AVAILABLE Now at: AMBER HEAT

When Sylinda assumes her role as stand-in for her diplomat cousin, space pirates capture her. Worse, the pirates are led by her former fiancé, Justin, the man who murdered her brother. As she struggles with her sensual attraction to him and guilt because of her brother's death, she knows her own life depends on surviving the deadly test of truth.

“Planning to arrest me?” he glanced at her holographic image slowly turning above the projector in his hand, “Ambassador.”

Relieved to know she'd passed the first test of her identity, Sylinda crossed her arms so her fingers had quick access to the concealed knife. “Now that you know this is my yacht and you are on Atarkian territory, I'll give you two minutes to collect your crew, return to your ship, and leave—all of you.”

“What makes you think I'll obey your orders?” He prowled closer, reminding her of a sleek, dangerous wolf-panther. “Your ship is surrounded by five fully armed marauder vessels. My men are in command of your helm, engineering, and environmental controls. This vessel and you are not going anywhere without my permission.”

He leaned closer. His nostrils flared. “Your voice is abrasive, but your scent is enticing. Want to earn your freedom with a long, slow fuck?”

“Damn you!” She spat in his face. “Fuck that.”

His hand shot out. He gripped her wrist. Spittle dripped from his now-expressionless face. “A very undiplomatic action—Ambassador. Most pirates would torture and kill for that insult.”

“Not you.” She hoped she was right. “You said, 'most pirates.'”

“Not me,” he agreed. “You have no chance to bargain for freedom; not even that cunning little knife concealed in your sleeve.”

Unsealing the top of his pressure suit one-handed, he drew the knife and sheath from her sleeve, and tucked them inside the metallic fabric.

Maintaining his grip on her wrist, he extracted a wipe from inside the suit, cleaned his face, folded the material and stowed it in an interior pocket.

“Now you are free to beg for the lives of your crew.”

Fear and anger tore away her resolve to stay cool. “Beg for their lives? You—you pirate,” she raged. “My crew was just doing their duty in operating the ship. You're the ones who attacked us.”

He drew her closer. “Pirates take booty. I'll claim this bauble you're trying to conceal.”

To her horror, he seized the chain with its precious capsule and tucked it inside his pressure suit.

“Cooperate with me, Madam, and you might earn it back.”

“When it snows on planet Hell.” She gave him the same cool look she'd seen her cousin use, but her mind was in a turmoil.

Justin, you've changed, she thought, filled with a mix of guilt and attraction. She should hate him for killing her brother, Chase--but the warm flow of his breath across her face and his sensual lips so close to hers reminded her of their days and nights of loving; reminded her of their formal promise ceremony and plans for a lifetime bond-marriage.

Suddenly his mouth came down on hers…hard. He nipped her lower lip, and then sucked on it in a rhythmic beat that matched the hot, edgy need racing through her blood.

AVAILABLE NOW 2007 FROM AMBER HEAT & FictionWise.com

Rating: 4 Lips
Heat: 2 Chilis

“Test of Truth is a fast-paced story, intriguing story with so many twists and turns that it'll have your head reeling. Sylinda is an amazing woman – strong and steadfast.  Justin is a caring man even though his feelings are constantly being torn apart because of his honor and duty.  Together, they are two halves of a whole and compliment each other well.  April Reid is definitely a master at weaving intricate storylines complete with wonderfully happy endings.” - Kerin www.twolips.com