ONLY ONCE HAD HE LET DOWN HIS GUARD...Years ago, rock-solid mercenary Egan Cassidy had spent a night of sensual ecstacy with Maggie Douglas. Now, their son-a child he never knew existed-was being used as ammunition by a vendetta-seeking madman...and Egan was the target. But running to his son's rescue put him face-to-face with the one woman who'd tempted him into vulnerability. He would have to withstand Maggie's allure this time. He was a soldier of fortune-not a husband. But when Egan delivered mother and child to safety's embrace, could he let his newfound family leave his loving arms?THE PROTECTORSReady to lay their lives on the line, but unprepared for the power of love.