Tory Richards's Blog, page 100

Excerpt The Evans Brothers Trilogy

This is taken from Surrender to Desire, the second novella in the trilogy. 

“I’ve been thinking of these lips all night.” He ran his finger over her bottom lip in a gentle caress.
His admission caught Callie off guard. She felt his other hand burrow beneath the hair at the nape of her neck. Slowly his fingers curled until he had a handful of hair. She whimpered as he slowly lowered his face.

“And what they’d taste like early in the morning, against mine.”

Using her hair to his advantage he pulled Callie up toward him until their faces were mere inches apart. Her hands flattened against his chest for support. Their breaths mingled into one and then Blade was taking hers away, along with her willpower, in a kiss that sent spirals of ecstasy through her veins.

Callie moaned with a growing hunger, accepting his sensual attack on her lips. His firm mouth moved persuasively over hers, but tenderly, as though savoring their first kiss, before tracing the part in her lips that would gain him access to the inside of her mouth. When their tongues meshed his groan vibrated throughout the kitchen, and then he was crushing her against his hard body.

He seemed to lose control. Callie sensed what she was experiencing was the real man beneath Blade’s quiet exterior. She had the feeling he was more of a take action kind of man, and that was all right with her, because right now his action was causing an inferno inside of her. A kaleidoscope of primal emotions that threatened to consume her was exploding throughout her entire body. She’d never been so overwhelmed with desire.

She became aware of everything about him all at once. His hand was rough in her hair, as if he thought she would try to escape. His mouth and tongue was devouring hers, leaving no corner or secret unexplored. A muscular arm slide around Callie’s waist, and his hand began fondling her ass while forcing her pussy against his throbbing cock. She met every caress with a counter attack of her own, letting Blade see that she wanted him just as much.

Callie’s hands moved over his body, frustrated that his clothes were in the way, until finally she pulled his shirt free of his jeans so she could explore underneath. His groan told her he liked it when her hands were against his bare skin, her palms moving over his tight abs and up to his chest. She pinched his nipple, receiving a sweet reward when Blade’s hand released her hair and moved to caress her breast.

A moan of pleasure escaped Callie, and she found herself pushed up against the refrigerator. The coolness of the stainless steel against her backside prevented her from boiling over. Blade tore his mouth from hers and easily split the fragile shirt open down the front, and then from Callie’s body. She let out a small sound, surprised at his state of arousal. Not once in their relationship had Donald wanted her so badly that he tore her clothes off. She found the action exciting, and erotic.

He kissed his way down to her nipples, where he rolled them with his tongue. Oh God! I’ve never felt anything as good as this! Callie hoped he’d never stop. She arched her back, offering Blade her swelling flesh, silently encouraging him to do whatever he wanted to her. It didn’t seem to matter that they were in the kitchen. She prayed that the kitchen door leading to outside was locked.

Callie took hold of Blade’s shirt and pulled it open, hearing several buttons hit the floor. She then put her open mouth on him, moving over his heated flesh until she latched on to a taut nipple. All the while her hands discovered how hard and sculptured his torso was.

“Sweet Jesus!”

His body shuddered violently and Callie smiled around the nipple she was biting. Blade’s hips jerked as if out of control, pushing his hard-on against her throbbing pussy. She almost swooned when the thick seam on his jeans brushed against her pulsing clit. Now it was her turn to shiver violently. She didn’t realize she was so close to climaxing.

“Blade…” Her voice was throaty with emotion, and a little fear.

Did he even hear her? The kitchen was so filled with their heavy breathing and moans of pleasure that it was hard to tell. Callie felt desperation course through her body. She couldn’t help it. The rare times she’d climaxed had been in the dark with her own fingers, and recalling the wild movements of her body and her uncontrolled moans, she wasn’t sure she wanted Blade to witness her lack of control.

If he detected the unease in her tone he ignored it. Before Callie could say anything else she was being kissed again. She eagerly opened her mouth to his tongue. At the same time Blade slipped a finger deep inside her. She bucked her hips into the pleasant, unexpected feeling, sighing beneath his masterful mouth. He moved in and out slowly, spending extra time stimulating her clit. Every time his finger brushed over the swollen, sensitive nub, Callie trembled uncontrollably.

Instinctively, her body arched toward him, and her hips began moving of their own accord, as she strained closer to orgasm. When Blade’s finger picked up speed, so did she. Her sighs escalated and his mouth left hers to kiss and lick a taut nipple just as she exploded in sheer bliss. There was nothing for Callie to do but let go and ride out the pleasurable storm racing through her body, and she cried out, convulsing against him.

Panting uncontrollably, she clutched Blade’s shirt in order to keep from crumbling to the floor. She was astonished at the sense of fulfillment she felt. Her own driving need shocked Callie the most. She supposed it was due to a long history of blasé sex. Now she knew what she’d been missing.

A last shiver reminded Callie where she was and what she’d just let happen. “Damn,” she said against his chest.

Blade slipped his finger from her pussy. “Now we’re even.” There was a smile in his husky tone.

What does he mean by that? With a frown she pushed herself back far enough to meet his slightly amused eyes. There was no denying the flame of arousal in those dark orbs. Yet he didn’t seem in any hurry to do anything about it.

“I don’t understand.” Something clicked in her mind, but before she was able to say anything Blade spoke up.

“You’re sweet ass riding up and down my cock yesterday made me come. I’ve never done anything like that in all my thirty-nine years.”

Callie tried to swallow. “Come?”

His laughter was a full hearted sound that filled the kitchen. “Hell, no. I’ve done that plenty of times.”

She didn’t doubt it. Blade was too good looking not to have any woman he wanted. Callie bet he was a roaming stud in high school. She brushed aside the unpleasant thought and focused on the here and now.

“I’ve never met a woman who got me so damned horny so damned fast. When I glanced up from Calypso yesterday and saw that little triangle of red between your pretty legs, my libido didn’t know what hit it.”

Callie was speechless. She’d done that to him?

“Then you dropped down into my lap and I knew I was in trouble.”

Someone knocked on the kitchen door, and then Callie heard whoever it was turn the doorknob to come in. Her eyes widened with disbelief and fear that she was going to get caught in her birthday suit. She wasn’t expecting to see the humor grow in Blade’s eyes.

“Relax, the door is locked.” He picked up her ruined nightshirt. “Forget about breakfast. I’ll come back for lunch.” His appreciative gaze traveled from her bare feet all the way up to her eyes.

Suddenly embarrassed by her nudity, Callie took the garment from him. Thinking she’d been dismissed, she took a step to leave when Blade’s arm slid around her waist to stop her. She caught her breath.

“This isn’t done between us.”
Amazon Buy Links:The Evans Brothers TrilogySurrender to Desire

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Erotic and Erotica Romance

Confused over what they mean? Some think they mean the same thing, but they don't. I write erotic romance. I always thought erotic romance was a story with a plot and a happily ever after, while erotica is basically just sex and doesn't have a HEA. I've also heard erotic described as soft porn. We all know what hard porn is but I looked it up just in case.

Pornography -  television programs, magazine, books, etc. that are regarded as emphasizing the sensuous or sensational aspects of a nonsexual subject and stimulating a compulsive interest in their audience.

I also decided to look up erotic and erotica, and post their meanings here, google is a wonderful resource. I checked two different sites and the definitions are the same. Looks like erotica and porn have something in common. For the record, I don't write either. All of my stories have a HEA or happily for now ending.

It would be nice if some book sites (where I add my books for sale and promo) knew the distinction because more than once I've had to check off the box to erotica because erotic romance wasn't an option.

Erotic - Dictionary -
subject to or marked by strong sexual desire
arousing or satisfying sexual desire: an erotic dance
of, relating to, or treating of sexual love; amatory: an erotic novel.

Erotica - Dictionary -
literature or art dealing with sexual love
Merriam Webster defines erotic as: of, devoted to, or tending to arouse sexual love or desire, strongly marked or affected by sexual desire. While erotica is:literary or artistic works having an erotic theme or quality, depictions of things erotic

Just a little heads up. The Evans Brothers Trilogy will be offered FREE on 6/24 only so make sure you stop in to get the code.

Weekly Book Focus

Buy Link Three sinfully sexy Texans are caught off guard by three determined and resourceful women bent on claiming them!


Most Helpful Customer Reviews Fun and sexy read!By Kindle Customer on August 19, 2014Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
I loved these stories! They are sweet and sexy and so much fun to read. I can't wait to read more from Tory Richards!

Tarnished Honor by Sabrina York

Tarnished Honor By Sabrina YorkOne of six amazing novels in a landmark collection honoring the heroes of Waterloo and the ladies they love!The Incomparables This limited edition box set includes 6 scorching romances that commemorate the 200th anniversary of the June 18, 1815 Battle of Waterloo.
From the Duchess of Richmond’s ball in Brussels to the Battle of Waterloo and beyond, join these six unforgettable heroes as they journey back from the physical and emotional trials of war and discover the passion that thrills the body can also heal the heart. 
Coming June 18th from bestselling and award winning historical romance authors Cerise DeLand, Sabrina York, Suzi Love, Lynne Connolly,
The Stories in the Set:
Interlude with a Baronby Cerise DeLand Emma wants only an interlude with the man she’s adored for years. But Drayton Worth has spent five years riddled with guilt for hurting her—and he’s determined to have more than a few nights in her bed.

Tarnished Honor by Sabrina York Daniel Sinclair is a broken man with war wounds that are physical and spiritual. He’s weighed down by grief and guilt and tormented by his tarnished honor. When he meets Fia Lennox, a beautiful and brave Highland lass in dire need of his protection, he sees in her his chance for redemption…or utter damnation. Because despite his valiant attempts to resist her, he cannot.
Love After Waterloo by Suzi Love
When Lady Melton and her son join Captain Belling and the last wounded soldiers evacuating from Waterloo to London, she expects clashes with army deserters but doesn’t anticipate how falling in love with the antagonistic captain will change her life.

Dreaming of Waterloo by Lynne Connolly
Paul “Lucky” Sherstone daren’t even let his wife too close because of his headaches and the living nightmares he can’t dispel. Hetty hardly knows the man who comes back from war, but one thing she does know—she still wants him.

The Captain’s Heart by For Love or Revenge by Dominique Eastwick Captain Roarke Wooldridge is about to find out that sometimes love does heal all wounds.But when his need for revenge collides with desires he never believed he would feel again, will he be able to put aside the scars of Waterloo to embrace his future?
Read more about Tarnished Honor By Sabrina York
Daniel Sinclair is a broken man with wounds that are physical and spiritual. He’s weighed down by grief and guilt that he could not save his friend, Graeme Lennox, and is convinced that a French lance left him less than a man. He has no prospects. Nothing left but his tarnished honor. But then he meets a vexing boy who makes him question even that.
Fia Lennox’s world turned on its end with her brother’s death. She’s gone in one fell swoop from lady to servant…to a woman on the run. The world is a dangerous place for a woman alone—even when she is masquerading as a boy—so when she meets up with a strong, valiant ex-cavalryman, she decides to become his traveling companion. Whether he likes it or not.
Battling villains, would-be-friends and their own finely-forged battlements, Fia and Daniel rush toward their destiny, a scorching passion and, hopefully, redemption. Can love conquer all? Even the ghosts of the past?
Read an excerpt of Tarnished Honor:
Glorious.There was no other word for it. Simply glorious.Daniel tipped his face up to the sky and grinned. The sun was shining and the breeze was mild. The sky was blue and tufted with fat white clouds. It was a lovely day to travel—it could have been raining, could have been cold. But since he’d set out from London, on this lengthy journey to Inverness, each day had been prettier than the last. His mood had improved too. He was swamped with the conviction that he’d done the right thing, leaving his haven. As much as he appreciated his position at the club, he’d allowed himself to sink into it, into the rut of it. He’d allowed himself to wallow in his woes. There was no wallowing on the road; there simply wasn’t time for it.It was energizing to be traveling again, invigorating to be out in the world, breathing fresh air and goingsomewhere. He enjoyed the solitude, the quiet, the absence of need to make conversation. That left him alone with his thoughts, his regrets, his guilt, but such specters had haunted him for so long, they were like old companions. He wouldn’t know who he was without them.Aye. This was far more healing than any medicine—the power of his mount between his thighs, the kiss of warmth on his face, the movement. Surprisingly, his leg hardly pained him at all, except when he moved suddenly. In fact, it even felt better after several days of riding. He hadn’t fallen off his horse once. Hunnam was in good form as well. No doubt he’d enjoyed the fresh air and the chance to prance once again. An hour’s exercise a day was one thing, but for a Scots Grey, the chance to run and run wild spoke to his soul.It spoke to Daniel’s too, so he put his heels to his mount’s sides and gave him his head.And it was glorious.He hadn’t realized how closed up he’d allowed himself to become. How isolated. He hadn’t realized how much he’d allowed his injury—and his guilt—to shrink his horizons.Well, his horizons weren’t limited now. They spread before him in a verdant green wash that stretched as far as the eye could see. He passed a loch and paused to admire the sparkling waters, to watch an osprey swoop down to snatch a hapless fish. And damn, but it was a fine thing to be back in Scotland. Daniel hadn’t realized just how much he’d missed hearing the lilt of his own brogue, or tasting a well-made haggis. The Brits didn’t care for haggis, a fact he’d never quite understood. When created by someone who knew what they were doing, it was delicious. And Scottish innkeepers, apparently, knew what they were doing. Or their wives did. There was no doubt about it, he’d probably gained a stone since crossing the border to his homeland. He’d never felt so vibrant and alive. And while he had enjoyed the occasional chat with a fellow countryman, he had never enjoyed his own company more. There was something about being alone with one’s thoughts that was very peaceful. It allowed a man to explore his soul at leisure without interruptions. It allowed a man to process all that had happened in his life. To put everything in the place it belonged. Though he still had several days of travel, at most a week, he was already lamenting the journey’s end.After he passed the Kinclaven Crossroads, the landscape changed from fields and farms to orchards. The looming trees shaded the road in a lacy pattern; the scent of crisp apples filled the air, tempting Daniel to reach up and pluck one for a taste.  He did not. That would be stealing and he was a man of honor.He pulled back on Hunnam’s reins when he spotted a white mare standing in the road. She was difficult to miss. Her lines were exquisite, her saddle and tack were the finest…but she had no rider. His brow wrinkled as he rode closer. No one would ever abandon such a fine horse. It was—“Blast.”The imprecation came from the leafy tree next to which the mare stood.Daniel glanced up; the boughs riffled. An apple fell to the ground.The mare whinnied and walked over to it, lipping up the treat.Another apple fell and the horse made short work of that one was well.“Stop eating them all,” the tree said. “Save some for me.”Daniel cleared his throat. It seemed prudent to make himself known. “Hullo?” The leaves rustled and a face peered out. Enormous blue-green eyes stared at him. Something flickered through them. Something that could have been construed as…guilt.Daniel frowned. “What are you doing up there?” he asked.The eyes blinked. “Nothing.”“Nothing?” He drummed his fingers on his saddle. “Are you stealing apples?”The chagrined expression on that elfin face was nearly whimsical. “Is this your orchard?”“Indeed it is not.”An entrancing, mischievous smile blossomed and the thief tossed him a fat red apple. “Then catch.”He did not. He did not catch. The apple bounced off his pate.“Oh really,” an amused voice echoed from above. “Let’s try again.”“Let’s not.”Too late. Another apple flew in his direction. He missed it again. It fell to the ground and Hunnam gobbled it up.“Sir, you are supposed to catchthem.” “I doona care to abet you in your thievery—” Another missile flew. By the grace of God, he caught this one. “Please stop throwing stolen apples at me.” It was large and red and shiny and looked delicious. Aside from that, it smelled quite tantalizing. As he felt he had earned it, he polished it on his lapel and took a bite. Flavor exploded in his mouth and juice dribbled down his chin. They were excellent apples.The face disappeared, followed by more rustling. A satchel fell to the loam with a soft thud. Then a pair of feet appeared. Legs. Slim hips. Slender shoulders and then a mop of tousled black curls. A boy dropped to the ground with an oof. He looked up at Daniel, his head tipped saucily to the side, and then he grinned. It was a rakish grin. “Not stealing,” he said. “Borrowing.”This he said with such conviction, Daniel had to struggle not to laugh. This was no laughing matter. Thieves ended up in the gaol. “Ah. Borrowing. Surely you won’t mind explaining that to him.” Daniel nodded to the distance, where a farmer was running through the trees toward them, arms flailing. The boy’s eyes widened. He picked up the satchel and hefted it over his shoulder. Then he bounded into the saddle and shot a glance back at Daniel. His grin was wicked as he urged his mount forward…leaving Daniel behind to explain to the farmer why his apples were missing.And why apple juice dribbled from his chin.
PREORDER NOW: http://www.amazon.com/Incomparables-Heroes-Waterloo-Ladies-Adore-ebook/dp/B00YB8OXN2/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 Release Party, June 18: https://www.facebook.com/events/429783400531422/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/736061146513329/Blog Spot: http://incomparablesclub.blogspot.com/Rafflecopter: http://sabrinayork.com/an-incomparable-new-historical-romance-collection-and-a-giveaway/

About Sabrina YorkHer Royal Hotness, Sabrina York, is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of hot, humorous stories for smart and sexy readers. With over

 25 titles her books range from sweet & snarky to scorching romance. Visit her webpage at www.sabrinayork.com to check out her books, excerpts and contests.
Bookshelf! http://sabrinayork.com/books/Newsletter (exclusive content, first looks, members only contests): http://sabrinayork.com/sabrinas-contest-and-newsletter/Website: http://sabrinayork.com/Follow my Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/sabrinayorkTsu: https://www.tsu.co/SabrinaYorkLike my Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/SabrinaYorkBooksFollow me on Twitter @sabrina_york https://twitter.com/sabrina_yorkFollow me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5817917.Sabrina_YorkCheck out my Pintrest boards: http://www.pinterest.com/sabrinayork/boards/DOENLOAD SABRINA’S FREE TEASER BOOK (Blurbs, excerpts and reviews for her hottest works): http://sabrinayork.com/free-teaser-books/Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SabrinaYorkChatAndContests/permalink/684147071695223/


RAFFLE COPTER LINK: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Favorite Heroines Giveaway Hop

Participating authors link here
Kickass heroines! Sixty participating authors talking about their tough, spunky heroines who aren't afraid to stand up for what they want, or fight for their men. Each author is also giving away a prize so start hopping!

I don't care for weak heroines. If they start out weak, doormats as I've heard them referred as, they'd better turn into strong characters before the end of the story. Of all the heroines I've written it's kind of hard to choose because they all have those kickass qualities. If they fall, they get up.

My most recent heroine, Rachel is tough and independent. I mean, how many women would offer themselves as collateral to an outlaw motorcycle club to protect her sister? You can't read about Rachel until August 31st when Dark Menace MC comes out. There's a brief unedited excerpt below, from Rachel's point of view.

Pre-order To set the scene, she's trussed up and hanging in the center of a soundproof interrogation room, being questioned by Stone and his brother Ripper after sneaking out of the club.

“Why are you so damn suspicious?” I was looking at Stone for the answer.

He shrugged. “I have to be, sweetheart. I trust no one but my brothers. If you had done things the right way we wouldn’t be having this little, ah, discussion. But your high tailing it out of here tells a different story.”

“That’s really sad, Stone.”

“Let’s cut to the chase,” he said in a hard tone. “If you went to your sister’s, I want to know why, and where is my truck?”

I closed my eyes. I was going to have to tell him about Wildman because nothing else would make sense, and besides, I couldn’t think right now. The headache I’d had earlier had never really gone away, and all I wanted to do was lie down in a dark room somewhere. I had to believe that Stone wouldn’t really let Ripper hurt me, because I’d convinced myself that something had clicked between us, but at the same time I didn’t want to take any unnecessary chances. I knew how he felt about the club.

I would tell him the truth, all of it, and hope my confession didn’t get me killed anyway. My eyes bolted open at the feel of a cold blade against my skin. I looked straight into the eyes of a killer. If I’d thought earlier that Ripper wouldn’t meet my eyes was because he didn’t want to do this I must have been mistaken.

“You won’t like the reason,” I said, pinning my gaze on Stone. “I did go to my sister, to warn her that she needed to leave town and not come back until she heard from me. I gave her the truck because I knew her car would never make the long mountainous trip to our dad’s place in New York. Also,” I hesitated at this because I knew once I said it there was no taking it back, and I would have to explain everything. “I knew that no one would be looking for her in a truck.”

“Who would be looking for her?”

Shit, I felt my eyes tear up. I shook my head for a moment, as if to say I couldn’t go on. An insane thought crossed my mind that I could tell Stone her husband, and make up some story about them breaking up and him threatening her. But I’d only be digging a deeper grave for myself because once Stone found out there was no telling what he would do. How bad didn’t he like liars? That stupid thought almost made me laugh out loud.

“Go on, honey,” Ripper encouraged. I gasped when I felt his knife slice through my tee-shirt.

I bit my bottom lip until I tasted blood. Not because he’d cut more of my shirt away, because I didn’t want to say the monster’s name. “What if I can’t tell you anything else?” I practically whispered. Ripper continued cutting my shirt off. I didn’t care. When he was finally at my back he gave a tug and then all I had on was my bra and jeans.

“Holy fuck!” he barked, and I closed my eyes as the tears ran down my cheeks. “Prez…”

I heard movement, light footfalls that told me Stone had moved away from the wall and was walking toward me. The shock in Ripper’s tone had apparently made him curious as to what caused his exclamation. I knew the ugliness Stone was about to see. Even after all these years the scars, though faded somewhat, revealed the torture I’d endured.

I heard Stone suck in his breath, and then, “Who the fuck did this to you?”

My giveaway is a download of Wild Marauders MC to one reader who answers the question below in the comments. Make sure you leave your email!

What do you expect a kickass heroine to be good at?

Erotic Bigfoot Romance

Bigfoot has descendants! A woman on the run from killers stumbles right into the huge, hulking beast Cormac. Ruler of the Oh-Mah people, he takes Toni in an ancient mating ritual to keep her from being claimed by the other males. The further they move into the mountains, a decision has to be made. Can Toni leave her old life behind to make a new one with Cormac?

Buy Link

What led to your writing career?

I've read over and over how a lot of authors’ love of books led to their writing careers. Other than school books and fairy tales I didn't read the first real book until I was sixteen. It was my first romance novel, and recommended by a friend. That hooked me on reading romance, but my desire to become a writer happened long before any of that.

I can still recall the short stories I wrote on notebook paper, some while in school, when I was ten. At thirteen I received a manual typewriter for Christmas, and I can't tell you how many ribbons I went through. Typing paper? I wrote so many stories that I began to type on both sides of the paper. I still have some of those stories today, on yellow paper and almost impossible to read.

The funny thing is back then all of my love stories had sad endings. I could speculate why, coming from a broken home and being bullied in school, but my writing was therapy for me for many years. I was able to lose myself in an environment that I controlled. Eventually I evolved, with a little help from real life and realizing that there were some happy endings out there. Now I'm a firm believe that you don't kill of the hero, and all my romances have happy endings.

Today I read for enjoyment and inspiration, and it does help my writing. I’d have to say that reading makes me a better writer. It might not have been a love of books that launched my dreams of becoming an author, but discovering them gave me the fuel I needed to keep writing.

Burning Hunger Excerpt

never before posted folks!

“Let’s get something straight right now, lady. I call the shots. I don’t care if an hour goes by, when I tell you to stay put, you stay put. Got that?”

“Tell that to my bladder!” Val grew angrier at every word Chaz said. She didn’t see what the fuss was all about. Nothing had happened. “Why did you give me your gun if you don’t think I can protect myself? And did you forget that I know self-defense?”
He made a sound as if he was tired of hearing her say that. “Okay, lady, I’m the bad guy. Show me your moves.” His tone was laced with irritation. Val could tell he was annoyed and out to prove a point, and probably at her expense.

He removed his hands from her shoulders. Fueled by her own growing anger, Val instantly reached for the gun tucked inside her jeans. She got so far as to actually pull it free when a lightning move from Chaz and a painful chop from his hand, caused the gun to drop to the ground.

“Ouch!”

“Never pull a gun on someone unless you plan to use it,” he said roughly.

“I thought you wanted to see my moves,” Val hissed, rubbing her wrist.

“You wouldn’t normally have a gun,” he barked.

Oh! Her wrist hurt where he’d struck it. “Maybe I need to get one!” She raised her hands to gouge his eyes. He easily caught her wrists, stopping her, but Val was ready for him. She threw herself at him and raised her knee at the same time. With a curse, he twisted his lower body so that she grazed his beefy thigh instead.

Chaz laughed. “Predictable. Who the hell taught you these defense moves?” He twisted her arms behind her body. “You need to get your money back.”

Exasperation was getting the better of Val. She squirmed against his hard-as-a-brick-wall chest, thinking back to the self-defense DVD she’d studied a couple years before. They had made it look so easy. A particular move came to mind and she stomped her foot down onto his. Chaz didn’t release her as the attacker had released his victim on the DVD.

Deep laughter rumbled inside his chest. “Sandals against boots don’t work very well,” he said.

“Okay, let me go, damn you! You’ve made your point!” Val felt her lower lip tremble with emotion. She tried to pull away from his strong hold.

“Look, honey,” his tone softened, as though he sensed her sudden vulnerability.

Val found herself back against the building with her arms held down at her sides. Chaz used his body to restrain her.

“The DVD you watched was outdated, and not very realistic,” he stated simply.

“How did you know it was a DVD?” His face was a dark mask in front of her.

“I saw it in your collection by the TV and guessed. You have some good moves; unfortunately they don’t work on every attacker. And in case you haven’t noticed, I’m bigger than most.”

Oh, she’d noticed. Everything about Chaz was big. She was glad he couldn’t see the small smile covering her lips, because right now his cock was growing hard against her lower belly.

“My size alone would prevent you from doing any real damage.”

“I’m sure there’s something I can do that will bring you to your knees,” Val whispered.