C.A. Szarek's Blog, page 22

Six Sentence Sunday: Bonding

This one is from book #4 in my fantasy/romance series, Dragon's Call. The dragon, Caith, and Nyja, the heroine in the book. Hope you like it!

            She didn’t have a moment to contemplate the dragon’s flesh. Power surged through her body, warming her arms and legs. Her fingers and toes tingled. Her head smarted and she closed her eyes to stave off dizziness. Nyja felt consumed, but not in pain. She was wrapped in warmth.

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Fate's Call #13

*evil laugh* (that's about all I have to say!) *wink*

            Erron was enveloped by the pleasantly plump woman that Jarek had introduced as Anais. She hugged her back, unsure what else to do as she was squeezed into the shorter woman’s softness.            Jarek’s chuckle made her look up over Anais’s shoulder. “Anais, you’re smothering her.”            His father looked amused, as well, with one corner of his mouth lifted. The two men stood side by side not far from them.            Anais released her with a bright smile and squeezed her hand. “I’m so glad you’re here, lass. Fair like me, and so gorgeous.”            Gorgeous? That was the first time anyone had ever complimented her. Someone was glad for her presence? When had that ever happened before? Heat rushed her cheeks and she looked away. Jarek winked when he caught her eye and her face burned even more.            “Thank you,” she whispered.            Stepping forward, Jarek’s father took her hand. “It’s nice to meet you officially.” He leaned in and brushed a kiss onto her cheek, his whiskers tickling.            Erron smiled and looked into the dark eyes that matched her—what? Fiancé? Yes, the man she would marry. Her heart flipped. “Thank you for having me.”            “Having you, lass? You’re family!” Anais exclaimed.            She wanted that.            Jarek snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her to his side, planting a kiss on her cheek.            “It’s getting late,” his father said.            The older couple faced them, his arm around Anais, holding her like Jarek held Erron. She didn’t want to be parted from Jarek, but they weren’t married yet. Where would she sleep?            “Lass, I’ve a loft across the way, above my shop. I sleep downstairs. You’re welcome to it,” Anais said.            “You don’t live here?” The words tumbled out of her mouth. She blushed, fidgeting against Jarek’s side. “Sorry, that was rude of me.”            “No, not at all. Kirgan and I are to wed, like you to my lad. I don’t live here, yet.”            Jarek’s father and Anais gazed at each other and smiled. Love. So much love. Erron’s heart skipped a beat and she looked up at Jarek. What did she feel for him? Something strong, surely. How? They hadn’t known each other long enough for it to make any sense.            “I’ll get the bed made up for you, lass,” Anais said.            She nodded and both older people smiled at her. Hand in hand, the woman and Kirgan slipped out of the living area of the tanning shop.            Erron was alone with Jarek. Her heart thundered. “I want to stay with you,” she blurted. Jarek’s smile made her stomach somersault.“I want that, too. But Anais would tan my hide.”Pulling her into his arms, Erron sighed against him. Safe. Warm. Cherished?“It’d be worth it, mind you,” Jarek said, winking and kissing her forehead when she looked up at him.Erron smiled.“Let’s head over there, too,” he whispered after pressing a tender kiss to her mouth. She nodded but her heart was heavy as Jarek lead to her to Anais’s home and shop.Several hours later, Erron tossed and turned on the unfamiliar pallet. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but sleep had abandoned her.The unbelievable day marched across her mind over and over. She was away from her father. Free. A handsome young tanner made her toes curl when he kissed her and he wanted to marry her despite her past. Erron grinned in the darkness, her heart flipping. Noise at the door of the small attic loft made her roll over on the pallet. Her stomach fluttered but she forced a breath. No one was coming to harm her.Jarek peeked in, a lantern held in front of his face. “Are you sleeping?” he whispered loudly.“No,” Erron said, sitting up.He had to duck to slip inside the short door, but he closed it silently, his lantern casting shadows. Jarek hung it on a hook near the door, illuminating the room in a pleasantly dim glow.“I thought Anais would tan your hide if you stayed with me,” Erron said, but she wasn’t bothered in the least. She was relieved to see him. She wanted nothing more than to be with him. Jarek grinned pure mischief and her tummy somersaulted, her heart picking up speed as he took a seat on the end of her narrow bed.“I pretended not to hear her sneak into my father’s room and then waited until they were…busy.”She laughed and he inched closer. Erron reached for his hand and he entwined their fingers.“I’m shocked actually. She’s always so proper,” Jarek said, bringing their joined hands to his mouth and pressing a kiss into her knuckles.“Well, they’re both adults.” Her breathing was rushed as his dark eyes locked onto hers and he came even closer.“So are we,” he whispered just before he covered her mouth with his, yanking her into his arms.Her heart pounded as she melted into him, slipping her arms around his neck. Warmth spread over her body and Erron moved her mouth under his, their tongues dueling. Heat pooled between her legs, startling her as she recognized desire. She wanted Jarek. Wanted to be naked with him as he moved in and out of her. She wanted to give him what her father had always taken.Erron shuddered, banishing the horrible memories. She was with Jarek. Norden had no place in this room.He kissed her harder, pulling her even closer, her breasts flattening against his hard chest. She moaned into his mouth and shivered, clinging to him.Jarek froze, pulling back from their kiss. “Oh, Erron. Blessed Spirit, I’m so sorry. I—”He’d misinterpreted her body’s tremble.“It’s all right,” Erron said quickly, leaning up to kiss him again. It was quick and left Jarek staring, his gaze searching her face.“After what he did to you, I shouldn’t have—”Erron looked down, heat rushing her face. “I want to be with you,” she whispered. “I want to marry you.”Jarek titled her face up with gentle hands. “If you never wanted a man to touch you again, I wouldn’t blame you.”“How can you want me?” The whisper fell from her lips. She swallowed against the sudden lump in her throat.His brows furrowed. “You know what happened to you isn’t your fault. Don’t you?”She didn’t answer. She couldn’t. It’d never occurred to her before. Did she blame herself for her father’s actions? After all these turns?“Erron.” Her name was hard and she blinked. He was angry, but not at her. “Don’t tell you me you’re letting that bastard saddle you with guilt. Fathers are not supposed to rape their daughters.”Erron winced. No one had ever said it out loud before. It hurt. Tears welled and spilled. She swallowed hard again.            “Please don’t cry.” He thumbed away her tears, kissing her cheeks, forehead and then pressing his lips against hers. She sniffled and let him pull her back against his chest, one big hand making warm circles as he rubbed her back.            “What he did to you, it was not your fault. I want to geld the bastard.”             Erron didn’t answer him. She let herself be enveloped by his warmth. She was safe. Her eyes drifted closed. Time passed, but was it minutes or hours?            “Erron?” Jarek’s whisper lifted her head from his shoulder. Their gazes locked. “I know it makes no sense whatsoever, but I have to tell you something.”            “Hmmm?” she asked, biting back a yawn.            “I love you.”

TO BE CONTINUED...


All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Six Sentence Sunday: Hot Kiss

So this is from the third book in my fantasy series, "The King's Rider Series" It doesn't have a title yet, but it will be something Call, like the rest of the series. It's hot to trot, hope you like it.
This guy in this teaser is Alasdair, and I have it on good authority (Steph and Kerry) that he is a favorite male. YAY!

            “A real man would come take what he wants.” She played with the top button of her sleeping gown.

             He was on her in less than a second. Elissa shouldn’t have goaded him, but all thought fled as his mouth crushed hers and she was melded against his hard body. He forced her lips apart and she shot her arms around his neck.

            Alasdair invaded her mouth with his tongue, plundering more than exploring and she melted against him, legs weak.

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Fate's Call #12

Love how this turned out. Hope y'all do, too.

            Erron was encased in warmth, and it made her sleepy. She swayed, then caught herself. She was on the back of a horse and would topple off if she didn’t sit up. But then his arms tightened around her. Safe. Warm.            “I’ve got you. Sleep if you want to. We should be back into town in about an hour.” Jarek’s warm breath tickled her ear and a shiver slid down her spine.            She tried not to stiffen. He was holding her, touching her. It was rightand so foreign at the same time. Her heart skipped a beat.            “I understand if you don’t want to trust me, but I swear I won’t let anything happen to you, Erron.” His voice was low and even. A vow. But why? He knew the truth now.            “I trust you.” The words tumbled out of her mouth, but they were as true as his promise to her.            Jarek kissed her cheek and squeezed her in his arms. “Then sleep. I’ve got you.”Erron trembled, but burrowed into his chest and he held her closer, her head nestled against him. Her eyes slipped closed and heart skipped a beat. This was unreal, but she would hold onto it for as long as she could. Jarek’s steady heartbeat against her ear serenaded her to sleep.“Erron.” Her name in her ear woke her with a start, but Jarek steadied her.She jolted in her skin. Everything rushed back. Jarek’s proposal, the horrible dinner, her father on his back, unconscious. It was real. She was free. Erron straightened and swallowed hard.“Relax, I’ve got you. We’re almost home.” His even voice grounded her, but home? Where was home for her?“Jarek, I…” What was she supposed to say? He’d saved her from her father, stolen her away…“Shhh, it’s all right,”“But—”“We’ll figure it out, Erron. I promise. I don’t want you to worry about anything. You’re safe. And you always will be.”And you always will bebounced around in her head. What did that mean? Her heart galloped. He doesn’t want you for his wife, don’t be a little fool. Heat crept up her neck, but she shivered.“Cold?” He squeezed her against him.“No.” She shook her head for effect.He paused and she felt his chest heave with a breath. “Are you afraid of me?”“No.” Erron’s answer was vehement.Jarek chuckled and she found herself smiling. “Good. I don’t ever want that,” he said, his tone serious.“I could never be afraid of you,” she whispered.He kissed the top of her head, her ear and then her cheek. Erron turned her face so she could see some of him, any of him. Jarek’s lips came down on hers hard and fast. She gasped.            Why was he kissing her? Surely…            “I’m sorry, did I hurt you?”            “N-n-no…surprised me.” Her breath exited on a whoosh and she faced the front again.            The gates of Dalunas Main were coming into view. Her heart sped up, reality hitting her hard. Had Jarek not been holding her close, she would have swayed.            “He’ll come after me.”            “I don’t care,” Jarek said, his tone hard. “I’ll petition Lord Rustin, if I have to. You’re not going back.” Erron’s stomach roiled.  Why would the Duke of Dalunas care about her? “Besides, if we marry quickly, there’s not a damn thing he can do to take you away from me.”            Her heart dropped to her stomach. “Marry…quickly?”            Jarek didn’t speak for a long moment. “Erron, I want you to be my wife. Have I not made that clear?”            A lump rose in her throat and her vision blurred despite her efforts to stave off tears. How could he want me?            “Of course I want you. Nothing could change that.”            She’d spoken aloud? A blush rushed her cheeks.It was clear what his emphasis on nothingmeant. A sob threatened, and Erron’s hand flew to her mouth to hold it back. Her breathing was rough, her chest heaving.            Waving, Jarek greeted the guards at the city gates as they passed through. Her tanner said nothing to her. Tears cascaded down her cheeks and she wiped them away only to have them replaced by more. He held her tight and let her cry. She needed it.            His arms around her, his chest against her shoulders, his warmth surrounding her was more comfort than his words could be.            Soon they arrived at the public stables her father always used when they were in town. The owner’s son met them at the entrance and Jarek jumped down.             Erron’s back was cold without him behind her, but his large hands settled on either side of her waist and he pulled her from the saddle of the chestnut gelding. Her legs shook as her feet hit the dirt but Jarek, once again, steadied her. She sniffled and swiped at her face.            He grabbed her bag from the horse and slung it over his shoulder before giving the reins to the stable boy. “I have to settle my bill, then we can head home,” Jarek told her.         She stood where he’d put her, wringing her hands in her skirt.            When he returned to her side, Jarek cupped her face and thumbed away tears. He leaned down and took her mouth in a tender kiss that flipped her stomach.            “No more tears. You’re safe with me, and I’m going to make you mine.”            Erron didn’t know what to say. It was unreal. How could he want her? She bit her bottom lip.            “This wasn’t exactly how I’d planned things, but I don’t regret getting you out of there,” Jarek admitted, eyes searching her face, brow furrowed.            She swallowed hard. “I don’t regret it either,” she whispered.            He flashed a smile that made her heart miss a beat. “Let’s go. I know my father and Anais are anxious to meet you.”            Jarek slipped his arm around her shoulders and they quickly fell into step, heading into the busy market center.            Hope and dread warred in her mind, and she leaned into her tanner as they walked. Her father would come.            Erron took a deep breath. Right now, Jarek was at her side and that was all that mattered. At the moment.

TO BE CONTINUED...

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Six Sentence Sunday: First Meeting

This is from Love's Call, the sequel of Sword's Call. A lil' teaser time. Hope you enjoy!

The wolf reseated itself and Leargan’s gaze went back to her. His breath caught as he met her blue-green eyes. She was beautiful, a heart shaped face and high cheekbones. He smiled at the smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose. They gave her an air of innocence. She looked familiar but he couldn’t place her.

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Fate's Call #11

Well, I surprised myself this time. This is not the original direction I saw this going, but I like how it turned out. Hope you do, too.

         
            Erron’s father threw back his head and laughed. What the hell was amusing? Jarek was torn between punching the bastard and making sure she was all right.“Marriage?” the man asked. “You came here seeking mydaughter’s hand? You shouldn’t have bothered.” The tone was disparaging. Like she was dirt. Or worse.Jarek scowled, clenching his fists. Why hadn’t he brought a weapon?“As you can see, the lass is not worth much. She’s the clumsy sort.” Norden gestured to Erron, who was squatted down gathering shards of pottery from the bowl she’d dropped.Growling, Jarek leaned forward. “Do not speak of her that way in my presence.” He caught Erron’s head shooting up in his peripheral vision, eyes as wide as saucers. Her father’s brows drew together and his expression was dark, but Jarek glared right back.“The lass is mine.”“I’m not leaving her with you,” Jarek promised.Norden’s face reddened and he pounded a fist on the table. Out of the corner of his eye, Jarek saw Erron jump. He cursed under his breath. The older man had several inches in height and about fifty pounds—weight and muscle—on him, but Jarek would do what he had to do for Erron. There was no way he was going home without her. Hopefully she would forgive him if he had to pound the bastard a few times. Blessed Spirit knew he wanted to wipe the expression off her father’s face with his fists, assuming she’d be bothered by it.He stared her father down, both of them unmoving. “The lass is mine,” Norden repeated. “Mineto do with as I wish. For my farm, my food, my cottage, my bed, even for my disposal if I saw fit.”Jarek froze at the same time Erron cried out. His bed? Did that mean…? No. The man was her father.Fury burned him from the inside out. His stomach churned the pleasant meal into stone. Bile rose. He swallowed hard. He didn’t want to pound the bastard. Jarek wanted to kill him.He heard her crying and he couldn’t look at her. It would be impossible for him to see her face red and wet and not act on her behalf. He would grab the nearest—anything—that could act as a weapon and kill her father.However, Jarek ending up in a penal territory—especially the one as notorious as the work camp in Dalunas—would do Erron no good. He needed to get her away from Norden.∞∞∞∞∞∞            If Erron hadn’t already been on the floor, she would have collapsed.            Her father had just told Jarek everything. And now, he wouldn’t even look at her. He knows. He doesn’t want you, see the proof?            Pain overtook, constricting her chest and her breathing. She swallowed back a sob, but couldn’t withhold the second. How could she feel so much loss? She didn’t know Jarek. But he didn’t want her now. It was obvious. Ruined. Impure. She really was destined to waste her life with her father. At his every whim, like he’d told the only man she’d ever wanted to marry.            Shards of the broken bowl fell from her hands as her vision blurred. Erron deflated, falling to all fours, catching herself before she landed on her face. Her right palm smarted. She’d cut herself on the broken bowl. Her hand was likely bleeding, but Erron didn’t care. Her heart was bleeding, too.She heard angry voices, but couldn’t process the words. Her head spun, and she couldn’t focus through the chaos in her mind. What would she do now? Life had rarely held meaning, but what little she’d had was now gone.Erron looked up when Jarek shot to his feet. Norden shouted, but her would-be suitor moved too fast. She gasped as her father’s chair went over, him in it. Jarek hit him two more quick times. Her father’s head jolted with the impact, but he didn’t otherwise move. The tanner shook his hand as he straightened, cursing under his breath. She froze, gaping. What—? Erron blinked but the scene before her didn’t dissipate.  Jarek had hit—knocked unconscious—her father? Why? He hurried over to her and thrust down his hand. “C’mon, we have to go.”“Go?”A dark brow shot up. “I told you I wasn’t leaving you here.”She could only stare. Jarek shifted on his feet and threw a glance over his shoulder. “There’s no telling how long he’ll be out…”
            “I…I…” How could he still want to take her with him? He knew. It was different now. Erron swallowed hard, her heart thudding in her ears.“Erron.” Jarek’s tone compelled her to look up. Their gazes locked. “Do you want to go with me?”“Yes.” The word rushed from her lips, but she meant it with all her heart. There was no way he would still want to make her his wife, but Jarek could still get her away from her father. She could offer to earn her keep by helping out in his shop. If she had to see him marry someone else it would kill her, but she would deal with it then. For now, Erron would be with Jarek. That was all that mattered.She put her hand in his and Jarek yanked her to her feet and into his arms. Her heart skipped a beat, but she clung to him for a moment.“Are you all right?” he whispered against her hair.“Yes.”Jarek pulled back and looked down into her face, smiling gently. “Good. Let’s go.”She gathered a few belongings, her other two dresses and underclothes, her mother’s silver comb and mirror. He helped her stuff them into a hide bag. Then Erron let him lead her to the door of the cottage she’d been born in. He tugged her outside to his waiting horse. Jarek smiled as he secured her bag to his mount. His hands on her waist as he lifted her into the saddle rushed her face with heat. When he settled behind her and pulled her close, she trembled.Her tanner pressed his knees to his mount. As they rode away, Erron didn’t look back.

TO BE CONTINUED...

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Six Sentence Sunday: Sword's Call Teaser

This is the first six sentences from my FIRST book coming out April 30, 2013, Sword's Call. Hope it makes you want to read it.


(hint hint, nudge nudge, you can go to goodreads (Link on the right) and add it to your To-read list!)

Heart pounding and fists clenched, Cera sat in the Dragon’s Lair’s darkest corner. By choice, the candle on the table in front of her was unlit. The bowl of stew half eaten, food the last thing on her mind.            The door to the tavern opened and her white wolf growled low and deep beside her. Cera glanced up, squinting in the sudden flood of sunlight. As the door slammed shut and her eyes adjusted to the renewed murkiness, she took in the tavern’s newest arrival.

  
All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Fate's Call #10

You guys are gonna beat me for where I stopped this... *maniacal laugh* 
   

            Her hands shook as she ladled stew into a bowl. Erron’s heart was at a constant pound, her skin flushed. The two men at the table were silent, but disaster was imminent.            She made it to them without tripping and set Jarek’s dinner down in front of him. He flashed a smile and offered thanks. Erron averted her gaze. Her father watched them, eyes narrowed. He said nothing, but a tremble slid down her spine.            Hurrying back to the kitchen area of their cottage, she retrieved the bread she’d baked that morning. Norden always demanded a warm loaf with his meal, so she’d heated it by proximity to the fireplace.            Erron took her seat after pouring mead for her father. Jarek stopped her and poured his own, as well as some for her, earning a glare from Norden. She held her breath, staring at the inviting bowl of rabbit stew. Steam wafted, the pleasant scent tickling her nose, but it only made her stomach clench tighter.            As was typical for her father, conversation was scarce as he shoved food into his mouth. Jarek shifted on the seat next to her, but Erron screamed at herself not to look at him. If Norden assumed they had some familiarity, she’d pay for it later. She bit back a gulp and shoved a spoonful of the thick stew into her mouth. Chew. Swallow. Normally one of her favorite meals, tonight Erron tasted nothing.“This tastes very good, Erron, thank you,” Jarek said. Meeting his eyes for only a moment, Erron gave a small smile. “Thank you,” she whispered. Her father looked up. He said nothing, but snatched another piece of bread and tore off a bite.She took a breath and made herself eat. The sooner they finished, the sooner Jarek would…well, what did he plan to do? He’d said he wanted to speak to her father about her hand in marriage. Would he just come out and say it?Her heart skipped a beat. How could Erron make her father think she didn’t care either way? If he figured out she desired to marry Jarek, he would surely decline. She’d never had a suitor before. What would Norden say?Erron spared Jarek a glance. Heat crept up her neck as she caught his dark eyes. He was staring in her direction. She looked down, swirling her spoon in her bowl, swallowing hard.What would the tanner say if her father said no? I promised you in Dalunas Main I was coming for you, and I have. And I’m telling you now I’m not leaving you here, Erron. Memory conjured his words as if he leaned over and whispered them in her ear.             He wouldn’t leave her. He wouldn’t…leave her? Her heart skipped a beat as fear settled over her. Would he leave her? Why did she care? This was her life, she was resigned to it. As she always had been…            He won’t want you when he finds out the truth. She crushed her eyes closed, then forced a breath and sat taller. She was at the supper table. Her father was right next to her. She couldn’t give him cause to notice something wasn’t right with her.            The hope Jarek instilled in her made her chest ache. Whether she stayed with Norden or went with her tanner, Erron would never be the same.∞∞∞∞∞∞Evening meal was an awkward affair. Jarek had no idea what was going on other than the fact he didn’t like Erron with her eyes cast down, head bowed, much too silent. His gut stayed clenched, his heart screaming the wrongness of the situation. What the hell was going on?The food itself was great…the rabbit stew even tastier than Anais’s. Erron’s father said nothing, just stuffed spoonful after spoonful into his mouth, grunting from time to time. How could Erron eat around him every meal? It was unappetizing to watch him.Jarek forced himself to eat slowly. He cut bread for Erron when he took a second helping and she thanked him quietly before gluing her eyes back to her bowl. She’d only looked at him once, and it was killing him.In his experience, meals had always been a time to share the day with loved ones. Even before Anais had started cooking for him and his father regularly, their meals had been full of discussion. From what Jarek had seen tonight, Erron’s father treated her like a servant. He hadn’t even thanked her—for anything, the full mug, the bread on his trencher, and multiple bowls of stew. He ate, she bustled, leaving her food three times already.Jarek clenched a fist, biting back a growl. The man was a bastard. No matter what he had to do, Jarek was taking her with him when he left.He finished his meal, declining a second portion when Erron quietly offered. Jarek waited at the table seat in silence, his hands entwined on his lap. Her father finished his third helping and finally leaned back in his chair. He drained his mug of mead and she refilled it without comment. Every action made Jarek even angrier. His blood was boiling by the time the older man met his gaze.“So, what brings you here?” Erron’s father asked. “You’re a tanner by trade, if I remember?”Be. Polite. Jarek nodded, forcing a smile. “Yes, sir. My father is a master and has taught me all he knows. Our goods are sought out all over Dalunas Main. I enjoy our work, and I hope to have my own shop one day.”The fair haired man’s gaze didn’t waiver. He studied Jarek, saying nothing.Jarek reminded himself he needed to gain favor with the bastard. He wanted to marry his daughter.“You have not answered my question.”Erron shoved her chair back from the table and scrambled to her feet. The move was a distraction for both men, and Jarek didn’t miss the glare her father threw her way. She lowered her head and Jarek clenched his jaw. Damn the man.Her hands trembled as she grabbed and stacked the three empty bowls and plate that had held the loaf of bread. It took all he was made of to not reach for her, pull her close and comfort her. Once again, his instincts screamed that something was very wrong between her and her father. Erron was petrified.Jarek forced his gaze back to the pale eyes that matched hers. Norden was staring back at him, his expression expectant.“I intend to marry your daughter.”Erron dropped the bowls, and one shattered. 

TO BE CONTINUED:

All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Six Sentence Sunday: First Kiss

So, I am going to start participating in this "Six Sentence Sunday" thing that alot of peeps do. I think it will be fun!

This is from my WIP! :)

Hope you like it. Please let me know what you think!

He hadn’t intended to kiss her but as her soft, warm lips caressed his, Cole couldn’t have changed his mind even if he’d wanted to. Her curves hit his hard chest with enough impact that should have jarred him back into his head, but he was lost and overheated immediately. He wrapped her into a tight embrace and kissed her harder.            She fought him, but his mouth was demanding over hers, and Andi opened for him, melted against him. She tasted sweeter than he imagined, like a ripe berries. Her tongue touched his, not tentative in the least.

I picked long sentences...yay. ;)



All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.  

Fate's Call #9

Not much to say. Hope you enjoy!

“You…what?” Erron broke away from his grip on her shoulders and took a step back. She stumbled and the ground met her backside hard. She winced. Her head spun. There was no way her ears hadn’t deceived her. It was impossible Jarek had actually spoken of marriage. “Are you all right?” he asked. Erron gulped and nodded. “Not exactly the reaction I’d anticipated.” His face fell, but he took a step forward and offered her a hand.She took it, her cheeks heating as he pulled her to her feet without effort. She’d hurt his feelings. “I’m sorry,” Erron whispered. “You…you…surprised me.” She avoided his dark eyes. Even if she agreed to marry him at that moment, he’d never want her when he found out the truth. Her stomach flipped.Erron bit her lip to stave off the threatening tears and brushed the dirt off the back of her dress.“Look at me.” Jarek’s tone was firm and she couldn’t help but meet his gaze. The heated tenderness there made her heart pound. “I realize this is a shock. Honestly, it is to me as well. I…I…can’t explain it. You’re…perfect. I want you to be my wife.”Her blush intensified and he took another step toward her. Erron’s heart shouted yes, and her head reminded her of how impossible the prospect was. He won’t want you when he finds out, a voice chided.Jarek took her hand and she didn’t pull away. She ached to accept his proposal. With him, she could have a real future…love…children. Could it really be more than a dream? His handsome face blurred and she swayed on her feet. How was she going to deny him? Deny what she wanted? What would be worse, declining his offer or telling him the truth only to have him reject her? Either way, she lost him. Tears cascaded.“Why are you crying?” he whispered. Jarek brushed her tears away with gentle fingers and Erron wanted to lean into him, fall into him. What he’d said was true, they didn’t know each other, but…she was drawn to him. It wasn’t something she couldn’t explain, either.She shook her head, unable to speak.“Erron!” The boom of her father’s shout made her jump.She and Jarek looked at the large blonde man at the same time, and Erron yanked her hand out of her tanner’s. She took a step away from him. Jarek shot her a look but said nothing.Norden strode across the field. Even at a distance, she could feel his fury, see it in his expression. A tremble slid down her spine and her hands shook, so she made tight fists and planted her arms at her sides. Jarek stepped in front of her, obscuring her from her father’s line of sight. She gulped and shifted. Being blocked, protected, from Norden would only make him angrier.He reached them in moments, glaring at the tanner.“Who’re—” Her father stared at Jarek, then growled. “I remember you. The alley.” His gaze swung from Erron and back to Jarek. She bit back a wince. “What’s going on here?”Jarek cleared his throat and took a step toward Norden. They were almost equal in height, but her father outweighed him in bulk and muscle. “Sir, I would like to speak to you.”“You are.” Norden’s eyes narrowed.What if…Erron shook her head. No. Her father wouldn’t harm him. Usually to the outside world, her father actually had some manners. But from the look he was giving her, when Jarek left, she was in for it. He would accuse her of something horrible, or just flat out beat her. She wouldn’t dwell on what else he would do. He hadn’t demanded she come to his room in over a sevenday.            Erron dug deep and took a step forward, stopping next to Jarek. If only she could have taken his hand. “Father, we should offer the tanner some hospitality. We’re in the field…”            “I’m well aware of our location,” Norden snapped.            Jarek said nothing, but his jaw tightened. Erron winced. If he stood up for her now, she would be the one to pay when he left.            “The tanner is our guest,” she pressed, her heart thundering, her stomach tight and achy.            Her father grunted. “I suppose so. Put Angus away. The sun sets soon. It’s almost time for you to prepare supper, anyway.”            Norden turned on his heel without another word. He crossed the field and headed into the barn. Jarek shot a look at her, and she shook her head. He took her cue and said nothing until Norden was well out of earshot, but his shoulders were tense and his fists clenched at his sides, his knuckles white. He was furious.            She said nothing, returning to the plow and unhooking one side from Angus’s hitch. The old gelding nickered and she patted his rump. Jarek handled the other side, his movements jerky. “I’m not leaving you here, no matter what he says.”            Erron’s heart skipped a beat at the promise in his tone and bit her bottom lip. “This is my life, Jarek.”            “And there’s something very wrong.”            She shook her head.            “I don’t like how he talks to you. And I don’t like how he snatched your arm the day we met.”            Sliding her hand into Angus’s bridle, she tugged the gray horse toward the barn. “Come this way, but please keep your thoughts in your head. My father is in the barn. Leave the plow, I’ll get it later.”            Jarek growled and grabbed her arm. Though his touch was urgent, he didn’t hurt her. “I promised you in Dalunas Main I was coming for you, and I have. And I’m telling you now I’m not leaving you here, Erron.”            She stared at him, tears hot on her cheeks. “You won’t want me, Jarek.” Why the hell had she said that?            “What are you talking about? I do want you. I want you to be my wife.”            Shaking her head again, Erron swallowed back a sob. “You won’t for long.” It took all she was made of to turn away from him, square her shoulders and lead the old plow horse to his stall.            Jarek followed, walking behind Angus, but his gaze burned her back. She could sense his heat behind her as if he was touching her. Erron wanted to collapse in his arms. She wanted to feel his lips on hers again and his hard body tight against her. But even if her father agreed and gave her to him, he wouldn’t want her when he found out she was damaged. Impure.            And when Jarek left, her spirit would go with him.

TO BE CONTINUED:


All rights reserved; copyright © C. A. Szarek. The text within may not be reproduced in whole or in part or distributed in any form whatsoever OR SOLD without first obtaining permission from the author.