Alessandra Torre's Blog, page 11
February 4, 2014
Masked Innocence Chapter Reveal
CHAPTER 1
“So, what’s next?”
I turned my head, glancing at him, his dark profile hiding the grin that I knew played over his features. I reclined in the passenger seat of his car, snug against the warmth of the seat heater. He reached his hand over, offering it to me, and I grabbed it, running my hands over his huge palm and strong fingers. “What’s next with tonight?”
He chuckled, the sound unfairly sexual. The man could make a sneeze sound carnal if he wanted to. “I’m taking you home with me tonight, unless you have an objection to that. I meant in regards to us.”
I yawned. “Your home sounds good for tonight.” Yes, his huge home with its big, luxurious bed, worthgivingupcarbsfor shower, and stocked fridge would be welcome tonight, especially since a night in that wonderful bed normally led to a morning of orgasms. “As far as with us, that’s in your ballpark. I tried the threesome, and I’m cool with that if that’s what you need to be faithful.”
“You’re ‘cool’ with it.” His wry tone elicited a frown from my side of the car. “You seemed a little more than ‘cool with it.’
I rolled my eyes. “Fine. I loved it, can’t wait to do it again, I will worship at the shrine of Brad from this day forth. Happy?”
The light changed in the car, and this time I could see the grin that stretched over his face. “Well, if you insist. You know I strive to please.”
Yes, you certainly do. Never thought I would appreciate one singular quality so much. Competitiveness is great in a partner. Sexual competitiveness, I’ve learned over the last several weeks, is holyfreakinggod amazing. I watched the curve of his mouth, loving the transformation it caused to his powerful features. “So, tonight was it, right? That’s the sexual extent of your freakiness?”
“Well…” he shrugged, glancing over at me.
“Well?” I sat up, turning in my seat to fully face him. “Well what?”
“I will never need anything more ‘freaky’, as you like to say, than what we just did. But the point of this is not just my pleasure. It’s to awaken your sexuality, to find what turns you on and to explore that. Chances are, tonight wasn’t your single perfect fantasy.” I shifted slightly at the statement. Uh, yeah – it pretty much was. “As we grow in our relationship, you may find you like completely different things than you do now. As your sexual boundaries expand, your preferences may change.”
I smirked at him. “So, what you’re saying is, if I keep dating you, in three years I’m going to be licking whipped cream off a bearded lady and loving it?”
He laughed. “If it reaches that level, you’re not going to be still dating me.”
I relaxed back into the seat. “Well, for now, that was plenty hot enough for me. I don’t know how much more sexual exploration my mind can take right now.”
“So, if I receive any invitations, I should turn them down?”
I paused, mid-snuggle into the leather cocoon that the BMW’s seat had become. “What? What kind of invitations?”
“You know, parties, cruises or threesomes like we just did.” His offhand tone was ludicrous considering the events that he was so casually discussing.
Parties? Cruises? I swallowed, unsure if I was ready for more. Brad read my silence and looked over, the passing streetlights revealing concern on his face. “Too much?” he asked.
I braved a smile. “For now. Let’s take it one freakshow at a time, okay?”
From the other side of the car came that delicious chuckle, and I clenched my core in an involuntary response.
The car slowed, making the turn onto Brad’s road, and I looked at the stately homes that passed, each one more impressive than the last. Then we pulled into Brad’s drive, the suspension smoothing the rough ride of the pavers below us, and taking us to his home.
CHAPTER 2
I entered the lobby of Clarke, De Luca & Broward on Monday morning at seven-thirty on the dot. Waving at Ancient Dorothy, I pressed the elevator call button and waited for the car. My early morning wait was interrupted by a clattering of heels from somewhere behind me. The clattering had speed and determination that made me tense in anticipation. I risked a glance over my shoulder and came in full eye contact with an Amazon of a woman. I was wearing three-inch heels and she still towered a good six inches above me, coming to an abrupt halt so close to me that I was forced to look up just so my face wasn’t buried in her breasts. I smiled hesitantly in greeting and stepped to the side, turning back to the bank of elevators, now in the awkward position of whether or not to make polite conversation on the ride up. I was already terrified of this woman, and didn’t know why, other than the fact that she was clearly sizing me up, and not being the slightest bit shy about it. I almost expected her to ask me to open my mouth so she could inspect my teeth.
The doors slid open, and after standard overtures, she stepped onto the car, her strong mass dominating the elaborate space. My inner turmoil over whether or not to converse with her was solved by the moment the doors closed.
“So.” She announced with gusto. “You’re Julia.”
“Beg your pardon?” I asked.
“Julia Campbell,” she said, grinning at me, her face beautiful despite the extra weight it carried. As a failed makeup study, I recognized quality makeup when I saw it, and this girl had enhanced an already beautiful face to model-quality, an attribute that many men probably overlooked due to her size. “That’s you right? I hacked into HR’s file and got a copy of your driver’s license. Your pic is a few years old, but pretty damn close.”
If there had been room to take a step back in the elevator, I would have. If I had been scared of her before, I was sweating bullets now. “I’m sorry… I don’t believe we have met. You are…?”
She laughed. “Sorry. I’m Rebecca. Brad’s assistant.”
Brad’s assistant. Suddenly I could breathe a little easier. “Oh. I thought all of his assistants were….” I tried to find the words to describe the three secretaries that reigned over Brad’s wing of the firm.
“Old, wrinkly bitches?” she grinned at me as the doors opened, and I burst out laughing at the description, one that probably fit the three elegant senior citizens that had stuffily dismissed me the one time I had dared to approach their desk. We stepped out of the elevator together and she followed me as I pressed on the door to the West Wing. Surprised, I glanced over at her. “You coming over here?”
“Just for a sec. Brad wanted me to introduce myself, and a thirty-second ride won’t do that justice.”
I doubted a three-day road trip would do that justice, but I smiled at her and unlocked my office door, ushering her in. It was early, but the rest of the staff would be filing in soon. I hoped she wasn’t planning on staying long. Rebecca’s presence was as subtle as a giant sign screaming “I’m dating Brad De Luca!” hung outside my door.
“I can’t stay.” Her quick words made me wonder how transparent my inhospitable thoughts were. “Let me just get your email address and I’ll be on my way.”
“My email?”
“Yeah. Your personal one. I’ll need to send you some stuff that shouldn’t go over the company intranet.”
I blushed, hoping the attachments weren’t of the adult variety and wondering how much Rebecca knew about our relationship. I scribbled down my email address, passing it to her with a smile that I hoped communicated my friendly intent. “It was nice to meet you, Rebecca.”
“Hey, you too. Maybe I’ll see you around.” She waved cheerily and swung out the door, her heels pounding down the hallway, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard the double doors close behind her. I plopped down in my chair, spinning slightly as I stared at the ceiling. Rebecca sending me ‘stuff’. This would be interesting.
“So, what’s next?”
I turned my head, glancing at him, his dark profile hiding the grin that I knew played over his features. I reclined in the passenger seat of his car, snug against the warmth of the seat heater. He reached his hand over, offering it to me, and I grabbed it, running my hands over his huge palm and strong fingers. “What’s next with tonight?”
He chuckled, the sound unfairly sexual. The man could make a sneeze sound carnal if he wanted to. “I’m taking you home with me tonight, unless you have an objection to that. I meant in regards to us.”
I yawned. “Your home sounds good for tonight.” Yes, his huge home with its big, luxurious bed, worthgivingupcarbsfor shower, and stocked fridge would be welcome tonight, especially since a night in that wonderful bed normally led to a morning of orgasms. “As far as with us, that’s in your ballpark. I tried the threesome, and I’m cool with that if that’s what you need to be faithful.”
“You’re ‘cool’ with it.” His wry tone elicited a frown from my side of the car. “You seemed a little more than ‘cool with it.’
I rolled my eyes. “Fine. I loved it, can’t wait to do it again, I will worship at the shrine of Brad from this day forth. Happy?”
The light changed in the car, and this time I could see the grin that stretched over his face. “Well, if you insist. You know I strive to please.”
Yes, you certainly do. Never thought I would appreciate one singular quality so much. Competitiveness is great in a partner. Sexual competitiveness, I’ve learned over the last several weeks, is holyfreakinggod amazing. I watched the curve of his mouth, loving the transformation it caused to his powerful features. “So, tonight was it, right? That’s the sexual extent of your freakiness?”
“Well…” he shrugged, glancing over at me.
“Well?” I sat up, turning in my seat to fully face him. “Well what?”
“I will never need anything more ‘freaky’, as you like to say, than what we just did. But the point of this is not just my pleasure. It’s to awaken your sexuality, to find what turns you on and to explore that. Chances are, tonight wasn’t your single perfect fantasy.” I shifted slightly at the statement. Uh, yeah – it pretty much was. “As we grow in our relationship, you may find you like completely different things than you do now. As your sexual boundaries expand, your preferences may change.”
I smirked at him. “So, what you’re saying is, if I keep dating you, in three years I’m going to be licking whipped cream off a bearded lady and loving it?”
He laughed. “If it reaches that level, you’re not going to be still dating me.”
I relaxed back into the seat. “Well, for now, that was plenty hot enough for me. I don’t know how much more sexual exploration my mind can take right now.”
“So, if I receive any invitations, I should turn them down?”
I paused, mid-snuggle into the leather cocoon that the BMW’s seat had become. “What? What kind of invitations?”
“You know, parties, cruises or threesomes like we just did.” His offhand tone was ludicrous considering the events that he was so casually discussing.
Parties? Cruises? I swallowed, unsure if I was ready for more. Brad read my silence and looked over, the passing streetlights revealing concern on his face. “Too much?” he asked.
I braved a smile. “For now. Let’s take it one freakshow at a time, okay?”
From the other side of the car came that delicious chuckle, and I clenched my core in an involuntary response.
The car slowed, making the turn onto Brad’s road, and I looked at the stately homes that passed, each one more impressive than the last. Then we pulled into Brad’s drive, the suspension smoothing the rough ride of the pavers below us, and taking us to his home.
CHAPTER 2
I entered the lobby of Clarke, De Luca & Broward on Monday morning at seven-thirty on the dot. Waving at Ancient Dorothy, I pressed the elevator call button and waited for the car. My early morning wait was interrupted by a clattering of heels from somewhere behind me. The clattering had speed and determination that made me tense in anticipation. I risked a glance over my shoulder and came in full eye contact with an Amazon of a woman. I was wearing three-inch heels and she still towered a good six inches above me, coming to an abrupt halt so close to me that I was forced to look up just so my face wasn’t buried in her breasts. I smiled hesitantly in greeting and stepped to the side, turning back to the bank of elevators, now in the awkward position of whether or not to make polite conversation on the ride up. I was already terrified of this woman, and didn’t know why, other than the fact that she was clearly sizing me up, and not being the slightest bit shy about it. I almost expected her to ask me to open my mouth so she could inspect my teeth.
The doors slid open, and after standard overtures, she stepped onto the car, her strong mass dominating the elaborate space. My inner turmoil over whether or not to converse with her was solved by the moment the doors closed.
“So.” She announced with gusto. “You’re Julia.”
“Beg your pardon?” I asked.
“Julia Campbell,” she said, grinning at me, her face beautiful despite the extra weight it carried. As a failed makeup study, I recognized quality makeup when I saw it, and this girl had enhanced an already beautiful face to model-quality, an attribute that many men probably overlooked due to her size. “That’s you right? I hacked into HR’s file and got a copy of your driver’s license. Your pic is a few years old, but pretty damn close.”
If there had been room to take a step back in the elevator, I would have. If I had been scared of her before, I was sweating bullets now. “I’m sorry… I don’t believe we have met. You are…?”
She laughed. “Sorry. I’m Rebecca. Brad’s assistant.”
Brad’s assistant. Suddenly I could breathe a little easier. “Oh. I thought all of his assistants were….” I tried to find the words to describe the three secretaries that reigned over Brad’s wing of the firm.
“Old, wrinkly bitches?” she grinned at me as the doors opened, and I burst out laughing at the description, one that probably fit the three elegant senior citizens that had stuffily dismissed me the one time I had dared to approach their desk. We stepped out of the elevator together and she followed me as I pressed on the door to the West Wing. Surprised, I glanced over at her. “You coming over here?”
“Just for a sec. Brad wanted me to introduce myself, and a thirty-second ride won’t do that justice.”
I doubted a three-day road trip would do that justice, but I smiled at her and unlocked my office door, ushering her in. It was early, but the rest of the staff would be filing in soon. I hoped she wasn’t planning on staying long. Rebecca’s presence was as subtle as a giant sign screaming “I’m dating Brad De Luca!” hung outside my door.
“I can’t stay.” Her quick words made me wonder how transparent my inhospitable thoughts were. “Let me just get your email address and I’ll be on my way.”
“My email?”
“Yeah. Your personal one. I’ll need to send you some stuff that shouldn’t go over the company intranet.”
I blushed, hoping the attachments weren’t of the adult variety and wondering how much Rebecca knew about our relationship. I scribbled down my email address, passing it to her with a smile that I hoped communicated my friendly intent. “It was nice to meet you, Rebecca.”
“Hey, you too. Maybe I’ll see you around.” She waved cheerily and swung out the door, her heels pounding down the hallway, and I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard the double doors close behind her. I plopped down in my chair, spinning slightly as I stared at the ceiling. Rebecca sending me ‘stuff’. This would be interesting.
Masked Innocence, book 2 of The Innocence Trilogy, will release on February 25th. If interested, you can preorder it here: http://tinyurl.com/mq55qdn
The third book of the trilogy, The End of the Innocence, will release on March 25th, just one month later!
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The Girl in 6E is LIVE!!!
I am so excited to announce that the NEW, incredibly IMPROVED version of The Girl in 6E is live! And I’m giving away a signed ARC to celebrate!
The story and evolution of 6E:
I first self-pubbed this book in 2013 – at that time it was a 200 page book that moved at lightening speed, covering the incredible story of Deanna, an online sex operator who struggles with an intense desire to kill. Reviewers went nuts, readers OBSESSED over it, and it attracted the attention of publishers, landing in the capable and brilliant hands of Redhook, an imprint of Hachette. Its new editor and I dove into this book, developing weak points, fleshing out characters/situations and (yes to you Jeremy fanatics!) romance. It also got an awesome new cover and 130+ new pages of content. Slated for a July 2014 *hardcover* release, this ebook is available for an introductory price of $3.99!!
The blurb:
My life, inside this apartment is simple. It works, as long as I follow the rules.
1. Don’t leave the apartment. Not in case of fire, not to mail a letter, not to run an errand. The door stays shut, and I stay inside.
2. Don’t get attached to clients. I take off my clothes, I stand in front of the camera, and I perform. What they want, I give. Their secrets, I keep. Everything I tell them, is a lie.
3. Don’t kill anyone. I’ve obeyed that rule for over three years.
My life, inside this apartment was simple, and it worked.
But some rules? They’re made to be broken.
Reviews:
“Brilliantly dark, tortured and utterly surprising! 5/5 stars!” ~ Martini Times
“I freaking loved this book! It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before!” ~ Novel Seduction
“This book rocked my brain… I’m just in complete awe. ” ~ Page Trotters Book Blog
“A fast paced suspenseful read…Everything was brilliant for me.” ~ Dark Reading Room Blog
“highly recommended, a story that will touch your heart while keeping you at the edge of your seat.” ~ Sinful Reads
“If you’re looking for something that’s completely different from every other romance book, The Girl in 6E, is for you!” ~ Smut Book Club
“I loved it. It was a heart pounding thrill ride from beginning to end. I could not stop reading once I started!” ~ Winding Stairs Book Blog
“Loved her story from beginning to end… so completely unexpected!” ~ Chick Lit Worth Reading Book Blog
“This book is a must read. It’s amazing. Alessandra Torre has blew my mind.” ~ Island Lovelies Book Blog
“This book was so full of awesome.” ~ Contagious Reads
“Unexpected love for this book… fascinating to read!” ~ Must Read Books or Die Blog
A highly erotic beginning to an intense, thrilling, and edge-of-your-seat middle and then a sweet and satisfying ending! ~ Love Between the Sheets
“Totally and completely unique … I have not read any book that even begins to compare..written extraordinarily well…” Rose’s Book Blog
“This book will have you on the edge of your seat..” ~ Chris Book Blog Emporium
Purchase links:
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/l7ujmsd
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/lbl5d9s
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/ogtjgdn
Giveaway!
The story and evolution of 6E:
I first self-pubbed this book in 2013 – at that time it was a 200 page book that moved at lightening speed, covering the incredible story of Deanna, an online sex operator who struggles with an intense desire to kill. Reviewers went nuts, readers OBSESSED over it, and it attracted the attention of publishers, landing in the capable and brilliant hands of Redhook, an imprint of Hachette. Its new editor and I dove into this book, developing weak points, fleshing out characters/situations and (yes to you Jeremy fanatics!) romance. It also got an awesome new cover and 130+ new pages of content. Slated for a July 2014 *hardcover* release, this ebook is available for an introductory price of $3.99!!
The blurb:
My life, inside this apartment is simple. It works, as long as I follow the rules.
1. Don’t leave the apartment. Not in case of fire, not to mail a letter, not to run an errand. The door stays shut, and I stay inside.
2. Don’t get attached to clients. I take off my clothes, I stand in front of the camera, and I perform. What they want, I give. Their secrets, I keep. Everything I tell them, is a lie.
3. Don’t kill anyone. I’ve obeyed that rule for over three years.
My life, inside this apartment was simple, and it worked.
But some rules? They’re made to be broken.
Reviews:
“Brilliantly dark, tortured and utterly surprising! 5/5 stars!” ~ Martini Times
“I freaking loved this book! It’s like nothing I’ve ever read before!” ~ Novel Seduction
“This book rocked my brain… I’m just in complete awe. ” ~ Page Trotters Book Blog
“A fast paced suspenseful read…Everything was brilliant for me.” ~ Dark Reading Room Blog
“highly recommended, a story that will touch your heart while keeping you at the edge of your seat.” ~ Sinful Reads
“If you’re looking for something that’s completely different from every other romance book, The Girl in 6E, is for you!” ~ Smut Book Club
“I loved it. It was a heart pounding thrill ride from beginning to end. I could not stop reading once I started!” ~ Winding Stairs Book Blog
“Loved her story from beginning to end… so completely unexpected!” ~ Chick Lit Worth Reading Book Blog
“This book is a must read. It’s amazing. Alessandra Torre has blew my mind.” ~ Island Lovelies Book Blog
“This book was so full of awesome.” ~ Contagious Reads
“Unexpected love for this book… fascinating to read!” ~ Must Read Books or Die Blog
A highly erotic beginning to an intense, thrilling, and edge-of-your-seat middle and then a sweet and satisfying ending! ~ Love Between the Sheets
“Totally and completely unique … I have not read any book that even begins to compare..written extraordinarily well…” Rose’s Book Blog
“This book will have you on the edge of your seat..” ~ Chris Book Blog Emporium
Purchase links:
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/l7ujmsd
B&N: http://tinyurl.com/lbl5d9s
Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/ogtjgdn
Giveaway!
January 28, 2014
RELEASE DAY! BLINDFOLDED INNOCENCE
Happy Release Day FAQ:
What is different about this edition?
-More scenes: This version has a few extra/extended scenes, most of which involve naked bodies and sexual activity. None of the new scenes change the plot or ending.
-New cover
-Tighter writer
-Professional editing
-Professional formatting
Do I HAVE to read this version to read the sequel?
-Nope. But it’s only $2.51, and it is a great refresher before Masked Innocence.
Will my current version update automatically?
-Unfortunately no. The current version has a completely different ISBN number, so your Kindle will not update it.
When does the sequel come out?
-On February 25th. I know it has been a long wait, and really appreciate your patience – it is ALMOST here!!
You can preorder it here: http://tinyurl.com/mq55qdn
And there is a third book?
-Yes, The End of the Innocence, Book 3, comes out one month after the sequel, on March 25th!
Where can I purchase the new edition of Blindfolded Innocence?
- So glad you asked! http://tinyurl.com/pf7uk29
Happy Release Day FAQ:
What is different about this edition?
-More scenes: This version has a few extra/extended scenes, most of which involve naked bodies and sexual activity. None of the new scenes change the plot or ending.
-New cover
-Tighter writer
-Professional editing
-Professional formatting
Do I HAVE to read this version to read the sequel?
-Nope. But it’s only $2.51, and it is a great refresher before Masked Innocence.
Will my current version update automatically?
-Unfortunately no. The current version has a completely different ISBN number, so your Kindle will not update it. 
When does the sequel come out?
-On February 25th. I know it has been a long wait, and really appreciate your patience – it is ALMOST here!!
You can preorder it here: http://tinyurl.com/mq55qdn
And there is a third book?
-Yes, The End of the Innocence, Book 3, comes out one month after the sequel, on March 25th!
Where can I purchase the new edition of Blindfolded Innocence?
- So glad you asked! http://tinyurl.com/pf7uk29
Happy Release Day!
Happy Release Day FAQ:
What is different about this edition?
-More scenes: This version has a few extra/extended scenes, most of which involve naked bodies and sexual activity. None of the new scenes change the plot or ending.
-New cover
-Tighter writer
-Professional editing
-Professional formatting
Do I HAVE to read this version to read the sequel?
-Nope. But it’s only $2.51, and it is a great refresher before Masked Innocence.
Will my current version update automatically?
-Unfortunately no. The current version has a completely different ISBN number, so your Kindle will not update it.
When does the sequel come out?
-On February 25th. I know it has been a long wait, and really appreciate your patience – it is ALMOST here!!
You can preorder it here: http://tinyurl.com/mq55qdn
And there is a third book?
-Yes, The End of the Innocence, Book 3, comes out one month after the sequel, on March 25th!
Where can I purchase the new edition of Blindfolded Innocence?
- So glad you asked! http://tinyurl.com/pf7uk29
Happy Release Day FAQ:
What is different about this edition?
-More scenes: This version has a few extra/extended scenes, most of which involve naked bodies and sexual activity. None of the new scenes change the plot or ending.
-New cover
-Tighter writer
-Professional editing
-Professional formatting
Do I HAVE to read this version to read the sequel?
-Nope. But it’s only $2.51, and it is a great refresher before Masked Innocence.
Will my current version update automatically?
-Unfortunately no. The current version has a completely different ISBN number, so your Kindle will not update it.
When does the sequel come out?
-On February 25th. I know it has been a long wait, and really appreciate your patience – it is ALMOST here!!
You can preorder it here: http://tinyurl.com/mq55qdn
And there is a third book?
-Yes, The End of the Innocence, Book 3, comes out one month after the sequel, on March 25th!
Where can I purchase the new edition of Blindfolded Innocence?
- So glad you asked! http://tinyurl.com/pf7uk29
January 25, 2014
January 21, 2014
Sneak Peek: Masked Innocence excerpt
The invitation came, as so many did, by private messenger, a tuxedoed male with the bone structure of a model. He wound through the halls of Clarke, De Luca & Broward with familiar ease, taking the elevator to the fourth floor and swinging through the heavy doors of the East Wing. Approaching the elevated semi-circle of secretarial desks, he stopped in front of the middle one, waiting patiently until the elegant women raised her silver head and looked at him.
“Yes? What can I help you with, sir?”
“I have a courier item for Mr. De Luca, ma’am.”
“You can hand it over. I’ll be sure that he gets it.”
“I apologize, but I am under strict instructions to deliver it only to Mr. De Luca.”
The woman pursed her lips, fixing him with a stern gaze that did nothing to alter the confident grin on his face. “I believe you have been here before Mr…”
“Martin. And yes, I have made deliveries here before.”
“Then, Mr. Martin, you are quite aware that Mr. De Luca is a very busy man. I will try to reach him via phone, but if I fail, you will have the option of leaving the item with me or returning at another time. I will not have you wandering around this lobby waiting for his return, understood?”
His grin still in place, he nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”
She turned, the wrinkles in her neck smoothing for one moment, and placed the phone to her ear.
***
Brad was mid-swing in the third stroke of a par four when his cell rang, vibrating inside his pocket, the one distraction he didn’t need at that point in time. He swore loudly as he watched the ball fade to the right, headed exactly where it shouldn’t, a loud splat confirming his error. He yanked his phone from his pocket and glanced at the display. “De Luca.”
“Mr. De Luca, there is a gentleman here, a Mr. Martin, who has an item that he will only deliver to you.”
“Let me talk to him, please.”
There was a rustle, silence, then “Hello?”
“This is Brad De Luca. Who is the item from?”
“Beverly Franklin, sir.”
Brad chuckled. “Okay. Just a moment.” He lifted his chin, going through the possibilities, then came to a decision.
“I’m going to give you a set of instructions, but I want to make sure that the secretary in front of you does not hear them. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Leave the wing you are in and return to the elevator banks. There will be an entrance there for the West Wing – Kent Broward’s name will be visible on the door. Enter there and ask for Julia Campbell. You can deliver the item to her. Just her.”
“Gotcha, Mr. D. See you later, sir.”
“Thank you.” He hung up the phone and approached the cart, nodding to the three men standing there. He would give anything to see Julia’s face when she opened the card.
***
I was elbow deep in transcript review when Chace Crawford, in a tuxedo, appeared in my doorway. Okay, so it wasn’t THE Chace Crawford, but enough of a look alike for me to momentarily forget Drueit vs Pace Contracting, which was a feat unto itself. I collected myself and waved him in.
“Can I help you?”
“I’m looking for Julia Campbell.”
“I’m Julia.” I stood, stepping forward and shaking the hand he extended.
“I’m Jeff Martin. I have a couriered item for Mr. De Luca, but he isn’t in. He said that I could give it to you.”
I looked at the embossed envelope he extended, my fingers reaching out and taking it before my mind had a chance to process the situation. “Thank you,” I said, smiling at him.
“Certainly.” He gave a small bow and smiled, turning and leaving the room.
I sat back down, leaning the envelope against my computer monitor and staring at it for a brief moment. Being Brad’s girlfriend was turning into a full time job.
I ignored the envelope and returned to the depositions, reading line after line of transcripts until my contacts started to dry out and I leaned back to take a break. The envelope stared at me, beautiful calligraphy dancing beneath exhausted eyes. I reached for my phone, and called Brad’s cell.
***
Brad parked his cart, tipping the bag drop boy and stepping up the wide steps of the hundred-year-old clubhouse. It had been built at a time when opulence and masculinity ruled the design world, and every ounce of the building reeked of old money and tradition. He walked through the wide hall, oil paintings and trophy cases, seeing his group of friends at the entrance to the cigar bar. His phone rang and he paused, glancing down and seeing Julia’s name. That took longer than expected. He smiled, holding up a finger to the men and stepping aside, leaning against the wall and answering the call.
“Hello, beautiful.”
“Hey. You got something.”
“And…did you open it?” He raised his eyebrows, waiting for her response.
“No,” she said indignantly. “It has your name on it.”
“Well, I had the courier bring it to you for a reason. It’s an invitation to a party.”
“And…?”
God, the woman was feisty. “And, I’d like you to come with me.”
She sighed into the phone. “As your secret girlfriend, I think I’m exempt from any of the boring social events you old people go to.”
Brad smiled at her words, moving off the wall and stepping forward. “It’s an orgy.”
Her breath caught, and he wished he were having this conversation in person. “Oh.”
“But… if that’s too dull and old-mannish for you, I can invite someone else.”
She hissed into the phone. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I most definitely would.”
There was silence for a minute and Brad stopped walking and waited.
“Where’s the party?”
“Does it matter?”
“Humor me.”
“I’m assuming it’s at the hosts’ home. In Irongate.”
“Oooh … fancy. Do you know anyone who will be there?”
“I know the hosts. They typically throw a relatively small party, fifteen or twenty couples, a few singles. There will be group play and private rooms. If you feel up to it, we could just observe, maybe hook up with a single or a couple in a private room if you want. Or, we can just stop in, let you see how it works, and leave.”
There was a pause, rustled papers, then an abrupt response. “Okay.”
Her agreement came quicker than he expected, and he grinned into the phone.
“Okay. You officially have a date. Read the invitation, we’ll talk later.” He smiled into the phone, then looked up as one of his friends walked by, slapping him on the shoulder. “I have to go.”
“Okay. WAIT!” The urgency in her voice made him pause.
“What?”
“It’s this Friday, which doesn’t exactly give me time to shop. What’s the dress code?”
“Something sexy. No panties.” He hung up the phone and walked forward, sliding it into his pocket.
***
I murmured some form of parting and hung up the phone, flipping the envelope over and running my fingers over the wax seal. I grabbed a letter opener and worked it gently under the flap, careful not to rip the paper as I opened it. I slid out a card, stiff and folded, Brad De Luca printed in perfect calligraphy on the front. Dropping the envelope, I opened the card, almost afraid of what was inside.
Big surprise, an invitation. I pushed away from my desk, spinning the chair in a small circle as I read it.
~***~
What: Masked Innocence
When: This Friday, 10pm till dawn
Where: The Franklin Estate, IronGate
Attire: Masked Sexy
Consideration: $5000/couple
We welcome you to our quarterly party. The theme is Masked Innocence. Please dress accordingly. As always, we must have your current credentials on file. Party rules are standard, but are listed below for your reminder. We look forward to your presence.
Ladies make the rules.
No means no.
Men cannot approach women.
Proper Credentials and Protection required.
~***~
I tapped the invitation against my desk and thought. I had shot out a response to Brad, not really thinking through the implications of what I was signing up for. I wasn’t ready for this. A threesome was one thing. A masked orgy was something entirely different. I had to remember what Brad had said. We could just stop in, see how it works, and leave. I could handle that. Piece of cake.
***
Masked Innocence, the sequel to Blindfolded Innocence, will be released in ebook and print on February 25, 2013.
You can preorder it here: http://tinyurl.com/mq55qdn
Also, sign up here for my monthly newsletter and get sneak peeks at upcoming releases and access to exclusive giveaways.
Girl in 6E
Update: The Girl in 6E. Please forgive the error, but when the new version of The Girl in 6E hit ebook stands, it’s price was incorrectly posted as $9.99. This will be corrected, but might not take effect until Jan 28th. The corrected price will be $3.99.
I apologize for the confusion. Thanks so much for your patience!
Alessandra
Price error - The Girl in 6E
Please forgive the error, but when the new version of The Girl in 6E hit ebook stands, it's price was incorrectly posted as $9.99. This will be corrected, but might not take effect until Jan 28th. The corrected price will be $3.99.
I apologize for the confusion. Thanks so much for your patience!
Alessandra
I apologize for the confusion. Thanks so much for your patience!
Alessandra
January 17, 2014
FAQ about The Girl in 6E’s rerelease
FAQ on The Girl in 6E:
What’s different about the ebook releasing on Jan 21st?
– The new version is over 100 pages longer. It has a new ending, more development on the romance side, and new events, additional character development, and is professionally edited and formatted. I would strongly suggest, if you enjoyed 6E in its original form, to get this version. Especially if you plan on reading the sequel, which won’t release until 2015.
Will my current ebook update automatically?
– No, unfortunately, you will have to purchase the new version. It will be $3.99. If you prefer print copies over ebook, you could wait — a hardback copy will be available in bookstores in July. You can preorder it now on Amazon and save $5.00 off its price.
Will you have any giveaways to celebrate its release?
– There will be major giveaways this summer, surrounding the print release. For now, I will be giving away 2 signed paperback ARCs – look for a giveaway to be posted on Tuesday (release day).
Is it a cliffhanger?
–No. It doesn’t have the complete ‘they sailed off into the sunset and lived happily ever’ ending of the original version – but it is not a cliffhanger. You will not be kept hanging, waiting on the sequel. The sequel is about a separate chain of events that happens in Deanna’s life.
Is it worth getting the new version?
–YES! Honestly, you really should. This story has improved so much – yet kept the same vibe. I’m really happy about the story it grew into.
If you have any other questions, please shoot me an email at alessandratorre4@gmail.com or contact me via Facebook or Twitter (@ReadAlessandra).
xoxo
Alessandra
What’s different about the ebook releasing on Jan 21st?
– The new version is over 100 pages longer. It has a new ending, more development on the romance side, and new events, additional character development, and is professionally edited and formatted. I would strongly suggest, if you enjoyed 6E in its original form, to get this version. Especially if you plan on reading the sequel, which won’t release until 2015.
Will my current ebook update automatically?
– No, unfortunately, you will have to purchase the new version. It will be $3.99. If you prefer print copies over ebook, you could wait — a hardback copy will be available in bookstores in July. You can preorder it now on Amazon and save $5.00 off its price.
Will you have any giveaways to celebrate its release?
– There will be major giveaways this summer, surrounding the print release. For now, I will be giving away 2 signed paperback ARCs – look for a giveaway to be posted on Tuesday (release day).
Is it a cliffhanger?
–No. It doesn’t have the complete ‘they sailed off into the sunset and lived happily ever’ ending of the original version – but it is not a cliffhanger. You will not be kept hanging, waiting on the sequel. The sequel is about a separate chain of events that happens in Deanna’s life.
Is it worth getting the new version?
–YES! Honestly, you really should. This story has improved so much – yet kept the same vibe. I’m really happy about the story it grew into.
If you have any other questions, please shoot me an email at alessandratorre4@gmail.com or contact me via Facebook or Twitter (@ReadAlessandra).
xoxo
Alessandra
