Delilah Devlin's Blog, page 508

Four Days to Five Ways!

You do know you can pre-order it, right? And that you can save $1.05 if you do it now? Just wanted to make sure…

I should have my new computer installed tonight. I'm crossing my fingers the Geek Squad had no problems getting all my files and emails from my old hard drive. I'm thinking only positive thoughts. The alternative will make me cry. Not really, but it would be hugely inconvenient if they can't!

Anyway, back to Five Ways. Where'd that title come from? I really don't know. I think one of my muses, the Mr. among the three, came up with it, hoping to make me blush. He should know better by now. Once when I was mad at my daughter, I shouted down the aisle at the grocery store, "Honey, was that supers or ultras?" as I shook a box of tampons at her. Ahhh, such sweet memories.

I don't think you'll have any complaints about this book—other than the fact my cops aren't wearing Wranglers and cowboy hats. But hey, they are cops with cuffs and badges. Next best thing, right?

Meet the boys, ladies!

* * * * *

Two days later, Jackson sat at his usual table with his buddies in The Emerald Tavern, eyeing Marti's flushed face as she worked the bar. She hadn't glanced his way except once when he'd first arrived.

Things had been strained between them since he'd read the note. Although they'd gone through the motions, the part of their relationship that made it so different than anything he'd experienced before was absent, crushed beneath the strain of the damn list.

"So's the honeymoon over?"

Jackson shot Craig with a stinging glare then scanned the rest of his friends. Thursday was the one day of the week where their schedules allowed them to meet. They slouched in their seats. Condensation glistened on the sides of their beers. Not something that happened often because the first beer was always eagerly consumed.

Absent were the rowdy laughter and crude jokes. Not a single gibe had been aimed his way, even though his attention was snagged, as usual, by the curvy brunette behind the counter.

Beau McIntyre cleared his throat. "Craig said you needed some help with something." Humor glinted in his slanted, dark brown eyes, but his features were difficult to read. Although he was only half Asian, the other half African American, inscrutable was still a word that fit his neutral expression. If he was laughing inside, no hint shown in his dark eyes as he watched Jackson.

Jackson glanced at Craig, frowning, wondering if he'd spilled the beans about The List. "I don't need help with a goddamn thing."

"Yeah," Beau said, his tone dripping sarcasm. "I can see things are peachy between you and Marti. She hasn't been to our table even once. I'd say she's avoiding us."

"She's avoidin' me."



Gus Taggert's seat creaked as he shifted his large frame. "Can't say as I blame her. You're givin' her the stink-eye."

Jackson glanced away from Marti and turned his full attention back to the rest of his friends, flicking to Beau who challenged him with his steady stare, then moving on to the rest of his crew whose varied expressions all showed disapproval or concern.

Gus frowned. He adored Marti and likely thought whatever had happened between them was all Jackson's fault.

Mondo Acevedo's dark eyes glittered with devilment.

Craig's expression was carefully neutral. But then he knew what the problems were.

These were his best buddies. Gus and Craig he'd known since high school, having played varsity football together. They'd met Beau and Mondo in the academy seven years ago and quickly bonded over Saturday touch football and chasing women. He trusted every one of them with his back. But Jesus, could he trust them with his woman?

"Guys, I have a problem."

"We're here for you, Jack," Mondo said, his smile fading as he waited.

"Marti's got some issues."

Mondo's brow arched. "Doesn't everybody?"

"Yeah, but she's got issues with commitment."

Mondo grunted. "You asked her to marry you? She say no?"

Jackson nodded.

"She say why?"

Jackson's cheeks billowed as he blew out a breath. "She gave me a list."

"Of reasons why she won't marry you?"

He grimaced. "No, of things she has to do before she settles down."

Mondo shrugged. "Those things—can they be accomplished here in Memphis?"

"Yeah, I guess. But they're…sexual things. Fantasies."

"And you've got a problem with that?" At Jackson's sudden glower, both of Mondo's eyebrows rose higher. "Does she want to watch you do another guy?"

Jackson huffed. "Fuck no."

"Then what's the freaking problem?"

Jackson cleared his throat, glanced back at Marti to make sure her attention was elsewhere, then pulled the list from his wallet. He handed it to Beau, because he sat nearest. Beau skimmed Marti's long-winded apology. Then he turned it over and took his time reading. When he was done, he didn't look at Jackson, but firmed his mouth into a straight line and passed the note to Mondo who skipped the front and went straight to the list on back. His chuckles were low and dirty, but stopped when Gus elbowed him to pass it along.

Jackson turned in his chair and stared at Marti again, feeling his cheeks burn because his best friends now had a view into Marti's dirty little mind that he had loved keeping as his own private treasure. Jackson didn't like sharing Marti with them. And therein lay the big fat issue.

A cough sounded, drawing his attention back to his crew.

"She serious?" Gus asked, his gaze shooting to Marti like he was seeing her clearly for the first time.

"As a heart attack," he said dryly.

"It's not a long list," Mondo said, his voice tight—no doubt because he was trying not to laugh. "You plan this right, you could take care of every one of them over a long weekend."

Jackson nodded. "I asked for time off. Starting tomorrow."

"Wow." Mondo's lips pursed. His gaze narrowed. "And you're telling us because you need a little help?"

Jackson drew a deep breath. "I don't want it to be strangers. And I need this kept on the down-low."

Beau nodded. "Last thing you'd want is for the whole station house to get wind of it."

"Exactly."

"Craig and I have the strip tomorrow night," Mondo said, fighting a grin. "We could arrange something. Make sure you two aren't arrested."

Gus leaned forward. "I'm off tomorrow night."

Jackson gave him a hard-edged glare.

Gus shrugged, his lips curving slightly at the corners. "It's her list. Sooner we get 'er done…"

Jackson's neck tightened. "Get 'er done?"

Soft laughter erupted around the table.

Gus raised both hands. "One of us has to go first."

Jackson wiped a hand across his face. Shit. They were really going to do this. "All right. You're up tomorrow." He cringed at his word choice as the laughter grew.

Craig cleared his throat. "Saturday, I'll make sure my car's free. But I'm off after midnight."

"Let me know when you're in place, and I'll be there too," Gus said.

"Saturday's gonna be tricky," Beau said. "I'll call in sick. You'll have us all at your beck and call."

Saturday was gonna kill him.

Jackson tapped the list with is forefinger. "Sunday? Maybe if we count just after midnight…"

The men nodded their heads. They wore the same expressions they had when they'd all faced the last physical evaluation at the academy. Pumped. Excited. Determined.

Craig leaned forward in his seat. "Come Monday, bro, she won't have any excuses left."

Five Days to Five Ways!

Two Quick Notes:

* I still have computer issues, but I should have my new box installed tomorrow. In the meantime, if I owed you a response to something, either send me a fresh email or you'll have to wait until I can dig into my old inbox!

* Also, because I'm behind on stuff, the "I'll Change My Name to Wendy or Tammy" Contest" continues for now. Be sure to post a comment to win one of four signed books!~DD

* * * * *

If you've followed my blog for long, you'll know I love Memphis. I love the music, love the river that flows through it. I love the crazy, "New Orleans" feel of Beale Street. So it was only natural that I dreamed up a series set in that city.

I have four books coming in Delta Heat, all with a number in the title to give you a little hint as to the flavor of the ménage. We're gonna count down until all five of my to-die-for cops have their happy-ever-afters.

I hope you enjoy the opening scene. I promise—it only gets hotter.

Sometimes a man's just gotta call for backup…

Marti Kowalski is all wrong for Officer Jackson Teague—he just won't listen to reason. She didn't finish high school, runs a bar. Has a tattoo and a blue streak in her hair. Yet he still wants to marry her? She can't say she's not tempted, but she's got a bucket list to complete before she ties the knot.

Not just any bucket—more like a fifty-five-gallon drum of sexual wishes so explicit, there's no way one man, even Jackson, can fulfill them all.

When Marti turns him down again, Jackson doesn't give up, he insists on knowing why. That's when she shows him her list. He takes it, thinks about it—and calls on the only men he can trust: four buddies from his academy graduating class.

Between the five of them, he's sure they can come up with a plan to check off every item on her list in one wild, wicked weekend. That is, if she has the nerve to follow through—and if he can bear to share her.

Warning: Five men on a mission to break down the resistance of one determined woman. Author suggest readers keep their significant others on speed dial. Not responsible for accidental 911 calls.

If you're under 18—don't read any further!

Marti Kowalski waved a hand blindly behind her at her desk, swiping the inventory sheets she'd slaved over for two days, and her telephone, to the floor. She didn't care about the mess—or by the crunch—the loss of her phone. Right this moment, she had Jackson where she wanted him—too far gone with want to worry what damage he might cause.

His body was hard; his expression carved to a lustful edge, which promised the kind of sexy interlude she preferred—something spontaneous and surprising.

Even after all the months they'd been seeing each other, he managed to surprise her. Like now. He'd pulled her from the door of the ladies' restroom and goose-stepped her with her arm bent behind her back to the manager's office, growling menacingly into her ear about the wicked things he'd do to her.

Ma'am, keep quiet and I won't hurt you.



She'd shivered at the menace in his voice, but he'd rubbed her hip gently to remind her this was just a game.

She had to hand it to him. He knew what made her hot.

Jackson bent her over her desk and shoved up her blouse. His head ducked to pluck a nipple with his lips, and then he bit it.

"I wasn't expecting you," she gasped, her fingers digging into the rigid Kevlar armor he wore beneath his dark shirt. "You're on duty. Thought you didn't cross that line when you're wearin' the uniform."

His head reared back. His dark eyes flashed. "Shut up, ma'am. You draw any attention, and I might have to get rough."

So he was still playing the role. She widened her eyes. "Please, sir, I'll do anything." She tried to infuse a little angst into her voice, but inside she was laughing uproariously.

A glint of humor in his gaze might have just been the reflection of the overhead light because it quickly extinguished. He bared his teeth. A hand snuck between her thighs. A finger tucked beneath one side of the crotch of her panties and tugged. Elastic stretched and gave. His palm crammed against her bare pussy.

There was no hiding how turned on she was. Not when cream smeared his hand.

"Fuck, you're hot." He drew back, gripped her by the waist and gave her a little shake—just to remind her who was in charge here.

Her head bobbed backward. Her heart skittered at the strength in those large, hard hands. He could so easily hurt her, but was careful to give her just the right kind of pain.

Nostrils flaring, he did a good impression of a criminal intent on doing her bodily harm. She guessed he saw enough of them in his line of work to mimic the look.

He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Sure this is the way you wanna play it?"

"Baby, don't stop now," Marti moaned.

His grunt accompanied the tightening of his hands on the corners of her hips. He gave no warning and whirled her around, then pushed gently on the back of her neck until she folded over her desk.

Her short leather skirt lifted. Hands gripped her cheeks and squeezed. His mouth pressed against her skin.

She huffed. "What kind of a rapist are you?"

"One with an ass fetish."

She giggled and reached back to push him away, wriggling on the desk like she wanted to escape. "Stop," she whispered huskily. "Stop or you'll be sorry. My boyfriend's a Memphis PD cop."

Another grunt was his only response. He straightened, his hard body rubbing against the back of her thighs and ass. An arm clamped over her lower back, holding her down. A zipper scraped. His cock nudged against her folds, thick, insistent—lord, Jackson was completely into this naughty game. He found her entrance and drove deep inside in a single, merciless thrust.

Her body arched off the desk. "Oh shit!"

"Did I hurt you?" he muttered, deeply embedded, but unmoving.

Didn't he know how to play this game? "You're gonna pay, you bastard," she said with an edge of a sob in her voice, but she wiggled her butt to let him know it was okay to proceed.

He withdrew slowly then stroked deep again. This time his hands slammed the wood on either side of her shoulders. "Stick it up higher, slut," he growled. "My balls are bangin' the desk."

Slut? He'd never called her that before. She held back a chuckle, hoping the playacting wouldn't end too soon. Jackson could only keep his focus up to a certain point. Not that she'd truly mind it when he dropped the act. Knowing she was the reason he couldn't stay in control gave her deep satisfaction. She rose on tip-toe and tilted up her ass.

His cock crowded through juicy, engorged walls, filling her up like no man ever had before. Maybe he really was that big, or maybe she'd never been so excited. Jackson was the best lover she'd ever had—the most adventurous with the most stamina. That his body was ripped like a bodybuilder's only added to his dangerous appeal.

She gave a short, throaty groan. "Ohmygod, that feels incredible."

A knock sounded at the door.

"Go away," she shouted. To Jackson, she whispered, "Hate to say it, but we might have to rush this a bit."

Another, harder rap sounded. "Hey, Jackson, you in there?"

Marti relaxed and pushed backward to take more of Jackson's large cock. It was only his friend, Craig Eason, letting them know he was playing lookout. Not something he hadn't done before.

"Fucker," Jackson bit out, banging her ass faster.

Marti snickered then gasped when he swirled inside her to stroke her most sensitive spot. "Think he knows what we're doin'?"

"He will if you keep making that noise."

"What noise?"

He banged her again. "That bleating noise."

"You sayin' I sound like a goat?"

"More like a fluffy little lamb. It's cute." A kiss landed on the back of her neck. "He'll pick the lock if we don't wrap it up."

Marti widened her stance and tilted just a little more, needing more of her pussy smacked by his sharp, forceful thrusts. "That something he learned at the police academy?"

"Nah. Craig wasn't always a good guy."

Marti suspected Jackson was cut from the exact same cloth. Sure, he was an attentive boyfriend, kind to kids and dogs, but when he looked at her, sometimes she got the feeling there was something deeper and darker lurking in his past. Or maybe it was just the hardened criminals he dealt with, rubbing off on him.

Her pussy swelled, getting hot, and so wet Jackson was swimming in her arousal. She aimed a smile over her shoulder. "Baby, I'm ready to rumble whenever you are."

"Shut up, lady," he said, his voice rough as gravel again. "Think you can take this?"

"Man," she moaned, "my boyfriend's soooo gonna kill you."

Jackson covered her back, jerking his hips to tunnel deeper. "Does he do it for you? Can he do it as good as I can?"

She faced forward to hide her expression. "His cock's bigger."

Laughter shook against her, and she grinned, gripping the far edge of the desk as she tried to hold still under a battery of hard thrusts.

Her inner walls melted all around him. Her pussy pulsed, clasping tightly then weakening, then tightening again. She dragged in deep breaths. "God, Jackson, I'm close."

He hammered harder. "It's okay, baby. I'm right there with you."

Marti pushed up on her arms with her head thrown back as she did indeed bleat a series of soft, staccato moans. Jackson's own noises were more of a dog-like panting. Something she thought odd to think about at a time like this, but he'd made her self-conscious about her sex-sounds.

"Stop thinkin'," he rasped.

"You pant like a dog," she groused.

"I like your bleats. If you didn't do it, I'd know I was doin' something wrong."

"Just finish it." Finish me!

And he did, changing his grip on her hips and shortening his thrusts, sharpening the finish with each precise stroke. Friction burned inside her, fluid gushed to add another juicy aspect to the bumping, bleating, panting cacophony echoing around her tiny office.

A knock sounded again.

"Go away!" they shouted in unison only to hear muffled laughter from the hallway.

The thought of what Craig must be hearing was enough to shoot her over the top. She didn't even try to hold back her strangled scream as she came.

Jackson grunted once more then gave a hoarse shout. Come pulsed inside her.

"I'm so glad we aren't usin' rubbers anymore," she said.

A hoarse bark of laughter jolted her. As she fell from the high, the sharp edge of the desk cut into the bend of her thigh. She eased her heels to the ground and slumped against the sweaty wood.

A hard hand cupped her shoulder. "Keep lookin' straight ahead. Don't move a muscle. I'm gonna back away. You move, you'll be sorry."

"I won't move," she said with a lazy drawl, "but only 'cause I can't."

His cock withdrew. A zipper rasped. The door whooshed open, and she turned in a panic to glance over her shoulder.

Craig stood in the doorframe. His eyebrows shot up.

Jackson shoved his buddy's shoulder. "You can look, bro, but only 'cause she'll like it."

Marti's gaze locked with Jackson's as both men stared at her bent over the desk, her skirt flipped up and her bare ass and pussy pointed right their way.

Jackson winked then pulled Craig by the arm, closing the door behind them as they left.

Facing forward again, she waited until her breathing evened and her legs stopped feeling like rubber then slowly pushed up. Once more, Jackson Teague had surprised her.

Damn, but he really did get her.

@#$%–Computer!

Well, I was supposed to have a wonderful post by the fabulous C.J. Ellison today, but yesterday my computer went on the fritz. The Geek Squad has it now and they are busy porting all my files, including my thousands of emails, to my brand new tower. You take this technology for granted until something goes haywire. Crap! I didn't need another lost day.

I'm working off my laptop for now. The new computer should be ready for pickup on Friday. Maybe by Saturday I'll be ready to rock 'n' roll. In the meantime, I'll give you snippets of the book that's coming out next Tuesday. Stay tuned…

Oh! And if you'd like to grill me with questions about books or the writer's life, check out the interview that's happening on Eden Fantasys. I'll be there through the 20th!

Alluring Tales: WAVES OF SEDUCTION

If you saw last week's post about my sister, Myla's new release, That Voodoo You Do, you might have guessed something is in the works with my Alluring pals. And there is. Every week until Christmas, there will be a new release from every member of the Allure Authors. Be sure to check us out!

Here's this week's release from the wonderful Cathryn Fox! Is this cover not the most beautiful thing you've seen in a while? Click on the cover to purchase!

When a mermaid saves a drowning man she unleashes a tidal wave of passion that could destroy her very world.

Ella, a mermaid from Dualii, a kingdom deep below the sea, has returned to the quaint coastal town of Crystal Cove, Nova Scotia, a place where she'd once saved a drowning boy. Except when she sees the teenager from her past, she knows he is anything but a boy. He is a man, one who taunts her body and heart in the most inexplicable ways and has her questioning her very future.

As he stands naked beneath the full moon Ella knows she must have him—before she returns home and succumbs to her arranged marriage. Despite the rules set in place for her kind, rules to protect the identity of her people, she decides a blatant seduction is in order. With her body beckoning his touch, Ella lays herself bare as everything inside her urges her to experience his personal brand of lovemaking—just once—before she wipes his mind of their encounter and returns to her underwater world forever.

Except when the heat they generate hinders her abilities to strip his memories and everything in his touch stirs her soul, Ella knows she wants to turn fantasy into long term reality. But when she finds years of research papers, she understands that not only does his study of mythical creatures threaten their future, he is the one man who can destroy her very kind.

Waves of Seduction, Excerpt

After replenishing her life force, Ella returned to the boat house to climb back into the oversized shorts and t-shirt she'd borrowed from a stranger's clothesline earlier that morning. Even though she hated to take things that didn't belong to her, she couldn't very well walk around town naked.

Once dressed she made her way back to the private dock, to await the handsome man from her past. Nervousness invaded her stomach when she finally spotted him coming her way, returning to his ocean-side cottage after a long, hard swim out to sea. Her mind raced with questions while her skin prickled with uneasy anticipation.

Would he recognize her after all this time?

Steeling herself she stood back and observed him as he gripped the dock and lifted his long lean torso from the sea. Water dripped from his magnificent body and when his glistening eyes locked on hers, she sucked in a sharp breath, the pull between them every bit as powerful today as it was all those years ago. Ella watched him and waited, anxious to see how he'd react to her.

He slowly climbed to his feet and when he reached his full height, towering a good foot over her, his brow furrowed in bewilderment, clearly taken aback to find someone on his dock.

Surprise on his face, he reached for his clothes. "How…who?"

"It's been too long," Ella murmured under her breath as she gazed at his nakedness. It made her want to shed her own clothes, to return to her natural form.

With his hand hovering over his pants, confusion clouded his eyes and he glanced at the distant houses dotting the dark cove. "Do I know—" then suddenly, before he even completed his sentence, his head spun back to her, his clothes forgotten as awareness dawned on his face.



Ella held her breath and waited.

He stood up, his gaze darting to her legs. At first surprise registered in his eyes—then perhaps a bit of disappointment when he glimpsed her land legs instead of her sea tail—but then…well…then something else seemed to take possession of him. As a very sexual being herself, Ella knew exactly what that something else was. Desire.

Instead of going for his clothes, his eyes leisurely trailed upward again, visually caressing her body in a way that made her tremble. She could feel his heat reaching out to her, caressing her and pulling her under like a warm, rogue wave.

"It's you," he whispered, his voice husky from both desire and amazement. "Jesus, it's really you."

As years of yearning for this man twisted her insides, she bit back a breathy moan, elated that he'd recognized her, but even more thrilled to hear the need lacing his voice. It was that need that spoke volumes and told her that he hadn't forgotten about her either.

"Yes, it's me," she returned without regard for the secrets of her people, but knowing that come morning she'd wipe his mind of her no matter how hard it would be. She realized she wanted him to remember her, wanted him to reminisce about their time together after she disappeared beneath the sea, the same way she would think about every moment of this stolen night, when she was locked in a loveless marriage.

A low tortured noise sounded in his throat and pain haunted his eyes when he asked, "Where have you been?"

Ella took a tentative step closer, craving so much from this man. "All that matters is that I'm here now."

His gaze moved over her face, assessing her. "I've been looking for you," he murmured and she didn't miss the tremor in his voice, the undeniable need lacing his words when he added, "I've been searching for so long now."

Desperate to know more—everything—about him, she rushed out, "What's your name?"

"Liam. Liam Jackson."

"Liam," Ella repeated thinking it was the most beautiful name she'd ever heard. "I'm Ella."

His smile was slow, shaky when he admitted, "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you, Ella." Just hearing him say her name for the first time and knowing he'd been thinking about her all these years filled her with a new kind of want.

"I haven't been able to stop thinking about you either," she admitted honestly and as her body beckoned his touch, she placed her hand on his shoulder in a means to hurry along the intimacy. She wanted him, had needed him for so long now that she didn't want to waste one more glorious second of the night.

He stroked her arm and she shivered beneath his touch, the strange bond between them tremendous, even after all this time. "I never had the chance to thank you."

Ella smiled, "Seeing you alive and here today is thanks enough."

His brows furrowed and conflicting emotions passed over his eyes. "What took you so long to come back?"

Ella frowned, unsure of what to say. How could she tell him that meeting him like this was forbidden, and that after tonight, after she wiped his memory—something she should have done fifteen years ago, yet couldn't seem to bring herself to do—he'd never remember her again?

He stepped back to examine her, his gaze heartily drinking her in. She could tell by the look on his face that he was still shocked to find her standing on his dock.

"You're just as beautiful as I remember," he whispered and everything in the way he studied her promised of something far more intimate. "Except now you're all grown up."

His beauty took her breath away and there was nothing she could do to stop her body from quaking, but she knew she wasn't just reacting to him physically. Even though it wasn't logical, and they were from diverse worlds, she wanted this man on a whole different level.

Her breath grew shallow as she looked at his nakedness. "So are you."

He studied her face and suddenly seemed unsure. She could almost hear the wheels spinning as his mind raced with unanswered questions. "That day, that day you saved me, you took off before I had a chance—" She touched her fingertip to his mouth to silence him.

"Shhh…"

He closed his mouth, instantly understanding now was not the time for questions.

Another shiver moved through her and he must have mistaken it for something else. He stepped closer and gathered her into his arms like it was the most natural thing for him to do. Her body molded into his and she felt his blatant need as his cock pressed against her stomach.

His soft whisper covered her like a blanket and she could sense his trepidation when he asked, "Are you okay?"

As she looked up at him she feared she'd never be okay again, especially if she followed through with her plan to seduce him. But she'd come too far to back down now, and it was clear just how much—and for how long—they both wanted each other.

Taking care with her ankle, which pained less thanks to the sea water, she moved against his hard body, letting him know why she was here, what she really wanted, no needed, from him.

"Ella," he whispered in a shaky voice, and everything in the quiet way he spoke her name brought them to a deeper level of intimacy. It was as if they'd known each other their entire lives. Then again, perhaps they had, perhaps the time they'd both spent thinking of the other helped counteract the time they'd spent apart and made this reunion feel all the more familiar to them.

Off in the distance the sound of laughter broke the silence of the night. Even though they were draped in darkness on his dock, hidden from probing eyes, it was still a reminder that they weren't really alone. Without concealing his erection, Liam stepped back and gathered her hand into his.

His gaze panned her face, searching for answers and the intent look in his eyes spoke of such need and desire it made her insides quiver. "Can you stay?"

"For a little while," she answered. "But then I—"

He didn't let her finish. Instead he slid his fingers through her damp hair and dropped his mouth to hers. Her body pulsed with pent-up need as his warm salty lips met hers and stole her ability to think straight.

Giving in to her baser urges, she opened for him, granting him entry while she savored the incredible taste of his mouth. His kiss was so tender, so achingly gentle that it took her by surprise. His hands circled her waist to draw her in tighter, and when her body became pliable in his arms, letting him know in no uncertain terms what she wanted, a low growl of longing sounded in his throat.

Her nipples tightened with arousal and pressed against his bare chest, her body needing more—so much more…

Guest Blogger: Jasmine Haynes

The "I'll Change My Name to Wendy or Tammy" Contest ends tomorrow!

Be sure to comment to enter! ~DD

* * * * *

Thanks so much for having me, Delilah!

I'm Jasmine Haynes, www.jasminehaynes.com, author of classy contemporary erotic romance and also the Max Starr series, www.jbskully.com. I also write humor as Jennifer Skully, www.jenniferskully.com. My latest novel, What Happens After Dark is the second book in my sexy DeKnight trilogy, the series continues with the characters from Past Midnight, this time giving you Bree Mason's story, the accountant for DKG, my make-believe company. The third book in the trilogy, The Principal's Office, will be out next February.

Bree's is a dark story, seething with emotions, about love, sex, life, death, illness, and tragedy. Though a novelist's stories are, by definition, make-believe, a writer can't help but put bits and pieces from his or her own experience. That's what makes every story unique, even when it has exactly the same subject matter. In my college creative writing class, the teacher challenged each of us to write a story using exactly the same premise and setup (basically a back of the book blurb). You would not believe how different they all were. It was amazing. So, some of the things that happen in this book were influenced by events in my life. I lost my father twenty years ago this Thanksgiving. He died of lung cancer. It was a very difficult time. This is where my experience with hospice comes from, which you'll read about in the book. Hospice is an amazing group made up of professionals and volunteers who provide support, both physical and mental to the dying and to their families. I can't say enough about what the people from hospice did for my mother, myself, my whole family—and especially my father—during this time in our lives. Their kindness made each day just a little more bearable. I think I've wanted to write a story involving hospice ever since, to show what a great organization it is. But the right novel has to come along. For me, it was Bree's story, where she has to deal with the illness of a loved one. She relies on the love of one good man to help her through. I hope that I have done hospice justice in this tale.

Here's a blurb on What Happens After Dark, A DeKnight Novel, Book 2.

By day she's a mild-mannered accountant.

After dark, she's a willing slave to his wildest fantasies.

Bree Mason longs to be a successful career woman, but secrets keep her chained to the past, afraid to take that next step. And at night, her frustrations are released by the domineering Luke Raven, who gives her what she asks for and more in a sensuous game of master and slave…

But to take control of her life, Bree will have to look within and face the demons of her past. Luke knows the ins and outs of Bree's body, knows what makes her gasp and sigh and beg. But now he's willing to push their relationship to the limit—to stand by her side in the light of day and take the greatest risk of all…for love.

You can find an excerpt on my blog, www.jasminehaynes.blogspot.com. I'm also doing a free read on the blog so I'll hope you'll want to stop by each week for a new chapter.

Guest Blogger: Cerise Deland

PANTY RAID

What's in your panty drawer?

Anything new? Daring? Yummy? Edible? (Hmm, yes, panties are now eco-friendly, and one brand even says, EAT ME!)

I adore great lingerie.

Today, I wanted to share with you a peek at where my research has sent me for a new series, titled KNIGHTS IN BLACK LEATHER for EC.

My heroine, Cara Ford, is about to open a new shop in a tiny Texas town where the men are good and plenty~and the women wear only smiles. Cara wants to spice up the sedate little clothing store on Main Street where her auntie has presided over the women's fashion for more than fifty years. Auntie Bree has a few outdated ideas about what the females in this town should have.

Cara Ford has a few modern ones!

Here, so that you can "shop" with Cara (and empty your wallet!) are a few of the great websites and blogs:

http://www.kikidm.com/shop/Instruments-of-Pleasure/

http://www.tangafinelingerie.com

http://www.lingerie-paris.com/

http://www.funfactory.com/ sex toys–fingerballs/smartballs

I started buying great (let that read, daring and expensive) lingerie more than 10 years ago. It goes a long way to interest your lover!

Some of these are very pricey~into the thousands! And you can see why.

But nothing says luvin' like something from a French shop or two.

What's in your closet? Got any item that your significant other just drools over?

Tell us!

Snippet Saturday: Sexy

Some books just about write themselves. That's what happened with me when I began Darkness Captured. I knew exactly where the story started—exactly where Darkness Burning ended. I knew that my fierce werewolf princess would be tempted by a dragon while being pursued by her loyal werewolf bodyguard. I wasn't exactly sure who would win her in the end, although I had a real fondness for Guntram from the very beginning. What could be sexier than a man who sacrifices so much, even his own desires, for the woman he loves? Here's Guntram when he finally has Gabriella exactly where he's wanted her for centuries. Too bad they're in a pleasure dungeon deep in The Land of the Dead.

"Delilah Devlin delivers an erotic tale of good and evil elevated to a higher level… The erotic scenes in this book are hotter than Hades and ten times more tempting. I dare you to resist!"

5 Cups, Coffee Time Romance

"Darkness Captured is…another steamy sensation!… Delilah Devlin is definitely the mistress of erotic romance!"

Reader to Reader Reviews

"Another hot read of dark sensuality, riveting situations and jaw-dropping desire."

Fresh Pick!, Fresh Fiction

"Devlin creates memorable characters with exceptional emotional depth. Her magical worldbuilding sets as atmospheric scene for a fast-paced story. The sexual tension runs high and the encounters are smokin' hot."

4 Stars, RT Book Reviews

Driven by insatiable desire, a werewolf will enter hell to rescue a princess captured by the Master of Demons…

Headstrong and proud—a royal creature of sinuous grace, all primal instinct and lethal beauty—the shapeshifter Gabriella has agreed to serve as emissary to the vampires who rule in the shadows of the New Orleans night. But she cannot resist the pull of the demon she glimpses on the other side of a mirror, and she is drawn to him hungrily, through a magical portal into the Land of the Dead. Now an eternal nightmare awaits Gabriella at the hands of a mesmerizing dark lord who satisfies her every erotic need…while slowly devouring her soul.

The powerful warrior wolf Guntram Brandt is responsible for the safety of the vanished princess he swore allegiance to years before. Yet it is more than a soldier's loyalty that pulls Guntram down into the depths of nightmare—for Gabriella ignites within him a burning animal passion that must be satisfied.

But when offered an escape, will she follow her rescuer to safety—torn between her lustful obsession with the dark lord who has enslaved her and her fierce sensual attraction to the only wolf who could ever master her?

"May I serve you, mistress?" the man standing in the darkness said softly.

She looked behind her down the long dark corridor, assuring herself that she hadn't been followed. "I…I think so. Yes."

He stepped from the shadows, and Gabriella's gaze swept over him. Her lust renewed instantly. His human form pleased her. Bare-chested, thick brown fur covering his chest, he appeared so like Guntram she nearly cried. She wondered what horror the mask hid, but decided she didn't really want to know. Maybe he was handsome—one of the undead humans, just playing The Executioner role for entertainment purposes.

His scent was unusual. Beneath a light floral lay an earthier aroma, pleasing to her nose. She stepped inside the cell and slid the barred door closed behind her. "What do you offer?"

"Any fantasy you desire," he said, his voice deep and gruff.



She shivered at his tone, her nipples prickling to attention. Light didn't penetrate the deep, hollow shadows of the mask. She couldn't tell where his glance roamed, and she wondered if she pleased him half as much.

"Would you prefer I take you?" he said, slowly, still rooted to the spot. "Will you submit to me?"

"I think I'd like to be surprised," she replied, surprised her voice sounded so breathy.

"Will you allow me to bind you?" he said, his voice less hesitant, less submissive than before.

Excited by her own powerful response to just his voice, she gave him a flirtatious glance, peering up at him from beneath her lashes. "I'll allow it, so long as you promise not to eat me while I'm helpless."

"Why limit our pleasure?"

Gabriella's lips twitched. "I belong to Marduk. So long as I walk out of here unharmed, you can do pretty much what you like."

"Marduk, The Master of the Demons. Do you enjoy his bed?"

Something in is voice, a simmering disapproval, made her uncomfortable. "I…do what I must."

His head ducked, acknowledging the ambiguity of her reply.

Gabriella found herself enjoying this encounter, enjoying the sight of the man who drew nearer now. When he lifted his hand, his palm turned upward, she didn't hesitate as she had the first time Marduk demanded.

This man's hand was calloused, his palm so large it engulfed hers. He drew her closer, his nostrils flaring. Had he caught the tell-tale scent of her heat? Would he know what it meant?

"Will he come looking for you anytime soon?" he asked, urgency making his words clipped.

"He's occupied at the moment."

"Then we're alone."

The cage door wasn't solid, but somehow the acoustics of the small chamber softened the sounds from beyond its confines, enhancing the feeling that indeed they really were alone.

He pulled her close enough that the baubles attached to her nipples tangled in his chest hair. The slight tug caused the sensitized tips to swell. She moved closer. "Are you expecting anyone else?"

"I've been waiting for you. I chased off the last demon who tried to enter my cell."

"And they allowed it?"

His lips twitched. "I think I frightened him. I might have mentioned a preference for roasted balls."

Gabriella tossed back her hair, enjoying the humor he revealed beneath his fearsome mask. "And do you?"

"The only thing I wish to warm is you," he said quietly.

Gabriella licked her lips, tilting back her head. "With flame…or friction?"

"Do you have a preference?"

"You're teasing me now."

"But you aren't sure."

"Even when things seem similar to what I'm accustomed to…I sometimes find myself surprised here."

"Caution is wise."

"Then we should hurry. Marduk is busy at the moment. Why waste another minute?" When he still didn't bust a move, she lifted her hand to cup the curve of his masculine breast. Muscle flexed beneath her palm. "However you want me. I'm yours."

His square jaw tightened, and he nodded toward the bench behind her. "Bend over it. I will ease the tension riding you. Then we'll play."

She didn't ask how he knew. Perhaps all of them knew instinctually. Usually, back in her own world, only wolves sensed her heat. But right now, holding a thought, following a suspicion was beyond her. A heady, powerful swell of arousal held her in its grip. It might have had something to do with the cock encased in his dark trousers and pressing against her belly, which was quickly filling, its size pleasing—not as disgustingly large as the bull-man's, but exactly proportioned for her enjoyment.

Giving him a challenging tilt of her chin, she tugged her hand from his tight grip and stepped away. Then she turned and climbed onto the platform, settling her knees on a padded step and her belly on the platform, the edge of which ended just beneath her breasts. The position made her feel immediately vulnerable, completely feminine. Her ass was presented in exactly the pose a she-wolf might provide her mate for his inspection.

A deep, slow intake of breath was the only reaction she could discern from the man in the mask. He walked behind the bench and silently urged her to widen her stance, pressing against her knees until he was satisfied. Then he walked to one side and lifted her hand and closed leather straps around her wrist, repeating the action for her other hand.

Gabriella felt no alarm, no fear. Although he remained silent, his methodical approach was reassuring. That was, until he made another slow circle around her, and she sensed his body tautening. His head was held lower, his nostrils flaring like wolf might to draw in scent and stoke his own desire.

Again, she thought his actions, his demeanor was so like Guntram, or what she would imagine he would be like when deeply aroused, that her body shivered with excitement, waiting to see what he would do next.

He surprised her with fingers sifting soothingly through her hair. She released a little sigh, pressing into his hands until he scratched her scalp, petting her tenderly, like a wolf might do for his mate.

Then he lifted her hair and twisted it, dropping the long rope over her shoulder. His hands smoothed slowly down her back and over her buttocks. Standing now directly behind her, she knew what he'd see in the torchlight. Her sex was swollen, red, dripping with honeyed arousal; the inner lips parting, her entrance pulsing, sucking at air.

A low growl erupted from him, and then lips glided over her labia. "Princess, are you ready to be mine?"

Gabriella froze. "Guntram?" she asked, her voice thickening with emotion, but then she realized what he'd said. She jerked against her restraints. Joy and outrage mixing an explosive cocktail. "Guntram! Release me!"

A soft masculine snort sounded behind her. "Alex said that I should ignore your pleas. Take my cues instead from your body. I smell your heat, Princess. Even now, your sweet cunt swells and drips honey, begging my cock to fill you."

Straining her head upward, she tried glancing over her shoulder to give him a glare, but couldn't quite turn that far. She rattled the bench with her furious bucking. "You know this can never be. I will never surrender my mantle to a male."

"And you shall never have to," he said, his words clipped. "I intend to take it."

Gabriella shivered at the hard edge of his voice, cursing her own body for the heat that radiated from her womb, tightening her belly and sending rippling shudders down her channel. "Have you come to rescue me?" she said, hoping to turn his mind to the bigger problem.

"Simon and I are working on that. We must retrieve something now that we know where you are."

"I'm watched."

"Also working on that. Let's talk afterward." His rough palms slid down her back, pausing to cup her bottom, then dropping his hands from her skin.

There was a rustling behind her and the sounds of indrawn breaths. And she knew he was pulling in her scent, letting it enhance his own arousal.

When his lips and nose sank into her folds, she jerked. "Stop it. I don't know what you think you're doing, but you have to remember whom you serve."

"I could never forget. I've protected you, stood guard over you, prevented other males from forcing their suits on you. For too long. Did you think I was made of stone?"

His tongue stroked over her folds, and Gabriella's breath hissed between her teeth. She clamped her jaws shut, knowing soon she'd be begging out loud if she couldn't figure out a way to put a stop to this. "Why now, Guntram? Why press your suit in this place? Would you really mate with me in the midst of all this evil?"

"I have no choice. I'm as bound by my duty as you are to this bench."

"Is that what I am? A duty? Is this only your way of protecting me? Because I'm not seeing it. When you're done I still have to leave with him. I'll still be in his bed, servicing his desires."

"Don't talk about him now," he growled. "We haven't much time, and I have to finish this for both our sakes."

"If you make me pregnant and fail to get me out of here, do you really want your cubs born here?"

"That will never happen. I'd die first."

"And that's supposed to make me feel better?"

Again, his tongue stroked over her, slipping between her labia, prodding her entrance and driving inward to lap at her honey-coated walls.

She squirmed on the bench, fisting her hands and pulling at her ties, but to no avail. She was at his mercy. Just as he'd intended. The thought that Guntram had planned this, excited her. That he wouldn't listen to her pleas confused her—but also made her perversely glad.

"Do you know how many times I've stood in the darkness, watching you—smelling your arousal, knowing your pussy melted around another man's cock while I forced myself to remain unaffected? Hundreds of years, I've waited for just one chance to be with you. If I'm to die here, don't you think you owe me this?"

The tightness of his gruff voice affected her like no other ever had. She'd yearned for him to come. To save her. Had she also, secretly, wanted to surrender to him, her protector, her personal guardian?

She'd always known he'd watched, and the knowledge had spurred her arousal each and every time. Had she been teasing him, hoping to make him break?

As much as she wanted to bend to no man, she wanted to surrender to Guntram—here. Now. Wanted to feel his cock stroke deeply and lock inside her, nestling against her womb while his seed poured into her. She'd never experienced that before, the true connection with another of her own kind, her species. She'd denied herself the joy of children in order to maintain her status—but also because she'd been afraid to trust a mate to see to her happiness, to listen to and heed her opinions. Mated females held power in their own right, but only within their pack, and only over each other.

"Guntram, you don't know why I've resisted this. I have reasons for remaining alone."

"And I'm sure they're good ones," he said, a finger trailing along the edges of her sex. "But this is me, Gabriella. You should know by now, I would never hurt you beyond the pain you desire. You've earned respect in your own right among our kind. Do you really think that will disappear once you're belly's full and your breasts are nurturing pups?"

A soft sob caught her unaware. The picture that filled her mind was of golden sunlight in a copse, her in wolfskin, cubs suckling her breasts while Guntram kept watch. A sublime image, empty of all her fears.

Even now, tethered to this bench, knowing he would take her whether she gave him the words to grant him that right or not, didn't feel in the least like that other time that haunted her nightmares.

Guntram had indeed earned the right to her body, to her future. He'd earned her trust. But did he love her? She didn't think she could bear to mate herself to him if he felt compelled only by duty.

But she was woman as well as a wolf. And she knew a woman could wield power over the strongest man by her wits and femininity. If he didn't love her now, she would find the key to his heart.

"You know I won't say it," she said, her voice wavering.

"Say what, princess?"

"That I surrender."

"I'd be disappointed in you if you did."

She almost smiled at the wry note in his tone. "Know this, if I were free, I'd give you a fight you'd never forget."

* * * * *

Be sure to check out the snippets on these other authors' blogs:

Lauren Dane

Anne Rainey

Mari Carr

McKenna Jeffries

Myla Jackson

Selena Blake

Taige Crenshaw

TJ Michaels

Vivian Arend

HelenKay Dimon

Shelli Stevens

Lacey Savage

Selena Robins

Guest Blogger: Sharon Hamilton

Psst! Remember, the "I'll Change My Name to Wendy or Tammy" Contest and Promo Ho Contest continue! Click here for details—and be sure to post a comment! ~DD

* * * * *
WHAT'S IN A NAME?

I had a brainstorm of an idea about writing some erotic shorts about sex toys, and vibrators, in particular. Here comes the confession: I'd never used one until about a year ago. Okay, I've said it. I feel better.

I read a blurb on someone else's blog about a Rabbit, and I didn't know what it was. So I emailed the author off-loop and she told me. Embarrassed initially, I started to get curious and Googled the Rabbit and it provided me a link to several sites. I picked one, and voila!

There were colorful vibrators of every size and shape. I mean, it looked more like the advertisement for Jelly Belly there was so much pink and blue and purple latex "shimmering" like gummy worms of a different sort.

I noticed a little chat box in the upper left corner of the site and clicked on customer service online. I got connected to a nice lady who answered several of my questions—things I had never told a living soul before, including my husband. She made a recommendation, and I bought it.

What happened when I received the product is another story for another time. Needless to say, it has become a happy companion of mine, and my husband, something I never expected.

So I decided I would write a story about ordering from an online catalog, like I did, and used the chat/customer service help as one of the key ingredients. Except the outcome was vastly different from my experience.

And I decided to call it The Stimulus Package.

I have never promoted this book much, and used my erotic pen name, Angela Love, instead of my real name. With all the blogging I have done on guest sites for my Heavenly Lover, the Angel book, this short has sold three times more than anything else I have written without any promotion. And here's why.

Timing.

I get to hear the title of my book every night on the news. Hear some pretty important people using that term every day. It tickles me to death.

I kept to my theme, and wrote Buzz Words about a voice-activated vibrator. And then Road Rage, which was based on a partially true story told to me over breakfast at a women's retreat. And yes, we were all spitting out our eggs and OJ.

After all, girls just want to have fun.

Hope you enjoy the excerpt. Heed the warning!

* * * * *

Content Advisory: Explicit M/F sex scene, frank language. Do not try this online.

Candy wanted to stop her fingers from hitting the hot pink button that read, "Live Support" on the Garden of Delights Sex Toys website, but they had a life of their own. They lurched forward, and the familiar help screen popped up.

She'd been here two or three times before. Kate was the customer service rep she chatted with online, someone she liked and trusted, and who asked her all the questions she didn't know to ask: How dry are you? Do you like warming gels? Do you like clitoral stimulation, or anal penetration with your sexual partners? These were all things she began to openly discuss with Kate—the only other person in the whole world who knew her most intimate secrets.

JOSH: Hi there. This is Josh. How can I help you?

She hesitated, and then typed, "Where is Kate today? Don't see her avatar on the site."

JOSH: She's off. Who am I speaking to, please?

Her fingers were frozen. "I'd like to speak to a woman, please."

JOSH: I am truly sorry. We have a wedding and several of our customer supports are out today. I would be happy to pass along your questions, or would you prefer to log in tomorrow?

Yes, that would be better. Candy looked at Josh's avatar. A cartoon character of a perfectly geeky computer nerd with large glasses. Harmless. And she did need to get her question answered and place her order quickly. She needed it for Friday night.

CUSTOMER X: No offense, Josh, but I'd feel more comfortable talking to a woman. Sorry.

JOSH: I understand completely. Well then, if I can't answer anything for you, have a good day.

He disconnected.

Candy needed the item in time for her sister's bachelorette party. And then there was that dare, that $100 bet she had with her sister. Candy logged back into the website.

JOSH: Hi there. This is Josh. How can I help you?



CUSTOMER X: This is Candy. I just talked to you.

JOSH: Oh yes, the one who wanted to speak to a woman. Can't help you there, darlin'.

Darlin'? That wasn't the kind of language a computer nerd would use. She knew this was a bad idea.

JOSH: Hello? I can see you're still logged on. Have I said something wrong?

CUSTOMER X: Sorry, the dog was barking.

What a big fat lie. She hated dogs. She owned two rescue cats.

JOSH: I understand. Dog lover. Good for you. I'm a cat lover myself.

She hesitated again. Why was she getting nervous?

CUSTOMER X: Okay, I need to ask you a very general question. I need to buy something for my sister, for her Bachelorette party. I wanted to buy her a battery-operated vibrator.

JOSH: Hon, most of them are battery-operated.

Hon?

CUSTOMER X: Okay. Well, what I want is something that operates on voice commands. My sister heard about one, I think it was called The Liberator, and the girls at her office were raving about it.

JOSH: We have several of them. Color?

CUSTOMER X: Flesh.

JOSH: Whose flesh?

CUSTOMER X: Pink.

JOSH: Size?

CUSTOMER X: What are the choices?

JOSH: You've looked at our vibrator section on the site? Would you like me to accompany you?

CUSTOMER X: How do you do that?

JOSH: We do a go to meeting thing. I can move your cursor for you, show you the options and how to search and find the one you want, show you the product reviews.

CUSTOMER X: It's for my sister.

JOSH: I can help her too. Is she there?

CUSTOMER X: No.

JOSH: Okay, then it's just you and I.

Candy hesitated again. What am I doing?

* * * * *

Thanks for having me, Delilah. Tell me, have any of you used an online chat representative when ordering from a sex toys catalog? I'd love to hear it!

Sharon Hamilton

Life is one fool thing after another.

Love is two fool things after each other.

http://sharonhamiltonauthor.blogspot.com

http://www.sharonhamiltonauthor.com

***** Heavenly Lover ***** On Sale Now (Amazon/B&N)

Guest Blogger: Mahalia Levey

Addiction can come in many forms. A domino effect can ripple and ruin an entire family. Many times there are such faint warning signs, that they are missed or masked by the addict who's filled with shame, self-loathing, and fear. This loved one will go to any length to perfect a façade of nothing being wrong. And there are times when the person who's failing to succeed has no idea why or has suppressed pain and trauma so deep down just the thought of dealing further compounds the situation. Almost every family has one member who has an addiction or an addictive personality. We see it all the time. No one knows until an autobiography is written or a documentary is done. The fallout is immediate, but putting back together the broken pieces is a long painstaking process that takes strength, courage and the will to live.

Whatever the addiction be it alcohol, drugs, food, sex, etc. There is always help.

The Price of Defiance is about a young woman who self-destructs by choices she makes. Her choices have a cataclysmic effect on those around her. Much like a heroine junkie, she's gets off on a rush that is created by her own body. No external drug but an internal receptor in the pleasure center of the brain gives her a high that is equivalent to a heavy street drug dosage. She's an adrenalin addict and unlike professionals her amateur and illegal hobby—her dark hunger doesn't care what gets in its path. There are no safety measures, no emergency personnel, just a bunch of young men and women in the dead of the night playing Russian roulette with their lives and those in the crowd watching them for social status and a purse full of cold hard cash. The cash is a secondary win. The major win is street credit and notoriety. She needs an intervention before death knocks at her door or manslaughter.

America Patterson loves living on the edge. Car model by day, illegal street racer by night, she's known as the best. Except underneath her flawless façade lies a young woman filled with turmoil. When her hobby lands her in hot water, she finds herself handcuffed and bailed out by the one person who'd abandoned her….

MMA Fighter Alejandro Escovedo is summoned home after a tournament that had left him sore and questioning his career. Expecting a nice welcome home, he instead finds himself rescuing his best friend's sister out of jail. This time he's had enough.

Their explosive past gives him all the rights where America is concerned, and he is more than ready to take her on. By ending her daredevil ways and finding the trigger to her self-destructive behavior, will he convince her he's back to stay or drive her further away?

Genre: Erotic romance, BDSM, contemporary

Warning—Adult Excerpt:

The shrill of her cordless phone disrupted her peace. Against her better judgment, she ducked inside to grab it and returned to her perch on the cushioned chair. "Hello. No, I'm not interested in commenting." She hung up and frowned. On impulse she dialed Jayshaun's number. "Hey…been worried 'bout you."

"Yeah?" She sighed into the phone after hearing his voice. "I found out you went to jail, and Vincent said he sent Alejandro to get you. You good?"

"I'm fine." She tipped her head back.

"You're all over the net. I can't believe you drove into a building. I almost died watching in slow mo. So how are things? Lover boy looked pissed fending off the piranha scumbags and their microphones."

"Yes, Alejandro is back, and it's complicated. Of course, he was angry—is angry. I'm not sure. He's not here right now."

"Good. Listen, there's news of another race in a few weeks. Get well so you can win the purse. It's double what you lost last race. You'll want in on this. Drivers will be using escorts and scouts via Bluetooth. No one wants a repeat of this week."

"You've got to be joking, right? I went to jail," Amy hissed quietly into the phone. "Jay, I don't even know if I have a job, or if I've lost my modeling contracts yet." Once she heard the purse price, temptation hit her. She chewed on the inside of her cheek. "Look, let me think and get back to you."

"Get back to who for what?" Alejandro cleared his throat to announce his presence.



America startled and dropped the house phone. "Begeezus, don't sneak up on people." She bent forward to retrieve the phone. "Yeah sorry, I'll hit you back later. Can't talk now." She hit end and stuck the phone in her pocket of her robe.

"Making deviant plans already?"

"Na-no, of course not. Nothin' important." Amy picked up her discarded cup of tea and took a sip. Damn if he didn't look edible, all sweat-drenched and glistening sinew. Not a single delectable inch of Alejandro escaped her notice.

He snorted. "If you think I believe that, you forget I know you better than you know yourself, querida."

"Really was just short talk, seeing that I lived and all."

Alejandro shrugged. "I'm off to shower, and then we'll talk." He moved to the door and entered the house without a backward glance, the slam of the storm door effectively cutting off her chance to reply.

"Ass," she mumbled and drained the rest of her tea. A shower sounded damned good, and she only had one shower in the house. A smile curled up her lips as she headed inside. She dropped the robe as she climbed up the stairs. Amy turned the doorknob, a tiny jig dancing in her head at the unlocked door. The jet spray allowed her to enter without being heard. The sight that met her eyes stole the syllables off her tongue. Water gushed from the spray nozzle, soaking Alejandro's muscle-ripped body. Each time he moved to lather up his back, muscles rippled, and water ran down in an abstract pattern, dripping in the crease of his ass and disappearing. He hadn't been this cut last time she saw him. Fighting tougher opponents or his training must've sculpted him.

"Get out, Amy."

"My bathroom, Alejandro." She removed her bandage to keep it from getting soaked and then opened the shower door and stepped in. His stormy eyes stared her down. She ran her fingers over the tick pulsating in his jaw and dropped her gaze to his thickening cock. "Go."

"Someone's happy to see me." She snaked her hand around his shaft and stroked the frenulum. He sucked in a breath, and it brought a smile to her lips. Only once, and by the looks of it, how he responded, he hadn't forgotten her touch. "I'm just here to get clean."

"Sure, big guy. The other part of you has different plans." She let go and soaped to massage him. The heater in the bathroom kept it humid enough for the water to be turned off. A wicked image filled her mind. "There is no happy ending," he warned and spread his legs to allow her access to his body.

Amy licked her bottom lip. Her body thrummed with excitement. Surely he didn't mean it. His shoulder brushed against her nipple, and she moaned. "What was that?"

"Accidental brush?" Alejandro shampooed his hair. "Hmph."

Amy bent forward and licked his nipple. Lust filled the too-tiny-for-two shower. Crammed in tight quarters and near flush against his body, she ran soapy hands over his arms, trailed them down his pectorals, and then along her own skin, making them both slippery. "Here, let me." She turned on the hand held, rising up on tiptoes to wash the shampoo from his head. "Why haven't you gotten any new tattoos yet?" She returned the attachment to the wall and pressed her body against his back. The water made her fingers glide over his slick skin. With boldness, she dropped the pretense and reached for his thick-lathered cock.

"Haven't found new ink I like." He blew out a breath. "Fuck, Amy."

"You like?" Circling around to his front, she dropped and fondled his scrotum between her thumb and forefinger.

Instead of answering her, he threaded his hand in her hair and pulled her from his cock, pressing her against the cold-tiled wall. "Damn brat."

Yes. Her body screamed in anticipation. She spread her legs and hooked one around his hip, lazily drawing her calf down his back. His delicious cock rubbed against her folds. That Alejandro fought to keep control wasn't out of the norm. She trailed nails down his chest and glided her slick skin against him. "Please?"

His mouth crashed over hers, and he pulled her into a vortex of white-hot passion. His talented tongue slid between her lips, cutting off more pleas. She mewled and rocked her mons along his dick in sync with his tongue thrusting in and dueling with hers.

"Not today." His guttural growl sent a cold splash of reality down her spine. Shocked, she watched him throw open the shower door and storm out. Yep. Anger resonated in each step he took, the way he yanked a towel from the hook and disappeared out of her sight. She washed quickly and got out. Hurt caused hot tears to leak from her eyes. Without a sound she let them fall, slathered lotion on, and yanked her brush through the tangles in her hair. A reasonable amount of time passed, and she assumed Alejandro had left.

Oh-and-two—she couldn't win for losing. He reclined on the center of her bed, holding a copy of the magazine she'd thrown at him a year previous. Worse—he stroked that glorious cock of his to a paper image of her…when she had offered her body to him just scant minutes ago.

* * * * *

Being smart and sassy with a great sense of humor comes easily for Mahalia Levey. An avid reader of books, she found herself enchanted with disappearing completely into the worlds authors created. One day she vowed to herself she'd be one of them. Then family life came, and college right after. Swayed from her childhood course of action, it took many years for her to get back to that place she held dear as a child. Now she is running full steam ahead to keep up with the many ideas flowing freely. She plans on taking her work to higher levels and expanding her genres. Her main focus is giving her readers variety. Her works in progress include paranormal, fantasy and mainstream romance. Taking characters and watching them grow past what she's imagined is her true passion.

Links

Mahalia's Website

Mahalia's Blog

Mahalia's Twitter

Guest Blogger: Dani Worth (Contest)

Why I Love Science Fiction

Many thanks to Delilah Devlin for letting me ramble on her blog today! Kithra is my debut novella with Samhain Publishing and I couldn't be more excited about working with them. I'll give away one e-copy of Kithra to a commenter.

My love for science fiction began early. I can't remember how old I was when I first saw Star Wars, but I remember the incredible excitement I felt through the whole movie. I also remember slapping up posters of Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker right next to the one I had of Shaun Cassidy. (I liked big-eyed blondes apparently. Shaun Cassidy earned my sincere admiration for other reasons when I grew up and discovered he wrote American Gothic, which was a fantastic, spooky show.)

But, I will never forget the first time I watched Alien—glued to the screen for the entire movie, thinking Ripley was the coolest heroine ever. I loved Ripley even more when Aliens came out. Terminator and Terminator 2 were huge favorites. Around that time, I discovered Star Trek, The Next Generation and I raced home daily to catch the six o'clock episodes. Other favorite shows were Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, Stargate, Alien Nation, Farscape, Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Sliders, and of course, Doctor Who.

I find the idea of our future exciting. I wonder what the important issues will be as we continue to discover more in science and medicine. I wonder if we will conquer space travel and find other worlds with life similar to our own. I hope so. I also sincerely hope things like sexism, racism and homophobia disappear. Yeah, yeah, my idealism is showing.

When I sat down to write Kithra, I wanted to write a future world that featured alien races living along with humans, with societies where any loving relationship is the norm… and my heroine sprang to life and no matter how many times I tried to curb her language or move her into the background, she stomped forward and took over. The story started out in 3rd person and I quickly realized it could only be 1st. Once I made that decision, her story just flowed. Yeah, Lux is foul-mouthed, but she's also fiercely loyal and she has this soft, mushy center you'd think she'd try to hide, but she doesn't. As I wrote the sequel, Replicant, her mouth and her compassion showed up to take over a few scenes—even as a secondary character. I'm on the third volume in The Kithran Regenesis series, and she's showed up a few places and surprised me.

The heroes of Kithra, Kol and Egan, couldn't resist her and I hope readers feel the same way. And if you like Kithra, Replicant is scheduled for March. Thanks again to Delilah for having me!