**Prepare for edge-of-your-seat suspense in this Thriller Short. Originally published in THRILLER 2 (2009), edited by #1** New York Times bestselling author Clive Cussler. In this Thriller Short, bestselling author Simon Wood brings his thirst for risk into play with an unusual tale of love. Nick, stubbornly love struck, is getting ready to take his relationship with Melanie Lassen to the next level by proposing to her. But when Melanie’s brother, Jamie, learns of Nick’s marriage plans, he warns him to break it off and never see her again—or else. Despite Jamie’s pointed and repeated threats on his life, Nick is undeterred and goes on the offensive. His sleuthing uncovers a dark secret about Jamie that he uses as the ante in a high-stakes game of poker—one where both men’s lives are at risk. Don’t miss any of these exciting stories from Thriller 2: The Weapon by Jeffery Deaver Remaking by Blake Crouch Iced by Harry Hunsicker Justice Served by Mariah Stewart The Circle by David Hewson Roomful of Witnesses by R.L. Stine The House on Pine Terrace by Phillip Margolin The Desert Here and the Desert Far Away by Marcus Sakey On the Run by Carla Neggers Can You Help Me Out Here? by Robert Ferrigno Crossed Double by Joe Hartlaub The Lamented by Lawrence Light Vintage Death by Lisa Jackson Suspension of Disbelief by Tim Maleeny A Calculated Risk by Sean Chercover The Fifth World by Javier Sierra Ghost Writer by Gary Braver Through a Veil Darkly by Kathleen Antrim Bedtime for Mr. Li by David J. Montgomery Protecting the Innocent by Simon Wood Watch Out for My Girl by Joan Johnston Killing Time by Jon Land Boldt’s Broken Angel by Ridley Pearson