whoâd just lost everything known to her, everything comfortable, had been harder than his tour in Afghanistan.
What a difference a year made.
Dylan squatted at the end of the hallway just out of sight, listening intently as the sounds of Maribelâs electric toothbrush hummed, then died. The pitter-patter of her bare feet on bamboo flooring in the hallway came next. She knew the drill, the same ritual theyâd performed every morning since sheâd come to live with him in Mason Ridge. Sheâd be on the lookout, ready to find Da-da.
Her giggle was like spring air, breathing life into everything around her. And heâd been on a certain path of destruction before she came into his life.
The tap-tap-tap of her footsteps stopped at the end of the hall. Sheâd expected to find him by now.
âDa-da.â
He rolled and landed with his back against the floor a few feet away, arms spread open.
She jumped, squealed and clapped all at once. A second later, she launched herself on top of him. âDa-da!â
Thanks to reflexes honed by the US Army, he caught her in time.
âAirplane, Da-da,â she said. Her r came out as a w.
Dylan extended his arms and made her fly. âMrrrrrr, mrrrrrrr.â
A knock at the back door interrupted their playtime. It was probably for the best. Maribel shouldnât be late to preschool again. Dylan didnât think he could stomach another disapproving look from Mrs. Applebee. He might not be the most punctual guy when it came to dropping his daughter off at school, but no one could argue his love for the child. Not even stern-faced, disapproving Applebee. She might run a tight ship, but her heart was pure gold. More important, she loved Maribel.
He set his little girl on her feet next to him. âDaddy needs a favor. Go to your room, put on your shoes and grab your backpack.â
She planted her balled fist on her little hip and argued for a little more time as a plane.
The knock came louder this time. Dylan didnât like the sense of urgency it carried. âWhen you get home from school today, I promise. Okay, Bel?â
She pursed her lips and narrowed her gaze.
âAnd we can have ice cream after,â he threw in to tip the scale in his favor. âYou donât want to miss your field trip to Dinosaur Park.â
âHo-kayâ came out on a sigh. She turned and bolted toward her room. Toddlers had one speed. It was full tilt.
