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Cover Reveal — Betrayal by A.S. Fenichel
Today I’m happy to share the cover for one of my dearest friend’s upcoming release. BETRAYAL by A.S. Fenichel is the third book in the Demon Hunters series. These books are action-packed, spicy historical/paranormal romance. Intrigued? You should be. 🙂
To survive as a scullery maid requires hard work, discipline, and a stiff upper lip. To survive as a Demon Hunter is something else entirely. Elizabeth Smythe learned this after she was captured by Demons and rescued by Hunters. Now a Hunter herself, Elizabeth’s first task in this new and strange world is to aid the recently wounded Lord Reece Foxjohn, and get him back into Demon-slaying shape. . .
Reece Foxjohn is used to defying convention. He enraged his family by becoming a Demon Hunter, and prefers eviscerating the spawn of Satan to mixing with the ton. He is a man who doesn’t hesitate when he knows what he wants, and what he wants is Miss Elizabeth Smythe. From the moment he set eyes on the fiery Hunter, he’s wanted to claim her for his own. To watch her behead the progeny of Evil is to behold a thing of beauty.
BETRAYAL
Book 3—The Demon HuntersAvailable December 8, 2015
Pre-order your copy today:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • iBooks • Kensington Lyrical Press
About the Author:
A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
Multi-published in historical, paranormal, erotic and contemporary romance, A.S. is the author of The Demon Hunters series, the Psychic Mates series, and more. With several books currently contracted to multiple publishers, A.S. will be brining you her brand of edgy romance for years to come.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden. Her babies are both rescues and include a demanding dog and a temperamental cat both of which bring constant joy and laughter.
Connect with A.S. Fenichel online:
Website • Blog • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Google+ • Tsu • Pinterest
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Guest Post—Cover Reveal for DECEPTION by A.S. Fenichel
I’m happy to share in the cover reveal fun for one of my best friends, the lovely A.S. Fenichel. DECEPTION is Book 2 of The Demon Hunters series, an exciting blend of steamy historical romance, paranormal elements and action! Isn’t that cover just gorgeous? And after you ooh and aah over the cover, be sure you scroll all the way to the bottom, because there’s a Rafflecopter draw for a $25 gift certificate!
When Demons threaten Regency London, only a Lady can stop them.
Lillian Dellacourt is beautiful, refined and absolutely lethal. She’s also the most feared and merciless demon hunter in The Company. She’s come a long way from the penniless seamstress’s daughter sold to the highest bidder, and it wasn’t by trusting a man, let alone an exiled Marquis with more on his mind than slaying the hellspawn. . .
For Dorian Lambert, Marquis de Montalembert, being sent to keep track of Lillian is no mean task. He’s wanted the fiery vixen since he first heard of her five years ago. But wooing the lady while fighting the demon uprising is no easy feat, especially when the lady’s tongue is as sharp as the Japanese sai blades she favors for eviscerating the spawn of hell.
These two will have to learn to trust each other fast, because the demon master is back, and he’s planning to turn Edinburgh into a living hell…
Publication Date: July 7, 2015 by Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing
Pre-order it now from Amazon • B&N • Kensington
And while you’re waiting for DECEPTION, grab ASCENSION, Book 1 of The Demon Hunters…
Buy now from Amazon • B&N • Kensington
Connect with the author online:
Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Tsu • Google+ • Pinterest
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Cover Reveal—Ascension by A.S. Fenichel
I’m so happy to help my very good friend, author A.S. Fenichel, reveal her beautiful new cover for her upcoming release with Kensington Publishing-Lyrical Press. I “oohed” and “aahed” when she first showed me, and I still think it’s simply gorgeous. Plus, you’re going to love the story inside the cover when Ascension releases this fall.
Isn’t it stunning? And here’s the equally intriguing blurb:
Find out more about Ascension, The Demon Hunters, Book 1, from…
Kensington-Lyrical Press ♦ A.S. Fenichel ♦ Goodreads
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Training Rain by A.S. Fenichel – Cover Reveal!
Today I’m happy to share the shiny new cover for one of my very good friend’s upcoming releases. TRAINING RAIN by A.S. Fenichel is the third book in her Psychic Mates series, and if you enjoy action-packed paranormal romance, you won’t want to miss it!
Coming Soon from Ellora’s Cave Publishing!
While you’re waiting for TRAINING RAIN to release, check out the first two books in the series…
KANE’S BOUNTY — Amazon ♦ EC ♦ B&N
JOSHUA’S MISTAKE — Amazon ♦ EC ♦ B&N
Connect with A.S. Fenichel online:
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A.S. Fenichel Talks About JOSHUA’S MISTAKE
I’m so pleased to welcome one of my best friends back to the blog today. I guess I didn’t look too weird at the RWA National Conference back in 2011, because A.S. Fenichel sat down beside me and we chatted a bit. Just a few minutes later, she received an email with the cover art for her first book, MAYAN AFTERGLOW. I remember her excitement when she showed it to me. Talk about a bonding moment!
Fast forward three years. A.S. Fenichel now has nine books published with Ellora’s Cave. She’s here today to talk about her newest release, JOSHUA’S MISTAKE, Book 2 of the Psychic Mates series.
Blurb
Accused of treason and the murder of her Psychic Special Forces team, Tessa is in the custody of the FBI. She’s shocked and terrified when the most powerful Psi Agent in the world shows up to probe her mind and discover her guilt or innocence.
Joshua never expected to find a victim of one of his probes attractive, but he can’t seem to leave her behind when all hell breaks loose. Saving the stunning blonde means being drawn into a psychic war that will definitely end his career—and likely both of their lives.
The rhythm of their psychic auras hums to perfection and neither can fight the bond, but it’s all ripped away by a madman with a grudge. Tessa falls into a coma and Joshua will have to risk his heart and soul to pull her back from the brink.Get your copy of JOSHUA’S MISTAKE now from
Amazon ● B&N ● All Romance ● Kobo ● Ellora’s Cave
Karla: Congratulations on your new release, my friend! JOSHUA’S MISTAKE is the second book in the Psychic Mates series. Joshua is the brother of the hero in book 1, KANE’S BOUNTY. I remember asking you if Joshua would get his own book after I read KANE’S BOUNTY. Did you plan this series from the get-go, or was that a happy, unexpected development?
A.S.: Wow! What an intro. Thanks Karla and thanks for having me on your blog today.
I had no intention of writing another book to follow Kane’s Bounty. I wrote KB for a “call” from the editorial staff at Ellora’s Cave and that was going to be that. Like yourself, so many people read the book and asked me about Joshua and if he would have his own book. It started my wheels turning.
Karla: How many books are planned for the series, and, should they be read in order, or can each book be read as a standalone?
A.S.: Officially I’m planning on four books. Unofficially, I’ve already discovered a character in book three that is quite tempting, and I suspect people will really want more from him. The books can totally stand alone. But, as is often the case, I believe readers will enjoy them more if they read them in order. It’s like visiting with old friends when characters pop up in the next book or the next.
Karla: Where did the idea of psychic bounty hunters and operatives come from?
A.S.: The “call” I mentioned earlier was for bounty hunter related books. I saw the first scene of Kane’s Bounty in my head immediately, two bounty hunters after the same mark in a crowded bar. Then I thought, what if the hero could read her mind. That intensified the entire plot and I was really excited. So if Kane is psychic, his brother probably is too, right?
In fact Joshua is THE psychic. The most powerful PSI Agent in the world. He is a total badass.
Karla: I know you use an outline when you write. Did anything take you by surprise while you were writing?
A.S.: I do use a rough outline. I’ve never written a book that stuck to my original plan exactly. Tessa was much harder to write than I expected. She’s very complex.
With Joshua’s Mistake and the subsequent books, I saw the opportunity to have a lot of fun with different psychic abilities. It was amazing how well my crazy notions worked out. In fact, at one point something terrible happens due to Tessa’s very unique ability to slow time for an instant. I’m not giving any spoilers, but I was not expecting that. 😉
Karla: What is your favorite aspect, or part, of JOSHUA’S MISTAKE?
A.S.: Joshua! He is sexy, smart, dangerous and yet tender and caring. Most people are afraid of him and yet he’s still managed to cultivate some lasting friendships. I think people are going to really love him.
Karla: Aside from this series, what else do you have in the works?
A.S.: OMG! Here’s some really exciting news. I’m working on a series called The Demon Hunters. I just signed a contract with Lyrical Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing, for the first three books. I’m so excited about these stories. The series is Historical Paranormal Romance and really different from anything you’ve seen before. The setting is in Regency England and there’s a problem with Demons. A big problem. All the books are about the demon hunters who are fighting to save the world from evil, yet there is still room to fall in love. After all, it is ROMANCE. 😉 I’ve started edits on the first book, ASCENSION and hope it will be available sometime in the summer.
Karla: Congratulations! That’s fantastic news! Now, here’s one last, totally fun (and difficult) question before I let you get back to writing. Of all the heroes you’ve written, do you have a favorite, and if so, why?
A.S.: Oh my goodness! Unfair!! I love the one I’m with. LOL… I’m writing two books now and I love the characters in them above all others. However, if I must choose… I adore Avery from Wishing Game. If I were going to leave my wonderful husband to run off with one of my characters, it would be for Avery Colton Townsend. He is a study in controlled passion. I love a man who will do the right thing no matter the cost to himself. (BTW, I married a man who is exactly like that)
Karla: Thanks for visiting today! Come back soon and talk to me about your next book. 🙂
A.S.: Thank you, Karla. This was fun and I will most definitely come back. You can’t get rid of me so easily. 🙂
Connect with A.S. Fenichel online:
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My Writing Process Blog Tour Meme
It’s my turn in the Writing Process Blog Tour meme. The lovely Cara Bristol tagged me last week, so here I go, answering four questions about how I write. On March 24th, visit the authors I’ve tagged to participate — A.S. Fenichel and Lisa Carlisle.
1. What am I working on at the moment?This one is exciting to answer, because for the first time, I’m working on a series. The document I have open these days is called “Icing on the Cake” and it’s Book 2 of my ‘Close to Home’ series. Each book features a new romantic couple and will be able to stand alone, but I do think readers will get more out of the stories if they read in order. That’s usually the way, isn’t it? 😉
Icing on the Cake is scheduled to release in June.
2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?
That’s rather a loaded question! And one I don’t think I can answer, frankly. Is my work different from others of its genre? I don’t know. I don’t try to write “different”, I just write what I enjoy, the way the characters and their stories unfold. I write hot (sometimes very hot) contemporary romance. My stories have banter and humor, intensity and teary parts, steamy sex, and happily ever afters. They’re different from other books in the genre because they came out of my head, that’s all I know for sure.
3. Why do I write what I do?
This one is easy to answer. I write what I write because those are the stories that pop into my brain and demand to be written. I don’t choose to write a certain kind of story or theme, ideas just come to me like little sparks. The ones that keep pinging around in my head, developing into something more, are the stories I sit down to write.
4. How does my writing process work?
Ha, that’s a joke, right? 😉 Okay, this is how I write.
I’m out walking my big doggie and a spark of an idea pops into my head. I pull out my phone, bring up the notepad app and jot whatever it is down. Maybe it’s a concept, maybe it’s a few sentences. Whatever. Then I put the phone away and keep walking the doggie. (Isn’t she adorable?)If that idea keeps niggling at me, I open a blank document and write a beginning. Maybe it’s a paragraph, maybe it’s a page. Whatever. Then I save and close the document and go on with life. Dishes, laundry, scooping the cat’s litter box… the glamorous stuff, you know?
If the story keeps unfolding in my brain, I open the document again and write some more. (This part could repeat for days. Weeks, even.) Maybe I end up with three pages, maybe a first chapter. I save and quit. Save and quit. Do more glamorous life stuff.
Hooray, the story is still unfolding in my brain! So I take a long shower or walk my dog, to see if “scenes” pop into my head. This is how it happens for me — entire scenes play in my head, sort of like movie snippets. I grab those scenes and scribble the gist of them in a notebook. Around those scenes, I *try* to make an outline. Aside from those scenes I can see quite vividly, the rest of the outline is loose and vague. A bony thing that with A LOT of determination and a healthy dose of luck, *may* become a book.
Using the outline, I make a Post-It note for each scene, be it specific or general, and stick them to the wall near my desk. There’s no better motivation than being able to rip those suckers down as I go! Using the Post-Its, I estimate the word count for each scene to calculate the approximate finished length of the book, as well as a possible completion date. Assuming, of course, that unplanned scenes don’t crop up out of nowhere and demand to be added to the story. And you know what they say about assuming. 😉
I give myself a deadline for completion based on the estimated word count ahead. I tell myself I am absolutely, without a doubt, going to buckle down and meet THE DEADLINE. (Insert hysterical laughing here.)
Then, I write. Sloooowly. Because I edit constantly while writing. (And maybe because I get distracted by the internet just a teensy-weensy little bit.) Anyway. 😉 I’ve never been able to fast-draft or rough-draft. Instead, I pick, pick, pick and wordsmith every single time I open my document. I also write in a linear fashion. If something is really tripping me up, I highlight the section and attempt to move past it temporarily. This rarely works. Usually, I send needy messges to my friends, who pull me back from the ledge, lovely people that they are.
When I finally reach The End, I head back to the beginning and edit some more. And some more. After that, I send it to my beta readers and try not to totally freak out because I KNOW THE WHOLE THING SUCKS BIG HAIRY BALLS. I binge eat, alternating between sweet treats and salty snacks. Then I walk my dog so that I’m too busy to message the poor beta readers every half hour to see if they hate it.
While I’m out walking my dog… a new idea pops into my head, and the process begins again. And that’s how I write. 🙂
Next Monday, click over to my friends’ blogs to read about their writing processes.
A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back. A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story. Multi-published in erotic, contemporary and historical romance, A.S. has several books currently contracted to multiple publishers, and will be bringing you her brand of romance for many years to come.
Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding, isolated characters (like Heathcliff, Dracula, Darth Vader, and Severus Snape) and tough, independent, caring heroines. Her reading tastes very widely and she’ll read almost anything–especially paranormal romance, mysteries, and non-fiction on any new topic of interest. When she was younger, Lisa served a short time in the Marines, serving in Parris Island, South Carolina, the California desert, and Okinawa, Japan. She then backpacked alone through Europe and lived in Paris. Returning to the U.S., she owned an independent bookstore for a few years and started to write. Currently, she lives in New England with her husband, two children, a cat, and too many fish.
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A.S. Fenichel’s Alaskan Exposure
Today, I’m fortunate to have one of my very good friends visiting. I met A.S. Fenichel at the RWA National Conference in NYC in the summer of 2011. During our random meeting at a panel discussion about digital publishing, she received the cover for her very first book via email. Fast forward two years, Andrea has 9 book covers on her website! Including this pretty one, for her brand-new release, ALASKAN EXPOSURE.
Welcome, Andrea!
Hi Karla, I’m so happy to be here to talk about my new release, Alaskan Exposure. This is my first contemporary romance and I’m really excited about it. I got the idea while on my own Alaskan cruise. My husband and I went on an anniversary trip last year and had the most amazing time. Alaska is stunningly beautiful and so was the first officer on the ship. We met him when we took a tour of the bridge. He was so good looking I could barely speak. Good thing my husband had a lot of technical questions about the ship. He even asked questions about becoming a career merchant marine. YUM! I took it all in, made a few mental notes (mostly about his beautiful blue eyes) and by the time we left the ship, I had the makings of a new book in my head. Now that’s what I call a working vacation. J
I’m happy to share the back cover blurb and a short excerpt here today. If anyone has any questions about Alaskan Exposure, the book or the cruise, I’d love to hear from you. I’m also going to be chatting on Writer’s Space tonight with some other wonderful writers from 9:00 – 10:00 ET if anyone would like to join me for a real time chat.
Excerpt:
Charley headed to the designated area in front of the forward elevator bank on deck eight. In case a good shot availed itself, she kept her camera bag with her. She reached inside the specially made backpack and felt her way to the camera sling. Her Canon EOS 5D Mark III was at the top and she dug for the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens and its EW-83F hood. Her hand wrapped around it and pulled it from its snug memory foam compartment. She walked up the one deck from their cabin while attaching the lens best suited for close, low-light shots.
Even only having seen that small percentage of the ship, she had to admit it was not at all cramped or claustrophobic. When she saw an officer talking to a group of passengers, she immediately clicked off a few pictures. He was tall. His chest and shoulders filled out the white uniform and he smiled easily at the three women who peppered him with questions while batting their eyelashes shamelessly. The youngest of the three looked to be at least ten years older than the sailor.
Charley zoomed in on his bright blue eyes and neatly cropped dark, curly hair. He seemed genuinely interested in what the women were saying. If she had to guess, the handsome officer must have known the passengers. She clicked several more pictures.
His eyes turned toward her. There was a moment of surprise, followed by a slow, private smile. Inside her lens he was so close he penetrated her comfort zone. Charley felt her cheeks flush and she took the camera away from her face.
He’d caught her with her hand in the cookie jar. She’d invaded his privacy and he smiled warmly across the expanse of blue carpet. But he didn’t look the least bit offended. Normally she asked people if she could photograph them, though spontaneous pictures always turned out better. Making a conscious effort to slow her heart and ignore her embarrassment, she felt her cheeks cool slightly.
The officer said his polite goodbyes to the ladies and walked over to Charley. “Miss Ballantine?”
“Yes.” Immediately her cheeks flushed again. He smelled of a musky cologne, soap and man. What the hell was wrong with her? She shook herself out of her mesmerized state. “I’m Charlene Ballantine, sorry I’m late.”
He frowned for an instant. “I was told Charley.”
Her cheeks were on fire and her heart beat so hard that it was a wonder he didn’t comment on the infernal noise. “Charley is fine.”
He held out his hand. “I’m Kyle Macintyre, the ship’s first officer. I’m assigned the task of showing you the bridge. The captain asked that I tell you what you may and may not do while aboard.”
“They sent me a list of dos and don’ts.” Her voice was a bit steadier.
There was that smile again. “Yes, I’m sure the line sent you a laundry list, but since you’re not part of the crew and you have had no shipboard training, Captain Cristou likes to make certain they’ll be no trouble.”
She nodded dumbly, intoxicated by the deep, warm sound of his voice. “Who were those women?”
If the question surprised him he didn’t show it. “Mrs. Jones and her two daughters. They’re taking a family vacation.”
“Do you know them?”
He cocked his head to one side. “I just met them. Why do you ask?”
She shrugged, wishing she could keep her mouth shut. She supposed the question was out of context, but she was curious. “It looked as if you knew them.”
Turning the digital display on her camera around, she showed him the pictures she’d taken. He stood very close as she scrolled through the dozen shots she snapped while he was unaware. Her shoulder brushed against his arm.
The warmth of his body spread through her as if she were standing too close to a furnace. She’d lost her mind. That was the only explanation. Since her divorce, men had been the last thing she wanted. She’d spent a year in therapy trying not to think of them as the enemy and she’d made progress. She’d even gone on a couple of dates that hadn’t ended in disaster. But this sailor had an effect on her that none of the men she’d come in contact with had. Her pulse was tripping wildly and she thought running away would be a great idea. In fact, better to get as far away from Kyle Macintyre as possible. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option.
He smiled brightly. “It does. You know, I’ve been doing this for so long, I’ve just learned that on a short cruise you don’t have much time to get to know people. I make friends quickly.”
She took a step away from his arousing scent and warm body.
“I’ll bet you do.” Sarcasm dripped from her words. She thought of looking around to see if her mother was behind her. No, it had been her. Shit.
He frowned, but was still so gorgeous she could barely look at him. “I think I should be insulted by the way you said that, Miss Ballantine, but I’m going to reserve my reaction until I know you better.”
About A.S. Fenichel
A.S. Fenichel gave up a successful career in New York City to follow her husband to Texas and pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She’s never looked back.
A.S. adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
Multi-published in erotic paranormal, historical romance and now erotic contemporary, A.S. has 6 books currently available and two more underway with Ellora’s Cave Publishing.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in the East Texas with her real life hero, her wonderful husband. When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
Connect with her online:
Website ♦ Blog ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter ♦ Goodreads
Google ♦ Pinterest ♦ Amazon ♦ Ellora’s Cave
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What Makes Bounty Hunters HOT–Guest Author A.S. Fenichel
Today I have a visitor — one of my best friends & fellow Ellora’s Cave author, A.S. Fenichel. Yesterday was release day for Ms. Fenichel’s sixth book, KANE’S BOUNTY! Now, how about I let her tell you about it? 😉
Thanks for inviting me to your blog, Karla. I’m happy to be back. I’m really excited to be celebrating the release of my first full length novel, Kane’s Bounty. This is one book in a series of bounty hunter themed books releasing throughout the month of May from Ellora’s Cave Publishing. The theme begs the question: what makes bounty hunters so darn sexy? Let’s face it, they’re not always hot in real life. “Dog the bounty hunter” does nothing for me.
In fiction though, it’s a different story. Kane is smart, rough around the edges, honest and a bad ass. He rescues a stranger because it’s right. Okay, so I have a little crush. But the fact remains that danger is sexy and a man who can get you into, and more importantly, out of danger will win your heart every time. Can he shoot straight? Does he drive fast? Will he get you out of the country in a heartbeat if the need arises?
So all of that is not necessarily in the bounty hunter job description, but this IS fiction after all. In fact, in real life a “fugitive recovery agent” has to follow all the same laws that govern law enforcement. Actually, cops are hot too. I should know, I married one. 🙂
Here is what I think→ Danger = Sexy, Smart = Stimulation and good hand/eye coordination = HOT. This leads me to the bottom line, he should be ruthless, mean and cunning but he better melt your butter and curl your toes if he wants to make it into an “On The Hunt” book. 😉
Here’s the back cover blurb from Kane’s Bounty. Enjoy!
Telepathic bounty hunter Kane has one rule—never get involved with a fugitive.
It’s a simple assignment with good money at the end. Picking Lena up is no problem. Protecting her when her ex-husband, mercenaries and another bounty hunter threaten her turns into the fight of their lives.
Together, the Stones of Adeline and Lena are powerful magic. She never considered the complication of the sexy bounty hunter and her undeniable desire for him. Their paranormal bond will need to be strong if they’re to survive together.
Website ◊ Facebook ◊ Twitter ◊ Goodreads
Amazon ◊ B&N ◊ Ellora’s Cave ◊ Kobo
And now, an excerpt from KANE’S BOUNTY…
“If I kiss you now, it’s not because I want information, Lena. I just can’t help myself.”
His soft declaration sent liquid heat directly to her pussy. She clenched her thighs together, heightening the sensation. “I know.”
His lips toyed with her bottom one, sucking it in gently and then releasing it. He did the same to her upper lip and she responded in kind. The kiss was gentle, lip to lip. He nipped at the corners of her mouth and trailed kisses along her chin and jaw before returning to her mouth and plunging his tongue inside. She gasped. He made love to her mouth and she felt as if she were the only person in his world. The other passengers ceased to exist. To her horror, if he had asked, she would have allowed him to fuck her on the plane. Her body responded to him and a soft moan escaped her lips.
He pulled away. His breath was as unsteady as hers.
Her gaze lowered to his lap, where a substantial bulge pressed against his jeans. Unfortunately, the end of the kiss brought with it the realization that they were not alone. She longed to touch his cock, caress it, have him deep inside her.
“Please stop.” His voice sounded pained.
“Sorry.” She’d forgotten, he could read her mind. “Can you actually hear what I’m thinking?”
He shook his head. “No, but I get a pretty good idea when the thoughts are that intense.”
“Can you turn it off?”
“Yes, but it’s uncomfortable. It’s like holding your nose or covering your ears.”
“I would think it would be uncomfortable to hear what everyone is thinking.”
He shrugged. “I’m used to it. I can focus it. Like being in a crowded restaurant, but only really hearing the person across the table. You hear the rest of the talking, but it’s background noise.”
She nodded. “I understand.”
He turned toward her again. “What is it you have that Thorn wants?”
“The Stones of Adeline.”
“What’s that?”
Her instinct told her to tell him, but her training and experience with Thorn warned her not to say too much.
“I won’t betray you, Lena. Even if I turn you over to the courts, I’ll never tell anyone what you tell me about the stones.”
He was reading her mind. She shut herself off. She’d learned that trick in the last two years too. She could seal away her mind from interlopers. It was something she’d needed to learn while being married to Oscar. He was always trying to find out how he could use the stones, but get rid of her. It had become as simple as flipping a switch to her.
As soon as she cut him off, his mouth turned down in a frown. “That’s very impressive. How did you learn to do it?”
“I’ve had to learn a lot in the last few years.”
His eyes were blue crystals and they were only an inch from hers. “I meant what I said. I will not betray you.”
“But you will not let me go either.” The bitterness in her voice reflected the way she felt about all men since marrying Oscar Thorn. He was gorgeous too. He’d had money and power and he’d wanted her.
“I have a job to do, but I’m willing to listen to your story, which is more than I’ve ever done for any other mark, Lena. Try to see it from my side. I’m hired by the courts to apprehend and return a fugitive. You escaped custody. It’s my job to bring you back.”
Her stomach churned at the memory of her escape. “I had no choice. Oscar was going to kill me and I couldn’t let him get ahold of the stones. They are my responsibility and I had already put them in enough danger by marrying the wrong man. If I was dead, he’d find them.”
Kane’s eyes narrowed. “Did you swallow these stones?”
She smiled. He was worried she was going to drop dead, as if she was a drug smuggler. “No. I sat on them, in a manner of speaking.”
Understanding dawned on Kane and the heat in his eyes increased tenfold. “And is that where they still reside?”
She didn’t say anything.
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Thank you for visiting, A.S. 🙂 Wishing you many sales on this and all of your books. Now, get back to writing!
