One night stands are nothing new for Zachary, a professional MMA fighter with a craving for a peculiar type of amorous encounters. But some strangers are riskier than others. When deceived and ambushed by a kilted gunman in one of San Francisco's most exclusive hotels on Nob Hill, Zachary and his savvy bodyguard, Aleksey, scramble into hiding. They scheme to avoid capture and grapple with the mystery of the attack. Who is hunting them? Who betrayed them? How can they eliminate the threat? Gustavo, a promising young painter, gets entangled in their quest. Immediately prior to witnessing an altercation between strangers near a secluded mountain trail in Los Angeles, Gustavo was secretly entrusted with a precious package. The journey undertaken by the three men becomes ever more intricate. Zachary, adamant that true romance must wait until the conclusion of his fighting career, struggles with his budding feelings for another man. Also complicating matters is the realization that the item in Gustavo's possession may actually be the fabled and bejeweled "cobra" of Hollywood legend. Cobra De Capello - "Hooded Cobra" - is a thrilling mystery and romantic suspense story with shocking twists. (A previous, abridged version was published under the title, "Guarding His Desires.") The novel contains passionate and romantic themes intended for mature audiences.