The Gift (Part Eight)

             HHHHe wasn’t happy to have them in his home uninvited. That was a safeguard only provided to the living unfortunately. He was less happy that they had supped on his staff. It took time to carefully screen and vet discrete domestic servants. However, Gabriel was enraged that they had come to threaten Jocelyn. He didn’t know how they’d learned of her; it was a minor detail and it didn’t matter at this point. What did matter was that she was in danger. Masking his emotions would be a useless exercise; they were as skilled psychics as he was the eldest, Franco, likely more so. They knew.

“She should have been dealt with the first night she became aware of your nature. Why have you delayed?” Franco asked.

“I wish her for a companion.”

“You want a mate.”

Gabriel shrugged as though there were no difference. In truth, the difference was quite significant. Admitting he wanted to take Jocelyn as a mate, something Gabriel had never done, suggested Jocelyn was unique. And Franco could possibly take an unhealthy interest in Jocelyn; an interest that Gabriel could not allow.

“A companion. I’ve been solitary for some time. She’s attractive.” He lifted his shoulders and carelessly dropped them again. Then Gabriel deliberately allowed himself to picture Jocelyn naked knowing Franco’s tastes leaned toward men.

“Why not just turn her? Why bother with the lengthy seduction that risks exposure to us all?” Vampires do not govern the actions of one another with just one exception – exposure. A small body of elders on each continent is responsible for maintaining the secret on that continent. They have a large network of informants. One of their kinds that get careless is given the option of either becoming careful or moving on. If they do neither, the offender simply disappears. Humans that discover the truth are turned or consumed. Keep the secret or become a secret.

They stayed longer than necessary. Franco continued to ask repetitive questions in an attempt to trick Gabriel into revealing something. He didn’t bother hiding his intent. They came when they did, before Gabriel had fed and left the remnants of their own meals in plain sight to torment him further. They wanted the hunger, the anger, to make him careless, possibly violent. He saw the truth of it. Franco wanted him to.

The ancient misogynist hoped Gabriel would go directly to Jocelyn and in Gabriel’s current mental and physical state, take or kill her. Her body wanted his. He knew this. He felt it when he invaded her mind while she slept. He had ridden her orgasm with her. It would be simple to trick her mind into saying yes to what her body wanted. But he’d never have her heart. His own thumped. His member throbbed. His fangs pierced his bottom lip. He shouldn’t go near Jocelyn until he’d slated the worst of the thirst.

So why, he asked himself, are you standing outside her door?

 

Hundredfold Blessings

Throw the confetti, sound the trumpets, and cue the parade (you can hold the clowns though) this post is officially my 100^th blog entry.

 

I wondered what I should write for my 100^th post? Should I wax poetic about my fiancé; my children; the support I get from the wonderful group of writers I interact with daily; my current work in progress; or the book currently available; the quagmire that is social media or my seemingly stalled attempts at self-promotion? Then I realized, well, I’ve done all that already. Shit.

What’s going on with me you may ask? Even if you didn’t – I’m going to tell you anyway.

My nine year old got braces (1^st set, she’ll likely do this again when she’s older and the rest of her adult teeth have come in) and made her First Communion. It’s been a big spring for her. I’m so very proud. And I only want to kill her half time. She’s got early onset tween-a-tude.

The oldest turned twenty (kill me, kill me now); she has a good job and is a good mother. Isn’t much more a parent could ask for, now is there? My grandson is the light of my darkest day. He’s a character and a half. I see so much of my daughter in his personality and yet he is his own little person already at just 13 months.

My four year old soon-to-be stepdaughter’s biggest concern right now is preparing for my wedding. We haven’t even picked a date but she continually presents me with plastic jewelry to wear on the big day. She’s the ring-bearer and she’s taking that quite seriously.

The man is my rock.

I’m trying to finish a young adult short story for an anthology that is due by the end of this month. It is such a departure from what I usually write that I am struggling with it. I have a number of events coming up in June to celebrate my publisher’s anniversary.

Obviously, I define my life by my family and my writing. Which I guess would explain the mother’s day gift I received: an open face locket with the word DREAM inscribed on the back wall and the following charms inside a book, a B and a heart that says grandma.

I’m busy. In love, in life and in fiction. It’s good to be me.

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Christmas on the Cherry Farm

           “It looks like Christmas threw up in here.” Aidan chuckled into the back of Maggie’s neck. Maggie inhaled deeply and exhaled on a contented sigh. He was fresh from the shower and the scent of his soap and shampoo mingled with pine from the tree Aidan and Maggie had spent most of the prior evening decorating. She leaned into his embrace, enjoying the connection.

“Is it too much?” She tried to look objectively at the room and scrunched her nose. The tree was the focal point, it stood nearly as tall and as wide as the windows it was centered in front of and glittered with tiny fairy lights. It was covered it in ornaments. A mix of old and new; ones Aidan had in storage and those Maggie had had shipped from Philadelphia, plus ones they had bought together on a recent shopping trip. She’d saved the angel for last; she wanted to put that on together, today. But she’d giggled when she’d hung the stockings on an actual fireplace.

Maggie had the stereo tuned to a station playing Christmas carols. Stuffed Santas, reindeers and snowmen mingled with their ceramic counterparts and grinned out at them from various nooks and crannies. Candles and bells littered various surfaces. It had snowed again and the lights twinkling in the windows reflected off the ice.  She could see her new Audi, an early Christmas gift from Aidan, sparkling in the December sunlight. Somehow even the shiny SUV managed looked festive.

“No. I love it. I haven’t celebrated since my mom died. Haven’t wanted to or had a reason to; until now.” He squeezed her lightly. “My mom loved Christmas. I avoided the holiday because I thought it would make me miss her more. Now I wish I had celebrated. It feels like she’s here.” He kissed Maggie’s neck. “Thank you. She’d have loved this. And you. And her granddaughter.”

“I have something for you” Maggie stepped away and produced a small, weathered box from behind the sofa which she then presented to him solemnly. She had guessed when she’d found the antique in storage that it had been his mother’s and that it was likely he hadn’t seen it since she passed away.  He smiled sadly when he un-wrapped the angel from the yellow folds of tissue paper.

“I’m sorry, Aidan.  I overstepped.”  She laid her hand against his cheek.

“No way, Rock Star, you did just right.”  Aidan turned his face so he kissed her palm.  “This will be absolutely perfect on top of our tree.  Thank you.”

Maggie sat on the arm of the sofa providing direction as Aidan perched on top of the ladder trying to place the angel to her satisfaction.  She could tell he was getting exasperated with her and she tucked her tongue in her check and intentionally made him correct it a few more times than necessary before declaring it perfect.  She was waiting at the bottom of the ladder to wrap her arm around his waist so they could view the tree together.  She thought it was splendid.

“Christmas spirit wasn’t exactly high on my mother’s list of priorities, as you can imagine. But Jenna’s family always included me. They knew how to do Christmas: lots of mess and cookies and laughter and love.” She turned in his arms. “But this will be our first Christmas, in our home, our family, our tree. Not someone else’s being shared. I might’ve gone a little overboard.”

“We’ll go overboard every year.” Aidan promised dipping his head low and kissing her soundly.  The kiss deepened and Maggie’s hands tangled into his hair as the tone shifted. Aidan’s hands ranged low, skimmed over, and then cupped her backside. “Hmmm,” he hummed, “Baby’s still napping right?” Maggie nodded. “I’ve never made love under a Christmas tree before; how about you?”

“Of course not.” Maggie tried, and failed, to sound shocked by the suggestion as Aidan started to back step her toward the tree, his lips nipping at her earlobe. But her lips quirked up and a laugh escaped as he hummed ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’ against her neck, his fingers skating under the hem of her shirt. “You’re naughty.”

He shrugged, pulled the shirt up over her head and tossed it aside. “I don’t need the jolly old bugger to bring me anything for Christmas.” With his finger tucked into her bra strap he tugged her close, “I’ve got everything I want right here.”

With her heart tripping over his words, she slid to the floor with Aidan and under the tree filled with fairy lights they started making their own traditions.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Vote for Aidan in the HOT HERO FACEOFF going on right now!

 

 

 #teamAidan

Hot Hero Faceoff - Round 3

 

 

 Hot Heroes Faceoff - Round 3

The Battle heats up on May 21!

Crimson Romance authors love their leading men and are willing to fight for them. Join us tomorrow May 21 for Round 3 of the Hot Heroes Faceoff! The event will last all day with the heroes posting details about themselves and their books—and yes, there will be many hot photos as the heroes rally for votes!

Our two heroes squaring off are intrepid journalist and Round 2 Winner Dylan Bond from IN LOVE AND WAR by Tara Mills and horse rancher and shape-shifting wolf Aidan Gael from FATED SOULS by Becky Flade.

Here’s a little background on these hotties:

Dylan Bond is a brave journalist with a heart of gold who’ll risk his own skin to help others. He’s a guy with grit and a grin, substance and scruff. When he commits to something, it’s all the way.

Aidan Gael lives in forced solitude with his secrets and his grief. He spends the days on his ranch in the sunlight with his horses. But his nights are spent in the forest, running through the trees as the wolf, Gealach. This handsome green-eyed man guards his heart even better than he does his secrets. Tragedy has defined him; a curse binds him; and he is determined to protect the woman that loves him – from him.

Dylan and Aidan are currently undergoing intense training with their authors and virtual coaches. How’s it going so far? We questioned our heroes.

Dylan - How are you feeling after taking Round 2 and defeating Chago?

“Wiped out. Ariela’s been merciless. She’s taking this next round far more seriously than I am, fussing over my clothes — the woman took me shopping! She made me trim up the beard AND get a haircut. And she went through my dresser and got rid of a bunch of my favorite shirts and jeans. Everything that was soft and comfortable, perfectly broken in — she bagged it all up and took it out to the curb. I’m thinking going back into a combat zone is looking pretty good about now. She did love the celebratory dinner I made her after the second round, but this time, I think she’s going to owe me. I’ve been dropping some pretty strong hints, usually while I’m doing push-ups. She’s got me doing push-ups! And she puts her foot on my back to make it harder. If I didn’t already know how unpleasant it is to take a bullet, I’d say, just shoot me. Shoot me now.”

Aidan, are you ready to face off against Dylan?

“Good afternoon, ladies. To be honest, I'm not excited to be going up against a journalist. After spending almost all of my adult life avoiding people in general I fell in love with an investigative journalist and now find myself being judged for "hotness" against another one. It's bizarre. But Mags, well that's another story altogether. She has been strategizing for weeks; and snapping pictures of me left and right. She is really excited about the competition and about my competition being a fellow journalist. I guess all the prepping I'll be doing is putting my faith and trust in my Rock Star.”

Two men enter, one man leaves. Who will it be? That's for you to decide. Join us at:

HOT HERO FACEOFF

 Join the conversation on Twitter, get updates on how the heroes are training, and pick a team.

                      #TeamDylan                      #HotHeroFaceoff                     #TeamAidan

 

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Gift (Part Seven)

Gabriel ached. He hadn’t anticipated the strength of her will. Jocelyn was still denying them both what was clearly destined.  He hadn’t anticipated how tormented he would also be by the images he’d been sending her. It had not occurred to him that he would take her visage and the lingering fragments of the dioramas he had weaved into his slumber with him upon every dawn. While he rested his vivid imagination ran wild with lust and blood the likes of which would have terrified Jocelyn. The effect on Gabriel was intensely opposite.  He awoke painfully aroused and starving for blood.

He fed, he must in order to survive, but he only took just enough to sustain and left every ‘volunteer’ with a happy memory of the encounter. But he was not happy; the blood tasted flat. He had no joy; did not experience the fleeting rush or minor thrill even feeding for sustenance should provide. Gabriel wasn’t satisfied. He craved Jocelyn. He desired no one else. His body knew hers already. He didn’t know how much longer he could wait for her to acquiesce.

Only that he must.

Gabriel rose from slumber, not slowly or gently as a human might, but instead became instantly alert. He didn’t lie in a coffin, though he knew of others that did. Gabriel preferred the trappings of comfort the wealth he’d accumulated could and did provide. He spent his hours as a corpse on silk sheets in a king size bed; safely ensconced in the largest panic room ever constructed. He’d then wiped the memories of the men that had built it to his specifications; ensuring his safety. The security monitors were hidden, as was the refrigeration unit stocked with emergency blood should the need ever arise. But beyond practicalities the room was filled with art; books; instruments of pleasure and of pain to suit his whimsy; music filtered in from a hidden sound system and the lighting was kept intentionally dim. It was a space designed for safety yes but filled with the luxurious and the sensual. It was his bedchamber after all. Sleep in the dirt with the bugs, indeed!

He longed to have Jocelyn in his bed, writhing on his sheets, naked and unabashed her porcelain skin awash with his blood. Gabriel felt the twin daggers of desire and hunger stab through him. He knew he’d feed more than once this night. He dressed and saw to his hair. The myth about vampires being unable to see their own visages was bunk. He took great pride in his appearance.

Gabriel coded the lock and opened the vault door. As he stepped out into the hall, he felt them; at least three, perhaps four vampires, in his drawing room.

When he entered the room, his gaze fell dispassionately on the dead women littering his floor and the blood ruining the antique runner. That was most of the evening staff right there. He sighed. “Seriously, gentlemen, my housekeeper? The maid?”

The oldest met his eye.

“Would you have rather it been your woman – Jocelyn?” 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

My Review of MORE THAN A JOB: THE COMPLETE SERIES by Sarah Daltry

TODAY’S POST IS FOR ADULTS ONLY – AS IN 18 AND UP!

As I’m sure you noticed I’ve put the “Mature Audiences Only” warning up on my blog. There is a very good reason for this: I am reviewing the complete series “More Than a Job” by Sarah Daltry. This is erotica and quite graphic. If you are not over 18 years old: back up!  Now that’s out of the way, let’s get on to the good stuff.  =D

“More Than a Job” is a trilogy which was made available to me by the author, Sarah Daltry, as one complete work. Instead of reviewing each third separately I’m going to take it as it was presented to me, which frankly was how I read it, as one piece; though I am aware of the fact that it is available on Amazon as one and as three separate stories.

The story begins with Jayni: fresh out of college; unsure of what do with her life; no boyfriend; working as a receptionist; and partying with her college buddies at night. She shows up late to work, still in her clubbing clothes, to find her replacement being trained on how to do her job. But it’s okay. She’s not being fired; she’s being offered a promotion. Provided she aces the after-hours interview with the boss/owner of the company, Mike. Oh and hey, Jayni, wear the too short skirt and see through blouse you already have on.

Obviously she passes the audition or it would’ve been a very short story. It’s a full time job as Mike’s escort. She travels with him, has a clothing allowance, great sex with a handsome, older, charismatic man and so long as she doesn’t mind getting whored out to his business associates to seal a deal – which she doesn’t – it’s a win.

Well, until they fall in love with each other and Jayni becomes a sex addict that is. Then things get complicated.

That’s where I’m going to leave the summary, if you want to know more, read more. If you want a nutshell review: Think Pretty Woman if Vivian was a sex addict and Edward didn’t mind Stuckey sticking it to her. =) As for my opinion:  There was a lot I liked and a little bit I didn’t. Sarah does a great job telling a sexy story. It’s very difficult, as everyone knows, to keep emotions out of a passionate relationship. And these two characters fell in love when they didn’t want to. I felt for them. And the sex was hot. Did I mention that? But as the story unfolded I found myself liking Mike less and beginning to feel sorry for Jayni. And there were a couple of sex scenes toward the end, one in particular, which upset me. However, I do consider the fact that I became emotionally involved with the characters a marker of the quality of the writing.

I’ll read Sarah again.  

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

MORE THAN A JOB: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Jayni has no idea what she wants to do and is passing her days after college as a receptionist. When her boss offers her a job pleasing him and his clients, she is ready and willing. What she does not bargain for is falling in love. However, when someone loves sex as much as Jayni does, can she ever have a real relationship? Can one man satisfy her completely?

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: SARAH DALTRY

What turns you on? I love to tell a dirty story.

I have two novels available:

The Quiver of a Kiss is historical romance/erotica about Helen of Troy. More than a Job is smutty erotic romance broken into three parts or available as one part about a girl who acts as an "assistant," pleasing her boss and his clients.

I also have several collections of shorts (each short is available individually as well):

First Timers 1 features reluctant virgins getting it rough; First Timers 2 is also about virgins, but in a variety of situations. Smells Like Team Spirit 1 is about group sex with a sports theme.

Sometimes maybe I will provide a little tease on my website: http://sarahdaltry.wordpress.com

Follow me on Twitter @SarahDaltry or like me on Facebook (Sarah Daltry Erotica). My email is sarah.daltry@gmail.com

You can also find Sarah & her stories on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Daltry/e/B00BVV0F5W/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Hot Heroes Faceoff - Round 2

 

Crimson Romance Authors Heat Things Up! ROUND TWO

The two Crimson Romance heroes squaring off today are ready for battle! Round 1 winner, the immortal Chago from SEAL OF SURRENDER by Traci Douglass is squaring off against challenger Dylan Bond, International War Journalist from IN LOVE ANDWAR by Tara Mills. How are our heroes feeling about this next round?

Chago left late last night, summoned for a top-secret mission at an undisclosed location with no mention of a solid return date. Such is the life of a Scion warrior. Traci was able to slip a small digital camera to Barron, Chago's youngest brother, with instructions for him to try and get me some photos of Chago in the field. We'll see what he sends back... :) And there are always satellite phones and e-mail. So never fear ladies, Traci will make sure Chago is well accounted for during Round 2!

Dylan's taking it all in stride, tolerating his heroine's high protein, low carb diet, but he does have some terms. No gladiator costume. No g-strings or tear away pants. No dancing and shaking his family jewels for votes (It's disturbing and this is NOT Magic Mike.). "There's not enough alcohol in the world to get me through something like that," he told his author, Tara. Tara does promise Dylan will be baring some skin on Tuesday, whether he realizes it or not!

Cast your vote TODAY, April 30th! #TeamChago #TeamDylan

Who will win your vote?   https://www.facebook.com/events/360788360698410/

Join the conversation on Twitter, get updates on how the heroes are training and pick a team. #HotHeroFaceoff

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Join us next Tuesday May 7th when MY hero Aidan Gael of Fated Souls goes up against today's winner!