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RED SAGE PUBLISHING, INC. :: * * * PAPERBACK :: SECRETS VOLUME 24 Surrender to Seduction Alexa Aames, Rae Monet, Natasha Moore, Mia Varano (Paperback)
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SECRETS VOLUME 24SURRENDER TO SEDUCTIONPaperback Copyright © Alexa Aames, Rae Monet, Mia Varano, Natasha Moore , 2008 All Rights Reserved, RED SAGE PUBLISHING, INC. REVIEWS: DARK ANGEL REVIEWS - Recommended Read!!! WAR GOD by Alexa Aames Estella is in a bookstore when she discovers a very old book on mythology. When she recites the spell written in it, she becomes a completely different woman. She starts having very erotic dreams about Ares, the god of war. When she discovers that she is in fact carrying the essence of Aphrodite inside her, she finds herself at Ares' mercy. Ares soon becomes obsessed with Estella and determined to possess her. He won't allow anyone or anything to get in his way of making Estella his, including Estella herself. SHADOW WOLF by Rae Monet The year is 2643 and we find ourselves on the Lupine Settlement of Planet Alagon. Dia has been hired, because of her wolf nature, to track an item. She's to find and bring back the Shadow wolf. When Dia tries to steal the wolf, which happens to belong to Roark D'Reincolt, she gets caught. Both Roark and Dia discover an undeniable attraction to one another. Roark soon realizes he cannot give Dia up. Will these two be able to find an everlasting love or are they destined to remain enemies forever? BAD TO THE BONE by Natasha Moore When Luke arrives in town for his class reunion, he never expects to see Annie Shane. He has no idea it's her when she walks through the door. The years have been very good to Annie and she's now the sexiest woman Luke has ever laid eyes on. Luke is trying to overcome his bad boy past. Annie came to the reunion hell bent on becoming a bad girl. When Annie offers herself to Luke, he finds himself hard pressed to refuse her. Luke makes her toes curl and she plans on getting some of him before the night is through. Will Luke be able to resist the sultry temptress throwing herself at him? HOT ON HER HEELS by Mia Varano Vivica Steele runs the Lollipop Lounge, a male strip joint on the Vegas Strip. During her interview with Jack, a prospective employee, Vivica finds herself acting completely out of character. He's driving her wild with lust. However, she's determined to stay in control. Jack is working undercover as a Lollipop Boy to try to find out who has been conning old women out of their money and jewels. He needs to find out if Vivica is involved. Soon, he finds himself hoping she isn't. He wants her more than anything in the world, and one way or another, he will have her. SECRETS VOLUME 24: SURRENDER TO SEDUCTION is a whirlwind adventure from one story to the next. As the title says, each story deals with submission of some sort. I can't pick my favorite story out of this one. I fell in love with the characters in each. HOT ON HER HEELS was a ton of fun. I really enjoyed Jack in his leopard print g-string at Vivica's mercy. They're relationship was filled with passion and provocative moments. SHADOW WOLF kind of threw me for a loop. Not usually my type of story, I still found myself amazed by Rae Monet's ability to draw me into this story. I really enjoyed the paranormal elements in this story and of course, the sensual seduction. BAD TO THE BONE really stood out for me. I could relate to Annie completely. She was the nerd in high school and suddenly she re-appears smoking hot. Luke was downright yummy and I agreed whole heartedly with her wanting to seduce him. WAR GOD gave me mixed emotions. It took me a while to decide whether Ares was actually evil or just a man in love. I love stories based on Greek gods, so I really got into this one quickly. Estella and Ares really get their groove on and Estella discovers a new side to herself she never realized existed. Once again, the authors and Red Sage Publishing really did an amazing job of combining these stories to appeal to any reader out there. These are my favorite anthologies because I always know I will never be disappointed with any story that I read from them. ~~Amanda Haffery - DARK ANGEL REVIEWS WAR GOD - ALEXA AMES To My Reader: Greek and Roman myths have always been favorites of mine, and Ares, the ultimate bad boy, is so dangerous and sexy that it seemed only right that a modern woman should try to tame him. I hope you enjoy War God. Read an excerpt: Chapter 1 Estella Eaton pushed up from the buttery-soft brown leather chair she’d been sitting in for two hours. She inched around the footrest where her books were resting. She'd been working on her thesis so long that her brain felt like scrambled eggs. She stretched her long legs and rubbed her hands along the pale blue denim of her jeans. She looked around Nelson’s Books. The small independent bookstore had survived despite not serving lattes or giving deep discounts. Sheila, another student in the biochemistry department, had introduced Estella to the bookstore as a popular student hangout, and Estella had loved it immediately. The battered but comfortable chairs, the smell of old books, the turn of the century photos on the walls gave Estella a sense of permanence, of history preserved just for her pleasure. Estella wandered up the creaky stairs into her favorite part of the shop. Rare books. The old volumes had an intriguingly musty smell. She slipped between the stacks and ran her fingers over the bindings. Her index finger stopped on a book of mythology that she’d looked through a few times before. She pulled it out and leaned back against the shelf behind her. She flipped yellowed pages, looking at the illustrations. The images of the gods and goddesses were stunning. Clearly, it was good to be adored by artists. She came to the place where a page was missing and glanced at the final paragraphs describing the god of war. There was writing in the margin and a small sketch that someone had drawn. A perfectly-sculpted male torso. She turned the book sideways and whispered the words written in black ink. Ball of fire from the hand War of mountain, sky to land Darkest god who none can see In the flesh now, come to me. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest like a woodpecker’s beak hammering a piece of wood. She swallowed hard, dragging her pinky over the written words and closed the book. She replaced it on the shelf, walking down to philosophy. Existentialism would be a lot less unsettling than naked pecs inked in unsuspecting margins. She rubbed down the denim over her outer thighs, aware that the place between her inner thighs was what really wanted rubbing. She sighed. It had been months since she’d had a boyfriend. Lately, it seemed like the smallest thrill triggered pulses of excitement. * * * Ares, the god of war, leaned against the wall. He was invisible to mortal eyes because he chose to be. His coal gaze followed the swing of the Estella’s white-blonde hair. A straight shimmering curtain of it fell across her eyes, and she blew it away with bee-stung lips. He was sure those full lips would be as succulent as the peach color that stained them. He was also sure they would feel like crushed rose petals against the iron stiffness of his cock when he was in her mouth. He groaned softly, releasing himself from his tight calf-skin pants. How he would like to bury himself into her depths, but it wasn’t time yet. She needed to be primed. He took his erection in his hand and stroked it slowly, staring at her ass as she bent over to reach a book on the bottom shelf. The curve of her hips seemed to call to his hands. He imagined his thumbs spreading her cleft open to receive him. Estella stood and walked toward him. She’d left whatever book she’d been looking at on the shelf. Her hands were empty, and he guessed she was going back downstairs. Back to her work. He shoved his stiff cock back inside his pants, and moved to stand a few feet in front of the stairwell. He waited with a salacious smirk. She strode toward him, a golden gazelle advancing unknowingly on a panther. She passed through him, tasting like vanilla. He spun a half turn and took a step back to watch her fall to her knees. She panted, palms on the floor. Her head hung below her shoulders, leaving her long neck bare. He leaned over, running a long finger over her spine from neck to tailbone. He laid his palm on her ass, cupping her so that his fingers gripped between her legs. She shuddered and then slid down and away from his hand as she fainted. “Coward,” he whispered. * * * Estella woke lying in her bed, naked under her sheets. It was strange since she didn’t normally sleep in the nude, but the details of getting ready for bed were fuzzy. She blinked at the tops of her breasts. A cold gust of air ruffled the sheets, exposing and hardening her nipples. She glanced over at the open window and at the dark figure standing next to it. She froze. He was black-haired and nearly seven-feet-tall. He rubbed his goatee and eyed her body. She took a tiny gasp of breath into her tight chest and started to lower her arms slowly, planning to pull the sheet up. Her arms stopped midway. Startled, she looked up to find a pale blue satin tie binding her wrists. When her eyes darted back to the stranger, he was standing next to the bed. “What do you want?” she asked, her voice bizarre in its calm. What’s wrong with me? He caught the sheet in his fist and pulled it off her in a slow surreal moment. The sheet floated to the floor. She lay nervously under his onyx gaze. “I’ll scream.” “No, you won’t,” he said in a deep voice that poured over her like honey. The muscles of his chest twitched under the open vest hanging off his massive shoulders. He was so overtly masculine. She’d never seen him before, but a sense of déjà vu coursed through her. “You summoned me.” A hand huge enough to palm a basketball slid over his chest, down to his rippled abs and then to the front of his skin-tight leggings. “What?” she whispered. He licked his lips, looking her over again. “You heard me.” Her throat was tight with fear and lust. He shrugged off the vest then unhooked his belt. He let it dangle from his hand, and it flickered over her skin like a serpent’s tongue. “Are you the devil?” she asked. He threw his head back and laughed a low rumble of thunder. He dropped the belt on the floor, still smiling. “No, but I’m just as feared, and I do better work. Spread your legs, and let me show you.” She stared up at him with wide eyes. “Go ahead,” he encouraged, letting his hand catch her left knee. “This is just a dream anyway.” She stared at him in confusion. Was it a dream? Was he real? His touch burned like no other man’s ever had, and there was something otherworldly about him. “Now, open for me. Unless you’d like to play a game where I pretend to force you. I’m very good at domination,” he whispered. Her heart stopped for an instant. He was so menacingly virile. She wanted him, but she was afraid of him too. She licked her dry lips. He smiled at her and, in an instant, he gripped the backs of her thighs, pulling her body down so that her arms were stretched taut over her head. She arched, trying to escape. He held her legs, sliding his hands over to the tops of her thighs as he knelt on the bed. He ran his fingers down to her ankles catching them in his grip. “Take a moment to enjoy your last seconds of freedom. When I’m done, you’ll belong to me.” “Let me go,” she rasped, trying unsuccessfully to kick loose. He gave her a black grin. “I can taste your heart fluttering on my tongue. But that’s not what I want to taste. Do you think I’ll feel your heartbeat throbbing between your legs when I put my mouth there?” She gasped, and her breathing grew ragged. “Are you wet enough to quench my thirst?” he asked as he lifted her left leg and licked the inside of her ankle. Her legs trembled in his hands. He bit the back of her calf, pulling her bottom off the mattress as he held her leg to his mouth. She was like a wishbone. Her breath caught in her throat as he pushed her right ankle outward several inches. The span of his arms seemed infinite. Damp heat pooled inside her. She tried to retract her legs, instinctively trying to regain some control. He looked down as he lowered her left leg a fraction of an inch. Her behind bumped back against the mattress. He pushed her left ankle outward and stared directly down into her sex. It made her want to squirm. It also made her want to feel him make good on his threats. “I’m going to spread you so far open,” he said, studying the space between her legs. “Like a book with a broken spine, all its secrets exposed.” He moved his hands up her legs, pushing her thighs apart as he went. Being handled and having her legs spread seemed to trigger some primitive need to couple. “Blonde and pink and creamy.” He licked his lips again. “Is all that cream for me?” She panted, trying to catch her breath. She felt dizzy, wantonly splayed. Her hips had started to move involuntarily, the scent of her wet sex drifting through the air. She saw his nostrils flare. It’s not real. I wouldn’t feel like this. It’s a dream. Her breasts swelled like her lower lips. She wanted him to take all of her at once. Her hips gyrated faster. “Please.” Finally, he lowered his head, his palms pushing up and out on the bottoms of her thighs so that her calves were several feet apart and suspended in the air. Her knees hung back toward her slightly curled body, her pelvis tipped up to his face. His thumbs inched between the cheeks of her bottom, pulling them apart. She groaned at being spread even further open. Touch me. Lick me, she thought with wild desperation. She screamed when he finally flicked the tip of his tongue over her throbbing clit. Her body shook as he sucked. She shrieked as she orgasmed. He lapped her juices. His thick tongue grazed her orifices as he moved his mouth back and forth then plunged into her pulsing cleft. His tongue burrowed into her vagina deeper than the cocks of her former lovers ever had. “How?” she gasped almost incoherently. She screamed again a few minutes later, toppled into the abyss of multiple orgasms, lost in sensation, her pelvic walls clenching and unclenching like a fist, her pussy and bottom tingling with unbearable intensity. Her ears popped, and she woke suddenly, sweating and breathless. She inhaled sharply, startled to find that three of own her fingers were inside her vagina. She pulled them free, sitting up. The window was closed. Lights out. She sat, shaking with arousal, alone in the dark and disappointed that he wasn’t there. A minute later, she flung herself back onto the pillows. She rubbed her legs together, like a cricket trying to make music. She closed her eyes and saw his gorgeous face again. She cupped her breasts in her hands, pinching her aching nipples. She sucked hard on her bottom lip. Her sex tingled and twitched. She reached a hand down, rubbing against her soaked panties, and then snaked her fingers inside the elastic and back between her plump lower lips. The image of him swam in front of her as she brought herself to orgasm. Ares stood invisibly at the end of Estella’s bed, jerking his cock while he watched her masturbate, dreaming of him. He gritted his teeth against the urge to shove his rigid cock into her boiling body. Her perfectly round globes of softness shimmied as she gyrated. He wanted to suck those breasts so hard that they would give up drops of milk. Thin sweet nectar. She’d have weeping eyes by the time her body relented. There were certain pleasures that could only be born from pain. He glanced down at himself. He was hung like an animal. Huge heavy balls, full of the liquid that triggered lust and rage in equal measure. With his free hand, he squeezed his sac. It would take a hard coupling for any mortal woman to accommodate the length of his organ, but then Estella wasn’t fully human herself. And they were drawn together by the forces that neither he nor Aphrodite had ever been able to control. He looked back at Estella’s smooth, golden body, gleaming with sweat. She’s mine. She doesn’t know it yet, but then she’s got a lot of things to learn. About the Author: Alexa Aames likes to spend her free time buried in books with her toes in the sand and the sound of the ocean nearby. She loves the variety of the Secrets stories and is happy to be able to contribute to the latest collection. She loves hearing from readers at alexa_aames@hotmail.com, and you can learn about her other available stories at alexaaames.com SHADOW WOLD - RAE MONET To My Reader Shadow Wolf is a continuation of The Solarian Wolf Warrior Series and weaves the eradication of the wolves into the story—as do all my Wolf Warrior books. Each Wolf Warrior book stands on its own, so if you want to further explore this world please come and visit me at RaeMonet.com. Shadow Wolf is the sixth book in the series and will introduce you to half-breed Lupine Dia Nahiutras and Wolf Warrior First Class, Roark D’Reincolt. They will take you into a futuristic world riddled with war and betrayal. The pair must overcome many obstacles to discover their true path in life. I hope you enjoy Roark and Dia’s story. I know I loved writing it for you. Of course, always close to my heart are the wolves; please visit my adopted wolf Wana, who lives at WolfMountain.com. And I love to hear reader feedback at Rae@RaeMonet.com Read an excerpt: Chapter 1 Planet Earth Scottish Highlands, Solarian Guard Outpost, Entrance to the Solarian Realm “What do you say, girl?” Roark D’Reincolt wiped the drops of sweat off his brow and the back of his neck. Wacipi, his midnight-black wolf, gave a full body shake and plopped down beside him. His gaze strayed to the waterfall they guarded. Behind the crashing power, laid the entrance to the secret Solarian Realm where his people had lived in peace and safety since the thirteenth century. “I definitely regret taking guard duty this week. Next time one of my Wolf Warrior’s is sick, remind me to tell him or her to man-up.” Wacipi produced a whine, her way of agreeing with him. “It’s got to be a hundred and ten degrees out here.” His wolf made an audible huff and set her muzzle between her front legs. He set his hand on her head. Wacipi, his unusual, petite wolf, was the whole to his half. Shunned by her pack because of her small size, she gradually struggled for a place of honor among her mates. She was a fighter, just like him. As with all Wolf Warriors, he had a strong telepathic connection with his wolf, and he could feel her displeasure. Roark scanned the green forest of the Scottish Highlands for threats, taking in the lush Oaks and overhanging foliage. The smell of Scottish Heather blanketed the area while mist from the waterfall encircled the woodland around him. He sucked in a soothing breath and tried to enjoy the peace his home always brought him, only to be weighed down again by the oppressive heat. The roar of the falls called to him, a refreshing dip wouldn’t take long and if Wacipi and he didn’t cool off, it’s likely they would pass out from heat stroke. The area was clear. He didn’t sense any danger. “Should we take a few to cool ourselves off?” Wacipi gave a resounding ruff and followed him toward the water. Stripping down to his loin cloth, Roark set aside his sword and rifle at the water’s edge. He stepped into the river, instantly relieved by the chill. Like a cub, Wacipi danced around him, barking and splashing. Roark laughed and delved deeper into the refreshing water, diving in until he was completely submerged, breaking the surface and floating, relaxing. Suddenly, he felt stillness around him; the birds ceased their chatter, an eerie quiet enveloped the area, as if something magical was coming. Roark paused, his Wolf Warrior senses stirred in anticipation. Wacipi swam toward the shore, growling as she went. Roark rotated in the water to face the unknown danger. Caution made him swim ever so slowly toward his weapons, until his feet touched the bottom. He moved, step by step, out of the water until he was within an arms length of his sword. Only another foot and he would be armed. As he reached the water’s edge, his threat walked from the mist. Appearing like a wood nymph, she was a mystical creature, mesmerizing him with her appearance. Her creamy skin was surrounded by long hair curling around her face and cascading down her shoulders in a mass of crimson. Her light green eyes were so startling he blinked from their brilliance. Her lush curves overflowed from the barest of jade colored gossamer cloth, crisscrossing over her breasts, around her back, up front and flowing to her hips. She wore hiking boots and had a back pack slung over her shoulder, in complete contrast to her barest of outfit, which seemed more in line with a woman wanting specific attention from her lovers. Roark’s heart pressed against his chest, thump, thump, thump, in rhythm to his rapidly accelerating pulse. His cooled body heated back up, so quick and so hot; he could feel the sweat trickle down the side of his face. The hairs on the back of his neck stood at attention, along with other parts of his body. He reached down and tried to adjust himself to conceal his raging erection, a nearly futile action. He couldn’t figure out what it was about her, but she was having an immediate and powerful sexual effect on him. “Good afternoon. I come in friendship.” She held up her hands in the universal sign of surrender and gave a pointed stare at his growling wolf. Roark relaxed a bit, his tensed muscles eased as he confirmed this beautiful woman was likely no threat. “I’m in need of a good cooling off myself. I’m gathering a special plant for my nearby village.” She held up a botanist capturing device he recognized and flipped her hand from the area she had come. Roark gave a mental command to Wacipi. Stand down. The wolf quirked her head in clear curiosity, and sat back on her haunches, undoubtedly to watch the drama unfold. His wolf was in tuned to him as no other. She obviously sensed Roark’s attraction to this woman. “Would you mind if I joined you? It’s so hot. I’ve been working all day trying to find this one specific plant specimen. It’s been impossible. I’m so frustrated.” Dropping her backpack and device, she stepped closer, her small body easing down to sit on the mossy bank in front of him. She was tiny, maybe only five feet tall, he wasn’t sure how she even carried the large pack she had slung down. As she edged closer, he could smell her, a unique flowery fragrance penetrating every cell of his body. His nostrils flared as he tried to take in more gulps of her scent. Although he was fairly sure she wasn’t there to harm him, he was still a soldier, and by nature, suspicious. He needed to quit mooning over the woman and get back to business. Not saying anything, Roark stepped onto the bank, and slowly began picking up his weapons. She didn’t try to stop him, confirming her limited risk. “I’m Dia.” She held out her petite hand like a queen might ask her subject to kiss her fingers. Roark almost felt the need to bow. “Roark D’Reincolt.” He clasped her fingers in his. He felt it then, a burning centering in their touched palms, radiating out, sending a tingle all the way down his spine to his toes as if he had been electrocuted. What the hell was that? He eased his grip from hers. “What settlement?” “What? Oh,” Dia flipped her hair over her shoulder, displaying her pert breasts under her gauzy top. The fabric was as close to transparent as cloth could get and Roark was extremely grateful for that fact. “The one down the rise.” She waved her fingers in the air, “Over there.” Roark sat down to study her. Up close she was even more beautiful. The classic lines of her face reminded him of Royalty, a straight, pert nose, chiseled cheekbones, full lips and a rosy hue to her light sun-kissed skin. She smiled, a single dimple appearing in her cheek as she reached down to unlace her boots. Out of courtesy, Roark set aside his weapons, brushed her hands aside and went about finishing the task for her. “What’s the name of that settlement?” he asked. “Braemere, Laird Leone’s settlement. I’m Kailey’s cousin from London.” Roark let out a slow sigh of relief. He was aware of the settlement. It would be hard to fake knowing the Laird’s family name and his sister, Kailey. Last time Roark was in their town, Kailey had spoken about her cousin visiting from London, who she had said was a Botanist. “Yes. I know it.” “Where do you come from?” She tilted her head to the side as she awaited his answer, her red hair shifted, caressing her shoulder. Roark gritted his teeth in sexual frustration and tried to stay on task. “I’m only here for a visit. Camping. Enjoying the outdoors.” Roark slid her boot and sock off her delicate foot, keeping vague about where he came from. If she knew Laird Leone’s family, then she would piece together he wasn’t from around the area. He held her ankle for a moment, the contrast of his large hand to her small foot was substantial. There was a part of him craving to caress the tiny arch. He wondered if the rest of her body would look as delicate as her foot. Her skin was so soft. He shook his head and removed the other boot. “I love to camp. How long have you been here?” “A while.” Roark moved her boots aside to take off her socks and against his better judgment he began to massage her foot. Her sweet fragrance was drawing him in, closer, closer, he wanted to lean over and sip from her lips to see if she tasted as good as she smelled. Need became his number one companion. “Oh, that’s delicious.” She moaned and arched her back, pushing her taunt nipples hard against the front of her shirt. Roark heard a low guttural sound come deep from his throat. Would you mind if I joined you?” she asked. Roark blinked several times at her request. He’d lost track of the conversation while he thought about lining one of those pink nipples with his tongue, taking the pertness slowly into his mouth, tugging on it with his teeth--not too hard--just enough to make her arch like that again. “I mean, do you mind if I camp here with you for a few days? I still have several plant species I have to acquire before I can return. These woods do have wild animals. I wouldn’t mind having a camp-mate for a couple days. It’s blind luck I came across you.” Something protective reared up in Roark. He didn’t want her camping out here alone either. The woods were dangerous. Roark set her foot down, sat back and made a quick decision. “I’d be honored to have you join me.” “Thank you.” She rose, untied her top and began unwrapping the cloth around her body, until she stood totally naked before him. As he tried to swallow, all the moisture sucked out of Roark’s mouth and he ended up gulping for breath. He had fantasized about it seconds earlier, and now the dream had come alive. Her body was a work of art, all curves and soft lines, her breasts were as he imagined; full nipples standing at attention, teasing him. She turned, showing him her lovely sloping back, arching into a perfectly formed ass. He was having a difficult time not reaching down and stroking his hardness so he could relieve the tension he felt forming there. “You don’t mind if I take a swim, do you?” She watched him from over her shoulder, her smile knowing, the twinkle in her eyes told him she knew exactly how she was affecting him. “Not at all.” What is this woman up to? “Drop your suit and join me.” As she walked toward the water, her parting remark before a splash had him standing. Roark gave Wacipi a mental command to guard the perimeter. His wolf went lopping off. So his new guest wants to play, does she? I’ll bite. Roark reached for his loincloth. Who was he to deny the lady? About the Author: Rae Monet is a multi-published, award winning, sensual romance author and speaker. She is former Air Force, FBI agent and now is a licensed Private Investigator as well has having a Bachelor and Masters Degrees in business. Rae loves to write strong female characters, lots of action, and hot romance. Please come explore her other books on her website, RaeMonet.com. BAD TO THE BONE - NATASHA MOORE To My Reader I was a good girl, I admit it. Maybe that’s why I love stories where a good girl throws caution to the wind and hooks up with the kind of guy her mother always warned her about. I hope you enjoy Annie and Luke’s story. Read an excerpt: Chapter 1 “Whoa, look at these two. Anyone recognize them?” Luke Kendall glanced up from the pitcher of beer he held. He was getting ready to pour a second round. Or was it the third? Even though Sean sat right beside him and Dave, his voice was loud enough to carry across the entire bar. All the guys in the area whipped their heads around to scope out the newcomers. Hot. Both of them. Luke remembered the shorter one. Lacey Brooks appeared about the same as he remembered with her long blonde hair, big blue eyes and turned-up nose. Same curvaceous body poured into a shimmering gold dress. He’d had his hands on that body a time or two. The memory made him smile. But it was the tall, shapely brunette beside her that made Luke catch his breath. He set down the pitcher before he spilled beer all over the table. Who was she? Did he know her? Wild chestnut curls spilled over her shoulders. Wide, dark eyes sparkled beneath long lashes. Lush red lips moved slightly. He wished he could hear what she was saying to Lacey. What did her voice sound like? How would her lips taste? He found himself standing as the two women turned toward their table. Sean and Dave glanced curiously at him and then stood up too. “Good evening, ladies,” Luke said, using the smooth practiced tone that never failed to charm women. He caught the eye of the sexy brunette and her warm gaze washed over him. Hot gaze, was more like it. She seemed a little familiar, but he couldn’t place her. “Hey, Luke,” Lacey said. Her voice was as cold as a Buffalo blizzard. Damn, was she still holding a grudge after all these years? “I didn’t think you’d come all the way across the country for our reunion.” “Are you kidding? Couldn’t pass up a chance for beer and wings at Bernie’s,” he replied lightly, his eyes still focused on the brunette. “Would you like to join us?” 144 Natasha Moore “No, I think we’ll—” “We’d love to,” the brunette cut in. Her voice was a husky mix of sin and seduction. She slowly rounded the table and lowered herself into the empty seat next to Luke. Lacey frowned but sat down beside her. Luke and his two closest friends from school sat down as well. The three of them used to hang around the local garage, shooting the breeze and learning about cars. Who’d have ever thought back then that he’d open his own little garage and build it into a successful business? His stomach clenched as he thought about Vanessa. He had to remind himself that his business was still successful. The jobs were still coming in. He had plenty of work to do. If he could afford to pay the mortgage and his employees. Luke drained the rest of his beer. He wasn’t going to worry about it this weekend. He was going to chill, catch up with his friends, and have a good time. Sunday would be soon enough to get back to the real world. He and Sean and Dave had been talking non-stop all evening, catching up on their lives, but now that the women sat down, there was an awkward silence at the table. Luke poured them all a glass from the pitcher of beer. Then the brunette spoke up. “Luke Kendall, right? I don’t think we ever had any classes together, but you stopped and helped me once when my car broke down on the way to school.” Luke frowned. Who the hell? He remembered a beat-up Chevy with a cracked distributor cap on one of the coldest mornings of the year. But that had been—No way. He took a closer look. “Annie Shane?” The laugh was low and lazy, but he saw a flicker of what might have been uncertainty in her eyes. “So you do remember me.” He lifted an eyebrow. The Annie Shane he remembered had worn dumpy clothes and been a hall monitor. He let his eyes travel over her, noting the swell of her breasts spilling out of that skimpy top. The long length of leg bared by the short skirt. “You’ve changed.” “So have you.” She took his hand and spread his palm on top of hers. “No grease under your fingernails.” Sean and Dave burst out laughing. Luke would have joined in, but he couldn’t make a sound. He could barely catch his breath. Her hand felt so smooth against his calloused fingers. His palm itched with the need to touch her everywhere. Her heated gaze caught his and he felt his engine rev. Suddenly, she dropped his hand and glanced away. “I’m starving,” she said. “How about some of those wings?” “Sure, I’ll go order them.” Luke stood up. He needed to back away for a minute before he spontaneously combusted. He wasn’t sure what Annie’s game was, but if she was offering, he wouldn’t turn her down. This was looking to be one hell of a way to wipe the worries out of his mind. “How do you like them?” She grinned. “Hot.” Of course. *** Annie’s legs were shaking as Lacey dragged her to the ladies room while Luke ordered the wings. Lacey practically pushed Annie through the door before turning on her. “What do you think you’re doing?” Lacey leaned back against the sink in the tiny room and crossed her arms in front of her. Annie could barely think about anything but Luke’s dark eyes raking over her body. She’d never had a man gaze at her like that before. As if he were burning the clothes right off her body. “I told you I was changing my image. I’m a bad girl now. How am I doing?” Lacey let out a string of curses that practically turned the air blue. “Clark Brown is an asshole. Don’t let what he said push you into doing something you’re not ready for.” Annie looked away from Lacey and felt her cheeks heat up. It was weeks ago, why couldn’t she get over it? “He told me I was boring, Lace. Plain and boring. Like it was my fault he fell asleep during sex. I should have been the one falling asleep!” “Sweetie, don’t let one lousy guy make you do something crazy.” “He’s not the first. Just the only one to say it out loud. I am boring.” She took a deep breath. ”Past tense. Was boring. Not going to be any more.” She straightened the tight shirt that stretched across her breasts and adjusted the deep V that exposed more cleavage than she’d ever shown in her life. Lacey frowned. “Maybe I shouldn’t have loaned you that outfit.” Annie thought about Luke’s hot gaze on her and itched to get back to the table. “Let’s go back out.” Lacey grabbed Annie’s hand. “Look, you put your life on hold while you took care of your mom. No one deserves getting out and enjoying themselves more than you do. But you’re just getting back into the dating scene. You need to start by getting your feet wet. Not jumping into the deep end with Luke Kendall.” “Oh, God, he’s so hot.” Annie could think of a few things she’d like to jump into with Luke. Then she clasped her hand over her mouth, as if she’d actually said the words out loud. What had gotten into her? The minute she walked in the bar, she’d been drawn to Luke, and it had to be more than his rugged good looks. Maybe it was because of the charming bad boy vibes he put out. Maybe he was exactly what this newly discovered bad girl needed. “He’s way out of your league,” Lacey went on. “He’ll eat you up for dinner and be on to someone new by dessert.” “Is that experience talking?” Lacey grimaced. “Yeah, I was the flavor of the week during spring break our senior year.” “Ten years is a long time,” Annie said. “Maybe he’s changed.” She gasped softly. “Or maybe he’s married.” Lacey shook her head. “Dave told me he’s still Mr. Non-Commitment.” “Good.” Annie turned to the mirror and fluffed up her already wild hair. “He’s just what I need.” “What are you talking about?” “Come on, Lace. I’m not looking for Mr. Right. I’m certainly not looking for a commitment. You’re right, I’m ready for some fun in my life. And Luke Kendall is perfect for what I have in mind. Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.” Lacey shook her head. “I hope so.” Annie led the way back to the table where Luke and his friends were sitting. The tangy scent of wings made her mouth water. So did the sight of the guy at the table waiting for her. Luke’s blonde hair curled over his collar and shone in the shadows of the bar. She’d like to think his dark brown eyes lit up when he saw her, but she couldn’t give herself that much of an ego boost. But she did feel incredible tonight. Sexy and strong. Powerful. She’d never felt that way about herself before. It may have started with Clark and the borrowed clothes and the wild hair, but Annie knew it was more about attitude. And she was changing her attitude for good. Make that for bad. Luke stood again as she reached the table. He held out the chair for her, and brushed his hands against her shoulders when he helped push her in. Shivers of awareness ran through her. Or were they shivers of nervousness? Was he as bad as Lacey made him out to be? “Man, Luke, you’re giving us guys a bad name,” Sean said with a whine in his voice. “My wife gave up on me helping her with her chair years ago.” “Yeah, and my wife would tell me she’s more than capable of getting into a chair by herself,” Dave added. “Of course she is,” Annie said with a smile. “But that doesn’t mean she wouldn’t appreciate your showing a little consideration now and then. Try it, you might be pleasantly surprised.” “You really think so?” Dave asked. Lacey rolled her eyes, then turned her attention to Luke. Her smile had an evil slant to it. “So, Luke, do you have a wife and kids back in—California, is it?” “Yes, I live in California. No wife and no kids.” “You mean you haven’t found a woman you’d like to settle down with?” Lacey asked. Annie kicked her under the table, but she barely flinched. “Or aren’t you the settling down type?” “Settle down with one woman?” Luke started to laugh, but must have thought better of it when Lacey glared at him. “No. I haven’t been lucky enough to find a woman to settle down with. No offense to you married guys, but I don’t think it’s going to happen for me.” Their wings arrived and after the baskets were passed out, Luke slid a sidelong glance at Annie. “How about you? Are you married?” “Nope. Not looking to either.” She picked up a chicken wing. The tangy scent of the hot sauce went straight to her already stimulated brain. “A woman who doesn’t want to get married?” Sean exclaimed. “I didn’t think they existed.” “Sure we do. I agree with Luke a hundred percent,” Annie said. “Life’s too short to settle for only one man. There are too many out there I haven’t sampled yet.” Lacey started coughing and Annie patted her on the back. “Wicked hot sauce, huh?” Soon Annie’s fingers were coated with sauce from the wings. She’d started to lick off the sauce when she thought she heard a strangled sound next to her. Her index finger was still in her mouth when she glanced over to Luke. His eyes darkened as he stared at her. His mouth hung slightly open. She slowly slid the finger out of her mouth, meeting his gaze as he watched her suck off the rest of the sauce. He looked as if he were aching to devour her. Her heart pounded at the sight of such naked hunger. She tore her gaze away and grabbed a napkin to wipe what was left of the sauce off her fingers. As she concentrated on the napkin, she suddenly found herself fighting a smile. Wow, she did that to him. The bar was filling up with people. Annie recognized quite a few of them, but she had no interest in making the rounds of the other tables. She wanted to stay by Luke. To hear him talk and feel his smooth voice pour over her like hot fudge. She ached to touch him too. But the good girl deep inside her stopped her from reaching out and putting her hand on his strong arm. Or better yet, on his muscular thigh. Oh, God, already she wanted to do more than simply touch him. She wanted to taste him. Tempt him. Tangle with him. Nerves tickled her stomach. Was she actually thinking about seducing a man she’d only met a couple hours ago? The heat from his eyes threatened to melt all the makeup Lacey had put on her face, so she didn’t think he’d take much persuading. But was she ready for a one night stand? A slow song played on the juke box. The need to touch Luke overrode the sensible side of her. She was a bad girl now. She could go after what she wanted. Bad girls didn’t have to wait for the guy to make the first move. She put her hand on his shoulder. The heat, the strength of him seemed to vibrate beneath her hand. He turned from whatever he and Sean were talking about. Annie leaned close to him so she wouldn’t have to shout over the din of the conversations all around them. “I love this song. Will you dance with me?” A quick grin spread across his face. The wolfish gleam in his eye simply made him all the more appealing. “I’d be happy to.” He stood and pulled her chair out. “Excuse us.” She rose and he put his hand on the small of her back as they made their way through the crowd to the tiny dance floor in the corner of the barroom. When they reached the polished wood, Luke slid his arm around her waist and curled her into his embrace. She slid her arms around his neck and brazenly pressed up against the hard length of him. Whoa. Tremors of desire swept through her like a wildfire. “Annie. Annie,” he murmured. His voice was rough now, his breath warm against her cheek. “What are you doing?” She rubbed her breasts lightly against his chest. “It should be obvious what I’m doing.” He stepped back slightly and frowned at her. “Annie, what happened to the nice girl...” She leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. Tingles buzzed through her, the kind she’d never experienced with any of the good guys she’d dated. “I’m not a nice girl.” He groaned, but pulled her tightly against him once more. “Annie...” She rubbed her cheek along his and then whispered in his ear. “I’m bad, Luke. Bad through and through.” He chuckled, but the sound was a little shaky. “I see. You’re a bad girl now.” He captured her lips with his then, quick and hard. Almost bruising. She started to pull away, but he plunged his hands through her hair, cupping her head with his hands and holding her there. His lips brushed against hers when he spoke again, his tone mocking. “Yeah, I can see you’re bad. Bad to the bone.” Annie tried not to tremble. It was easier than she thought to ignore the little voice screaming at her to run away fast, before she got in over her head. She slid her hands along either side of his face and stared at his lips. “Does a nice girl kiss like this?” she murmured, just before she crushed her lips to his. About the Author: Natasha Moore fell in love with the written word as soon as she could read. As she grew up, she discovered with romance and now enjoys the chance to add some extra sizzle to her stories. She lives in New York State with her real life hero who is happy to tell everyone that he’s her inspiration. They travel in their RV whenever possible. The great thing about writing is she can take it anywhere. Find out more about Natasha at www.natashamoore.com and feel free to drop her at note at natasha@natashamoore.com HOT ON HER HEELS - MIA VARANO To My Reader If you feel lucky, indulge your fantasies at the Lollipop Lounge in Las Vegas where men wear g-strings and women stuff them just to see them bulge. But beware. That hottie with hard body may have secrets he’s not willing to share — unless you ask nicely. Read an excerpt: Chapter 1 Chapter 1 Vivica Steele ran the palms of her hands along the smooth slabs of muscle on the new guy’s freshly waxed chest and inhaled his fresh, soapy scent. Her fingertips tingled as she stuffed down an insane desire to grab the bulge in his tight black polyester pants. Even here at the Lollipop Lounge in the middle of the Vegas strip, too much fondling could land her smack in the center of a sexual harassment lawsuit, although this one might be worth the risk. She flicked his silver nipple ring. “You’ll do, but lose the body jewelry. We don’t want to frighten the sweet little old ladies who come in here for their eightieth birthdays.” She grinned as she watched his Adam’s apple bob. He cleared his throat. “Sweet little old ladies come to the Lollipop Lounge?” “Yeah, and you better cater to them instead of the hot young things because the old broads tip better, in cold, hard cash.” Two types of men worked at the Lollipop Lounge. Gay men who loved showing off their well-toned bodies, and straight men who loved getting laid every night. Judging by the way this one eyed her assistant, Chanel, earlier, not to mention the pure masculinity that emanated from his hard body in suffocating waves, she pegged him as the latter. She glanced at the application on her desk and raised a brow. “Your name’s Jack Savage?” He nodded. “Yes, ma’am.” Subservience. She liked that in a man. Perching on the front edge of her desk, she crossed her legs and took inventory of his black hair, dark eyes, and olive skin that rippled with solid muscle across his chest and belly. “Well, Jack, you aren’t on the docks anymore. Maybe we’ll call you Fabrizio.” His gaze lingered on her thighs, and she uncrossed and re-crossed her legs Sharon Stone-style just to mess with him. He had to learn to control his libido around the boss. She never sampled the Lollipops. His dark eyes smoldered as they trailed to her face, and his distractingly sensuous lips lifted at one corner. “Fine. You can call me Fab.” What made her think one little “ma’am” from his lips signaled subservience? Maybe he said it just to mess with her. Two dollops of heat scorched her cheeks, and before they could spread, she jumped from the desk and turned her back on him. If she planned to keep him at the Lollipop Lounge, she had to slap him down. Nobody toyed with Vivica Steele. Not anymore. “Does this mean I have the job?” She spun around and almost toppled back against her desk. He’d taken one step closer, and now towered above her, his body heat nearly singeing the ends of her lashes. She dug unsteady fists into the desk behind her and drew her shoulders back until her breasts, clad in powder blue silk, almost brushed his bare chest. Bad move. Her nipples crinkled in response to his proximity. “You’ll start out as a waiter. All our Lollipop Boys do. If you show me you can strut your stuff among the tables, I’ll put you on stage. Then you can make some real money. Fair enough?” Jack held out his hand. “Fair enough.” As they sealed the deal, his long, powerful fingers enveloped her hand in a warm clasp, sending rivers of sweet honey coursing through her veins. This had to stop, right here, right now. She squeezed his hand hard, but he only grinned and squeezed harder. She ground her teeth together and yanked her arm back. When he released her hand, she resisted an urge to flex her fingers to revive her circulation. Time to wipe that boyish grin off his face and show him she had complete control of the situation. She gestured toward the black Lollipop Lounge trousers Chanel gave him for the interview. “One more thing before we take you on. Remove the pants.” The lazy sweep of his long, dark lashes over his eyes and his lazier grin lanced her belly with disappointment. He didn’t look the least bit uncomfortable. Either she just lost her ability to figuratively grab a man by the balls, or Jack enjoyed her games. Instead of unbuttoning the fly and pulling down the zipper, he ripped the pants off his body and tossed them to the floor. “Might as well make use of the Velcro.” Nothing fazed him. She hadn’t run into many men lately she couldn’t grind beneath her heel. While it exhausted her, it allowed her to keep the upper hand. Maybe she just met her match. Her gaze dropped to the leopard print pouch nestled between his muscled thighs, and her breath hitched in her throat. That kitty cat looked ready to pounce. Crossing her arms, she clenched her jaw, and everything else, as her eyes wandered up and down his chiseled frame. He struck a pose and flexed his muscles. “So do you think I got what it takes for the stage?” For the stage and her bed, but he didn’t have to know that. She shrugged. “Turn around.” He obeyed her command, displaying a set of broad shoulders that whittled down to narrow hips. The g-string disappeared between a pair of tight buns, and she bit down on an impulse to pluck it from its hiding place. Apparently, she didn’t bite hard enough. She smacked her palm against his backside and met pure muscle. His smooth skin clenched beneath her touch, and she tweaked his flesh between her fingertips. The door to her office swung open, and Chanel hovered on the threshold, her eyes wide. Vivica stepped back from the tempting hunk of male positioned in front of her, heat burning her cheeks. Busted. “Jack was just showing me his, ah, attributes for the stage.” Chanel zeroed in on Jack’s crotch, and then she glanced over his shoulder toward Vivica. “Are you hiring him on as a dancer?” Vivica folded her hands in front of her before they could lead her into any more trouble. “Of course not. He’ll wait tables first just like anyone else, but he’s eager to hit the stage and wanted to show me his wares.” Actually she demanded to see his wares, but he hadn’t exhibited any shyness about revealing all. Would he rat her out now to her assistant? Jack shifted to the side and stood between her and Chanel wearing nothing but his g-string and a smile. His pouch bulged, but he didn’t bother to hide it. In fact, he seemed to enjoy it. He grinned. “Just thought the boss should see what I have to offer the clientele.” He didn’t tell the truth about how he happened to be standing in her office half-naked. Why? Could this be someone she could count on? She squashed the thought before it could lead her into any foolishness. Chanel circled him once. “You have a great body, Jack, and attitude to match. The women will love you.” He nodded, his dark hair brushing his shoulders and falling over one eye. “I hope so, but I understand I have to learn the ropes and prove myself first.” Vivica spun around and swept his application off her desk. “Good. Chanel will take you back to her office to fill out some paperwork. You can start tonight, but we’ll do a background check, and you have to submit to a drug test. If anything turns up, you’ll be fired. Any problems with that?” His dark eyes narrowed. “You do a background check?” “Do you have anything to hide?” “No, ma’am, just surprised.” “We run a tight ship here, Jack, and expect all our employees to meet certain standards.” He held up his hands. “No problem.” She gave Jack’s application to Chanel, who opened the door and beckoned him to follow. Before he walked out of the office, he bent over to retrieve his slacks, giving Vivica a full view of his muscled buttocks. Then the door slammed behind them. Vivica let out a long breath and sank to the chair behind her desk. He enjoyed teasing her, but he’d soon learn she didn’t indulge in the Lollipops. Although his attitude attracted her to him, as it signaled a certain strength, and she longed to lean on someone for a change. While some of the Lollipops tended to be somewhat effeminate, Jack exuded pure, potent masculinity. His application indicated that he waited tables in L.A. while taking acting classes, as well as singing and dancing lessons. Obviously, his acting career flopped. Guess he figured he could use those dancing lessons to earn some cash in Vegas. She stared out the window at the Vegas strip below. How many dreams of fame and fortune turned to dust in L.A. and Vegas? At least Jack Savage didn’t have stars in his eyes. He didn’t look like he’d allow anyone to take advantage of him, but then men had the upper hand in that area. After her rocky start in Vegas as a naïve seventeen year old, she never allowed anyone to take advantage of her either. She turned the tables. She exploited men now and loved the delicious sense of power it gave her—most of the time. She made it on her own, in her own way, and she’d never let her guard down again. She’d never let some man control her. They only pretended to care until they got you in their clutches. She dashed a tear from her cheek. Why did Jack Savage dredge up all these old memories? Must be the way he stood his ground, her liberties skimming off him like beads of water on a freshly waxed car. Her actions didn’t intimidate him, embarrass him, or make him angry, like so many other men. And while it intrigued her, she didn’t like it. His attitude threatened her sense of control. Her office door flew open, and Chanel stormed into the room, her dark eyes flashing. “What’s wrong with you, girl?” Vivica pushed back from her desk and lifted her chin. “What are you talking about?” “Don’t play the innocent with me. I saw you handling the help.” Chanel didn’t miss a thing. Vivica bit her lip. “He’s an employee, not the help.” “Cut the semantics. You had your hand on his ass, not that I blame you. He’s a hot property, but you just left us wide open for a lawsuit.” He hadn’t given the impression he objected to her fondling. She came out from behind her desk. “Did he threaten a lawsuit?” “No. In fact, he followed me into my office wearing that g-string, and didn’t even put his clothes back on to sign his W-2. He’s a cocky SOB, and I mean that in all the right ways.” Vivica giggled. “He didn’t try to hide his erection in here either.” “Well, his erection subsided substantially after he left your office, but he’s packing something in that pouch, and it ain’t a baby kangaroo.” Doubling over with laughter, Vivica clutched her stomach. Leave it to Chanel to brighten the situation. They started a friendship when they both worked in the chorus line at the Costa del Sol Resort and Casino. Chanel had connections in this town, and she matched Vivica in grit and determination. Chanel wiped her eyes and plucked a tissue from Vivica’s desk. “Seriously, what were you thinking?” Vivica shrugged. She had no idea. The man had her firing on all pistons, and not just the sexual ones. When she looked in his eyes, she saw someone she might be able to trust. “I don’t know. It’s like you said. His cockiness irked me, and I just want to show him who’s boss.” “We all know who’s boss, and if this Jack’s game, I don’t see why you shouldn’t enjoy a Lollipop once in a while. God knows I’ve had my share.” Did she even have the ability to enjoy a man again? She had to hold the reins with a tight fist at all times, and lately she’d been getting tired of the fight. Could she hand over those reins to someone like Jack? “Don’t worry. I won’t slip again.” Someone tapped at the door, and Vivica called, “Come in.” Jack stepped into the room wearing faded jeans and a denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. “Excuse me, ladies. I left the form for my drug test in Chanel’s office, and the door’s locked.” Chanel said, “Come with me. I’ll get it for you.” “So you’ll be here tonight at nine o’clock, Jack?” Vivica held her breath as his dark eyes burned into hers. Then he winked. “With bells on.” About the Author: Mia Varano has hordes of virile men and strong but luscious women in her head, all clamoring to escape and realize their destinies. It makes for some interesting headaches until she sets them free to fulfill their fantasies and those of her readers. In addition to highly sensual, and somewhat kinky, erotic romance, Mia writes nail-biting romantic suspense as Carol Ericson. 
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