Sara Brookes's Blog, page 22

Since I just sent Taking Over Me back to my editor, I thought I’d share a bit. Enjoy!

Taking Over Me

Copyright © SARA BROOKES, 2013

All Rights Reserved, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

Releasing in electronic format Spring 2013

Patrick slid the overfull box across the counter toward her, her fingers brushing against the back of his hand. Firm. Warm. How does the rest of him feel? More than likely, it wasn’t a deliberate gesture on his part, but she didn’t mind either way. It wasn’t often a guy took the time to flirt with her. Even if he forgot about her the second she walked out the door, so what. The warm tingling sensation now flooding her lower abdomen reminded her she was very much still a woman despite the adeptness with computers and affinity for video games.

He broke the connection as he turned to give directions to the newly arrived barista. “Mitchie, get me a set of pastry sleeves in the back. I’m running low up here.” Something in the tone of his voice gave off a commanding quality Allison’s body seemed to reach for. With his back turned, she had a perfect view at the way that horribly fitted shirt pulled tight across his broad shoulders.

Authoritative presence. Confident, but polite. Tight ass. Strong hands. Ripped body. Holy shit—he’s lethal.

I’m just finishing up a round of edits for the first book in the Geek Kink series, Taking Over Me, available Spring 2013, so I thought I’d share a few special things – how about a cover reveal and six sentences?

Patrick’s imagination ran wild as he nearly started to salivate at the picture in his head of Allison kneeling on the floor before him, her hands cuffed and her throat collared by a thick ring of leather. Expectation shone clear in those brown eyes as she waited for his command. The wanton image caused him to blow out a slow breath in order to steady himself. Despite his efforts, his dick stirred again, pressing painfully against the zipper of his khakis.

Oh for fuck’s sake. Stop acting as though you’re a newbie Dom lusting over a sub for the first time.

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that:http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!

It’s time to celebrate the New Year with a bit of naughtiness. 2012 held some wonderful experiences with naughtiness for me and 2013 is already proving to be filled with more of the same (you won’t hear me complaining!). I have some delicious books to bring readers this year, stories filled with love, lust and a little bondage. Okay…who am I kidding. There’s nothing “little” about bondage.

How about a couple of giveaways to celebrate the New Year? During the Naughty New Years Bloghop, there are two grand prizes – a 100.00 gift card to Eden Fantasys and a digital gift basket for 10 erotic ebooks. All comments across the tour will be entered for these two prize packs.

I’m also offering up a prize for a comment right here on my post: winner’s choice of format for Ragged Edge (available in ebook or paperback)!

Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour where the other participants are offering up prizes of their own.

Since I shared from Flash of Dark last week, thought I’d share from the second book of that series, Blood Fever. One fledgling vampire learning the ropes. One fallen god who thinks he knows everything. Add the woman standing between them and all hell is about to break loose.

I wasn’t allowed to interfere, I reminded myself even as my tongue slid lazily over my lengthened teeth. I struggled against hundreds of years of ingrained instinct.

There was so much blood.

The tear in his throat gaped at me and I swallowed hard, feeling sorry that death had not come more swiftly for him. I could see the madness slowly creeping into his eyes and knew he was only seconds away from the very release he was begging for.

I made a choice in that short span of time and instead of salvation, I condemned him to eternal damnation.

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that:http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!

I always find myself reflecting on things I am thankful for during this time of year. One thing I will always be thankful for is Flash of Dark, my first published novel, a hot (non-erotic) urban fantasy about the Fae and vampires.

“I’ll have you know that I deposited Avery back at her apartment after we left.”

“With you under her no doubt. Or is that the other way around?” I asked before I could stop myself. This is why I barely have any friends, my mouth and my brain suffered from a severe disconnect most of the time.

“I’m perfectly capable of spending time with a woman without seducing her.”

“And pigs wear little crystal tiaras and wave magic wands while they fly around.”

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!

Just a quickie update on availability:

Natural Lust is now available for order through Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Lust-Sara-Brookes/dp/1419967207/

Her Master’s Collar will release on May 1, 2013, but it’s available now for your pre-ordering pleasure:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Masters-Collar-Hunt-ebook/dp/B00AO5CX3S/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-masters-collar-sara-brookes/1113984143?ean=9781419944048

How about an exclusive very first peek at Her Master’s Collar releasing May 1, 2013 from Ellora’s Cave? There are some adult language and themes going on in the section. Consider yourself warned…or intrigued.

Copyright © SARA BROOKES, 2013

All Rights Reserved,

Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.

“An entire crew was wiped out two weeks ago by this immoral bastard. Despite this, she still sent another crew to Mars. Now two members of the team have come back in little pieces. From what we know, two more have been taken hostage and one is missing—possibly dead.”

Roland pushed out of the antigravity chair, crossing his arms as he started to pace. He hated pacing almost as much as he hated this asshole rehashing the facts to him. “Parkin, I’m aware of the body count and I believe that is why you hired me.” If he had his way about it—and if this petulant little man didn’t stop whining and arguing with him—Parkin would find himself on the business end of Roland’s fist soon. Or his foot, since Parkin bore a strong resemblance to a beady-eyed rat.

Roland Asher always had patience when it came to stressful matters.

At least he liked to think so.

In his line of work, he had to have a high level of tolerance.  But right now, this man—this imbecile—pushed the limits of his patience to near parchment thinness. It wasn’t just limited to this man either. The entire crowd surrounding the holotable had pushed his tolerance levels since he’d walked in. Dealing with a bunch of hotheads who couldn’t see the big picture had proven to be insanely frustrating. Obviously no one at the table understood the gravity of the situation. This was why he hated the corporate world so damn much.

“Despite the fact you don’t like my plan, are you going to let me do the job you hired me for or not?”

Parkin’s mouth formed a thin line as he examined Roland over his thick silver-rimmed spectacles. “I’m still not convinced about your credentials.” His thin fingers  tapped through the holographic image hanging in the air between them. “Nothing here indicates you’re capable of handling a mission of this level, despite Ms. Braddock’s assurances otherwise.”

The spot Parkin indicated on the far side of the planet was a remote area where the company had sent their team. While a large settlement had been built miles away, this part of Mars was barren, unsettled and volatile because of the volcanic activity in the area. While search and rescues weren’t his company’s specialty, he excelled at organizing complicated missions most people avoided completely. They didn’t need to know he suspected the man heading up this hostage situation was a fugitive he’d been trying to bring in for the past three years.

Roland shook his head in disgust at their ignorance, his blood pressure rising from his frustration. “If you don’t send me, you’ll lose everyone. The team, whoever you decide to send in for some half-assed rescue and all of your equipment—which I imagine is extremely expensive—will be lost. I’m tired of hearing you think I can’t handle this job. If you’re going to continue to fight me, this conversation ends now and I’ll consider our partnership terminated. I don’t have time for this.”

“Yes, you’d rather spend your time elsewhere. Perhaps by visiting the bondage clubs on Vegas Two.” A sexy, feminine voice filled the room.

Roland’s muttered curse earned a few curious glances from the men who sat around the table. He’d hoped to get through this briefing without a confrontation with her. Hope, it seemed, was not on his side.

His jaw already ached from where he’d gritted his teeth whenever Parkin opened his mouth. The last thing he needed was further aggravation. Determined to get through this briefing, he kept his gaze on the disturbing images of the hostages bound and gagged. The quicker he got full cooperation, the faster he could get the hell out of here, get to those men and collar his fugitive.

“Look, I was hired to do a job. A specific job, I might add,” he reminded them again as he chose to ignore the woman. “If you won’t allow me and my team to do the job, then you’re just wasting everyone’s time. You people either need to shut up and listen or I find someone else who requires my services. There are plenty of others who need my expertise more than you do.”

“Parkin, see that Mr. Asher has everything he needs. We should provide Roland and his team every advantage we can. It’s not as if we lack the funds to accommodate his requests. As he’s reminded you—twice—he was hired for this purpose specifically.”

Roland noted the sarcasm had vanished from her voice.

“He’ll have it. A full complement of our best team members at his disposal.”

“I only work with my team,” Roland reminded the assembled group yet again. Stubborn asses. He’d clearly outlined his terms when they had first come for the briefing and even when he’d negotiated his contract. Couldn’t they listen?

Those coal-colored eyes of Parkin’s flicked over Roland’s shoulder. There was a silent exchange before the stubborn man reluctantly nodded. “He’ll have our full cooperation.”

“Good. Dismissed.” The relieved breath Roland had been about to release caught in his throat when he heard the words he’d dreaded since she’d walked into the command center. “Roland, stay so we can discuss further details.”

The annoying worker pulled himself to full attention. As he waited for everyone else to leave, his cheeks grew pink. Obviously he didn’t agree with the order he’d just been handed. Roland could see this going south very, very quickly. Big mistake coming in three, two, one…

“Korene, I insist on being present if strategic details are to be implemented. I must stay abreast of this mission since they’re my workers.”

“You’re dismissed, Parkin.” Annoyance all but dripped from her statement.

“But—”

“Your concern is duly noted. And unwarranted. We hired Elite for a reason.”

Her heels tapped on the floor as she drew closer. The unsettled man’s gaze fell on Roland, who shrugged in response. What was there to say? When one of the most powerful women on Earth ordered you out of the room, you left—no questions asked. The heavyset man huffed out a defeated breath before he spun on his well-polished Corfam heel and left.

The doors whisked shut, plunging the room into silence.

“Don’t mind him. We were all trying to deal with the implications of this whole situation. Naturally, everyone’s emotions are a little on edge. The fact the World Government is breathing down our necks isn’t helping matters either. But they have a lot on the line, since this is one of their contracts. You look well, Roland.”

He resigned himself to the inevitable. The years he’d spent doing his best to avoid her had finally ended. He pushed out of the chair, turning to the owner of the voice that slid through him as though he was surrounded by the fresh, sweet air on his mountain. The first glimpse of her stole his breath, reminding him of those initial adrenaline filled moments of a spacejump.

Her impeccably pressed navy suit had been tailored to fit her as if it were a second skin. The suit gave her a commanding air, signaling in this room that she was all tough business and headstrong authority. If he didn’t know her better, as intimately as he did, he’d be intimidated despite their eleven year age difference.

Even though ten years had passed, she looked exactly the same. Perhaps even better. Damn. She had no right to look so gorgeous. So youthful and full of vigor.

So absofuckinglutely perfect.

She looked much the same as the last time he’d seen her, only more refined and ethereal. Reddish blonde hair framed her heart-shaped face before falling to her slender waist. Her light brown eyes drew him in, just as they’d always done, and made him yearn for a different time. His gaze fell on the small cleft in her chin he’d once loved to settle his thumb in while he spent hours kissing her. No, not kissing—worshipping. A pang tightened his gut as he remembered he’d once locked their bedroom door for an entire weekend. She’d spent most of those hours restrained in some fashion while he’d done his best to make her beg. Loudly. The sexually charged image of her coming undone against his tongue forced him to shake off the reflection of a past he’d rather forget.

“Being in charge suits you, Korene. It’s good to see you again.” Before she could say anything, he pushed on, determined to keep this meeting all about business. “Our contract requires your company to supply me with anything I need within reason. I don’t consider any of my requests to be extraordinary by any means. If you feel differently, maybe we should reconsider this partnership.”

Her head tilted as a familiar smile bowed those luscious lips she’d painted a neutral shade of pink. “Parkin may be an ass, but he will do as ordered. You’ll have your supplies and any other pertinent information you desire. No need to worry that you won’t have every advantage at your disposal. What time do you plan on leaving?”

Roland knew her well enough not to doubt the promise. They may have had their problems and been unable to agree about certain things years ago, but he remembered how she refused to take anyone’s shit—even his . “You know I work alone. That includes sharing information and exact flight details beyond what we’ve already discussed in this room.”

Her suit shifted as she folded her arms in front of her. The maneuver pushed her breasts together, flashing a cleft of cleavage that nearly caused his tongue to wag. He cursed his cock for jumping to attention as well. Judas. He discretely shifted his hands in front of him to hide the bulge.

“Unfortunately, in order to make certain people feel comfortable about their investment, you’ll have a companion with you during the mission. Surely an extra set of hands and eyes can’t hurt your plans.”

Figures. He’d been waiting to hear she wanted to push her way into his operation. It had just been a matter of time. “What if I refuse?”

Her head tilted as her eyes narrowed, and the corners of her mouth lifted in a sly grin. “You’re a smart man, Roland. I’m sure you can figure it out.”

He sighed, leaning forward to rest his weight against the conference table. Korene had always given him some kind of resistance, no matter the situation. The decision about who slept on which side of the bed when they’d first started dating had nearly turned into a fist fight. The first time she’d gone to her knees to truly submit to him had been a complete shock to them both. He’d never been able to match the rush he’d felt looking down at her waiting for his next command. He’d never expected a woman who possessed such strength and tenacity to want to surrender to him. Talk about an eye-opening experience.

He missed those days. A lot. The moment he’d gotten the call to come to New Washington, he’d known what he would face with her. Maybe it was one of the things he’d found enticing about the situation. That or he was really into self-torture despite his proclivities toward torturing others.

Though he was frustrated, he still knew when to accept defeat. “No use fighting, complaining and just generally bitching about it, is there?”

“No, there’s not.” She moved off to retrieve a glass from the water dispenser.

Despite her words, he heard the laughter in her tone. He didn’t have to guess to know who the companion would be. She wouldn’t trust anyone else to something this important. “They’re actually going to let their precious owner out of their sight?”

She tilted her head forward as she answered. “They will if I tell them to. Beauty of being in charge. I get to tell people what to do. Now I know what you found so alluring about it.”

He knew about being in charge all too well, as he was used to being the one issuing orders. But he’d turned his back on that type of life years ago. “Ah, so it’s a power trip for you then. Careful, you let that get to your head too much and you could lose everything you ever cared for.”

Her stunning features became marred by her frown. She set her glass aside as she crossed her ankles. “Say whatever painful thing will make you feel better about yourself, I’m still going. You can’t deny the fact I probably have just as much training as anyone else on your payroll. Maybe even more so thanks to you. The quicker you accept things, the easier the trip will be.”

“I never said I had a problem accepting this.”

“You haven’t embraced it either.”

“You’re paying me to accept it, remember?” He gave her a wry smile.

“A fact I’m sure you’ll remind me of each and every day we’re gone.”

“Damn straight.” The tension in the room skyrocketed, pressing out so fast and hard he was surprised the safety glass in the windows didn’t crack from the pressure. He moved away from the table, walking to those windows to stare out at the New Washington skyline. “City looks the same. Not that I expected it to change much. 2059 and the politicians are still too busy pumping money into their own bank accounts to worry about the history seeped into the soil of this city. Shame to see the memorials in such disrepair.”

“Roland.”

He jumped, startled at the proximity of her voice. He hadn’t heard her approach, which meant he was slipping. Been away from the game too long. Maybe even getting too old to play the same game anymore. “Sorry. Just have a lot on my mind right now.”

“You seem—”

“I’m fine. Just getting old and slow.”

“Old isn’t a word I would ever use to describe you. Neither is slow.” The sound of her light chuckle arrowed straight to his dick, reminding him of how her mouth felt wrapped about his shaft. The tightening made him grit his teeth again. Now was really not the time to think about oral sex. Let alone oral sex with Korene Braddock, no matter how damn good it had been.

Sexual attraction was something they’d never had a shortage of. Most of the time they hadn’t known how to deal with the abundance of sexual chemistry they shared whenever they had been together. They’d quickly learned about their mutual interest in something a little beyond the norm when it came to sex.

Bondage and discipline. Spanking and submission. If there was a name for it, they’d done it. Hell, they’d probably even done things that didn’t have a name. The kinkier the better, she’d once said. They’d spent time exploring anything and everything, searching for their groove. Once they’d found it, their sexual attraction for one another had intensified, causing him to want her even more.

To want someone so utterly you’d do anything for them was something he’d never thought possible before Korene crossed his path. The way she looked right now didn’t help matters.

Fabric shifted again as she moved away to examine the star chart still projected above the long, narrow display table. She nodded at the red line Roland had drawn to outline his intended flight path to Mars. “It’s a good plan. Solid. It’s what we need to rescue the crew. Everyone who was in this room knows it despite the pushback they gave you.”

She tapped a finger over the line as she leaned closer to the transparent image. The position allowed him a clear view of her ass. The fact he knew exactly what lay under the expensive fabric caused him to let out a frustrated breath. The last thing he needed right now was to remember how those gorgeous legs of hers felt around his hips, her robe sash tied around her wrists and ankles to hold her in place while he thrust into her.

The vivid memory reminded him how much he missed burying his cock in the soft, inviting flesh of her cunt. Her cough erased the erotic image from his mind. “Glad to hear someone is on my side. Parkin certainly didn’t seem to like what I laid out for him.”

“If you have any more problems with Parkin, inform me immediately and I’ll take care of it. He’s bucking for something, I just haven’t figured out what it is yet. What time do you plan in disembarking tomorrow?”

At least she hadn’t mentioned his little hormone slip, which he undoubtedly knew she’d been fully aware of. She was too smart not to know the kind of pull she had on him. “Ten hundred.”

She came to stand beside him, tapping a security code into control panel of the holotable. The display hanging over the table morphed so the plan he’d laid out vanished. The flight path and mission plans were replaced with horrific images that made his stomach churn. He’d seen the horrors of war firsthand enough times to think he was unshakeable. Turned out he was dead wrong.

“We received these pictures three days ago. His name is—was—Joshua Sheldon. A twenty-two year old geologist. He joined the company last month, three days after he graduated top of his class from the University of Arizona. I have to be at his funeral at nine thirty tomorrow to bury those pieces of him you see on the screen. I need—”

“Eleven hundred, then. Will that give you enough time?” He read about the entire incident when he’d been packing for the flight to the eastern side of the country. The gory fragments had been left on the front steps of Braddock Industries, inciting chaos and panic from those who worked here.

Korene probably had enough on her plate without having to worry about soothing the agitated nerves of her employees. It couldn’t have come at a worse time for the company, because the protests for continued occupation of Mars had taken such a violent turn. Those clashes weren’t new, as protestors hadn’t wanted the World Government Organization to colonize the planet. Especially after the discovery of several viable water sources far under the planets rust-red surface. But like most political things in this volatile environment, the governments had moved forward without waiting for the public’s blessing.

This also meant small factions of rebels were out to see those working to make the planet hospitable didn’t have an easy job. The company was strong, however, he’d bet his last credit, and they’d recover well enough.

A relieved smile spread on her lips. “Yes. Thank you for adjusting the departure.” She walked slowly to the wide spread of glass showcasing The Mall. Her thoughts were so conflicted, her eyes clouded as she stared off into the distance. She saw without seeing because her mind was so focused on the clusterfuck this situation had become.

She didn’t know the half of it.

But he didn’t intend to tell her anytime soon. The risk was too great and there’d been enough risks in his life to last him more than five lifetimes. He straightened his suit jacket before reaching down to erase the bloody images by keying the same code he’d watched her use. He didn’t need a reminder of the dangers they all faced. “If that’s all you need from me, then I have some preparations to make. I’d like to get started on them if you don’t need anything further.”

“Yes, of course. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He left in a hurry, ready to be far away from the only woman he’d ever loved.

Since I’m working on cleaning up Geek Kink Book 2, Rock Your Soul (out Summer 2013), thought I’d share a little bit.

The tips of his fingers traced over the knots of damaged skin lacing her back.

She swallowed, fighting the urge clenching at her stomach to step away from his touch. The memory of how she’d earned the marks caused bile to rise, the acidic taste burning her throat.

Surely he wouldn’t want to continue now. Not after seeing how her skin was marred with such ugly disfigurations that couldn’t be erased. She knew because she’d already tried.

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!

Please welcome, super sexy author Elise Hepner with her newest releast, Sextionary.

~*~

Novella Madness

I guess you could say novella’s like Sextionary are my bread and butter because I started this business writing short anthology subs for Cleis Press. For the first year of my career I honed short like less words equaled my name in lights. Now it’s something that’s hard to step away from and whenever I go to write a story, I know it’ll most likely be in the 5k-25k range. It’s my sweet spot, my comfort zone, at the end of the day it’s enough words to satisfy me.

Which made writing my newest release in Jan coming from Secret Cravings Publishing, Furious Lust, a full erotic paranormal novel at 82k was more than a challenge—it was an unending marathon. That too started out as a short tapped out at 35k. Until the voices in my head wouldn’t shut up and on my second review of the manuscript it gained over thirty thousand words in length. Which makes Sextionary my nice, comfy, pre-scary release masterpiece that asserts to me that I actually still know what I’m doing when my head is clouded with “why the hell did I write a novel” doubts.

Comment below to enter for a chance to win a 10 dollar gift card from All Romance Ebooks.

~*~

Blurb:

One small, sand filled timer flipped Jasper and Jill’s world.

Boring, board game date nights evolved into twenty questions or a spanking. From stimulating conversations—to ripped panties as a makeshift gag. And Jasper’s new fascination with anything leather pulling Jill further down onto her knees.

The Rules of the Game:

Jill draws on paper what she wants from her husband’s lips, tongue, teeth, and fingers

No stick figures

If Jasper can’t guess her needs, he takes over any way he sees fit

Only a minute to shift their roles—but there’s always time for the darkest pleasure—and a line they never thought they would cross.

Excerpt:

“Honey, I’m home,” she called out, secretly pleased when her voice didn’t quaver one bit.

The scent of strawberry—wafting from the candles tucked in every corner—both soothed her mind while also tightening her muscles as she dropped her purse on the floor. One measured breath after the next. Total silence while she fought off the urge to fidget, picking at her tight skirt or unbinding her hair from the constricting bun. She wouldn’t—couldn’t—mess with their ritual. A personal game during date night that had taken on new meaning half a year ago. Had become so much more than enjoying each other’s company over a glass of sugary, sweet fruit wine and a board game.

More intimate than talking, so she held back her voice, even as she longed to walk into the living room. But it wasn’t only about her wants. Her needs. Marriage was a partnership and she was willing to do her half to make her partner happy. Even if it meant standing perfectly still while her nipples hardened against her rough sweater and she recalled all the fantasies she’d harbored all day at work looping through her brain without a pause button.

“Where are you,” she mouthed the words to herself without breathing a sound.

A shadow wavered out of the corner of her eye. Before she had time to turn her head he stood in front of her as if he’d been there the whole time. A formless shape only defined by flicking shadows and her engrained memories. At least until they made their way to the living room—but she knew from experience that part wasn’t soon. No, he stood his ground in front of her with an unreadable expression against the darkness. Shallow, barely there breaths. Nothing to showcase his eagerness, while she silently pleaded for his touch, every inch of her skin electric with the urge to reach out and brush her fingers across his face.

She didn’t touch him for the same reason he made no movement forward—their anticipation of each other was so much better this way. Close enough to sense the brush of his breath—hot against her cheeks. His mouth would taste like citrus toothpaste while his lips would bruise hard enough that her eyes would fill with tears even closed.

“You look amazing,” his gravelly voice lilted at the end of his words, an odd accent not anything close to their neighbors or friends. Tonight, the words didn’t matter. His tone was like a hand groping beneath her clothes, eager, unstoppable, and full of heady promise.

“You can’t see me.”

“I don’t need to see, to know.” Jasper cracked his knuckles and the sound was a gunshot rending through the charged silence.

His callused hand wrapped around her wrist and she barely registered that he’d moved forward blocking the entrance to their gourmet kitchen. When she swallowed she nearly choked. As her chin tipped up to look into his eyes, he clucked with his tongue. A gentle reminder. Her eyes slid back to the cheap carpeting in their entryway.

But she’d be lying if she didn’t admit that when his fingers pressed ever so slightly into her wrist in warning that her throat closed on a sigh. Though he hadn’t spoken, she knew his touch well enough it was as if he had uttered a forceful command. Loud and constant—until her nervousness was drowned out by the cacophony of blood pumping and rushing between her ears.

“Come ‘ere.” He slid his hand up along her forearm and jerked her to his broad, muscular chest while he towered above her petite curves by at least a foot. They rocked together as if magnetized. Pride swelled in her chest when she merely blinked at his actions though the rest of her practically dissolved in his arms soaking in the warmth of protection and the danger his veiled strength.

She didn’t put out a hand to stop him—though it wouldn’t have mattered. Jasper would have swatted it away and gripped her all the tighter, all the more painful, until there were tender bruises that she reveled in the next morning. Small, tender marks that would sweetly sting when he pressed on them across the breakfast table. Besides, it wasn’t as if he wouldn’t leave marks, even when she was good. He dragged his thumb across her skin with his stinging heat—like she was a roadmap to the only destination in the world that mattered.

And as she closed her eyes, her very cells cried out for more of his touch. Her hand curved along his solid, muscular hip. His gaze swept over her until she didn’t have to look at him to know his intentions. Her stare bore into his white t-shirt, her eyes focused so hard on him that she was shocked there wasn’t a hole in his chest that started smoking. His other hand shifted up from her hip to her shoulder, along her neck, and below her chin. Every place he touched hummed and she dug for willpower to keep her hand from shaking against the smooth, smoldering heat of his skin beneath his shirt.

One stroke along her chin with his thumb. Enough to set her teeth to chattering if she hadn’t had her jaw clamped shut in order to avoid him knowing the impact of his touch. Jasper was cocky—didn’t need any more help in that department. Until he gave her something, she would work to give him nothing. All day she’d labored with the knowledge of the sweet, hard press of his lips against her throat and the particular rat-a-tat-tat of his fingers against her clit.

The less reaction, the better.

Before she could figure out what angle he was working tonight, her husband jerked up her chin with a pleased grunt. Her head tipped back with a blink. A deep breath of pine filled her lungs until she ached lodging a noise in the back of her throat. She gauged the look in her lover’s calculating brown eyes. Against the backdrop of darkness with the subtle flicker to their right she could only make out the bright points of his eyes. As if flames danced within them. Tonight he would be the devil, her tormentor—the association inside her mind wasn’t a surprise.

“I’m the man that gets to remove all these trappings to get to the sweet treat of your nakedness. I’ll never take it for granted—though tonight you won’t be so lucky,” he breathed against her lips, barely a caress of skin on skin. Enough of a tease that she arched on tiptoe trying to meet his mouth, even as he was already on the verge of leaving her high and dry.

There was no reply, because he didn’t expect one. Even if he had, his chest brushed against the front of her sweater until the commanding caress of his hand that had shifted onto the nape of her neck became something of an anchor. Knowing the ritual, their odd little habits every Friday, didn’t make anything boring or old hat. In fact, her knowledge of what to expect in the beginning of their little dance only skyrocketed her anticipation—merely because she knew once his hands were off of her anything was up for grabs.

And with his hands on her while her knees shook, he kept her in place, their eyes locked with a mutual understanding. The next several hours would test them both. But it would be worth it—he always made every move worth it. Jasper’s mouth tilted in a gentle smile that she could barely make out. His gaze told a different, more ruthless story like the slow, predatory kneading along her nerve endings at her nape and forearm. Their only points of connection, yet the subtle contact was enough to send her thoughts spinning away in favor of simply basking in his touch.

“You know what comes next.”

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~*~

Elise Hepner writes smutty goodness for Ellora’s Cave, Xcite, and Excessica. She’s appeared in several Cleis anthologies including 69 Stories of Sudden Sex and Best Bondage Erotica 2012. She lives with her husband and two clingy kitties in Maryland. Visit www.ehwriting.com to learn more and explore her backlist.

I finally got to spill my exciting news last week and I thought I’d share six sentences today from the first book of the new 4-book series (titled Geek Kink) I’ll be bringing you over the next two years. The first novel, Taking Over Me, will be out Spring 2013. Enjoy!

His hand moved, the pinch increasing as he tightened the clamp. The pinching morphed to a dull throb that echoed through her body. With a start, she realized every breath only made her more aware of the clamp, her aching clit and her very wet pussy. No fraking way.

A wry smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “Watching a sub accept a gift from her Dom never gets old.”

For those new to this, the rules are simple:

1) pick a project – a current Work in Progress, contracted work or even something readers can buy if you’re published

2) pick six sentences

3) post ‘em on Sunday

See? Easy. Want to play? See the site for information on how to do just that: http://sixsunday.com

If you have a Twitter account, you can add the hashtag #sixsunday to your tweets when you tweet a link to your Six Sentence Sunday post. If you’re a writer (regardless of published/unpublished status) come join us!