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Up for pre-order now & coming on September 15th, 2011

Confessions of a Victorian Master 2: Mrs. Anne

What’s a young wife to do when she’s married to the man of her dreams, yet cannot consummate the relationship?

 

In Victorian England, she asks renowned sexual disciplinarian, Jason Featherington, for his help.

 

Jason Featherington is a man with a purpose. His specialty is the discipline of the fairer sex. In the straight-laced Victorian Era, he’s the man fiancés, husbands, and fathers turn to when their unruly female relatives prove too much to handle. He’s made a living from his endeavors and he certainly enjoys it.

 

In order to help Mrs. Anne and her husband, Roderick, Jason must first get to the root of Anne’s fears. Through his careful interviews and sexual lessons, Jason guides Anne and Roderick over hurdles standing in the way of their marital bliss, until Anne can submit control to her husband, release her inhibitions, and discover the sexual and emotional intimacy she craves.

  

 

 

Story Excerpt for Confessions of a Victorian Master 2: Mrs. Anne

 

 

 

 

                       

“Psst…” The sound caught Jason Featherington’s attention. How convenient that it came quickly upon the heels of his last companion’s departure from his presence. With a cursory glance round the room to make sure no one else had noticed this interruption, he barely turned from his position, but his attention did perk up.

“Might I inquire as to your name, Madame?”

“Sssh, do not make me show myself, Mr. Featherington,” the voice fairly whispered. The direction of the voice confirmed her position behind the tall potted plants in front of which he stood. Ah, so she knew him somehow.

“Very well, dear lady.” He spoke with barely a movement of his lips, so that no one would suspect he was conversing with anyone at all. “How shall we remedy this situation?” He had to admit he was intrigued by the thought of a female being the one to come to him for help, and daring enough to approach him in public, no less, when in most cases it was their menfolk who did so in private.

“I must speak with you,” she insisted. “But what I have to ask must be kept confidential.”

“I can assure you I am the soul of discretion, Madame.”

“So I’ve been informed. Something for which I am extremely grateful.”

Obviously, the female knew something of his reputation if she knew that was so. His whole working career depended on his discretion. And he had never given any of his clients any concern in that direction.

“How might we remedy this awkwardness in communication, Madame?”

Jason smiled slightly when he heard a nervous giggle coming from her direction.

“I understand this is very untoward, but I wasn’t sure how to reach you without incriminating myself,” the woman admitted in soft-spoken words. “I don’t know who I might trust.”

“Understood, Madame. So, is there someplace we might meet face-to-face? If you are looking for my assistance, I’d hazard a guess it will require some measure of privacy.”

“Indeed, yes, sir,” the woman agreed. “I’ve searched the house and found a room that might serve our purpose. We cannot arrive together, though.” Quickly, the woman gave him directions to a room far on the other side of the mansion. “Give me a quarter of an hour before following me.”

“Very well,” Jason agreed. “Until we meet again.”

The time until his rendezvous with the mysterious woman dragged by. Jason did his best not to be sidetracked by any of his many clients he noticed at the party this evening who all eagerly seemed to want his attention. He watched the dancing guests while trying to skirt around to the exit across the ballroom. From the many pale-colored gowns, he could count the unmarried misses eagerly vying for the attention of the unmarried soldiers and gents.

“Where are you off to, you splendid beast?” A woman’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

Ah, Mrs. G! He could tell that gravelly voice anywhere. Damn, he’d been so close to leaving undetected. She’d come up behind him in the crowd of guests ringing the floor, watching the dancers, as he’d been doing before his encounter with his prospective client.

“Just getting a better view, my dear,” he told her, daring not tell her he was trying to leave lest she try to follow him. Mrs. G., or Miss L. as she had been to him then, had been one of his more adventurous pupils. She’d been one referred to him by an irate papa.

Jason’s eyes narrowed as he felt the mounds of her breasts pressing against his back. “Isn’t it stuffy in here,” she complained, obviously using the crush of people as an excuse to tease him.

“Do you not have a husband in tow?” he asked her without turning around. This particular pupil he had to watch out for. She’d proven in the past that she was more than willing to seek him out for a private interlude. Jason had accepted invitations to a few encounters between her and her husband. However, on one occasion, she’d been hiding in his coach after a party. He’d admonished her for her foolishness. And since he couldn’t very well throw her out in front of the other parting guests for fear she’d expose herself and her husband, he’d taken her home until a later time when he could escort her back to her home and explain to her husband what had happened.

“Yes, he’s here somewhere. But I thought—”

“Do not even suggest it, dear girl,” Jason admonished her. “You know what could happen if anything…suspicious occurred.”

“Mmm, yes…” she whispered breathlessly behind him.

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cikor-Rim is a planet where slaves are separated into two classes: Breeding and non-breeding.
Valka PeshKirmin, High Princess of the Kazphyrian country of Zorase, is captured and sold into slavery while doing her one-year duty as personal guard. Her failure to complete this final task destroys her hope of taking over as ruler of her country.
Sandor Ressou is resigned to being a stud in Rimnor’s Breeding Project. He suppresses all painful thoughts of his former role as heir to the throne of Gamhin on Kazphyr. But during his duties he encounters the defiant Valka and rediscovers his desire to reclaim his name and his life.
Valka and Sandor expose secrets which threaten their love and lives. So they hatch a dangerous plan to escape the Rimnorians and thwart their scheme to take over their home planet of Kazphyr—and ultimately the entire galaxy.

 

Sample Chapter For RIMNOR BREEDING PROJECT: KAZPHYRIAN SERIES Bk 5 by Cheri Valmont Chapter 1 “Watch her legs, you worthless slime!” one of the short, hairy managers shouted at the three guards who were trying in vain to grasp at Valka PeshKirmin’s advancing form. Too late! With tremendous force, Valka’s bare foot connected with the chest of the hapless guard unlucky enough to take his gaze from her for even a moment. Inwardly she smiled upon hearing the pained whoosh of air escaping him as he thudded backward and hit the concrete floor of the small barrack room. However, she never took her thoughts or vision away from the other guards who thought to catch her unawares and defenseless. Naked though she was, she’d not let that deter her from putting up a courageous fight. She might be a captive on this Jardem-forsaken forest planet, but Valka would be damned if she would surrender easily to this cravenly plan they had set for her. They’d not given her a detailed explanation on why they were trying to move her to these new barracks. From what forbidden rumors she’d heard, she had a good idea: to breed her to some nameless, faceless male for the purpose of obtaining another specimen. As the high princess of the country of Zorase on the distant planet of Kazphyr, she would fight this end to her death. The moment they’d released her from her chains to transfer her to the small bed, she’d whirled on them, using her full body strength to shove through the wall of male beings determined to see her chained to it. Valka would not meekly allow herself to be used in such a way. Now, for the moment, she tasted the sweetness of having the upper hand. Without giving the downed guard time to recover, Valka spun around and propelled her body weight toward her next closest adversary. It did surprise her they did not just pull a deneurolizer on her, despite the fact that each guard had the compact black wandlike weapon strapped to their utility belts. She’d seen its effects before. All it took was one zap to have the recipient crashing down, ending prostrate and motionless on the ground. Stars help them if something hard and immovable got in the way on their journey down. From the time she arrived on this planet, she was made aware they had a plan for her, and one which did not include her maiming or death. Valka roared a battle cry from the depths of her chest. She watched as her opponent’s eyes got as big as saucers, his slack-jawed expression priceless, before she flew toward him and gave him a double foot slap, and ended with shoving her foot into his face. She landed lightly, only giving him enough attention to see him soar through the air and crash into the solitary bed. Before giving up her advantage, she turned her attention to the last guard still standing. She bobbed on the balls of her feet, her fists clenched, dragging in short breaths, getting ready for another approach. This time all she had to do was open her hands, motioning the male to come near her, for his eyes to widen. He was afraid of her, which he should be, if he knew what was good for him. “ Fools!” she heard a female cry from the doorway. “What are you doing?” “ She’s resisting,” the male manager, who’d wisely kept a safe distance from Valka, told the female angrily. Valka didn’t wait for another word, before lunging forward and kicking the last guard first in the groin, then knocking him to the floor with one well-aimed blow to the face with her fist. She had put all her power behind that punch, and heard the satisfying crunch of bone and a wild bellow as the cretin’s body slammed to the concrete floor. “ Get reinforcements!” the female shouted to one of the slowly rising guards. Both she and the male manager warily circled Valka, albeit at a safe distance from her lethal feet. Then the female spoke again, trying to keep her voice calm, “C-20, you tempt punishment by your actions. As of yet, you have not felt the sting of the governor’s whip. But heed me well, such a thing will not be pleasant. You will be lucky to make it out of his palace alive after this.” Replying in the newly learned language of her captors, Valka returned, “Did you believe such a thought would stop me?” The female grimaced. “I had hoped you would see sense. We take special care of our breeding slaves on Cikor-Rimnor. Most of our nonbreeding slaves wish they could be elevated to such a station just for the preferential treatment they would receive.” Not a very good reasoning tactic to use on a warrior, despite her being a female. “ I have done the jobs your race has impressed upon me,” Valka reminded the woman. Her voice did not betray her inner turmoil, her strict training in keeping her emotions hidden coming to the fore. Despite her agitation and the thundering of her heart, her calm voice surprised even her. “But this is one duty I will not endure.” She watched keenly the actions of the players in this new scenario. While the female escort and the manager continued to circle her, two of the downed guards were dragging themselves up from their prostrate positions where she’d flung them. It was certain she could not keep up this fight, since from the female’s words they were calling in reinforcements. The thought brought to mind the day she’d been ambushed, abducted, and sent to this Jardem-hell of a planet. A planet whose occupants stripped her of her name and her station in life. However, despite reducing her to the level of captive and slave, they would not rob her of her pride in who she was and where she came from. This was one of the reasons she would fight to the end of her capabilities to prevent them from reducing her to a breeding vessel for whatever nefarious purposes they had in mind. The female escort considered Valka carefully. “Do you not realize once you accomplish what we have brought you here to do, you will have much lighter duties than those you’ve had up to this point? It was our thought that telling you what was in store for you would ease your anxiety.” Valka’s eyes narrowed. “Not likely,” she told her. Actually, she wanted to laugh. She would scrub floors until her knees bled rather than subject herself to what they had planned for her. How could she get this reasoning across to these creatures? Although nothing she’d heard gave the purpose behind this rumored venture, she knew it could not be good, since they were using such heinous actions to bring it about. “ It would be much easier if you just give up, C-20,” the female escort tried to coax her. Valka grimaced. “I cannot. So if you are determined to force me to it, you must subdue me. For I will not do it willingly,” she warned her. Even as she said the last words, Valka heard the pounding steps of the guards running to the rescue. Their rescue not hers. When three ’droid guards came through the door, she knew she would be no match for them. Nevertheless, fight them she would. As she prepared herself, bouncing on the balls of her feet, waiting for them to come near her, she heard the female escort remind them, “Subdue her. However, she is not to be harmed. It will be your heads if anything happens to this slave.” As the guards surrounded her, Valka made one last lunge to fight her nearest opponent. It was all too much. All the guards present and able converged upon her, doing their best to avoid her lashing feet and fists. Although she managed to send two guards flying again, there were just too many for her to keep her eyes on them all. Finally, despite her trying to gather more strength, they overwhelmed her, grabbing her and wrestling her thrashing body over to the small bed and chains, which waited on the far wall. Resist though she might, in the end brute strength won over agility and quickness. Once the battle was over, the males held her down, while the female escort and manager bound her with the chains. “ Give me this. Give me that,” the female instructed impatiently, indicating something the manager held. Valka shouted and cursed, for once unable to hide her fury from her captors. “Jardem curse your miserable race!” She heard the manager say, “Should we drug her?” His tone of voice clearly spoke of his distrust of the security of her bonds, even though they were rocled steel chains. Valka’s gaze swung to the female he’d asked the question of. To her relief she saw her shake her head. “No, I do not think it wise. However, I do think we should gag her. Although she knows talking between slaves is discouraged, she may give her stud problems. It is best we let S-1 have the upper hand in this first time between them.” S-1. So, this simply named male was to be the one to do the deed, then. Valka wished she could dispel the fear she felt. Despite being a warrior, she was still inexperienced in the ways of males. Her virginity something she’d been determined to save for her life mate. She swallowed harshly once, as she saw them coming toward her with a cloth to gag her and ensure her silence. Jardem help me! Despite her cry to the long-worshiped God of her planet, the female shoved the cloth into her mouth, effectively cutting off all means of communication for her. While using the ends to tie it securely around her head, the female motioned the guards to finally release their hold on her. She knew there was no escape, but still she pulled against her tethers, wishing she had enough superbeing strength to rip her chains from the bedposts. She was well and truly bound, with nothing else for her but the agony of the wait. To make it much worse, her gaze flew to the female, as they were about to step back into the hallway, who said, “Smother the lights.” Stars in the Heavens! Darkness would make the waiting much worse than she ever imagined. So, with terror slowly creeping into her mind, Valka waited for the male destined to alter her life forever. The male who would invade her body and take from her the prize she’d meant to save for her true life mate.

Here are some short snippets of the stories included in the Best of Torrid Teasers Volume 2 from publisher Whiskey Creek Press/Torrid.

 

 

          

 

Here's a sneak peek at Confessions of a Victorian Master: Lady M , available now from Siren's Menage Amour line. For those members 18 or older, if you'd like to read the Adult Excerpt, you can follow the Siren link.

 

 

Blurb:

 

In the straight-laced Victorian Era, Jason Featherington is the man fiancés, husbands, and fathers turn to when their unruly female relatives are too hard to handle. His specialty in the discipline of the fairer sex is renowned within the ton. He makes a fine living from his endeavors and certainly enjoys it.
 
Jason's current client, Lord M, is unable to get his wife with child because of her unusual sexual proclivities.
 
To help Lord M solve his dilemma, Jason must first learn the secrets of Lady M's initiation into the intimacies of the flesh. And with his observation of her with her initiator, and his own intervention, he is determined to assist Lord and Lady M to deepen and enhance their relationship to a level neither dreamed possible. 

 

 

 

Regular Excerpt:

 

"I'm in need of your expertise, my good man." Lord M.'s pleading request had indeed surprised Jason Featherington—not that it should have. Jason was well known in elite London circles for his abilities in the discipline of the fairer sex. His accomplishments were what kept him in expensive starched cravats and luxurious rigs fit for a king. "My young wife has shown an uncommon knowledge of the…um…sexual arts for one still a virgin when I took her to wife. When I questioned her, she…ah…was very," cough, "forthcoming about it."

 

"And the problem would be?" Jason encouraged as he stared across his large desk toward his visitor. The man did not seem homely or so unattractive that it would cause a young wife's disgust. The man's well-groomed hair appeared as black as the wing of a raven.  He possessed dark eyes that Jason suspected could be expressive if not as guarded as they were presently. Jason noted Lord M.'s symmetrical features, handsome features, he could admit, if not for the man's slightly drawn facial expression, leaving him wondering what had caused this gentleman's distress.

 

Unless the lady was in love with someone else?

 

As Jason watched, Lord M. swallowed with difficulty, the red of shame sweeping up into his light olive complexioned face. He averted his eyes, staring with contrived interest at Jason's well-stocked bookcase.

 

Good heavens. What could be wrong with this man's bride to cause him such a reaction?

 

"I can assure you of the utmost discretion, my lord." This was one of the reasons Jason never thought about his clients by their last names, even to himself, on the off chance he might mistakenly mention them in front of his servants, including his most trusted manservant, Henry. "If you've had a recommendation from one of my prior clients, they will have told you I am the soul of such. Now, please tell me what has you in such a state of anxiety." Jason leaned back, stretching his legs before him, resting his steepled hands across his belly. He wanted the man relaxed. Only then would he get the information he needed.

 

Lord M. looked toward him again, his dark eyes lit with uncertainty. With his impeccably dressed form leaning forward as if about to impart a secret destined to ruin him, he began, "My wife…she…eh…"

 

Jason had to admit this situation intrigued him now. Obviously the lady had her husband shaken up. "Out with it, my lord. Your wife what?"

 

Blushing again, the young lordling burst out with, "She seems unable to find release in the normal fashion!"

 

What? What the devil was the man blathering about? "In the normal fashion? Are you saying she cannot find her release with copulation?"

 

Now the raven-haired man looked ready to sink through the floorboards of Jason's warmly furnished study. "Not normal copulation," Lord M. insisted. As if unable to help himself, he rose, pacing before Jason's desk with enough briskness to wear a hole in his imported Chinese rug.

 

Once Upon a Moonlit Path is out now from Siren Publishing. Click on book cover to purchase. To read the blurb and excerpt scroll down. If you'd like to read the Adult Excerpt, visit order page.




Cajun Erotica Megabook, includes Book 1-3 in the Cajun Erotica series: Sweet Summer Rain, Cajun Fire, & When Lightning Strikes:





 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Summer Rain (Cajun Erotica Bk. 1):

 

Jonas Horville is issued an ultimatum: Sacrifice his soul mate’s love or his mother’s life.

Jonas grew up hard and fast. He longs for a life of peace and contentment.  When his search ends in the arms of his boss’s daughter, Nikki Dugas, Jonas is determined to make her his wife.

When faced with the prospect of his mother’s impending death, he is given the unholy ultimatum that leads to an unforgivable betrayal.

Two years later, Nikki Dugas, is back in Harrisburg, Louisiana to bury her past and reclaim her life.  Just one meeting with her former lover and Nikki’s long denied desire to be sexually dominated resurfaces.

Jonas and Nikki desperately want to salvage their love and passion; but first they must overcome the perverted obstacles set in place by a trusted family member.

Love, bondage, and a hint of ménage-a-trois light the spark that fuels this Cajun inferno.

 

EXCERPT:

 

After getting the water to the right temperature as quickly as possible, Jonas slipped into the warm water. He'd just gotten himself comfortable when he heard a noise directly outside the bathroom door. "Nikki, you okay?" He sat up straighter, his arms on the edges of the tub for leverage in case he needed to bolt out.

    She didn't answer him, and Jonas was preparing to get out of the tub when he saw the movement of the door handle turning. Nikki slipped into the bathroom.

    Jonas looked at her in surprise. "Need something?"

    "Yes. . .yes, I do need something," Nikki said slowly and looked pointedly at him. She leaned back, closing the door as she moved.

    Jonas could see her breathing quicken. Her breasts rose and fell beneath the light cream material of her shirt. She was leaning against her arms so her tits thrust forward, giving Jonas a plain view of her hard, aroused nipples.

    Oh, shit!

    "I thought you were going to wait for me in the bedroom," Jonas reminded her. He was trying to keep his head, but his dick's head had a mind of its own, springing to attention as soon as he observed Nikki's adorable nipples straining against her shirt.

    Jonas sat back down, but his erection was still sticking out of the water, begging for attention.

    Nikki walked over to the tub. She gazed down hungrily at his straining flesh. Jonas knew he should tell her to go back into the other room so they could talk before anything happened, but he couldn't make himself say the words. She picked up the washcloth draped over the edge of the tub and knelt on the old tiled covered floor. She reached over Jonas to pick up the bar of soap.

    "Nikki, you're gonna get wet," Jonas protested, but his eyes devoured the site of her leaning over him.

    "Oh, yes, you're right," Nikki agreed, and placed the soap back into the aluminum holder mounted on the edge of the tub.

    Jonas couldn't suppress the feeling of disappointment rising in him when he watched her replace the washcloth also. He knew it was for the best, but he would have loved to feel her ardent hands washing his body.

    When Nikki rose, Jonas realized she was going to leave the room. His disappointed gaze watched her movements carefully. He saw her glance down at his rigid shaft once more and lick her lips. Jonas groaned, closed his eyes, and let his head fall back against the back edge of the tub. When he heard the rustling sound of her leaving the room, his eyes shot open.

    But the sight greeting him was not Nikki leaving; it was Nikki pulling her shirt up over her head.

    Oh, sweet lord!

    Jonas flexed his hands on the edge of the tub on either side of him. He should say something to stop her. They really needed to talk first. But he couldn't tear his gaze away from the black lace bra Nikki wore. He watched silently as she reached for the front clasp, releasing her straining tits from their imprisonment.

    He was trying to be reasonable and keep a clear head. "Nikki, you shouldn't."

    Nikki frowned and started to bring the clasp back together. "You don't want me, Jonas?"

    Jonas could tell his seeming rejection hurt her. He muttered a strangled noise and reached toward her with his nearest hand. "Shit, Nikki. Yes, I want you, but I thought we were supposed to have a talk tonight."

    "We can talk," Nikki protested, and released the clasp to reveal her tits to him again. "Can I come in?"

    Damn it to hell! With Nikki naked and in the tub with him, Jonas knew there was no way he was going to be able to concentrate on what she said.

    He watched helplessly as she unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans. His gaze shot back up to her tits. Her lightly tanned complexion glowed warmly in the light emanating from the single bulb hanging from the bathroom ceiling. Jonas could see the delicate blue veining of her breasts. He wanted to trace them with his fingers and then with his tongue. He watched avidly while her breasts swung forward as she bent to push her jeans down so she could step out of them. The matching black panties she wore were still in place. Nikki was stripping for him! His gaze flew to her face.

    She knew! She was deliberately trying to turn him on. Nikki smiled slowly, seductively, her golden eyes glowing. She moved closer to Jonas, the pleasant little jiggle of her bust, turning him rock hard. Nikki then hooked both of her thumbs through the top of her panties and through the leg holes, slowly easing them down.

    Jonas knew she was watching him as he hungrily watched her. He knew she saw him staring at her lush bush, and relishing the sight of the swing and sway of her tits as she stripped for him.

    Nikki stood up straight when she was completely naked. Jonas looked at her smiling expression.

    "Well?" she asked expectantly.

    "Well, what?" Jonas practically croaked.

    "Can I join you?"

    "I think I'll die if you don't."

 

Cajun Fire (Cajun Erotica Bk. 2):

 

To fulfill a man’s dying wish. . .

 

Jubal Horville is a man on a mission: to find the son his father abandoned years before and reunite them.  He encounters and is blown away by the blond haired pixie, Lizabeth, but she has a secret, one that threatens his mission and their growing relationship.

 

Living a lie. . .

 

Lizabeth Horville has lost the only identity she’s known, that of the eldest Horville child.  In her search to find herself, she discovers something: she yearns for a master, a man who can control her mind, body, and soul. When the confident, devil-may-care, Jubal, comes to town, he takes her senses by storm, making her long to give herself to him completely.

 

Time is running out. . .

 

Lizabeth must come to terms with her demons or risk losing the man of her dreams forever.

 

EXCERPT:

 

Lizabeth's hands still trembled as she pushed down, trying to straighten her shorts. Jubal watched her with hooded eyes. Feeling his gaze as she flipped her hair over her head, she removed the band keeping it in the ponytail. She pulled the mane up to the top of her head so she could redo it. By the time she was done and flipped the silken strands back over her head, Jubal looked like he was ready to give her another go.

    But he shook his head, as if to clear it. No, Jubal would be harder to seduce than the local country boys. A swish of her behind in their direction and they were ready to crumble. This was a man, not a boy. If she were to guess, she'd say he was around thirty. From their game, she'd realized quickly that he was the man she'd been longing for since her sexual escapades began. This man could command her to his will.

    "Now for a few questions. D o you know a family named Horville, Lizabeth?" Jubal asked, his tone efficient.

    Lizabeth started at the sound of her family's name on his lips. Oh, no, her family couldn't be in trouble could they? Lizabeth had to find out what he was up to before she gave him any information.

    "Yes, I've heard of them. Why?" Lizabeth couldn't keep the suspicion out of her tone.

    "It's a personal matter, which I really can't discuss right now," Jubal responded, which caused Lizabeth's suspicion level to rise.

    What should she do? D amn it! She wanted him, but she couldn't find happiness at the expense of her family. Instinctively, from the moment she first laid eyes on him, she felt like she could trust him; but could she really? She had even surprised herself at the speed with which she gave in to him. Up to this point in her life, she'd always been very careful to find out about the guys she was interested in pursuing. D espite her feelings, she would not endanger her family.

    Lizabeth turned to leave.

    "Wait, can you help me?" Jubal asked as he strode in front of her, turned her back to face him, and held her by the shoulders.

    Shit! Just his touch had her ready to melt into his arms. This man was dangerous to her nerves.

    "I'm not sure."

    "Not sure? Either you know them or you don't. Can you help me or can't you? I'm sure there are other people here I can ask." Jubal turned to let himself out of the abandoned warehouse.

    Shit! Lizabeth had to think fast. Until she could get it out of him as to why he was looking for her family, she didn't want him talking to anyone else.

    "Hold on," Lizabeth blurted out.

    Jubal turned back slowly to gaze at her, an expectant look on his face, in those silver eyes, that could make her shiver with delight. "Yes?"

    She swallowed with difficulty, sucked up her courage, and blurted out, "I have a proposal."

    "Yes?" he repeated.

    "I'll explain it; but you have to meet me somewhere else." Would he accept Lizabeth's challenge?

    "You'll give me what I want?" Jubal queried.

    "We'll see. You'll have to work for it," Lizabeth told him with finality.

    Lizabeth could tell by the look on his face that he was skeptical. After a few seconds of him deciding whether he should take the time to play her game, he nodded.

    "All right, Lizabeth, you're on. Where shall we meet?"

    Lizabeth gazed in anticipation at his muscular body outlined perfectly by his black T-shirt and tight blue jeans. His short, cropped black hair had an appeal all its own. But it was those silver blue eyes that sent her reeling when she'd first seen them gazing at her with a heat she recognized immediately.

    In seconds, Lizabeth gave him the directions to the house at 123 Fern Street. "I'll meet you there in thirty minutes, come around to the back screened porch."

    "Fine," Jubal agreed shortly.

    Was he angry with her? Well, no matter. She would do what she had to do to protect her family. And once she told him the truth, he would understand her motives were pure. Well, maybe not completely pure. Lizabeth smiled at him. Jubal's lips quirked into a grin. Maybe he wasn't angry after all?

  

 Torrid Teasers Volume 21 with Sex Machine (Sci Fi short story #1 in Kazphyrian series in Torrid Teaser Volume 21):

Blurb:

If android technician, Teena Andrenas doesn't find a mate before she turns thirty, she'll be forced to take one.  When she gets the chance to repair one of the legendary Zand pleasure 'droids, she is tempted to use the 'droid for her first sexual experience.  Although she refrains, he does offer her one thing she cannot resist:  the chance to meet the man responsible for creating the famous 'droids and the first Zand pleasure 'droid ever created.

 

Zand Gorsend is mated to his work.  He scarcely has time to experience the pleasures he offers with the sale of his androids.  When the the intriguing Teena invades his office, he is amused by her mistaken impression.  Amusement soon turns to passion, when during her 'observation' of him, the two end up in each other's arms.

Can Zand convince Teena he is real and meant to be her one, true mate? 

EXCERPT:

"Congratulations, Mistress."

     Teena Andrenas started when the deep sexy voice came out of the gorgeous android before her.  Although she should have expected it.  He was one of the extremely rare Zand pleasure 'droids she'd only ever heard rumors concerning.  She never thought she'd get her hands on one?literally.

     "Thank you, uh. . .What are you called?" she asked after she realized the work order had not given a specific name for the 'droid.

     "I am called Zand Ten, Mistress."

     Since he'd risen from his place on her worktable, Teena was feeling small and fragile next to the muscular 6'4 pleasure 'droid dream.  She even found herself feeling flustered in his company, now that she'd repaired his circuits and he looked, for all accounts, like a living, breathing person.  Even knowing he was an android built specifically to bring only sexual pleasure to another person, she couldn't suppress her instinctive response to him.  His midnight black hair and smoky gray eyes would cause any sexual being's circuits to sizzle.

     Stop it, Teena; you're above all this nonsense!

     But as the 'droid observed her attentively, Teena felt her heart kick into double time.  How clever of Zand Robotics to build such an appealing pleasure 'droid.  If she had the funds, she wouldn't mind owning one herself.

     Who was she kidding?  She'd never brought up enough nerve to be intimate with a real person, much less this mechanical hunk that was rumored to be geared to fulfill any being's fantasy.

     "Can I assist you, Mistress?"

     The 'droid's voice jerked her out of her reverie. "What? Oh, sorry!"  Damn, now she was apologizing to the thing.  "No, Zand Ten.  You must be the last model.  I heard they only made 10."

     "You are correct, Mistress, I am the last Zand my master made."  Zand Ten kept his steady gaze on her.

     "Your master?"  Teena turned away from the 'droid's unsettling eyes, but couldn't resist muttering, "What I wouldn't give to meet that master."

     "You may do so, Mistress."

     "What!" Teena swung back around to face Zand Ten again and found him grinning at her with a smugness she never expected from a machine.

     "Indeed, Mistress, since you were clever enough to repair me, my master has programmed an invitation for you to be brought to Zand headquarters and make his acquaintance.  If that is your desire?"  Having a gorgeous man, albeit even only an android, ask her if something was her desire, brought thoughts of the risqu? kind quickly to mind.  Especially a naked android, which was probably why she was becoming so agitated in his presence.

     Although she still hadn't answered his question, something in her eyes must have triggered his pleasure 'droid senses, because he moved closer to her and slid his arms around her.

     "Zand Ten, what are you doing!" she demanded, and although she was tempted to melt into his arms, the thought that he was a 'droid couldn't be dispersed.

     "What is your desire, Mistress?  I've been built to fulfill any fantasy you might wish."

     Teena pressed her hands against his steel hard chest; she was tempted to knead the synthetic material that would deceive anyone into believing he was a flesh and blood person.  

     "Sorry, stud, not enough privacy," she used as an excuse, as if she might offend his nonexistent feelings.

     Zand Ten looked around at the other inactivated androids all waiting for her attention.  "Is there another place we might go for an interlude, Mistress?"

     "Steady, buddy, I've got a lot of work to do and you have an owner waiting impatiently for your return."

     The 'droid gave her a sexy smile as if he knew his own worth.  Had this machine been programmed to have human emotions somehow?  It would be a first.  For years the foremost experts in the field had been attempting to do just that.  Could Zand Robotics have succeeded, where everyone else had failed?  She would be interested to find out.  Maybe she would take up the proffered offer and hopefully meet the person responsible for the creation of, in Teena's mind, the perfect male.

 

 

 Torrid Teasers Volume 27:

 

Equal Opportunity Seduction  (Sci Fi short story # 2 in Kazphyrian series in Torrid Teaser Volume 27):

 

The Kazphyrian government is forcing all able-bodied citizens to find a mate. 

As two of the most eligible bachelors on the planet, Bradeon Gosh-Ere, a busy Kaz Casualty physician, and Hankren Tereamin, a hardly-home Kaz Transport pilot, could have their choice of the constant flow of beauties making momentary stops in their lives.  But they want more.  The males want a special female mate who will accept them both and the relationship they share, as lovers.

Drendar Kyntrel’s primary job is working for the Kazphyrian Department of Citizen Safety, which controls all the pleasure centers on the planet.  Her earnings are meager, so when she is offered a lucrative temporary position to help a time-weary physician and a never-home pilot, she accepts.

      Can the males convince the oh-so-suitable Dren, in the most intimate and pleasurable way, to accept them both as her mate for life?

 

EXCERPT:

 

 

Brad gazed at his sister on the transmission unit in frustration.  "Why did you do that, Aimee?"  He looked upward as if searching for divine intervention to give him strength, before looking back at her image on the trans unit.

     He watched in vexation as she shrugged her delicate shoulders.  "Well, it's your fault.  Since I couldn't tell her you two are looking for a mate, I had to give her some reason you two needed her personal services.  Look, I've met the girl.  She seems lovely.  She's even agreed to take a couple of weeks off from her job, since she's owed vacation, to devote to the two of you.  I have to tell you, I had to do some fast-talking, when I mentioned two of you.  If you like her, you both need to do some heavy charming to get her to accept both.  But initially, you need to let her think you guys are both so busy that you don't have the time to visit pleasure centers?"

     "Stop, right there, we don't need to visit the pleasure centers. Exactly what did you tell her?"  Brad wanted to wring his little sister's neck.

     "I may have hinted that you're a medical nerd with no time to spare for females and Hank's a hard up fly-boy who's always gone with no time to spare for females."  At the end of her dissertation, she was flushed, as if expecting Brad to blow a vent valve.

     "Jardem, female!" Brad muttered.

     "Well, what else could I say!" Aimee cried. "I couldn't tell her the truth!  She would have probably bolted!"

     Brad just glared at her over the trans unit.  Now he would have to pretend he was a nerd physician, at least until he let the female believe she was 'helping' him come out of his shell.  And Hank!  This wouldn't make him very happy.  Just one look at Hank's handsome face and form and the female would be hard-pressed to imagine him as hard up.

     "You're right, this is my fault.  I should have taken care of this myself.  Maybe you should call her to cancel."

     "No!"  Aimee surprised him with her vehemence.

     "Why?"  Brad wanted to know.

     "I've already signed an agreement for the two weeks.  She wouldn't just take off work on the off chance that she was getting this very lucrative job.  So you guys have to do the two weeks.  If she doesn't work out, you can give her her walking papers at the end."

     "Urrrrrr," Brad almost growled in frustration.  "Fine, I'll talk to Hank.  More than likely he'll be called away soon and that will just leave me to contend with her."

     Aimee snickered at him.  "I think you better reserve judgment until you meet her."

     "What do you?"

     "You'll see.  Her two weeks starts when darkness falls tomorrow. Have fun, big brother."  And before Brad could say another word, Aimee clicked off.

    Jardem save him from his meddling little sister.

 

 

 

    

    

The Commander's Mate  (Sci Fi short story #3 in Kazphyrian series in Torrid Teaser Volume 27)

 

Aimee Syncire is in a desperate situation.  Her friends and mate are dead and she is a prisoner in the forbidden Kazphyrian country of Velorn.  Aimee doesn’t know how she came to be in the restricted country or how to convince Velorn’s Legion Commander, JarrRon Ry Vere, of her innocence.

 

     JarrRon’s foreign prisoner draws him from the moment he sets eyes on her.  Aimee’s determination and will to survive captivates Jarr.  When circumstances force JarrRon to release Aimee, he must find a way to bring her back and convince her to accept him as her true barbarian mate.

 

EXCERPT:

 

After she'd cried herself to exhaustion, Aimee lay like a limp cloth, staring up at the ceiling of the massive room.  Would she be in trouble for coming into Velorn without permission?  Rumors had it that if you snuck into the country, you would be imprisoned.

     Surely they could make an exception, couldn't they?  Upon hearing a door open, Aimee's burning gaze flew to the other side of the room.  The first female who'd spoken to her was coming toward the bed, stopping to light the chandels on her way.

     "How nice to see you awake again.  Feeling better?" the female asked as she reached Aimee's bed.

     Aimee nodded mutely, watching the female with guarded eyes.  "How did I get here?"  Aimee attempted, the sounds coming out in a gravelly croak.

     "Here drink this," she insisted, holding the container she retrieved from the bedside table for Aimee to drink.

     Without protesting, Aimee did as the female bid.  And after feeling the soothing liquid warm her throat, was grateful she had.

     "By the way, my name is Sareen and this is my brother's household.  My mate, Drandol, and I are visiting."

     Silently, Aimee took in the female's clothing.  A vest, similar to the droten vest worn by Kantrerian females, graced the upper part of her body, with a small exception; her vest was made of hand made fabric, which was light and fluttered freely as she moved, giving peeking glimpses of her breasts.  Her ankle-length skirt made from a fabric resembling the Kantrerian kathtans also fluttered freely around her legs, leaving her midriff bare, making her appear extremely feminine.

     The female's words finally filtered into her still muddled mind.  "Your brother?"

     Sareen nodded. "Yes, my brother, JarrRon Ry Vere. He is Velorn's legion commander, second only to Velorn's governor, TarnRig Ossur.  My mate is his second-in-command."

     Aimee's heart fluttered in her chest as she realized she was in the household of a military commander.  It could only mean one thing.

     "Count yourself lucky someone found you.  Hashmin said you were almost dead.  Where are you from?"

     "I'm from Kantrer. My mate, Sam and I, and our friends were staying at an excursion lodge in Sanforthe.  We were on a picnic overlooking Velorn, when a large creature jumped into our midst and began kil. . ."  Aimee's choked voice trailed off.

     "Oh stars, I'm sorry," Sareen exclaimed and sat next to Aimee, grabbing her hand, as if trying to comfort her.  "I don't understand.  Hashmin said he found you in Velorn.  I'll have to talk to my brother about this."

     "Am I a prisoner?"  Aimee whispered.

     Sareen frowned.  "I'm afraid so.  We have strict rules governing the admittance of visitors.  It is the only way we can keep outside influences from corrupting our life here.  I know other countries think of us as barbarians, but our people are determined to keep our old ways and our land as it is."

     "Isn't there anything I can say that would obtain my release?"

     "I'm afraid it will be your word against a Velornian citizen's word.  My brother will be hard to convince.  My mate might be able to get you heard.  There is one more thing I must warn you. . ."

 

 

WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES (Book 3 in the CAJUN EROTICA series):

Tormented by inner demons, Lucas Horville swears off women & buries himself in his work.  When his brother hires a detail artist to take some of the burden from his shoulders, Luke is ready to show her the door.

Jessie Sandoval is a woman with a past--one she's running from.  Hoping to turn her life around, Jessie moves to a new town (Lafayette) and a new job.  From the first, she senses the demons plaguing her new boss.  Can the submissive Jessie convince Luke to embrace his dominant tendencies and free himself from his torment?

But Jessie has an obsessive ex-Dom who would rather see her dead than out of his control.  When Luke's family is drawn into her ex-Dom's line of fire, Jessie realizes he won't stop until he has what he wants--her.  When Jessie is kidnapped, Luke must find her because he knows the man will stop at nothing to get her back--even murder.

 

 

 

 

 

EXCERPT for WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES:

Luke could feel the girl’s gaze as if it literally touched his back. To say the girl shocked him was an understatement. He knew from her resume she was twenty-two years old. But with her jeans riding low on her slender hips, her crop top that left her midriff bare, and her worn tennis shoes, she looked no older than sixteen. She sported a pierced navel, with the hint of a tattoo on her belly that showed above the band of her hip huggers.

Christ Almighty! When he’d spotted her hard nipples, Luke had to stop himself from shooting across the desk toward her. He should have fired her as he’d intended. He had gone off the idea of riding her until she quit, but things could get complicated if he kept her on. In his wildest dreams, he couldn’t have imagined the gut wrenching reaction he’d had to the girl. Besides being angry about the detailing, now he would have to fight these feelings of intense sexual attraction. There was nothing else to do; he’d have to set limits on the girl’s job, so he could still have access to his relief valve.

“Gramps?” Luke shouted and nudged one of the feet sticking out from under a Ford Fairlane they were rebuilding. The old man slid out on his creeper, to look up at Luke and the girl by his side.

“Oui? Ah…this must be our new detail lady,” the elderly black man announced as he squinted his old eyes to get a better look. Willy Darborne, Gramps as everyone called him, had been working with the Horville’s since Herbert Horville had started the business many years before. (Horville's Paint & Body Shop)

“Gramps, this is Jessica Sandoval,” Luke introduced her.

“Comment ça va, Jessica.” The old man grabbed a shop towel out of his overall pocket to wipe his hand before he reached up to shake her hand.

“Please call me, Jessie. And I’m doing fine,” Jessie returned, bending over to shake the old man’s hand without hesitation.

Good, the girl could understand French. Having their shops in the heart of Cajun country, all his workers needed to have at least an understanding of the language. Luke’s thoughts halted as he watched the curve of her back above the level of her jeans. Crap! He felt the uncomfortable tightening of his jeans as his member stirred.

Luke saw some of his other employees gathering around. He also saw what had caught their attention. This might signal trouble. Most of the men gathering around were single. When he coughed to get their attention, Jessie jerked upright, as if she thought she’d done something wrong.

 




 

 

HURRICANE WINDS, Cajun Erotica Book 4

Blurb:

What’s an outwardly fearless, inwardly insecure girl to do when her first foray into romantic love is met with heartbreak and betrayal?  Does she hide her feelings behind a prim façade?

 

 

 

When Tanner Sandoval storms into Carrie Horville’s life, her long-denied ‘sixth sense’ goes wild.  Carrie’s ‘feelings’ always precede changes in her life.  So the unwelcome intrusion of this stranger to Carrie can only signal bad changes, because these two are fighting. For control? Or are they really fighting the spine-tingling sexual attraction they feel each time they come near each other?

 

 

 

Despite Carrie’s resistance, on the evening of her brother’s wedding, she makes an impulsive decision.  Carrie offers Tanner an erotic alternative to a romantic relationship.  No talk of love, no commitments, just sex.  Can Tanner convince Carrie to fight her fears and trust him to be the man of her dreams?  Or will her fears ruin their tenuous relationship beyond repair?

 
EXCERPT for HW:

Set up: Carrie & Tanner are taking part in Luke and Jessie's traditional Cajun wedding dance. They are doing their best to keep their normally volatile relationship in check to prevent making a scene in front of family and friends.

      “Can you believe they fell so quickly?” Tanner asked next to her.

     “No. I never thought Luke would fall that fast. Like a bolt of lightning hit him.”

     “I’ve heard it can happen that way sometimes,” Tanner mentioned in observation, as the two of them watched the slowly moving couple on the dance floor. “How about you? Have you ever been in love, Carrie?”

     Carrie was so surprised at the intimacy of his question; she didn’t know what to say. Since when had her love life become of interest to him? Most times, they were so at odds with each other they could barely be civil.

      “Not seriously,” she admitted, but turned her face away from the probing green gaze that went so well with his honey blond hair and tanned skin. Tanner was as tall as most of her brothers, which even made the five feet eleven inch Carrie have to look up to gaze into those disturbingly attractive eyes. Damn him!

     “Not seriously? What exactly does that mean?” Obviously, she’d peaked his interest. That was the last thing she’d wanted to do!

     Quickly, Carrie scanned the dance floor, looking for a means of escape. Had Luke had an unmarried older brother, said brother would have dancing with a broom to look forward to during the next song, thus pronouncing his unmarried state, and usually coming up with antics to set the wedding guests howling with laughter.

     Finally, the money dance began. The married couple’s family and friends pinned money on the bride’s veil and the groom’s tux. Before she was forced to answer Tanner’s question, Carrie rushed toward Luke, as if he were her lifeline.

     “Me, please,” Carrie waved her hand at Luke as she skidded to a halt on the cornmeal- sprinkled floor, done to make it easier for the couples to slide in the turns and spins of the French jitterbug dances.

     Luke’s eyes were knowing as he grinned at her, then looked behind her to where she’d left Tanner standing on the edge of the dance floor. She knew Luke would have something to say about her running from Tanner. Carrie grimaced, but moved forward as her cousin, Berty, stepped aside with a laugh to let her have the first few minutes of the dance. It was a short respite, but long enough for her to regain her composure, before she had to face Tanner and his probing questions again.

     Carefully, she pinned the bills she’d been holding since the march to her brother’s lapel, as she felt him gazing down at her. “Running, little sister?” he asked.

     Carrie gave a rude snort. “Ha! That’ll be the day when I run from the likes of Tanner Sandoval!” She did keep her voice down, though.

     Luke opened his arms and Carrie moved into them. “You know I love ya, don’t ya, sis?”

     Of course, she knew he loved her. Though it did surprise her that he’d given into the infrequent urge to tell her so. Sometimes she blamed herself. She’d never been an emotional girl. But she knew her brothers were aware of how much she cared for them, just by how protective she was of the lot of them. That had always been her way of showing affection.

     Swallowing, Carrie moved to the music while held safely in her brother’s arms. “Of course, Luke. And...eh...I love you, too.”

     She felt the gentle rub of one of his large hands on her back. He must have realized how hard it was for her to express her feelings. “Are we going to have to move Tanner?”

     Carrie stumbled. Her feet would have slid right out from under her if Luke had not held her steady. “What?” Black eyes, so similar in color to her own, gazed back at her.

     When she meant to pull away, Luke held her close to prevent her from making a scene. “Well, I had hoped you and he would have come to terms by now. But it’s like you can’t even stand to be in the same room with him.”

     Did it really appear as though she couldn’t stand to be near Tanner? It wasn’t for the exact reasons her brother suspected. Yes, he aggravated her, but he also intrigued her. Not that she would admit that to another living soul. Ever. Nor could she admit it to the brothers she adored. She was surprised she could even admit it to herself. Never before had she felt so…well…alive, as she felt in Tanner’s presence. That’s why his disapproval of the way she protected Corey stung so much.

     If Tanner had any inkling of feeling for her, he would understand her motivation. Being that he didn’t, told her he really didn’t have feelings for her. Besides, she’d been bitten once by making the mistake of getting involved with someone she worked with, and had vowed never to do it again.

     Shaking her head, Carrie told him, “No, Luke, that’s not necessary. I’ll just do my best to keep out of his way.”

     “Why? Why do you need to keep out of his way?” Luke moved surprisingly well for a man not keen on dancing. “Tanner is a great guy. I’d have seen through him by now if he wasn’t.”

     “I don’t know,” she admitted. “We just rub each other the wrong way, for some reason.”

     She could feel Luke’s head turn toward where she’d last seen Tanner. Luke twirled her, so she could see him, too. Lo and behold, there he was with his adoring fans—the two twittering cashiers from the shop, hanging on his every word.

     “Did you just growl?” Luke asked in surprise, looking down into her face.

     “What! Of course not!” she insisted in a hushed voice.

     “Well, I’ll be damned!”

     “You’ll be damned what?” Carrie narrowed her eyes at him.

     “All this time, I thought you hated his guts,” Luke stopped moving as cousin Berty moved back in for her turn to dance with him.

     Before she could deny his words, he threw her an infuriating and understanding brotherly grin, before turning to accept Berty’s offering and whirling her away for her turn, leaving Carrie stunned and speechless.

     What the hell was he talking about?

 

Blurb for Alia's Debt, in Torrid Teaser Volume 52:

 

Velornian high prince, GarinRig Ossur, lost his mate to alien abductors and has no wish for another.  Since the governors rule by right of birth, if he does not beget an heir, he will forfeit the governorship of Velorn.

 

When Alia Faddei learns she was bought from the slavers as a ‘gift’ for her savior’s son, Alia is determined to serve the one centra debt of honor due for her rescue.  Knowing she was bought to be the bed companion for Garin does not deter her, despite her rank as Sanforthe’s high princess, especially since from the moment she encounters him, Alia wants him.

 

Garin’s first encounter with Alia brings back two things he thought were long dead—his desire and his heart.

 

But Alia’s fulfillment of her honor debt could mean her death.  Can Garin and Alia find a way to be together without forsaking their honor or their lives?

 

Excerpt:

 

As soon as Garin opened his chamber door and began disrobing the last of his uniform, his eyes were drawn directly to the steam rising from the bath. Something was wrong. Even as the thought struck him and he stood completely naked, a head popped up from his bath.

 

Jardem hell!

 

Dark flame-colored hair covered the face of his intruder. Obviously, she didn’t know she had company yet, because she took her time to push the unruly mass out of her face. When she did realize, her eyes widened then narrowed, but if he thought to hear her scream or cry out, he would have been wrong.

 

It seemed she’d been struck speechless.

 

His father had not been lying when he’d boasted of her beauty, either. Her skin color was darker than what normally accompanied someone with her color hair. Her features were suited more to someone of noble birth, rather than a simple servant. He noted no obvious bruises, so the harsh punishment his father intimated may have been psychological or emotional in nature. Garin doubted her captors would have wanted to mar their prize, decreasing her value on the slave market. And those eyes, dark green and shimmering like jewels with the light of intelligence. The length of her hair covered most of her naked body, giving only brief glimpses of satiny skin as she moved.

 

Warily, she eyed his naked body as she moved back to the farthest end of his inset bathing pool.

 

“Greetings, female,” Garin said as he moved closer to his pool. “I see there is no need for me to invite you to join me at my bath.”

 

 

If you missed the first three stories in the Kazphyrian Sci/Fi series, Sex Machine, in Torrid Teaser Volume 21, and Equal Opportunity Seduction & The Commander's Mate in Torrid Teaser 27, they’re available at:

 

http://whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com/authors/Cheri_Valmont.html

 

ALL THE ABOVE  BOOKS AVAILABLE AT:

 

http://www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com 

 


 

Once Upon a Moonlit Path is out from Siren Publishing.

Blurb:

All her life, Fi Carmichael has harbored serious doubts about her family's curse, and the dire consequences she'd suffer if she ever fell in love.

Scotsman Hugh MacFarlane has been roaming the garden of Mirkheath Manor for over a century, awaiting the second chance promised to him on the night of his death.

Just days from being forced into a loveless marriage, Fi's chance encounter with the mysterious Hugh in the garden of her family's ancestral home stirs forbidden feelings inside her and has her rethinking her doubts. She soon realizes that in order for her to have her heart's desire, she must first break the curse.

Determined to be together, Hugh and Fi race against time, searching the manor for clues on how to regain her freedom to love and his to live. They discover that love, forgiveness, and a promise of a future began once upon a moonlit path… 
 

Excerpt:

 

“Come back to my room with me,” she begged him.

Hugh shook his head. “I shouldna, Fi. The morn be fast approaching, and soon so will yer family’s guests.”

“Please, just for a short while,” she insisted.

Hugh gave her an indulgent grin. “Verra well, then.” When he tried to follow her, however, he stopped dead at the edge of the garden path.

Fi turned back as his hand disappeared from her own. “What?”

A scowl appeared on Hugh’s face. “I canna go, Fi.” His voice came as if from a distance.

“Why?”

“I knew my time was near.” He looked down at his body, which had lost its physical substance and returned to the incandescent shimmering of his ghostly body.

“No!” Fi cried out in anguish and stepped back onto the garden path, reaching for him.

Hugh’s frown turned to a sad smile, as tears appeared in Fi’s eyes, rolling down her cheeks. “Dinna cry for me, sweet Fi. This one night wi’ ye was worth everythin’ that has gone before. I do hate to consider ye having to live wi’ a mon who canna love ye, but dinna mourn me. Live yer life as best ye can.”

Fi felt the touch of his palm on her cheek. She had no doubt that he loved her deeply now. To be forced to leave him felt like her heart being ripped from her chest and crushed.

“I love you, Hugh, with every breath in my body,” Fi whispered and turned her face, wishing she could kiss the hand that caressed her.

“I know ye do, love. Perha’ ye can visit my garden every now and again, so I migh’ gaze upon ye and remember? Ye can let ye bairns play here for I am done frightening people away. Mirkheath needs love to fill its rooms once again. A happy mon I would be if it be ye and your braw lads and bonnie lasses to bring it here.”

Fi nodded and tried to suppress a sniffle. So he wouldn’t see her misery, Fi turned to leave. “Goodnight, Hugh.”

“Goodbye, my love,” he said gruffly. Fi had a feeling had he still had his physical form; she might have seen a tear in Hugh’s eye at that moment. She could not look back. The pain in her chest was agonizing. Lifting her skirts, she ran from Hugh and his garden, so she might give into her need to sob and cry out her anguish at the thought of having to give up the love of her life. 

 When Fi made it back to her chamber, she noticed Sara had tried to wait for her return. She sat in one of the chairs next to the hearth, her head lolling forward.

Fi held a fisted hand to her mouth to muffle the sobs that had torn from her throat. Standing for a moment, Fi took some deep, sucking breaths to try to calm down before waking Sara to help her get out of her gown.

All Fi wanted to do was crawl into her bed and weep for the love she had discovered but could not keep.

After her nerves felt steadier, Fi touched Sara’s shoulder.

“Ah…what?” Sara cried out in surprise, jerking forward in the chair. When Sara took in the state of Fi’s gown, she gasped. “What happened to your beautiful gown, Miss?”

Fi shook her head. “It’s not important. Please help me disrobe, Sara. I need to sleep.” That was what Fi needed. The way she felt at the moment, she could probably sleep for weeks.

Sara moved quickly, clucking and mumbling over the sorry state of Fi’s new gown. As soon as Fi slipped into her nightrail, she dismissed her maid.

Fi tried to sleep, but she could not for the life of her keep her eyes closed. It seemed as if a strong intuition urged her to do something, as if some otherworldly being were calling her to action.

Unable to stay abed, Fi got up, grabbing her chamber robe before trailing onto the landing. When she looked toward the stairs, an eerie glow looked to be coming from the direction of the tower room. Had Hugh been able to come back into the manor again?

Fi’s heart fluttered in her chest. She hurried to find out if her supposition was correct.

 

* * * *

 

“What…” Fi gasped sharply when she saw what the room contained.














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*All works contained on this website Copyrighted by Cheri Valmont