What’s not to love about a series. They’re sexy. I love writing them and I love reading them. Getting hooked on a series is so easy to do. I like to write friends (like in Chances Are), or soldiers (in Take Me/Need Me), and now brothers in my Holding out for a Hero series at Samhain. Three brothers, three different heroic careers.
These three brothers were so much fun to write. How could they not be with a Sheriff, an Army Sergeant, and a Firefighter? The novellas show their life struggles with life and love. But I think the series is even sexier because the heroes are brothers. You’ve got a friendship and blood bond that connects these men, and you see it in each book.
Here’s a peek at the first novella in my series (which will eventually come out in print!) Going Down.
Holding Out for a Hero, Book 1
Eleanor Owen needs to get out of Chicago and quick. It’s not that she doesn’t want to obey the subpoena to testify against her drug-trafficking ex-boyfriend. It’s making it to the witness stand alive, should a dirty cop make good on his threats.
Tiny, remote Wyattsville, Oregon looks like the perfect place to disappear, but it’s hard to blend into the woodwork when one of the town’s infamous namesakes sends her heart racing. Worse, Mr. Tall, Hot and Packing is the town sheriff, which means she should stay as far away from him as possible.
Tyson Wyatt is positive the sexy new girl in town is hiding something. Question is, what? He vows to feel out her secrets—including what she feels like beneath him. Preferably naked. Until then, he’s not buying the story she’s selling.
Their chemistry is sheet-melting hot, and Ellie realizes much too late that the man with the badge is as dangerous to her heart as her ex is to her life…
“Well, that’s funny.” Tyson pursed his lips. He could’ve sworn he heard someone inside.
He walked around the porch to peer in the kitchen window and immediately spotted the pot on the stove. Water boiled over the sides and onto the floor.
His brows drew together as his gut tightened with the instinct that something was off. A second later, a door slammed from the back of the house.
Tyson moved quickly to the end of the porch, just in time to see a blur of black hair and bare legs, before the woman headed for the gathering of trees at the edge of the property.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he hopped the porch railing and took off after her.
Was she running from him? Why?
He shook his head, reminding himself that he didn’t really need to ask himself why. He knew the answer. He was in uniform and driving a marked car. And when a person ran from law enforcement, it was generally because they had something to hide.
“Stop!” he hollered, increasing his pace.
But, if anything, it spooked the woman even more and she disappeared into the woods.
Tyson didn’t lose speed. Was this the tenant of the house running? Or had someone else broken in? Either way, he wasn’t letting her get away that easily. Not that he thought for a minute she would, the woman was heading right toward the cliffs above the beach, so she was going to have to stop at some point. And when she did, she’d have some explaining to do.
Even as he gained ground, his frustration slipped away and unease replaced it as they began to approach the break in the trees.
She wasn’t slowing down. Jesus, didn’t she realize there was barely six feet out of the forest before the cliff’s ledge?
“Stop!” he screamed again, almost an arm’s length behind her now. “Dammit, lady, stop before you kill yourself!”
The woman burst from the trees without decreasing her speed and Tyson’s heart tripped with fear.
Her sharp scream reverberated as she finally saw the cliff. Her toes dug into the dirt as she tried to halt her inevitable fall.
Tyson lurched forward, grabbed her around the waist and spun them away from the edge just as her right foot went over.
Her soft body slammed against his, causing him to stumble backward and farther away from the edge. He hit the ground first, falling on his ass before she fell on top of him. His hands slid to cup the roundness of her bottom, while her soft chest pressed against his face as her arms flailed to the ground beneath them for purchase.
Jesus. Tyson let out a strangled groan as his body instantly responded to their intimate position.
Her frightened whimper and trembling body reminded him how close she’d been to going over the cliff.
“Are you okay?” he asked gruffly, rolling them so she fell back onto the dirt and then knelt above her.
Wide hazel eyes stared up at him even as she made the tiniest nod.
He grunted and slid his gaze over her slight frame, taking in her flawless pale skin. Breasts that were small, but looked like they could still fill his hand, pushed against her thin pink tank top. Her stomach was toned and her hips flared just a bit under tiny denim shorts. Her feet were dirty from running bare through the forest, even as her dainty toes shone with a glittery pink polish.
Damn but she was a sexy little thing…and she was also terrified. Whether of him, or nearly running over a cliff, who knew.
But the fear in her eyes reminded him to stop thinking with his dick, and get back into sheriff mode.
“You could’ve been killed if you’d fallen off that cliff, do you realize that?” he said tersely.
Again, a tiny nod.
He narrowed his gaze. “Good. Now would you please explain why you were running from me, ma’am?”
Totally excited! Why? Many reasons. First, because Need Me is out on Tuesday! In fact I’ve got a FEW releases out in the next month!
Let’s go over other reasons why I’m excited. I recently learned that my book Take Me finaled in the Greater Detroit Booksellers’ Best competition! And I have a book video for Need Me! I’m also just happy to have some sunshine and summer weather round these parts. Because Pacific Northwest kind of got jacked on any kind of spring.
Anyway, I’m just a bit ramble happy in this post, and not all that exciting (sorry!) But I’m a busy bee working on revising a book and keeping the kid entertained now that school’s out. So tell ya what. How about I give away a book? You leave a comment and I’ll draw a winner on Tuesday to win signed a copy of Need Me (want to leave the contest up a few days since people tend to disappear on the weekend).
Happy upcoming 4th of July (oh another reason I’m excited!)
Well I had a great time at the Romantic Times conference! I enjoyed meeting other authors, readers, and others in the bookseller communities. Here’s a few fun pics to share from during the convention! One during the fairy ball, before the signing, and the vampire ball.
But I’m back now, and life has gone on as usual. Including me being so tired of the cold! Okay, maybe you’re off somewhere where it’s warm and gloriously sunny, and it may as well BE summer, but that’s not me. Recently on Twitter I had a conversation with fellow Pacific Northwesterners who share my chills. We spoke of blankets, snuggies, long underwear, fuzzy socks. What is it, winter? May as well be out here. Sigh. How’s the weather where you are?
Well, I do have some things BESIDES the weather to look forward to this summer! Three upcoming releases! I have two print books, my Aphrodisia book Need Me at the end of June, and my Samhain book Chances Are in July. Then July 20th my Samhain ebook novella, Going Down, which is the first in my Holding out for a Hero series, comes out!
I’m also hoping to travel this summer, but that’s all going to depend on a few factors! What are you looking forward to this summer?
Here’s an excerpt of my upcoming Aphrodisia book, Need Me:
Nika has trained her body into a deadly weapon—the better to take what she wants from any world, especially the well-protected planet Belton. But the moment she sees Lt. Brendon Marshall, her weapon is turned against her. A man like him could incinerate a woman’s priorities with one look. And since he’s guarding the very object of her desire, it could be so simple to use him and never look back. As long as she can ignore a more intense pleasure than she’s ever known—and a wilder need than she’s ever imagined…
EXCERPT
Brendon’s fingers clenched the glass of wine as he lowered it slowly back to the table. His gaze sought hers as she crossed the room.
Damn her. Once again, she looked gorgeous. She wore a thin red gown that clung to every sweet curve on her body. And she never looked away from him as she approached, her gaze confident. Almost defiant.
She finally stood in front of him and gave a slight sniff. “A moment of your time so that I might have a word with you, sir.”
It wasn’t even a request, more of a demand. His irritation with her faded into something akin to amusement. Just who did this woman think she was dealing with?
“I think not,” he murmured lazily. “If I give you a moment of my time, there will be no words needed.”
Emmett let out a choked laugh next to him, which he quickly converted to a cough.
Her mouth tightened even as he saw the odd mix of heat and wariness in her gaze. “All right.”
Brendon froze. “Pardon?”
“If those are your terms then I accept.”
Anger flared hot in his belly. What the hell kind of game did she play now? He pushed back his chair and strode forward, grabbing her elbow.
“Take me to your room.”
She didn’t pull away or tell him to go to hell, simply nodded and turned to lead the way.
Still clutching her arm, he followed her. Confusion and anger warred inside him. If this was another attempt at cock teasing him, then she had pushed him too far, because the moment he stepped foot into her room, he had no intention of leaving until he’d thoroughly fucked her.
Watching her ass swish beneath the gown and imagining her supine and submissive had his cock jumping beneath his trousers.
She turned and made her way up the stairs, each step bringing him closer to her room. Before she reached the top of the stairs, he finally broke.
He pulled on her arm, spinning her around. “What game do you play?”
She gave him a slow smile and licked her lips, but her gaze was not so unperturbed. “I play no game.”
The hell she didn’t. He half suspected he’d go into her room and find someone there ready to assault him.
His jaw hardened and he exhaled harshly. “Lead on, woman.”
Nika spun from him and strode on down the hall. He followed her, wary as she opened the door to her room. She strode in first and then turned, waiting for him to enter.
He entered slowly, one hand on his pocket-sized electro-mace. Glancing around the small quarters, he found it empty. Still suspicious, he closed the door and listened to the electronic lock click.
Then he lifted his head and met her gaze. In her eyes there was desire, but beneath it was something else. Maybe even…resentment? But that would make no sense. Why would she resent him when she’d been the one to agree to his terms?
“Perhaps you’ll tell me what happened to your face,” she finally asked, her lips curling upward in amusement. “Was your lady friend last night a bit on the rough side?”
“No lady did this to me.” His eyes narrowed at the reminder of what had happened at the lab. “Nor did I bed that woman last night.”
He regretted the last admission when her expression slipped from derisive amusement to surprise.
“Why did you bring me here, Nika?”
She lifted one shoulder and pulled a strand of hair forward to wrap around her finger. “Because you requested we meet in my room.”
“Yes. So I did.” He stalked toward her slowly, waiting to see if she’d retreat. She did not, but held her ground quite solidly.
He caught her chin between his fingers and held her still. Hunger flashed in her gaze, replacing any sign of another emotion that gave him doubt, as she ran her tongue across her lips.
“Twice now you have left my cock in a dire state, love. It won’t happen again.”
She did not reply, but he saw the muscles in her throat work.
“What have you to say, Nika?”
For a moment she said nothing and then, still holding his gaze, she reached behind her and unfastened her dress. It slipped down her body, catching on one pert tit before pooling onto the floor.
The air hissed from his lips. Gods. It was amazing he didn’t come in his trousers.
He let his gaze explore her body. Tall and slender, her breasts were small and perky, a good mouthful. He moved his attention lower, over her toned belly to the smooth lips of her pussy.
His cock pressed hard against his trousers, straining to get out. With a deft hand he freed himself and stroked the hard length.
“Gods, I want you. Turn around,” he commanded softly. He would fuck her now, before she pulled some silly stunt and tried to run off again. “Lean forward against the bureau.”
She swallowed hard, but obeyed, turning away from him. Her palms splayed on the wood surface, her ass pushing out toward him.
“I think we’ve had enough foreplay over the last two days,” he murmured against her ear, pressing himself into the curve of her body. “Don’t you agree, love?”
“However you want me, Lieutenant,” she agreed in a breathless voice.
Her slim body trembled against him, despite her flirtatious words. She insisted this was no game, yet something felt not quite right.
His cock throbbed against her buttocks, and he ground his teeth together. Why the hell was he overanalyzing? He needed to be inside her. Now.
Brendon slid a hand down her back, his breath catching at how soft her skin was. He moved lower, before sliding his fingers between her legs and inside her.
Her pussy was soaked, clenching around him as he added a second finger and worked them in and out of her tight channel. Her body was hot and slick, undeniably prepared for him. She let out a soft moan.
He pulled his fingers from her and placed his hand against her back, urging her to lean forward more against the bureau.
She complied, and he watched her ass raise higher, the swollen lips of her pussy in perfect view now. Gods, she was sight. All moist and pink. And submissive.
Gripping his cock, Brendon placed the head of his erection between her legs and pushed an inch into her. He stopped for a moment to let the slick cream welcome his cock, to enjoy this second before he took her. Claimed her.
“Tell me no again,” he challenged hoarsely. “Tell me you want me to stop.”
“I don’t want you to stop,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Fuck me, Brendon. Now.”
* * * *
Available for pre-order at many places including Amazon: in print and the Kindle.
Everything’s up in the air. Or wait that’s me..and my luggage. We’re all flying, probably when you’re reading this. I’m on a plane to RT (squee!) along with friends/authors Lauren Dane, TJ Michaels, Mark Henry, Richelle Mead… I think even more. Oh yeah, it’s going to be all kinds of fun. Hope we’re not getting into too much trouble
So while this week is bound to be a blast, I’ve had a great month over all. I had another group signing earlier in the month. Spring Fling, which was a group of authors (here’s a few of us below!). You can also see my cover flat in the pic for Need Me which comes out end of June! Squee! And I have a fun little blurb to share with you now!
But if you’re at RT come say hello! I’m an RT virgin so will probably be wandering around with wide eyes. I can’t wait to see everyone and have so much fun!
Nika has trained her body into a deadly weapon—the better to take what she wants from any world, especially the well-protected planet Belton. But the moment she sees Lt. Brendon Marshall, her weapon is turned against her. A man like him could incinerate a woman’s priorities with one look. And since he’s guarding the very object of her desire, it could be so simple to use him and never look back. As long as she can ignore a more intense pleasure than she’s ever known—and a wilder need than she’s ever imagined…
Okay, I’m having a bit of a crazy weekend and my brain is mush. So I’m just going to share a video that’s pretty freaking funny. Due to some swearing, may not be work friendly. But check it out when you can, because you don’t want to miss it. Great for a laugh
It’s called, “Doctor’s Visit” and was featured in the LA Comedy Shorts ’09 Film Festival.
Well, there’s many things I could be talking about when I ask if you enjoy it. But right now, I’m asking about dressing up.
RT (Romantic Times convention) is coming up (less than two months!) and I’m getting super excited. This will be my first conference. Not only will I get to see author friends and meet readers, I get to DRESS UP! I mean, part of me will always be this kid who loves Halloween and any opportunity to put on a costume. But I never get invited to adult Halloween parties anymore <bummed sigh> and there’s never really been any other reason to get dressed up. Until RT!
So I’m getting all into the costume building, well, not as much as some people, but I am a little bit. Going more strong on the accessories to the costume (wings, head pieces, hats, etc.) Seriously, check out the headpiece–click pics to make bigger–I made from scratch (seriously I formed the wreath part and everything! I’ve got mad skillz with a glue gun!) for one of my costumes! I only used a little child labor for the beading (hey, working the fine motor skills). I’m really excited for this conference. For the costumes, the socializing, everything…did I hear something about cover models?
So who’s been to RT before? Anyone planning on going this year? Any tips for a newbie? Are you dressing up? If you’re coming please, please, please come say hi! I’ll be a total noob! I’ll also be at the signing with my Kensington and some Samhain books!
So I blogged about this the other day, but wanted to try and get more perspectives. So sex sells, right? I mean, Aphrodisia books are proof of that
And there’s so many variations on what kind of erotic romances to read. M/M, cowboys, ménage, foursomes, tensomes, bdsm, capture, vanilla erotic…all of the above? The variety of erotic romances to read is across the page.
Well, in case you don’t know, I also write for Samhain Publishing and my newest release, an ebook novella called Four Play, just came out last week (and it’s been #1 at MBAM since last Thursday!) It’s the story of one woman who has to choose between three men…until she realizes maybe she doesn’t have to choose at all! There was something so fun and delicious about writing three different men, and wondering who I’d choose if I was in the heroine’s place.
So I certainly have my favorite themes in erotic, to both read and write. But I want to know what yours is. What type of plot do you tend to gravitate toward to when you’re picking up an erotic/spicy romance to read?
Leave a comment and I’ll draw a name for one person to win a copy of Four Play or any ebook off my backlist.
In the mean time, enjoy the excerpt below!
Shelli
* * *
Duty required she choose one life mate. Her heart wants all three.
Mikayla knew this day was coming. News has come down from the planetary elders—now that she’s twenty-five, the law requires she pick her lifemate. She may be the planetary secretary, but when it comes to trying out potential mates, she’s inexperienced and nervous.
She only needs one man with whom she can trust her life. Luckily she knows three—all friends since childhood. Even if they’re not thrilled to be her potential lifemate, it’s the only way she can get through this process.
Mikayla couldn’t be more wrong about Cedric, Kyle, and Brett. They’re eager, yet resentful about the situation. Each one would kill to claim her, but they’re not too happy about having to risk their friendship to win her love. Yet, one by one, they set out to do just that.
Mikayla is stunned to learn all three men drive her mad with desire—and make her feel cherished. Loved. Choosing one seems impossible, until the one man she doesn’t want forces her hand…
EXCERPT
“That dress looks lovely on you,” Kyle murmured.
She flushed, even knowing he had always been skilled with flattery. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. It makes you look taller.”
Mikayla threw back her head and laughed, a habit she was well used to when spending time with Kyle. “You lie. I’m petite at best.”
“Yes, you are, and always have been. It’s no wonder we always had difficulty finding you during our hiding games as a child.”
“Gods, stop it!” she laughed harder and slapped his leg lightly. “You make fun.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Kyle grinned and sank down next to her, then leaned back on his elbows, crossing one leg over another. The action drew his shirt taut over his abdomen, highlighting the muscles beneath.
A flutter occurred low in her belly and she bit her lip, shifting her gaze away. What was the matter with her? He was fully clothed and this was hardly the first occasion she’d spent time with him alone.
“Mikayla,” Kyle said softly and caught her hand. “What made you choose us?”
Her cheeks warmed and she shrugged. “Well, basically it was like I said. I suppose I hate the idea of making a strange man my lifemate. I know you three. I adore you and would trust each one of you with my life.” She lifted her gaze and searched his eyes. The unease hit again—was she forcing them into this? She whispered, “Am I being terribly selfish?”
His blue gaze darkened, flickered with heat. “No, kitten. Not selfish at all. Though you’ve put us in one hell of a predicament.”
“Have I? How so?” Her heart skipped and she ran her tongue across her mouth.
Kyle’s gaze dropped to observe the movement.
“Because all three of us would give our souls to possess you,” he said roughly and, with a light tug of his hand, pulled her so that she fell across his chest. He reclined fully onto the blanket and slid his hands up her waist. “To win your love.”
Surprise rushed through her. Truly? They all wanted more than just friendship from her?
Her pulse quickened and she wondered if she should feel guilty for acting so wantonly. But dear Gods it felt wonderful to lie across his hard body like this. Across Kyle. How strange…
“All of you? But Brett didn’t seem happy in the least.”
Kyle laughed. “He’s just infuriated that I was chosen to court you first. The man is more competitive than he likes to let on.” He slid his hand down to her ass, cupping her through the thin cotton. “But fortunately I am too, kitten. Do I have your permission to continue?”
Continue. Oh Gods, she could not even begin to comprehend what that entailed, but she wanted it.
Not trusting her voice, she gave a slight nod.
Triumph flickered in his gaze as he slid one hand up to cradle the back of her head, pulling her mouth down to his. His mouth was entirely too skilled, coaxing her lips apart before his tongue slipped inside.
She met his commanding touch, hesitantly flicking her tongue against his. Heat bloomed in her body as she let her weight rest fully on him. He threaded his fingers through her hair and tilted her head, deepening the kiss.
Warmth slid through Mikayla’s body, gathering heavily between her legs. She squirmed against him, needing more than the kiss, but not sure how to ask for it.
But Kyle seemed to know exactly what she needed, because he lifted one leg between her thighs so that she straddled him. His knee wedged against her pussy, sending all kinds of sparks of pleasure through her.
She cried out and lifted her head, bracing her hands on either side of his body, rocking back and forth on his knee in search of that ultimate pleasure.
“You need to slow down, kitten,” he murmured and slid his hands up her ribcage to cup her breasts.
“This is just the beginning.”
Oh Gods! Mikayla closed her eyes. If this was just the beginning of pleasure, then she was in a heap of trouble.
The holidays are over and we’re rushing toward 2010!
How did it all treat you? Did you get all the gifts you wanted? None of the gifts you wanted? Check out the suhweet Snuggie that Santa brought me!
So we’re just days away from 2010 and I’m super excited. I love the fresh start of a New Year. And I LOVE the romance of New Year’s Eve. Except, my New Year’s Eves has been so absolutely boring ever since I had a kid and dived headfirst in the world of single parenthood. Last year was the first time in YEARS I actually did something on New Year’s Eve. And even then, it ended up being kind of a dud evening (let’s not talk about how I decided to drink diet Red Bull and vodka–forgetting that I’d given up caffeine!).
Once upon a time I used to have wild evenings. Like, I-probably-shouldn’t-even-put-this-on-the-web-in-case-my-child-finds-it-years-from-now type wild. My New Year’s Eves used to be so much fun, so exciting, and so full of possibility on who I might meet. My offers lately have been from my parents, inviting me to play Scrabble and have dinner with them and their friends–oh, no, wait, not the dinner part, just the Scrabble. When did my life get so boring!?
I mean even if I got babysitting, all the fun parties and events seem to have dried up. For once I’d love to ring in the New Year with a fun date (are you out there man of my New Year’s Eve dreams?) or go to a fabulous event/party. SOMETHING! Some day again it’ll happen…some day.
So tell me, what are you doing New Year’s Eve? Anything amazing? Tell me! Let me live vicariously through you! Or maybe, is this all just part of growing up? Do we really just sit home and watch the ball drop on tv, while twittering the night away?
Here’s a song that somewhat encourages my New Year’s Eve obsession. It’s Harry Connick Jr. who positively makes me swoon when he sings (he’s not a bad actor either )
Well! I’m a bit late posting, and I apologize. I’m hung over from a number of things (but not alcohol!) I’m recovering from Thanksgiving, black Friday (this morning!) and just finishing up with jury duty this week (it was a bigger case than I expected and went on for awhile, and that’s all I’m saying!).
Did anyone shop today? I sure as heck did for a bit, but quickly realized the best deals were online! Hello, Star Trek for $9 at Amazon? I think you can STILL get that deal! The malls were crowded and I found nothing that had me drooling.
So since I’m still a bit mentally drained, how about I share my new cover for Need Me? This is for the second book in futuristic series (following Take Me, but each is stand alone!)
So Sexy Beast VII is almost out in stores and is already shipping from Amazon and Barnes and Noble (who knows, it may be in some stores already!) I’m so thrilled to be a part of this book with Kate Douglas and Anitra Lynn McLeod!
Big and bold, primal and powerful, these men have a seductive sensuality that no woman can resist. Come enter their world of carnal desires and wanton sexuality…if you dare…
“Chanku Challenge” by Kate Douglas
When Beth and Nick first discovered the amazingly sensual power of their Chanku birthright, the desire to mate was fierce and uncontrollable. But Beth remains haunted by an event from her past, and she must confront it in order to accept her new life and find the happiness she so desperately seeks…
“Eye of the Beholder” by Anitra Lynn McLeod
Terrified at the rumors of her new husband’s hideous disfigurement, Larra of Rellmon fears the night and his approach. But as the hooded Dauer caresses her body Larra’s shivers of terror become quivers of ecstasy, and under cover of darkness she willingly submits to complete sexual surrender…
“His To Reclaim” by Shelli Stevens
Five years ago Gemma gave her heart and soul to a fellow werejaguar only to have him disappear. Now Hunter has come back and kidnapped her on her wedding day in order to make her his again, and he will tempt, tease and taunt her body to the heights of hedonistic pleasure to get exactly what he wants…
So in my story, His to Reclaim, you see that Gemma (the heroine) is confronted with a man from her past. The one that got away so to speak.
For some of us, maybe we have a feeling that there might be that guy that got away (or girl!) and I loved writing this story because it gave me a chance to play with the what if factor. Leave a comment and tell me if you’ve ever had any thoughts or regrets about a special someone from your past. I admit I have! And probably with more than one.
I’ll draw a name from those who leave a comment and send out a signed copy (just by me because I don’t live near the other gals!) of Sexy Beast VII to one randomly drawn winner!
In the mean time, enjoy an excerpt from my story in Sexy Beast VII!
Excerpt from His to Reclaim
“Gemma!” The shrill scream pierced through the woods, filtering past the aged walls of the log cabin. “Oh my God! I can’t believe this. Gemma!”
The sound of feet pounding down the path mingled with the alarmed whimpers and short breaths of the approaching woman.
Gemma’s fingers clenched around the brush in her hand, her pulse quickening as she turned to face the door. Was it too much to hope that it was nothing more than the caterer having encountered a problem?
The door flung open, smashing into the wall. Her younger cousin Megan stepped into the room, eyes wild with panic.
“He’s really coming.”
They were just three words, but they were enough. The brush dropped from Gemma’s hand, and her body went numb with shock.
This was really happening…. No! The room spun and she gripped the vanity table to keep from falling to her knees. No. Was he insane?
“There’s no time.” Megan closed the door, hands shaking. “Shift and then run. Run fast. It’s the only way you can possibly escape him.”
“How far away is he?” Gemma’s voice came out remarkably calm as she fumbled to undo the buttons on her wedding dress.
The cold fear began to subside, and a hot burn of rage blazed through her. How dare he? After five years, how dare he?
Megan grabbed her arm and tugged her toward the door. “A mile. Maybe. And he’s not alone, Gemma. He’s brought friends. You must hurry! There’s no time to change out of your dress. Run, and I’ll find Jeffrey and tell him what’s happened.”
“My dress will be ruined during transition—”
Crash!
The door broke in half, and splinters of wood shot into the interior of the cabin like tiny missiles.
Heart in her throat, Gemma retreated, her body trembling as she stared at the man who now filled the doorway.
The man who’d just made good on the appallingly dark promise he’d made just days ago in an e-mail. She’d been half convinced it was a joke—someone toying with her heart—and had told Megan as much.
But it wasn’t a joke. The proof was standing in front of her eyes. Maybe a couple of years ago she would have wished for this, but not now. Dammit, not now!
Sweat clung to the hard muscles of Hunter’s nude body—it was clear he’d just shifted back to human form. A familiar heat crept through her body, and she hardened her jaw, refusing to acknowledge it. The same way she’d refused to acknowledge it for the last five years.
It was hard not to, though, with his dark hair and tan body. He was tall and broad, a mass of muscles and ridges.
Her gaze dropped, and her cheeks burned hot. She swallowed hard, unable to tear her gaze from his hard thighs and the thick cock that rested between them.
The blood raged through her veins, and she closed her eyes to count to ten. When she opened them again, her gaze was firmly back to his face, unwilling to let her eyes shift any lower than his shoulders this time, for that would be a guaranteed diversion from finding a way out of this situation.
Unfortunately, five years had done nothing but enhance Hunter’s raw sex appeal.
His eyes, burning like dark blue crystals, met hers. And like the devil come to collect his due, he advanced into the room, his face a mask of fierce determination.
Oh, God. She needed to act. Now. Swallowing against the thickness in her throat, Gemma glanced around the room, looking for anything that might be used as a weapon. She grabbed the chair from her vanity table and lifted it above her head with a grunt.
Hunter lunged forward and knocked it from her grasp, sending it crashing to the ground behind her. Before she could draw in a startled breath, he’d circled her wrists with one of his massive hands and pulled her body firmly against the rock hard wall of his chest.
“No!” She growled and lifted her knee to tag him in the groin, but he blocked the shot.
Instead, he pulled her tighter against him and forced his thigh between hers. His thick cock brushed her hip and she stilled, barely able to breathe as her heart slammed against her ribcage.
His soft laugh feathered warmth against her cheek. “You should have listened to your cousin, angel.” He leaned forward and said softly against her ear, “You should have run.”
Holding Out for a Hero, Book 1
The holidays are over and we’re rushing toward 2010!
