Heart of Courage

Under the pert pen name “Lady Smart.” opinionated Lindsey Graham crusades for social change among London’s elite, writing for the ladies’ gazette Heart to Heart. but Lindsey’s greatest campaign begins when her brother Rudy, a notorious rake, is accused of murdering a string of prostitutes.

Her confidence in his innocence is bolstered when an anonymous letter arrives naming viscount Merrick as the killer. Lindsey launches her own investigation into the gentleman’s questionable pursuits, a risky venture that earns her an unwelcome bodyguard―Thor Draugr.

At first, Lindsey refuses the protection of her employer’s brother-in-law. They are like oil and water, yet she can barely conceal her attraction to the rugged Norseman. But an attempt on her life reveals not only the lengths that someone will go to in order to prevent her interference in the viscount’s sordid affairs, but that she can no longer deny that she desires the warrior by her side …

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Excerpt From Beyond Courage

Lindsey didn’t see Thor approach but suddenly he was there, towering over the two policemen who stood next to her desk.

“Miss Graham has told you all she knows,” he said, crossing his powerful arms over his massive chest.

“And who might you be?” asked Constable Bertram.

“I am a friend–one who can see that you have upset the lady.”

“If Miss Graham is your friend, it would be wise to advise her to be truthful in regard to her brother.”

Thor said nothing. As big as he was, the quieter he became the more intimidating he appeared.

“Good afternoon, gentleman,” Lindsey said with a false smile for the men.

“Good afternoon, Miss Graham.” Bertram settled his tall beaver hat over his thinning hair and he and Constable Archer disappeared out the door.

Thor’s fierce blue eyes locked on her face. “Do not tell me you could have handled them by yourself.”

“I did just fine, thank you.”

“You were lying and they knew it. By the gods, Lindsey, you cannot help your brother by making up tales that are clearly not true.”

“I was buying time. In a couple of days, I will tell them I remembered incorrectly, that I got the dates mixed up. In the meantime, I need to find out who killed those women. That is the only way my brother is going to be safe.”

Thor’s blue gaze sharpened. “If the police can’t find the killer, how will you?”

“I’m a newspaper reporter, am I not? It is my job to dig up information. That is precisely what I am going to do.”

“You are a woman, Lindsey, whether you like it or not. Two women have already been killed.”

“I’m going to help my brother–whether you like it or not!” Turning away from him, she picked up her reticule and started for the door.

Thor caught her arm. “You are going home?”

“For now.”

“Is your carriage out front?”

“I usually walk to work this time of year.”

“You are upset and worried. I will see you get home safely.”

She opened her mouth to argue but already he was urging her toward the door, grabbing her cloak off the coat tree, leading her outside the office. He raised one big hand and a Hansom cab jerked to a halt just a few feet away. Thor helped her climb in, settled himself on the seat beside her, and the driver clucked the horse into motion.

“You are a troublesome female,” Thor grumbled.

“Well, you are a meddlesome brute.”

His jaw tightened. “An irritating, troublesome female.”

She cast him a sideways glance. “An overbearing, meddlesome brute.”

Thor just grunted and leaned back in the seat. Lindsey tried not to notice the powerful shoulder pressing against her, the faint, masculine scent of soap and man. She tried not to be grateful that he was taking her home when she has just lied to the police.

When, instead of her brother, she might be the one who wound up going to prison.