Life and writing...

I'm a little behind in my writing schedule. As usual, life got in the way.

My youngest is now 16 and driving. The kids no longer need me, really, so my days are free for the first time in a very long time. Most of my writing is done at night, so...I tried to think of something I could do during the day that would keep me busy.

You see...I've been very bored lately and eating way too much. Needless to say, I've put on weight and I refuse to buy a size bigger in clothes. So, I decided I needed to find something to do. I thought about a part time job, but that ended up not being a good idea. The part time job I inquired about demanded I work all weekends. No...don't think so.

So then I thought about volunteering. That wasn't really what I wanted to do, either.

My cousin started doing Real Estate last year and it got me to thinking. Hmmm...A Real Estate agent. Lord knows, I love looking at houses...:)

So I signed up for the real estate course. It's three weeks and I have one more day left. Then I have to take the state test. Once that's done, I just sit back and wait for my license to come in.

The state test has me worried, though. I mean, lets be honest. It's been a long time since I've been in school and there is a lot of information. I mean a lot! Way more than I ever imagined, so everyone say a quick prayer this goes well..lol.

If I pass I'll be able to start selling houses! yay! My days will be productive and I'll still have my evenings and weekends for writing. And maybe, I'll even lose some weight..:)

Wish me luck...:)

Available for a limited time...

The entire Spark of Magic series is in a box set for a limited time at a very special price of .99. So be sure and check it out before it's gone...:)

Spark of Magic box set

Coming soon...

Coming in May!!

Re-releases!!

I've got a ton of them..lol

Starting March I'll begin re-releasing my Ellora's Cave titles starting with the Fantasy series.

Fantasy Bar
Fantasy Resort
Fantasy Seduction

Seduction is already out, but Bar and Resort will both release in March. After that will come Two For Tessa, which is the new romantic suspense, either at the end of March or first week of April.

Over the next two years I'll be releasing at least one book a month. Some new, some previously published. So it's going to be a busy time at my house. I just hope I can keep up with the schedule I've set up...lol

<hugs>
Trista

Excerpt 12...Fantasy

To count down to the upcoming release of Fantasy Seduction, I''ll be posting several excerpts from Fantasy Resort. Although some of the characters appear in all the Fantasy Books, all titles are stand alone. Keep checking back for more...:)

Chapter Twelve

Nicole smiled at Jaimee as she slipped her dress over her head. Last night had been incredible. The things he’d done she never dreamed of being able to go through with, but she hadn’t been afraid with him. For the first time in her life, she felt free.

Walking over to where he stood, she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. With a moan, he pulled her closer and held her tight. “What was that for?” He grinned down at her, his eyes shining with love.

“For just being you.”

He brushed her hair away from her face and placed a soft kiss against her forehead. “Tell me you love me,” he whispered.

“I love you.”

Just as his lips were about to touch hers, the door burst open and hit the wall behind it with a bang. Nicole squealed and turned to stare wide-eyed at Jerrod and Brett.

“What the hell’s going on?” Jaimee demanded.

“They’re here.” Brett said as he stepped forward and grabbed Nicole’s arm, pulling her away from Jaimee.

“What are you doing? Who’s here?”

“Sergeant, take her to Jerrod’s office with Kira, then stand guard.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Wait.” Nicole struggled to get free of his grip and turned to look at Jaimee’s worried expression.

“Go with him, Nicole,” Jaimee said sternly as he turned to take the gun Jerrod held out to him.

“What’s going on?” she demanded of the man dragging her down the hall.

“The men that are after Ethan are here.”

“Oh, God,” she sighed, her heart lodging in her throat.

* * * * *

Loranis heard someone approach and quickly shoved the other two men behind an open door.

“Don’t you think it was a little too easy getting in here?” Caric asked.

“Quiet,” Vorash snapped and motioned toward the crack in the door and the couple approaching.

“That’s her,” Caric whispered as they watched the officer pull Nicole behind him. They remained behind a partially open door, trying to see where he was taking her.

“Did he say Ethan?” Loranis asked with a frown.

“Ethan’s Jaimee, I’d bet my life on it. So this is where they’ve been hiding the son of a bitch. Follow him, Caric. We might need her. Loranis and I will go after Jaimee.”

Caric smiled as he slowly stepped out into the hallway.

* * * * *

“How did they find out?” Jaimee demanded.

“We’re not sure,” Brett sighed.

The six of them slowly made their way down the corridor. Jerrod and Brett in the front, the three guards in the back and Jaimee in the middle.

“So what now?” Jaimee snapped.

“Try to get out of this in one piece,” Jerrod said, throwing him a sideways grin over his shoulder.

“What about the women?”

“They’re safely locked away in my office. No one can get in without a passcode.”

Jaimee’s grip on his gun tightened as they came to the grand salon, a two-story great room with a balcony that overlooked the main level. They would cross the room on the lower level, which meant they would be sitting ducks to someone above them.

“Is there another way to the main entrance?” Brett asked as he surveyed the upper level.

“Not from this end.”

“We’d have a better shot of this outside.”

“Where are you taking me, anyway?” Jaimee asked.

“Well, we’re not really taking you anywhere,” Jerrod replied.

“Excuse me?” Jaimee narrowed his eyes. Jerrod outweighed him in muscle by a good seventy pounds or more, but that didn’t stop the anger from rising in his chest. “You’re using me as bait?”

“Yeah,” Jerrod and Brett replied in unison.

“Son of a bitch! You know, the three of us need to work on our communication.”

“If we make it out of this,” Brett snickered, “that will be the first thing on the agenda.”

Jaimee turned and pointed a finger at Brett, but the scathing put-down he was about to say was stopped short.

“Enough, both of you,” Jerrod snapped. “We don’t have time for this. The two of you can kill each other later.”

Nodding his head, Jaimee cocked the pistol he carried, his eyes scanning the room ahead. “So you deliberately let them in here, hoping they would try to get me.”

“We believe they were initially after Nicole, but we’re hoping they’ll see us escorting you and go after us instead.”

“Risky,” Jaimee snarled.

“Yeah, but if we’re lucky, effective.” Jerrod grinned.

“And if we’re unlucky?” Jaimee asked, raising an eyebrow.

“We’re not going to be unlucky,” Jerrod answered pointedly. “Keep positive.”

“Let’s do this. It’s now or never, I guess,” Brett sighed.

Motioning with his hand to move forward, the six of them made their way toward the glass doors on the other side of the room. It was empty, the usual crowd moved to a safer location in the building. It seemed strange, seeing it so empty when just yesterday it was packed full of people.

Just as they passed the halfway point, a shot rang out from the upper level. Heat seared the back of Jaimee’s shoulder as a laser shot grazed his upper back. “Damn it,” he snapped and ducked behind a chair.

“You all right?” Jerrod asked as he crouched behind a chair next to him. A shot hit the wooden edge, splintering it. The shards rained down on him and he bent his head to keep them out of his face.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It just grazed me,” Jaimee answered and then ducked as well as another shot hit his chair.

Glancing behind Jerrod, he noticed Brett and two of the guards behind a sofa. One of the guards had been shot and remained motionless on the floor. Glancing at his back, he could see he was still breathing. “He’s still alive,” he said to Jerrod and motioned his head toward the fallen guard.

Jerrod looked as well and let out a curse. “Cover me,” he said and as Jaimee and Brett fired toward the balcony, Jerrod made a run for the guard, dragging him with him behind the chair.

Jaimee quickly examined the wound, making sure it wasn’t life-threatening. It had hit the man’s shoulder but it looked like he may have hit his head as he went down. Blood seeped from an open wound at his temple.

“He’ll be okay for now, but he’ll need attention soon,” Jaimee said to Jerrod, who nodded in understanding.

A shout was heard from the upper level and Jaimee glanced around the edge of his hiding spot to see one of the men fall to the floor below. “One down.”

“Two to go,” Brett answered back.

Jerrod shook his head. “There’s only two up there. There’s only two guns firing.”

“How they hell can you tell that?” one of the guards snapped.

Brett sighed. “They’re using lasers, we’re not. They sound different.”

“Then where’s the third?” Jaimee asked, dread filling his chest.

“The women,” Jerrod murmured.

Fear gripped Jaimee’s chest. Nicole. He couldn’t let anything happen to her. Standing, he scanned the balcony for the figure he’d seen earlier.

“Jaimee, get the fuck down,” Jerrod snapped.

Jaimee shook his head as he continued to look for him. No one was firing. Had he left? Finally, he found him. He sat close to the edge, his fingers frantically fiddling with his gun, which had apparently jammed.

“I got you, you son of a bitch.”

The man looked up just in time to see Jaimee fire his gun, hitting him point-blank between the eyes.

Brett shook his head. “You’re either braver than hell or dumber than shit.”

“I just want to get to Nicole.” With that he turned and ran in the direction of Jerrod’s office.

“Take care of him,” Jerrod said to one of the remaining officers, pointing toward the injured man, and took off after Jaimee, Brett close on his heels.

* * * * *

Kira paced the room, her eyes continually straying to the gun lying on Jerrod’s desk. He’d taught her quite some time ago how to use it. It was lightweight and shot burner rounds instead of lasers. The small pellets entered your body and burned like lava, usually rendering the victim unconscious regardless of where you shot him. A perfect gun for her since you didn’t have to be a good shot.

“Why on earth did I agree to stay here?” she murmured to herself. She could be out there helping them. And where was Nicole?

The light on the door panel turned green, and she tensed. Glancing toward the desk, she realized she was too far away to get to the gun in time.

“Kira?”

Nicole’s voice made her sigh in relief and she started for the door. “Nicole, are you—”

A shot was fired from the hallway and the guard behind Kira lurched into the room. Nicole turned to see what had happened and a man stepped forward, backhanding her across the face. She yelped and fell sideways onto the floor.

Kira quickly stepped closer to the wall and picked up the heavy brass candlestick resting on a small side table. The man hadn’t seen her yet, and she took a second to look at Nicole. She was struggling to stand, a moan slipping past her lips. The man walked over to Nicole, and as quietly as possible Kira crept up behind him. With as much power as she had, she swung the candlestick, hitting him in the back of the head.

He fell to the floor with a groan and she let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Running to Nicole, she tried to help her stand, but was pulled up by her hair. She squealed as pain raced through her scalp.

“Kira,” Nicole shouted as the man threw her across the room toward Jerrod’s desk.

Nicole struggled to get away, but her mind was still foggy from the blow. He pulled her up roughly by the collar of her dress, her feet dangling off the ground.

“Let me down,” she sneered. She fought off waves of fear and unwanted memories. She’d sworn she’d never let another man do this to her. She had to keep her wits about her.

“Such a pretty little thing you are,” he purred.

His nasty breath brushed across her face and she winced, her nostrils flaring. “Oh, God. You stink. Let me down!”

His eyes narrowed dangerously and fear gripped Nicole’s chest. “All in due time, wench.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Kira going for the gun. Blood roared through her ears as she tried to think of something to do. Raising her hand, she pressed her thumb into his eye socket. He yelled as her thumb pressed deeper, pushing his eye back into his head.

“You bitch!” He dropped her and Nicole crouched on the floor, giving Kira a clear shot.

Kira fired and with a yell, he fell back. His screams echoed throughout the room as the burner bullet burned him from the inside out. Kira ran over and helped Nicole to her feet, engulfing her in a hug.

“Are you okay?” they asked in unison.

Jaimee burst through the door, almost tripping over the guard on the floor. “Nicole,” he sighed when he noticed her by the desk.

Running over, he pulled her into his arms. Nicole held tight, her eyes clenched shut to ward off the tears that threatened. “Thank God you’re okay,” he whispered.

“Kira?” Jerrod yelled as he too came barreling through the door. Kira launched herself into his arms.

“Don’t you ever leave me alone again. Do you hear me?” she sobbed.

“I don’t know,” Brett teased as he surveyed the damage. “Looks like you ladies can take care of yourselves.”

“If it’s all the same,” Nicole said from the safety of Jaimee’s arms, “I think I’d rather be protected.”

“Me, too,” Kira sighed, still not releasing her hold on Jerrod.

Leaning over the fallen officer, Brett felt for a pulse. “He’s still alive, call for a medic transport,” Brett said to the other officer standing in the doorway.

Moving to the man who’d attacked the women, Brett nudged him with his boot, causing him to moan. “I’ll be damned. He’s still alive as well.”

“Give me two minutes,” Jaimee sneered.

Brett shot him a scowl. “This one will stand trial. You worry about her, let me handle this one.”

* * * * *

Nicole sat on a wicker sofa watching the guards load the bodies into a transport bound for Meenus Prime. Jaimee sat next to her, applying a cold compress to her cheek, which had begun to swell.

“Better?” he asked.

She nodded, her lips lifting into a small smile. It hurt to do any more than that.

“Well, looks like we’re all set,” Brett said as he came to stand next to Jerrod and Kira. “I’m sorry you were left out of the loop, Jerrod.”

Jerrod scowled. “Just know that in the future, if you want my help again, you’ll tell me everything.”

Brett nodded. “Fair enough. Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that.” He glanced around then turned back to Jerrod with a grin. “Interesting place you have here. I’ll have to come back and check it out a little more.”

“I’ll save you a room.”

He nodded, then turned to Jaimee. For a moment they just stared at one another, lost in silent battle.

Nicole sighed and removed the cold compress. “Will the two of you just knock it off? Shake hands,” she demanded.

Brett snorted and Jaimee laughed. “I guess we better do as she says,” Brett said with a grin and held out his hand.

Jaimee stood and accepted it. “Take care, Brett.”

“I will,” he said and turned to leave. “See you soon, Jerrod.”

“We’ll be here,” he replied, then turned a pointed look to Jaimee. “Don’t you think it’s time we got that back looked at?”

“Back?” Nicole asked, then pushed Jaimee’s shoulder, making him turn. A large tear went across the back of his shirt and she pulled it apart to see the long, deep burn beneath. “Jaimee,” she gasped. “A few more inches and the laser could have cut your head off.”

“But it didn’t, Nicole,” he whispered to her over his shoulder.

Her hands began to shake at just how closely she’d come to losing him again. Jaimee grabbed then and held them tight as he turned to face her. “I’m okay.” Bringing her hands up, he kissed them. “See. I’m okay.”

She nodded, the tears building in her eyes. “I know. It’s just a delayed reaction, I guess.”

Jerrod squeezed her shoulder and handed her a med kit. “Why don’t you take him to the cabin and fix him up?”

She took the kit and smiled up at the man she considered a brother. “I will. Thank you, Jerrod.”

He smiled and placed a soft kiss to her cheek. Kira walked over as well and kissed her forehead, then smiled at Jaimee. “Take good care of her.”

“I will,” he said with a wink.

Jerrod placed his hand on the small of Kira’s back to escort her back to the grand salon, which was now in the middle of some much-needed cleanup as the guests quickly trickled back in.

“Come on, baby. Let’s go home,” he said as he pulled her to her feet.

Home, she thought with a grin. It was funny how she now considered this place home. But in her heart, she knew anywhere she went with Jaimee would be home.

Excerpt 11...Fantasy

To count down to the upcoming release of Fantasy Seduction, I''ll be posting several excerpts from Fantasy Resort. Although some of the characters appear in all the Fantasy Books, all titles are stand alone. Keep checking back for more...:)

Chapter Eleven

Nicole followed Jaimee into a room filled with scented candles and soft lights. There were no windows in this room, only rich burgundy walls, a single bed, and… Nicole’s breathing increased in trepidation as she noticed the straps hanging from the ceiling at the foot of the bed.

Her eyes widened as she glanced at Jaimee. Is this what he had in mind? Bondage?

“Jaimee, I…I’m not sure I can do this.”

Her hands shook as she took a tiny step back toward the door.

“You can do this,” he whispered in her ear, his hands gently massaging her shoulders. “Look how far you’ve come.”

“I know,” she sighed, trying to calm her racing heart.

“I’ve seen you watch the bondage fantasies at the bar. Despite your past, they intrigued you.”

She nodded and swallowed hard. He was right. They had intrigued her. It was the one fantasy she’d never done, but was also the one fantasy she wanted most to try. But now that the opportunity was staring her in the face, she wasn’t so sure she could go through with it.

“Do you want us to leave?” Jaimee whispered. “It’s okay if you’re not ready, honey.”

Jaimee slid his palms up her arms and across her shoulders. Her eyes remained glued to the bindings that hung from the ceiling. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, preparing herself to jump off that cliff and give all of herself to the man she loved. And trusted.

“I don’t want to leave,” she whispered.

His fingers worked loose the buttons at the back of her dress. The cool air hit her back, making goose bumps rise along her flesh. What was she so worried about? This was Jaimee. He would never hurt her. With a slow, gentle touch he pushed her dress off her shoulders. It fell to pool around her feet where she kicked it aside, leaving just her high-heeled sandals on her feet and the dildo still in her ass.

Coming around to the front of her, he took her hand in his and tugged her to stand under the bindings. He kissed her palm then held it high, gently securing the strap around her wrist. At the sound of the lock sliding into place, she flinched and swallowed a lump of sudden fear.

“You know I would never hurt you, Nicole,” he said quietly.

She nodded, unsure she could speak past the quickly rising combination of fear and desire. He walked around her to the other side, his fingers slowly working a path along her flesh. She shivered as he lifted the other arm. Before clicking the lock into place, he studied her, his eyes boring intently into hers.

Her breasts were pushed upward, her body resting on the balls of her feet. She could feel her skin prickle with battling emotions. “If you need me to stop, Nikki, say ‘Mirage’ and I’ll stop. Understand?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Do you want me to continue?”

“Yes,” she sighed. This time when the lock clicked into place, she didn’t flinch.

She watched as he backed away from her and removed his clothing. His milky flesh reflected the light of the candles, making it shimmer. She licked her lips as her gaze traveled lower, taking in his slim hips and his thick shaft, which once again stood proudly.

If he didn’t hurry up and touch her she would surely die. He reached behind him, onto the bed, and picked up a flogger, swinging it slowly in front of his lower stomach. Nicole’s breath lodged in her throat.

He walked closer and brushed the material of the flogger along her sensitive flesh. It was soft, not leather like she’d initially thought. His eyes never leaving hers, he flicked it, letting it slap against the side of her hip. At first she startled, but then realized the slight sting added to her already heightened desire. It felt good and she wanted him to do it again.

He moved to the other side and flicked again, this time hitting her ass just a little harder. She gasped as her muscles clamped around the vibrator, sending shots of pleasure up her spine.

“It’s not what you thought, is it?”

“No,” she gulped as he slapped the flogger against her side, causing it to wrap around her just under her rib cage. Every inch of her body was now on fire. Her distended nipples ached for his touch, the flick of his tongue. Her pussy pulsed and juices poured from her core to run down the inside of her thigh.

Another flick, this one catching her at the side of her breast, and she whimpered, biting down on her lower lip. Every sting of the toy sent pleasure skimming through her in a way she never imagined. Moving behind her, he tugged at the vibrator, moving it in slow, gentle strokes that sent her reeling.

One hand moved around to cup her breasts, his thumb and forefinger pinching the nipples gently, coaxing a moan from deep in her chest. She tried to move her hips with him, but she was helpless in her position and completely at his mercy. The very idea brought her close to climax and she groaned when Jaimee stopped, once again settling the vibrator deep within her and stepping away.

“Please,” she whimpered. “I need you, Jaimee. I need you to fuck me.”

“In time,” he whispered before flicking her again with the flogger.

With each slap he moved closer to her front, his gaze locked onto her aching breasts. Bending down, he circled one hard nipple with the tip of his tongue before sliding across it and engulfing the tip of her breast in his mouth to suckle her.

Her head fell back, her eyes closed tightly. Every muscle in her body quaked in ecstasy as his teeth nipped and pulled at her flesh.

Pulling on the straps that held her wrists above her head, she lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist, pulling him to her. “Damn it, Jaimee,” she sighed and rubbed her clit against the muscles of his stomach.

If he didn’t take her now, she’d die from wanting.

Settling his hands beneath her hips, he resettled her against his straining cock. With one long stroke, he buried himself balls-deep, both of them shouting at the pure pleasure the sensation caused.

His cock coupled with the vibrator sent her over the edge and she bucked against him, trying to take him even deeper.

Jaimee groaned, attempting to hold her hips still. “God, Nicole. With that vibrator in there, you’re too tight. I’m not going to last long.”

“But it feels so good. Please, Jaimee, don’t stop.”

He pushed upward, hitting her womb over and over. She screamed as her release hit, the muscles of both channels gripping and pulsing around the two invading rods. She and Jaimee had done ménages before at the bar more than once, but none of those times was like this. The feeling was so intense she faded, her vision blurring.

With one final stroke, Jaimee fell with her, the cry at his own orgasm bouncing off the walls and drowning out her sighs. She sagged against him, her arms no longer able to hold her weight.

Keeping one arm around her waist, he removed the shackles and laid her on the bed. She was so drained she barely felt him remove the vibrator and settle behind her, his arms holding her tight.

* * * * *

Jaimee sat up on his elbow, watching Nicole sleep beside him. He’d been this way for at least an hour, just staring at her. He tugged at the red satin sheet that covered her breasts and exposed them, her rosy nipples dark against the alabaster complexion of her skin.

With the tip of his finger he circled around the areola, watching as the nipple hardened. Moving lower, he brushed down her stomach and between her legs. She shifted and moaned, letting her legs fall open.

Her eyes were still closed, her breathing still slow and even. But he couldn’t pass up such a delectable invitation. Settling between her legs, he breathed deep of her honey scent. He would never tire of this. Never get enough.

Moving closer, he slowly slid his tongue along her slit. Her legs jerked and he ran his hand up the inside of her thigh, soothing her. With one hand beneath each hip, he lifted her to his seeking tongue. A soft moan tore from her throat and her fingers clenched in the sheets by her side.

“Jaimee?” she sighed.

His answer was to flick his tongue across her clit, making her gasp. “Oh, yes.”

With more patience than he dreamed he had, he continued to sip at her juices, which ran between the cheeks of her ass to the mattress beneath her. Her body undulated with his movements and he took his cue from her, licking harder and faster or slowing down and gentling the pressure. Going slow was his favorite. He loved how she moaned and pleaded for him to not stop.

He kept her so close to the edge for so long when she finally did come, she shook from head to toe.

“Oh God,” she gulped. “That’s a hell of a way to wake up.”

Jaimee chuckled and settled his weight on his elbows, his eyes smiling down into hers. “There’s more where that came from.”

* * * * *

Kira stepped into her husband’s office and found him pacing the floor, his hair standing on end from repeated swipes of his hand running through it in aggravation.

Uh-oh, Kira thought to herself. This doesn’t look good. “What’s going on? They said you needed to see me right away.”

He turned to her, his eyes clouded with worry, and her gut clenched. “What’s wrong?”

“You were right about Ethan. He’s Jaimee.”

“What?” She smiled, her heart soaring for her friend. “That’s wonderful news. How did you find out?”

“I confronted Brett. Damn, I could kill him for this. He should never have kept me in the dark.”

“Is there a problem?” she asked in growing trepidation.

“One of the men Jaimee saw kill Shoranda was seen getting off a transport earlier this morning.”

“Here?” Kira gasped.

Jerrod nodded with a sigh. “Brett’s on his way, he’s five minutes from here. That should give us a jump on them. Also, call the front desk and tell Marcus to start clearing out the main floors. Make up some excuse other than the truth. I don’t want the guests caught in the crossfire, if there is any.”

Brett stepped into the room, his eyes narrowed in fury, four other officers behind him. “How the hell did they find out about this?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Jerrod said as he pulled two guns from a locked drawer and placed them in the holster under his jacket. His eyes narrowed at the four guards who had come in with Brett.

“They’ve been briefed.”

Jerrod nodded, but said nothing more.

“We need a plan. Let them in here?” Brett asked.

Jerrod nodded. “We’ll get Jaimee. Maybe if they see us escorting him they’ll go after us instead of Nicole.”

“What makes you think they’re after Nicole?”

“Dax called.” Brett began. “Jaimee’s grave was dug up. My guess is they heard a rumor, tested the body we used, then when they found out it wasn’t Jaimee, tracked Nicole here. It was common knowledge she and Jaimee had a thing. I think they want to use her as bait.”

Kira’s gut clenched. “Oh, God. How did they find out Nicole was Mirage?” Turning, she kicked off her high heels and grabbed the spare pair of flat scandals she kept in Jerrod’s office and quickly slipped them on her feet.

“We found out one of the men used to be an agent, so he has ways of figuring things out.”

“What agent?” Jerrod snapped.

Brett shrugged with a sigh. “Apparently he was an assassin that turned on the Senate several years ago. They left him on Dellon 5, but somehow he escaped and he’s been trying to get at Kimpak for years.”

Jerrod shook his head in disgust then glanced at Kira’s shoes before narrowing his eyes narrowed in anger. “Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

“With you.”

“No,” he stated firmly.

Kira stood in anger, her hands fisting at her hips. “What do you mean ‘no’?”

Jerrod turned back to Brett. “You go ahead and get Jaimee.” He glanced at Kira and raised his eyebrow. “Where are they?”

“Room 276,” she said.

“I’ll get them.” Brett nodded. He and the four men left the room.

“I’m right behind you.” Turning to Kira, he put his finger under her chin and forced her to meet his pleading stare. “Listen to me, Kira. I know you want to help.”

She opened her lips to speak, but he put his finger over them to silence her. “You are my life,” he whispered. “If anything were to happen to you, I couldn’t go on. Please promise me that you’ll stay here.”

Her heart swelled at the love and worry in his gaze. Swallowing down a lump, she nodded. “I’ll stay.”

Placing a soft kiss against her lips, he turned to leave the room, but shouted over his shoulder before shutting the door, “Don’t forget to call Marcus.”

Wrapping her arms around herself, she shook off a wave of sudden fear. Not just for Nicole, but for all of them, especially Jerrod.

* * * * *

“Do you even know what the woman looks like?” Vorash asked as they loaded into the rented runner that would take them to Fantasy Resort. It was fifty kilometers away on the coastline of Forshan, the most tropical area of Portakin 3.

“I know what she looks like,” Caric replied with a nasty grin. “I’ve seen her in the bar. Sexy little bitch.”

“Forget it, Caric. You’re not fucking her. We’re here for one purpose and that’s to set a trap for the good doctor,” Loranis said with a sneer.

Caric sneered back, but remained silent.

“Why the hell didn’t we stick around and make sure he was dead?” Vorash mumbled.

“Who the hell would have thought he would survive that explosion?” Loranis snapped. “Just be glad we overheard that Jackson person telling Dax that Jaimee was actually alive when they pulled him from the swamp. Otherwise we would still be clueless. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that myself. The Senate is notorious for using transients to fake someone’s death.”

Excerpt 9...Fantasy

To count down to the upcoming release of Fantasy Seduction, I''ll be posting several excerpts from Fantasy Resort. Although some of the characters appear in all the Fantasy Books, all titles are stand alone. Keep checking back for more...:)

Chapter Nine

Nicole smiled as Jaimee gently nuzzled her neck, his teeth softly biting the sensitive flesh. They’d been in bed most of the day, kissing, talking, making love. This was the happiest she could ever remember being. Her Jaimee was back.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she sighed. “I still can’t believe this is all true. I keep thinking I’m going to wake up and realize it’s all been a dream.”

Jaimee cupped her cheek and grinned down at her lazily. “I’m real and I’m not going anywhere.”

His thumb brushed along her lower lip, and she nipped at it playfully.

“Minx,” he growled.

She giggled and snuggled closer to his warmth. “Are you hungry?” she asked. “We haven’t eaten since breakfast and it’s almost dinnertime.”

“I could eat. How about we go cook something in the nude?” he whispered in her ear teasingly.

She glanced at him and didn’t miss the wicked glint in his gaze. “If we do that, I may not be able to keep my mind on what I’m doing.” Her palm skimmed along his chest and down his abs. The muscles twitched beneath her touch. “I may be more interested in this.” Her fingers wrapped around his growing shaft.

“Baby, you can have that anytime you want it. Even if it means dinner burns in the process.”

She laughed and shoved at his shoulder. “What would you like to have to eat? And don’t say ‘me’ like you did earlier.”

His lips quirked and he wiggled his eyebrows. “Yeah, but that was one hell of a lunch.”

“You’re terrible,” she said with a grin.

“How about a Portakin dish?”

“Like what?”

“Vitany?”

She pursed her lips thoughtfully. She liked vitany. She just didn’t know how to cook it. Cooking was definitely not her forte. Dax had usually taken care of that at the bar or they’d eaten out. “How do you know how to cook vitany?”

“Actually,” he said with a smile, “Researching unusual dishes is one of favorite pastimes.” He shrugged slightly. “Or at least it used to be. I haven’t had much chance to cook lately.”

She raised an eyebrow in interest. “Really? You mean to tell me I knew you for two years and didn’t know that you could cook?”

“That’s what happens when you repeatedly come up with excuses for not coming to my place for dinner.”

Her smile faded while guilt and regret gripped her chest. Again she wondered why he’d put up with her as she studied his chest, unable to meet his stare. “I’m so sorry, Jaimee. I put you through so much. I should have trusted you sooner.”

“Don’t do that.” He lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her to meet his gaze. “What matters is that we’re here now. How long it took us is irrelevant. Okay?”

She nodded and traced his jaw with the tip of her finger. The day’s growth of stubble felt rough and scratchy, but she loved the feel. Especially when he rubbed it along her inner thigh. “I can’t wait to tell Kira you’re alive. She’s going to be as thrilled as I am.”

Worry clouded his expression, and she stiffened. “What?”

“Oh, honey. You can’t tell Kira. You can’t tell anyone.”

“Why?”

“You have to keep letting everyone think I’m dead. I wasn’t even supposed to tell you.”

“But it’s Kira and Jerrod, Jaimee. They wouldn’t…”

He put his finger over her lips to silence her. She gazed at him in confusion, not understanding why he wouldn’t tell them. “Promise me. As far as anyone is concerned I’m still dead. Not even Kira can know, Nicole.”

She agreed, but inside wondered how she would be able to keep it from Kira. They were so close, if anyone could see a difference in her it would be her friend. Jaimee placed a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. “Come with me, my love, and let’s cook dinner. The sooner we eat, the sooner I can have you for dessert.”

Nicole’s body warmed with that thought. Climbing from the bed, she followed Jaimee’s tight behind to the kitchen. His face may be different, but his touch, his personality, even his ass were the same. He was her Jaimee and her heart just couldn’t stop soaring.

Jaimee reached into the refrigeration unit and pulled out the fish filets he’d had sent over from the resort yesterday along with two bowls of softened butter. Rummaging through the cabinets, he found all the spices he needed and spread everything over the counter within reach. Turning to Nicole, he motioned for her to come stand before him. When she looked at him in question, he grinned. “I’m going to show you how to make it.”

He watched as she grabbed a clip and piled her thick chestnut hair on her head, exposing her long, graceful neck and shoulders. Her breasts stood out proudly beneath his gaze and her nipples hardened, making his cock jerk in response. He would never get tired of looking at her.

His eyes moved back to hers, so blue and sparkling with just a hint of mischief and delight. She was so beautiful and she was his.

She moved to stand before him, her back against his chest. He could smell her spicy scent and for a moment almost forgot what they were supposed to be doing. “Take the filets and dip them into the bowl of melted butter on the left.”

“What’s the one on the right for?”

“You’ll see.”

Her small hands gripped the fish, then dipped it into the dish of butter. He put his hands on her shoulders, silently watching her turn the fish. The golden liquid spread over the blue flesh of the fish and between their fingers.

“Now place it on the pan,” he whispered.

He could feel the tiny tremors under her flesh as his cock lightly pressed into the cleft of her ass.

“What do I do now?” she asked.

“Spread those three spices there. Put them on thickly, covering the skin completely.”

As her fingers brushed in the spices, Jaimee dipped his hands into the second bowl of butter then moved his hands to her breasts, massaging the firm mounds. “Rub the spices in just like this,” he whispered, showing her with his fingers on her breasts.

Nicole’s hands shook as she massaged the spices into the fish. Once finished, he pinched her nipples, making her gasp and moan. “Now we put it in the oven and let it bake for thirty minutes. While it’s cooking, I’ll clean this butter off you.”

Jaimee reached to turn on the oven, while Nicole slid the pan on the center rack. His cock throbbed painfully. He hadn’t intended to turn the cooking session into a seduction but he hadn’t been able to pass up those breasts.

The oven door shut with a bang, and she turned to him with narrowed eyes darkening in desire. “I believe you made a mess.”

His gaze moved to her breasts, and he smiled. She was right. He had made a mess. Her beautiful mounds were covered in warm butter. “Then I suppose I should clean them up for you.”

“Yes. You should.”

Grabbing her around her waist, he set her on the counter, putting her nipples at eye level. With deliberate slowness, he began to softly lick her breasts, his tongue lapping at the butter. Nicole moaned and squirmed as he cleaned first one breast then the other. He could do this all day. He loved her breasts and the way the nipples beaded beneath his tongue. He liked the sounds of her whimpers when he gently bit at the hard little peaks.

His lips slowly worked a path up her chest and neck, lingering just behind her ear.

“You’re one very naughty man,” she said with a slight tremor to her voice. “Your little cooking session has me so turned on I could scream.”

“Then scream,” he murmured. With a grin, he dipped his fingers in the butter again, then moved to her pussy.

The second his butter-laden fingers touched her warm, wet pussy, she moaned. “I like the way your mind works.”

“And I have a feeling your juices mixed with this butter will be heaven.” Two fingers slid along her slit, spreading the thick confection. Kneeling slightly, he spread her thighs and massaged her clit with his thumb.

With a groan, she fell back, letting her shoulders hit the cabinets behind her with a thud. He glanced at her, making sure she hadn’t hurt herself, and what he saw held him spellbound.

Her eyes were closed, her swollen lips parted. The pink of her tongue was visible for only a moment as it darted out to lick at her bottom lip. Her face was flushed in desire and when he increased the pressure to her clit her mouth dropped open a little more, letting out a soft sigh of pleasure.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, then leaned down to lick the butter from her pussy.

The taste of her milky juice gave the butter a hint of sweet and he moaned, sliding his tongue deeper into her channel. “Oh, yes,” she sighed and gripped his hair, pulling him closer.

He could feel the tiny throbs inside her vagina against his tongue. He knew she was close. Pulling away, he grabbed her around the waist and dropped into the chair behind him. “Hurry, Nicole. Take me inside that hot pussy of yours.”

Her legs straddled his, the mouth of her pussy resting at the tip of his cock. He gripped her waist and tugged her down his length. He squeezed his eyes closed as her vagina held him tight. She felt like hot lava, her pussy walls rippling along his engorged length.

He began to work them in a rhythm he knew would send her over the edge. Fingernails dug into the flesh of his shoulder and he leaned forward to bite at hers. God, she felt so good as her walls tightened around him further, milking the very life from him.

With a shout, they both came, her walls spasming around his cock as he spilled his seed deep within her. His arms shook with his release as they snaked around her and held her tight. Nicole’s warm breath fanned his neck as she slowly came back down from her release and the throbs against his shaft subsided.

“I love you, Nikki,” he whispered.

“I love your cooking lessons.”

He laughed and held her tight, never wanting to let her go.

* * * * *

Jaimee stepped into the lobby of Fantasy Resort and let his gaze travel around the bright and airy room. It was huge, with open doors and windows leading to the gardens and beaches beyond. Wicker furniture decorated the area and a massive fireplace took center stage. Nicole had told him that on more than one chilly night guests had gathered around the warmth of the flames for small, impromptu orgies.

Now the weather was warm and guests mingled in little or nothing, no one the least bit shy about touching each other or even themselves. One man sat in the corner, reclining in an oversized chair. Two women knelt before him, both of their lips and tongues working his cock. Jaimee’s twitched in response and his chest rumbled with a growl of aggravation. He’d spent two years at Fantasy Bar seducing Nicole and still images like that turned him on.

“Interesting place,” he mumbled in Nicole’s ear and a mischievous grin crossed her features.

“Anything you could ever want to experience is here. Just tell the workers at the front desk what you’re looking for and they’ll arrange it.”

Jaimee nodded toward an interesting threesome that had started on the far side of the room near the patio. “I wouldn’t mind that.”

A woman sat between a man’s legs, her back against his chest. His palms held her thighs wide while another woman licked at her pussy. “That man has a hell of a view,” Jaimee teased.

Nicole shrugged. “If you like that sort of thing.”

Jaimee studied her and didn’t miss the twinkle in her eyes. “So are you saying you wouldn’t like for some woman to lick your pussy while I watch?” He leaned in closer and her eyes darkened a shade in desire. “And then you could return the favor and lick her while I fuck you from behind.”

Her lips twitched adorably as she fought a grin. “Is that why you brought me here? For a threesome?”

“Maybe. Or maybe I had something else in mind.”

“Like what?” she asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Despite her movement, he didn’t miss the beading of her nipples beneath the thin material of her shirt.

“You’ll see.”

“Nicole,” Kira yelled and they both turned to watch her beautiful friend approach. She enveloped Nicole in a hug, and for a second Jaimee imagined the three of them entangled. But only for a second. He knew Jerrod would never allow it. He was extremely possessive of Kira.

“Honey, you look wonderful,” Kira said with a smile.

Nicole glanced at Jaimee and he shook his head slightly. He knew she wanted to tell Kira, but he couldn’t let her. It was too risky.

“You haven’t met Ethan yet, have you?” Nicole asked.

“No.”

Kira turned her sharp green eyes toward him and he inwardly cringed. The woman didn’t miss much and he could tell by the way she studied him with narrowed eyes that her mind was running full steam. “It’s nice to meet you, Ethan. Is Nicole treating you well?”

“She’s a slave driver.”

“I’m just doing what I was told to do.”

Jaimee snorted. “With relish.”

Kira’s gaze moved between him and Nicole. She knew something was up. “If you ladies will excuse me, I’m going to head over to the counter and see what this place has available that looks interesting.”

Nicole watched him walk away, her attention glued to his tight ass. She wasn’t able to meet Kira’s gaze and more than anything, she hated lying to her friend.

“You’re sleeping with him, aren’t you?”

Kira’s quiet voice was full of concern and Nicole spun to face her, wanting desperately to put her friend at ease. “It was a stupid thing, I know, and I’m not even sure how it happened. It just…” She stopped, unable to explain it.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. I’m fine.” At Kira’s doubtful look, Nicole smiled and touched her arm. “I’m fine. I promise.”

Her friend nodded and Nicole turned back to Jaimee, who leaned against the counter, his gaze scanning the list of available fantasies. “He’s gorgeous, isn’t he?” Nicole asked.

“Yes. But there’s something about him. You know?”

Nicole swallowed. “Like what?”

“I don’t know.” Kira shrugged. “It’s probably nothing. I guess I’m just overly worried about you. I know how much you loved Jaimee and how hard it was for you to trust him.”

“And then I go and sleep with a complete stranger?”

Kira remained silent, staring as though she wanted to read Nicole’s soul. “If you need me, you know where I am.”

Nicole’s lips tilted slightly. “I know.”

Stepping closer, Nicole embraced Kira and placed a kiss on her cheek. Kira returned the kiss and brushed a piece of hair from Nicole’s eyes. That’s how Jaimee found them, and he smiled devilishly. “The two of you look good together. Shall I reserve a corner for the three of us?”

Nicole slapped at his shoulder, making him laugh. “Kira and I don’t do that with each other.”

“What a shame,” he purred playfully.

“Isn’t that just like a man?” Kira returned. “He sees two women being affectionate and automatically his libido skips right into overdrive.”

“Ms. Scollin?”

Kira smiled at the approaching desk clerk. “Yes?”

“Your husband has requested you join him in the cellar. He’s doing inventory and needs your help.”

“Sure he does,” Kira murmured, making the clerk grin.

“You love it and you know it,” Nicole teased with a jab to Kira’s ribs.

“I love him,” Kira said with a grin. Turning to the clerk, she added. “Give them whatever they want.”

“As always,” the clerk replied as she placed a small key onto Jaimee’s outstretched palm.

“What’s that?” Nicole asked once Kira was out of earshot.

“How did the chat with Kira go?”

Nicole placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. “What are you up to?”

His lips pursed as he thought for a moment. “Oh, about six foot three.”

“Stop,” she snapped.

Jaimee chuckled and pulled her along behind him. “Stop what?” he asked innocently.

“Evading my question. What are you up to?”

He stopped to face her, his eyes darkening and raking over her in a most sensual manner. One that made her heart skip in her chest. “I’m up to showing you a good time.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Now, how did the chat with Kira go?”

“It went well. Our secret is still safe, at least for now.”

“Until you tell her?” he asked with a sideways grin.

“More like until she figures it out on her own. She guessed I was sleeping with you.”

His fingers feathered down her back and over the curve of her hip. The heat of his touch scorched her through the thin material of her skirt. “It’s almost over. I promise. But what I have in mind for you this afternoon. Well…that’s just beginning.”

Nicole’s stomach flipped wondering just what it was he had in mind. After two years at Fantasy Bar, there wasn’t a whole lot the two of them hadn’t done, so she was intrigued that he could come up with something new. “Not even a hint?”

“Not yet. Maybe after lunch.”