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RED SAGE PUBLISHING, INC. :: * * * PAPERBACK :: SECRETS VOLUME 25 WICKED DELIGHTS Cynthia Eden, Sedonia Guillone, Natasha Moore, Anne Rainey (Paperback)
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SECRETS VOLUME 25WICKED DELIGHTSPaperback Copyright © Cynthia Eden, Sedonia Guillone, Natasha Moore, Anne Rainey, 2008 All Rights Reserved, RED SAGE PUBLISHING, INC. REVIEWS 4 1/2 Bookmarks! It is no secret that Red Sage Publishing consistently nabs some very talented romance authors for their popular series of SECRETS anthologies. SECRETS VOLUME 25 continues that trend admirably, with four wonderful novellas by some great writers. ~BLOOD HUNT by Cynthia Eden~ Cynthia Eden has become a name that I look for on a book cover, and I knew I wanted this anthology the moment I saw she had a story in it. BLOOD HUNT will undoubtedly build her reputation as a talented author of paranormal romance even further. I felt the chemistry between Nema and Slade from the very beginning, and ached for them to consummate their attraction as soon as possible. I didn’t have to wait too long – that’s the beauty of a short story – and the passion this pair experienced together was more than satisfying. Even more satisfying was the connection they made outside of the physical. The moment they meet, they both feel the pull, and the growing bond is more than sexual. Neither of them hesitates to protect the other when the situation calls for it, and each is willing to sacrifice for the other. ~SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR by Anne Rainey~ Anne Rainey is another author I follow, and the other reason I snatched this anthology up as soon as possible. I would recommend any of her stories so far, and SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR is at the top of my list of favorites from Ms. Rainey. When the story begins, Tess presents herself as a dowdy, no-nonsense professional, hiding behind ugly, shapeless clothes. She admires Kevin from afar, even while working closely with him day in and day out. Her growing attraction for him finally reaches a point where she must make a change. Being a take-charge person, she opts for a make-over. This reaction makes Tess a woman we can look up to. She isn’t the sort to wallow in her own self-doubt. Instead she works to effect a major change for the better in her own life, a wonderful example for us all. It is no wonder Kevin falls for her… As for Kevin, I have to say it was absolutely delicious watching this man fall under Tess’s spell so completely. Yeah, he tried to deny that he was in love, but it is definitely a losing battle. Oh how the mighty do fall, and how we do enjoy reading it! ~ENTER THE HERO by Sedonia Guillone~ Kass and Lian have lived their lives in captivity under the new government regime. They fell in love when they were still children, and every plan they’ve made since then has been with the intention of staying together. An attempted escape lands them in sexual slavery, forced to perform at any time, for anyone, and with anyone. Be it Fate or Luck, somehow they manage to stay together even in this den of iniquity, finally able to consummate their love physically, even while they must hide the fact that they actually have feelings for each other. As their sexual performances together gain them popularity, they soon have another chance to escape to Paradise, outside the clutches of their captors. But if they don’t succeed in escaping, the sentence will surely be fatal… Sedonia Guillone paints a gloomy picture of a futuristic world in which one diabolical pair has somehow seized power and reshaped society to suit their own depraved desires. This new world caters to the wealthy even more than before, and those without money are quite literally slaves to those who do have it. You would think that such a life would erode any hope that the lower citizens might have for a better life, but love truly does conquer all. With the bond that forms between Kass and Lian in early childhood, they both find someone to live for, to make a better life with. That love pushes them each to persevere where they may have given up had they only themselves to consider. No matter what obstacles are thrown in their path, this pair forge on – always together. They fight so hard for their love and freedom that you become fully invested in their plight. When they finally do reach that happy ending, it as satisfying as if it were your own. ~UP TO NO GOOD by Natasha Moore~ Until this anthology, I had never read Natasha Moore, but she is an author I will definitely be reading more of soon! I was very impressed with her novella, UP TO NO GOOD. The title itself intrigued me, and the story was just wonderful. The banter between Allie and Mac is fantastic – I couldn’t get enough of it. This pair will certainly keep each other on their toes for the rest of their lives. Allie is delightfully irrepressible – a fact that simultaneously intrigues and worries Mac. He can’t wait to see what she comes up with next, but he also fears she will not rest until she exposes his dark secret. Her penchant for ordering sexy bar drinks from him wreaks havoc on his libido, and leaves the reader laughing with each double entendre exchanged. Mac is simply a great guy. Misguided, sure, but a really stand-up friend. He lets his past rule his present, and tries to keep himself apart from others, afraid he will be betrayed again, or worse, they’ll discover his secret and know the truth about who he is. Of course, Mac, like many of us, is much harder on himself than anyone else would be. It takes Allie’s unique perspective to help him overcome that past. UP TO NO GOOD is a fun little romance whose lightness compliments the real depth of the story. I would bet that Natasha Moore finds herself with quite a few new fans after this gem releases. ~~Jennifer~BookMarks Review of Secrets Volume 25 Secrets Volume 25 is a fabulous anthology featuring four very different and erotic stories that you won’t want to miss. One thing I really enjoy about these anthologies is that the stories are all so different from one another and can cover a variety of romance genres. There’s something for every reader and as a fan of all genres of romance, I really enjoy the variety they provide. As for this particular volume it starts off with Cynthia Eden’s “Blood Hunt,” a steamy story featuring Slade Brion, a bounty hunter whose latest assignment turns out to be more than he expected when he learns his prey, Nema Alexander, is a vampiress. The couple soon finds themselves on the run for their life in this fast-paced and fascinating paranormal romance. The characters of the story were great and I really enjoyed the interesting twist of the plot in this wonderful story. Up next is “Scandalous Behavior” by Anne Rainey, an entertaining story in which Tess Marley, who has lusted after and fantasized about her boss, Kevin Haines, for five long years finally decides to do something about it. Soon the couple finds themselves mixing business with pleasure in several steamy encounters. I really enjoyed the relationship between these two characters and they begin to explore what could be between them. I really liked Tess and could relate to her insecurities and doubts as she longed for love in what is truly a great story. In Sedonia Guillone’s futuristic romance “Enter the Hero,” longtime friends, Kass and Lian find themselves sentenced to sexual servitude as prisoners of the Confederation, the new government. Forced to make love for an audience, the two are determined to escape and find freedom away from the Confederation in Paradise in this action-packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat. Kass and Lian’s story is a very touching one and I enjoyed the friendship and love that exists between them in this enjoyable read. Sparks fly in the final story of the anthology, “Up to No Good” by Natasha Moore when Allie Chandler, a young writer tracks down her idol, former writer Simon “Mac” Mackenzie at a bar. Determined to get an interview, Allie is persistent, but finds more than she bargained for as she learns more about the mysterious “Mac.” I loved the chemistry and the banter between Mac and Allie as their relationship grew. They were perfect for one another and I enjoyed the ups-and-downs of their relationship as they dealt with issues of trust and the past. Overall, this was a wonderful anthology featuring four stellar stories that definitely heat things up. Each story shines with its sensuality and chemistry and no one story is stronger than the other. All four are strong stories with great characters and I recommend you get this one if you like variety in your romance. ~~ JENNIFER'S RANDOM MUSINGS REVIEWS BLOOD HUNT - CYNTHIA EDEN Vampiress Nema Alexander has a definite taste for bad boys. Slade Brion, a notorious bounty hunter, has just been charged with tracking her down. He won’t stop until he catches her, and Nema won’t stop until she claims him, forever. TO MY READER FROM CYNTHIA EDEN I've always had a soft spot for vampires. Sure, they can be the stuff of nightmares, but vampires can also be charming and seductive. When I wrote Blood Hunt, I decided that I wanted to create a female vampire who was just as strong and seductive as her male counterparts...and Nema Alexander was born. Of course, once I created Nema, I had to make sure that I gave her a worthy hero...and in walked Slade Brion. I hope you enjoy my take on the vampiric world. I would love to hear from my readers. Please visit my website at www.cynthiaeden.com or you may send an email to info@cynthiaeden.com. READ AN EXCERPT FROM BLOOD HUNT Prologue “Let me get this straight,” Slade Brion pressed his palms against the old, scarred surface of his wooden desk and leaned forward, keeping his gaze penned on the guy dressed in the too-expensive suit. “You’re gonna pay me two hundred grand to track down some woman—” “She’s not just some woman.” The faint lines around Clayton McDermott’s eyes tightened. “Nema Alexander is a killer. Make no mistake about it.” He tossed a stack of color photos onto Slade’s desk. Automatically, he glanced down. Saw the twisted bodies of the men. Saw the blood that soaked the ground beneath them. He lifted the pictures, studying them, one, then another. Five pictures total. Five men. All with their throats ripped out. He reached for the manila file he’d pushed aside moments before. A picture of Nema was inside. A faint whistle slipped past his lips. “You’re telling me this woman did that?” Nema looked delicate, almost fragile. She was a pretty thing, kind of exotic looking, with a long mass of straight black hair, a heart-shaped face and big, golden eyes. She damn sure didn’t look like a monster who could murder five men. Five men who each had to outweigh her by at least a hundred pounds. “Nema isn’t like other women.” “Um. You don’t say.” He didn’t trust McDermott. Not a damn bit, but the guy reeked of money and Slade could sure as hell not afford to turn down a meal ticket. He’d been a bounty hunter for more than two years now. After he’d gotten kicked off the Force, there hadn’t been a ton of options for him. He’d managed to keep his office going only by working ninety-hour weeks. But with two hundred grand… Jesus, his life would change. With that much cash, he could kiss this hell-hole office in Houston good-bye and go sun himself on a beach somewhere. And all he had to do was hunt down this killer. He stroked the picture of Nema. “Why me?” He had to ask the question. Normally, he tracked down petty thieves, domestic abusers. Slade didn’t want to look a golden gift horse in the mouth, but— But he wasn’t an idiot, either. Something about this case was off. Way off. “If this Nema has killed all these men, the cops have to be hunting her.” “I don’t want the cops to find her.” Ah. Now they were getting to the heart of the matter. “Just what is it that you do want?” He’d heard about McDermott before. Seen the guy’s face splashed in all the papers. He was some kind of millionaire, had some hi-tech company that worked with the government. Designing weapons and technology. So what did a guy like that want with a murderer? “Nema can’t see the inside of a jail.” Slade blinked. “You saying you want me to kill her?” Not the first time he’d gotten a request like that, but it still burned in his gut. No matter what the others in his unit had said, he wasn’t a cold-blooded killer. “No!” Real alarm flashed in the depths of McDermott’s blue gaze. “The last thing I want is for Nema to be killed.” “Then what do you want?” “I want to you to bring her to me. To Daylor Labs. I can help her there, I can—” Slade held up his hand. “If the cops are having such a hard time catching her, what makes you think I’ll just be able to find her and bring her to you?” Slade doubted the woman was just going to walk up to him and surrender herself. A smile curved McDermott’s lips. “I know where she is, and you— you’re her perfect prey.” He pointed to the photos. “You’re just like them. You won’t have to approach her. When she sees you, she’ll make the first move.” He looked back at the photos. Yeah, he’d noticed the resemblance. The guys did all look like him. Same dark hair. Rough features. Muscular build. His hands clenched into fists. “You setting me up to be her next victim?” McDermott reached into his jacket and pulled out a thin black vial. “Put this into a syringe. When you get close to her, and I know you will, inject her. She’ll be weak then, and you can control her.” Okay. That sounded like a real piss-poor idea. He started to shake his head. “Two hundred and fifty thousand,” McDermott muttered suddenly, as if reading his mind. Slade hesitated. Sirens echoed in the distance. Two hundred and fifty thousand. To capture a killer. He drew in a deep breath. There were other questions he should ask. He knew it, but he’d learned that curiosity really didn’t pay in his business. There was an arrest warrant for Nema in the file. The cops thought she’d killed those men. He could track her, turn her over to McDermott, then call the station to let the uniforms know where to find her. And he could still collect his money. Provided Nema didn’t kill him first. He licked his lips. “Three hundred grand.” A muscle jerked along McDermott’s jaw. “Deal.” For the first time in months, Slade smiled. And the hot anticipation of the hunt filled him. ABOUT THE AUTHOR CYNTHIA EDEN Cynthia Eden is a writer who has a longstanding obsession with the paranormal world. She loves vampires and werewolves, and is thrilled that Red Sage has given her the opportunity to share her creations with others. Cynthia loves to hear from her readers. Please visit her website at www.cynthiaeden.com or you may send an email to info@cynthiaeden.com ENTER THE HERO - SEDONIA GILLONE Kass and Lian are sentenced to sex slavery in the Confederation’s pleasure district. Their only crime was the desire to love each other in freedom. Forced to make love for an audience, their hearts are with each other while their bodies are on display. Now, in the midst of sexual slavery, they have one more chance to escape to Paradise… with each other and with their lives! TO MY READER FROM SEDONIA GUILLONE I hope you enjoy Kass and Lian’s escape to Paradise. The wonderful man of my life gave me this title, Enter the Hero, because he knows how much I love martial arts films and watching Jet Li in action. Here’s the sexy and romantic twist I envision for my own Jet Li film. *wink* Hugs, Sedonia READ AN EXCERPT FROM ENTER THE HERO Year: 2071 Location: Area B, Zone 5 (Formerly Known As Nevada) “Prisoner 342, next.” The guard shoved Kassie through the doorway into a white room, empty but for the speaker box mounted on the wall and a window of one-way glass. He followed close behind her with his phazer brandished and set, no doubt, on kill. A second guard slammed and locked the door behind them. As if she could possibly escape these tremendous black-uniformed, phazered guards. All five feet six inches of her, wearing nothing but a prison-issue gray cotton shift. No, she could not fight her way out of Central under these conditions. Not even with her soldier’s training. Not even with the martial arts skills Lian had taught her. “Strip her,” the disembodied male voice said through the loudspeaker. The words sent chills through her veins. The guard stepped in close and insinuated his body against hers. The scent of his sweat invaded her nostrils, churned her stomach. “Lift your arms,” he said close to her ear. His breath blew across her skin in a malevolent, tobacco-soaked wind. She tensed with the instinct to turn and kick him in the balls the way Lian had taught her. But she remembered Lian’s hurried warning the moment of their arrest. Police hover vehicles had encircled them with roof-mounted phazers pointed right at their chests. “Don’t fight them, Kass,” he’d said. “Whatever they do, don’t give them a reason to kill you.” A pang shot through her chest at the memory. What if she never saw Lian again? No. That was unacceptable. She would obey him. If she did as she was told and didn’t make trouble, they would eventually release her and she’d see Lian again. She lifted her arms. The guard grabbed hold of the hem of her shift and pulled it upward. She was left standing naked. She folded her arms protectively over her breasts to lessen the horrible feeling of exposure in the cold, white-tiled room. “Uncover yourself,” the voice said. She lowered her arms before the guard could do it for her. The floor tiles were like blocks of ice under her bare feet and the cold air in the small room penetrated her skin. Slowly she became more aware of the one-way glass. Whoever was behind there was staring at her and evaluating her naked body. Gooseflesh rose on her skin and her nipples puckered into erect nubs. She heard a soft grunt of approval and saw with revulsion the way the guard ogled her. She itched to slice a hand chop to his throat. Don’t fight, Kass, Lian’s voice warned inside her. She took a deep breath. Before she could turn away, the guard smoothed a meaty hand over her backside. “That’s enough,” the voice reprimanded. “Turn around, 342.” Obedient to her invisible captor, she turned her back to the one-way glass. Unfortunately, that exposed her front to the guard. The bastard’s gaze moved hungrily over her breasts, down her stomach, and lower, over her pubic mound. She fought the tears that sprang to her eyes. Lian should have been the first man to see and touch her body. The only thing that kept her in control, that allowed her to withstand this humiliation, was her determination to see Lian again. She didn’t know if he was in love with her the way she was with him, but she didn’t care. He was everything to her. “Turn back around, 342. And raise your arms.” She did as she was told and sensed the guard’s lustful gaze rake over her the entire time. Her cold nipples jutted out mercilessly and she longed to put her shift back on. Not even her long blond hair covered her because it had been pulled back into a severe bun by one of the female guards. The only thing that warmed her and made her feel safe was thinking of Lian. Knowing that her childhood friend was somewhere inside this building helped her feel less frightened. Less alone. “Arms down.” She crossed her arms over her breasts. “Get dressed.” She glanced at the guard. With a tiny sideways grin, he gestured toward her shift, a puddle of gray cotton on the tile floor. She knelt down to retrieve it, taking care not to give the hulking cretin another clear view of her ass. He’d seen more than enough. She slipped on her shift while still crouched, then stood up. Several moments of silence passed as she stared through the dark glass and tried to picture the person who held her fate in his hands. She waited for further interrogation about Lian’s and her escape plans, but they had already grilled her for several hours earlier. All they’d gotten was her refusal to incriminate Lian or herself. It didn’t matter what the Confederation mole who’d squealed on them had said. She kept to her story, and she knew Lian would too. But she knew that in the eyes hidden behind the glass, she and Lian were guilty. “342, turn to receive sentence.” Her hands curled into fists at her sides and she struggled not to appear as breathlessly frightened as she was. Lian’s voice came to her mind again, repeating years of secret lessons. Deep breath. Center yourself, Kassie. Don’t fight what you feel. Let it flow. Before the New Order, Lian’s father had helped him master the combined arts of meditation and combat. Lian, in turn, had taught her these disciplines. As always, his teaching worked to reassure her. She uncurled her fists. Her breathing evened and she waited. “Prisoner 342, for the crime of conspiracy to abandon the Border Guards, for political insubordination and psychological treason—” Her heart lurched. The crimes he was enumerating were punishable by death. “—you are sentenced to fifteen years service in the S Sector. The balance of your sentence will be declared when that period is served. Dismissed.” Her breath hitched sharply. Relief flooded her entire body with such force she nearly lost her balance. She had escaped death. But she had not escaped Sector S. Sexual servitude. The history books taught that Sector S had once been called Las Vegas in the former state of Nevada. People had vacationed there, drinking and gambling their money away in funny colorful machines. Now, Sector S was the pleasure city reserved solely for the Upper Party members of the Confederation. “Guard, get her on the next transport.” The guard yanked out a pair of handcuffs. “Come on, sugar buns,” he drawled. He clapped the restraints on her wrists and pushed her back out the door. ABOUT THE AUTHOR SEDONIA GUILLONE Sedonia Guillone is a multi-published, award nominated author of both m/f and m/m erotic romance. The man in her life is her inspiration and provides all the hands-on research she needs. When she’s not writing, she’s cuddling, watching samurai flicks and thinking about the next naughty, delicious tale she wants to write. UP TO NO GOOD - NATASHA MOORE Now the owner of a neighborhood bar, former syndicated columnist Simon “Mac” MacKenzie hides a tragic secret. When freelance writer Alison Chandler tracks him down, he knows she’s up to no good. Seeking an exclusive interview, she threatens not only his carefully constructed lifestyle, but longstanding ideas of love and trust. Is their attraction merely a distraction or the key to surviving their war of wills? TO MY READER FROM NATASHA MOORE I’m thrilled to be able to share Mac and Allie’s story with you. I love sexy banter and these two really get into it. Don’t you just love to see two stubborn people clash? Enjoy! READ AN EXCERPT FROM UP TO NO GOOD Chapter 1 Mac could tell she was up to no good the minute she walked through the door. She sauntered up to the bar with that heady self-confidence reserved for those too young to know life was just waiting for the chance to cut them down to size. He wondered what she wanted besides a drink. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as he poured a Bud for Wally. A mane of wavy red hair spilled down her back, nearly tickling her shapely ass. Her long, firm legs traveled miles before they reached the floor. Bouncing impatiently on her stiletto heels, the front of her white, tight shirt rose and fell in interesting bounces as well. The deep, plunging neckline gave him a breathtaking view of her generous cleavage. Man, he loved summer, loved skimpy shirts and short skirts. The warm weather season was too short in western New York not to enjoy every second while it lasted. Mac took his time finishing the next drink order, taking advantage of the fact that the young woman seemed to have a problem with patience. “Hey, Mac, you getting that tequila sunrise ready or are you going to be sight-seeing ‘til the sun rises tomorrow?” The sarcastic snap of Denise’s voice made him pull his eyes away from the far end of the bar and back on his work where it belonged. There had been plenty of pretty young women in his bar over the years. This one was nothing to get excited about. He poured tequila in the glass and added the ice and grenadine. While he reached for the orange juice, he managed to sneak a peek again. She’d stopped bouncing—damn—and was now beating out some kind of rhythm on the bar with her hands. Denise grabbed the glass out of his hand while he was still stirring it and headed over to the table in the corner, shaking her head as she did. He barely realized his gaze had drifted down to the young woman again until he caught her looking back at him. In the darkness of the Jolly Roger, he couldn’t make out the color of her eyes. Her mouth was way too wide for her face, her lips full and lush. He got an instant image of what a mouth like that could do to a man. Oh, yeah, his cock got the picture too, rising to attention, straining against his trousers. He wiped his hands on a towel and moved down the bar toward the young woman. The closer he got, the prettier she was. The better she smelled. The younger she looked. He resisted the impulse to suck in his stomach. He didn’t even have a gut yet, not like a lot of guys at thirty-five. He looked into those wide eyes and sucked in anyway. “How can I help you?” In the brightness of her smile he thought her eyes were blue. “I’m looking for a man.” The heads of all the regulars popped up along the bar like a row of ducks. Rather than satisfy his curiosity, she’d managed to arouse it even more. “A particular man?” Mac asked, crossing his arms in front of him. “Or will just any man do?” “A very particular man.” Her voice was sweet and rich, like a good Irish whiskey. He’d bet she’d taste just as sweet, just as intoxicating. “The trouble is I don’t know which bar he’s at,” she went on. “I can’t remember.” “Now what man in his right mind would let a pretty little thing like you run around alone?” Seth called out. The balding orthodontist had sat on that same stool for as long as Mac had owned the place, coming on to all the women in his less-than-subtle style. Seth waved his pudgy hand around the room. “He should be looking for you.” Mac noticed her smile didn’t quite reach those lovely eyes. “Well, thank you, but he doesn’t know I’m here.” “Oh, you’re going to be a surprise, huh?” Seth replied. He raised his eyebrows in what ended up looking like a bad imitation of Groucho Marx. “Something like that.” She looked up at Mac with a plea for help written in her eyes. “Would you like something to quench your thirst while you wait?” Mac asked. “You don’t need to wait for him, honey,” Seth said, standing up and swaggering toward her stool. “You’ve got all the man you need right here.” “Seth, give the girl a break,” Denise said, wedging her tiny body in between them. “She doesn’t know you’re bluffing, but the rest of us do.” Laughter rose up around the room; warm laughter born of long-standing friendships. Seth blushed and returned to his seat next to Wally. The young woman looked relieved and turned back to Mac. She ran her tongue across her lips, leaving that wide mouth wet and shiny. “I could go for a sloe comfortable screw.” “Couldn’t we all?” She laughed, a short, surprised burst of music. Amusement shone in her eyes. Oh, hell, had he said that out loud? He cleared his throat and took a step back. At least he could satisfy a little of his curiosity about her. “May I see some ID, please?” “Sure.” She reached into the back pocket of her tight, short skirt. Mac swallowed hard as he watched her slowly draw the wallet along that shapely bottom. He imagined his hand following the same path, caressing that firm cheek, squeezing her soft ass. He drew in a shaky breath when she fished out her license and handed it to him. The year of birth on the Pennsylvania license made her twenty-two. Barely old enough to drink. Way too young for him. “Alison Chandler?” The name sounded familiar. “Call me Allie.” Mac handed her back the license and turned away before he could watch her replace the wallet. “Okay, Allie. One sloe comfortable screw coming right up.” He shook the sloe gin, Southern Comfort, orange juice and ice a little harder than he normally did. Suddenly he had all this extra energy he didn’t know what to do with. ABOUT THE AUTHOR NATASHA MOORE Natasha Moore fell in love with the written word as soon as she could read. As she grew up, she discovered 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 SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR - ANNE RAINEY Tess Marley is tired of her dull life. She wants to take a walk on the wild side. Who better to teach her about carnal pleasures than her intriguing boss, Kevin Haines? Five years of secretly lusting after the man is enough. She wants to see if Kevin is all she’s dreamed he would be. But Tess makes a major miscalculation when she crosses the line between lust and love. TO MY READER FROM ANNE RAINEY From the moment I picked up the first Secrets Volume, I’ve been hooked. There’s no doubt the passionate storylines and intriguing characters titillate the senses and keep you glued to the pages. So when the idea for Scandalous Behavior popped into my head it seemed tailor-made for one of their smokin’ hot volumes. Tess Marley struggles with self-confidence, which is something we can all relate to. She doesn’t believe she could hold a man’s attention. Especially not a man as virile and intense as Kevin Haines. Lucky for her, Kevin is man enough to prove her wrong and pull her out of her shell. Oh wow, we should all have a Kevin Haines in our life, right ladies? READ AN EXCERPT FROM SCANDALOUS BEHAVIOR Chapter One “You have such a gorgeous ass, Tess,” Kevin whispered into her ear. “So sweetly rounded, just full enough to fill my palms.” Tess quivered as Kevin’s hands smoothed over her sensitized skin, his seductive words feeding her desire. His body was pressed all along the back of hers so that she could feel every muscular inch. Slowly, teasingly, she moved her hips back and forth, rubbing her bottom against the head of his jutting erection, before finally allowing him to slide between the globes of her buttocks. When she heard him emit a low growl, she felt triumphant. He clutched her hips between his hard, callused hands and began gliding his rigid length up and down in that smooth seam, sending them both into a frenzy of scorching need. The cool water of South America’s Iguaçu Falls poured down, drenching their overheated skin. The water, so crystal-clear and pure, pooled around their knees, oversized water lilies tickled her skin. Every sensation intensified the burning inside her aching sex. The wild plants and trees indigenous to the area grew high all around them, enveloping them, giving them the impression that they were the only two people on earth. Tess wiggled and pleaded with Kevin to enter her, beyond caring how wanton she might sound. She was a sultry temptress, and she reveled in that sinful persona. He rewarded her with a lick against the leaping pulse in her neck, then shifted a hand around the front of her body to palm the flesh of her right breast. He licked and squeezed, but never once allowed his cock to move lower, to slip inside her swollen folds, where she needed him most. When he pinched her nipple, she lost it. Reaching back, Tess grasped his pulsing heat in her hand and squeezed hard. “Christ, Tess. That feels so damn good.” She exalted at his guttural words, but she wanted more from him. She wanted him buried deep, thrusting and filling her as he took her to heaven. “I want you. Inside of me. Kevin. Now.” He chuckled. “Not just yet, baby.” She moaned in misery, hating him at that moment for denying her what she craved. But then his other hand released her hip to drift around and cup her mound. She pushed against his hand, eager for something just out of her reach. She pumped him with fingers clenched with desire. Kevin retaliated--his thumb teased her clitoris. Sparks of sharp arousal zipped through Tess’s nerve endings, and she gloried when she wrung a bead of moisture from the tip of his penis. Tess’s body began the wild climb towards rapture, when suddenly she was jarred by a hand on her shoulder, shaking her. She blinked. Suddenly her waterfall, her jungle, and her jungle lover were gone and Tess was left staring at a platinum blonde standing plastered against her boss. “Tess, are you feeling okay?” That question came from Kevin Haines, concerned employer and the foundation for every fantasy and desire she’d had for the past five years. “Fine, why do you ask?” Tess croaked out and then bit back a groan. She’d failed miserably in her effort to sound cool and collected as she normally did with her boss. But, dang it, how could she keep her cool when lingerie model number whatever was all over Kevin? She’d lost count of how many women this current blond beauty made. Since she’d been working for the infernal man there had been quite a few, and every blessed one looked as if they’d just stepped out of a pin-up calendar. This one, however, had the cunning appearance of a woman who saw a man with a healthy bank account. The thorns of this particular climbing rose had clearly been sharpened to prickly little points as she clutched onto Kevin as if he were her own personal trellis. Tess wanted to scream and puke all at the same time. Of course, the timid Tess Marley she knew herself to be would do neither. “You don’t look fine. You look…overheated,” Kevin said, still frowning and staring. She felt as if she were an odd piece of something at the back of the fridge. “I just felt a little warm there for a minute, must have been something I ate. I’ll be fine,” she said weakly. As he continued to stand at her desk and stare, she felt compelled to ask, “Was there something you wanted, Mr. Haines?” She watched her boss’s lips thin as his eyes traveled the length of her. Her face heated and she pushed her glasses higher up on her nose. Even though she knew he couldn’t possible see any telltale signs of unrequited lust beneath her heavy brown wool suit, she still felt that quick scanning gaze clear to her bones. He seemed satisfied with what he saw, however, and said, “I just wanted to let you know that I was going to knock off early.” She stared pointedly at Blondie and then back at him, saying crisply, “Is there anything you need from me before you leave?” His arm went around his date and Tess wanted to groan. It didn’t help her disposition any either that Kevin looked positively scrumptious in his three-button, black Armani suit. She forced her gaze away from his single pleat trousers, sat up straighter and kept it professional. Always professional. “No, you can leave anytime you wish, Tess, thank you,” Kevin said. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak over the lump that had formed in her throat. As she watched him lock his office door and the embracing couple leave the office, she slumped at last. A woman like her could never attract a man like Kevin Haines. She was mousy and drab and he was sexy and wild. But, a kernel of an idea began to wedge itself into her consciousness. If only she had the courage to do it, and what would Mr. Love and Leave Em think if she allowed herself to break out of her comfortable shell? To change? Not a lot but just enough to grab his notice. What would it be like to be on the receiving end of that sensual smile? Tess sighed, all but nixing the idea. Whom was she kidding? She was a coward, pure and simple. She went back to work on the contract she’d been drawing up before she slipped into her fantasy world, but when she hit the backspace for the third time, she gave up and called it a day. It was no use trying to get work done when she couldn’t concentrate on anything other than the way Kevin looked in his Armani suit. He did have the sweetest backside ever. The fine wool trousers had molded to his buttocks perfectly. Again, she mentally smacked herself. She had to stop daydreaming. Nothing good would come from it. Tess clicked the save button and shut down her computer. She might as well go home. Tomorrow was Friday, and she’d be right back at her desk, wishing she were anyone but Timid Tess. ABOUT THE AUTHOR ANNE RAINEY Anne lives in a small town way out in the middle of no-where-ville. She is a gorgeous blonde with wonderful curves and a money tree in the backyard. She never wants for anything and she always loves everyone. Of course, Anne is a mere figment. A ghostly figure that pops in and out like a drive-by author. Her wicked imagination will bring you fantasies and erotic delights that will leave you panting and grabbing the ice water. _________________________________________________________ RED SAGE PUBLISHING, INC. © 2008 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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