Pepper Winters's Blog, page 45

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The most amazing, supportive blogger ever–Ing Cruz is helping put together a review / blog tour for Tears of Tess in September. If you’d love to receive an ARC, be part of a giant giveaway and support a new Dark Romance then sign up on her blog, or fill in this form: 

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Vision Board 1 for Tears of Tess

Updated blurb for Tears of Tess

A New Adult Dark Contemporary Romance, not suitable for people sensitive to grief, slavery, and nonconsensual sex. A story about finding love in the strangest of places, a will of iron that grows from necessity, and forgiveness that may not be enough.

 

“My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.

Then it all changed.

I was sold.”

 

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

 

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul-connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world.

 

But lusty paradise is shattered.

Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror.

Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold.

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?

Tears of Tess: Chapter Three

Here’s Chapter Three.

 

Unedited / First Draft. Be kind

 

Chapter Three

copyright Pepper Winters 

The pool was everything I could’ve hoped for.

A sprawling blue finger of sparkling water, flowing under bridges, around islands of palm trees, leading right onto the beach. The crisp teal of the pool radiated against the dark sapphire of the sea, like a jewel box of priceless gems.

Already my skin pricked with sweat and we’d only just left our room. My white bikini, embroidered with little black seahorses, made my skin look darker than it really was, and my little flower crocheted sundress shot glimpses of flesh through the needlework. Both items I’d bought at the Melbourne markets a few days ago. I wanted to look hot for Brax. I hadn’t been working out this hard at the university gym for nothing.

I was in the best shape of my life, tight and toned, and I had every intention of flashing my man.

Maybe that was why my libido was sky-high. Didn’t people say your sex drive increased when you exercised?

I peered at Brax across the table, eating his breakfast of fresh fruit and cereal. He wasn’t like a typical Aussie builder. He didn’t eat pies or junk food. He took care of himself, and his exercise came in the form of lugging bricks and timber around in the toiling Melbourne sun.

He crunched a mouthful of muesli, watching me with an amused look. “You’re spacing again, Tessie. Anything you want to tell me?”

He was so adorable in his baby-blue t-shirt and baggy white shorts. The poster boy of holiday chic. His hair was damp from his shower and a droplet of milk trembled on his lower lip.

My stomach clenched. I’d been unsuccessful to get him in the mood this morning. Food was the only thing on his brain. But now we’d eaten… so… I had a plan.

“I think I want to give you your present now.” My voice slipped into sultry and Brax swallowed. He reached for my hand across the table, squeezing my fingers.

“I’d like to see your present.”

Emotions scorched me and I grinned. “Great.”

“Can you give it to me by the pool? I’d love to go and digest brekkie. Plus I’m dying to get wet.”

I burst out laughing. Brax saying wet just sounded wrong. It wasn’t in the context I wanted but it didn’t sound hot coming out of his mouth. An image of me giving Brax his present by the pool shot into my head and I blushed.

He frowned, releasing my hand. “What’s so funny?””

Shaking my head, I ruffled my hair and gave him a soft smile. Ah Brax. “Your present isn’t exactly fit for public viewing.”

He ducked his head, looking at me through half-lidded eyes. The blueness of his gaze made me wriggle in my chair.

“You’re determined to drag me back to that hotel room, aren’t you?”

My lips parted. Oh my, was Brax playing with me? Finally! I nodded, not able to say a word.

He gave me an indulgent smile and pulled me from my chair. Other guests at tables close by grinned as Brax hugged me. He whispered in my ear, “Let me swim for an hour. Then I’m all yours.”

My heart raced, kicking against my ribs. “Promise?”

His answer was a peck on my lips.

We left the outdoor restaurant hands linked, carrying our beach bag with our kindles, sunscreen, and water. The best loungers around the pool had already been taken. Couples, and families all lay sweaty and content under the Mexican rays.

“We’ll go on the beach. I think I remember them saying you could hire cabanas for a few hours. Some shade would be good.”

I squeezed his hand. I knew he would prefer to be in the sun, but I couldn’t handle much. My skin was so white it lived up to my last name Snow rather well. Guilt crushed me like the force of a wave. After everything Brax gave me, after how considerate and kind he was… why did I need more? I was a heartless bitch and didn’t deserve him.

As we tip-toed across hot sand and squinted into bright sun, I made a promise: I would back off. I didn’t want Brax to feel uncomfortable around me. And that was what I was doing. After two years, I couldn’t force him to change.

A small layer of sadness settled around my heart. I loved Brax and I needed to remember that the next time I listed with disappointment.

Be nicer, Tess. Give him what he needs. 

I jerked him to a stop and quickly kissed his cheek. “Thanks for everything. You’re far too good to me.”

Brax captured my cheek with calloused fingers, staring into my eyes. The sun highlighted reddy-brown strands in his hair. “I’m never letting you go, Tess.” He dropped his hand and captured my silver bracelet. “I hope you know this isn’t just a bracelet to me.” His fingers stroked the underside of my arm, sending tremors through me. “It’s a promise of more. When I can afford what I want to give you, I’ll make you mine.”

I leaned in and hugged him tight. “I’m already yours.” His chest was hot beneath his t-shirt and the smell of his body spray was strong. I smiled. “Let’s go for a swim before you melt.”

He chuckled and led us further down the beach.

Mexico was like a perfect screensaver. Bright blue sea, golden sand, not a hint of clouds or dreariness. I had to put my flip-flops back on as the sand scolded my soles and little plumes of granules kicked up as we made our way to a corral of cabanas. Grass roofed and hexagonal, they had a two daybeds and a small side table between them.

An attendant with walnut skin and black hair covered by a large, floppy hat came forward. “You want to rent one?”

Brax nodded, shuffling the beach bag on his shoulder. “How much?”

“One hundred and thirty pesos for two hours.”

I tried to do the mental calculation in my head, but hadn’t studied the exchange rate when we arrived so late last night.

Brax frowned, working it out before saying, “That’s about ten bucks.” Nodding at the man, he added, “Okay. Two hours.”

The common shade of disappointment tried to take me over again, but I batted it away like a cat with a rodent. I would not be disappointed; I’d resolved not to show Brax my present. I wouldn’t ruin our trip by making him embarrassed.

Brax looked at me, worry glinting in his eyes. “Two hours, hon. Is that alright with you?”

I breathed deep breath and smiled bright. “Two hours is perfect.”

***

Four hours later we opened the door to our hotel room and collapsed on the bed. I groaned in bliss as the cool breeze of the whirring air conditioner helped calm my sun-cooked skin.

Brax belly-flopped next to me, his stocky legs dangling off the bed.

My skin itched with sticky salt from swimming in the ocean and my nose was tight with sunburn. I didn’t want to be in the sun for the rest of the day. I was done being a barbeque.

Brax groaned and rolled onto his back. “I think we should’ve stuck to two hours only.”

I rolled next to him, putting my head on his chest. “I told you. But you wanted to extend.”

He chuckled and his chest hair tickled my ear. “It was fun though, right? That cabana was kickass.”

I kissed his salty nipple. “It was a great idea. Those cocktails were tasty, too. I don’t think I’ve ever poked myself in the eye before with a mini sword stuck through a glazed cherry.”

Brax shifted onto his side, jostling me off him and onto the mattress. “You okay?” His finger brushed away damp blonde curls and I sighed happily. “Do you need me to kiss it better?”

I stopped breathing as he very tenderly kissed my left eye, then my right. His hot breath bathed my skin in awareness and I squirmed. Somehow, even though I’d promised myself not to react so desperately to Brax, my body ignored all my strict rules.

He ran his nose along mine, breathing shallow. We kept eye contact as he kissed me. It started innocent. Sweet. Caring, like everything about Brax, but slowly he titled his head to kiss me deeper. His hand dropped to my waist, dragging me closer, pushing me harder into the mattress. His tongue licked mine in gentle invitation.

I clenched my hands as my body begged for more. I moaned as he nibbled my bottom lip and reached behind my neck to undo my bikini. My hips raised involuntarily, pressing into his. He paused a fraction, before kissing me hard.

Everything clenched, revved, and grew slick with need.

Do not attack him.  Do not attack him.

I forced myself to keep my hands by my sides, to accept what Brax gave me. If I had my way, I’d flip him on his back, straddle him, and wrench his shorts down. I didn’t need foreplay. I needed him in me with a passion that squeezed my lungs and left me breathless.

Brax stopped kissing me, both our breathing ragged. “Can you show me your present now?”

Passion fizzled to fear. I didn’t want to show him anymore. He was happy with vanilla and missionary. I didn’t want to make him think I was a sexual deviant.

I sat up, pushing him off me. “I forgot to bring it. I’m so sorry.”

He sat up, running hands through his hair. “Why did you do that?”

I blinked. “Do what?”

“Lie. You never lie.”

Shame shimmered over my skin and I plucked at the fiesta bedspread. “I’m sorry, Brax. I just—I just don’t want to show you anymore.”

His back straightened and he sucked in a breath. “Why? What’s changed?”

Useless tears bruised my eyes. Why the hell was I tearing up? It wasn’t bad. It was just different. But I no longer wanted different. I wanted to please Brax. I was over being selfish.

He ducked, looking into my watery gaze. “Hey, Tess. What is it? Tell me.” He pulled me into his lap and I 

huddled into his chest. What if I told him and he hated me? What if he pulled away and left me alone like my parents did. What if he called me a mistake, just like them?

I didn’t answer, letting him rock me. Trying to unjumble my tangled thoughts.

Brax murmured, “Remember how we met? What you said to me?”

Of course I remembered. He made me bleed. Wasn’t exactly first meeting etiquette.  I giggled quietly. “I called you an ass.”

He laughed. “Not that.” He stroked my back, diving into past memories. “I was walking Blizzard on the beach and threw a stick for him. Out of nowhere this girl appeared out of control on a kite board and catapulted out of the surf and right into the face of my husky.”

A phantom injury twinged at the memory. I was a flipping idiot to think I could kite board. It had been a ‘get outside my comfort zone’ attempt. It failed. Rather drastically.

Brax continued, “Your kite took off down the beach and it took me half an hour to unrobble you from my dog with all those strings and harness. When I finally got you free, you were bleeding pretty bad from your shoulder and had a black eye. My poor dog had a sore paw and a broken stick.” He laughed.

The broken stick had been why I had a bleeding shoulder.

“Then I asked if you wanted to go to the hospital, and you asked if you it was that bad. I didn’t want you to freak out, so I lied. I said it was just a scratch, when in reality it was a gaping hole, gushing with blood and bits of bark sticking out of it. I just didn’t know what to say.”

I flinched. It was pretty bad. Earned me eight stitches, but Brax never left my side at the hospital. Even brought me lilies the next day and a dove shaped soft toy while I healed.

“I lied and you said….”

“Never lie. The truth hurts less than fibs and fakers.” I remember that day as if it happened two hours ago. I hurt because it had been my eighteenth birthday and my parents forgot. My older brother earned a promotion at the pharmaceutical company where he worked. My parents took him out to dinner without me, saying it was imperative they supported Jim in his new future and I could fend for myself.

“The truth hurts less than fibs and fakers,” Brax repeated. “That’s always stayed with me as it’s so honest and raw. It told me so much about you and made me fall in love. I related to you so much. So many people lied to me about my parent’s death. Glossing over the darkness, hiding the gnarly truth. They didn’t even let me see their bodies due to the graphicness of how they died.” His arms latched tighter, pressing me hard against him. “Not having the chance to say goodbye will haunt me. And not knowing the truth about why they crashed will eat at my soul.”

His eyes burned into mine. “So, Tess. Don’t lie to me. The truth is the only path for us.”

I nodded. He was right. I should never have brought it up if I didn’t have the guts to follow through.

I wriggled off his lap and went to my suitcase. Unzipping the side pocket where I’d hidden the vibrator, I took the plastic bag with my new lingerie and hid them behind my back. Sucking in a deep breath, I said, “I’ll be right back.”

Brax watched me with confusion but nodded.

I retreated into the bathroom and flicked the lock. Placing the bag in the sink, I stared at my reflection. You can do this. Just be honest. Everything else…we can work through it. This was a good thing. The next step in our relationship. It would make us stronger.

I took my time shedding my bikini and stepping into the lacy purple g-string and making my boob spill over the top of the push-up bra. My skin was kissed with sunlight and a sprinkling of freckles erupted on my nose. Damn freckles.

My fingers trembled as I unrolled the nylons up my leg and snapped the garter belt clips to keep them up. Once I finished, I looked like a beach sprite trying to be sexy and coy. I looked ridiculous.

Confidence was elusive as something sharp stabbed my lower back. I twisted to investigate and found the tag from the store. I hadn’t even removed the tags I was so afraid it would be a waste of money.

With a quick tug, I ripped the price tag off and threw it in the bin. Ruffling my hair, I sucked in my belly and stepped out of the bathroom.

Brax sprawled on the bed. He sat up on his elbows the moment I came into the room. His jaw hung open. Desire exploded in his eyes, sparking something deep inside me even under the fear of rejection.

He scooted higher, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Wow…”

With the flash of heat building inside, I rushed ahead before he could say anything else. I pulled the vibrator out from behind my back. The little rabbit sticking out of the purple glitter phallus made my cheeks flame with self-consciousness.

Brax swallowed, staring at my most personal possession.

“I want us to be more adventurous,” I mumbled, then rushed, “I love you and love our sex life, but I just thought—well, I’d like to see—if, um…”

Brax got off the bed, coming toward me slowly. He ripped his t-shirt off at the same time, leaving me to gape like a guppy.

“You want more?”

More. Such a dangerous word. I shook my head. “Not more. Different.”

Pain flashed in his eyes and was gone.

“Not all the time. Only, sometimes…”

His fingers shook as he reached for my vibrator. “You use this?” He hovered a finger over the sliding power button. I couldn’t swallow, I was so mortified. Why did I think this would be sexy, fun? It was horrifying. Like flaying myself and asking Brax to tie me up and punish me.

Stupid. So stupid.

Brax slid the bar up and the gentle whir filled the room. I looked away as he pressed the power higher.

“Different?” His voice was full of lostness and my heart shattered. I’d made him doubt. Made him think he wasn’t enough. Shit.

I grabbed the vibrator, hating it in that moment. I turned the power off, ripped out the batteries, and threw it all in the bin. “Forget it, Brax. It was a stupid idea. I just want you okay? Please, don’t hate me.”

He shook himself, his hands dropping to his sides. “Tess, you have me. But if I’m not enough—”

I froze then charged into his arms, tugging him to the bed, I lay down and pulled him on top of me. “You’re enough. More than enough.”

His eyes dropped to my breasts and he caressed the soft mound of flesh. “You’re stunning. I love how hot you are in sexy underwear.” He kissed me and I breathed a sigh of relief.

“But you’re sexy all the time. You could be in a sack and I’d still love you.”

See, that just showed me how damn shallow I was. I loved that Brax was well built, solid, dependable, but if he started wearing jogging pants and stinky clothes I wouldn’t be attracted anymore. Was I so superficial?

Brax reached behind me and undid my bra. He uncapped my breasts slowly and dipped his head to suck my nipple. Heat radiated right to my core and I melted.

Brax still loved me. That’s all that mattered. Nothing else. Not kinky sex or spicing up the bedroom. I was a lucky, lucky girl.

I bit Brax’s collarbone and he groaned. His erection pressed into my belly and I eased his shorts down his hips. He arched to help me and we rolled together so he could take off my fifty dollar knickers that I wore for all of ten seconds.

Brax settled between my thighs and I sighed with lust as he pressed inside me. His erection filled me, sending waves of homeliness and safety rather than mind-shattering passion.

We rocked together as he kissed me. Raining me with delicate affection and soft embraces.

My body responded, growing wetter, reaching for a release, but just as I thought I might be able to climax, Brax groaned and thrust harder. He collapsed on top of me, sandwiching me between his mass and the mattress.

I stared at the ceiling battling so many thoughts and not all of them made sense. I did the only thing I could in that moment and wrapped my arms around my lovely boyfriend.

 

Tears of Tess: Chapter Two

Chapter Two of Tears of Tess

Copyright Pepper Winters

First Draft / Unedited.

Somewhere, hundreds of kilometres above earth, I woke up to dry recirculated air and the sickening smell of over nuked dinners.

Brax brushed his lips on my forehead. “Dinner is being served, honey.”

I shuffled upright in my prison of a chair and winced at how flat my butt was. Holy hell it took a long time to travel across the world. The stop in Los Angeles had been the worst, though. Such a long and boring wait.

An air-hostess wheeled her trolley slowly down the aisle, smiling fakely and handing out tinfoil wrapped trays.

“What do you want?” Brax blinked, slapping a hand over his wide yawn.

I knew how he felt. I was bone-weary. All I wanted was a hot shower, a soft bed, and Brax to cuddle into me. I shrugged. “I dunno. What were the options again?” I couldn’t remember what the choices were; it was so many hours ago.

The air-hostess arrived at our row, beaming. “Chicken casserole or beef stir-fry?”

Both of those sounded woefully unappealing but I said, “Chicken, please.”

Brax ordered the beef and silence reined while we ate. The little screens in front of us had a selection of movies, but I wasn’t in the mood to watch TV. I wanted to talk to Brax, get excited about our trip away together. Whenever I thought about arriving at the hotel all I wanted to do was kiss him like crazy.

I couldn’t stop the flutters in the darkest part of my belly. The knowledge that I’d finally talk to him about what I needed sexually terrified and thrilled me.

Brax smiled, chewing a piece of broccoli. “What you thinking about? You have a space cadet look.”

I dropped my eyes, shoving a piece of dried chicken around. Should I tell him? Would he want me as much as I wanted him or would it freak him out if I talked so blatantly about a subject he was rather shy on? I sucked in a breath. “I was thinking how much I love you and how much I can’t wait to be with you in bed.”

His face softened, looking so handsome in the dim interior lights. His smooth jaw, his blue eyes and floppy brown hair. His strong arms and stocky build screamed builder. Hell, I loved that he was so big and strong. He could dominate me so easily… but never did. He treated me like glass. Special cut-crystal. Put me on a pedestal where I had to shine and remain dust free and perfect.

He ducked his head to press his forehead against mine. “I love you too, Tess. I’m so happy we’re spending this time alone. Even though I miss Blizzard already.”

I grinned, nuzzling against his neck. “Damn dog has probably howled the neighbourhood down by now.”

He laughed; the sound reverberated under my touch, making me tingle. “Probably. I hope Joe knows how to take care of a husky.”

I did too. They weren’t exactly lap dogs. More wolf than dog to be fair.

Brax pushed his meal away as much as he could on the tiny tray table and awkwardly reached into his pocket. “I have a present for you. To remind you of this amazing holiday.”

I couldn’t breathe. My tongue turned into a brick, my saliva morphed to mortar. His hand dropped a long black velvet box onto my tray table. He rubbed the back of his neck. “I know we’ve been together for two years, and I love you with all my heart, Tess. But each year that I spend with you I grow more and more nervous that I’m going to lose you.”

Suddenly the cabin stifled with old ghosts and demons from both our pasts. I leaned over and kissed his lips gently, just the way he liked. My heart hurt for him. Would he ever get over losing his parents? The doctors said his night-terrors would stop eventually, but it’d been six years since his folks died and still he couldn’t fall asleep without pills.

I whispered, “You will never lose me, B. Never. I swear it.” I kissed him again and this time his lips opened under mine. His tongue flickered and licked my lower lip sending heat shooting like little stars right to my core.

I moaned and pressed harder, opening wider, forcing more intensity.

He pulled back and smirked shyly, his eyes darting around the cabin as if we’d get told off by the pilots.

Sighing I murmured, “Can I open it now?”

His face flashed with confusion. “What?”

Feminine satisfaction filled me that I’d distracted him enough with my kiss he’d forgotten the black box in front of me. “The gift. Can I open it now or wait till we get to the hotel?” Boldness sizzled in my blood and I leaned forward. “Because I have a present for you too, but I have to wait till we arrive.” My voice layered with husky welcome and his nostrils flared.

“Y—you can open it now.”

I grinned and grabbed the box. Happier, lighter than I’d been for a while. Brax was responding to me. A captive audience I supposed. I didn’t have to compete with TV, PlayStation, work, or the damn dog. It was just me. Me and my libido.

I cracked open the box and my heart flurried.  “Brax, it’s… gorgeous.”

“You like it?” His voice heighted to boyish delight and he plucked the bracelet from its cage of velvet.

“I don’t like it. I love it.” I placed the box on my lap and held my wrist out. I couldn’t tear my eyes off the dainty silver jewellery. It was the epitome of us. Gentle love hearts entwined with silver strands, the occasional glint of diamonds at the centre of each heart.

Brax’s fingertips grazed the underside of my wrist as he secured the clasp. I shivered, sucking in a shaky breath. My mouth parted watching his fingers as they hovered over my skin.

“Tess… I—”

Tension blossomed between us like a fast unfurling flower and I ached. Ached for him. Ached for connection. Ached for his body inside mine. Something hot seared us and Brax clenched his jaw.

Then he dropped his eyes and the spell was broken.

Pretending that nothing happened, I rested my head on his shoulder and inspected my new bracelet. “I’ll never take it off.”

He sighed, snuggling closer and kissed the top of my head. “Don’t. I don’t want you to. It’s yours forever. Just like me.”

I inhaled sharply, breathing in his soft apple scent from our shared body wash. Would he ever stop making me hurt and heal at the same time?

“Forever,” I whispered and closed my eyes.

***

Next time I awoke, tyres bounced on runway and in a foggy haze of tiredness we disembarked. The airport was manic, even at one a.m. in the morning and we let the sea of passengers guide us through immigration and processing.

By the time we headed outside to the awaiting taxi’s my eyes were scratchy like a cat had mistaken them for cat-nip and my mind was cotton wool.

I let Brax lead the way—after all, this trip was his creation, and followed obediently while he found our driver to the hotel.

“Stay here. I’m going to ask at the info desk. The hotel should’ve arranged for a shuttle.”

He parked the suitcases by the curb and I took his laptop sachet blocking it with my feet. I plonked on top of one of the cases.  “No problem. I’ll guard the bags.”

He caressed my cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

I smiled up and captured his hand as he pulled away. “I’ll miss you till then.” He turned and headed back the way we came and I admired his fine butt in his baggy jeans. Just once I’d love to see him in a nice suit. Or at least some trousers that fit him. No matter how many compliments I rained on him, Brax was forever self-conscious. Silly man. He didn’t see the way other woman looked at him, but I did. My claws unsheathed every time.

Ten minutes passed while I sat in the little oasis of people that our bags created. Nerves steadily grew every minute that passed. Mexico was loud, boisterous and the air was heavy and wet with humidity. We were used to the heat in Australia, but that was dry heat. This, it saturated my clothes and turned my sleek hair limp like a drowned feather.

“Excuse me, Senorito.”

I twisted on the case and looked behind me. A good looking Mexican man took off a baseball cap and bowed slightly. His black eyes assessed me, making me squirm on the inside.

“Yes?” I asked, standing upright, looking for Brax out the corner of my eye. Where the hell was he?

“I wondered if you were here on your own? Do you need a lift somewhere? I have a taxi. I can take you wherever you need to go.”

His smile was bright, showing stained teeth, his skin crinkled around his eyes in a friendly way. My instincts didn’t flare into panic and I relaxed a little. “I’m here with my boyfri—”

“Tess?” Brax appeared like an apparition from the hustle and bustle, glaring at the man. “Can I help you?”

The man backed up and put his baseball cap back on. “Not at all, senor. Just wanting to make sure such a pretty girl stays safe. This city is not good for women alone.”

Brax puffed up his chest and dragged me toward him. My eyes widened as his arm clenched around my shoulders, strong, protective, dominating.

He held me like I dreamed of. He held me with passion.

I think I swooned a little.

“She’s save. Thanks for your concern.” He turned to me, dismissing the man entirely. “I’ve found the shuttle, you ready to go?”

I nodded and looked to where the man had been, but he’d disappeared. Oh well.

Dragging our suitcases, we made it to the shuttle bus and spent the next forty-five minutes bouncing and swerving on Mexican roads. My heart remained in my throat most of the way. Traffic lights meant nothing, and scooters were given right of way as they gave cars no choice. Pedestrians and cyclists all heaved in a massive living organism on the roads and it was two a.m. in the morning.

Life never slept here. Every bar front we passed, pumping with Salsa and spicy tunes, dispelled my sleepiness. I wanted to get out and dance. To rub against Brax, to drink yummy cocktails and enjoy ourselves.

I loved Mexico. 

We finally pulled up outside a sweeping resort with huge carvings of sombreros and tropical fruit with a fountain that almost touched the three story high ceiling.

A bellhop took our luggage and I let Brax do his thing and check us in. I wandered with bliss in my heart and wonderment in my eyes. The resort was a living jungle. Palm trees, ferns, and exoticness in every corner. Marble and quartz, bare wood, and trickling fountains.

My body thrummed with anticipation. I didn’t care we’d been awake for a full twenty-four hours. I wanted to explore. I wanted to walk along the beach that I could hear not far away. I wanted to go skinny dipping and make love to Brax under the moonlight.

Arms banded around my waist, pulling me backward. I gasped as I landed against hard muscle and wrinkled clothing. Brax kissed my collarbone and I shuddered. “Ready for bed, hon?”

Oh yes I was ready for bed. More than ready.

I nodded breathlessly.

Brax swivelled me in his arms and took my hand luggage from my shoulder. A bell hop stood behind us, smiling indulgently. “Please go ahead, I’ll bring your luggage.”

“What room are we?” I asked Brax as he looked at a little booklet with our key card enclosed. “Room 1498. The receptionist said we have to go up two levels and turn left.”

We entered the lift, the bell hop squeezing in with us. The mirrored interior shot images of us from every direction. My hair was a tangled bird’s nest, my sheer blouse crumbled and ready for a wash, but my grey-blue eyes sparkled with lust and love.

I hoped Brax saw what twinkled in my soul. What I wanted to do with him.

His own blue eyes were warm and content as we disembarked the lift and made our way to our room. The corridor was a wide balcony, open-air with huge potted ferns and little cosy seats arranged for privacy.

“This one if you please, sir.” The bell hop said, directing us to a door we walked by.

Brax grinned and inserted the key card; once he placed the card in the little holder by the door, soft light spilled around us and I moved forward in a trance.

The room was perfect Mexican décor. Carved wood, bright paintings. The bedspread was a fiesta of colours and textures. There was even a hand woven rug in purples, reds, and yellows.

I squealed in childhood amazement and dashed out onto the balcony. In front, in the gloom of darkness, the sound of waves slapping against sound hushed over my skin.

Heaven. I was in heaven.

Brax tipped the bell hop and closed the door. I twisted to face him, breathing accelerating. We were alone, after a crazy long journey.

My new bracelet tinkled on my wrist, making my heart overflow with joy. I stepped toward him and he held out his arms. I fitted into his embrace perfectly and he rested his chin on my head. “Sorry I couldn’t afford five stars, hon.”

My eyes widened. We were in the middle of a dream and he was worried that he couldn’t give me five stars. Oh poor man, always striving for more than he could have. Never satisfied, always terrified he wouldn’t get what he needed.

I didn’t respond. Instead, I reached up and captured his face in my hot hands. I stared into his eyes, hungry, hot. Then kissed him.

He tilted his head allowing me to slink my tongue between his lips, but he didn’t gather me closer.

I kissed him harder, pressing against his body with urgency growing out of control. I was too hot. I needed him too much. Too long.

He smiled beneath my kisses, twisting his lips. “What’s got into you, Tess? You can’t keep your hands off me.”

I blushed. “Is it so bad I want you? Need you? We’re in a new country. Can we celebrate our first night?” My eyes flew to the bed then back to his gaze.  “We could have a shower together, then I can show you my present.”

My present of fish net tights and garter belt. The ridiculously expensive push-up bra I bought and the strawberry massage oil. I trembled at the thought of Brax sliding over me smelling fruity sweet. Of making his eyes darken, his body turn feral because he needed me so much.

He pecked my lips and groaned. “I’m knackered, Tessie. Can we rain check till the morning?”

Disappointment fogged my lungs but I let himself untangle from my arms and nodded. “I understand.”

Tears of Tess: First Chapter

As promised here is the first chapter of Tears of Tess.

Raw, first draft, unedited, probably pretty crap, but would love your thoughts!

Copyright Pepper Winters

 

Chapter One

“Where are you taking me, Brax?” I giggled as my boyfriend of two years beamed his slightly crooked smile and plucked my suitcase from my hands.

We crossed the threshold of the airport and nerves of excitement fluttered furry wings.

A week ago Brax surprised me with a romantic dinner and an envelope. I’d grabbed him and squeezed him half to death when I pulled out two airplane tickets with their destinations blacked out with marker. I couldn’t finish my salmon penne I was so excited at the thought of going away with my perfect, kind, sweet boyfriend, Brax Cliffingstone.

He’d never been able to keep a secret before, hell he was shocking liar—I caught his fibs every time as his sky-blue eyes darted up and to the left, and his cute ears would blush. My man—the blushing king.

But somehow he kept quiet on where he was squirrelling me off to. Like any normal twenty year old woman, I searched our apartment ruthlessly. Raiding his underwear drawer, his PlayStation drawer, and all the other secret hidey-holes he might’ve kept the real plane reservations in. But nothing.

So, standing in Melbourne airport with a crazy happy boyfriend and nerves rioting in my heart, I could only grin like a stupid idiot.

“Not telling. The check-in clerk can be the one to ruin my surprise.” He chuckled. “If it were up to me, I wouldn’t tell you until we pulled up out front of the resort.” He dropped the suitcases and dragged me toward him. “In fact, I’d blindfold you until we got there. So it was all a complete surprise.”

My core clenched and my thoughts flared with hot thoughts; sexy thoughts of being blindfolded and completely at Brax’s mercy.

The sequined floaty top I wore became insubstantial as his hot fingers grazed my flesh. It’d been too long. Almost a month and a half. I knew because I remember the exact date where good ole missionary was a lacklustre affair.

As I grew older and got to know myself better, I recognized something I didn’t want to admit. Brax and I were different in the bedroom department. And I didn’t have the courage to tell him what amped my blood to lava and made me wet. And it wasn’t chaste kisses.

But my, having him tease me in public with the knowledge of a sexy trip away, hell my libido shot up to two hundred percent.

My eyes dropped to his shapely lips and my breath grew strained at having him so close. I loved this man, but I missed him at the same time. How was that possible? Life seemed to wedge between us: my university course took up a lot of my time in final exams and Brax’s boss had landed a new building contract in the heart of the city. With us working so many hours we neglected each other.

Each month we lived together trickled into another, and our love making sort of became second fiddle to Call of Duty and my research for property development.

But all of that would change.

Brax was taking me on holiday and I’d packed a few naughty surprises to give me courage to show him what I wanted. Right now, I had an insane desire to join the mile high club. I dropped my shoulder bag and grabbed the lapels of his beige canvas jacket.

His mouth parted in surprise and his eyes flashed as I leaned forward, capturing his mouth with mine. He tasted of orange juice and his lips were warm, so warm.

Brax’s hands landed on my shoulders, holding me at bay. Disappointment sat like a dead fish in my belly as he returned my kiss with closed lips and smiled sweetly. “Honey, you’re attacking me in a public place.”

I dropped my eyes, collecting my discarded bag. Please don’t let him see the rejection blazing in my grey-blue eyes. Brax used to say my eyes reminded him of a doves feathers as it flew across the sky. He was very poetic my Brax. But I didn’t want poetic anymore. I wanted… I didn’t know what I wanted.

Sighing, I smiled and forced happiness back into my body. “I just wanted to show how much I love you.” Threading my fingers with his, I gazed at the check-in desks in front of us. Passengers milled like fish in a pond, darting and weaving around groups stationary. Some groups cried goodbyes, some checked their passports and documentation. The vibe of an airport never failed to excite me. Not that I’d travelled a lot. Before my university course I went to Sydney to study the architecture there, and sketch. I loved to sketch buildings.  And when I was ten my parents took me and my brother to Bali for a week.

            Old hurt rose in my chest thinking of them. When I moved in with Brax eighteen months ago, I drifted apart from my parents. After all, they were almost seventy years old and were focused on other things rather than a daughter who was twenty years younger than their son, and labelled a mistake all her life.

            Wounds cut deep, lacerating with salt every time they joked to their friends that I was my brother’s child not theirs. How could they ever have another child in their early fifties? But they did, and sued the doctor who supposedly botched my father’s vasectomy.

            Rejection was an old enemy; I supposed that was why I needed to connect with Brax often. To have life affirming sex with him to remind me I was wanted by someone.

            Brax opened his arm wide, presenting the world to me. “Come along, Tess. Let’s go get checked in.”

            Excitement re-bubbled and happiness re-settled. Shoving away the ghosts of my past and the slight twinge of pain that Brax didn’t want me as violently as I wanted him, I let him lead me to a Qantas check-in desk.

            “Good morning. Could you please put your bags on the scales and give me your passports and tickets.” The girl smiled, her uniform immaculate, her make-up even more so. It was like she dunked her face in a bucket of foundation.

            I was always intimidated by women who wore a lot of make-up. I guess people called me almost hippy with my dress style. I only wore lip gloss and mascara. I wore leggings and large floaty tops most of the time. The only primping I did was on my hair—a sleek bob without a strand out of place. I was training to be a high powered property developer. When I put my executive suit on, I needed corporate hair to match. A persona that screamed knowledge, money, and confidence.

            Brax put out cases on the scales and my cheeks flushed thinking about the vibrator I’d hidden in there. Brax had no idea I had one, but this trip, I wanted to show him. See his reaction, use it together. But the thought of it turning on accidentally and vibrating my bag horrified me.

            “Honey, can you give her our tickets? They’re in my back pocket.”

            I reached around and pulled out a travel wallet from his baggy jeans pocket. For twenty-three Brax still dressed like a grungy teenager. I squeezed his butt.

            His eyes flashed to mine as he frowned a little.

            I forced a bright smile and handed our documentation to the clerk. I didn’t even check where we were going. I was too focused on ignore the tingles of sadness at not even being allowed to group of boyfriend. Maybe I was too sexual? Weren’t the men normally horny all the time? Was I hardwired wrong?

            “Thank you.” The girl’s eyes dropped, showing heavily shadowed lids and her blonde hair was scraped back in a tight bun and drenched in hair spray. She bit her lip as she pulled out a ream of tickets and checked our passports. “Do you want your bags all the way through to Cancun?”

            Cancun? Mexico? My heart soared. Wow. Brax out did himself. I never would’ve thought he’d travel so far from home, or somewhere as exotic as Mexico. I turned to where he stood and kissed his cheek. “Thank you so much, Brax.”

            His face softened and he captured my hand. Sweet. Gentle. That was my Brax. “You’re welcome. I thought what a better way to celebrate our future than going somewhere where friendship, family, and fun were top priories.”

            I couldn’t tear myself from his blue, blue eyes. This was why I loved him, despite not being completely satisfied. Brax suffered the same insecurities I did. He didn’t have anyone but me. His parents died when he was seventeen in a car accident and he was an only child.

            He owned the apartment we lived in thanks to the small inheritance he was given, and his dad’s husky dog, Blizzard came with the bargain. Blizzard and I didn’t see eye to eye, he’d dragged me down the street enough times for me to shudder with road rash when he licked me.

But Brax loved that dog like a tatty teddy-bear.

            “You’re the best.” I captured his chin and kissed him again, not caring he didn’t like PDA’s.

            The girl sighed across the counter. “Is this your honeymoon? Cancun is amazing. My boyfriend and I went there a few years ago. So hot and fun. And the music is so sexy we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.”

            Images of me twining around Brax in my new sexy bikini, of him touching me in the pool filled my mind. Maybe a change of scenery would amplify our lust. Here’s hoping.

Brax stepped away fiddling with a luggage tag, leaving me to chat to the gushing check-in girl. “No, not our honeymoon. Just a celebration.”

            Brax grinned, showing me his approval. The idea ran in my head. Was this trip special? Was Brax going to propose to me? I wanted heart flipping joy, but all I got was contentment and the knowledge I’d say yes.

            Brax wanted me. Brax was safe. I didn’t want to start again. Rejection after rejection. I loved Brax.

            Silence descended while the girl tap-tapped her keyboard and printed off our boarding passes. Once our bags were tagged, she handed everything back to us. “Your bags are through-checked all the way to Mexico, but you’ll have a stop in Los Angeles for four hours.” She circled the gate number and time. “Please make your way through immigration and proceed to the departure lounge. You board at eleven-thirty. You’re welcome to grab brunch or a coffee after you’ve cleared customs.”

            Brax took the documentation and shouldered his laptop bag. Linking hands with me, he said, “Thank you.”

            We headed toward the ‘’passengers only’’ lounge and bypassed duty-free.

            We had a little over an hour before boarding. I could think of a lot of things we could do in an hour, but I doubted Brax would be into them.

            But we were on our way to Mexico. Different country. Different hotel. Different bed.

            I made up my mind as Brax let me go to look at the tax-free Nintendoes, tonight was going to be the beginning of something new.

            Our relationship was going to rip and roar with love and flame.

            Yep, tonight things would be different.

            I liked different.

Prologue for Tears of Tess

 

 

Can I just fangirl for a moment?

 

Ari from Cover it! Designs has given me a cover Í’m IN LOVE WITH. I’m dying to share it. Soon…

 

Right, so I said I’d be sharing the book as I wrote it. Bad editing, plot holes the lot. I look to you for feedback and want you to be honest!

 

Here is the work in progress blurb and prologue for Tears of Tess. Opinions? Suggestions?

 

BLURB:

 

 

My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect.

Then it all changed.

I was sold.

 

Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester at college before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility.

 

For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. With her heart full, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess in on top of the world.

 

But lusty paradise is shattered when Tess is stolen. Kidnapped, drugged, and taken into a world full of darkness and terror.

 

Captive and alone Tess must fight to save herself, but then her horror deepens when she’s sold.

 

Gone is perfection and paradise, replaced with fear, pain, and lostness.

 

Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her live forever?

 

 

PROLOGUE:

 

 

Three little words.

 

If anyone asked me what I was most afraid of; what terrified me, stole my breath, made my life flicker before my eyes, I would say three little words.

 

How could my perfect life plummet so far into hell?

 

How could my love with Brax twist so far into unfixable?

 

The black musty hood over my head suffocated me of thoughts and breath, and I sat with hands bound behind my back. Twine rubbed my wrists with hungry stringed teeth, ready to bleed me dry in this new existence.

 

Noise.

 

The cargo door of the airplane opened and footsteps thudded toward me. My senses were dulled, muted by the black hood and my mind ran amok with terror-filled images. Would I be raped? Mutilated? Would I ever see Brax again?

 

Male voices argued and my arm was wrenched upright. I flinched and cried out, earning a fist to my belly.

 

Tears dribbled down my face. The first tears I shed, but definitely not the last.

 

This was my new future. My fate had thrown me to the bastards of Hades.

 

“That one. I’ll buy that one.”

 

My stomach twisted, threatening to evict empty contents. Oh God.

 

Three little words:

 

I was sold.