When the Smoke Clears by C. Chilove 💕 Book Blitz & Gift Card Giveaway 💕 (Romantic Suspense)

This blog post contains affiliate links. Click Here for details.

Lieutenant Colonel Brenden Jasper lives a life of secrets, danger, and clandestine missions. As commander of the most elite Black Ops unit in the world, nothing is more important to him than protecting the country he loves. But there’s a reason only the toughest, battle-tested, alpha men can call themselves members of the Black 2131 brotherhood. None but those in the highest realms of government even know of its existence, and it’s Brenden’s job to avoid emotional entanglements so he can keep it that way.

Dr. Paige Nichols has spent her life ruled by logic and reason, teaching and analyzing art history, so nothing could have prepared her for the completely overwhelming attraction-at-first-sight when she sets eyes on Brenden. Their chance encounter at a party opens her up to a tantalizing dark side she never knew she had—and leaves her wanting so much more. But a man with a dark side often comes with way too many secrets…ones that could put her life in danger.

Though their chemistry burns hotter than ever, when danger comes knocking on Paige’s door, Brenden will have to walk a fine line between duty, honor, and love.

As they remained engaged in conversation, Brenden took a chance and glanced over to Paige. Her smile was what helped guide him back home, and it was as beautiful now as it was the moment he first saw her. Unable to control himself, he reached over with his long finger and brushed a loose strand of hair from her face. Her giggles quieted as long lashes fluttered over bright cognac orbs.

The rise and fall of her chest was in double time. He knew now, like he did earlier when he snuck her to the laundry room for a kiss, that she was his. There was no denying the strength of the electric current coursing through their veins and bringing them together.

Despite the clear throat cough of his father and the lingering gaze of his mother, he made the decision to no longer resist. He had to seize the moment. Paige was the woman who held his future, and he’d be damned if he remained a traitor to his feelings.

Just as he extended his arm to wrap around Paige’s waist, Katie squeezed between them and whispered something in her ear.

“Excuse me. It seems I’m needed.” Paige left with Katie.

“She’ll be back, Bren,” his mother teased. “But while she’s gone, I want to know if she’s here for you or Katie?”

“Katie of course,” Robert Jasper piped up. “Now’s not the time for him to lose his focus.”

“I’m standing right here, Dad.” Brenden swallowed hard before he glanced over his shoulder to see where his niece had taken Paige. “And why couldn’t she be here for me? You never said that about Megan.”

“Didn’t have to. The way you look at that young lady is not a way I have ever seen you look at Megan.”

“So you object?” he asked, folding his arms across his chest. He’d already had to explain once tonight. He had no problem doing it again even if this was to the man that wore two hats in his life. He wanted Dad and the Secretary of Defense to know he was done not living while not on mission.

“I’d take caution, son. Paige is a beautiful woman with a kind heart. I mean, look at the way she stepped in to help Katie.” Robert scanned the interior. He winked at his wife then looked back to his son. “Men in your line of work are drawn to women like Paige, despite the risk.”

C. Chilove is a southern girl residing in the beautiful Sunshine State. When she's not writing, she's cheering on her little ballerina, being protected by her daring ninja, cooking yummy dishes for her hubby, or exploring flea markets and antique stores for hidden treasures.