Saturday Snippet
It’s time for Author’s Choice so today I thought I’d share a spicy bit from Western Ties.
Snippet:
“God dammit, Sawyer. Go away.”
Stacey lightly touched her arm, alerting Leah that she’d spoken too loudly. Several people glanced in her direction and frowned. She was never going to achieve her goal at this rate.
Sawyer was the only person in the room who didn’t take offense at her faux pas. “You realize this is a weekend party?”
She nodded. It was starting to look like it would be a long two days.
Sawyer reclaimed her hand, slipping off the white bracelet.
“What the hell are you doing?” She tried to pull her arm free, attempting to grab the wristband back.
Sawyer’s grip was implacable. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a green bracelet. Suddenly, she felt dizzy. There was no way he would—
Sawyer slipped it around her wrist.
“No,” she whispered when he lifted her hand.
Sawyer leaned closer, his breath hot against her cheek as he murmured in her ear. “The host is going to come over to confirm you’ve been claimed by me. You’re going to tell him you’ve agreed to be my sub. If you don’t, I will personally drag you out of here, take you to the airport and load you on the first plane toWyomingmyself. Don’t test me on this, Leah, because I promise you won’t like the end result.”
The host, Ronald Grey, was a large, attractive black man in his fifties who, according to Stacey, had more money than God.
Ronald patted Sawyer on the shoulder in a familiar, friendly manner and Leah wondered how in the hell a cowboy from Bumfuck knew such a powerful man. “You don’t waste any time,Compton. You realize the green band signifies you’re claiming this young lady for the entire weekend? A lot of the players are opting for the purple bracelet—a one-night affair—so they can sample another variety tomorrow night.”
Leah narrowed her eyes at Grey’s condescending comment, talking about her like she was a fucking dessert while warning Sawyer against gorging on one flavor. Sawyer squeezed the hand he’d never released, warning her to remain silent.
“When I see something I like, I take it.”
Grey nodded approvingly before looking at her. “You consent for this man to serve as your Dom?”
Stacey had assured her that while the BDSM play was serious, no one would be allowed to touch her without her agreement.
Leah looked at Sawyer. Her plans were shot. He would do exactly as he threatened. She nodded.
Grey collected the white wristband she’d received at the beginning of the night and looked at Sawyer. “You and your sub may participate in the public games or you can take her straight up to the room you were assigned upon arrival.”
Sawyer thanked Grey and they watched the man walk over to another couple.
Leah stared at Sawyer, letting her annoyance show. He’d fucked up everything, and she wasn’t going to let him off easy.
Stacey shook her head in amazement. “Wow. That was fast. I was worried you wouldn’t meet anyone. Oh.” Stacey gestured toward the door. “Bill’s here.”
Her friend looked to Sawyer as if seeking permission for something. Sawyer nodded and Stacey smiled, going to meet her lover.
“What was that?” Leah asked.
Sawyer’s gaze hardened. “Did your friend give you any instructions about what your role would be?”
She nodded. “She told me a few things.”
“And did you listen to her?”
Leah blew out a furious breath. How dare he act like this? He was the one who’d ruined her trip. “Listen, Sawyer. You’ve obviously done what you intended. You’ve got me branded with this stupid green bracelet, which means I’m off-limits for the weekend. I get it. Party’s over. Thanks for nothing.”
She started to follow Stacey, intent on saying goodbye before returning to her friend’s apartment.
Sawyer tightened his grip, halting her escape. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“Back to Stacey’s.”
“No, you’re not.”
She paused. “What is your problem? It’s obvious you don’t like the idea of me hooking up.” She lifted her arm, pointing to the green wristband. “By the way, you screwed yourself out of a good time too. You want me to leave, so I’m going.”
Her voice had risen again, and several people standing close to them turned to look at her.
Sawyer put his arm around her waist and tugged her toward him—so close their bodies were connected from chest to toe. She tried to put some space between them, but Sawyer was too damn strong. The few muscles he hadn’t acquired through a lifetime of ranch work seemed to have been found during his last seven years with the Coast Guard. The man was rock hard. Everywhere.
Arousal awoke in several parts of her body when she became aware of his erection pressing against her stomach.
“I’m not going to punish you for that outburst.” His voice was deep and menacing—and God help her—sexy as hell. “You misunderstood my intent. So here’s what I’m going to do.”
He captured her gaze and held it. “I’m going to clarify for you in no uncertain terms what’s happened. If you still try to leave after I’ve finished explaining, it will be a punishable offense. Do you understand?”
Sawyer had never talked to her like this. Never treated her with anything less than friendly, attentive courtesy. She wasn’t sure how to respond to this commanding man, so she simply nodded.
“Good,” he continued. “I claimed you as my submissive. You gave your consent to the host. That means I own you, Leah. For the next two days, you’re mine. You aren’t going anywhere except to my bed.”
Western Ties is available at Samhain, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Sony and All Romance Ebooks.
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