Author
Cruel Beauty's Veil
I was once a beauty, a stray orphan until the beast abducted me. Once upon a time... In New York, a mafia boss named Petrov Kotov reigned supreme. He was a ruthless Capo, leading one of the five dominant families, La Casa. He was a creature of darkness, a trained assassin, and a merciless killer. He was feared for his brutality, his coldness, his danger, and his desire to end my life. I found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Just a bystander at a masquerade ball. In the mafia's code, no witnesses were allowed to live. To spare myself, I struck a bargain with the beast. I surrendered to the cruelest man in the underworld. For him, it should have been a simple execution. I was an orphan from the slums. As Capo Petrov prepared to give the order, I unveiled my face, shedding my mask, and offered myself to him. With a single glance, my fate was sealed. He made me his captive. His prisoner. What he didn't realize was that by taking me, Esther Griffith, he had sealed his own fate. Welcome to the dark depths of New York's underworld.
A Billionaire's Forbidden Love
My family incurred a debt to the Russian mob, and now they've come to collect their due: me. I've been designated as Andrei Pedro's bride to forge peace between Chicago's most influential mafia clans. However, Andrei has no intention of confining our union to mere appearances. Tonight marks the beginning of his insistence on consummating our marriage, regardless of my wishes. I anticipate his approach to be forceful and painful, but that's not my sole source of apprehension. Beyond the physical discomfort, I fear the psychological toll his actions will exact, dreading the possibility that he'll compel me to plead for his advances.
SUDDEN DESIRES
Tess Marshall has finally had it with her boss, spoiled but handsome actor Trevor Ryan. She quits and heads off to Lake Cushman for some much-needed vacation far away from phones, televisions and civilization. But Trevor realizes that he needs Tess and shows up on the doorstep of her cabin, demanding another chance. It's then that he realizes just how beautiful and sexy the woman he's had under his nose for two years is. Their mutual attraction is incendiary and the next four days are filled with lovemaking and a deepening of emotion for both. They step into territory dangerous to Tess' heart. She knows she loves Trevor and can't settle for being his bit on the side but Trevor isn't ready for forever. Tess knows what she wants and it's not to be a back door secret lover or second-best to Trevor's career or any other women. What remains to be seen is whether Trevor can get his priorities straight before it's too late and he ends up losing her forever.
THE BEST KIND OF TROUBLE
She has complete control… and he's determined to take it away A librarian in the small town of Hood River, Natalie Clayton's world is very nearly perfect. After a turbulent childhood and her once-wild ways, life is now under control. But trouble has a way of turning up unexpectedly—especially in the tall, charismatically sexy form of Paddy Hurley…. And Paddy is the kind of trouble that Natalie has a taste for. Even after years of the rock and roll lifestyle, Paddy never forgot the two wickedly hot weeks he once shared with Natalie. Now he wants more… even if it means tempting Natalie and her iron-grip control. But there's a fine line between well-behaved and misbehaved—and the only compromise is between the sheets!
SWORN TO THE WOLF
Rain left her old life to find a fresh start. But a wolf shifter mate wasn’t exactly what she was expecting… A new name, a new job, a new life—far from the dangers of her old one. Then Laurent walked into her restaurant and changed everything. The second-in-command for the Cherchez Wolf Pack, Laurent didn’t expect to find his destiny in a roadside café. But there’s no doubt in his mind that waitress-by-day, artist-by-night Rain is his mate. And the urge to be near her, to protect her, to have her is intoxicating. An unbelievably hot night leaves them both wanting more. But more with Laurent comes with an introduction to his extended family—of werewolves. Learning that supernatural beings are real is a shock, but becoming one turns out to be the best decision she’s made in her new life. No matter how good things are with Laurent and the pack, Rain can’t run from her old life forever. When a threat on the horizon tests the life they’re building together, Rain will have to prove that her place is with the Cherchez wolves—no matter who says otherwise.
BACK TO YOU
Former model Kelly Hurley has finally put the ashes of the past behind her. After a passionate but turbulent marriage to rock star Vaughan Hurley that ended in heartbreak and divorce, Kelly rebuilt her life in Portland, where she settled so their two young daughters could be close to their father. Just not so close Kelly couldn’t truly make her own way without interference from the man who shattered her heart. Now Kelly’s finally ready to move on, and she’s planning to marry another man. But not if Vaughan has anything to say about it. Vaughan knows he was a fool all those years ago. A young, selfish—and prideful—fool. Even as he buried himself in the fast, decadent rock star lifestyle, he could never drown out the memory of Kelly’s beauty and love. Or the sweet, searing heat whenever they touched. For years, he’s had to deal with the pain of seeing her only because of their daughters, but it was never enough. Now Vaughan must prove that he’s the only man Kelly needs, before he loses her for good. And there’s only one way to do it….
TORN
Sometimes what you find isn’t what you were searching for. Beau Petty has been searching his whole life. Searching for a place that fills all the empty spaces in him. Searching for a way to tame the restlessness. Searching for answers to the secret he’s never stopped trying to solve. What he wasn’t searching for was a woman to claim all of him, but when Cora Silvera walks back into his life, he’s ready to search out all the ways he can make her his. Cora has spent her life as the family nurturer, taking care of others. But now she’s ready to pass that job on to someone else. It’s time to make some changes and live for herself. It’s in that moment that her former teenage crush reappears and the draw and the heat of their instant connection is like nothing either of them has experienced. He craves being around her. She accepts him, dark corners and all. Beau thinks Cora’s had enough drama in her life. He wants to protect her from the secrets of his past, even if it means holding back the last pieces of himself. But Cora is no pushover and she means to claim all those pieces.
NO RESERVATIONS
Christmas is not so merry for Kate and Leah. Kate's romantic winter holiday is destroyed by the sudden and uninvited presence of Dix's annoying ex-wife, while Brandon's super-perfect family and a diamond ring send Leah running for the refuge of a girls' vacation with Kate to Sin City. But Dix and Brandon both know what they want. In hot pursuit, the men show up in Vegas, ready to use every sensual trick they have to convince Kate and Leah to take a gamble on forever. Four days in Vegas, two sexy and determined men, one penthouse suite, and no reservations make for one wild ride.
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS...
Las Vegas…it's the town that lives up to the promise of its nickname, Sin City. A gambler's paradise for innocent tourists, it conceals a darker, sexual world where the ethereal and wraithlike meet to play a different game… If there's one thing succubus Deitre understands it's revenge. That, and enticing men into arousing, exciting and, okay, perilous sex (for him). Beautiful on the outside, demon on the inside, she's going to get back at the naughty firefighter in Darkness…unless he plays his cards right… Bounty hunter Nell is a hell of a tracker. Now she's in Vegas on the tail of the witch who dared to steal from her clan. She's going to get to the unsavory harlot through the woman's ex-fiancé, and nothing about their charged encounters will be shallow, quick or friendly. When the half-blood fae male comes to club Darkness, Elena can't resist acting on the mind-blowing heat coursing between them. She might be betrothed to another, but fae culture says sex with other men until marriage is most definitely foretold. Tattoo artist Devi is the latent vampire the warlocks need to heal all wounds. But taking her power is a sexually exhausting and dangerous task requiring dark deception…and gambling on her life.
GIRLS` NIGHT OUT
"Party time? Nobody does it better than the Murphys and the Chases. " "Visits to Petal, Book 2" Lily and Nathan's wedding is just a few short weeks away, and the Murphys and Chases are doing their parties up right! It's Friday, and the women head to the Pumphouse to celebrate with cocktails, cake, and laughter. The men? They're at the Tonk for beers, wings, and trash talk. Throw in party games, penis hats, and crazy-eyed ex-fiancees, and it's bound to be a night they'll be talking about for a long, long time. Warning: Fast-talking southern women cracking wise, and the men who love them.
WITCHES KNOT
Lee Charvez is a witch in a family where all of the women are born with inherent gifts of power. She is a witch dreamer, she has the ability to walk in dreams and the subconscious and to work magic there. There is only one Charvez witch dreamer each generation and she’s the strongest in generations. She meets the man of her dreams, literally, when she bumps into Aidan Bell outside their apartment building in New Orleans. He’s a three-hundred-year-old vampire with the face of a wicked angel, and he has no problem with claiming her as his own. As if that isn’t miraculous enough there’s another man, a powerful wizard, Alex Carter, who makes their partnership into a triad. Problem is, there’s no time to sit back and enjoy her newfound loves because there’s a demon out to destroy the source of her powers, and her entire family in the bargain.
ENDS
Summer Killian falls fast and hard when Charlie arrives in Paradise Village. But the heat turns all the way up when she learns Charlie is also with Hatch — the man she loved four years before. While she’s not sure she’s cut out for a triad, neither man is going to give her up.
KINDLING
Xander… Alexander Copeland Keenan is a second-generation tattoo artist. He’s got a reputation as a rising star and a six-month waitlist to prove it. He’s been focused on work and family, not looking for anyone or anything serious, but suddenly there’s more. Suddenly there’s everything when he meets Pippa Hall. Neither is ready for the bolt of instant attraction, or for the intensity of the days and weeks to follow as their chance meeting develops into an exclusive–and very intense–relationship. Hamish… To most of the world, Hamish Wilson is a talented, hard living, hard loving singer-songwriter. Most people don’t know the real person behind the mask. From their first meeting a year prior, Pippa saw right to the heart of him and hadn’t judged. Even better, she’d been his safe harbor, and a true friend. He tells himself he’s not worthy of a committed romantic relationship with her, but fate–and Xander–intervened. Pippa wasn’t the only one either man had history with, and after an unplanned beginning, the three embark on an exclusive triad. Pippa… Pippa Hall grew up in a family whose idea of discipline sent her and two of her sisters fleeing to start a new life in Seattle. She’s got an excellent job as a mechanic at Twisted Steel, a custom car and motorcycle shop, a close relationship with her sisters and several dear friends, and then… She wasn’t prepared to fall head over heels with two very bossy men whose focus was her well-being and pleasure. Pippa is loved. Deeply. Ignition… In the midst of their happily ever after, the shadow of Pippa’s past casts a threat on the happiness and security of their lives. It will take more than love to overcome the fear. The three must stand, united to defend what is theirs.
MOONSTRUCK
In Diablo Lake, Tennessee, a town populated by werewolves, witches, and more, magic woven deep into the earth protects the town's secrets from outsiders. Katie Grady left Diablo Lake to get over a humiliating breakup; but her family needs her help, so she's back, in a sublet right across the hall from the guy she's lusted after for years. Jace Dooley is hotter than ever, and their friendship picks up along with massive doses of grown-up chemistry. The very scent of Katie sharpens Jace's canines, makes the wolf within him stir. There's nothing more alluring to a Pack Alpha than a sexy female who is so very in charge. She won't be coddled, but if he plays his hand just right she might be convinced to become his. Katie presents a challenge to Jace's wolf nature, whose chief instinct is to protect. Especially now that she's coming into the magic that is her birthright - and suddenly Jace isn't the only one who's interested in Katie, or the raw power she's just learning to use.
READING BETWEEN THE LINES
The end of a curse is the beginning of a magical love. Celtic language expert Haley O'Brian is thrilled when she gets the chance to translate a scroll written in Ogham, an ancient Celtic text used in magic and divination. While translating the text, she unwittingly frees Conall macCormac's Fae soul from a millennia-old curse that kept him imprisoned in a human body, lifetime after lifetime. The end of the curse is just the beginning of the magic for Haley and the ridiculously sexy Conall. He takes her into the world of his people, the Daoine Sidhe, where she begins to learn of her own Fae heritage, carve out a new path for herself, and embrace her new-found power. But their happiness is marred by Ninane, the jealous Fae who cursed Conall a thousand years ago. She will stop at nothing to have him for her own, including the murder of Haley's family. Determined to bring Ninane to justice, Haley must ask Conall to undergo the ultimate test of love-to stand aside and let her fight her own battles. Warning, this title contains the following: hot monkey love between people with pointy ears, graphic language, violence.
SECOND CHANCES
Ten years ago, Rori Simon left town shy, unattractive and with zero self-esteem. Now she's back, older, stronger and finally loving herself—and it shows. Hot men are soon knocking at her door, including Jude Callahan, the bad boy who starred in her teenage daydreams...and her adult fantasies. Jude can't believe the sexy, confident woman before him is actually Rori! She's gotten under his skin like no other woman has...and she brings out secret desires he can't resist. He wants to dominate Rori with every fiber of his being. Wants to own her and pleasure her. To cherish her as he makes her his. Rori discovers she likes being controlled. She also knows Jude is not a one-woman man. Everything changes when she meets Zach Helm. Edgy, sensual Zach knows just what she needs, and before long, she's in love. Jude watches them together and wonders if he's lost his chance forever...
VENGEANCE DUE
Risking It All by Anna J. Evans Catalina and Anthony are best friends and coworkers at Fantasies Unlimited where they act as fantasy dates helping their clients live out their most secret desires. But when Catalina hits a rough patch in her personal life, Anthony suggests he plan her a fantasy night she'll never forget. His secret plan? To seduce her into sharing not just a night, but all the nights in her foreseeable future with him and his lover Chris. So Catalina thinks he's gay not bisexual, is nearly fourteen years his senior and has never given the slightest indication that she'd be into a mnage trois. So what? Anthony refuses to let anything stand in the way of having the two people he loves in his life and in his bed. And if that means risking it all, so be it.
THERE ALL ALONG
"Land's End"...The Land's End highway is one of the most dangerous places in the universe. The constant peril of brigands keeps Verity Coleman stuck in Silver Cliffs, dreaming of the open road--and of Loyal Alsbaugh, the tall and silent highway patrolman. When her town is attacked, Verity has a chance to win over Loyal's muted heart. But will his wounded past make him leave her along the road, or can she convince him to take her along? "By the Sea of Sand" ...Captain Kason Reed was willing to give his life to the Sheirran Defense Forces, but now he can't remember anything but bits and pieces of the war. When his sexual attraction to his caregiver, Teila, causes him to make advances toward her, she becomes the aggressor, urging him with her body to explore the memories of his past--memories that all seem to draw him back to Teila...
ALWAYS
Sometimes you have to go more than halfway to meet in the middle. Caitlin Moore has every reason to celebrate. She’s through with law-school finals, and out for some post-semester fun when she runs smack dab into Eamon Blake, the Irishman with whom she had a summer fling years ago. Time hasn’t dimmed their lingering friendship—or their sexual chemistry. Eamon isn’t looking for love when he bumps into Cat while he’s in Seattle on a job. Yet over the next year, he finds himself involved in a rekindled long-distance romance that moves from casual to a lot more. That’s the rub. Cat is determined not to repeat her past mistakes with men and give up the dream job for which she’s worked so hard. Independence is something she’s spent years achieving. Eamon can start over so much easier than she can—why shouldn’t he make the sacrifice this time? But Eamon doesn’t much relish leaving the life he’s been building in Los Angeles—and he really doesn’t like ultimatums. At an impasse, goodbye seems the only direction to go. Ending it is the right thing to do…or the biggest mistake they ever made.
Callous Heart
While her mother spoke, MARIEL took notes. The conference room seemed normal, but late-autumn sunlight cast shadows on the far wall. The office's expensive clock and generic black-and-white artwork made it look more like a law firm lobby than a witches' coven. A bland, neutral space with no viewpoint. Meriel found it absurd that Edwina Owen, who was clearly opinionated, pretended not to have one. She couldn't pick the paint or furniture. Not yet. She sat in a relatively comfortable chair at a purposely intimidating table with the same fifteen people she had spent her days with for as long as she could remember. Unfortunately, days like these made her miss law school. Who is this crazy non-lawyer? She accomplished well in law school without this background. Next. Princes. Magical dynasty. Blah. She was just another overachiever facing the reality of being surrounded by smarter people. The journey was very harsh. Because it was her future, she took this seriously despite her busy schedule. Meriel didn't have time for this duty, but Clan Owen's investigator, Nell, was still on her honeymoon.
All Alone
The backseaters cheered when Shane reached his parents' house. That'll cheer up dad. Edward, nicknamed as "Ward" by his relatives, laughed like he heard the best joke ever. Despite his three years of experience, the youngster wasn't a pro. Shane got out and unbuckled his son's car seat. As expected, his mother ran out the front door waving and shouting to her grandchild. Grandma's boy. Babe, hug me. She kneeled with her arms wide, and Ward wriggled out of his father's clutches to jump into her arms. Please give Poppa sugar. Ward hugged his grandfather's knees when Edward Chase approached. Polly stood and smiled at her oldest son. Enter. If you brought it over, nothing was needed. I can feed all my grandchildren here. Polly's hand on Ward's slowed their climb up the front steps. Naturally. His parents changed two bedrooms into children's bedrooms as their grandchildren grew. He and Cassie had one child, Tate and Matt had two, Liv and Marc had two, and Kyle and Maggie had a fourth. Funny how much has changed.
Plunging into love
He had never smelled burning flesh. Yet sickeningly sweet. Gage has been repelled by a stench for months. The street turned orange and yellow as the house burned. Above the parked cars of individuals who would rather stay home than work. The fire truck's bright red colour might please a child somewhere. Flames darkened the joyful crimson. The firefighters who had put out the fire were filthy, but they were determined to rescue the three trapped inside. "The arsonists probably used an accelerant." Lark saw her stand next to Gage, favouring her unshot side. Helena, her sister, monitored. This excursion was for spell-learning and sharing. This meant more memorial services for the family. "They better goddamn back off in my town or there'll be hell to pay," remarked the mayor. Helena was tame compared to Lark. She had her own strength, and Gage trusted that Gennessee's Hunter would kill the jerks who had set fire to a house with its residents inside.
Draining Lusts
Tess Marshall looked up from sorting documents when she blew a hair out of her face and groaned. I'm confused. Trevor Ryan's assistant for two years. He was her two-year hidden crush. demanded. I've seen him with other ladies, but he's just glanced at me, probably for the maid. He seemed to appreciate her skill and how she simplified his life, which was great. Except for the rare times he loosened his guard and treated her like an individual, she felt like a machine. His selfishness and ingratitude were the worst. He rarely said it with gratitude. He relished dissecting details he didn't understand and couldn't change. She didn't mind her pay, but she hated being taken for granted. He handed his gardener two Lakers tickets that day. Gardener! She worked for him every day, sometimes until dawn. She even bought him condoms and boxers. He took his agent to Hawaii and gave him more money than God. She liked it and knew she couldn't have bought it, but she was constantly working and hadn't used it.
Forever and Always
Caitlin poured a glass and ignored the noise, letting the song's beat go up her spine. How long Amy would be in the restroom was unknown. Amy was naive and unreliable. Caitlin wasn't perfect, but she had been a good friend for a long time. Everyone has problems. She went out to celebrate finishing her major paper, finishing finals, and starting winter vacation. Outside of Christmas, she ruled and took on responsibilities. She would engage in play tonight. "Get Me Off" by Basement Jaxx blared as the lights flashed. Busy folks heated the room. The air was thick with stale perspiration, cologne, beer, and sex. Caitlin often nodded to the song's theme. She hopes someone will free her. She hadn't had sex in too long. Heck. She emptied her glass and placed it on the bar behind her. She wanted to join the dancers. The bass beat pulled her tummy as she entered the dance floor. She let the music take her after locating a quiet spot. Her shoulders shrugged and hips swiveled as her spine loosened. She rolled her head back and trimmed her hair. She focused on a large man dancing a few steps ahead. He enjoyed the groping, writhing crowd rather than dancing. She wanted to slide down his back. Needing to cup that gorgeous derriere under that jeans. She saw him briefly since his back was to the light. She made up stories when blank. Imagine brushing his hair.
Just Too Hot
I hope you're gone when I get home. Friday's deadline. After closing the door, Leah Griffin hesitated to look back at her boyfriend of a year and a half. "Don't forget, Mike." I won't let you in to grab it. Michael mocked her. "You'll beg me to return." Leah's bag fit comfortably in her hand. She only packed the essentials for the next four days, but the act of trimming down made it easier to face her circumstances. Knowing she had her favorite nightshirt, hairbrush, and scented soap—things Mike had tried to take but couldn't—made leaving easier. Her "I don't think so" was gentle. Mike quickly blinked. He was lethargic and pompous. He didn't realize she'd told him to pack his crap and leave twenty minutes ago. She realized she'd broken up with him before. She knew this time was different, but Mike might not. She blamed him for everything, including her acts. "Come on, honey," he cooed. Stop! She neither approached nor fled him. "I'm at the conference until Thursday," she said. But, I will not answer or return your cell phone call. Mike, I meant it. Leave before I return. Four days to finish. Time seems ample. He froze mid-hold. He blinked. She detected a sad shift in her appealing mouth in the mirror. "I don't know what's next." You can sleep somewhere. But, I couldn't care less. She struggled with the suitcase handle. She looked cool but was perspiring. Despite her best attempts, she felt some fear of him. Herself. Submission to his self-confidence. His mouth and arms drooped. He looked around the unfamiliar kitchen he'd never cooked or cleaned in before turning back to her. Leah, don't suffer. You don't. Indeed. I'm positive. She smiled.
Sway
Levi found the studio easily enough. His brother hadn’t lied. It wasn’t far from his office, which was attached to his house on Bainbridge Island. He’d moved to the island five years ago, months after Kelsey had died. The building smelled like every community center he’d ever been inside. He’d been in more than his fair share as he and his older brother had set up a mentoring program through the local school systems and they gave presentations at least once a month. Each door had a sign on it, but he didn’t see anything about wedding basics, so he wandered into one of the classrooms to ask someone.
Laid Open
Ben paused just inside the front door, listening to the sound of his son’s laughter. He smiled, moving toward it, coming around a corner and catching sight of Erin snuggled up with Alexander as she read him a story. His entire life was right there and it filled with him joy. “Daddy!” Alexander looked up and clapped his hands before blowing Ben a kiss. “Daddy’s home,” he told Erin seriously. The kid had his mother stamped all over him. His mannerisms and the way he moved were totally a Brown thing. In fact, when Alexander was with her brothers, his uncles, it was startling to see the resemblance. Two pairs of eyes looked up at Ben. Erin’s smile was deep, her dimples showing at each corner of that luscious mouth. “He is, monkey. I think he needs some smooches and some hugs. Let’s go give him some.” “Yes!” Alexander scooted down from the couch and ran over, straight up into Ben’s embrace, covering his face with slobbery kisses. “Hi, Daddy!”
Once and Again
Lily wandered through her new home—the apartment above the garage. Hard to fully think of it as home when just two weeks ago it’d been a collection place for unwanted crap her mother refused to get rid of. She looked at herself in the mirror one last time before heading to the house to grab her brother. She didn’t have a suit or anything, but she used what she had. She’d come to realize appearances were indeed important when it came to dealing with authority figures. These were Chris’s teachers and his principal, their support would go a long way in helping him get where he needed to be. Competent. Yes, that was it. She wasn’t Chris’s mom and she was still relatively young, so she wanted to appear competent. Solid. A together, trustworthy adult sibling pitching in to get Chris back on track at school. Lily thought she might have nailed it. Enough to do the job anyway. And, she thought as she took another look, perhaps it was petty, but she thought she also looked good enough that when she had to deal with Nathan, he’d see what he’d been missing.
Lost in You
What he needed to do was take a ride. He’d been dealing with his father, the move, getting all the stuff in place for the shop, and none of it was fun. Joe was tired of everything. He took a glance over to where Buck had sacked out, his face near his bowl should anyone try to take it. The dog snuffled his annoyance when Joe bent to stroke over his head but groaned a little when he got his ears scratched. “I’ll be back in a while. Don’t sleep too much.” Buck opened one eye and then closed it again on a sigh. The sound of Joe’s keys would have sent his normally high-energy dog jumping. But he’d been playing with the dog next door while Joe had been painting earlier and had taken several runs with Joe to the shop and out to his parents’ place and clearly had had enough. Joe got that. He wished he could lie near his bowl with a bottle of beer and sack out for hours too.
Opening Up
I don’t even know who that is, but I’d like to take several large bites.” PJ took in the ridiculously badass alpha male across the room from where she and her sister had just been handed drinks at the bar. “Who?” Julie asked as she paid and they moved to the side. “Point him out. In a non-attention-seeking way!” she added, like PJ was a beast. PJ blinked a few times before she spoke. “You’re a terrible human being.” “I get it from Dad.” PJ tilted her head to indicate the guy whose sheer charisma she felt from across the room. A brunette with a body straight out of a pinup calendar stared up into his face as she stroked a hand up and down his arm. “She’s all right in a totally voluptuous, drop-dead-sex-bomb way. I mean, for those who like that sort of thing.” Julie’s dry delivery made PJ smile. “Let’s saunter by that fantastic Camaro over there so I can get a closer look.” PJ started off.
Tart
I n case anyone ever doubted it, getting up at four in the morning was all sorts of things. Jules Lamprey had been doing it for years so it wasn’t so much a matter of holy crap, it’s early anymore. What she did like, she thought as she locked her front door and headed to her car, was the way the world held so much anticipation. No dawn yet. But it wasn’t the middle of the night anymore either. The promise of a new day was just beginning to manifest itself. She liked that she pretty much had the road to herself as she made the short trip to Tart. Oh sure, in a while there’d be people waking up to get that first ferry to Seattle, but for now, it felt as if the entire world was all hers. And for a brief, thrilling moment after she’d parked her car and walked up the block, she stood and looked at her shop. Tart, in all its glory. Shiny red and chrome with black-and-white tiles on the floor. The place she’d been given so unexpectedly had become her heart. The place she always knew existed because she’d made it so.
Falling Under
Carmella Rossi held the truck door open for Ginger, who hopped down with a happy look. Carmella understood, she wanted to dance around for joy now that they weren’t at her mother’s house too. Medication had been delivered for the next three days—it wouldn’t do to let her have any more than that. She’d just use it all and then not have enough and eventually end up in an ER somewhere trying to get pain scrips to get her through. “Some people’s mothers make pies,” Carmella told the dog as they headed up the steps to the front porch.
Coming Back
Somehow, coming to this grand opening party had seemed a lot less terrifying when she’d been standing in her bedroom an hour before. The gleaming Twisted Steel sign beckoned, though Jessi stood still, rooted in place. Her pulse sped as she realized the sleek, black Mercedes parked near the entrance was the super pricy AMG GT. Adam drove a car just like it. Which meant, most likely, that Mick and Adam both were inside. Hard enough as it was to imagine seeing Mick again after four years, Jessi didn’t know if she had it in her to attempt this… this reconciliation with both of them at once. You can do this. You are awesome and you have nice tits and pretty eyes and you know all the words to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” You are the perfect woman, she told herself as she marched right up to those big bay doors and into the party beyond. Inside it was all ink and chrome. Cars and motorcycles parked under lights aimed to cast a gleam and shine on all those curves. The paint and interior design competed with some of the most gorgeous inkwork Jessi had ever seen. The party was full color, men and women rocking a whole lot of ink and piercings milled around. Every imaginable idea of party wear was on display from suits and ties to leather and denim.
Lush
Damien clapped his buddy Adrian on the back. “Thanks for the invite.” Adrian Brown tipped his chin. “Glad you were in town to come. Least I could do after you’ve been in the studio with me so much.” Adrian had needed a drummer. Damien was a drummer. End of story. Plus it had been awesome to work with someone he respected as much as he did Adrian and his sister Erin. He’d been in a band with his brothers since they were nineteen, twenty and twenty-two. They’d made a lot of music together, they knew each other well, worked magic most of the time. But it did something good for his soul to work with other people. He’d met Adrian several years ago and they’d clicked. Hell, they even shared a manager and a record label.
Laid Bare
Music, raw and hard like sex, pulsed through the speaker stack, caught the people in front of the stage, as much as it had her, in its grip. The bass line throbbed through her like a second pulse as the scent of beer and sweat settled into her system. Sweat slicked her forehead and slid down the line of her spine. The muscles in her forearm corded as she played, her fingers finding their way as they had time and again. A secret smile marked her lips as her half-lidded eyes focused on something not visible to anyone else. Yes, it was a man’s world up there, but she’d kicked down the door with her Doc Martens and she wasn’t giving her spot to anyone else. She loved making music, and it fit her like a second skin. It made her alive. Her dreads swung forward, partially obscuring her face—adding, she knew, to the overall effect. Her belly, glistening with sweat, slid against the back of her bass where her shirt ended and her low-slung jeans began.
Coming Undone
Even at the close of the day, the sun was enough to make the ride home from work totally perfect. He took the scenic route, settled onto the seat of the Harley he’d splurged on the summer before at Ben’s urging. Best impulse buy ever. The joy of it was enough to bring him the long way home, down surface streets, a bit south and then back north again. He leaned back, the weight of his body balanced just so. The warmth on his thighs, against his back, eased him away from work and into leisure. The light of the often absent sun after the darkness of winter gave him an easy mood. Happy. Satisfied. The thrum of the engine vibrated, humming into his bones. Late spring in Seattle and people began to emerge from their squall jackets and endless layers. The city came alive with color as flowers burst from ground that had been barren for months; the trees exploded with leaves and blossoms.
Inside Out
She arched on a gasp as the heat of his mouth met her neck. His hands, clever, wicked hands, quickly divested her of her shirt, leaving her free to rub against him like a cat. She groaned as he moved away, reaching to grab him back. He grinned. That cockeyed uptilt of his mouth that had driven her insane for years. “Sugar, don’t rush me. Do you know how long I’ve waited to have you like this?” Cope’s voice was rusty, filled with burrs and edges as it washed over her. His hair, gleaming blue-black, caught the glow of light from the nearby lamp. “Take your shirt off. I want to see.” God, how she wanted to see his body. She’d fantasized about him for so long it seemed beyond surreal as he peeled off the tight, black T-shirt, revealing acres of sexy muscles, taut skin and tattoos.
Never Enough
It felt so fucking good up there. Adrian Brown leaned back, letting the music flow through him. His guitar in his hands because that was where it belonged. That essential, vibrant magic that was music rode him. The pleasure of it, the joy at creation and manipulation. The way he sounded against the drums, over and around the bass. Music was alchemy. Music was sex. When it was right, when everything fit together just perfectly, it was better than any feeling he’d ever experienced. The throb of it rested low in his gut, and when he sang, he believed what he said. For the first time in three years when he stood up on a stage, he felt everything he did. He feasted on every detail and it showed. Music was a banquet again and he was starving for it.
Drawn Together
Ever since Erin first came onto the page in Laid Bare, I’ve had so much love for this group of family— intentional and biological. The Brown Family novels have been a joy to write and I’m very grateful readers have enjoyed them so much. I’ll be back at some point because I can’t really imagine being totally done with these folks. After all, there’s a whole new generation of artists and rockers coming up. In the meantime, this one is for the readers who’ve made this series possible—especially for those of you who’ve understood that, despite her crusty exterior, Raven was worthy of her happily ever after.
Count on Me
Caroline adjusted the front of her blouse as she waited in the elegantly appointed reception area of the Law Offices of Chase and Chase. She’d prepared for the interview much the same way a general might prepare for war. Every contingency had been planned for. Every possible question she might be asked needed to have an answer. All the research and preparation kept her mind off being back in Petal for good instead of one of her usual visits, which tended to last just a few days. The receptionist, as pretty and elegant as the walnut furniture and framed black-and-white photographs of Petal over the last century plus, spoke quietly over the phone and then turned her attention to Caroline. “They’re ready for you now.” She led Caroline into a small conference room where three men, all clearly related, stood upon her entrance.
Undercover
People scurried out of the way, keeping their eyes down as Sera Ayers stalked into the squat, gray building on the outskirts of the city. Single-mindedly, she made her way through the myriad nondescript hallways at the Federation United Forces. Anger coursed through her as she walked, her boots sounding a muffled thud, thud, thud on the laminate floors. Halting at the subcommander’s door, she slammed a fist into it several times. Her hand hurt, but she felt a bit better for the small violence of it. “Enter!”
Relentless
The tensions sweeping through the Known Universes belonging to the Federation had brought sharp focus to the issue of the lack of parity between the Ranked Family members who made all the leadership decisions and the unranked—the majority of citizenry—who had no voice at all. Many times over the years, she’d tried to get some decent vid coverage to address the issue of the lack of representative democracy and had failed or had been relegated to times when everyone was sleeping. Finally, so many people had had enough that she’d been able to catch some attention and garner enough interest to become the subject of several vid interviews much like the one she was just about to do.
Insatiable
There was no sound other than heavy breathing and then an in-drawn breath gone liquid. Normally, the sound would have fallen on deaf ears as he simply did his job and walked away. Then again, normally, it would have been quicker, anonymous, so the target wouldn’t know what hit them, even as their life ended. Today Daniel broke the rules and took a step closer to the ever-looming darkness. He wanted Saul Kerrigan to see his face, to know he was dying because Daniel made it so. To know he was dying because of what he’d done. Not just to the citizens of the Federation but to Daniel’s sister as well. Saul Kerrigan was a traitor. The knife did its work as it always did. Deadly sharp, it slid between the ribs, moving unerringly toward the target. It was then Daniel paused to pull his mask away from his face. Saul’s eyes widened with recognition and then fear. Good, even if too late.
Mesmerized
“Sir, you can’t go in there!” Andrei Solace didn’t bother looking up. Not that he’d have been able to see much with one eye swollen shut from the butt of the rifle he’d taken to the face. The pain had subsided to a dull, all-consuming ache, but the anger burned, low and steady, in his gut. Enough to get through another day. The outsider spoke again, his tone nearly amused, partly chiding. “I’m afraid you’re incorrect about that.” Andrei did risk a glance, curious about who spoke to a jailer that way. He expected another social worker. Gods knew he’d seen enough of them over his lifetime. Instead, what he got was the biggest man he’d ever seen. It was enough to have Andrei ignoring the pain from his injuries to swing his legs from the narrow cot to stand and edge closer.
Captivated
She rocked because it brushed her hair over her skin. It was the only way sometimes that she remembered she was still there. The sound of her feet shuffling across the floor, the way the blanket felt when she pulled it around herself tight, the songs she sang in her head—she knew she was real. They wanted her to forget. Wanted her to forget she existed before they brought her here. They wanted to break her and tear her from reality, but she would not let them win. Because if they won, it meant she’d cease to believe she was real. She was real. She was real. She was real. “My name is Hannah Black. My parents are Shelby and Bertram Black. My name day is in midsummer as the grain is above my head.” She spoke to herself to hear the noise. Her voice was rusty, and she wondered if she even sounded remotely human anymore. She repeated the words her mother taught her in the time before she started at school.
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