Mari Carr's Blog, page 48
November 25, 2013
Don’t miss this price!
Time is running out on the introductory price for Midnight Ink. For just a few days more it will cost .99 cents, then it goes up. Don’t miss your chance to catch eight BRAND NEW, RED HOT novellas for this incredibly low price. Also, we tweaked the contest so that folks without Twitter and Facebook can participate. Check it out again if you didn’t have a chance yet! Details are at the bottom of this post.
Midnight Ink
One tattoo shop in one infamous city sets the stage for 8 stories about resolutions, kink, love and ink. Get ready to let the good times roll!
Jayne Rylon
Report For Booty
When Burke Levine got marching orders, he couldn’t bear to make his girlfriend Chavon White a military widow. Years later, discovering his name tattooed on her perfect ass via a New Orleans’ artist’s portfolio confirms his epic mistake. Will Midnight Ink’s New Year’s Eve party grant them a second chance?
Sidney Bristol
Picture Her Bound
She’s a police officer desperate enough to break the rules. He’s the bounty hunter standing between her and ruin. Picture Her Bound–the first book in the brand new Bayou Bound series from Sidney Bristol–a story of right, wrong and binding pleasures.
Robin L. Rotham
Not So Over Eli
Paramedic Bart Rigger finally has the life he wants rather than the one his father dictated, thanks to hot new fiancée Rhonda Giannetti. But a whirlwind trip to New Orleans puts it all at risk when he’s forced to confront unresolved feelings for his first love, tattoo artist Elijah Bell.
PG Forte
Inked Memories
All Sophie wants is a tattoo to commemorate her battle with cancer. What she gets is celebrity tattoo artist Declan Ross, the same sexy bad-boy who used to rock her world. This time, they’ve both got scars and it’s still the ones you can’t see that are the hardest to cover.
RG Alexander
To The Bone
Etta Santos has one resolution—to cover up the last visible evidence of her past. When Christie Ryder, sexy musician and new owner of Midnight Ink, pursues her, he seems too good to be true. His music touches her soul, but can she risk trusting another bad boy with her heart?
Eden Bradley
Dangerously Inked - A Dangerous Romance
When the tattoo artist Finn Carter lined up for his visit to New Orleans turns out to be the mysteriously alluring sub he played on New Year’s Eve at The Bastille, the city’s BDSM club, more than his skin will be marked forever—and Rosie is just the woman to bring this playboy to his knees.
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ink Inspired (Montgomery Ink 0.5)
In Carrie Ann Ryan’s Ink Inspired, the prequel to her upcoming Montgomery Ink series, Ice Princess Shea Little wants ink and a change. Shepard Montgomery not only wants to ink her, but get through that icy exterior. Together, they’ll heat up the streets of New Orleans…and each other.
And finally…
Blank Canvas, Big Easy, book one
Disillusioned by divorce, Jennifer’s about to discover her wild side, starting with a tattoo from Caliph. And continuing with submission, spankings, wax play…all under the skilled hands of her wickedly sexy tattoo master.
Midnight Ink is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and ARe.
November 20, 2013
Free Read
For the next two weeks, Misplaced Princess, the first book in the Foreign Affairs series, will be free at Amazon, Ellora’s Cave and Barnes and Noble. If you haven’t had a chance to check out this series, I hope you’ll give them a try now. Lexxie Couper and I had an awesome time writing them. Alpha cowboys, sultry settings and red hot sex await you! And if you’re an audiobook fan, did you know the first three stories in this series are also available at Audible?
Misplaced Princess
Foreign Affairs, Books One
Annie Prince has impetuously flown halfway ’round the world to visit a man she met online—only to find herself stranded in Sydney. Seems she and Dylan crossed wires, and he’s on his way to New York. His twin, Hunter, saves the day and whisks her back to the family cattle station. Hunter’s as easy on the eyes as Dylan, and even easier to talk to. Annie might have flown to Oz to meet one brother, but soon sparks are flying with the other.
Hunter considered Dylan a dumb arse for jetting off to America for some stranger—until he met Annie. Turns out the New Yorker is a smart, funny, hard-working jillaroo…and hotter than the Aussie desert. Hunter’s not normally one to poach his brother’s women, but he can’t keep his hands, lips, tongue and other body parts off this sexy city girl.
When raging lust leads to emotional attachment, where does that leave Annie and Hunter when her vacation comes to an end—or when Dylan finds out?
Read Excerpt.
Misplaced Princess is available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ARe, Kobo, and Sony.
Misplaced Cowboy
Foreign Affairs, Book Two
Flying halfway ’round the world to meet his potential soul mate sounds like a fine idea to Dylan Sullivan—until he discovers said soul mate, Annie, has gone looking for him. In Australia. Now Dylan’s adrift, a bloke from the Outback alone in the bloody big city. Until he’s rescued by Monet, a gorgeous local artist…and Annie’s best friend.
A dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker, Monet has never met anyone like Dylan. Taking temporary care of the sizzling-hot cowboy is easy; he’s friendly, funny and interesting. Keeping her hands off him is decidedly not easy. That horny accent, that killer grin…and as a successful artist, Monet is very much a hands-on sort of girl.
Dylan and Monet hold back until they learn Annie is engaged in her own foreign affair in Oz. Then all bets—and clothes—are off. But it can only be a fling. An Aussie cowboy doesn’t belong in New York any more than a city girl belongs in the Outback.
Now if only their hearts would listen.
Read excerpt.
Misplaced Cowboy is available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ARe, Sony and Kobo.
Misplaced Lessons
Foreign Affairs, Book Three
Fantasizing about forced sex with a stranger is one thing—waking up to find a scruffy man binding you to a bed is quite another. Amy fights him, until she realizes her friend Harper must have set up the sexy scenario. They’ve swapped lives, with Harper flying to Australia and lending her Chicago home to Amy. While she’s surprised Harper would go to such lengths to help her fulfill a fantasy, Amy figures…why not?
After days of nonstop travel, Andrew arrives at the home he shares with his sister, Harper, with sleep on his mind—until he finds a naked intruder sleeping in his bed. Subduing and binding the beauty, he assumes she’s the blind date his pal Mike had tried to set him up with. But would Mike actually sneak the woman into Andrew’s house? Seems so. And he’s not one to turn down such a gift.
By the time each has learned the other’s true identity, Amy and Andrew have shared the most intense sexual experience of their lives. And they certainly don’t want to stop now.
Read an excerpt.
Misplaced Lessons is available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Misplaced Hands
Foreign Affairs, Book Four
A “life swap” with her Australian friend finds Harper on Farpoint Creek cattle station, resident teacher for the next two weeks. Having rarely left Chicago, she’s unprepared for so many things Down Under—not the least of which is an instant, and instantly intense, attraction to not one, but two Aussie cowboys. She’d promised herself an adventure, so when the handsome pair come calling, Harper dives in. Literally.
Stockmen Keith and Marc are head-over-heels in lust with the American teacher, though the attraction brings about some surprising revelations. Like how right it feels to share a woman. This woman. No jealousy between the lifelong mates, just a burning need to see to Harper’s pleasure. Together. And they happily do so—until an unsettling event unearths Harper’s own tragic revelation.
Between Harper’s inability to confide in the men, and her stay at Farpoint racing to an end, it seems inevitable the three lovers will be driven apart. Doesn’t it?
Inside Scoop: This story has a very brief, non-descriptive recollection of child abuse. Good thing Harper has two strong stockmen to chase away the bad memories.
Misplaced Hands is available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
November 18, 2013
Midnight Ink
Midnight Ink is OUT! I was thrilled when RG Alexander contacted me to ask if I’d be interested in participating in an exciting anthology she and the Smutketeers were putting together for the holidays. It didn’t take me two seconds to reply with a big HELL YES! Since then it’s been a whirlwind of writing and emails as 8 erotic romance authors put their heads together to create Midnight Ink, a tattoo shop in New Orleans. For a limited time only, the entire anthology (that’s EIGHT brand-new, never-seen-before novellas) will be only .99 cents. But you have to act fast because that price won’t last for long.
Midnight Ink
One tattoo shop in one infamous city sets the stage for 8 stories about resolutions, kink, love and ink. Get ready to let the good times roll!
Jayne Rylon
Report For Booty
When Burke Levine got marching orders, he couldn’t bear to make his girlfriend Chavon White a military widow. Years later, discovering his name tattooed on her perfect ass via a New Orleans’ artist’s portfolio confirms his epic mistake. Will Midnight Ink’s New Year’s Eve party grant them a second chance?
Sidney Bristol
Picture Her Bound
She’s a police officer desperate enough to break the rules. He’s the bounty hunter standing between her and ruin. Picture Her Bound–the first book in the brand new Bayou Bound series from Sidney Bristol–a story of right, wrong and binding pleasures.
Robin L. Rotham
Not So Over Eli
Paramedic Bart Rigger finally has the life he wants rather than the one his father dictated, thanks to hot new fiancée Rhonda Giannetti. But a whirlwind trip to New Orleans puts it all at risk when he’s forced to confront unresolved feelings for his first love, tattoo artist Elijah Bell.
PG Forte
Inked Memories
All Sophie wants is a tattoo to commemorate her battle with cancer. What she gets is celebrity tattoo artist Declan Ross, the same sexy bad-boy who used to rock her world. This time, they’ve both got scars and it’s still the ones you can’t see that are the hardest to cover.
RG Alexander
To The Bone
Etta Santos has one resolution—to cover up the last visible evidence of her past. When Christie Ryder, sexy musician and new owner of Midnight Ink, pursues her, he seems too good to be true. His music touches her soul, but can she risk trusting another bad boy with her heart?
Eden Bradley
Dangerously Inked - A Dangerous Romance
When the tattoo artist Finn Carter lined up for his visit to New Orleans turns out to be the mysteriously alluring sub he played on New Year’s Eve at The Bastille, the city’s BDSM club, more than his skin will be marked forever—and Rosie is just the woman to bring this playboy to his knees.
Carrie Ann Ryan
Ink Inspired (Montgomery Ink 0.5)
In Carrie Ann Ryan’s Ink Inspired, the prequel to her upcoming Montgomery Ink series, Ice Princess Shea Little wants ink and a change. Shepard Montgomery not only wants to ink her, but get through that icy exterior. Together, they’ll heat up the streets of New Orleans…and each other.
And finally…
Blank Canvas, Big Easy, book one
Disillusioned by divorce, Jennifer’s about to discover her wild side, starting with a tattoo from Caliph. And continuing with submission, spankings, wax play…all under the skilled hands of her wickedly sexy tattoo master.
Midnight Ink is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and ARe.
November 13, 2013
J’aimee Brooker
I met J’aimee Brooker through Rhian Cahill. She’s a lovely Aussie gal and she has a new release coming out. I invited her to stop by and tell y’all about it. So…here’s J’aimee!
Ok, so I have a confession to make…
A confession that many hot-blooded Aussie women will back me up on…
I’m kinda in love with lifeguards. No particular lifeguard, just lifeguards in general. All of them. Every single last one!
Sure, some of it has to do with living on the gorgeous east coast of Australia and seeing their scantily-clad firm, tanned and fit physiques patrolling the beaches at every turn.
Probably some of it has to do with the ease and surety of their demeanour.
Oh, and did I mention biceps, abs, thighs and butts? Oh yes, I did that already…
So, all of these factors make up a pretty well-rounded alpha male wrapped in quite a handsome package.
BUT, the one thing that puts lifeguards even further ahead in the appeals stakes is their bravery, their tenacity and calm under pressure, their soaking wet bodies emerging from the waves… but I digress… again…
At the end of the day, who doesn’t love a hunky lifeguard in tiny Speedos saving the day?! That’s exactly what the hero of my latest release, Bondi lifeguard Jack Covey does… and boy does he have his hands full!
EXCERPT:
Rescued: A Festive Novella
J’aimee Brooker
“Jack! Finn! Someone, help. Please, someone help!” came Sophie’s shrill scream. In a second, all the noises of the beach, the kids playing, parents shouting, drunks laughing—it all faded to silence, as his eyes strategically scanned the water where he’d last seen Anya and Sophie swimming, his body instinctively moving, already headed toward the water. He could see Sophie, standing on the shore, frantically scanning the water.
Anya, where is Anya? he asked himself repeatedly, his feet carrying him faster than he thought possible, he looked to his left and saw Finn running with him, keeping up pace by pace. Behind him were two other surf lifeguards trying desperately to keep up.
“Soph, where is she?” Jack shouted, stripping his shirt off and throwing it behind him as he made his way into the surf.
“She’s was hit by a surfboard, she hasn’t come back up yet. Please, I’m coming to help” Sophie yelled, making her way into the water alongside him and Finn.
“Finn, get her out of here. Calm her down, we don’t need to be pulling them both out” Jack shouted, hearing Finn’s stern voice commanding Sophie to stay on the shore before feeling his presence as they both dove under an incoming wave.
Coming up, he saw a distressed surfer shouting to him, “over here, over here” he called urgently, “my board flew out and hit her in the head, I’ve been under a few times, and I can’t see her”
Jack swam to him, duck diving beneath the surface, his eyes searching the water, stinging from the salty water but instinctively staying focused and open, adrenaline taking over. He made eye contact with Finn as they both came up for breath, the concern etched onto his friend’s face both deflating Jack’s hopes and spurring him on to keep going.
Jack watched Finn dive back under and immediately began to follow him as he saw Anya’s body bob up above the surface a few metres away.
Then he heard it: her desperate gasp for breath, her pained and scared moan for help before she dropped back below the surface, at least she’s breathing he thought to himself as her threw himself toward her, every muscle overstretching and overworking in his desperate attempt to get to her.
Find J’aimee online:
Website
Creative Conversations Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest
Independent Author Network
Complete list of buy links
November 11, 2013
More Than Words
Jess Dee is back with more, more, more! You ready to read More Than Words?!
He’s just seen the one thing that was meant for her eyes only.
More Than, Book 3
Molly Harris never intended to send that letter. It was only meant to be a secret record of her true feelings for her boss, gorgeous pediatrician Sam Shepard. But in the chaos of a crazy day at work, Molly accidentally hits “send” instead of “delete”.
Mortified by her mistake, Molly acts in the only way she can. She submits her notice of resignation. A professional-etiquette line’s been crossed, and there’s no going back.
Sam’s mouth goes dry—then it waters—when he discovers his receptionist has sent him a dirty love letter. Or to be more explicit, a wicked, erotic love letter, neatly outlining her many fantasies involving him.
Now Sam has two choices. Either he can be the ultimate professional and accept Molly’s resignation, or he can acknowledge the depths of his desire and maybe, just maybe, convince her to send him another saucy email…
Product Warnings
Could cause the uncontrollable urge to write—and receive—dirty love letters. But proceed with caution…you’re going to want to act on those letters. Immediately.
Excerpt:
Molly Harris blinked twice, sure her eyes must be deceiving her. But focusing her gaze only confirmed what her brain had told her the first time. The woman in the white coat who’d walked into the reception area of the doctor’s waiting room was indeed holding a surfboard.
After three years of working as a medical receptionist in the private hospital in Sydney, Molly had seen her fair share of unexpected surprises, but the vibrant red, yellow and white surfboard against the backdrop of the bluish-grey walls? That was a first.
The board was much bigger than the pretty redhead holding it.
Molly tried to hide her astonishment. “May I help you?”
“Uh, yeah, please.” The woman smiled as she walked over to the counter. “I’m looking for Sam.”
“These are Dr. Sherman’s rooms,” Molly confirmed, “but I’m afraid he’s not in right now.” It was a little before eight thirty in the morning, which meant Sam was busy with ward rounds.
“Darn. I thought I’d catch him before work.” The woman frowned. “I need to return his surfboard. I’ve already had it a few days, and I’m pretty sure he’s starting to miss it.”
Molly caught her jaw before it dropped. Sam had lent someone his board? His only escape from work? He treasured that thing.
“Would it be okay if I left it here for him?”
“Of course. Why not bring it into my office, and we can lean it against the wall, out of the way?” Her office was separated from the waiting room by the counter, which doubled as her desk. If the surfboard rested against the back wall, no one would see it.
“That would be great.”
Molly beckoned her around the counter and pointed to the appropriate spot, between her office and the kitchen. “Prop it right over there.”
“Would you mind giving Sam a message for me?” the surfer asked as she balanced the board in place. It looked enormous in the smallish space.
“Not at all.” Well, maybe she would mind a bit. It depended on the message. If Sam was lending his surfboard to the woman, it meant he was hanging out with her, and the thought about killed Molly.
Not that it surprised her. A gorgeous man like Sam should hang out with pretty women. He probably had flocks of them flanking his sides whenever he left the hospital. Harems.
She fought off a grimace. Being a member of Sam’s harem held no appeal. Call her selfish…but she wanted him all to herself. Every scrumptious six-plus feet of him.
Of course that wouldn’t happen. Couldn’t happen. First off, Sam saw her as nothing more than his receptionist, and second, she valued and needed her job way too much. The last thing she’d do was put it in jeopardy by throwing herself at him, no matter how appealing the idea—and the man—might be.
“I’m Sarah,” the redhead said. “Would you tell Sam I came round to say thank y— No, wait, to thank him from the very bottom of my heart.” She smiled then, a small, private smile that told Molly the woman was thinking very intimate thoughts.
It made her stomach hurt.
She’d thought intimate thoughts about Sam too. Only that was all they were. Thoughts. They’d never be anything more. They’d never make her smile the way Sarah currently smiled.
“Could you also let him know,” Sarah continued, oblivious to the ache in Molly’s heart, “he is definitely the kind of man I could marry. In a heartbeat. If circumstances were different I’d be tugging on a white dress and marching him down that aisle tomorrow.”
Jealousy ripped through her. For a good few seconds Molly couldn’t respond.
Damn it, she had no right to feel this way. She had no hold over Sam. He deserved to find a beautiful woman who could make him happy, and instinct told her Sarah was that woman. Beautiful, warm and very friendly.
But the woman was talking marriage, for God’s sake—to the man Molly loved. That fact alone made Molly want to claw her eyes out.
And roll up in a little ball and sob.
Molly retracted her imaginary claws. Sarah smiled so sweetly, she was difficult to dislike. “You’d marry him for lending you his surfboard?”
The surfer’s laughter echoed through the rooms. “No, I’d marry him because he’s wonderful, thoughtful, kind, generous and pretty darn gorgeous too. Oh, and he’s a pediatrician. C’mon, you can’t tell me that’s not a perfect package.”
Of course she couldn’t. She didn’t try. Sam was indeed one perfect package. Molly put on her neutral, professional face. “He’s lovely to work for too.”
Sarah nodded. “Oh, I can believe that.” She walked back around to the other side of the counter. “You’re lucky. You get to see Sam every day. I bet you’re the envy of every woman out there.”
Molly’s laugh was genuine. “The only reason the women who come in here envy me is that I don’t have a sick child.” Well, not anymore, anyway. “Otherwise I’m guessing they’re too worried about their kids to even notice me.”
“Ah, good point.” Sarah’s expression became serious. “Well, at least they know they’re in good hands with Sam.”
“The best,” Molly agreed, then clamped her mouth shut. If she wasn’t careful, she’d start singing Sam’s praises, and wouldn’t that expose every one of those feelings she hid so deep inside?
“Okay, I best be getting off to work. Please send Sam my love and give him my messages.”
“No worries,” Molly reassured her, and Sarah walked out of the waiting room with a friendly wave, leaving Molly alone to ponder the surfboard, the pretty redhead and the fact that Sam was now further out of her reach than ever.
She sat back down in her chair and scowled at the board.
Okay, so she was a cow.
Why couldn’t she be happy for Sam? After his last relationship with Dena the devil, or “bitch-face” as Sam’s sister had called her, she should be glad he’d found someone nice. Not just nice. The perfect woman for him. A surfer and—if her white coat was anything to go by—a doctor too.
Molly couldn’t surf to save her life and would never be a doctor.
Not that she wanted to be a doctor. She was perfectly happy working as Sam’s receptionist. The hours suited her—Sam had tailored them to suit her—the work was always stimulating, she was good at her job and she had the best damn boss in Sydney.
The best-looking boss too.
God knew she had endless fantasies about that boss of hers. Erotic fantasies that left her either breathless or panting. Inappropriate fantasies that no receptionist should have about her boss.
The fantasies were almost as hot as the man.
Now Molly faced a problem. How could she fantasize about Sam knowing he was with another woman? She should quit while she was ahead. Not quit the job. No, she loved her job—and needed it if she had any hope of supporting her sister, Mickey. Her only option was to toss her dirty thoughts out the window and never think of him again in that way.
She’d focus on work instead. That was why she was here, wasn’t it?
She turned with determination to her computer, opened her inbox and stared at the email on top. The afterhours lab had sent Sam, a pediatric neurologist, a letter titled For Attention: Dr. Sam Sherman.
Even as she sat there, reading the results, another letter formed in her mind. A letter that had nothing to do with blood results and everything to do with the way Sam got her blood zinging by just looking at her.
Before Molly could remind herself she’d given up on the Sam-and-Molly fantasies, she’d minimized the lab’s email, opened a new message and, for lack of any more creative ideas, given it the same title.
Careful to leave the TO: box blank—because she had no intention of ever sending this particular letter—she got straight to work on the content, knowing it would be deleted as soon as she finished writing it.
Dear Sam,
And just like that, Molly’s fingers were flying over her keyboard, the thoughts coming faster than she could type.
I think it’s time you knew how I really feel. Perhaps once you know, you’ll understand why I’m addressing you as Sam and not Dr. Sherman. Under the circumstances “doctor” sounds a little, well, formal.
Don’t get me wrong. I do think of you as a doctor. The best doctor in Sydney, as your patients and their parents will agree. And after what you did for Mickey, you should be awarded a Nobel Prize. But this letter isn’t about your ability as a medical expert. It’s a little more…intimate than that.
You may want to brace yourself, Sam. I’m about to get very personal.
The truth is, when I think about you, my body forgets you’re a doctor. It forgets I’m your receptionist too. When I think about you, work of any kind ceases to exist. What I imagine is way more personal, way more intimate and way more…erotic…
November 7, 2013
Savage Satisfaction
Lila’s re-releasing an awesome story today at Ellora’s Cave, Savage Satisfaction!
William, the newest Lord of Eahrington, is a modern man living a medieval life. As payment for a centuries old debt were-wolf Christoffer and were-falcon Mirela arrive at William’s home—his Hunting Pair.
Scared by his past, William treats them like animals, locking them away. What he didn’t expect was his attraction to each of them. William must learn to trust the falcon and wolf before he can open his heart to their human halves. Destined to be together forever, their only hope at happiness is to learn to love one another, but can William overcome his past?
November 6, 2013
Scorching Desire
The Trinity Masters series continues and this one is HOTTER than ever! Scorching Desire releases today!
Trinity Masters, Book 3
A reformed spy. A respectable lawyer. A renowned playboy.
When Damon Corzo is blackmailed it’s not just his career that’s in jeopardy, but the Trinity Masters—America’s oldest and most powerful secret society. He and fellow member Marco Polin, a world famous playboy musician, enjoy sharing women, a secret that until now they’ve kept quiet.
Tasha Kasharin, the reformed spy sent to help them, knows this is more than simple blackmail. Marco and Damon’s lives are in jeopardy. She ignores her increasingly vivid fantasies about being part of a trinity with them until their investigation is interrupted by the Grand Master, who calls them to the altar and binds them in a menage marriage.
The men must trust their futures to the unexpectedly innocent woman who’s now their wife, while dealing with the change in their own relationship, and the complicated feelings that come with it. Blackmail escalates to violence, and they’ll have to trust and accept one another if they’re going to survive.
Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.
Excerpt:
Chapter One
He’d put them all in danger.
Damon put his hand in his pocket and formed a fist, trying to hide his anger. He had no one to be angry at but himself.
“You understand what’s at stake.” The Grand Master sat in shadow, only his right hand, which lay on the desk, visible. They were in the secret headquarters of the Trinity Masters, deep under the Boston library.
“I do, Grand Master.” Damon couldn’t stand still. He paced the private office. “I’ll resign.”
“And how will that benefit the Trinity Masters?”
“I’ll resign from everything, including the Trinity Masters.”
“Mr. Corzo, I think you forget who we are. You do not leave the Trinity Masters.”
Damon turned away, examining the shadowy corners of the office. The Trinity Masters were America’s oldest and most powerful secret society. Formed as the states were uniting in rebellion, the first leaders sought to strengthen their new nation through alliances between powerful and important people. They used the arranged marriages to connect influential families, captains of industry, and religious leaders. But it wasn’t just two people they united, it was three.
In modern times becoming a member meant access to some of the most powerful and innovative thinkers in the country. If you were selected to join you were guaranteed to rise far and fast. The Trinity Masters counted politicians, CEOs, Nobel Prize winning scientists and world renowned artists among their ranks. The Grand Master of the Trinity Masters made sure the members excelled in their chosen profession or field, and when the time came he called them to the altar and matched them with two others in a trinity marriage.
At twenty-seven Damon was already an Assistant U.S. Attorney, the third step in a six-part, fifteen-year plan to put him on the federal bench. He’d joined the Trinity Masters in college. It hadn’t made his life easier, instead it had pushed him to work harder, to excel each step of the way.
And knowing that he would someday be part of an arranged marriage meant he had taken full advantage of fact he didn’t need to worry about dating or relationships.
That had led to his current problem.
“Your friendship with Marco Polin was unusual, but not problematic.” The Grand Master’s fingers tapped the top of his desk. “Until now.”
“I know, Grand Master.”
“There are several legal options.” Damon rubbed his eyebrow. “But almost all of them would then require that the video be entered into evidence. We could try to limit access to the evidence. The likelihood that anyone who saw the video would make the connection between Marco and I and the Trinity—”
“Is an unacceptable risk. Your rings are clearly visible. It would be far too easy for someone to start wondering why an assistant US attorney and a famous cellist were wearing matching rings while they fucked the same woman.”
Damon hung his head.
Taking advantage of his freedom until he was called to the altar had included indulging in every sexual desire and kink that ever interested him. His job required him to be circumspect with his personal life, but luckily Marco Polin—a college friend who was also in the Trinity Masters—was a famous musician with the elegant playboy lifestyle that only classical musicians could pull off. For years Damon had been attending Marco’s parties, which had the tendency to devolve into orgies, to indulge himself.
This time they’d been caught on tape. The blackmail video had shown up in his personal email three days ago. He’d immediately gotten in touch with the Grand Master, who’d ordered him to Boston.
“Tell me again, how many people were at the party?”
“When the video was taken? Ten, maybe. It was all women, except for Marco and I.”
“An enjoyable sex party.”
“It wasn’t like that…” The protest was lame. It had been exactly like that. It was hardly his fault that he enjoyed sexy, adventurous women. And when the one Marco was fucking had beckoned him over so she could suck his cock who was he to stand in the way of a lady’s pleasure?
“How did these women come to be at the party?”
“I’m not sure.” Despite the seriousness of the situation Damon’s lips twitched. “Marco attracts beautiful women.”
“This is risky behavior.”
“Don’t worry, we’re both on the new experimental STD vaccines.”
“How thrilling that you’re taking advantage of your fellow Trinity Master’s scientific advancements.”
Damon was a respected and aggressive attorney, a fearless human rights activist, and an expert pugilist. The Grand Master made him feel like a stupid teenager.
“Grand Master, I deeply regret what I’ve done, and the trouble it’s caused you and the Trinity Masters. The blackmailer didn’t mention the matching rings—they just want money. I’ll quit the Trinity Masters and pay the blackmailer. I will, of course, still help you in anyway you ask. I will remain a friend to the Trinity Masters.”
The Grand Master picked up a letter opener and balanced it on the top of the desk. It didn’t escape Marco that it was shaped like a sword.
“Many of our members have helped you get where you are today. I don’t discount your abilities—you’re unique in your passion and remarkable in your skills, but neither will I discount our efforts to accelerate your career. You would be a valuable addition to the justice system.”
The Grand Master sat forward, his strong face visible by the light of the single desk lamp. Damon noticed just a trace of weariness in the man’s eyes that surprised him. However, that brief sign of weakness was soon replaced with a hard expression that said the Grand Master would not be crossed.
“Perhaps you’ve forgotten why our society exists. We protect the United States, we ensure that the best and the brightest rise to protect the ideals of our great nation. You’re part of that plan. We need you on the bench as a federal judge.”
“Yes, Grand Master.” Damon bowed his head.
“I will send someone to assist you with the situation. I expect your full attention until this is resolved.”
“I have to be in court in ten days, Sir.”
“Then you have a deadline. I will contact you.”
Damon looked at the Grand Master, waiting to hear what the plan was or who he would send to help them. From his time as a prosecutor and working in a private firm Damon knew that blackmail was infamously unreported, precisely because by its very nature it meant that the victim couldn’t, or wouldn’t, go to the authorities. The situation would have been bad enough for him personally and professionally even without he added complication of his actions putting the secret of the Trinity Masters in jeopardy.
“Goodbye, Mr. Corzo.”
Damon raised one brow. There was no mistaking that dismissal.
He made his way out of the Trinity Masters headquarters, taking the secret elevator to the rare book room in the back of the Boston Library. He pulled his phone from his pocket as he walked.
“Marc,” he said when his friend picked up. “I just met with the GM. I’m coming to Chicago.”
He booked his flight on his phone as he hailed a cab. All he could hope was that the Grand Master had some very good tricks up his sleeve.
The Grand Master swiveled his chair, staring into the shadows in the corner.
“Well?” he asked.
Natasha Kasharin stepped from the darkness into the light. She wore slim black pants and a white button down shirt, which should have been simple, nearly androgynous attire. She looked more sexual than another woman would in lingerie, and more dangerous than a Navy SEAL in full gear.
“You heard?” he asked her.
Natasha, who went by Tasha, cocked her head to the side, blonde hair falling against her cheek. “Blackmailed at an orgy? How original.”
The Grand Master’s lips twitched. Tasha was witty and fun, but few people had an opportunity to see it. Natasha’s life had been anything but easy—her membership in the Trinity Masters was meant to correct that, to give her safety and a chance at a meaningful, if not exactly traditional, relationship.
Though she was an American by birth, she was the daughter of two KGB agents and had been raised to be a spy for Russia. At the age of twelve she’d turned herself in to the CIA, and spent high school as a double agent, reporting on her own parents’ activities.
Her patriotism had come at a terrible cost, and when her CIA handler—a Trinity Masters member—retired, he’d helped Tasha get out of the spy business, and then made sure she was made a member of their society.
The Grand Master had wanted to respect his old friend’s request that Tasha be given a life worthy of her sacrifice, but she was too skilled and valuable a resource for him to ignore. In the five years since she’d been a member she’d cleaned up messes, taken down those who stood in their way, and retrieved information they needed.
He’d used her the same way her parents had. The same way the CIA had.
As much as he might want to stick to his ideals, the Grand Master couldn’t ignore the sharpest weapon in his arsenal. There were men and women who were more dangerous, more powerful. They were guns—violent and hot, or knives sharp and cold.
Tasha was a syringe full of poison—silent, deadly and unnoticed until it was too late.
And unlike the others he would consider dangerous Tasha had nothing to lose.
“I will talk to him first,” she said. “He is lying about something.”
“It wouldn’t surprise me. He’ll go to Chicago. Marco has a place there.”
“The other man in the video?”
“Yes.”
“Good, I will talk to both of them.” She walked towards the door.
“Tasha.”
“Yes?” She didn’t turn, but her steps paused.
“Don’t kill anyone.”
Her head turned, just enough for him to see the curve of her cheek. “There are so many things worse than death.”
The Grand Master stared at the closed door of his office for a long after she left.
October 28, 2013
Status Update
Woo Hoo!!!! Status Update is OUT today. Finally! It’s available at Amazon, Samhain, and Barnes and Noble.
Some things never change. Others never stay the same. Thank God.
Second Chances, Book 3
Laura Sanders thought post-divorce life would be simple. What a rude awakening to realize that after too many years as a wife and mother, she’s stuck in a rut so deep she’s forgotten how to have fun.
Determined that this year will be different, she sets a New Year’s goal to rediscover the woman she used to be—the one who loved to dance, to laugh, to kiss.
When Bryan Sinclair spots his best friend from high school in the Blue Moon bar, he wonders how the hell he failed to notice her beauty and vitality all those years ago. Laura’s confession that she plans to experience lost opportunities tempts him into joining her on the journey.
Together they make up for lost time, in and out of the bedroom. But there’s one area in which Laura has no plans to change the status quo—her heart. And Bryan has his work cut out convincing her to take another chance. On him. On forever.
Product Warnings
This story contains sex at Rocky Horror, sex at a Jimmy Buffett concert, sex on the stairs, sex on the dining-room table, sex on the dance floor, and even sex in a bed.
Excerpt:
“Hey, Laura.” Kevin was back, grasping her hand and pulling her toward the dance floor. “Dance with me.”
She tried to retrieve her hand, shaking her head, but Kevin was tenacious. She glanced behind him, hoping to signal Georgie for help dissuading the man, but her friend had spotted Nick.
Cue yet another World War. Tonight was about to implode. Quickly.
Kevin spun her, resuming his earlier dancing position. This time there was no mistaking what he was packing in his pants as he tightened his arm around her waist, grinding closer.
She tried to push his hand away, struggling to break free of his grip. While she knew he didn’t mean her any harm, she was more than uncomfortable with his inappropriate rubbing and touching.
“I really need to—”
“Laura? Laura Riley?”
Laura looked up at the sound of her maiden name and spotted salvation in blue jeans, a button-down shirt, and a beloved, familiar face she’d never dreamed of seeing again. “Bryan? Oh my God. What the hell are you doing here?”
Bryan Sinclair had been Laura’s best friend for four years. An Army brat, Bryan and his family had been stationed at the base near Harrisburg when she and Bryan were in seventh grade. One of the saddest days of Laura’s life had been the day Bryan told her his dad was being transferred. They were halfway through their junior year in high school and Laura had felt his absence in her life profoundly. They’d tried to stay in touch, writing letters and calling occasionally, but eventually, they simply lost touch.
“I was going to ask you the same thing.” Bryan smiled at Kevin. “Mind if I cut in?”
Kevin loosened his grip, but didn’t move away. Laura suspected the alcohol was dimming his senses and slowing his response time. “Uh…”
Laura used Kevin’s distraction to step away from the young man. “Thanks for the dance, Kevin.” She grabbed Bryan’s hand, leading him away from the dance floor and toward the bar.
As soon as they found a quiet corner, Bryan hugged her tightly. Laura returned the embrace. “You saved me, stranger.”
Bryan chuckled. “Yeah. It didn’t look like you were enjoying the mauling. Damn, you’re a sight for sore eyes.”
She laughed. “I’m so glad to see you. I have to admit you’re probably the last person on earth I expected to run into tonight.”
“I’m here for the band.”
She laughed. “Wow. Really? How many years has it been?”
Bryan shrugged. “I haven’t seen you since we were sixteen, so what’s that make it? Twenty-seven years?”
Laura winced. “Talk about making me feel old. I was just thinking about you the other day.”
“Oh yeah?”
She nodded. “One of my girlfriends talked me into joining Facebook. I wound up getting out an old yearbook and started plugging in names trying to find people from school. Your name was the first one I typed in.”
“I’m not on Facebook.”
She grinned. “I noticed.”
“I’ll correct that oversight as soon as I get home tonight.”
Laura marveled at how at ease she was with Bryan even after all the years apart. Despite the years that had passed, she could still see the boy he’d been in his face and hear it in his voice. While they’d never been anything more than friends, Laura had felt closer to Bryan than anyone. There was nothing they hadn’t talked about when they were younger, nothing they wouldn’t try together. Shortly after Bryan moved, Laura’s ex-husband, Mason, asked her out for a date. Sometimes Laura wondered what Bryan would have thought about Mason’s invitation. Would he have encouraged her to go out with Mason or told her to steer clear?
They say hindsight is twenty-twenty. That was certainly true for Laura. Mason had come along at a time when she was lonely, missing her best friend, and she’d hopped at the chance to go out with the hottest, richest guy in high school. She wasn’t so sure her answer would have been the same if Bryan had still been around.
“Are you seriously here for the band?”
Bryan nodded, pointing to the stage. “The blonde on the keyboard is my daughter, Trina. She’s a sophomore at the Conservatory.”
“That’s your daughter? She’s incredible. My girlfriends and I were talking earlier about how talented she is.”
Bryan lit up. It was clear he adored his daughter. “She’s pretty amazing.”
“Are you just in town visiting her?”
Bryan shook his head. “No. My company offered me a transfer here a few months ago. Trina had already done her freshman year at the Conservatory and I’d missed the hell out of her. I asked her what she would think of her old man moving closer. She told me to go for it.”
“What’s your wife do?”
“My wife passed away five years ago.”
Laura reached out to touch his hand. “Oh Bryan. I’m so sorry. That must’ve been terrible for you.”
Bryan nodded. “For a while there, I was pretty much living day to day. But it’s true what they say. Time heals all wounds. I miss the hell out of her, but I’ve accepted she’s gone and I’ve figured out a way to move forward. So now it’s just Trina and me. I’m renting an apartment in town and she’s living in a dorm on campus. That was the deal. I could follow her to college, but I had to keep my distance.”
Laura admired Bryan’s strength, his courage. There was a sadness in his eyes when he spoke about his wife that told her he hadn’t had an easy go of it these last few years. “My kids wouldn’t have let me move to their college towns, period, but considering they were twins and they attended universities on opposite sides of the state, it’s pretty safe to say that set-up wouldn’t have worked anyway.”
“Attended?”
“They graduated a year ago. I’m very pleased to say my children are both presently employed in their chosen professions and have started paying their debt to society. Kevin is a medical technician at a hospital near Roslyn and Katie teaches kindergarten here in town.”
Bryan gestured toward the bar. “The band is finishing up this set and then they’re going to take a break. I promised to bring Trina a glass of water. You have a few minutes to hang out? I’d love to introduce you to her.”
“Sure.” Laura followed Bryan to the bar, waiting as the bartender made Bryan a gin and tonic and poured Trina a glass of water.
“You sure you don’t want something?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Better not. I’ve already overindulged on lemon shooters.”
Bryan feigned a wince. “Ouch. Tomorrow could be painful.”
“Sadly, I’m aware of that. I’m hoping to curtail some of the agony with Advil and water tonight before bed.”
“So what about you?” Bryan asked as they dodged dancers, working their way toward the stage. “What are you up to these days?”
“I’m a secretary in a high school.”
“And your husband?”
Laura paused. That question still took her unaware as she wondered if people would judge her harshly for giving up on a twenty-three-year marriage. “I’m divorced.”
“Oh. I’m sorry.”
Laura shrugged. “It’s okay. I initiated the split.”
“I see. Are you happy?”
Laura didn’t know how to reply. When she’d finally gotten up the nerve to ask Mason for a divorce, happiness had been her goal. She’d spent years in a relationship with a man who had no capacity for joy. Laura suspected he was bipolar—or perhaps suffering from depression—but Mason insisted he was fine, refused to go to the doctor and blamed her for his inherent unhappiness. For years, his misery took its toll. She’d left Mason because she wanted to be happy again. But was she?
Bryan interrupted her thoughts. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that was a hard question.”
“Let’s just say I’m searching for my happiness.”
“Is that why you’re here tonight? Forgive me for saying it, but this doesn’t seem like it would be your normal environment.”
Laura laughed. “It’s not. At all. My friends dragged me along. And yeah, I think this is part of my quest to rediscover the Laura I used to be. The one who laughed and danced and enjoyed life.”
Bryan studied her face. “Is it working?”
Laura’s face hurt from smiling. She was tipsy, relaxed and she’d laughed more tonight than in the entire previous year. Running into Bryan after so many years apart was the cherry on top of an excellent evening. “Yeah. It is.”
“Good.”
The band announced they were taking a short break. Trina walked over to join them. “Hey, Dad. Thanks,” she said as Bryan handed her the glass of water. “What did you think of that set?”
“Best one of the night.”
Trina beamed at her father’s praise. “Wait ’til you hear the last set.”
Bryan turned toward her. “Trina, I’d like you to meet my best friend from high school. This is Laura Riley.”
“Sanders.” Laura corrected him softly. She was still torn over whether or not to take her maiden name back. With her kids grown and out of school, she couldn’t think of a reason not to, but given Katie’s unhappiness over the divorce, Laura hadn’t wanted to add yet another upset to an injury that wasn’t healing very fast.
“Sanders,” Bryan corrected.
“You’re an incredible musician, Trina. Your music has blown me away. My daughter would absolutely love that song you played a little bit earlier. Was it called ‘Soul’?”
“’My Soul’,” Trina said. “I wrote that.”
“No way! That was my favorite song of the night.”
Trina smiled. “We’re getting ready to cut our first CD in a couple weeks and I wasn’t sure if I should push for that song to be included. Now I think I will.”
“I’d buy your CD for that song.”
“Wow. Thanks, Ms. Sanders.”
“Call me Laura.”
Someone called Trina’s name and she turned toward the stage. “I have to get back up there. We’re trying to figure out which song to finish with.” Trina gave Bryan a quick kiss on the cheek. “Nice to meet you, Laura.”
“You too.”
While the band was on a break, a canned recording of dance music blared through the speakers. Will Smith’s “Switch”came on.
“Oh my God, I love this song.”
Bryan grinned and pointed to the dance floor. “Should we show these young kids how it’s done?”
Laura raised her hand to refuse. “Hell no. I’ve been told my dancing is out of style.”
“Screw ’em.” Bryan took her hand, dragging her into the throng of bodies. He grasped her waist, pulling her close. They began to move in time to the music, their gazes connected. Laura laughed when he spun her, mimicking the other dancers around them with the same bumping and grinding moves. Funny how the same too-close contact with the man-child Kevin had squicked her out, but with Bryan it was awakening all sorts of dirty desires.
Laura let the alcohol, the music, the flashing lights and the heat take over as she moved sinuously against Bryan. Her libido kicked in with a vengeance, taking her unaware. His hands on her waist reminded her of a time when sex was exciting, fun, something she looked forward to. How long had it been since she felt this way?
She twisted, wrapping her arms around Bryan’s shoulders, laughing when he placed a firm hand on her lower back and pushed her into a dip that was so sexual and hot, Laura couldn’t believe they weren’t setting off the smoke detectors.
“You look beautiful, Laura. How the hell did I miss this in high school? If I hadn’t been such a blind fool, I’d have been on you like white on rice.”
She rolled her eyes, grinning at his compliment. “We became friends when both of us were in the awkward middle school stage. Somehow I don’t think we ever managed to overlook that. You look incredible too, by the way.”
He was sexy as sin. She wondered how he’d respond if she ran her hand along his chest, maybe letting it drift even lower until she found his cock. Would he enjoy such an inappropriate touch? Would he accept an invitation to come back to her place for more?
Shit. She was starting to sound like Josie who’d developed a must-have-sex-soon obsession lately. Time to rein in the hormones.
Laura hadn’t lied about their geeky looks in school. She’d gone through a very unattractive Dorothy Hamill hairstyle phase, complete with braces, while Bryan had sported a crew cut and thick glasses. Neither of them had managed to outgrow that unattractiveness until sophomore year. By then, the friendship was solid, and neither of them was interested in messing with the status quo.
She was tempted now. Holy crap, was she tempted.
Bryan’s hands slid along her waist, finding the tiny bit of skin revealed by her lifted arms. Was she imagining the sensual stroke of his fingers?
Wishful thinking?
He pulled her closer, their faces only inches apart. Heat coursed through her. Sure, the room was warm from so many gyrating bodies in a small space, but she didn’t think it was the exercise or crowd that was leaving her so hot and bothered.
She ran her fingers through Bryan’s shaggy salt and pepper hair. He’d lost the crew cut and embraced the waves he’d cursed during their younger years. His face had matured, as he’d shed the clean-cut boy-next-door look. His jaw was rough with a five o’clock shadow and there were laugh lines around his eyes that gave his face character. In a word, he was handsome.
And she was completely attracted to him.
She wasn’t sure where those feelings were coming from. She’d sworn with her divorce that she was finished with men. Laura had had enough male moodiness and so-so sex to last her a lifetime. She’d declared good riddance and hadn’t questioned that decision.
Until now. Her sex drive had reemerged, screaming out loud and clear that it wasn’t finished yet.
Bryan’s hand slipped beneath her blouse, touching her bare back, using his strength to guide them in the dance.
It was sex to music, just as Georgie said. Laura pressed her hips closer, unsurprised to feel Bryan’s hard cock. He studied her face, then winked.
Her smile grew. “You always were a shameless flirt.”
“And you were always ready to take a walk on the wild side.”
Laura turned her face away, staring at the dancers without seeing them. She couldn’t remember being that person, but as Bryan’s hands roamed over her skin, she wanted to escape the bonds of practicality. She longed to be uninhibited, carefree…wild.
“Hey, Laura!”
Laura caught sight of Kristen approaching her, shoving her way through the crowd.
“We’re getting ready to go. Georgie overindulged on the shots and I’m afraid it’s not going to end well. Jason and Nick offered to drive us home. Okay?”
Laura stepped away from Bryan. “Sure. Give me a minute?”
Kristen took a long look at Bryan, then gave her a surprised, but approving, smile. “I’ll give you two if you make sure to get his phone number.”
Bryan chuckled at Kristen’s matchmaking as she walked away. “Exchanging phone numbers sounds like a good idea to me.”
Bryan led Laura back to where her friends were waiting. Georgie was definitely past the point of no return as Nick held her up. Kristen and Jason were settling the tab. “Looks like we better roll. Will you really join Facebook? There are quite a few of our friends from school on there and…” She paused, wondering if she was being too forward.
“And?” he prompted.
“I can send you my phone number through a private message.”
He nodded. “Yeah. I’ll join. Might be fun to see what some of the gang is up to. And I’d like to see you again. Catch up.”
“Laura?” Kristen said. “Ready?”
“Yeah.” Laura pointed her finger, making a circle around her face. “I’ll Facebook you.”
He laughed at her silly gesture, then put his pinky and thumb to his mouth and ear, mimicking a phone. “I’ll call you.”
Available at Amazon, Samhain, and Barnes and Noble.
October 27, 2013
Cat Johnson
Thanks so much for having me here! I’m thrilled to be sharing my release day for BULL with Mari and her new release STATUS UPDATE.
BULL is one of the final three stories in my long running Red, Hot, & Blue series with Samhain Publishing. It was a very fun one to write. Whereas some of the stories in that series get a little heavier and deal with the Army’s uniformed boots on the ground, others are more fantasy and focus on those elite special operatives all women love to dream about. I love both kinds of stories but I really got to have fun with these final three as I concentrate on the last three SpecOps left standing…meaning single! Enjoy the following excerpt from BULL, and keep an eye out for MATT (coming in November) and THE COMMANDER (in December).
BULL (Red, Hot & Blue, Book 10) by Cat Johnson
IN EBOOK OCTOBER 29th
When the going gets tough, the tough go out with a bang…
Spec Op “Bull” Ford is as big as his nickname. His team, the civilians he protects, whether they know it or not, all depend on him. But beneath his stony exterior beats the heart of a caring man—unless he’s crossed.
Between her job as professional harpist and fending off an ex-boyfriend who won’t take the hint, Marly feels like a circus juggler. She doesn’t need some oversized, overzealous security guard accusing her of being a terrorist—as if a five-foot-nothing woman in a ball gown could threaten anyone.
Though when the real terrorists strike, she’s more than grateful to have Bull at her side…or on top, which certainly makes what could be her last breaths memorable.
But after Bull takes the brunt of the explosion, Marly is left with feelings for a man who doesn’t remember who she is. And by the time the red-hot memories come flooding back, the trail to her heart may have gone cold.
Warning: Contains explosive sexual encounters—literally!
PREORDER:
AMAZON (for INTERNATIONAL readers)
EXCERPT:
“Bull.” Matt’s voice seemed to explode out of Bull’s eardrum.
He jumped and turned toward the wall so the other guests in the room wouldn’t see him talking to himself. “Jesus, Matt. You scared the crap out of me. What?”
“The threat’s been bumped up. It looks like it’s fucking real. We’re on our way to you now.”
“Where’s it coming from?” Bull’s heart kicked into high gear.
“It’s right up your alley, buddy. Chatter on the lines indicates a bomb.”
“I swept the building—”
“It’s hidden somewhere inside the walls.”
“What? How?” Bull had spoken rather loud and got a few stares from the guests nearest him.?“There were workmen there six frigging months ago repairing the plaster. One of them has suspected terrorist ties. I was bored and started to check back just for fun.”
Bull never did understand Matt’s idea of fun, but it was a damn good thing he’d decided to have some fun tonight. A work crew six months ago had planted the bomb? This had been in the works for a while. Organization like that meant these guys were serious.
“Now the original threat makes sense.” Matt continued, “It was some sort of riddle about the walls of Jericho coming down. No one took it seriously until I found the record of the crew that worked on the walls.”
“What do you want me to do until you get here?” He didn’t want to start a panic, and he really didn’t want to tip his hand.
If the bomb was built to trigger with a detonator, that device could be held by anyone inside or outside the building. Letting that person know the good guys had discovered the plot would force the bomber’s hand. Bull reevaluated the guests and staff. There weren’t many people here. It was still early. That was good. The terrorist would want the biggest bang for his buck and wait for a full house.
“Get the senator out, first of all. We’ll never live it down if we let him get killed. But don’t let him know anything. Don’t let anyone know anything yet.”
“Affirmative.” Bull moved closer to the senator. “Sir. Excuse me for interrupting. I need to speak with you. Now.”
When Dickhead—the frigging cocky idiot—looked annoyed that the security he’d insisted on being up his ass all night had bothered him, Bull added, “It’s urgent.”
It must have hit him something was wrong. His eyes went wide and he opened his mouth. Bull grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the room before he could blow their one advantage—the element of surprise. The guests, and probably the terrorist, would guess Bull was security, but no one but the Senator knew he came attached to a special task force highly trained for situations exactly such as this. And no one knew the good guys had discovered what the bad guys were up to.
Outside the building, Bull did a visual sweep of the area. It was deserted except for a few valets waiting around to park any new arrivals’ cars. Even so, Bull pulled the senator to where they could speak without being heard.
“What’s happening?” Dickhead’s voice rose, tinged with panic.
He didn’t feel comfortable telling Dickhead the truth, didn’t trust him to keep his cool or keep quiet, so he’d have to make up some cock-and-bull story. The man was probably a Chicken Little—the type to run around screaming at the slightest provocation. No way Bull could tell him there was very likely a bomb hidden inside the walls of the building where his hoity-toity associates still were.
“Nothing yet.” That wasn’t exactly a lie. “It’s just a precaution.”
“If it’s nothing, then why the hell did you drag me out here?”
Bull clenched his jaw and mentally talked himself down from telling the senator what he thought about him. “There’s new information about the threat. My orders are to keep you out of the building until further notice.”
They should evacuate. The commander would probably have Bull trip the fire alarm. That would clear the building but wouldn’t tip off the bombers. But until the commander and the team arrived, his orders had been to get Dickhead out, and he’d done that. Now he figured he was free to go unobtrusively search for the bomb and the bombers… If Dickhead would get clear of the damn building and let Bull do his job.
The senator scowled. “What am I supposed to do? Stand out here in the driveway like an idiot?”
He was already doing a good job of being an idiot, so that sounded like a good idea to Bull. A long black car pulled up and he recognized Dickhead Junior being helped out of the back seat by the driver. “It looks like your son’s arrived. I’d strongly advise you and he take the car and go elsewhere until the situation has been reevaluated. Somewhere far.”
Like out of the blast zone.
“All right. You have my number?” There must have been something in Bull’s tone or expression, but the senator quit acting annoyed and started to look concerned. Lucky for Bull, Dickhead was a chicken shit and all in for saving his own skin. He gave in.
“Yes, sir.”
“Keep me updated.”
“Yes, sir.” Bull watched Dickhead steer Junior back into the car. He even waited until the vehicle drove off the property, just to be sure. Then he turned on his heel and headed for the entrance.
“Matt, Dickhead and Little Dick are off the property. I’m heading back inside to see if I can spot the trigger man or find evidence of the bomb’s location.”
“Roger that.”
“Matt, we’ve still got civilians inside. Between staff and guests, about two dozen.”
“I know, but until I recheck everyone, we can’t clear them out. One of them could be our tango.”
“Understood.” Inside, Bull heard the harpist begin a new song. “Can you check the harpist?”
“Do you think she’s our tango?”
“No. Just covering all the bases.” He did think it would be a shame if she accidentally got blown up though. Maybe he’d come up with some bogus reason to get her out of there once Matt had cleared her.
“Okay. Give me a few min—shit, Jack! Take it easy on the turns. You almost knocked the laptop onto the floor. I’m sorry, Bull, but I’m doing the best I can in the back of the van with Gordon up there driving like he’s on the NASCAR circuit. Hold tight. We’ll be there soon. It could still be nothing.”
“Should I ask around? Try to find out where the crew worked on the walls? It might give us a clue of where to start looking.”
There was dead air for a moment and then Matt was back. “The commander says no. Sit tight.”
“Roger that.” Bull sighed.
The one thing he was not all that good at was waiting and doing nothing. He glanced around the room again. The wait staff was comprised of pimple-faced boys. Old men and cleavage-baring women guests, and one petite harpist with reddish brown hair pulled into a sleek, surprisingly sexy ponytail rounded out the full complement of those in attendance. He’d bet his life—he was betting his life actually—not one of them was the terrorist.
He’d have to start his search again now that he had the all-important information from Matt to look at the walls. But this time, he’d have to do it so no one, the bomber in particular, would notice. He remembered a closet on the first floor. It apparently used to be a bathroom. The old cast-iron tub and fixtures were disconnected but still there, surrounded now by cardboard boxes and paint cans. It was obvious one wall had been freshly painted. He’d start there. If he was wrong…well, they’d know soon enough.
He slipped into the closet unnoticed and began running his hands over the surface of the wall, looking for any irregularities.
“Bull!”
He jumped one more time. It must be his being alone, without the team, making him so jumpy. He blew out a breath. “I copy, Matt. What’s happening?”
“There’s no record of a harpist on my list.”
Aw, crap.
Available Now
Coming Soon
BULL (October 29)
MATT (November)
THE COMMANDER (December)
www.CatJohnson.net/series-reading-order/
REVIEWS:
“humor and danger, plus a smoking hot guy, sex on the mission and even a cheating girlfriend gave this story that extra something and kept my interest from page one.” Terri, Night Owl Romance Reviews TOP PICK
“Bull is a must read if you’re looking for a hot, fast-paced novella. “ The Harlequin Junkie
October 26, 2013
Kelly Jamieson
Thank you so much to Mari for coming up with this great idea for our shared release day! Mari and Cat are beautiful women and amazing authors, and I’m thrilled to celebrate their releases with them!
When I was working on edits for Rule of Three, my editor at the time, the fabulous Sue Ellen Gower, suggested I add a little more detail near the end. Originally, Chris, Kassidy and Dag briefly alluded to some of the problems they would face living in a polyamorous relationship, and Suz thought I could expand on that more. It was probably one of the best suggestions she’s ever given me (and she’s given me a LOT of great suggestions!) Many readers and reviewers have commented that what makes Rule of Three so good for them was the realism of it—the fact that although these three people are committing to each other, there is recognition that it’s not going to be easy.
As I wrote those additional details into Chris, Kassidy and Dag’s conversation, I felt there was so much more that could have been explored. In fact, I distinctly remember feeling that I could almost write another whole book about the struggles they could face!
Well, I didn’t write another whole book at that time…and in fact, I didn’t really plan to ever write it. But I’ve heard from so many readers how much they love Chris, Kassidy and Dag, and how they want more of them. And so I decided it was time to follow them and their developing relationship, in Rhythm of Three.
Here’s a short excerpt!
One woman, two lovers. Double the pleasure, or double the trouble?
Rule of Three, Book 2
Former goodie-two-shoes Kassidy now has three pairs of shoes under her bed—hers, Chris’s and Dag’s. While she relishes the hot threesome that makes her friends jealous, she can’t deny things are…complicated. Namely, whom to tell about their unconventional relationship, and whom to keep in the dark.
In the dark category? Definitely Chris’s parents, which should be simple, since they live far away. Except they’ve sprung a surprise for their son’s thirtieth birthday. They’re coming for a visit. Then there’s Kassidy’s best friend Danielle, who’s home from Europe, clueless to recent events, and flirting with Dag like crazy.
Awkward!
Family, friends, coworkers and a wedding put three lovers’ best intentions to the test, making them wonder if this unique brand of love has a chance in hell of working out.
Product Warnings
Contains three vulnerable hearts engaged in a ménage a trois, some man-on-man action, sizzling exchanges of graphic language, and rock-your-socks explicit sex. So yeah, it’s dirty, but also sweet.
EXCERPT:
“Okay,” Kassidy said. “Birthday plans.”
Chris’s head jerked up. “Birthday? My birthday?”
“No, Halle Berry’s birthday,” she said with an eye-roll.
Chris couldn’t help but smile. “Halle Berry’s coming to celebrate my birthday with me? Sweet.”
“You wish.”
Chris relaxed a little. “Damn.”
“Big three-oh,” Dag said. “Old fucker.”
Chris smirked. “I’m less than a month older than you. And I’m in better shape.”
“Fuck that.”
“Better start taking your vitamins.”
Dag snorted. Kassidy laughed. And a little more tension eased out of Chris.
“We’re having a party here Friday night,” Kassidy said.
“We are?” Chris lifted his eyebrows at her.
“Yes! It’s going to be so fun! Dag’s hiring a bartender.”
Chris blinked at Kassidy, then turned his gaze on Dag. “Uh…okay.”
Dag grinned.
“He’s already talked to a caterer,” Kassidy continued. “So it won’t be much work. That was sweet of you,” she added, fluttering her eyelashes at Dag.
“You’ve been busting your ass looking after everyone else,” Dag said. “I got this, Kass.”
Warmth spread in Chris’s chest. Fuck, he liked that Dag cared so much about Kassidy. “Thanks, man,” he said quietly. “When did this all come about?”
“Today,” Kassidy replied cheerfully, stabbing a piece of penne with her fork. “I knew your birthday was coming, but things have been so crazy lately—”
“There’s an epic understatement,” Dag said.
She grinned. “I just realized this morning that it’s Thursday. So Dag and I talked about what to do and we decided to have a party. Casual, just our friends. I’ve invited everyone already. They can all come, except Hailey, she has to work.”
“Maybe just as well…?” Chris said.
Kassidy looked down at her plate. “You know, she was pretty helpful the other night when I was so upset. I didn’t know who else to go to, to talk about this. I didn’t think I could go to Danielle about it.” Kassidy’s best friend, who had no idea what was going on.
“Danielle coming to the party?” Chris asked.
“Yeah.”
He set down his fork. “Guess we’re going to have to talk about how that’s going to go.”
“Add it to the list of discussion topics,” Dag said.
“Jesus,” Chris muttered. “Should we create an agenda?”
“You’re the businessman,” Dag said. “Also, you’re the oldest. You might need an agenda to remember everything we need to discuss.”
Chris couldn’t help it. He burst out laughing. “Oh man. I meant, do we have to make this so complicated?”
“Uh…dude,” Dag murmured. “This is pretty fuckin’ complicated.”
Chris rubbed the back of his neck where tightness was again starting to climb up his scalp. “Yeah,” he said on a sigh. “I know. I just don’t want to talk about all this shit.”
“What do you want to do?” Dag asked, eyes gleaming.
Heat burst and rushed through Chris’s body. What the hell. Might as well be honest. “I wanna fuck around.”
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