SPEAR'S SEARCH--New Release

I’m so excited about the release of the first book in my new science-fiction romance series—Assassins of Gravas.

If you’ve read the Marks Mercenaries series, you might remember that Vaden el Gravaso—the hero from Salvaging Abby—is from Gravas, a highly secretive world with advanced technology and a kickass military. Oh, and their assassins are the best in the known universe. Spear el Gravaso is Vaden’s older brother. This prince of Gravas is also one of their elite assassins. But he might have just met his match with Sass.

Spear’s Search

Assassins of Gravas, Book 1

Spear el Gravaso—prince of Gravas and assassin—is on a mission to find his brother. His hunt had led him to an auction of Gravasian weapons that can only belong to the missing man. He needs to secure the items, get any information he can, and kill all those involved. Nothing and no one will stop him.

Sass was taken from a harsh life on the streets as a child and trained to be an assassin by the powerful Artemis. The lives of those she loves is on the line if she fails her mission—to win the auction of Gravasian tech. Only one problem—Spear is in her way.

Their battle escalates, as does the explosive heat between them. When it comes down to it, they can fight each other and one of them will die or they can join forces. But can they trust each other?

TEASER:

He’s going to kill me.

Not this exact moment, but eventually.

There was nothing hiding him—no disguise, no mask. She knew what he really looked like.

And holy Vusarian cave snake! The man was a work of art.

Breathe, Sass. Just breathe.

There wasn’t an inch of fat on the man. His shoulders and arms were massive, his pectoral muscles perfectly defined, and his abs ripples of strength. His skin was slightly darker than hers, not hard considering she was pretty pale.

Those amazing eyes of his never stopped assessing, trying to figure a way to turn the situation to his advantage. He wasn’t just gorgeous but intelligent and skilled.

Yup, he’s definitely going to kill me.

There was no other explanation for him allowing her to see him in all his primal glory. Not when he took such pains to hide his identity.

Find Spear's Search:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CD7GNTQ/

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1031385

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1137303521

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/spear-s-search

         

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

                   

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An Excerpt from Marine on a Mission

Here’s an excerpt from MARINE ON A MISSION, my novella from the NAUGHTY HEROES: IN AND OUT OF UNIFORM BOXED SET.

The dimness of the bar had softened him slightly, but the stark lighting in the break room hid nothing. Mitch seemed an inch or two taller than when he’d left. His shoulders were broader, stretching the seams of his T-shirt, his biceps were huge. The soft material clung to his chest like a second skin. There was a scruff on his chin, as though he hadn’t shaved in a day. His hair was short, but still longer than military regulation. It was as black as night and thicker than ever.

He’d left her a boy but come back a man. Clichéd, sure, but no less true.

She jumped to her feet. “What are you doing here?” She needed space, some time to pull herself together before she faced him again.

He took several steps forward, and she noticed he was favoring his left leg. Had he been injured? She hadn’t heard and there’d been no one to ask. She’d tried to speak with his uncle after Mitch had left, but he’d run her off the property at gunpoint. She’d never gone back.

When he kept coming toward her, she wanted to back away, but held her ground.

“Sara Leigh.” He said her name. Just that, but it sounded so intimate. She closed her eyes against him, but it didn’t help. She was very aware of his presence. She caught the slightest whiff of soap, felt a breath on her face, and then his lips touched hers.

The bar, the past, everything disappeared. There was only Mitch and her. Only he’d had the ability to make her feel special, as though she could conquer the world, as if she was worth loving.

She yanked her head away. He’d taken that from her, forcing her to learn to stand on her own two feet, to find her self-worth by herself. She should probably thank him for that. Maybe in another decade or so, she’d be able too. Right now, all she wanted to do was gather the tattered remnants of her pride around her and survive this night.

“Why did you do that?” she demanded. “You have no right.”

He ran his fingertips down the curve of her jaw. “I did it because I had to.” He leaned closer until their noses were almost touching. “And sweet Sara, I have every right.”

NAUGHTY HEROES: In And Out Of Uniform A collection of UNFORGETTABLE HEROES

MARINE ON A MISSION 
N.J. Walters 

When Mitch McCoy left rural Kentucky to join the U.S. Marines he never thought he'd return. Now he's undercover with a state drug task force. He's not only facing his past, but also Sara Hawkins, the woman who broke his heart. This investigation will risk their lives and their hearts. 

 SEX BOMB 
Nicole Austin  

From first sight I knew Marine Lieutenant Harlie Savage wasn't fragile like a flower—she was fragile like a bomb. Definitely not some princess who needed to be saved, either. She was a queen who only lacked a sword, and I vowed to be her weapon. 

HER SOLDIER OF FORTUNE 
Belle Scarlett 


Leia has no idea who ex-Marine Major Tate McIntyre is when he saves her life in a dark alley. Yet Tate's certain Leia is his to have, hold, and protect. He vows to keep her safe at any cost. His only price is her heart. Semper Fi! 

THE NIGHT WATCHMAN
Katherine Kingston

A disabled vet rescues a woman on a mission to collect evidence, saving her from the men chasing her. As Jace and Shannon race to survive and outwit a traitor, a deep connection grows between them. But staying alive long enough to explore the attraction will take everything they've got.

MILITARY BLUES
Elizabeth Lapthorne

Luke is struggling to recover from a career shattering IED blast that sees him permanently discharged. Milly's career self-destructed and she's moved cities in the hopes of starting again. Can this new life and new relationship be a second chance for them both?

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z29RCY1/

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1134068523

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/naughty-heroes

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1483388473

Universal: https://books2read.com/u/b5QgqA

N.J. Walters is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has always been a voracious reader, and now she spends her days writing novels of her own. Vampires, werewolves, dragons, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to live it.

Visit me at: Website: http://www.njwalters.com
Blog: http://www.njwalters.blogspot.com
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Excerpt from Dragon's Web by Lia Davis

Hi! I'm sharing an excerpt from my new release, Dragon's Web. Enjoy!

Chapter One

Kara paced the cramped, windowless shoebox they’d stuck her in a little more than a week ago, right after she’d squeezed through the bars on the window of the last room they’d placed her in. When Henry Carter and his minions had brought her here—wherever the hell here was—they’d placed her in a cage only big enough for a small child. They’d also kept her under some kind of spell, or laced her food with something that interfered with her magic to shift into her black cat form. A few months ago, she’d shifted in her sleep, which led her to believe it was a potion they’d given her, and that her system had somehow built up immunity to it. Once she realized she could shift again, she didn’t think twice about escaping from the cage.

Did they really think they could keep a shapeshifting cat contained for long? They were idiots if they did. Cats were great escape artists. Kara was no exception.

She fisted her hands as she wore a track in the center of the burnt-orange carpet. Or was that blood-saturated carpet? She shuddered, not wanting to think about how many other people Henry had killed in his lifetime. Her capturer wouldn’t get away with murdering her best friend’s parents and then kidnapping Kara to keep her quiet. One way or another, she would get out of here, and Henry Carter would pay.

A sound from outside the door drew her attention. Coming to a stop in the middle of the room, she listened then growled. Anxiety and annoyance fueled her need to escape. Plus, the walls seemed like they were closing in on her.

She’d find another way out.

She had to. For Nyna. She’d do anything to protect her and give her the closure she deserved.

The sound of a door handle turning refocused her thoughts. When the door opened, she let out a low snarl as Dumbass One entered. That’s what she called her guards, Dumbass, with the number of the order she’d met them over the last eighteen months.

“Easy, kitty.”

“Get bent, asshole.” She tracked him with her eyes as he carried a tray to the small rectangular table against the far wall.

His brown hair fell over his face as he set the tray down. “I see I’ve been promoted.” He turned and smirked at her. She hissed at him, wanting to claw out his eyes. “Or is that a demotion?”

Smartass. “Bastard.” She eased to the table, lifted the cover from the plate, and sniffed. The aroma of garlic, butter, and red meat drifted up, filling her senses. Her mouth watered and her stomach grumbled. “Steak? Is this my last meal or something?”

Dumbass One laughed, bitter and all too fake. “Don’t we all wish. No, the boss wants you alive.”

For what, she didn’t know. Kara had a theory that Henry wanted to use her as insurance in case Nyna—his niece—found out that he’d killed her parents. His own brother and sister-in-law. The fear that rose with that thought fueled Kara’s rage even more. Nyna had a right to know, and to have closure so she could move on with her life. Kara had to be there to protect her from her bastard uncle.

Studying the guard, Kara stepped closer to him. He raised a brow but didn’t move. Brave man. Or, he really was an idiot. She batted her lashes and gave him her best attempt at a sensual smile. “I could make it worth your while if you just…I don’t know, forget to lock the door when you leave.”

His lips twitched as if amused. Desire flashed in his gaze briefly, telling her that he considered it for a moment. With a quickness she hadn’t expected from the human, he gripped her upper arms and yanked her into him, their clothed bodies meshing together. Holding down the bile that threatened to surface, Kara wrapped her arms around his waist and allowed her tiny fangs to lower. “What do you say?”

He shoved her away and shook his head. Without another word, he left the room, slamming the door behind him. The click of the lock was her answer.

She laughed. Never underestimate a desperate female. She opened her hand and grinned.

A single key rested in her palm.

Find it at:

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ARe: http://bit.ly/1SNM9qD

Excerpt from An Alpha's Fate (An #AshwoodWorld story)

An Alpha's Fate releases on 3/10/15 and can be pre-ordered now for $0.99 at Amazon.

She will not run a second time...

Logan sat in a rocker on the front porch, watching the dark forest. He hadn’t been able to sleep, his wolf too much on edge knowing that the Greenhedge wolves might be looking for Reagan. The murder of their Alpha gave them every right hunt her down. Plus her scent taunted him. The sweet caramel apple fragrance filled every inch of his cabin.

Damn the female for coming back. Damn himself for thinking of allowing her back into his heart. Really he had no choice. She was his fated mate.

A snap of twig sounded to his left just before the scent of apples drifted on the breeze. His wolf growled in his head. Logan waited until the female came into view. “Going somewhere?”

Her spine straightened and her hands fisted at her side. Not turning to him, she said, “I can’t stay here. I’ve already risked too much, exposing you. They’ll go after your Pack.”

“If, and that is a big if, they are after you, it’d be to congratulate you for killing the monster.”

That got her attention. She faced him. “You’ve known he was a psycho all this time?”

Her anger lashed out at him like a physical clap. Snarling he stood and advanced down the steps until he stood inches from her. “I did a little research after you went to bed. From what Connor said, Mason was working for Onyx and was a wanted man by the Council of Elders.”

She jerked back as if surprised by the information. “I never knew.” She sagged and wrapped her arms around her middle. “I was too busy dodging his fist.”

“And plotting your escape.” He softened his tone and reached out to her. Relief washed away some of his tension when she didn’t pull away. “Come inside. I have a few sentries keeping a watch out.”

Without warning, she hugged him tight. Closing his eyes, he held her to him, relishing in feel of her body against his. No matter how mad he’d been over the years, he still loved her.

Framing her face in his hands, he kissed her. A low growl vibrated from her as if the she-wolf approved. Need rocked through him and he tore his mouth from hers. Without a word, he linked their fingers and tugged her toward the bedroom.

Easing her down on the soft mattress, he gazed into the depths of her desire-filled eyes. The flame they once had flared to life as if waiting for the moment when they would reunite. He ran his knuckles down her cheek and she shuddered. “I’m not going to let you go this time.”

“I should have fought harder to mate with you, or at least told you what had happened.” Her hazel eyes watered.

“The past is behind us. I don’t have the strength to push you away or to hold my wolf back from making you ours, forever.”

Realization lit up her features. A shimmer of hope formed in her expression. “Then don’t. I’m yours. I’ve always been yours.”

He crushed his mouth to hers. A charged energy passed between, raw and hot. Her body under his felt too damn good, too perfect. He should have chased her the moment she left. However, things happened for a reason. Plus she came back to him.

Tearing his mouth from hers, he trailed light kisses down her jaw to her neck. A whimper escaped her and she tightened her grip on his hair. Her soft pants turned to moans as he gently bit down on the soft curve of her throat.

“I missed your scent on me,” he growled.

She pushed at his chest, then jerked at his shirt. “Too many clothes.”

Laughing he sat up on his knees and yanked his T-shirt off. She sucked her lower lip between her teeth. With desire bright in her gaze, she ran her fingers down his chest. He gritted his teeth and held onto the small amount of control he had left. When she reached the top of his jeans and started to undo them, he grabbed her wrists and pinned them to the bed over her head.

With his free hand, he released his claws and smirked. “All your clothes will be burned. I’ll buy you new ones, because I hate his scent on you.”

“Then mark me.”


(c) 2015 LIa Davis

A Decadent Diva Welcome to Shelli Stevens and Highland Fling!

Please join me in welcoming Shelli Stevens and her latest, and final, book in the McLaughlin series Highland Fling.

And here's Shelli...

Thanks for having me here today! I loved writing the McLaughlin series, and Delonna and Aleck's book was so awesome to write. Their story has been building throughout the entire series. They're beautiful, wounded souls drawn together in a explosive chemistry. 

BLURB

Sleeping with her boss can only lead to trouble. And pleasure.
The McLaughlins, Book 4
Delonna comes by her Scottish-style frugality honestly—her parents’ spendthrift ways once left her temporarily homeless. She’s been tending bar at McLaughlin’s Pub, looking forward to the day she can call her own shots. Until her now ex-boyfriend makes off with her hard-earned savings. Now she’s got a bookie breathing threats down her neck in an apparent attempt to squeeze blood from a turnip.
Aleck McLaughlin has three good reasons to keep his hands off the delectable Delonna. One, he’s her boss. Two, she’s a good ten years younger. Three, he’s sworn to never again leave his heart vulnerable.
Her predicament sends all those reasons out the window, and Aleck moves her in with him for protection, then whisks her away on a whirlwind trip from Whidbey Island to Scotland.
The romance of being in Edinburgh only increases their need for one another. But it quickly becomes clear they’re facing a past that’s just as painful as the present is dangerous…
Warning: A sexy, broody, pub owner determined to seduce his flirty, bombshell bartender. Not-so-hidden dangers, travels to Scotland, and maybe a little spanky panky.
 
Short Excerpt
"What kind of fookin' bastart do you take me for?" he demanded.
She didn't try to escape his grasp, but now lifted her chin and met his anger head on.
"Well you had plans to screw someone else, so maybe you figured you'd pull a Boy Scout move with me and get lucky at the same time."
"I helped you last night because I'm a nice guy. I can be one, you realize, when I want to be." He slid his fingers down her arm to join their hands. "And I'm a bit curious at how you'd know all about my so-called plan to get laid last night."
"Let's just say a little birdie told me."
He glanced at the door behind her, and wagered that if he were to open it he'd find his sister sitting at the bar.
"A little birdie named Kenzie, perhaps?"
"Does it matter?"
"Aye, it does." He pulled her flush against him and this time she did look alarmed.
"Because I suspect I don't need to dress up as a knight in shining armor to get you into bed, Delonna."
She made a little gasp and her eyes went even wider--if that were possible.
"You cocky mother--"
"Your mouth is really much better suited for kissing than cursing, luv."
Before she could finish ripping him a new one, he dipped his head and claimed her lips.
It wasn't a need that had begun last night. Not even one from that kiss over the summer. It had been simmering on the back burner from the minute he'd hired her.

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Kobo: http://bit.ly/10kFi2r


Scotland? Whiskey? You so know I'm there! Congratulations on the new release Shelli!
Till next time

Anna-   The Super Diva

Website- http://annaalexander.net/
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Available at Amazon

AM Griffin's Dangerously His is HERE!!!!!!!

Dangerously His is Here!!! Guest Diva AM Griffin is here to share an excerpt with all of our decadent followers...
Want a tease to whet your appetite? Then look no further!!!

Excerpt #3

“Saia.”

The sound of someone calling her name pulled Saia from her dream. Opening her eyes, she scanned the empty room.

“Saia, are you up?”

She squinted through the darkness. The suns were still down. The night was quiet and still.

Who’s in my room? “Who’s there?” she called out.

“Saia. Saia! Wake up.”

JB? Is he here?

“Saia,” he called again.

Communication link.

She followed the noise to her com-link sitting on the small table by her bed. She held down the button so JB could hear her when she spoke. “Hello?”

She heard him let out a long sigh. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“Are you up?”

“I am now.”

“Oh, sorry. You were probably asleep. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Nice going, JB.”

She lay back and cradled the com-link in her hand. “No harm done. Why aren’t you asleep?”

“I tried, but I can’t.”

“Why not? If you’re having trouble sleeping you should try shikor. It has calming properties in it.”

“It’s not that. I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I don’t want to take anything that would make me stop thinking about you—ever.” His voice slurred with his words.

He was drunk, but she didn’t care. She couldn’t control the grin that stretched across her face. Or the way her heart fluttered at the very thought of him thinking about her. “You were thinking of me?”

“I was. I mean, I am. Were you thinking of me?”

“Really? I thought you would have been thinking about the females who were hanging on you at dinner.”

She remembered seeing the two humans fawning all over him. To his credit, she did see him trying to push them away. But as determined as they were, they didn’t seem to want to budge. She tried not to pay attention but couldn’t pull her eyes away.

“Those weren’t…I mean…I used to hang out with them, but that was before I met you.”

“And then what?”

“And then I haven’t been able to think about anyone else since.”

“I admit that I was thinking of you before I fell asleep.” She chewed on her bottom lip. Why had she confessed that?

“You were?” His voice was filled with hope and joy.

That’s why. “Yes.” She pulled a pillow over her face to muffle the happy yell that erupted from her.

“Meet me in the common room.”

She pulled the pillow away. “No! I can’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“My brother might find out.”

“Oh yeah, right. Let me come to your room then.”

“Absolutely not. That would be even worse.”

“I’ll be like a stealth ninja. No one would even know that I’m there.”

“I don’t know what a ninja is, but I highly doubt that even that would elude the detection of Ship.”

“I forgot about him. How about the royal gardens? Meet me there.”

“He can go outside as well, although he really doesn’t like to.”

JB hiccupped. “But I want—I have to see you.”

“Well…he doesn’t go outdoors unless he has a reason. I’m sure he has better things to do than follow me around. If he does show up, you’d be able to see him.”

Although Ship’s species was thought to be invisible to the naked eye, it was discovered when Eva came to Sonis that humans could see him. He appeared as a purple haze to Eva. At first she’d thought there was something wrong with her eyesight. It had taken a while for her to realize it was Ship she was looking at and not some anomaly.

“Why do you want to meet with me so badly?”

“I just want to talk with you.”

“We are talking.”

“Okay, I admit. I want to feel you again.”

“JB!” Heat crept across her cheeks as she said his name.

“No, not that way. Your skin felt so soft, so perfect. I want to see if it was real or if I dreamt it.”

Saia sighed. “I can’t meet you anywhere this late. It’s not proper.”

“I understand. I’m drunk and I’m being too forward.”

She put a hand over her eyes. “But I can meet with you tomorrow after I visit Jess and Rasha’s new dwelling.” Oh Ancients.

“Yes!” She heard his yell peal through the link.

She grabbed and held the pillow tight to her chest. “Bye, JB. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, beautiful Saia.”

Dangerously His

A.M. Griffin

Loving Dangerously, Book Four

Justin “JB” Blake has never met a woman he couldn’t bed—or one he wants to keep. That changes the second he lays eyes on Princess Saia Xochis. The beautiful alien makes his body burn and his heart ache. She will be his. All JB has to do is risk life and limb at the hands of her abusive father, her protective brother, and her warmongering intended mate.

The possibilities of death and dismemberment have never stopped him before.

Inside Scoop:This book has a small taste of female/female fun—as well as scenes of abuse that are decidedly not fun.

A Romantica® sci-fierotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Available on:

Ellora’s Cave: http://www.ellorascave.com/dangerously-his.html

Amazon buy link Dangerously His: - http://www.amazon.com/Dangerously-His-4-Loving-ebook/dp/B00KLK2VRO/ref=la_B00APK4V4G_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401284744&sr=1-6

Kindle: Coming soon!

And other books in the series!!!

Dangerously Mine:

http://www.amazon.com/Dangerously-Mine-ebook/dp/B00AO5CWSY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1355511533&sr=1-1&keywords=dangerously+mine

Dangerously Yours:

http://www.amazon.com/Dangerously-Yours-Loving-ebook/dp/B00CZBHA4Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369491547&sr=1-2&keywords=dangerously+Yours

Dangerously Hers:

http://ow.ly/25mwNL

A. M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.

Where you can find me:

Website: http://www.amgriffinbooks.com/

Subscribe to my Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/A.M.-Griffin/e/B00APK4V4G/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

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Friday Is All About Foreplay

It’s Friday!!

And I’m over the moon happy about that. But, I have to say, Friday is not my favorite day of the week. Don’t get me wrong, I love Fridays. But not because it’s Friday. I actually love Fridays because the next day is Saturday. And Saturdays are my favorite.

Fridays are kind of like the foreplay of the week for me. They’re awesome because of the buildup. Fridays are all about the anticipation. Tomorrow I’ll get to sleep in. Okay, maybe I won’t be asleep until 10:00 am. But I can guarantee I’ll be in bed until then. I can usually talk my husband into making me a latte. And we’ll be able to have actual, honest to God, conversations without being interrupted every five seconds. Because we’ve trained our kids that Saturday mornings are sacrosanct.

I’m all for being a parent. Don’t get me wrong. Sunday-Friday I’m rushing around making sure the kitchen is stocked, the clothes are clean, and lunches are packed. Which tends to make my weeks crazy, chaotic, demanding, and exhausting. But as soon as my husband walks out the door for work on Friday, I know it’s practically Saturday. And that keeps me smiling for the rest of the day.

I know we all have different schedules and have attached different meaning to the days of the week, however. I even have a friend whose favorite day is Monday. Because that’s the day she gets her house back to herself and gets a little peace and quiet. So what about you? What’s your favorite day of the week and why? Are you a Monday or a Sunday lover? And do you enjoy the foreplay and anticipation of the day before or do you just want to get that day over and done with so you can get to the good stuff?

In the spirit of foreplay, I leave you with an excerpt form Hostile Intent: 

“Strip.”

Captain Renee Holt stared at the man sitting on the edge of the bed in the cheap space station motel and bit her tongue against the flippant remark that begged to be spoken. She was the one who gave the orders. Always.

But he didn’t know that. How could he? He didn’t even know her name. And she didn’t know his. Anonymity was exactly what she needed. It was the way her family name and officer’s rank demanded this encounter be.

The truth softened her desire to voice a witty comeback. This was what she wanted—what she’d gone searching for, she reminded herself patiently.

“I said strip,” he repeated calmly.

Except he was a little bossier than she liked, she corrected.

If it hadn’t been three months since her last shore leave and if she didn’t find shaved heads, taut bodies and bad-boy charm so damn attractive, she’d walk away right now. But it had and she did, so there was nothing that could drag her away from this room. Not even a bossy bedmate. Not until she’d gotten what she’d come for, at least.

She smiled at the evil little thought as she slowly undid the first button on her red silk blouse.

“That’s more like it,” he said with a wicked smile of his own.

He leaned back against the headboard and waited expectantly. He appeared more than comfortable calling the shots. Not that that should’ve surprised her. It’d been his quiet confidence that’d drawn her to him in the first place.

That and the network of scars that raced from his forehead to his chin on the left side of his face. God, she had a weakness for scars. Always had.

Scars built character.

Or maybe it was the surviving of them.

She’d never quite figured it out but the semantics really didn’t really matter much. He’d been tested and he’d passed. That was hot.

It was also something they had in common. He’d never know, but as the captain for a covert ops team, she’d earned countless scars herself. Hers, however, she wore on her soul. And that, no one ever got to see.

The second button slid through its hole, bringing the tops of her breasts into view. By the way his smile widened and changed to one of hunger, she guessed he liked what he saw.

There wasn’t any music playing in the room but the bass from a nearby party rippled through the air and she couldn’t help rolling her hips in time with it as she undid the third button to expose the first glimpse of black satin.

The matching bra and thong weren’t exactly military regulation but she always made a point of wearing sexy things when she wasn’t on duty. Femininity wasn’t encouraged in her profession so she relished moments like this, where she got to embrace her sexuality.

When she looked down she realized she was already at the fifth button. Just two to go. She turned her back to him playfully as she finished unbuttoning the shirt and then looked over her shoulder as she let the article of clothing slip from her body to land in a gentle billow on the floor around her feet.

She kept her back turned but continued to stare at him as she undid the single button on her black pencil skirt and then slowly slid the zipper down over her hip. The cool air of the room caressed her skin as she went and made her break out in goose bumps. Still, when she got to the black lace of her panties she paused to tease him with a glimpse before allowing the skirt to puddle on top of the discarded shirt.

The intensity in his gaze made her stomach knot with need and her nipples harden in anticipation. Yeah, this was going to be good. It’d damn well better be. 

Happy Friday, Everyone! Hope you have a most excellent weekend.

Chandra Ryan