It has been a long time since I posted a FreeRead and I have been a very slack blogger of late!  Busy, Busy, working on WIP's and rewrites... anyway here is a chapter from Twisted Fire...

Jared watched as Charlotte strode in and his heart skipped a beat. He’d better resolve this problem before there was too much damage done. Somehow she’d gotten under his skin and he needed to learn more about her. The desire to taste her rosy lips again filled his mind and he shook it off. Thinking about that was not going to repair the situation.

She scanned the room before locating whomever she was seeking and then sauntered over to him. When he caught sight of her intended target and she started to flirt with him, a surge of jealousy rushed through him. Mitch, his unattached, charming brother - just what he needed. Seeing his immediate response to her made him suddenly livid. Envy pieced his heart.

Mitch never struggled to relate to women – some would say he was a womaniser - whereas Jared’s cautious and solemn nature made it difficult for some women to understand him. He didn’t like where this might go and he needed to put an end to it before it got started.
 
* * *
Mitch spotted Jared approaching over Charlotte’s shoulder, his dogged stride indicating his mood. The moment he saw the determined, stern expression in his brother’s eyes, Mitch sensed he was treading on rocky ground. Charlotte had gotten to Jared and no doubt in his clumsy way Jared had screwed it up.

Knowing his brother was within earshot, Mitch elected to provoke Jared’s envious nature to perhaps inspire him to let his guard fall. He dropped the punch line to a story he was telling and she let out a spontaneous throaty laugh. The effect was anticipated correctly as Jared seethed. Mitch knew when to step aside. He now hoped Jared could make amends with her as he knew how easily his little brother could offend.
 
* * *
Jared heard Charlotte let out a husky laugh and the sudden deep timbre tore through his composure. Pure hunger shoved aside any rational thought. He gazed at her standing with her back to him and for the infinite time took in how amazing she looked in that dress. It hugged her perfect slim tall figure and the colour next to her skin was amazing. Strawberries and cream. 

“I see you have met my entertaining brother Mitchell,” he said irritably.

“Yes, and he is one funny guy,” she said touching Mitch’s arm, leaving Jared incensed.

“Yes, he’s very jovial,” he replied his voice rich with derision. “May I talk to you for a moment please,  Charlotte?”

“I think we have talked enough. Besides I’m talking to Mitch who I have to admit is much better company.”

“Ouch,” Mitch said and laughed.

Jared sent him a warning glare.

“Go ahead, Charlotte, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait for you to come back,” Mitch told her, identifying this would make his brother crazy. Perhaps Jared would feel rather than think for a change.

“Fine, I really don’t know what you could possibly say to … ” She was cut off by a forceful hand on her arm. Jared all but dragged her outside to the very same spot he’d taken her breath away minutes before.

“What do you want?” she demanded.

“Besides you?” 
 
She didn’t answer as a jolt of electricity ran through her veins.

“I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for offending you before. I sometimes lack diplomacy,” he told her with
sincerity.

“Fine, apology accepted.”She started to walk off.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“Back inside to talk to a more pleasant Montgomery.”

“OK, I asked for that. Please stay, I really want to talk to you some more. I think our first impressions of each other have been inaccurate and I wondered if perhaps we could start afresh.” Her eyes searched his face and she seemed for a moment to consider.

“You’re very serious aren’t you?” Her beautiful face held a slight look of amusement, as though a smirk was hiding beneath the surface.

“Generally.”

“Well, I can be too. I take my job and the health of animals very seriously. I also take the health and wellbeing of my family very seriously. Just because I like to have fun and tease doesn’t necessarily mean I’m superficial as well. Besides, seems to me you could loosen up a bit and be less … rigid.”

“Probably,” he said as he took a step towards her. She leant against a post near the opening at her back. 
He brought his arm around her waist and pulled her to him again. “I haven’t been about to stop thinking about you since I met you. Especially how your lips would taste and now that I have tasted them, I want to again.”

He pressed his lips with gentle force against hers. Instantly she became giddy and loose limbed again. She wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself, should her legs betray her, and played with
the curls which skimmed his collar. All the while desire surged through her body, taking control of her senses and mind.

He took in the details this time to savour her. Lips soft and full and hair like silk. Her bare skin under his hands felt velvety and far better than anything his imagination could have conjured. Her aroma was intoxicating and his fuzzy mind couldn’t put a name to the fragrance.  
 
As he continued to trail his hands down her smooth bare back, caressing every inch along the way, she moaned into his mouth and it was almost his downfall. He stopped and pulled back slightly, without releasing her.

“I have to stop, babe,” he said hoarsely, “or I won’t be able to prevent what happens next.”

Her passion-filled gaze was her only response.

“I don’t do casual. As much as I want to keep going, I also want to know more about you. You are the most beautiful, intriguing woman I have ever met.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere.”

He smiled and she felt her pulse quicken. His smile was incredible.

“I would like to see you tomorrow, cook for you, but I have to work. Can I pick you up when I finish?”

“Yes,” she replied breathlessly. 
 
Stunned by the affect she was having on him, it took him a moment to answer.

“About six, ok?”

She nodded. “I’d better get back before my family wonders what has happened to me.”

“As long as you stay away from Mitch, then you can go.” He held her tight against him, reluctant to release her.

“Oh, so he does have a sense of humour.” Her teasing smile didn’t seem as frivolous now as he’d first thought. Though seductive, it was also sincere.

“I’m not completely humourless but in this instance I’m deadly serious.”

“Hmm, a little possessive too. I like that.”

“If you take up with me, you will come to realise very quickly that I do not share.”

“I haven’t made up my mind about that yet and I like to keep my options open,” she said flippantly. “Now would you kindly release me?” 

“Mitchell?”

She rolled eyes. “You cannot ban me from talking to your brother.”

“Watch me.” 
 
She wriggled to see if she could break free and found it to be pointless; he was way too strong.

“Fine, I’ll stop flirting with him.”

“That will do for now.”

He grudgingly removed his hands and watched her stroll gracefully back to the party.

Today I thought I would share a chapter of my erotic romance American Girl.

Chapter Four
 
“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of.”
 Alicia Keys



The plane idling on the tarmac frazzles my already strained nerves.  I dislike flying so the long journey ahead of me dampens my excitement over the destination. The disbelief regarding my decision to leave Adelaide, still lingers in my mind.  It, even now as I sit in my designated seat, doesn’t feel real. Anticipation, the emotion running second within me causes my hands to shake and my heart to thump an erratic beat. I have many hours ahead of me, I need to calm down.

True to her word, Molly paid for the flight I wait to endure.  My half saved with diligence over the months leading up to this day, would be returned on arrival.  The moment to meet my new infatuation, my new love has arrived and I am terrified. Would Molly feel the same when she meets me in person?  Would I? This is crazy, I
tell myself but my heart refuses to listen to my caution.  What’s the worst that could happen?  It doesn’t work out, I return home.  A holiday to New York being something I always hoped to do.  
 
My thoughts swirl as the plane lifts into the sky. If I’m going to stay sane I need to still my mind.  I decide to
watch the movies on offer and I somehow manage to watch two without my thoughts wandering too much and nerves still intact.  I open the book I purchased for the journey and lapse several hours.  With many left to endure, my book complete and having seen all the movies, I ponder what to do next.

 I close my eyes and attempt to relax. Sleep a difficult prospect for me at the best of times would prove harder
to obtain on a plane, or so I thought.  The thud of tyres hitting the tarmac shakes me awake. I gaze out the window and surprise then exhilarated anxiety overwhelms me when the ‘JFK Airport’ sign welcomes me.

I gasp when I see the trickle of snowflakes and a blanket of white covering the ground.  December in New York, would it be a romantic winter paradise?  As the plane taxies towards the building, the butterflies in my stomach
spiral in an erratic frenzy while fear seizes my throat. For the umpteenth time I wonder whether I’ve made the right decision.  I swing between fear and excitement as I wait to disembark.

Impatience causes my foot to tap as the passengers between me and the door unload their luggage from the overhead lockers.  I control the urge to push my way through as the line of weary people trudge towards the exit.  The time has finally arrived.  I’m going to see her, feel her, and taste her.  Would it be everything I hoped for?  
 
I curse my short stature as I search the arrivals lounge but can see little through the crowd.  A dark head can be seen above the throng and I realise Molly is taller than I imagined.  This sends my heart into a desire fuelled flurry.  I like tall.  Vivid blue eyes search the room and lock on mine as the people dissipate in front of me. 
Her grin sets her face alight and I can’t recall ever seeing anyone more beautiful.  I stop, unable to bridge the gap, unsure of myself and what do to next. 
 
Her smile remains as she takes the steps to diminish the distance between us.  My cheeks flush as she pulls me into a tender embrace.  One of her hands touches my hair so I lift my face to hers.  A self conscious thought flashes through my mind as her lips seek mine.  What would people think?  I hear several gasps and ignore them as I welcome her soft mouth.  The softest lips to ever have touched mine.  I move my hands from where they rested on Molly’s back to her hair.  They become lost in the silky waves as her tongue teases mine.  It circles
in gentle strokes, urgent yet patient.  An aroma overwhelms my senses, a light flowery scent my mind is unable to place.  I can taste raspberries and realise this to be from her lips.  Her soft curves pressed tight against me cloud my already hazy thoughts.  When a small moan emits from within me, Molly eases her mouth from mine and whispers in my ear.  “Let’s get out of here.”

Taking my hand, she guides me through the airport to retrieve my luggage.  Her smooth
hand grips firm as we stride through the dawdlers to the carousel.  
 
“How was the flight?” She asks while we wait.

“Um...great.”  My cheeks still burn from the thrill of our first kiss.  My erratic heart threatens to beat right out of my chest.  I long to feel her gentle, full mouth again.

 “Did you manage to sleep?”  Her eyes melt into mine reflecting the desire and love I feel.

“Yes I did, which was surprising.” 
 
I notice my guitar on the carousel and step forward to collect it.  Sudden shyness compels me to watch the bags as they make their round trip around again and again while I wait for my suitcase.  Being here, seeing Molly in the flesh, looking tall and pretty, seems all so surreal.  Nerves still cause the butterflies to dance and my hands to sweat.  I wonder if I will know what to do.  Our first kiss felt natural, wonderful and I hope the rest will flow as easily.  
 
“You’re adorable when you’re shy,” Molly says quietly in my ear, her hot breath and whispered words send tingles of apprehension down my neck through to my toes.

I gaze at her and her serene expression helps me to relax some.  I spot my case and go to retrieve it.  

“That’s everything,” I say.

We walk in silence to the car park and as we load her black sleek car it continues.

“Nice car,” I say.

“Yeah, I don’t use it much, driving in New York isn’t the quickest.  I like to use it on long drives though.”  We
climb into the car and I clasp my hands together in my lap, still a little shy and nervous.  “I thought you might
like to see some of the sights on the way home.  There will be plenty of time for proper sight-seeing later.”

 “Sure, I would like that.”

 “Justine,”she says before pausing.  I turn to look at her.  “I know you’re a bit...nervous but it’ll be alright.”  
 
“I know.”  I smile and reach up to brush hair from her face.  I absorb every feature, her small straight nose, full pink lips and sharp cheekbones.  I place my hand on her soft alabaster cheek.  “I just hope...I...”

“Oh, honey, don’t you worry about a thing.” Her thick Brooklyn accent sounds sweet to my ears.  I want to kiss her again.

“Your accent is sexy,” I say, surprising myself at how quickly I’m relaxing.

She lets out a husky groan and pulls my face towards hers.  Those delectable lips devour mine with more ferocity this time.  I lean my body in as close as I can within the confines of the car and intensify the pressure of my tongue against hers.  Kissing a girl is more than I thought it could ever be. Supple lips, smooth skin not roughened by a stubble shadow and gentle erotic tongues meeting.  The strength of a man’s kiss not present here yet still intense in a more wonderful way.

“Justine,”Molly says pulling back, leaning her forehead against mine, our breathless pants in unison.  “I don’t want to do this right here, in the car but if we don’t stop I won’t be able to control myself.”

“I understand,” I whisper.

Molly smiles and starts the car.  She comments on our surroundings as we drive towards her apartment in Manhattan.  She takes us through Brooklyn and Molly points out the suburb where she’d grown up. Snow covers the streets, the houses, the trees and everything appears mostly white.  I enjoy listening to her describe the sights as the whiteness whizzes past us.  
 
As we approach the Brooklyn Bridge two things steal my breath.  The Statue of Liberty standing tall and assuming in the harbour and the bridge itself. As the darkness of night has come to blanket the sky like the snow has the ground, the lights on the bridge and Manhattan behind it, illuminate the dark in wondrous beauty. 
The tall buildings reflecting their luminosity onto the water captures my heart.  I can barely wait to visit
Times Square and Central Park.

“I live on the lower east side so the rest will have to wait for another day.”  Molly says as we cross the bridge into
Manhattan.

“That’s OK.  This was enough for tonight, it’s so beautiful.”

Molly laughs causing my heart to soar and my mind to go completely blank.  How does she do this to me?  Send me into a whirlwind of emotion from one glance or spontaneous laughter or soft spoken words?

I haven't done this for a couple of weeks... so I thought I would post something this week.

Prologue
Mecaldorf
 
“Cornelius is your spell ready?” Mecaldorf asked of his protégé who at two hundred and thirteen human years was a young warlock.

“Yes, Master.  I am ready.”

Mecaldorf and Cornelius edged closer towards The Mystic Garden.  The Pixie Princess, Nermina, collected flowers by the river and her protector, Nermo, although not close to her, stood alert for any imminent danger. 
Little did he know he would not perform his assigned duties well today.

 “Cornelius, now!”  The Wizard Mecaldorf said in a fierce whisper.

The warlock began his incantation which was only the first of many the wizard had planned for the inhabitants of The Mystic Land.
 
1
Princess
Seraphina

Sera sang happily as she brushed out her hair while waiting for Sam to collect her.  Sam was her best friend and she’d known him for as long as she could remember.  The male version of her as she liked to joke could very well have passed as her brother. With the same dark wavy locks and dark blue eyes she often wondered if they‘d been separated at birth.  Even though they’d never actually gone a day without seeing each other and of course he was a year older at twenty one.  
 
Always having viewed Sam as an older brother and friend there were no romantic feelings whatsoever, no matter how much her mother, Anna pushed the issue.  For his age Sam was strong and quite buff and if she didn’t consider him a friend she would think him incredibly attractive. He’d been very popular with the girls at school but he wasn’t remotely interested.  Sera could never understand why.  Never short on attention herself she supposed she was like Sam in this way too as she’d yet to meet anyone she wanted to date. 

She added the last touches to her eyes before switching off the music playing at an extreme level.  Sera decided to wait for Sam in the living room once she’d located Anna to say goodbye. Anna was an older version of Sera and she looked more like an older sister than her mother.  Sera always hoped she would age as well as Anna appeared to.  
 
As Anna read Tarot Cards for a living, there were clients waiting to see her in the ‘office’ which branched off from the main living area when Sera walked past. She claimed to have always been psychic, as her mother before for and informed Sera continuously that one day she would be able to source her psyche too.  Sera wasn’t holding her breath, she didn’t believe in clairvoyance.  Although Sera didn’t actually know what she wanted to do with her life, she knew it wasn’t reading fortunes.  
 
Since leaving school the previous year she threw around a few ideas with Anna who suggested perhaps she could take a year away from study before deciding what she wanted to do with her life.  Sera thus far had still failed to
decide.

As her father – who died when she was a toddler– had been wealthy, money really wasn’t an issue. 
Sam’s family were in a similar position and he never appeared to be in any hurry to pursue a career either.  
 
Anna was plunging coffee in the kitchen as Sera flopped onto the couch to wait both for Anna and Sam. 
Sera disliked waiting immensely therefore had been deemed extremely impatient more times than she cared to remember, which also went hand in hand with her particularly inquisitive nature.  Whenever meeting someone of interest her endless curious questions would have put the Spanish inquisition to shame.  Sera knew this about herself but to her, wisdom was power.

When the doorbell rang, assuming it was Sam Sera sang out a goodbye to Anna and rushed to answer the door.  What she discovered instead of her best friend were two of the most beautiful people she’d ever seen.  Both with pale white blonde hair and blue eyes almost as pale, similar to the colour ice can appear when it assumes a blue tone, they were breathtaking. They seemed almost surreal.  

Her hair was very long, slightly wavy and cascaded down to finish at the small of her back.  She was tall – taller than Sera who was tall for a girl - and willowy while her lips and cheeks were quite pink against stark pale
skin.

He stood behind her albeit close as though he was guarding her against imminent danger. Sera decided he was the most incredible looking man she’d ever encountered.  His hair finished slightly above his collar with a kink and was dishevelled as though he’d run his hand through it only recently, it was messy in a styled sort of manner.  His lips and skin were the same in hue as his companion.

“Good morning, Seraphina,” the female spoke in a melodic voice.  “Is Annaphina at home?”  
 
For several moments Sera merely stared.  How did this beautiful woman know her name and her mother? 
Who was the wonderfully striking man with her? She was awestruck by his ethereal beauty and presence. 
Sera looked him over as long as politely possible and couldn’t help but notice his hard, lean body beneath his strange olive green leather – she assumed – pants and square cut vest.  His arms, as pale as his face, looked firm and strong.  He too, was tall, slightly taller than her.

“Seraphina?” she spoke again.  “Are you unwell?”  
 
Sera shook her head to tear herself out of her reverie and assimilation of the man before her.

“Um yes, I’ll get her for you.  Would you like to come in?”

 “Yes, thank you.”  
 
The female walked gracefully as though floating and her companion followed without saying a word.  She was in the process of closing the door when Sam bounded up the stairs towards her. He always managed to appear out of nowhere and she could never quite understand how he did this.

“Hey, Sam,” she called.  "Come in, my Mum has...guests and I just have to let her know.”

“No problem,” he replied.  “The movie doesn’t start for an hour.”  

She closed the door behind him and turned to the two pale figures in her living room that both opted to remain
standing.

“Sam this is...”  She stopped realising she didn’t actually know who they were.

“Keela, Keelor, what are you doing here?”

“Something has occurred and we need to convene the chosen and their elders.  Sampson, you will of
course be required to accompany Seraphina.”

“What is going on here?” Sera asked.

“She doesn’t know?” the male finally spoke.

“Annaphina has decided to wait until the time is right, Keelor.”

“The time is now.”

“What is going on here?”  How do you know these people, Sampson?”  She asked now totally confused.

“Forgive our presence which is foreign to you, Princess.  We are unaware you were in the dark about your heritage.”  Sera almost missed his brief study of her face as Keelor spoke before turning to Sam.  “Sampson, next time you address Keela, please do so appropriately.”

“I beg your pardon, Princess Keela.”

“Forgiven, Sampson, alas Keelor can be a little overzealous at times.  I understand your need for discretion.”

“What is going on?  Sam, who are the chosen?” Sera asked again.

"I think I’d better answer your questions, Seraphina,” Anna told her daughter as she entered the room.  “I’ve rescheduled my clients so we can talk.  Please make yourselves comfortable.  Would you like refreshments?” 
 
This was returned with a shake of the head by all.

“Mum, what is going on here?”

“I knew one day I would have to tell you who you are but I’ve put it off for as long as possible.  Since you came of age I knew it would just be a matter of time.  I’ll tell you all about who they are and how it applies to you in a moment, honey but first I wish to find out what has happened for them to venture from...home.”

"Please forgive our intrusion, Elder Annaphina, however the chosen must assemble at once. Nermina has been abducted and Nermo incapacitated.  We believe it may be the work of Mecaldorf.”  Keela said.

“Do you think he intends to use her as ransom?”

"Yes, Elder Kalar believes this to be his intention.  She has foreseen Mecaldorf recruiting lost folk.  We believe one of these folk is responsible for Nermo’s imprisonment.”

Sera’s head swung from one to the other as they spoke, unable to grasp exactly what it was they were talking about.  When she glanced at Sam he didn’t appear confused or surprised by any of the information.  
 
Keelor stood vigil beside the seated Keela as though he was powerless to leave her side. She noted now her assumption was indeed correct and his attire appeared to be constructed from leather however the trademark sound usually accompanying movement was absent.  Upon his back appeared to be some type of long stick, maybe a staff and this only added to her puzzlement.  Was he carrying a weapon of some kind?  Did Sam?

“Oh dear,” Anna murmured before turning to Sera.  “I suppose I had best tell you who you are, Princess
Seraphina.”

This story jumped into my mind a while back but has recently been calling for me to start it. So I have ANOTHER WIP.  I'm very interesting in feedback.... I'm having a go at YA paranormal romance... well I think that is what it is.

1
The Half Breed

I sensed them before I heard them. Their presence gave off a glow like a deep pink sunset across my eyes. The flash. Scudders. Too easy. Moving with soft footed motion I wove between the reedy trees. The glow of moonlight guided the way but I could manoeuvre at night without its radiance. The group of Scedrows were four and they sniffed the air like red pointers.

Too easy. Their instinctual nature is hunger and this will always distract them. Blood is what they seek, like the vampire they lust but at a far greater extreme. Vampires will attempt to sooth, then play with their prey, Scudders don’t like games. In the distance I can hear thudded footfall as someone ran towards me from the left. Oh, very clever, they’d learnt to hunt in two packs. Unlike vampires they weren’t as fluid and fast.

I debated. Cut off the runner and try to evade the chase or dispose of these four. I too like to play but I don’t tease the mind I go straight for the heart with my Cinquedea. By the time I get to the third, the last has discovered I’m there and is distracted from the hunt. His sharp thin teeth are exposed with a growl. Red eyes absorb me, his blood lust at its peak. Creased yellow skin is stained with crimson and I curse the night realising they must have already fed. While I dealt with a game playing vamp this crew had already begun. The runner is close now so the Scudder’s craving becomes everything and he turns from me. Too easy.  The heavy feet get closer and I realise they are running out of steam, crap! The others will be on their tail and mad with the need for the adrenal filled blood.

When the girl comes into view I step towards her and as she runs past I stick out my arm to bring her down in the kindest way I can. While she gasps for breath I dispose of her pursuers. They really were no fun. The girl, probably not much younger than me, sits up and sends a surprised glare my way. Here we go.

“Why did you hit me?”

“To stop you from running.”

I decided to do something useful while she gabbed on and began to stack the Scudders together before setting them alight. Her face repelled against the flame and she flicked her eyes from me to the burning carcasses and back to me.

“What are those things?”

“You don’t want to know. Are you alright?” She nodded wide eyed. “Need a hand?” I stuck out my hand which she took and stood in stunned silence.

“Thank you.”

I shrugged. “Nothing doing. Can you find your way out?”

“Are there any more?”

“No.”

“I know the way. Thank you again.”  She offered me a scared smile.

The flash this time was somewhere between green and blue. Hard to tell exactly what but it was something demon and somewhere behind me.  If the girl went straight ahead she’d be fine. With relief I watch her walk in the opposite direction to where I sensed the movement.

“That was impressive.” A deep not quite human voice startled me.

I gasped as I realised he’d slipped through and stood several paces away leaning with casual ease against a deciduous tree. Winter frost ensured the forest appeared stark and leafless. The spindly branches hung naked around him. I couldn’t tell exactly what he was because he looked human. A lazy smile touched his lips and I cursed the clouds shadowing the moon.

The waning moonlight revealed pale skin which wasn’t quite right for a vampire. Besides, his aura was also the wrong colour. Vampires flash crimson. His pallor had this luminescence that caught me off guard. Sparkling green eyes took me in while I tried to decipher what he was.

“What do you want?” I asked, buying some time. I needed to know what I was up against first.

“I believe I’ve found it.” His smile curled slowly to reveal a flash of teeth before his pretty angular face became reflective and his eyes did another lap from my shoes to my eyes.

“You don’t know who I am, do you?” He asked.

His smirk flashed again and I saw the spark of colour once more, this time a brighter green. Something to do with fire or orbs for this demon. Probably a Capris. Not the most dangerous of demons but they housed a temper that fires without thought.

“Should I?” Then it hit me. Raziel. A flicker of recognition didn’t get past him.

“I knew you would know of me.”

“The half breed,” I said. A wince tarnished his face. “I repeat. What do you want?”

“I need your help.”

I laughed, the fully belly kind that makes your side hurt.

“I should kill you right now,” I said once I’d contained my amusement.

“You can try.”

The grin appeared again and I waited. My curiosity was piqued now. The misty clouds dissipated across the sky and the bright moon beamed down upon the woods. A breeze lapped at his illuminated bronze hair and I stood transfixed for a moment. His ethereal beauty stunned me which warned of danger. I knew enough about Raziel to know that I couldn’t trust him. I also knew I should kill him but something stopped me. I put it down to my curiosity again.

“Tell me what you want, Raziel. This is my last warning.”

“What’s the rush, Phoenix?”

“Stop wasting my time. I should have killed you already.”

“But you haven’t. Perhaps if I took my demon form you would find the task easier.” He chuckled and his eyes flashed amber, the colour of a Capris eyes. If he took demon form he would be harder to catch and kill. Hard, but not impossible. Adrenalin and the thrill of the kill surged through me as I placed one hand on the scabbard at my back.

“Eyes of violet, hair of black, she makes all demons go skittery skat.” Where did that come from? I hadn’t heard it in years.

“That infantile rhyme. I thought you would be better than that, demon.”

“It suits you though.”

“As it did my mother and hers.  We all have the same colouring and markings. Seriously, you really should know better than that.”

“So you do have the mark of an assassin too. I thought it was an urban myth.”

In one swift movement I removed my Cinquedea and went to charge. In a flash he was in front of me and my halt wasn’t abrupt enough to avoid slamming into him. Hands came up to steady me and almost seared my skin. His hard body felt scorcing against mine and I shuddered. He may look human but his Capris blood ran hot in his veins. The hand which held my sword at my side was ready to strike the blow that would end the demon. Yet somehow it felt pinned there and I couldn’t urge my hand to lift.

“You are the exception, you have this blue streak here and it’s real too.” He ran his fingers along my hair and I shook him off. “I know everything there is to know about you.”

“I doubt that.”  I wanted to move but the chemistry of his scent and the jade of his eyes glued my feet to the moss covered ground.

“Your nail colour is always midnight blue, like the streak in your hair. You listen to Rage Against the Machine before every hunt and you have a secret passion for jelly beans. In fact you probably have some in your pocket right now.”

His hand moved from my shoulder to pat the side pocket of my black fatigues and was rewarded with the bulge of my secret sweet stash. He’d hit home and I was taken aback for a moment. I didn’t think anyone knew about my 'Rage' pre-ritual.

I managed to sidestep but he was still too quick and shifted to stand too close in front of me again. I gave up. “So what?  Not that difficult to uncover.  At least I don’t kill my own kind.”

The hand nearest my face flared a teal spark which curled into a small dome the size of a child’s rubber ball.  It blazed for a moment before he pulled it in and the air became black around his hand again. He lifted it as though to touch me so I stepped back and turned away. I could never forget who he was.

“Neither do I. I can’t say the same for other Capris. I guess it’s the human in me.”

“You will never be human,” I spat out. My anger blazed and I prepared myself to strike. I’d heard enough.

“Before you kill me I think you should know that Valcor is planning an uprising.”

This is from one of many things I'm working on.

Summer Envy - Taming Toby

Chapter One
Who could it be now?

I’d seen him there before.  Truth be told I’d convinced Julia and Sam to venture out with me that evening to the same cocktail bar with the hope of seeing him again.  I wasn’t disappointed.  The moment I laid my - not quite brown not quite green - eyes on his masculine form all rational thoughts disappeared into the recesses of my mind.  His back was to me as he chatted and laughed with friends.  We were close enough that I could hear the deep timbre in his chuckle.  I willed him to turn around, so I could catch those summer blue eyes again.  This time I would smile back.

I didn’t hear my friends talking to me as I followed the wave of black hair brushing his collar and salivated over the width of his shoulders.  The curve of his firm rear and the long lean denim clad legs made my pulse flutter like a hummingbird.  ‘Turn around’, I urged.  ‘I want to see your ‘Disney Prince’ chiselled face’.  Just like Eric in my niece, Emily’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ movie which I’ve been made to watch a thousand times, along with all the others.  Not that I mind - on the contrary I’m quite partial to Beauty and the Beast – but it has reset my unreal fantasies of happily ever after.  The same whimsical imaginings I had as a child.  Now I thought the real thing stood before me, ready to sweep me off my feet and carry me off to some enchanted land.  I really needed to stop watching Disney movies.

“Maddie,” Julia said loud enough to break my concentrated scrutiny.

As though his own name had been spoken, he turned his body side on and glanced across his shoulder towards us.  Our eyes met and every cliché passed over my mind.  The smile he offered me was crooked, not quite a smirk and the twinkle in his eyes sent my already fluttering heart into a frantic beat.  I couldn’t breathe, he was beautiful. 

“Maddie!”

“What?” I asked dragging my eyes from his.

“Are you going to talk to him or gawk at him all night?”

“I couldn’t, he’s so...”

Sam, who’d also been staring at me, waiting for my reply, rolled her eyes and sniggered.  “Have I taught you nothing?” She said with a dismissive flick of her hand before turning her eyes back to their perusal of the room, no doubt searching for her ‘next victim’.  Though her words and actions could be considered derisive, Sam always meant well.  Her cynical view of men and romance was the polar opposite to mine.  We made perfect contradictive bookends.

“Oh crap, no need he’s coming to you,” Julia squeaked.  And somehow both her and Sam disappeared into the crowd in a puff of smoke like ‘Aladdin’s’ genie.  Definitely too many Disney movies.  The room suddenly became hotter than the summer air outside.

In one swift motion he bent down on one knee, scooped something from the floor and held it out to me.  I blinked and tore my eyes from his face to see what he offered.  In his hand he held my small black clutch.  In my wonderment of his approach I must have dropped it.  I swallowed down my heart which had leapt into my throat and tried to speak but being the cliché this already was he saved me the trouble.

“I believe this is yours.”

“Um, yeah, thanks.” 

I reached out and took it from his lean hand.  I knew my bag was small, barely room for a small purse and mobile phone but in his hand it looked half the size.  My eyes followed him as he stood and I became very aware of how close he stood.  His musky scent so sensuously masculine surrounded me, dizzying my already empty mind. 

“So do I get a reward?” he asked.  Reward?  What is he talking about?  My perplexed stare brought a faint smile to his lips and he saved me again.  “For saving your handbag.”

“Oh, um, sure...” His low sounding chuckle surfaced again and my knees wobbled.  I thought I might drop my bag again too.  My palms were sweating like Niagara Falls.

“I’m kidding.”  He grinned.  “You’re name will do.”

“Oh.  OK.”

“OK is your name?”  The grin remained.

“Huh?  I mean no.  Madeline, Maddie.”  Great, not only did I look like a clumsy fool, I sounded like one.

“Nice to meet you, Madeline Maddie.  I’m Toby.”

I knew I needed to say something soon before he doubted my intellect or my ability to construct complete sentences.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” 

The smile I gave him probably resembled a grimace.  What was wrong with me?  On a daily basis I spoke with strangers, dealt with irate consumers and charmed the moths out of the tightest wallets yet I couldn’t retrieve my tongue from the roof of my mouth.  Had it not been glued there it may have been hanging out.  Thoughts of a cartoon character with eyes bulging, heart pounding out of their chest and tongue lolling sprung to mind.  I needed to stop watching TV with Emily.  I needed a life. 

“You seem to have lost your friends,” he said leaning in closer.  With a slow deliberate movement he swept my dark hair off my shoulder and followed it down my back.  I couldn’t answer him till he took his hand away.

“Um, yeah.”  If I didn’t say something soon he was going to leave.  Say something!

“Is English your second language?” he asked.  His expression appeared serious but there was something else in his tone that reassured me.  He was being flippant.

A giggle escaped from within and bubbled over in a high girlish way.  I looked like an airhead and needed to rectify this quickly.  Somehow I pushed down the nerves controlling my mind and my ability to string more than two words together and smiled.

“It does look that way but no.”

“Glad to hear it.  I wouldn’t want to have to learn a new language so I could ask you on a date.”

“No studying required.”

“So does that mean you will?”

“Speak English?” 

He chuckled again and shivers of excitement tingled my spine.  “Go on a date with me.”

I nodded and stared up at my Prince Eric lookalike.  Something flashed across his face for the briefest of moments before he retrieved a mobile phone from his pocket.  His eyes flicked across the screen and he frowned slightly before his bright blue eyes returned to mine.

“Sorry about that, I know how rude that is.”

“It’s OK.”

“May I have your number?”

I rattled it off and he entered it straight into his phone.

“I’m really sorry but I have to go.  I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Sure thing.”  Sure thing?  Put me out of my misery. Now.

One last smile appeared before he gave me a look that could only be described as smouldering and disappeared in the crowd.

“Oh my God!” Julia screeched in my ear, having reappeared like magic again.  “He is so gorgeous!”

“I know.  Isn’t he dreamy?”

“Did you just say dreamy?” Sam said groaning.  “Please tell me you didn’t just say dreamy.”

“I did.” 

This entailed another eye waggle from Sam.  “He’s too perfect.  Probably an asshole.”

“Always the cynic,” Julia said glaring at Sam before returning her attention back to me.  “So did he ask you out?”

“He took my number.”

“Oh, this is so exciting.  Did you see the way he got down on one knee to pick up your bag?”

“Of course she did, Julia,” Sam said.

“It’s just like in the movies.  Our own real life chick flick.” 

Sam snorted and a song sounded in my mind.  Someday my prince will come....  All I needed was a forest and dancing creatures.

The title sounds fancy doesn't it?  I can't take credit for it I'm afraid. I’m actually doing something a little different for FreeRead today. I’m writing about a free read of a different kind. 

 The Radisson Edwardian Hotels are doing what I think is a great idea. As far as I know there is only one hotel currently participating in the scheme – Blommsbury Street Hotel in London. They choose a book for the month and then leave one for every guest to read and take with them for the entire month which is exposure to thousands of guests. This is great for loads of reasons.

How good would it be to check into a hotel while visiting on a business trip for example and you feel like relaxing and find a book by the bed? I would love it. I would appreciate being introduced to a book and author I may not have heard of. To be introduced to something I may not have otherwise picked up. A genre I may not have otherwise tried and I get to take it with me. If there was a book on offer, I would read it regardless of the genre.

The other great thing. The exposure, especially for a new writer. Thousands of people that wouldn’t otherwise have known about a book or writer and they are presented with a courtesy copy. Being chosen would be very prestigious and quite frankly a little awesome.

So hopefully one day I can check into one of these great hotels and find a book with a familiar name on the cover. Seeing a Night book on the Nightstand... even better.

http://www.radissonedwardian.com/feature.do?feature=ourhotels

So I am saying oh my today... As the 100,000 copy of Spoilt was downloaded today, I’m feeling awestruck.

 

As she went to open the door to the station, it came away in her hand and she found herself face-to-face - well more like face-to-chest - with someone leaving the precinct.

She looked up and up, to set eyes on a tall, broad-shouldered man whom she assumed was a policeman. His dark wavy hair was longish and dishevelled. His chiselled, handsome face held an intense expression and the look in his hazel eyes was … she didn’t know what that was. He looked almost dazed.

He seemed for a moment to stare at her before his face become blank and he cleared his throat.

“Is there something I can help you with? I’m a detective here.” His voice was deep and soothing. Chelsea realised she was the one now staring at him. Those intense hazel eyes bewildered her already uneasy mind as she struggled to piece together her words.

Lucas gazed down into her face. Lust rushed through him and his mind went blank. Only one lingering thought remained. Wow! He gave her another once over and his eyes become locked to the vulnerable expression on her face.  Wow!

Eyes the colour of emeralds peered up at him. Her long, dark hair fell in waves past her shoulders. Her smooth, milky skin was calling him to reach out and stroke her face. She was petite. She was exquisite. He felt an overwhelming need to protect her, a concept foreign to him. Her anxious expression brought forth feelings long since forgotten. He wanted to grab her and … Sheer electricity.

“I...I...hope so. I’m worried about my friend, my roommate. She seems to have gone missing.” Her voice was so soft he almost didn’t hear her.

Great. He needn’t let her go just yet. “Come with me. We’ll write up a report,” he suggested, as his professional radar switched itself on - another missing girl. At least that was still working. He could scarcely concentrate in her presence. Thankfully, the previous day the two missing girls resembling the recent victims had returned home unharmed. Was this another false alarm?

“Um, thanks,” she murmured. 

She followed his lanky frame towards a room down the hall. Everything inside her was on fire. His broad, strong shoulders and amazing eyes did incredible things to her. She suddenly found it difficult to breathe, or to stand.

He’s just a guy, Chelsea. You’ve been alone too long.

Still, try as she might, she couldn’t ignore whatever this feeling was.  Emotions she couldn’t recall ever experiencing before flurried inside her like a swarm of tiny butterflies. The confidence oozing from him rendered her incapable of rational thought.

Totally amazed by the impact she was having on every one of his senses, Lucas attempted desperately to get himself back under control. She’s just another beautiful girl. He saw them every day. But, he couldn’t bury his urgent need to protect her, which was the totally opposite reaction to what usually occurred when he saw a pretty face. 

As they walked into the interview room, his hand shook as he gestured for her to take a seat. Lucas took out a pen clumsily, placed a notepad on the table and sat opposite her.

Well I have been rewriting ‘Womaniser’ the follow up to the soon to be released Fire Starter.  So I decided to post the new first chapter.  I love feedback so if you feel so inclined...

Chapter One
Isabelle

Isabelle rubbed tired eyes as she stumbled into the bathroom and turned on the tap.  Splashing water on her face, she attempted to wake up fully. She lifted her face to the mirror and rested her hands on the basin.  A scowl appeared when she noticed the dark smudges under her eyes and the toll of life etched into her face. Her beautiful face. Just as well she didn’t have a shoot today; her money-earning face wasn’t looking the best. Beauty could be a curse but Isabelle needed her curse to support her family.

Jesse had kept her up most of the night and you could tell. She needed to sleep better tonight or she would look like hell tomorrow. Isabelle swept up her hair and went over the brief for the following day. A closer scrutinising glance into the mirror reminder her that a facial should be scheduled and as soon as possible. The usual glow on her high sharp cheekbones was absent and her olive complexion looked sallow. This only reminded her that her exercise regime had been a bit slack of late too. A run today or after the shoot tomorrow was in order.

A reluctant sigh burst from her lips and she shook her head. This wasn’t where she wanted to be. To disallow regret to seep in she thought of Jesse.  He was all that mattered. University, a life, love and all the other things she wished she’d done before falling pregnant at twenty-one, could wait. 

The light happy sound of her son drifted into the bathroom from the kitchen.  Their cramped living space entailed every sound being heard throughout the apartment. The appetising sound of cooking beckoned so Isabelle turned from the mirror, pushed aside her worries and smiled. Jesse always managed to bring a cheer.

A familiar sight greeted her when she walked into the kitchen from the short hallway. Her mother, Carol, was attending to toast and upon spotting Isabelle popped two more slices into the toaster.

“Morning, honey. Coffee’s hot.” Carol pointed to the pot sitting on the bench.

“Thanks for getting up with Jesse this morning,” Isabelle said, pouring a much needed cup of caffeine.

“I get up early anyway.” She shrugged.

Peering through the gap between the bench-tops and shelving in the narrow kitchen, Isabelle studied her son. Pink coloured his cheeks and he dove into his cereal as though he hadn’t been sick at all. The resilience of children. Life would be easier if she was as resilient.

Jesse sat at a small square table in the compact room that served as a dining room and living area.  His blonde curls bobbed as he ate.  When his blue eyes caught Isabelle’s he smiled and she was reminded of his father as she was every day.  The ache over Adrian had subsided over the years but she still missed him.  Although they had only been ‘friends with benefits’ his death still cut her deep.  Life was that much harder without her best friend.

Burying the sting she returned her son’s smile and helped Carol finish breakfast before joining her son.

“Are you feeling better, honey?” She asked him running her hand through his tangled curls.

“Yes, Mummy.  I don’t like being sick.”

“Me neither.”  They shared another smile and the usual warmth associated with motherhood spread over her.

“Are you working tomorrow?” Carol asked joining them.

“Yes.  I’m working with a photographer I haven’t worked with before.”

“Is this the campaign that is going on the main billboard near the city square?”

“Yes it will be up for a month.  I’m lucky to have gotten this job, it will help my uni fund nicely.”

“I still haven’t gotten used to having a famous daughter.”

Isabelle laughed.  “I wouldn’t go that far, Mum.  People may know my face from magazines but they don’t know who I am and I plan to keep it that way. The last thing I want is to be a famous supermodel.”

“Well you know I’m proud of you. You have been working hard, you deserve a break.”

“And a life.” Isabelle tried to hide the bitterness in her voice. It certainly wasn’t Jesse’s fault that both Carol and Isabelle struggled most of Isabelle and Jesse’s life.  No you could blame her absent womanising father and the cruel twist of fate that took Adrian.  With resolution she pushed aside her loneliness, there was no use dwelling on what had passed.

“So what do you want to do today, Jesse?”

“Go to the park.”

“What do you say?”

“Pleeaassse.” Out of the corner of her eye Isabelle saw Carol stifle a laugh.

“Sure we can but no leaping off the top of playground, it scares Mummy.”

“OK, Mummy.” It was Isabelle’s turn to stifle a smile. If he was capable of rolling his eyes he would have.

They finished their breakfast and while Carol prepared lunch Isabelle organised her son. As it was a short distance to the park they decided to enjoy the spring sunshine and cool breeze and walk.  Jesse ran ahead jumping over cracks in the footpath while Isabelle and Carol both lost in their own thoughts strolled not far behind. As predicted by the weather forecast on the news the previous evening the breeze teased at Isabelle’s straight black hair and took the sting off the sun.

They located a shady spot under a group of trees, set out a blanket and made themselves comfortable, apart from Jesse who had raced off to play on the equipment. Still deep in thought Isabelle watched her son play and a sigh escaped.

“Something bothering you?” Carol asked.

Isabelle turned to her mother and found a concerned frown wrinkling her brow.  “Don’t look so worried it’s nothing serious.  Just the usual.”

“The usual being how lonely you are?”

“Yes, my lack of love life, a male role model for Jesse.”

“I know how difficult it is to meet someone, especially when you have a child but don’t give up, just keep your mind open to possibilities.”

“I do but it can’t be just anyone or a fling. Jesse needs stability.”

“I know how lonely it can be. When your dad left I craved male company but over time I got used to it. I guess working a lot helped fill the time.” Carol’s smile was filled with reassurance but Isabelle grimaced regardless. She knew how hard her mother had worked to support them. Her womanising creep of a father had seen to that. “Don’t frown, Isabelle, it wasn’t that bad. I have a few male companions and it is all I need. I was older than you too so it will be easier for you to meet someone. It is a long time to be alone.”

“That’s what scares me. All I do is work, sleep and spend time with Jesse, which I wouldn’t change for anything of course but it makes it really difficult to meet anyone. The men I do meet through work are not the kind of men I want around Jesse. I don’t go anywhere else so the chances of meeting someone are slim.”

“What about here?” Isabelle followed the sweep of Carol’s arm with her eyes. “It is a goldmine of single dads and dog walkers.”

“You could be right but what am I going to do? Just walk up to them and say hi. Besides how do I know if they are single? Then there is this,” she gestured to her face, “men are either intimidated or think I’m a pretty conquest.”

“The curse of being beautiful.”

“It isn’t funny, Mum.” A wry laugh surfaced despite her feeling anything but humour.

“Fate has a funny way of making things right.”

“I hope so.”

Isabelle perused the park to discover that perhaps Carol was right, there appeared to be a smorgasbord in the crowded park. When her eyes reached the playground she spotted Jesse as he did exactly what he said he wouldn’t do before running over to them.

“Jesse, what did I say?” She asked with a laugh.

“Sorry, Mummy.”

Instead of chastising him further as it would do no good, Isabelle picked up the ball beside her and took off at a slow jog.

“OK, smart guy, see if you can catch me.”

A gleeful laugh followed her as he ran after her the way only pre-schoolers can. Letting her son win by pulling her down and jumping on her caused delight to warm her blood. Did she really need anyone else when she had a supportive mother and a beautiful boy? This question along with many others she had no answer for swirled around her head as they walked home in the cool afternoon. Was there a man out there who wasn’t judgemental? Who wasn’t a player just looking for a good time? Someone who would love Jesse as well as her?

Now what to do for FreeRead today... perhaps more of Fire Starter... 

Jared heard Charlotte let out a husky laugh and the sudden deep timbre tore through his composure.  Pure hunger shoved aside any rational thought.  He gazed at her standing with her back to him and for the infinite time took in how amazing she looked in that dress.  It hugged her perfect slim tall figure and the colour next to her skin was amazing.  Strawberries and cream. 

“I see you have met my entertaining brother, Mitchell,” he said irritably.

“Yes and he is one funny guy,” she said touching Mitch’s arm leaving Jared incensed.

“Yes, he’s very jovial,” he replied his voice rich with derision.  “May I talk to you for a moment please, Charlotte?”

“I think we have talked enough.  Besides I’m talking to Mitch, who I have to admit, is much better company.”

“Ouch,” Mitch said and laughed.

Jared sent him a warning glare.

“Go ahead, Charlotte, I’m not going anywhere.  I’ll wait for you to come back,” Mitch told her, identifying this would make his brother crazy.  Perhaps Jared would feel rather than think for a change.

“Fine, I really don’t know what you could possibly say to…”  She was cut off by a forceful hand on her arm.  Jared all but dragged her outside to the very same spot he’d taken her breath away minutes before.

“What do you want?” she demanded.

“Besides you?”

She didn’t answer as a jolt of electricity ran through her veins.

“I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for offending you before.  I sometimes lack diplomacy,” he told her with sincerity.

“Fine, apology accepted.”  She started to walk off.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“Back inside to talk to a more pleasant Montgomery.”

“OK, I asked for that.  Please stay, I really want to talk to you some more.  I think our first impressions of each other have been inaccurate and I wondered if perhaps we could start afresh.”  Her eyes searched his face and she seemed for a moment to consider.

“You’re very serious aren’t you?”  Her beautiful face held a slight look of amusement, as though a smirk was hiding beneath the surface.

“Generally.”

“Well, I can be too.  I take my job and the health of animals very seriously.  I also take the health and wellbeing of my family very seriously.  Just because I like to be light hearted and tease, doesn’t necessarily entail me being superficial as well.  Besides, seems to me you could loosen up a bit and be less…rigid.”

“Probably,” he said as he took a step towards her.  She leant against a post near the opening at her back.   He brought his arm around her waist and pulled her to him again.  “I haven’t been about to stop thinking about you since I met you.  Especially how your lips would taste and now that I have, I want to again.”

He pressed his lips with gentle force against hers, instantly she became giddy and loose limbed again.  She wrapped her arms around his neck to steady herself, should her legs betray her and played with the curls which skimmed his collar.  All the while desire surged through her body, taking control of her senses and mind.

He took in the details this time, to savour her.  Lips, soft and full and hair like silk.  Her bare skin under his hands felt velvety and far better than anything his imagination could have conjured.  Her aroma was intoxicating and his fuzzy mind couldn’t put a name to the fragrance.   

As he continued to trail his hands down her smooth bare back, caressing every inch along the way, she moaned into his mouth and it was almost his downfall.  He stopped and pulled back slightly, without releasing her.

“I have to stop, babe,” he said hoarsely, “or I won’t be able to prevent what happens next.”

Her passion filled gaze was her only response.

“I don’t do casual.  As much as I want to keep going, I also want to know more about you.  You are the most beautiful, intriguing women I have ever met.”

“Flattery will get you everywhere.”

He smiled and she felt her pulse quicken.  His smile is incredible.

“I would like to see you tomorrow, cook for you but I have to work.  Can I pick you up when I finish?”

“Yes,” she replied breathlessly. 

Stunned by the affect she was having on him it took him a moment to answer.

“About six, ok?”

She nodded.  “I’d better get back before my family wonders what has happened to me.”

“As long as you stay away from Mitch, then you can go.”  He held her tight against him, reluctant to release her.

“Oh, so he does have a sense of humour.”  Her teasing smile didn’t seem so frivolous now, as he’d first thought.  Though seductive it was also sincere.

“I’m not completely humourless but in this instance I’m deadly serious.”

“Hmm, a little possessive too.  I like that.”

“If you take up with me, you will come to realise very quickly that I do not share.”

“I haven’t made up my mind about that yet and I like to keep my options open,” she said flippantly.  “Now would you kindly release me?”

“Mitchell?”

She rolled eyes.  “You cannot ban me from talking to your brother.”

“Watch me.” 

She wriggled to see if she could break free and found it to be pointless, he was way too strong.

“Fine, I’ll stop flirting with him.”

“That will do for now.”

He grudgingly removed his hands and watched her stroll gracefully back to the party.

I thought today I might share a bit of one of my WIP, Fly Boy.  I started this for NaNo but of course the ‘pressure’ to complete the required words stifled my creativity so I have shelved it for a while and have a big change I want to make to the plot... so for now it sits.  Following is the opening chapter.  Would love to hear thoughts on it... might inspire me to do the changes and write more ;)

 

Elle rushed down the stairs shouting a ‘seeya’ at her parents as she went to answer the door.  She ignored her father’s usual questions about where she was going and when she would be home.  After opening the door to her best friend, Bianca, she pulled it firmly shut behind her to avoid the continued questions.  She adored her father, Lucas, but his protectiveness wore on her.  Being the daughter of a police captain wasn’t always easy.

“Where’s the fire?” Bianca said.  Her rounded pretty face broke out in a grin.

“You know what my dad is like.  I would have been another fifteen minutes answering his questions.”

Bianca proceeded in her normal effervescent way to tell Elle about the club they were headed to.  Elle half listened as Bianca talked about ‘men in uniform’ and ‘shore leave’.  Apparently whoever they were had completed training and would be out and about celebrating at ‘The Pines’ a popular club by the beach.  How Bianca knew all this information Elle didn’t know or particularly care.  As Bianca continued to tell her about the ‘navy boys’, Elle tuned her out.  She loved Bianca but sometimes her endless stream of chatter, though endearing, was too much.  Instead she let her mind drift to Taylor, the one guy she would like to see out tonight but knew he’d be the last one she would.

“Elle, are you listening?”

“No.”  Bianca knocked her playfully with her shoulder.

“Did you see Taylor this morning?”

“How do you know I was thinking about him?”

“You have that glazed over screwed up face look.”

Elle smiled.  “No he wasn’t at work today, sick or something.  Mum didn’t elaborate and I didn’t ask.  His dad worked instead.”  Elle sighed and imagined Taylor’s usually olive complexion sallow with sickness and wished she could be the one holding his hand and brushing his chestnut hair from his brow.

“So again you worked for free with your mum for the sole purpose of seeing him and he wasn’t there.”

“You know I don’t mind though.  I like working at mum’s shop.  Besides I see him at uni.”

“Yeah but he’s with her though isn’t he.”

Elle nodded. 

“Was he there on Friday?”

“Yes.”

“Weird.”

Elle shrugged.

Bianca then launched into another monologue about all the hot guys that would be at the club but Elle blocked it out again.  She didn’t want anyone else.

For as long as she could remember she’d had a crush on Taylor.  The son of her mother’s florist shop delivery driver, Elle had known him forever.  When Taylor started working the Saturday shifts for his dad, Elle had volunteered to help her mum.  As it also happened they attended the same uni and shared a class together.  For the past two years of uni, her secret crush had grown to ridiculous unrequited love.  Elle wished she didn’t love him but she also didn’t know how to stop.  Whenever he looked at her with his pale blue eyes she melted. 

“Elle,” Bianca snapped her back to reality again.  She halted Elle with a hand on her arm.  “We’re here.  You really should pay more attention.”  Her voice sounded a little hurt and guilt niggled at Elle.

“Sorry, B.”

“It’s OK.  Now let’s see what we can find in here.” 

Her blonde bob swung as she pulled opened the door and towed Elle along by the arm.  Bianca may be considerably shorter than Elle but she always walked at a frenetic pace.  Her boundless energy lifted Elle’s spirits and she decided to stop wallowing and have a good time.  How could you not with Bianca bouncing around?  She smiled and followed her friend to the bar.

Elle glanced around the room as they waited at the packed bar to order.  Bianca’s source had been spot on; everywhere she glanced she saw white uniforms and buzz-cuts.  As they stepped to take their turn she glanced across the bar and noticed a small group of uniform clad guys.  In an instant her eyes locked with pale blue ones.  The tall blond stared for a few moments before turning his attention back to his friends.

“What can I get you?”  The server behind the bar startled her. 

She dragged her eyes away and ordered.  While she waited, she flicked her eyes back to find him staring once more.  A jolt of electricity shot up her spine and fingered her neck.  She couldn’t and didn’t want to look away.  His mouth curled into a brief half smirk before returning his attention to his friends again.

With a reluctance she couldn’t fathom, Elle turned, paid and retrieved her drink.  As though they had a mind of their own, her eyes flicked back to find him gone.  Disappointment caused her to frown.  Why do I care if he’s gone?

Shaking it off, Elle followed Bianca through the crowd and they located a high rounded table to place their drinks.  Elle watched Bianca scanning the throng obviously, as usual, looking for someone to flirt with. 

“Elle, I think I’m in man heaven.  Have you seen all the hot guys here?”

“Yeah, I guess.”  For some reason she couldn’t understand she only wanted to see one.

Bianca laughed and shook her head.  “You are impossible.  You need to get over Taylor already.”

“I wish it was that simple.”

“Oh my, Elle, that guy over there is fully checking you out.”

Elle didn’t have to look far to find him.  Once again he wore a small smile as though he had a secret he couldn’t tell.  He was a little closer to them this time and she realised he was tall, lean and broad shouldered.  A good thing for her, as Elle was taller than the average man.  What are you doing, Elle?  It doesn’t matter how tall he is. 

“Elle!”

Turning to Bianca, she tried to keep her face indifferent, encouraging Bianca was never a good idea.  They would be over there in a flash if Bianca got a sniff of a chance for an introduction or an opportunity to not only flirt but to push Elle onto some unsuspecting guy.  Again endearing but not always wanted.

“Sorry, B, what did you say?”

“Go over and talk to him.”

“Why?”

“He’s cute in that ‘his cheekbones could cut glass’ kind of way.”

“So?’  Elle didn’t want to admit she had already noticed his prominent well defined cheekbones and jaw.

“Too late, he’s gone.”

Sure enough when Elle turned to the spot where he’d been a moment before, he’d vanished again.  That niggle of disappointment reared its head once more.  What is wrong with me?  Elle shrugged, if she encouraged Bianca now, they would be weaving through the crowd before she could blink.

“So have you picked out your victim for tonight?” Elle asked teasing, in the hope of shifting Bianca’s attention.

“Ha Ha, very funny.”  She poked out her tongue before returning to her usual verve.  “There are far too many to choose from.”  She grinned.

“Seriously though, would you really want to hook up with one of these guys?  Don’t they go out on ships for long periods of time?”

“I don’t want to marry one, Elle, just have some fun.  It wouldn’t hurt you to get in some practice flirting.”

“I’m sure I’d be capable if I needed to.”

Bianca rolled her eyes and went back to perusing the room.  Shaking her head at Bianca, Elle glanced around the room again, as though an involuntarily reflex urged her to seek him out.  After a couple of quick sweeps of the club, Elle didn’t spot him again.  For some reason this bothered her far too much.

One of her favourite songs came on and Elle wanted to dance.  This time she dragged Bianca across the room and to the dance floor.  Elle got lost in the music, letting the rhythm guide her and everything else drifted away.  After several songs they decided they needed a drink, went to the bar and were fortunate to find the table they occupied earlier empty. 

Again without conscious thought, Elle swept the club but couldn’t place him amongst the other broad-shouldered uniforms.  The fact they all wore the same short haircuts didn’t help either.  Controlling the urge to do another sweep, she turned to Bianca, hoping her friend would launch into another long one sided conversation and she didn’t let Elle down.  Yet even as she listened her eyes searched the room.  What is wrong with me?

Bianca suddenly stopped mid sentence and her mouth gapped.  As Elle went to follow the direction of Bianca’s stare a deep voice sounded near her ear.

“Are you looking for me?”  Elle stifled a gasp and turned.

Close up he took her breath away.  His broad shoulders, the square cut of his jaw and those icy blue eyes almost caused her to wear the same expression that Bianca did.

“No, why would I be?” she said feigning an indifference she didn’t feel. 

Her heart pounded a rapid beat that she thought could surely be heard over the music, betraying her.

“What’s your name?” he asked with another half grin.

“What’s it to you?”  She knew she was being rude and totally out of character but her jumbled mind and erratic heart made it difficult to string a thought together.  What made it even more confusing was he was totally not her type.

“Elle!”  Bianca said with a frown, a rare occurrence for her.  “I’m Bianca.”  Now she smiles.

“Nice to meet you, Bianca.” 

In a flash she came around the table and stood next to Elle.

“This is Elle,” Bianca said and gave Elle a little shove.

“Yes, I caught that.”

This time his smile was full and added a dimple to one cheek.  All rational thought flew from Elle’s mind.

“I’m Alexander, Alex.”