Hernandez - Blind Justice: Men of Steele, Book 5

When Tara Fujimotos quest to avenge her sisters death makes her a target, a sexy security specialist steps in to watch her back, but his quiet appeal threatens her carefully guarded heart. Can she resist their lightning-hot attraction, and stay alive long enough to expose her enemy?

Former military special operator Jeff Patarava has good reasons to keep his distance from his impossibly perfect coworker, but when her life is threatened, his resolve is shot to hell. Forced into close proximity, sparks fly as he learns shes far more than her flawless appearance suggests. Now, hell put everything on the line to keep her alive.

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For my Gramarie, part rebel, part nurturer, who entertained me as a child on long drives through Europe, and rode the Loop the Loop with me in her 70s.

Her infectious laughter and sweet smile hid a core of steel.

UNBUTTON YOUR TOP a little more, Mars said, flipping his dark blond hair out of his eyes as he adjusted a setting on an enormous camera.

Tara Fujimoto hesitated. Aided by her underdeveloped stature and a heavy hand with some black eyeliner, she had convinced him she was a naive teenager, but her reluctance was all too real.

Do you really want to be a model? the photographer asked with a sigh.

She nodded and forced an earnest smile. More than anything.

Then trust me to know what will make you a star. He stalked across the light-filled DC loft, his face intent. If youre not comfortable with your body, youll never make it in this industry. Grabbing her shirt, he jerked open the remaining buttons one by one.

She gasped when his fingers brushed the tops of her breasts as he spread the cloth wide to reveal her black bra.

Hey. She shoved his hands away. I can do it. For Emily.

If this were a real photo shoot, she would walk out now. Nobody should have to put up with this predators shit for even a minute. But this wasnt about Tara. It was about her sister. About revenge on the man whod driven Emily to take her own life. About protecting other girls from this vile man who preyed on their hopes and dreams.

Unlike when Emily had been at his mercy, all Tara had to do if she needed help was utter I want to leave, and one of Steeles security specialists would ride to the rescue.

Mars narrowed his blue eyes and shook his head. With that attitude, youre not going to get very far. He reached forward and unbuttoned the top of her jeans and dropped the zipper.

Tara jumped back, her heart pounding for escape. Stop.

Dont be a child. This is how the industry works. If its not me, itll be someone else. Instead of retreating, Mars backed her into the wall and caged her with his hands. I can make or break you in this world, Tara, he said, his voice low and husky. Youre a pretty girl, but I can make you beautiful. Who do you think catapulted Karina Hempstead and Ivy Tanaka to stardom? His steely blue gaze met hers as he gave her an oily smile. Me. He ran the tip of his finger down her sternum.

Tara steeled herself against the nausea climbing her throat.

He leaned in. Do you know how I get a girl to look her best on film? he asked, his breath hot on her neck.

No. She cringed at how weak she sounded, even if it fit the role.

He flicked open the clasp at the front of her bra, sliding it and her shirt off her shoulders before she realized what was happening.

She flinched and pushed at his chest. Stop.

He grabbed her wrists and pressed them to the wall, holding her hostage for his lecherous perusal far too easily. Every woman is more beautiful after a good fucking. Its my secret to success.

Twisting against his hold, she aimed a knee toward his groin.

Mars laughed and easily dodged. Ah, now youre getting feisty. His face darkened. I like it.

Ive changed my mind. I want to leave.

Come on, Tara. Ill be good to you. He pressed his thigh between her legs, pinning her to the wall. Youre going to look amazing. Just surrender to the process and I promise youll be an even bigger star than Ivy.

Her chest tightened. Too much could happen before Jeff intervened. She needed to get free of Mars now.

Forcing herself to relax, she widened her eyes. Bigger than Ivy? she asked in a breathy voice.

Mars gave her a triumphant smile, as if hed hooked her. Is that how it had happened with the other girls? Had they given in, thinking sex with this man was a necessary evil for the career they craved, or had they fought the whole time like Emily?

Adrenaline pummeled her veins. Her stomach churned. No matter how it went down, none of them shouldve had to suffer this assholes revolting touch.

Much bigger. He leaned back and gave her a quick once-over. Your breasts are small, but youre not built like a boy. He released his hold and slid his hands down her arms, his gaze following his progress.

Tara swallowed against the bile rising in her throat. Dont panic. Jeffs on his way. Not bothering to suppress a shiver, she waited until Mars smoothed rough fingers over her collarbone and squeezed her breasts.

Then she punched him square in the throat.

I told you to stop, asshole.

As Mars staggered back, his eyes and mouth open in shock, the door flew open with a bang.

A scowling Jeff rushed in, his hands fisted, face red. Tara? His eyes widened at the sight of her half naked before he averted his gaze.

She crossed her arms over her chest, her left hand throbbing from the punch. Her body started to shake and she had an overwhelming sensation of falling apart, turning to rubble.

You okay? Jeff asked, not looking directly at her.

Fine. Or, she would be once she was dressed and the bastard eyeballing Jeff with a healthy and advisable dose of fear was in police custody.

What about your hand?

Im fine. Shed ice it later.

Turn around and take a seat, Jeff told Mars, straightening to his full height of six-four. He wasnt as beefy as Dan or Kurt, but his size and obvious strength could still intimidate.

Manhandling and threats were off the tablethey didnt want to give Marss lawyers any ammunitionbut the shorter, thinner photographer must have decided he didnt stand a chance against Jeff, because he followed orders without protest.

Grabbing her bra and shirt from the floor, Tara quickly dressed, not bothering to tuck anything in. She snagged her pea coat from the coatrack and shrugged into the thick wool, glad for the additional barrier from the men to whom shed already bared too much.

She rummaged through her purse with trembling hands, located her cell phone, and dialed. Keeping her gaze firmly on the floor while one arm encircled her waist, she said, Yes, Id like to report an assault.

Her body wouldnt stop shaking.

Shed gone into this scheme knowing full well she would probably get manhandled. It wasnt like plenty of men hadnt touched her without permission. But never so blatantly.

And this one had touched Emily. Violated her.

Oh, Emily. Not here. She would not let him see her break down.

Mars gave Tara a defiant look. She shivered and kept her gaze on the shiny wooden planks under her feet.

A scalding hot shower was in order. Then shed curl up on the couch in her pajamas and lose herself in Netflix shows for the entire weekend.

With wine.

And chocolate.

Anger seethed inside her, for Emily, and for all of the naive young girls Mars had coerced into having sex with him. The girls whom hed promised fame and riches if they gave him what he wanted.