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...:)

Coming in print...

Just one of the books coming soon to print..:)

Also available in print...

Topping the Domme

Social Prey

Welcome to Fantasy!

The Fantasy series has finally been re-released.

Book one and two were available at Ellora's Cave for several years, but now that I have them back, I've re-released them to Amazon along with the third book in the trilogy.

Come visit Fantasy and explore your wildest fantasies..:)

Fabulous review!!

Fabulous review from Redzworld!

Review

Trained to feel nothing. Trained to kill. Cara’s psychic powers limited her future but when her father is murdered, she feels more than she should. Will her emotions save her or send her spiraling out of control? Hayden doesn’t see a killer when he looks at Cara. He sees a woman struggling to re-cork her bubbling emotions. He sees a woman he would like to have a future with, but will her past allow her to grasp a future filled with love? In Up in Flames by Trista Ann Michaels we meet children grown. While this series can be read as a stand alone, you will better enjoy the story if it is read in chronological order. Hayden is more cerebral than his brother, father or uncle. But he is equally protective. Cara doesn’t really need his protection, at least physically. I loved that Cara was a weapon and way more dangerous than Hayden on his best day, but she needed Hayden. She needed the balance and understanding he brought to their budding relationship.  Ms. Michaels gave us a character in Cara that was innocent and pure of heart, but extremely deadly. It was an interesting dichotomy which I found added to the growing love between Hayden and Cara. Hayden had to fight not only Cara but himself. His sense of honor made it difficult for him to see Cara as more than a patient. Cara refused to allow her inexperience to define what she could have with Hayden. Ms. Michaels gave us two strong willed characters who became friends before they became lovers. Would they get the opportunity to build upon their physical relationship to forge a future? You can only find out within the pages of Ms. Michaels’ ninth installment in the Entwined Fates series.

                        Five Shooting Stars 

Ellora's Cave waiver...

Why I signed.

I'm sure everyone has heard about the letter EC sent out and the waiver that was attached. For those that haven't seen it, I posted it below...

Ellora’s Cave Publishing: Final Announcement – October 3, 2016
My mom and I would like to thank the vast majority of you for 16 incredible years. The first ≈ 13 of them were life-changing and genre-changing for all of us. We made history together, which is a feat most people will never be able to lay claim to. I’m honored and proud to have been a part of this heady accomplishment—a victory for female sexual autonomy that no one can take away from us. For this reason and so many others, it is with a heavy heart that my mother and I have made the decision to begin the process of closing Ellora’s Cave Publishing.
We did everything we could possibly do to turn things around—my mom more so than anyone—but it simply wasn’t meant to be. Between the oversaturation of erotic romance titles available, the financial devaluation of said titles, and being buried in Amazon’s search engines, the prospect of the market once again turning in our favor is grim at best, impossible at worst, and requires government intervention either way. We don’t want to leave you in limbo based on such unfavorable odds. We have gone around and around trying to figure out the least complicated way to get your rights back to you...the best compromise we have to offer follows on page 2.
My mom and I will be closing this chapter of our lives with many fond memories. For every utterance of false gossip hurled our way, we have three times as many happy moments to counter them with. In other words, thank you for being a part of Ellora’s Cave. We are choosing to hold onto the wonderful memories and carry them with us into whatever comes next. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you and for you.
Warmly,
Tina and Patty
P.S. We realize our announcement, while likely not unexpected, still leaves everyone with questions concerning their books, especially rights reversions. Bear in mind when reading the remainder of this email that EC is now (a) down to a staff of 2 and (b) doesn’t have the people power to continue answering emails, which is why (c) we need a couple of months to accomplish closing down in the most efficient way possible. We don’t want to leave anyone’s rights in limbo—which could definitely happen if we don’t take the time to individually revert them back to you—so please read carefully from this point forward.

1

To expedite an otherwise lengthy process, Ellora’s Cave will revert the rights of all remaining books back to every author who agrees to the following six terms:

1. You understand and agree you will receive your reversion letter on or before December 31, 2016 via the email address you return this signed release from. (For those moving their titles to New York, the reversion letter is all the proof you need that your rights are indeed exclusively yours again. Even if you do not plan to go the New York route, I highly suggest keeping your reversion letter accessible; self-publishing is still in its infancy so it’s difficult to guess what will be considered standard proof to vendors in the near or distant future.)
   
2. You understand and agree all vendors will be given notice that your books are to be removed from their sites by midnight on December 31, 2016.
   
3. You understand and agree you are free to republish your books beginning January 1, 2017 at 12:01 am EST.
   
4. You understand and agree to waive any claim/s to outstanding royalty monies owed.
   
5. You understand and agree you are permitted to keep the cover art to your books if you choose to, but that you are solely responsible for “stripping” the Ellora’s Cave name and logo/s from the artwork before uploading it to retailers.
   
6. You understand and agree that ISBNs are publisher-specific and therefore cannot and will not be transferred to you. (You currently don’t need an ISBN to self-publish through Amazon and New York houses provide their own ISBNs.)
   

Your Pen Name: _________________________ Your Legal Name: ________________________________
Your Signature: ______________________________________ Today’s Date: ______________________
List of all Titles: ________________________________________________________________________
Please email this completed form to: Ecrevertrights@gmail.com no later than November 1, 2016 in order to have your title/s included in the master list we are creating for each vendor, which notifies them of all books to be taken down from their sites by midnight on December 31, 2016. The proof of rights reversion letter legally required to republish is separate and will be processed in the order they are received, but will arrive via email no later than December 31, 2016.

**

Understandably, most everyone was angry, including myself. 

When I was first published with EC well over ten years ago, I was so excited. And over the next couple of years, I gave them several books. 7 in total. It wasn't long after that, probably around 2010, that I started having issues with royalties. 

At first it was just me and a very few others who said anything publicly. Surely I wasn't the only one who saw the problems, but if any others were having issues, they weren't talking, except for a tiny few.

Finally, a couple of years ago, more authors began to talk, blogs were written, then the lawsuit against Dear Author happened and everything exploded. We all know what happened next.

I'd been trying for a while to get my rights back, but they always refused. They claimed I sold too many copies, but yet wouldn't pay me. I kept hitting them with emails, and yes, I got nasty. She even posted them on her bullying site, which I think now has been taken down. There's no love loss there between me, Jaid and Patty. I think I've made it pretty clear what I think of them and their business tactics.

I even went with several other authors to see a lawyer. We were told that EC was in breach of contract, not on just one issue, but three. We had a case, unfortunately, we didn't have the money. Six figures was the estimate. We talked about a possible class action, but there just wasn't enough money there for the lawyers to waste their time, not to mention they assumed they would probably never see a dime of it, so our case was not taken on. Once again, EC would get away with their thievery.

I had pretty much given up and could only hope that they would eventually close their doors. Then the waiver arrived.

At first, I was angry. Seriously? They want me to waive my royalties?? Tell me again how you're not a thief, Jaid?

After thinking about it and talking about with my husband, I decided to go ahead and sign the waiver. In truth, I would never see the money that's owed to me anyway and at least this way, I can finally get my books back and early this morning, I received the rights reversion letter in my email.

I will have the rights back to all my books as of January 1st, 2017, but I will not see a dime of any sales between now and the time they take them down. But you know what? As mad as that makes me, I continue to tell myself that it's almost over.

I will re-cover, re-edit those books and starting January 2nd, I will begin self-publishing them on Amazon, not all at once, but as I get them done. I should have them all out by summer 2017.

Even though I had to give up my royalties, I can at least see a light at the end of the tunnel and I can only hope that eventually, Karma will rule.

<<hugs>>
Trista  

Excerpt 13...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 Thirteen

Four weeks later

“Hello? Are you decent?” Kira asked as she stuck her head into the front door of the tiny cabin, a platter of lobster tails from Earth in her hand.

“If we weren’t would you join us?” Jaimee teased with a smile from the kitchen.

“Watch it, Romeo,” Jerrod replied dryly as he stepped in behind Kira.

“What’s the matter, Jerrod? Afraid she’d like me better?”

“All right,” Nicole chided as she walked in from the patio. “That’s enough from the two of you.”

Jerrod and Jaimee shared a grin.

“It’s such a nice day, I thought we could eat outside,” Nicole said as she grabbed the plate of vegetables and a bottle of wine.

The four of them headed out to the patio. Jaimee had moved the table beneath the wide umbrella tree, allowing them some shade from the warmer afternoon sun.

“Have you heard from Brett?” Jaimee asked as he opened the wine bottle and filled their glasses.

“Actually, he arrived here last night.”

“And already paired off with someone.” Kira smiled behind her glass of wine. “He bid for a slave.”

Nicole raised an eyebrow. “Really? He didn’t seem the type.”

Jerrod frowned. “There’s a specific type that buys a slave?”

“Well. Not really a type. He just seemed more charming than…” Kira scrunched her nose, struggling to find the right word.

“Than a Dom?” Nicole offered.

“Exactly,” Kira said with a smile.

“Well, whatever the reason, he paid a fortune for her. Seemed determined to have her,” Jerrod said.

“Maybe she was the woman of his dreams,” Nicole sighed.

Jaimee snorted. “Maybe buying a slave was the only way he could get a woman.”

“Jaimee,” Nicole scolded. “Brett is a nice-looking man. Any woman would be interested.”

“Any woman, huh?” Jaimee scowled.

Jerrod chuckled. “Somehow I don’t think that was the right thing to say.”

Leaning closer, Nicole placed a soft kiss against his lips. “He has nothing to worry about and he knows it.”

With a smile, Jaimee playfully chucked her under the chin.

“Before he headed to the auction, Brett told me the man you ladies shot will survive and stand trial.” He inclined his head toward Jaimee. “They’ll need you when it goes to trial.”

“I’ll be there,” Jaimee said and reached for one of the lobster tails.

“Have you thought about where you’re going from here?” Jerrod asked as he too filled his plate. “The offer of resort physician is still yours if you want it.”

“I appreciate the offer, but Nicole and I have talked about it and I’m going to return to Earth and teach at Cambridge. I talked to them last week about coming back.”

“England?” Kira asked.

“This cabin is yours, so whenever you want to come back, it’s here.”

Jaimee smiled. “Thanks, Jerrod. I’m sure we’ll be back often.”

“You better be,” Kira grumbled. “Why didn’t you say anything?” she asked Nicole.

“I wanted to wait and be sure that’s what we were doing.”

“What are you two going to do about the bar?” Jerrod asked.

“I’ve been thinking about that and I believe we should make Dax a full partner. What do you think?” Nicole asked Kira.

She smiled broadly. “I like the idea. He’s been with us since the beginning.”

“Speaking of which, have either of you ever seen him participate in the bar?” Jaimee asked.

Nicole pursed her lips, thinking back. “No. Now that I think about it, I don’t think I have. Have you, Kira?”

Kira shook her head, a frown creasing her brow. “No.”

“Maybe the man’s a eunuch,” Jerrod offered as he scooped vegetables onto his plate.

“He’s not a eunuch,” Kira replied with a snort.

Three pairs of eyes stared at her, waiting for her to elaborate. Kira’s gaze moved around the table, looking at each of their shocked and questioning expressions. “What? I walked in on him one morning in the shower.” When they didn’t say anything, just continued to stare at her, she sighed. “Nothing happened. I saw him, I left. That’s it.” She glared at their continued silence. “Moving on.”

Jerrod chuckled and placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. Nicole took the platter Jaimee offered and inhaled the strong scent of butter and spices. She overfilled her plate, piling it full of vegetables and bread. She didn’t think twice about the amount until Jerrod pointed it out to her.

“Nicole, honey. Are you hungry?” Jerrod asked, his voice filled with amusement.

Licking the butter from her finger, Nicole studied the plate before her with a frown. “You know it’s weird, but I can’t seem to get enough to eat this week. I’ve been hungry all the time.”

“Hungry all the time? Last week you were sick every morning. And just yesterday you were complaining your breasts hurt.” Kira grinned. “Honey, are you pregnant?”

Nicole’s hand froze halfway to her mouth, the glass of wine she’d picked up completely forgotten as she stared in shock at her friend. Pregnant? She hadn’t even thought of that.

Jaimee quickly grabbed the wineglass from her hand and set it back down on the table. “Don’t drink that.”

“What?” she asked, slightly confused.

“Nicole, when was your last birth control shot?” Jaimee asked.

“I know I had one when I first arrived.” Glancing at Kira, she shook her head. “But I can’t remember. Did I have any more after that?”

“I don’t know, honey. If you did, you didn’t tell me.”

“Come with me.” Standing, Jaimee grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. “We’ll settle this right now.”

Kira began to stand as well, but Jerrod grabbed her hand and pulled her back down. “Don’t go in there, Kira. Let them do this alone.”

She turned to him wide-eyed and pointed toward the door that Nicole and Jaimee had just entered. “But she…”

A soft smile touched his lips. “She’ll be fine. Jaimee’s with her. He is a doctor, after all.”

“I know, but…”

Again, she glanced at the door, a frown pulling at her brow. Nicole was her best friend and it just seemed strange not being there.

Leaning forward, Jerrod cupped her chin and turned her so she would face him. “You know, all this talk about babies has me thinking.”

“About?”

“About maybe having one of our own.”

His finger brushed along her jaw sending a shiver down her spine. Had she heard him correctly? Her heart jumped in excitement at the very idea of having his baby. “You want to have a baby?”

“We talked about this, remember? I told you I wanted lots of babies.” For a second, he looked unsure, almost nervous. “Have you changed your mind? Do you not want any?”

“Jerrod,” she sighed, then smiled from ear to ear as she jumped from her chair and into his lap. He grunted, then laughed as she landed on his thighs and planted a hot, wet kiss on his lips.

“I take it that’s a yes,” he smiled between kisses.

“Yes,” she giggled, then deepened it, sliding her tongue into his awaiting mouth.

He moaned and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. Her soft hands cupped his face, then moved into his hair as the kiss deepened. His free hand moved up to cup her cheek, softly brushing his thumb across her warm flesh. “I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you more,” he said with a grin.

“But wait.” Suddenly, she sat straighter, her eyes widening with worry. “We can’t raise a baby here.”

“Honey, we’re beyond wealthy. We can raise this baby wherever you want.”

“Really?” she asked, a small smile curving her lips. He was so good to her. Spoiled her, if the truth were known. She was just so thrilled he wanted to have a baby. She’d been thinking about it for a while, but for some reason had been afraid to broach the subject. Unsure that it was the right time.

“Really,” he murmured as he cupped her chin and tugged her face back to his for a slow, deep kiss.

* * * * *

Nicole bit at her lower lip as she watched Jaimee prick her finger then place the blood sample within the med scanner. He looked angry and tense. Was he mad? Did he not want a baby?

The ten seconds it took seemed like forever and she took several deep breaths trying to calm her racing heart. A baby. Would she make a good mother? And what if Jaimee didn’t want it?

The scanner beeped and she watched the expression on Jaimee’s face. He looked almost relieved as he smiled at the scanner. Her heart sank. “I’m not pregnant.”

Jaimee’s gaze shot to hers and he shook his head no. Nicole glanced at the ground, her heart breaking. She’d had no idea how much she wanted kids until just this second.

“No, sweetheart, you misunderstood.” His finger tipped up her chin and she met his shining, happy gaze. “You’re pregnant. We’re going to have a baby.”

“What?” She gaped. “I’m pregnant?”

“Yeah.” He nodded, his smile widening.

He set the scanner on the counter and gently engulfed her in his arms. Once the shock wore off, she laughed. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she held him tight. “We’re having a baby,” she giggled.

“I love you, Nikki,” he whispered in her ear.

“I love you too.” Pulling away, she stared into his eyes. “You’re happy about this right? I mean, it’s not too soon?”

His strong hands framed her face, and he smiled down at her with the most loving expression—it made her chest tighten. “I’ve never been happier about anything in my life.” He inclined his head toward the patio. “How about we go share the good news?”

She returned his smile with one of her own. “Yeah.”

Arm in arm, they walked back out to the patio, ready to share the news with their friends. Kira was on Jerrod’s lap, the two of them engaged in a slow kiss that made Nicole grin. Jerrod’s hand rested on the side of Kira’s cheek, his other at her back, holding her close. They were so cute, so perfect together.

Jaimee cleared his throat, catching their attention. “We can’t leave the two of you alone together for five minutes.”

They broke apart slowly, as though not the least bit embarrassed or upset that they’d been caught. Kira smiled at Jerrod dreamily before turning back to Nicole. With a start, she sat up straight. “Well?” she asked.

Nicole smiled, her face she was sure beaming with happiness and pride. “We’re going to have a baby.”

Kira squealed and jumped from Jerrod’s lap. Jerrod grunted as her hand landed on his crotch in her haste to get off him. Jaimee laughed and Jerrod scowled back at him. “Be quiet. I’m already pissed you interrupted.”

“You’re all bark, old man,” Jaimee teased as Jerrod stepped next to him and slapped his shoulder in congratulations.

“Oh, honey. I’m so happy for you,” Kira said as she engulfed Nicole in a hug.

Jerrod hugged her as well, placing a loud, wet kiss on her cheek, making her laugh.

She was still laughing when Kira grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the table. “Come back and eat. You need to feed that baby.”

Nicole sat back down in her chair and placed her hand over her stomach. A baby, she thought in wonder.

“Something else to drink for the mother-to-be,” Jaimee said as he placed a glass of tea in front of her. Sitting, Jaimee leaned over and kissed her cheek. She smiled at him and softly touched the side of his face with her hand.

She had everything she would ever need. The love of her life, a baby on the way, and two of the best friends she could ever hope to have.

Life was perfect.

The End

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.”