Tuesday Teaser and Drumming Song

by BabelStone

I've been so gratified about the response to the beautiful cover for the new book, and I'm happy to say that I have another small teaser for you today from The Force of Wind, along with another peek at the playlist. I'm at the point where the book is ready for the final edit and advanced reading copies are starting to leave the gates, so it's always a nervous time as I wait to see how the book is received. It means so much to know that all of you are looking forward to it with me.

First, your teaser. I had a great time writing more action in book three. I don't think it'll give anything away to say this book is full of martial arts, weapons, and battles. Challenging and fun to write, but how will our favorite hero react to seeing his librarian with a few bruises? Hmmm…

"Tesoro," Giovanni whispered into Beatrice's ear the following evening, trailing a hand from her knee, over the curve of her hip, and slipping it around her waist as he pulled her back to his chest. He had woken before her, which was unusual. She must have been overwhelmed from the night before.

"Beatrice," he whispered again.

"Hmm?"

"Time to wake up."

"Okay." He felt her shift into his chest as she stretched. "Can you rub my legs?"

"Of course." He sat up and pulled back the sheet. "Were you practic—what the hell?" His mouth dropped open as saw the bruises on her legs. There was one particularly large one near her hip. He let loose with a string of old curses she probably didn't understand.

"I was sparring with Tenzin today," she said in a sleepy voice. "You know, Gemma has nothing on Tenzin. Tenzin's mean." Beatrice chuckled a little. "And did you know she doesn't have to sleep hardly at all? She never mentioned that when she visited me in L.A."

He was still speechless as he examined her. There were fat bruises along her torso and arms, though none so severe that they could cause internal injuries. He continued muttering in Italian, and he felt his skin heat up.

She must have sensed his anger, because she turned and narrowed her eyes. "Don't do the thing again. And calm down, you're getting hot."

Hope you like the peek ahead, and here's another look at the playlist. I've told you I like Florence + the Machine, right? Yeah, I thought so. Playlist peek this Tuesday is: Drumming Song. Check out the lyrics and the video:

There's a drumming noise inside my head

That starts when you're around

I swear that you could hear it

It makes such an all mighty sound

There's a drumming noise inside my head

That throws me to the ground

I swear that you should hear it

It makes such an all mighty sound

Louder than sirens

Louder than bells

Sweeter than heaven

And hotter than hell

Thanks for reading, folks. And come Thursday, I'll be taking nominations for Tenzin. Catch you later,

Elizabeth