Author: Andrew Grey
Title: To Protect
Published On: 1/6/26
Series: Carlisle K9 #1
Pages: 220
Genres: Contemporary Romance, M/M
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Atlas De Vaus loves his job as a Carlisle K9 officer. When his canine partner Evie senses a problem during a semitrailer traffic stop, a search of the truck reveals illegal immigrants being transported to New York. Local shelters can house the women while the case is processed, but they can’t accommodate the lone man. Unwilling to leave a vulnerable person alone at the mercy of the system, Atlas takes him in
until a place can be found for him.
When Bijan Darya’s family and village discovered his secret, his only option was to leave Iraq. He’s used every cent he had to reach America, but he’s determined to get where he’s going, no matter how scared he is. He appreciates Atlas offering him a place to stay, but he’s forgotten how to trust anyone, much less a figure of authority like Atlas. Slowly, Atlas—and Evie, mostly Evie—begin to win him over, leaving Bijan even more confused by his developing feelings for Atlas. They circle each other, each reluctant to make the first move. Just when they might be on the same track and close to catching the traffickers, government red tape threatens to separate them forever.
Book Excerpt
Atlas’s phone rang and he pulled it out of his pocket. “It’s Bazel,” he told the captain.
“The guy you found in the back of the truck?”
He nodded and answered the call. “Are you okay?”
“I work in yard. Men outside gate,” he said quietly. “I hear them.” He was frightened.
“Go inside and stay out of sight. I’ll get home as soon as I can.” He told the captain where he was going and hurried to his cruiser. He got Evie in the back and drove as fast as he dared, with the lights going. Once he reached the house, he parked in front and let Evie out, allowing her to go inside first. She stayed quiet and went right to her dish, so at least he knew there was no one inside.
“Bazel,” he called, but didn’t hear anything. The first thing he did was check the dining room to see if the indicator under the sideboard had been tripped. “Bazel,” he called louder.
“I sorry,” he said, coming out of the back room. “They leave after I call. I thought it was
him come back.”
“It’s all right. Is the gate still locked?”
“Yes. I lock gate. Not open.” Some of the color had returned to Bazel’s face, but he was still pale and shaking. Atlas hugged him carefully, and Bazel went right into his arms, holding him tightly. “I want be strong.” “Hey. It was just a few days ago. The police are still trying to find him, but we have a name now and that’s been given to all the police. We will find him.” Damn, Bazel felt so good in his arms, and he didn’t want to let him go, but Atlas backed away anyhow because it was either that or he’d end up coaxing Bazel upstairs, and if that happened, there was no telling what he’d do. “I know you will. I hope he here so you could catch. I hid and watch, but no one come in yard.” He seemed to stop shaking. “You go back work?”
About Andrew Grey
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.