Gail Faulkner - Darius

Darius was used to making a primal impression. Ex-Navy flyer, reasonably good-looking and gainfully employed in the manly profession of Alaskan bush and rescue team pilot, normally generated some interest. Since when did a woman look right through him?

He'd come up with a strategy to casually insert himself in Dr. Jesse Reese's life while displaying his finest qualities. It failed. Betrayed by a raging hard-on that created a black hole where his witty brain used to be, he was fresh out of ideas. Unwilling to let her slip away, he'd almost been forced to simply ask her out when he discovered the manuals. Instructional manuals for the erotic capture of a modern woman. He'd studied ten of them and was now ready to implement a bold plan to gain the most elusive prize. His saucy little heroine.

The new plan worked. Right up to the part where he takes complete control and she adores him for it. Saucy little heroine types come with their own plans and a few surprises.

There should be a warning—being a hero is damn hard work. When done after forty, can cause serious muscle pain.