Book excerpt: Marcy is the leader of a group working against a major company’s redevelopment plans for a struggling city. Specifically, she’s up against Randal, the company’s negotiator. Marcy’s aunt left her a house in the middle of the city. When she makes it known that she won’t give in no matter how many threats or how much money they throw at her, the company schemes to send in a handsome man to seal the deal. Initially Marcy laughs at their simplistic approach. In time, however, she finds herself being swayed by Randal’s sexy, grandiose seduction as well as a surprising secret…