S.C. Daiko's Blog, page 9
November 13, 2019
COVER REVEAL “MAFIA LIGHT” Box Set (Includes BRUTE, BEAST, BRASH and an Extended Christmas Epilogue)
Title: MAFIA LIGHT BOX SET
Author: SC Daiko
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Mafia Romance
Release Date: November 18, 2019
Cover Design: Booming Covers
Photographer: Wander Aguilar
Cover Model: Travis S.
Three books for the price of one!!! For a limited time, bestselling author SC Daiko brings together her mafia light romances in a box set with an extended Christmas epilogue.
Add to your Goodreads TBR https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48755128-mafia-light-box-set
BRUTE “a hurricane of a story! Intense, steamy and some dark secrets,” Stina, Book Haven Book Blog.
BEAST “a wonderful story, that will pull on your heart strings and bring tears to your eyes,” Susan D., Amazon Vine Voice reviewer.
BRASH “Unlike any romance novel I’ve ever read – in a great way – Brash is a love story that has a truly unique voice,” Jeeves Reads Romance.
BRUTE
Daniel Collins. Single Dad. My neighbor.
He’s the rudest man I’ve ever met.
Cold. Arrogant. Reclusive.
He’s so volatile everyone calls him the BRUTE.
I should stay away from him…
but I see what he’s trying to hide…
see past his hidden pain…
see the dark past threatening to destroy him.
When we touch, he unravels me,
and the oceans set alight.
But play with fire, and you will get burned.
A fragile heart can easily be broken again.
BEAST
I’ve been sold by my own father to a BEAST
Gleb Sokolov is the definition of a savage.
He’s an animal in bed and everywhere else.
A ruthless Russian Mafia boss, badass personified.
And my father just sold me to him, to pay off a debt.
But there’s something Gleb doesn’t know,
and I’ll do anything to keep him from finding out.
Eva Petrenko
Sassy, secretive, trouble with a capital T.
She drives me damn insane.
Except, when her father offers her to me, I find I can’t resist.
She belongs with me, even if she refuses to believe it.
Eva hates me, but I’ll go to the ends of the earth to protect her.
Problem is, her father isn’t the only one with debts…
and mine are the kind I’ll need to pay with my own blood.
BRASH
Brash, aka Ben Collins.
Notorious playboy.
Drop-dead gorgeous.
But rude, impetuous and condescending.
He calls me ‘little girl’ and I hate him.
Except everything changes when our plane crashes
And I’m trapped with him on a deserted island.
I see right through those indigo-blue eyes.
Brash is damaged.
But that doesn’t give him the right to be a douchebag.
I’ll bring him to his knees
… if only he’d stop making me weak in mine.
Aly, aka Alyona Abramovich.
Mafia princess.
Beautiful and alluring
She isn’t the spoiled brat I thought she was.
There’s an innocence about her
which calls to something long buried.
That’s risky for a man like me and a woman like her.
I’m a dirty bastard at the best of times
And this isn’t the best of times…
October 28, 2019
ROCK STAR is available now!!!
Axel Wainwright. British rock god. Bad boy.
He sets the crowds on fire with his voice and his words.
Singing backup for him is my dream job.
My big chance to get recognised and become a star.
Music is my life and now it consumes me.
HE consumes me.
But I have my career to think about; I’ve worked years for this.
I need to keep my distance from Axel, or he’ll burn me to ashes.
Except, guess what? The best-laid plans have a habit of going wrong.
My name is Phoenix Johnson, and, like Icarus, I’ve flown too close to the sun.
Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/36eDWcv
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2p8r0Ei
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/36jnSGm
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2MR5r48
Worldwide: http://viewbook.at/ROCKSTARSCD
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/hMkzbFOdTPs
Advance Reader Review quotes:
“I was hanging on to every word,” A Book Lovers Emporium Book Blog
“beautiful intense heartfelt,” Goodreads reviewer
“beyond steamy,” Goodreads reviewer
“Axel Wainwright stole my heart,” Goodreads reviewer
“A great rockstar read,” Goodreads reviewer
“Passion, heartache, family love – this story had it all,” Kindle Freak Book Blog
“melted my Kindle,” Goodreads reviewer
“Axel and Phoenix were an absolute joy to read about,” Goodreads reviewer
“Axel had me swooning,” Goodreads reviewer
“A definite must read,” Ann (Literary Lust)
“this author nailed it,” Goodreads reviewer
“Great, engaging characters,” Goodreads reviewer
“Sweet and romantic,” Beyond the Covers Blog
“the two main characters are to die for,” Goodreads reviewer
“This story will touch you,” Goodreads reviewer
“I highly, highly recommend Rock Star,” Goodreads reviewer
“Go … Grab this book… Read it! SC Daiko never disappoints!!” Goodreads reviewer
“Another must read book by an awesome author.” Goodreads reviewer
October 3, 2019
COVER REVEAL “ROCK STAR”
Title: ROCK STAR
Author: SC Daiko
Genre: Contemporary Romance/NA Romance
Release Date: October 31, 2019
Cover Design: Mayhem Cover Creations
Photographer: Wander Aguilar
Cover Model: Zack Salaun
Axel Wainwright. British rock god. Bad boy.
He sets the crowds on fire with his voice and his words.
Singing backup for him is my dream job.
My big chance to get recognised and become a star.
Music is my life and now it consumes me.
HE consumes me.
But I have my career to think about; I’ve worked years for this.
I need to keep my distance from Axel, or he’ll burn me to ashes.
Except, guess what? The best-laid plans have a habit of going wrong.
My name is Phoenix Johnson, and, like Icarus, I’ve flown too close to the sun.
The guys were waiting backstage behind a velvet curtain when I joined them. They all told me I looked beautiful and I said the same back to them. I wasn’t lying… they were freaking rock gods, dressed in ripped jeans, skin-tight tees, chains and amulets around their necks, each one of them over six feet in height and drop-dead gorgeous. In my heels, my head only came up to their chins as they pulled me into a group hug—it was what they always did before a concert, and it felt oddly reassuring.
“Awesome tat, Firebird,” Axel whispered into my ear, sending a shiver to my core.
“Can’t wait to see yours,” I countered, my voice breathy.
His gaze lingered on me, stripping me naked.
Oh, God.
I guessed it was this sexy dress… he’d treated me one hundred percent professionally while I’d been practicing with him at his place, keeping his distance and not repeating the kiss he’d given me that first time.
The time when I’d felt his hard-on as I’d brushed past him.
Now wasn’t the moment to think about such things, though. The music being played on the sound system beforehand had fallen silent, and I could sense the anticipation of the audience as we walked onto the darkened stage.
We took up our positions, the stage lights hitting us and an eruption of whistles and screams broke out. Foxy clacked his sticks three times, then brought them down on the skins. Rhys launched into the riff, his guitar wailing. Zach came in on the keyboards. Axel added the bass and his voice cut through the air like a shard of glass. ‘Ghost in the Heart’—all crashes and slashing cords lit by flashing, almost blinding white light—was the perfect overture, and I felt honored to be contributing my voice harmonies toward it.
The crowd went wild, I could tell from the whoops, but, as the song neared its end, the band surprised them by kicking the tempo up a notch. Foxy drummed faster, faster, faster, and Axel shouted, “jump!” The spinning stage lights flashed to purple, and the audience was suddenly, undeniably, at a ChiMera rave, having the time of their lives.
Song followed electrifying song. I couldn’t take my eyes off Axel. He was mesmerizing, seeming to touch the life of every person in the crowd. He spread his arms out wide then brought them in, pointing toward the wildest fans, who then lost their shit. After crouching and singing to the front row, he would leap up in an explosion of energy that sent the entire nightclub into a frenzy. He fed off the response, devouring it like he’d been starved, and throwing it back at them, his infectious performance almost tangible, like something they could reach out and grasp in their hands.
With bated breath, I waited for the ‘off the shirt’ moment. When it came, toward the end of the set, my legs felt as if they would slip from under me. Dammit he was ripped. Freaking beautiful. He threw his tee into the audience and the spotlight followed it to the lucky recipient, a dark-haired lady who let out a squeal of pleasure before burying her nose in it. Axel held every woman in the audience in his hands at that point. I wouldn’t have been surprised if they’d thrown their panties at him. I stared at the stunning bass guitar tat on his shoulder and I couldn’t help smiling. He was such a bad ass.
Everybody Hurts R.E.M.
Creep Radiohead
Hard to Explain The Strokes
Run for Cover The Killers
The Drugs Don’t Work The Verve
Oh My God Kaiser Chiefs
Times Like These Foo Fighters
All I Want is You U2
What a Wonderful World/Fix You Coldplay
SC Daiko, aka Siobhan, is a British author of fast-paced bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense. When she isn’t writing or looking after guests, Siobhan loves to swim in the sea, travel around Europe, sample different food and enjoy local wine. She has worked in the City of London and taught languages in a Welsh high school before moving to Italy, where she now lives with her husband and two cats. Nothing makes Siobhan happier than connecting with readers and fellow authors.
HOSTED BY:
August 30, 2019
ROCK STAR will release end of October!!!
Here is the latest draft of the blurb!
“Axel Wainwright. British rock god. Bad boy.
He sets the crowds on fire with his voice and his words.
Singing backup for him is my dream job.
My big chance to get recognised and become a star.
Music is my life and now it consumes me.
HE consumes me.
But I have my career to think about; I’ve worked years for this.
My mom is sick and I want to help her.
I need to keep my distance from Axel, or he’ll burn me to ashes.
Except, guess what? The best-laid plans have a habit of going wrong.
My name is Phoenix Johnson, and, like Icarus, I’ve flown too close to the sun.”
Here are a couple of extracts.
PHOENIX
He was so beautiful I forgot to breathe… not something anyone, let alone a singer, should ever forget to do.
Dirty collar-length blond hair all messed up.
A close-cropped beard.
Smoldering dark-brown eyes.
Eyes that were trained on mine.
Tormented eyes…
AXEL
Bending into the mic, I raked my gaze down her smoking hot body, lingering on her gorgeous ass encased in those skin-tight jeans. Her t-shirt hugged what looked like a luscious pair of tits. I wondered if they were real…
Not that I’d ever find out.
Not with her.
Anyone else, and I’d have already scored a hit.
I liked women, and they liked me.
I liked to fuck.
Hard, and often.
Apart from singing, writing songs, and running CM Records with my bandmates and management team, fucking was the only other thing I was good at…
July 22, 2019
*** RELEASE BLITZ *** Lady of Venice by SC Daiko writing as Siobhan Daiko
Title: Lady of Venice
Author: SC Daiko writing as Siobhan Daiko
Genre: Historical Time-Slip Romance; Historical Mystery and Suspense
Release Date: July 22, 2019
Cover Design: Cover Kitchen
“Two women separated by time, but united by passion and art.”A captivating historical romance, LADY of VENICE will transport you to Italy past and present. An incredible love story from international bestselling author SC Daiko, writing as Siobhan Daiko.
In 1504, Cecilia, a lady of Venice, joins the court of Queen Caterina Cornaro—where she catches the eye of a powerful stranger who will stop at nothing to make her his.
Summer 1989, and Fern, on vacation in Italy to deal with a personal trauma, finds herself pulled back to the sixteenth century and drawn inescapably into Cecilia’s life.
Intrigue and romance flourish at the Queen’s court as Cecilia embarks on a passionate but ill-fated affair with a penniless painter.
Luca, a twentieth century Italian architect, notices a resemblance between Fern and the girl in a painting by the artist, Giorgione. He helps Fern cope with her visions while falling increasingly under her spell.
Echoes of the past begin to manifest themselves in the present through a series of startling coincidences, until past and present collide—throwing both Fern and Cecilia into deathly danger.
Can Fern stay safe and come to terms with her own past?
This book was previously published as “Lady of Asolo”.
“The author paints a beautifully written story with intricate details of the beauty that surrounds Italy as it floats onto the canvas…” Beyond the Covers Book Blog
“Romance, love, hot scenes, drama and one hell of a gripping story line.” Michelle’s Goodreads Review
“Beautiful description and so much mystery I couldn’t put it down.” Lisa’s Goodreads Review
Siobhan Daiko, who also writes as SC Daiko, is an award-winning British author of international bestselling contemporary and historical romance and romantic suspense. Siobhan loves to swim in the sea, travel around Europe, sample different food and enjoy local wine. She has worked in the City of London and taught languages in a Welsh high school before moving to Italy, where she now lives with her husband and two cats. Nothing makes her happier than connecting with readers.
HOSTED BY:
July 5, 2019
Cover Reveal LADY of VENICE by SIOBHAN DAIKO
Title: Lady of Venice
Author: SC Daiko writing as Siobhan Daiko
Genre: Historical Time-Slip Romance; Historical Mystery and Suspense
Release Date: July 22, 2019
Cover Design: Cover Kitchen
From international bestselling author SC Daiko, writing under her name Siobhan Daiko, comes a captivating historical romance set in Venice and the Veneto region of Italy.
In 1504, Cecilia, a beautiful feisty young woman, joins the court of a Venetian lady where she catches the eye of a powerful stranger who will stop at nothing to make her his.
Nearly five centuries later, Fern, on vacation from London to deal with a personal trauma, finds herself drawn inescapably into Cecilia’s life.
Echoes of the past begin to manifest themselves in the present through a series of startling coincidences until past and present collide, throwing both Fern and Cecilia into deathly danger.
Can Fern stay safe and come to terms with her own past?
“Previously published as Lady of Asolo, Lady of Venice has been re-edited and re-written.”
The Court leaves for Murano, where the Queen will stay until tomorrow. As well as entertaining the Marques, she wants to buy glass. I have a day and a night ahead of me to spend as I please. Well, not quite as I please for there are servants here who’ll spy on me. Dorotea has told me I should stuff pillows under my bedcovers so that it will seem as if I am sleeping. And that’s what I do when Zorzo calls.
In his studio, my fingers shake as they hold the brush. How clumsy I am today. He covers my hand with his and my confidence soars. I can feel his breath against my ear, soft and warm. Turning towards him, I run the tips of my fingers lightly down his cheek. I suck in a gasp and a quiver travels down to my core.
Zorzo moans, but he does not stop me when I move my hand down his body and encounter his arousal. His eyes hold mine and I feel as if I shall sink into them; liquid gold, they burn with desire. How different he is from Signor Lodovico. I don’t like to think of that man and banish him from my mind.
My painter reaches down and unpins my hair (for today I have dressed it properly). He entwines his hands in my tresses and pulls me against him. ‘Lady Cecilia, you will be the undoing of me.’
I lift my mouth to his and our lips meet. The softness makes my insides shiver. We stumble to the bed in the corner of the studio and lower ourselves onto it. Our tongues are dancing and my whole body is on fire. ‘Are you sure, dolcezza?’
I nod, the decision made. The step I’m taking will alter the course of my life, yet I can’t envisage any other destiny for me than to become one with this man.
‘You are a horsewoman,’ he says, lifting his lips from mine. ‘Your maidenhead will have been stretched. Even so, I shall enter you slowly, so you do not feel too much pain.’
For a second, I am perplexed. Our gaze locks and his eyes burn with such love that I know this can’t be wrong. Whatever the church says, we aren’t sinners. There’s no need for us to speak the words. There will be time for that later. He lifts my gown and I let out a small cry as he pushes gently into me, my sex resisting only momentarily. Only a twinge and then we rock together, and I’m lost to the exquisiteness of the sensation.
Too soon, it’s over. Zorzo shudders and withdraws from me, pulling a kerchief from his pocket and covering his prick. ‘You know how babes are made?’ he says. ‘I can’t spill my seed inside you or we shall have a child. The next time we make love, you will know the pleasure I’ve just experienced, my sweet. Just give me some moments to regain my strength.’
He gets up from the bed and goes to the sideboard where there’s a flagon of wine. We drink and nibble biscotti, then wash, then take our time over lovemaking. I had no idea that a man could make a woman writhe the way I’m doing. Have I no shame? I’m lying naked with my legs apart and my lover’s hand is doing such things to me that my whole body is trembling.
On the brink of that joy, like the one I felt the other night, about to reach the end of a blissful journey that has built and built, Zorzo stops. ‘I want to be inside you when you climax. It will be stronger for you.’
And he is right. Pleasuring myself can’t be compared with what is happening now. He thrusts into me and I arch against him. Arching and rubbing myself against him until a spark inside me grows into a flame of such exquisiteness that I’m completely lost to it.
Siobhan Daiko, who also writes as SC Daiko, is an award-winning British author of international bestselling contemporary and historical romance and romantic suspense. Siobhan loves to swim in the sea, travel around Europe, sample different food and enjoy local wine. She has worked in the City of London and taught languages in a Welsh high school before moving to Italy, where she now lives with her husband and two cats. Nothing makes her happier than connecting with readers.
HOSTED BY:
June 17, 2019
*** BRASH Release Blitz ***
Title: BRASH: An Enemies to Lovers Romance
Author: SC Daiko
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense
Release Date: June 17, 2019
Blurb
I’m cast away on a tropical island with a dirty, damaged alpha-hole.
Women swoon over him.
I’m not one of them.
I hate him.
And I see right through those indigo-blue eyes.
Brash is hurting.
But that doesn’t
give him the right to be a douchebag.
Especially now that I’m all he’s got here.
A mafia princess who knows how to set someone straight.
I will bring him to his knees.
If only he’d stop making me weak in mine.
His strong arms have become my refuge.
And his gorgeous smile, my hope.
He tells me that I belong to him.
That he’ll protect me in this dangerous place.
But what happens if my heart is at risk?
Who will save me then?
From international bestselling author SC Daiko comes a thrilling new standalone romantic suspense novel, a spin-off from BRUTE, BEAST and Nanny and the BRATVA BOSS.
ADD TO GOODREADS
Purchase Links
99c for a VERY limited time!!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Read with your Kindle Unlimited subscription!!!
Trailer
Playlist
Come Away Me – Norah Jones
Beyond the Sea – Robbie Williams
Blue Ocean Floor – Justin
Timberlake
The Sea – Morcheeba
Paradise – Coldplay
A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay & Shakira
Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Fall at Your Feet – Crowded House
Crazy for You – Adele
Sea Song – Lisa Hannigan
Photograph – Ed Sheeran
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
May 20, 2019
BRASH COVER REVEAL AND RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
Title: BRASH: An Enemies to Lovers Romance
Author: SC Daiko
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Cover Design: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs
Release Date: June 17, 2019
Blurb
Survive a plane crash. Get marooned on a deserted island with a dirty, damaged alpha-hole. What could be worse?
Alyona
They say there’s a fine line between love and hate.
I believe it.
Brash sure lives up to his nickname.
Impetuous and rude, the billionaire hotel developer can’t
possibly offer me anything but a much-needed paycheck.
Except, everything changes when our plane crashes.
Not only do we have to face the dangers of this tropical
island, we must also endure our growing attraction to each other.
Brash
The spoiled, self-entitled mafia princess isn’t all she
appears.
Beautiful and alluring, Alyona also possesses an innocence
that calls to something long buried.
That’s risky for a man like me and a woman like her.
I’m a dirty bastard at the best of times, and this isn’t the
best of times.
The perils we face are pushing us together.
And keeping things professional is no longer an option once
I’m set on making her mine.
We’ve survived a plane crash, but can we survive the island
with our hearts intact?
ADD TO GOODREADS
Excerpt
The current was strong and pulling us away from the wreckage. I kept my arm around Aly, lifting her face. I creased my forehead, trying to work out our flight path.
Where the fuck were we?
An ice-cold shard of panic pierced the pit of my stomach. I tried to ignore it. Fucking impossible. For the first time in my life since I was a child, events had overtaken me. Were out of my control. And there wasn’t a damn thing I could do other than try and survive.
Aly moaned and I whispered, “I’m here. You’re safe.”
She shivered and I held her close to share my body heat. Not that there was much of that. I was chilled to the bone.
I looked around again. We were surrounded by nothing but rolling waves.
Stay calm. I repeated the words to myself like a mantra.
Hours passed, it seemed, although I wasn’t sure. I felt completely disoriented. Aly had passed out again; I kept checking her pulse. My eyelids grew heavy and I wanted to doze off, but we’d be separated.
The sound of splashing. A pod of dolphins had arrived, eyes flickering with curiosity.
“Hey, guys,” I managed to rasp. “Come to rescue us?” I laughed at the absurdity of my question. With a wave of their tails, they left in obvious pursuit of some lunch.
The current took us further and further away from where the plane had gone down.
More splashing. Rhythmical this time. I swept my gaze around again and a slow smile of relief spread across my face. I let out a whoop. The sound I’d heard was the noise of waves hitting the barrier reef to
an island. I could just see it in my peripheral vision.
I kicked my feet so frantically my shoes came off. Using the arm not holding Aly, I swam hard, fighting the current that was sweeping us parallel to land.
Kick, kick, kick.
I spotted a break in the waves and managed to propel us through it into the calm waters of a lagoon.
My lungs burning, I kept swimming until my feet touched the sandy bottom.
With the last vestiges of my energy, I heaved Aly out of the water onto the shore.
I turned her onto her side and tilted her head backwards. Then, totally wrung-out, I collapsed next to her.
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
April 28, 2019
Nanny and the BRATVA BOSS audio book is now available!!!
Listen to the sample!!!
Amazon Universal Link: http://mybook.to/BossAudio
Audible USA: https://www.audible.com/pd/B07R4RD7WF/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-150116&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_150116_rh_us
March 9, 2019
(´*•.¸(*•.¸¸.•*´)¸.•*´)¸.• RELEASE BOOST *(¸.•*(¸.•*´`*•.¸)`*•.)`*• Nanny And The Bratva Boss
He calls me ‘Mary Poppins’. I just call him ‘Boss’.
He’s a Russian Mafia kingpin.
Deep, dark and dangerous.
Good and evil at war within him.
I’m caught in the cross-fire,
but I want to be here.
A cold-hearted man, or is he?
I’m about to find out…
***
She’s breezed into my world
like a latter-day Mary Poppins.
A sassy girl from England
with the voice of an angel,
and the body of a goddess.
I need her in my life like a bullet in the brain.
Everything about her tempts me.
But she’s an itch I won’t be scratching.
Except, the best-laid plans have a habit of going wrong.
Soon I’ll find out what really matters,
and that the worst lies
are the lies you tell to yourself.
From international bestselling author SC Daiko comes a gripping new standalone romance with all the feels.
“Nothing short of amazing… you can feel it with your heart and soul,” Renee
“Loved, loved, loved this book,” Rhiannon Hall
“This book is full of brave action, seduction, respect and admiration, danger, and very sad outcomes to be overcome,” Reva Parks
“…easy to read, it flowed so well,” A Book Lover’s Emporium Book Blog
“… a great gripping storyline… an exciting five star read,” Nico
“Their chemistry is sizzling… this story has all the feels,” Joy Westerfield
“… the ride you will go on will be like a roller coaster,” Donna, Goodreads reviewer
“… you don’t want it to end,” Kirsty Adams
“I was in love from page one,” Jenny Prose
“SC Daiko really outdid herself with this one,” Michelle
“Taras’ and Zoe’s story is one of the best I have read,” Susanna Soto
“This story made me laugh, cry and forget how to breathe,” Julie Workman
“SC Daiko, you did it again which is why you’re always on my one-click list,” Lynne
“Great plot with tons of steaminess and alphaness,” Kelly Williams
“The love just jumps out at you, Zillah Raven
“I couldn’t put it down,” United Indie Book Blog
“… this book is amazing. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars,” Helena Gant
“This is one of the best mafia stories that I have read in a long time,” Tonya Sims Harper-Dixie
“SC Daiko hits it out of the park with The Nanny and The Bratva Boss,” Chikap09
“The storytelling is spellbinding, and you will become part of their world,” Jo-Ann Forrest
” … an interesting love story that will stay with you for a long time,” Linda Barrett
Tonight, Zoe wasn’t wearing the halter-neck dress. She appeared in figure-hugging jeans and a blue cotton blouse that set off the topaz in her beautiful irises. After declining a glass of wine, she sat next to me, shooting me a look from under her dark lashes.
Mrs K arrived with our starter course, a fresh vegetable salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes and onions. She served us and returned to the kitchen.
I swirled the wine in my glass. “I’m sorry if I was a little abrupt when we said goodnight yesterday.”
“Abrupt? You were more than abrupt.” Her eyes flashed. “You were downright rude.”
“I’m not a nice man. I don’t do ‘nice’. I can’t.”
“Why?”
Ever forthright.
“If I show any weakness, I’ll be finished.” I lifted my fork and speared a tomato.
She took a sip of water. “Being nice isn’t the same as being weak, I don’t think.”
“You are right, rybka. It isn’t.” I shook my head. “I guess I’ve just gotten out of the habit.”
She chewed some salad and swallowed. “Were you horrible to your wife? Is that why you got divorced?”
“None of your concern,” I snapped, slamming my hand down on the table. Dishes rattled and the water in Zoe’s glass sloshed over the edge.
She shot me a withering look. “There you go again, being a prick. I’m only trying to understand you, Taras.”
I Dreamed A Dream (Anne Hathaway – Les Miserables)
Hallelujah – Sheku Kanneh-Mason – Leonard Cohen: Hallelujah, arr. Tom Hodge
With or Without You – (U2) – 2 Cellos
Something Just Like This – (The Chainsmokers & Coldplay) – Cello Cover
Baby Can I Hold You – Tracy Chapman
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – Roberta Flack
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
