1 Chapter 1

1

Lynn rushed on to the outstretched balcony and into the coolness of the night air. Her hands clung to the cold metal railing as she focused on the sea, watching the strong ocean waves crashing along the darkened beach. The lingering smell of salt hung in the balmy atmosphere. She carelessly kicked off her strappy red stilettos, leaving the expensive shoes where they’d fallen. The whole world felt like it was closing in around her and she was powerless to put a stop to all the chaotic drama that consumed her life.

Long, slender legs carried her swiftly towards the tranquility of the sandy beach. Her bare toes sunk into the wet sand and her clingy dress slipped higher onto her thighs with each step. Wouldn’t the tabloids love to see me now, she thought with a snort. Lynn Feoras; adored, worshipped, and desired by millions. With diamond-certified CD sales, a New York Times best seller, and the ‘Entertainer of the Year’ Grammy trophy situated on her fireplace back in Manhattan, she had it all. Her fans numbered in the millions, possibly even higher, she truly had no idea. What Lynn did know was the fact she had acquired over two million twitter followers since her Grammy win. The fans wanted to date and marry her, haters envied her and threatened her life, and at this very moment; she wished she were anyone but Lynn Feoras.

Her recent tour schedule had been grueling, spanning a period of ten straight months without a single break. On top of that she had agreed to numerous book signings for her bestselling hit, “Bright Lights and Murderous Flights.” She’d worked on the book during what little free time she had while rolling down the road in her home on wheels. It was a novel about the CEO of a major corporation who had been the subject of a professional hit in the middle of a twelve hour flight to London. Ironically enough, the book idea had surfaced while she was a thousand feet in the air and headed to Los Angeles, a chilling correlation.

Lynn’s hand pressed against her chest and she gasped once more for air. Her heart still raced from the adrenaline from the show earlier—it was like a vigorous workout. Waves crashed around her bare feet, covering her tingling toes with warm wetness. Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back when a slight breeze blew against her flushed cheeks. Her wavy brown hair fluttered in the wind, batting each side of her face with the wispy stray strands. Moonlight glistened against her deeply tanned skin, her slender silhouette reflected in the shifting waters.

A hand touched her bare shoulder and she gasped, startled. Her eyes flicked open and she turned so fast her legs wobbled from the sudden change in position.

Before her stood a petite woman with light blonde hair tied into a sleek ponytail. Lynn stiffened when she saw the police uniform. She stepped backwards, and an unexpected rush of excitement energized her exhausted body. It was the uniform—a woman in uniform had always been her weakness. She entertained the idea of being arrested with amusement. Submission was not usually Lynn’s style, although she would make an exception with an officer of the law. The thought alone was enough to make her weary body tingle with anticipation.

She stared at the smaller woman and cautiously stepped closer. The aroma of play dough and lavender lingered around the officer. She nearly laughed when the thought of play dough occurred to her. What an association to make from the woman’s scent. It took her a moment to realize she was being spoken to. “Excuse me?”

“I said,” the officer emphasized, “are you alright?”

“I’m fine,” Lynn replied and she wrapped her arms around her body when a chilly wind blew across the empty beach. Her scanty dress did little to shield her bare legs and arms. Goosebumps danced along her flesh.

“Fine? Well, there’s no doubt you’re fine,” the officer said, giving her the once-over. “However, you don’t look fine.”

Lynn backed away, tilting her head as she stared at the officer. Lynn was accustomed to gorgeous women flirting with her on a daily basis, but not police officers, and certainly not a police officer on a deserted beach in the middle of the night.

“It’s not against the law to be out here at night. What are you going to do, arrest me?” Lynn’s lips curved into a seductive grin as she stood up straight, making sure her cleavage was noticeable and in the direct line of view to the officer.

“No, but it’s also not safe out here.” The officer narrowed her eyes, glancing over Lynn’s barely-there red dress. “Especially not when you’re dressed like a jezebel,” she stated.