BACKSTAGE WITH THE TWINS – there’s a fly in my Dominion of Brothers

So, as many know I have been working on the next book release for the Dominion of Brothers series: RIGHT ONE 4 DIESEL, however it would seem I have hit a snag.

It’s not even a new snag, A time line conflict between book 5: Right One 4 Diesel and the following release, book 6: Touching Vida~Vince. Talon and I had grilled over this over and over trying to iron out the conflict which was: Which book should be released first.

The question arises because Vida’s book quite literally overlaps the same time line as Diesel’s book. In fact, it even pre-dates it, because even in Rough Attraction and in Taking Over Trofim its mentioned twice that Vida underwent a self-transformation. So we wrote a prologue for Touching Vida~Vince, then allowed the large jump of time and hoped it had settled the problem. Which it did, except for one thing. Right One 4 Diesel is expected to end in a cliffhanger, story and size of the book won’t let it end any other way. So what’s the problem? Touching Vida~Vince can’t carry the burden of resolving the story’s arc in order to pick up where the cliffhanger left off.

This literally had me sitting up for the last two nights trying to figure out how to solve this dilemma. Vida’s book may seem insignificant at this time, but you just haven’t been introduced yet, and it’s a vital precursor to Dane’s book: The Golden Masters’ Darkside. So it couldn’t be dropped or even skipped. It also can’t be released before Right One 4 Diesel, as it will be riddled with spoilers to it, something readers who have been waiting for Deez’s story to get out would not appreciate.

Finally, I sat down with our editor, Alison Greene and we came up with a solution. I ran the plan past our other two editors, Nick Hasse and Ethan LJubankovic and they agreed. So we have solved the conflict and luckily it won’t get in the way of the release of Right One 4 Diesel.

RIGHT ONE 4 DIESEL and TOUCHING VIDA~VINCE will be released in their scheduled order, only Touching Vida~Vince will be a .5 in the way of numbering. Unlike .5s in most series, in the Dominion of Brothers series, the halves are still full size novel reads, not novellas. They just don’t further the story into the future.  It’s a perfect solution actually; like Doming the Heiress, Vida’s book over laps and doesn’t drive the story forward. Rather it only fills in a few gaps and adds further perspective to some key characters for better depth later.

Now that I have that cleared up have a seat and try to stay calm. (You may want to have some wine for this).

As I said Right One 4 Diesel will be ending in a cliffhanger that deals with the series’ arc (cliffhanger is not relationship bearing). This leaves it to Marcus’ book: Seducing His Thief to pick up at the cliffhanger. That’s fine, and Marcus has nodded he is prepared to take care of and protect his brothers at all costs. The down side is Marcus’ book is far from finished. In fact when Talon passed it on to me to be finished it didn’t even contain 30,000 words in it yet. So it’s going to be awhile.

        

“Okay, can someone get the emergency chocolate for the reader sitting in the coffee shop? She looks faint.”

“Thank you, Sweetie.”

 

Okay so while I have my assistant book me an airflight ticket to an undisclosed destination. I have a little treat to show you, (of course it’s a ruse to distract you while I make my escape), but you’ll enjoy it anyways).

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MM / MMFM / Erotic Romance / Drama / Action / BDSM – D/s

Diesel Gentry knows exactly want he wants. He wants a Unicorn, a life slave to surrender her every desire and need to him— who is, in essence and body, the same woman his brother, Trenton Leos, already possesses. He also wants Paris Dalqeautte. Diesel had that powerhouse body in his domineering grip once before, but he purposely let the fallen angel slip through his ropes.  Being a Master of Doms of the BDSM lifestyle, Diesel knew he had to set Paris free. Thinking and hoping he’d fly back to him and submit to him willingly, rather than as a job requirement. After all, Paris had been hired to direct the fetish and BDSM events down at the island resort Diesel and his brothers owned, and it was there Paris, while proving a value to his title, also hid behind his work.

It’s been a year now and Diesel’s bed and life has remained empty ever since. The time for running ends now.

Finding Paris wasn’t going to be the challenge– breaking down his walls to trust them both to commit to a life together was going to be the real would be.

But even if Diesel succeeds, there’s a problem with their future— what’s to come threatens the lives of everyone Diesel loves— and he doesn’t even know it yet.

 

 

PROLOGUE

~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~

ELYSIAN FIELDS ANNUAL AUCTION

Diesel stood directly behind Dominus, chewing on a finger as he scanned the crowd in the ballroom. His trained eye observed, tagged, and rated each individual, Low key – came to watch; medium – easy going looking to play nice; and red alert – Sadists and jilted Doms on edge. Every year was the same and the reds could be counted on one hand. But this year it seemed different. He had at least ten that were out of works from the rest of the crowd. Moles likely. Every year the pressure grew worse from local event permits and they were now on a first name basis with the fire chief this year. Never a good thing.

“Would you stop?”

Diesel dropped his hand and glanced at his brother who’d turned to look him over.

I’m just measuring the crowd.”

“No you’re not, you’re looking for him.”

“I’m—”

“You are.” Trenton cut in, “Now stop it.”

Diesel sucked in a deep breath contemplating if he needed to count to ten, then before he could stop himself his eyes darted out into the mass of people to zero in on the tall, dark headed frame.  Only it wasn’t him and Diesel forced himself to just look casual then brought his gaze around running into Trenton’s eyes. He would have argued it even now, but he was caught. His brother’s pale brown eyes narrowed on him nailing him down.

Diesel felt a twitch of the smart ass in him, entertaining the idea of just wrestling Trenton down in a head lock just to prove the bastard wrong anyways.

“You have already run a check on all air flights coming in from the entire Caribbean area. Then called down to have Alan Pritchard confirm he was still down at the resort. So stop looking for him.” Diesel’s brother glanced away, his eyes too were scanning, but Trenton was looking for something else.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.” Trenton snapped back around, “Now I need you by my side out there.”

“You say that every event.”

“And when I have I lied?”

Diesel wasn’t going to dignify Trenton’s question with a response. Not tonight. Maybe not tomorrow night either. He received a pointed glance for it too, but Diesel remained reticent.

“You’re a mule like our father.”

“Good up bringing then.” Diesel chuckled with a thick layer of sarcasm and the air between them lightened. He scratched at his ear in a boyish manner, a subconscious reaction at the mention of his father, “You need to stop worrying about me.”

He spotted a familiar face and decided it was time for some fresh energy around him before he decided to blow off some steam by beating his brother up anyway. “Maxum! Glad to see you made it.” He held out a hand and they shook, then Diesel exchanged hands for Darko’s, “Darko, you keeping him in line tonight?”

Darko gave him a wicked grin. Fool was in cock heaven with his new boyfriend. Diesel tried to show he was happy for them, but by the same token turned bittersweet inside, that only a deep breath could will the shields up against the absence of another he was feeling more so this weekend than before.

“You know,” Maxum leaned in, “I didn’t expect to recognize as many faces here as I do.”

“Just remember, don’t touch. Some take a hard offense to it.” Diesel advised him and Maxum nodded.

“Don’t worry I’m his copilot to make sure he doesn’t make too grievous of a mistake with anyone pertaining to the etiquette of their Lifestyle.” Darko interjected, but then he glanced around then looked at Diesel with a questioning look like he was wanting to know where Diesel had stashed away a conspicuously absent face along with the body often described as that of a fallen angel’s.

“Something came up that required him to stay down at the resort.”

“Dude, then why are you here?” Suddenly, Darko’s attention was reeling around when he realized his task had gone unchecked when he heard Maxum speak a familiar name.

“Amelia Quinneth. Fancy running into you here. This is the last— place— I expected—” the heat coming from the reposed stare of the man behind her, was meant as a warning to Maxum.  Apparently, he had made an offense by touching someone who ought not have been touched. Maxum instantly let go of her hands and tossed his own hands down to his sides, and taking a step back. “I’m sorry— I-uh—”

“Oh—” Amelia’s eyes lit up like wicked fires of lust and followed up with a smile, though quickly tamped down for His sake Maxum was certain, but that didn’t stop the heat from rising in his cheeks. He’d known Amelia for many years, she was both someone he invested in as well as competed with. Finding her here as a— well— it was not among the surprises he’d prepared himself for.

Amelia leaned in, the giggle coming up as she spoke, “Don’t worry Mr. St. Laurents, I’ll calm him down in a bit.” She glanced over her shoulder to Rashawn Matisse, who was settling back into his refined position of control, but his eyes were bearing down on her with a warning. She rolled her lips to hide the growing smile then turned back to Maxum and reached out, clutching his arm just under the shoulders, “But I do think I am going to risk earning a spanking just so I can kiss those blushing cheeks of yours. They are just too scrumptious to turn down.” And having said it, she did just that. Like a queen, leaving burgundy lip prints as she did.

Her grace and elegance not marred in the slightest as she retreated to the man who watched her like a hawk that was somehow predatorily enamored with her.

Diesel’s idea of fresh air wasn’t panning out as he’d planned. All these damned, love sick, and possessive looks for partners was about to drive him crazy.

Diesel glanced at Rashawn seeing the planning in his eyes, at least his were entertaining. Diesel glanced at the sultry heiress earning a full evening of disciplines right before his eyes. He leaned toward her and risked speaking to her, “I’m looking forward to watching you get put over his knee at dinner time.”

The mild alarm that flared in her eyes was one he’d not forget for some time. And yes, that sudden pouty drop in her jaw was well worth breaking protocol. “My apologies for my rudeness, Head-Master Rashawn.”

Rashawn smiled at him to show he’d rather enjoyed it himself. “Apology accepted.” He kept to his candor.

Diesel almost laughed, but he just didn’t have it in him. Even with seeing Amelia blossom, or to see Darko and Maxum matching so well together. It made his chest feel tight. Then— out of nowhere he felt a small hand slip into his. He glanced down finding Trenton’s Unicorn standing at his side, smiling up at him. “You are always here at the perfect time, do you know that?”

“No. That was you who came and said just the right thing at the right time when I had wandered off. I haven’t left yours or Trenton’s sides ever since.”

She was right. She never had. But there was no way he was going to let that reality check darken his mood further. Her presence was a good thing.

She was beautiful tonight. Trenton had had a cage style dress made from black mesh straps designed for her which covered little more than a wire bird cage would. One strap broader than the others laid across her breasts, while the rest crisscrossed vertically and horizontally around her petite body, trimmed with black rhinestones. An added touch of black tear drops fell around her legs from clear, almost invisible monofilament lines. And heels held to her feet by only two straps, one over dainty toes and the other around her ankles; as exotic as she looked, nothing ever could dispel his attention from her eyes. Like snow under the moon peeking out from a thick tussle of brown wavy hair that no matter what, always looked wind-blown or just the well-fucked, bed-head look. That time Diesel did laugh a bit, because it was likely the latter of the two, and knowing his brother, it was his fault her hair always looked that way. Not that Diesel would ever blame Trenton. Had she been his, he’d see to it her hair looked about the same on a steady basis as well.

~  *  ~

For Maxum, it was an odd spectacle to witness. An auction of humans that to an outsider would seem detrimental and go against every rule of freedom. But watching the auction on the inside take place with Trenton Leos up on the stage like a finely crafted ring leader of decadence left Maxum with the sense of being spun about with a bottomless sensation of surrealism. Not wrong, but definitely the epitome of taboo.

Even Diesel seemed to be in his element here, despite the contrast it held to his gun shop and self-defense classes.

Humans being auctioned off to be possessed and looked after by those that would want to be served in ways not on the standard job market. It seemed morally wrong, yet there was no black market fear lingering in the room like a stagnant haze of stale smoke one might have expected. Men and women perused the ballroom and hallways like any other black tie affair, plus a little leather and exoticism thrown into the alluring mix. All was perfectly legal in the same fashion he had witnessed countless auctions for a date with volunteered bachelors and bachelorettes. Maxum had known many of such auctions to bring in a hefty purse for that evening’s cause.

At dinner, he and Darko were Diesel Gentry’s guests at the main table with the remaining brothers and Darko’s older brother, Pyotr. Where egos were laid down with napkins and replaced with laughter even if the conversations rarely ventured far from sex.

“So come, let’s see them.” Diesel sent the obvious request across the table to him.

Maxum glanced along his shoulder to the man sitting next to him with a sultry bad boy look about him. It was going to be hell getting them home without making a stop or two along the way. Maybe he’d check with the concierge to see, if by some miraculous act of god, a room had become available here at the event that Maxum could book.

Maxum placed his hand on the table next to his fiancé’s hand, putting the engagement ring on display. The platinum band glimmered under the chandeliers with a rainbow of gem stones set in the band.

Darko reached over and added his right hand to the pile. His finger donning an un-similar band of Tungsten steel and in place of stones, Darko’s ring was embedded with a band of rainbow colored fiber optics inside it.

“But they don’t match.” Katianna leaned forward as much as Trenton allowed to get a closer look.

“Be glad you didn’t see the fight we had over that little indifference.”

“But why?”

“I did originally buy matching bands, but after Darko’s first day to work after our trip to Germany, he came home fuming. That’s when the fight started.”

“I don’t get it.” Katianna looked at them both and Maxum laughed, waiting for his stubborn mate to explain himself. And he gave Darko a tap of his foot under the table to nudge him to do so.

“My hands are in grease all day and it got into the stones, which pissed me off. It was ruined in one day. When he suggested I take it off, I punched him.” Darko didn’t hold back. Not particularly the camp fire story Maxum had intended to entertain their friends with, but the flabbergasted laughs weren’t restrained in the least.

“You punched him?” Katianna asked in amazement.

“Don’t worry his bark is worse than his bite, but the make-up sex was mind blowing. After that I got him a ring he could wear even during work that wouldn’t get ruined.”

~  *  ~

The unvoiced awwws were almost as prevalent as the snickering. And Diesel found himself mirroring his brother and looking down at their mouse. Trenton glanced up at him and Diesel could see the over protective worry in his eyes. Diesel tore his own away, refusing to let him see inside him any further tonight. Enough was enough.

“So how come we don’t have Paris here? He is after all the event manager for the fetish season. Doesn’t that require him to come up for the auction selection?” Maxum who was part owner of the island resort asked before Darko could caution him on it.

Diesel found himself tapping on the table. A variety of excuses and arguments paraded through his brain. Each of them provided from Paris’ point of view, and that led to his being excused from this evening’s obligations from the board. But Diesel knew the real reason, at least in part, Paris didn’t want to see him.

There was just one problem with that—

Diesel wasn’t done with Paris.

~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~  *  ~

 

 

If you’re looking forward to reading RIGHT ONE 4 Diesel, then jump over to Goodreads and add it to your ‘Most Anticipated Book Release’ Shelf and share it with a few friends you think will enjoy reading the Dominion of Brothers series too.