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The Enemy (Jack Reacher #8)(14) Author: Lee Child The door burst open behind me. The big guy came out. He had a couple of locals with him. Both looked like farmers. We all stepped into a pool of yellow light from a fixture on a pole. We all faced each other. Our breath turned to vapor in the air. Nobody spoke. No preamble was required. I guessed that parking lot had seen plenty of fights. I guessed this one would be no different from all the others. It would finish up just the same, with a winner and a loser. I slipped out of my jacket and hung it on the nearest car's door mirror. It was a ten-year-old Plymouth, good paint, good chrome. An enthusiast's ride. I saw the Special Forces sergeant I had spoken to come out into the lot. He looked at me for a second and then stepped away into the shadows and stood with his men by the cars. I took my watch off and turned away and dropped it in my jacket pocket. Then I turned back. Studied my opponent. I wanted to mess him up bad. I w...

Sudden Response (EMS #1)(35) Author: R.L. Mathewson When the door opened she tensed, waiting for the fight to continue. She didn't want to fight with him. She hated fighting with him. All she wanted to do was go back to the way things were before he said those things that hurt her and before he kissed her, robbing her of her sanity and made her wonder about things that she had no business even thinking about. "Joe?" he said softly. Instead of answering him she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. It was cowardly, she knew that, but she wasn't sure how much more she could take. She was glad that he didn't insist on coming with her this week like he normally would have done. They both needed some time apart to think about a few things. If things didn't change by the time she got back, meaning they weren't able to go back to the way things were between them before they'd both messed up then she was going to ask for a transfer to another station...

Until July (Until Her #1)(5) Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds In front of Capone’s kennel, I jump up and down, shaking out my hands. He watches silently, while the rest of the dogs go crazy. I make sure Capone is on his leash as I lead him into the room, where he meets Wes and Max. Max sits nicely, while Capone sniffs around before jumping up to sit on Wes’ lap. “You guys look good together.” I smile at the image, reach into my back pocket, and grab my phone. I slide up the camera, taking a picture before I can think better of it. My head bends and I look at the photo, not quiet sure what the feeling in my stomach means. “You wanna have dinner with me?” My head flies up and my gaze collides with his. I have read a lot, and I do mean a lot of biker books, and not once has a biker taken a girl out to dinner. “Um…” I whisper. “I know a great Mexican spot.” “Mexican?” I repeat. “Or if you want something else…” He shrugs. “I like Mexican.” I clear my throat and look at Max and Capone. ...

Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia #2)(2) Author: C.S. Lewis "I do wish," said Lucy, "now that we're not thirsty, we could go on feeling as not-hungry as we did when we were thirsty." "But what about those sandwiches?" repeated Edmund. "There's no good saving them till they go bad. You've got to remember it's a good deal hotter here than in England and we've been carrying them about in pockets for hours." So they got out the two packets and divided them into four portions, and nobody had quite enough, but it was a great deal better than nothing. Then they talked about their plans for the next meal. Lucy wanted to go back to the sea and catch shrimps, until someone pointed out that they had no nets. Edmund said they must gather gulls' eggs from the rocks, but when they came to think of it they couldn't remember having seen any gulls' eggs and wouldn't be able to cook them if they found any. Peter thought to...

Tempted by a Cowboy (Perfect Man #2) Author: Vicki Lewis Thompson One “I can’t lose her.” Fletcher Grayson crouched beside the bay mare and stroked her sweat-dampened neck as she lay on her side in the foaling stall, her breath labored. “We’re not going to lose her.” Astrid Lindberg was determined that both mare and foal would survive this night. Fletch had called her emergency line at ten P.M. It was a testimony to her lack of a social life that she’d been home on a Saturday night. She’d rushed out to the Rocking G, driving through a summer downpour. It was what locals called a trash-mover of a rain, falling in endless sheets of water. Four hours later, the rain continued to pound the roof of the barn, and Janis still hadn’t foaled. Astrid had monitored the pregnant mare for weeks, ever since the first signs of edema. Because of the swelling, Janis’s abdomen was far more distended than it would be in a normal pregnancy. The condition was worrisome, and recently Fletch had kept h...

Give in to Me (Heart of Stone #3)(24) Author: K.M. Scott A knock on the door told me Daryl was back, and I answered it to find him looking shell-shocked. He pushed past me and walked into the apartment’s narrow galley kitchen to rummage through the cabinets. “I know I stored a bottle up here somewhere. You couldn’t have drank it all already, did you?” I leaned against the doorframe and pointed toward the cabinet on the far end of the wall. “I didn’t have any yet, but I’m not sure how I feel about you drinking my Lagavulin. Get your own bottle.” Daryl poured himself a glass neat, never asking me if I wanted one, and sagged against the Formica countertop as he gulped down my expensive scotch. “You owe me, buddy. After what I just went through, I deserve the entire bottle.” Fear that something had happened to Nina raced through my body, settling into my heart. “What happened? Is Nina hurt?” Downing another mouthful of scotch, he shook his head. “No. The only person injured is me.” ...

Give in to Me (Heart of Stone #3)(28) Author: K.M. Scott In front of me, Varo stood about twenty yards away impatiently yelling Nina’s name. She didn’t even bother to turn around to answer him, preferring to stay facing me. “Time for me to take the stage,” she said without signing. Shaking my head, I shrugged to let her know I didn’t understand. Smiling, she signed, It’s nothing. Just my pretend life. Nina turned to leave and stopped short to sign one more thing. Have a good day, E-t-h-a-n. It wasn’t what she signed but that I got to hear her speak those sweet words, even if her voice was tinged with unhappiness. I hated knowing what I’d convinced her to do was making her miserable, but I had to tell myself that it was what had to be done. That didn’t make it any better, though. She walked away, her pace a little slower than when she’d approached me, I thought. My mind immediately began to spin out of control thinking about where they were going, what they’d be doing, and how I...

Give in to Me (Heart of Stone #3)(27) Author: K.M. Scott As I watched her make her way toward me, she waved and smiled broadly, looking truly happy to see me. I loved it, but then the fear that she’d found me out raced through my mind, and I stood frozen on the spot waiting to hear what she had to say. She stopped in front of me and waved again as she said, “Hi!” I smiled and waved back, putting down the weed whacker. Then she spoke the sweetest words I’d heard in months. “I don’t know much sign language, but I’ve been reading up on it to learn some.” That she coupled that one sentence with an attempt to sign what she meant made me happier than I thought I could be still separated from her. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t have stopped myself from smiling. Knowing I had to contain my joy at her kindness, I signed back Thank you and then finger spelled M-i-s-s E-d-w-a-r-d-s. Her eyes focused on my right hand as I spelled out her name, and she looked up at me with a quizzical look....

Ignited (Most Wanted #3)(22) Author: J. Kenner The only thing that worked out well was that I didn’t have any time to think or angst or otherwise fret about Cole. I told myself that was a good thing, but the moment I had the space to breathe, he filled my head again. “Take your break,” Glenn, the manager, said to me. “And if you take it outside, clear the tables on your way back in.” I nodded, then dumped a gallon of cream in my coffee to cool it off quickly, grabbed yesterday’s paper from the break room, and headed outside to the patio. The heat was almost unbearable, but I liked it. My life had been a series of financial peaks and valleys, and all too often we would hit the valleys in the winter. Since my father’s favorite money-saving trick was to pile on the covers and ignore the radiators, I spent a lot of winters beneath old quilts and fleece blankets. And despite what I told my dad, my fingers and toes were always chilled, and the cold would spread right through my bones. ...

Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson #5)(2) Author: Patricia Briggs Grandmother? Maybe Phin was younger than I'd thought. "You are worried," I said. He made a self-deprecating noise. "I know, I know. I'm paranoid." "No trouble," I said. "I ought to get it back to him anyway. Unless he keeps long hours, he won't be at the store by the time I can get there. Do you have a home address for him?" He did. I wrote it down and let him go with reassurances. As I locked the door and set the security alarm, I glanced up at the hidden camera. Adam would probably not be watching - unless someone triggered an alarm, mostly the cameras ran all by themselves and simply sent pictures to be recorded. Still . . . as I started for my car, I kissed my hand and blew it to the tiny lens that watched my every move, then mouthed, "See you tonight." My lover was worried about how well a coyote could play with the wolves, too. Being an Alpha werewolf m...

Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #20)(2) Author: Laurell K. Hamilton "How many nights does it run?" "Two weeks," he said. "Two weeks, starting today?" "Yes." "I don't want to be out here another two weeks," I said. "Me, either," he said, and this time he sounded tired. The real trouble with this case for me was that I knew exactly why these victims had been chosen. I even knew what was killing them. The trouble was I couldn't tell anyone but Edward, because if I told the police everything I knew, the killers would come after me and every policeman that I told, and everyone that they told. The Harlequin were the vampire equivalent of police, spies, judge, jury, and executioner. They were also some of the greatest warriors to ever live, or unlive. Some of them were vampires and some of them were wereanimals, which was how they were slicing apart the bodies of the weretigers they were killing across the count...

The Other Side of Me(4) Author: Sidney Sheldon The school system was run like the city - tough and aggressive. Instead of "show and tell," it was "throw and tell." And it wasn't the students who were throwing things; it was the teachers. One morning, when I was in third grade, a teacher was displeased by something a pupil said. She picked up one of the heavy glass inkwells that were set on each desk and hurled it across the room at the student. If it had hit him in the head, it would have killed him. I was too terrified to return to school that afternoon. My favorite subject in school was English. Part of the class assignment was taking turns reading aloud from a book called the Elgin Reader that contained short stories. We would turn to a story by Poe or O'Henry or Tarkington, and I would dream that one day the teacher would say, "Turn to page twenty in your reader," and lo and behold, there would be a story written by me. Where that dream came...

Unmasked (The Vampire Diaries: The Salvation #3) Author: L.J. Smith, Aubrey Clark 1 “I’m going to plant the herb garden right there,” Bonnie told Zander, gazing out across their new yard. Green grass spread out in front of her, running right to the edge of a winding country road. There was a little space, half in sun and half in shade, that would be perfect for growing herbs for her spells and charms. Beyond the road rose white-topped mountains—real mountains, much higher than the rolling hills of Virginia. Behind her, Zander wrapped his arms around her waist and tucked his chin against her shoulder. Bonnie leaned back comfortably against his warm bulk. Taking a deep, satisfied breath of the crisp Colorado air, she told him, “It’s absolutely gorgeous here.” They’d only been here for a few days, and each morning when Bonnie opened her eyes, she was startled by her own happiness. She’d moved here because she couldn’t bear to lose Zander, but she had never considered that she might a...

Give in to Me (Heart of Stone #3)(8) Author: K.M. Scott “It has nothing to do with that, Daryl. Can you imagine what it feels like to know that another man will be with the woman you love while you have to stay away from her side? As if it wasn’t bad enough I can’t go back to her, now I have to agree to being replaced?” Standing, he looked down at me in sympathy and nodded. “I get it, but it’s only for show and not for long. We just have to move fast to find out what there is at the heart of Karl’s secrets so Nina’s pretend relationship may only have to be those two dinner dates.” Relationship. Dates. Fuck me. “Fine. Tell her I think this is for the best,” I bit out. “Good, but that’s probably not going to be enough. I think you’re going to have to tell her. Oh, and no matter what she does—no matter how many times she calls you or texts you—I need you to keep your distance. This only works if she believes in this. Any sense of how much you hate this and she won’t be able to do i...

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)(31) Author: J.R. Ward "Rotation? Can't be. The king's not allowed to fight." He is now. And Phury's coming back, too. "What the f**k? The Primale's not supposed to..." Tohr frowned. "Is there some change in the war? Something going on?" I don't know. John shrugged and settled back into the chair, crossing his legs at the knee. Another thing Darius always did. In the pose, the son seemed as old as the father had been, although that was less about the way John's limbs were arranged and more about the exhaustion in his blue eyes. "It's not legal," Tohr said. Is now. Wrath met with the Scribe Virgin. Questions started to buzz in Tohr's head, his brain struggling with the unaccustomed load. In the midst of the disjointed swirl, it was hard to think coherently, and he felt as if he were trying to hold a hundred tennis balls in his arms; no matter how hard he tried, one...

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)(35) Author: J.R. Ward The princess leaned into him, her forefinger rubbing over the barb at the base of his arousal. "Whoever that female is in your head, she can't compete with what we have." Rehv put his hands up to the sides of his blackmailer's neck and pressed in with his thumbs until she gasped. "I could snap your head off your spine." "You won't." She moved her red, glossy lips over his throat, the crushed-pepper lipstick she wore burning him. "Because we couldn't do this if I were dead." "Don't underestimate the appeal of necrophilia. Especially where you're concerned." He grabbed onto the back of her chignon and yanked hard. "Shall we get down to business?" "After you pick up-" "Not going to happen. I don't bow." With his free hand, he ripped the front of her robe open, exposing the fine mesh weave of the bodysuit she al...

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)(34) Author: J.R. Ward "It is what it is." SOONER. BETTER. "We'll see." Trez cursed him and dissolved back into a cold gust of wind, shooting forward out of sight. Truth was, as much as Rehv hated coming here, sometimes he didn't want to leave. He liked hurting the princess, and she was a good opponent. Smart, fast, cruel. She was the only outlet for his bad side, and, like a runner starved for a workout, he needed the exercise. Plus, maybe it was like his arm: The festering felt good. Rehv took the sixth left, walking on a footpath that was wide enough for only one, and soon enough, the cabin came into view. In the bright moonlight, its logs were a color of something like rosé wine. As he got to the door, he reached forward with his left hand, and as he gripped the wooden toggle, he thought of Ehlena and how she had cared enough to call him about his arm. For a brief, lapsing moment, the sound of her voic...

Give in to Me (Heart of Stone #3)(4) Author: K.M. Scott I loved these moments together, just the two of us sitting quietly at the end of the day, not saying a thing to ruin the peaceful silence we shared. For me, this was a change. All my life, I’d filled in the gaps with words rather than experience an awkward silence, but with Tristan, I’d learned to appreciate that silence. Sliding my finger down his red silk tie, I watched a sly smile slowly spread across his lips. “Did I ever tell you how much I love this after a long day?” He opened his eyes, and I saw how much these moments meant to him. “Yes, but not yet today,” I teased. Tristan sighed and reached out to touch my hand. “All day I look forward to these moments. No more people wanting me for a thousand reasons. No more caring about hotels and the bottom line of the other Stone Worldwide businesses. Just quiet and you.” Even though we hadn’t said the words “I love you” yet to each other, it was obvious in every other word a...

Give in to Me (Heart of Stone #3)(11) Author: K.M. Scott Just when I was ready to be stubborn, Tristan accomplished what no other man could—instead of being angry at him for what he was asking, I felt sorry for what I had to do. I sensed his heartache in every word he’d written, and it broke my heart. “Everything okay in here?” Daryl looked uncomfortable as I wiped a tear away from under my eye. He took his seat again and waited for me to speak, but I could tell he was still feeling uneasy about how emotional Tristan’s letter had made me. Resigned to doing as Tristan asked, I said quietly, “I’m fine, Daryl. Just tell me what you need me to do.” “You won’t have to do anything but appear to be with him. Just a few times in public to make the press think you’re on a couple dates. He will have to live here with you, though.” “Who? Who is this poor soul you’re going to force to pretend to be my new boyfriend?” “Varo.” “Varo? My bodyguard? No offense to him, but why would I fall for...

Echo Burning (Jack Reacher #5)(42) Author: Lee Child "Tough break," Reacher said. "Unbelievable," she said. "The things these people go through, you just wouldn't believe it. This family I'm telling you about, the border patrol killed their eldest son." "They did?" She nodded. "Twelve years ago. They were illegals. Paid their life savings to some guide to get them here, and he just abandoned them in the desert. No food, no water, they're holing up in the daytime and walking north at night, and a patrol chases them in the dark with rifles and kills their eldest boy. They bury him and walk on." "Anything get done about it?" "Are you kidding? They were illegals. They couldn't do anything. It happened all the time. Everybody's got a story like that. And now they're settled and been through the immigration amnesty, we try to get them to trust the law, and then something like this happens. I feel ...

Give in to Me (Heart of Stone #3)(15) Author: K.M. Scott She looked stunned by my outburst, but I saw the hurt in her eyes too. As I turned to leave, I heard her mumble about West and something he’d said, but I didn’t care. I stormed out of her room across the house to my own room, devastated that my best friend had just accused me of trying to steal the man she wanted. Burying my face in the pillow, I let the tears flow from all the frustration and hurt bottled up inside me. How could she think I would ever do that to her? I wanted to believe she’d lashed out at me because of her problems at work, but her words had hurt. All the money in the world meant nothing without Tristan, and she knew that. She knew how much I loved him, so why would she think I’d ever go after Gage? And that she thought I’d ever break the girlfriend code and chase after someone my best friend wanted, even if there was no Tristan in the picture, was crazy. Since that first day in college, we’d been like siste...

Give in to Me (Heart of Stone #3)(5) Author: K.M. Scott “Tristan, don’t make me wait,” I said with a moan as he stepped away from me to unknot his tie and slip it from around his neck. “Don’t move,” he commanded, and I stood still watching him remove his black suit coat and begin to unbutton his white dress shirt. I reached out to help him with the buttons, and he took another step back from me. “I told you not to move, Nina.” Filling my gaze with the sight of his perfectly sculpted body, I watched as he finished with the buttons and slid out of his shirt. “Why won’t you let me help?” I asked, eager to feel his skin under my touch. A look of unhappiness crossed his features for just a moment, like he didn’t enjoy me wanting him so much, but before I could ask if anything was wrong, his expression changed and he was that same incredibly sexy Tristan I couldn’t get enough of. He extended his hand, and I moved toward him, timidly touching the buckle of his belt as I stared up into h...

Real (Real #1)(12) Author: Katy Evans Swallowing the moisture in my mouth, I make my way uneasily down the plane aisle when he looks up, his eyes catching mine. I think I see them flare, but fail to read anything in his expression as he intently watches me approach. His stare makes me so nervous I feel the tingle once again, right in my center. He’s the strongest man I’ve ever seen, in my entire life, and I’m familiar enough with the subject to know that wired into my genes and DNA is a natural desire for healthy offspring, and with it comes a desperate urge to just full out mate with whoever I deem is the prime male of my species. I have never in my life met a man before who sparks up my crazy mating instincts like him. My sexuality burns with his nearness. It’s unreal. This reaction. This attraction. I’d never believe it if Melanie was explaining it to me and I wasn’t feeling it like a bubbling cauldron under my skin. How am I going to get rid of this? Lips curling slightly, as...

Shopping for a CEO (Shopping for a Billionaire #7)(16) Author: Julia Kent “What? No! Whatever gave you that idea?” All he does is wink and walk onto the elevator as Shannon drags me off it, the door closing on the grey fox as he whistles to himself. Panic blooms in my chest like a field of sunflowers all turning toward the light in synchronicity too perfect to be coincidence. “What did he mean? Is Andrew talking about me? Does he talk about me with his father? Did Declan say something to James about the kiss last night? Is there more going on than I thought?” “Amanda—” “Does Andrew like perverts? Because I can be a pervert if that’s more his speed. Vanilla is boring. I don’t have to be boring. I can be kinky like the best of them.” “AMANDA!” A firm yank on my wrist and Shannon has me down the hall, inside her office, sitting on a small loveseat, head between my knees, a lavender-filled eye pillow shoved under my nose. She’s holding a spritz bottle of water and I’m a little sca...

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)(27) Author: J.R. Ward Phury spoke up from the phone. "Wait, wait...is this to replace me?" Wrath shook his head even though the Brother couldn't see him. "It's to replace a lot of people we've lost." Conversation bubbled up like a can of Coke had just been cracked open. Butch, V, Z, Rhage all started talking at once until a tinny voice cut through the chatter: "I want to come back, too, then." Everyone looked at the phone-except for Wrath, who stared over at Z in order to gauge the guy's reaction. Zsadist had no trouble showing anger. Ever. But he hid concern and worry like the stuff was loose money and he was surrounded by muggers: As his twin's statement resonated, he was in full self-protection mode, tightening up, emitting absolutely nothing in terms of emotion. Ah, right, Wrath thought. The tough-skinned bastard was scared cockless. "You sure that's a good idea," Wra...

Beauty and the Billionaire: The Wedding (Billionaire Boys Club #6.5)(24) Author: Jessica Clare “It makes you awesome,” she said softly, smoothing a hand down the front of his shirt. “God, I love you. So this is the big secret? This kitchen and a private island?” At his nod, she gave an incredulous little laugh. “Why a private island?” “Because you need a vacation from all of this. The wedding, the cookbook—everything has stressed you out so much that I worry about you. So when I saw the island come up for sale, I thought it’d be perfect for us to have our own private getaway.” “But the house is private—” “Ah, but if I sweep you off to a tropical island, you’ll have no choice but to relax and lounge about in skimpy clothing.” Gretchen laughed again. “That is the most ridiculous and most wonderful thing I’ve ever heard.” She put her arms around his neck and pressed her breasts against his chest. “I can’t believe you kept all this from me and made me think the house had water damage...

Go Set a Watchman (To Kill a Mockingbird #2)(22) Author: Harper Lee She looked toward the far end of the room, and behind the railing that separated court from spectators, at a long table, sat her father, Henry Clinton, several men she knew only too well, and a man she did not know. At the end of the table, sitting like a great dropsical gray slug, was William Willoughby, the political symbol of everything her father and men like him despised. He’s the last of his kind, she thought. Atticus’d scarcely give him the time of day, and there he is at the same … William Willoughby was indeed the last of his kind, for a while, at least. He was bleeding slowly to death in the midst of abundance, for his life’s blood was poverty. Every county in the Deep South had a Willoughby, each so like the other that they constituted a category called He, the Great Big Man, the Little Man, allowing for minor territorial differences. He, or whatever his subjects called him, occupied the leading administ...

Lover Avenged (Black Dagger Brotherhood #7)(21) Author: J.R. Ward "Fine, honestly fine. He's sleeping again now." Lusie stepped out of the house and closed off the escaping heat from the kitchen. After two years, she was an achingly familiar figure, her boho clothes and her long salt-and-pepper hair comforting. As usual, she had her medicine bag in one hand and her big purse hanging off her opposite shoulder. Inside the medicine bag there was a standard-issue blood pressure cuff, a stethoscope, and some low-level medications-all of which Ehlena had seen put to use. Inside the purse there was the New York Times crossword puzzle, some Wrigley's spearmint gum she liked to chew, a wallet, and the peach lipstick she slipped across her lips on a regular basis. Ehlena knew about the crossword puzzle because Lusie and her dad did them together, the gum because of the wrappers that went into the trash, and the lipstick was self-evident. She was guessing on the wallet. ...

The Moneychangers(11) Author: Arthur Hailey "And you believe all this, and our Keycharge fraud losses, are linked?" "Let's say it's possible." "What's Security doing?" "As much as we can. Every lost or missing Keycharge card that turns fraudulent is being checked out and, where possible, tracked down. Recovered cards and fraud prosecutions have increased every month this year; you've had the figures in reports. But something like this needs a full-scale investigation and I don't have either staff or budget to handle it." Alex Vandervoort smiled ruefully. "I thought we'd get around to budget." He surmised what was coming next. He knew of the problems under which Nolan Wainwright labored. Wainwright, as a vice-president of First Mercantile American, was in charge of all security matters in the Headquarters Tower and at branches. lithe credit-card security division was only one of his responsibilities. In rece...

Go Set a Watchman (To Kill a Mockingbird #2)(29) Author: Harper Lee “Huh, you’ve been smoking,” she said. “Smell it a mile.” “Haven’t.” “Don’t see how you can play in the line anyway. You’re too skinny.” Jem smiled and declined her gambit. They’ve told him, she thought. Jem patted his M. “Old Never-Miss-’Em-Finch, that’s me. Caught seven out of ten this afternoon,” he said. He went to the table and picked up a football magazine, opened it, thumbed through it, and was thumbing through it again when he said: “Scout, if there’s ever anything that happens to you or something—you know—something you might not want to tell Atticus about—” “Huh?” “You know, if you get in trouble at school or anything—you just let me know. I’ll take care of you.” Jem sauntered from the livingroom, leaving Jean Louise wide-eyed and wondering if she were fully awake. 12 SUNLIGHT ROUSED HER. She looked at her watch. Five o’clock. Someone had covered her up during the night. She threw off the spread, pu...

Fair Game (Alpha & Omega #3)(9) Author: Patricia Briggs She could have smelled the spin-doctoring from orbit. Spin-doctoring wasn't lying, not precisely. David Christiansen's little group of mercenaries had a very good reputation among the people Leslie had talked to. They got the job done with minimal casualties on all sides and they were good at what they did. They didn't take jobs from the bad guys. Because of that, Leslie was keeping an open mind - but because she was naturally cautious, she also was keeping a pair of silver bullets (hastily purchased) loaded in her carry gun. The door opened behind her and she turned to see a young woman enter the room who looked like she should still be going to high school. Leslie felt that way all too often when she met the new recruits fresh from Quantico. The girl's light reddish brown hair was braided severely in an attempt to make her look older, but the effect wasn't enough to offset the freckles that burst acros...

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia #3)(4) Author: C.S. Lewis Caspian now showed them over the ship, though indeed they had seen most it already. They went up on the forecastle and saw the look-out man standing on a little shelf inside the gilded dragon's neck and peering through its open mouth. Inside the forecastle was the galley (or ship's kitchen) and quarters for such people as the boatswain, the carpenter, the cook and the master-archer. If you think it odd to have the galley in the bows and imagine the smoke from its chimney streaming back over the ship, that is because you are thinking of steamships where there is always a headwind. On a sailing ship the wind is coming from behind, and anything smelly is put as far forward as possible. They were taken up to the fighting top, and at first it was rather alarming to rock to and fro there and see the deck looking small and far away beneath. You realized that if you fell there was no particular reason why ...

The Hook Up (Game On #1)(3) Author: Kristen Callihan “Anna Jones.” Just her name. That was all she’d said. It was like a hot finger stroking down my spine. My head snapped up. And there she was, so f**king pretty that I couldn’t think straight. I might as well have been sacked. Breathless, my head ringing, I could only gape. I’m not going to say it was love at first sight. No, it was more like oh, hell-yes-please, I’ll have that. With a helping of right-the-fuck-now on the side. Thinking maybe I was overtired and simply overreacting to something that wasn’t really there, I stared at Anna Jones and tried to make sense of my extreme reaction. As if feeling my gaze, she’d turned, and f**king hell… Her eyes were wide, almost cat-like, with the corners tilting up just a bit. At first, those eyes appeared brown, but they were really bottle green. And so clear. And annoyed. She glared at me. I didn’t care. One word was playing a loop in my head: mine. I don’t remember the rest of the c...

Shock & Awe (Sidewinder #1)(13) Author: Abigail Roux “Nick.” “I’m serious, Kels. I don’t want to hurt you.” “Baby, I got two Percocet in me, I’m untouchable right now!” Kelly drawled, giving Nick’s arm a tug. Nick put a hand over his eyes. “Please don’t remind me that you lack clear decision-making skills right now.” “What?” “Percocet. That’s not what I meant and you know it.” “Is this about you and Aidan?” “No. Sort of. No,” Nick stammered. He ran his hand over his face. “I just, this feels dangerous to me, Doc.” “I know what this is,” Kelly grumbled. Nick laughed bitterly. “I doubt that, because even I don’t know what this is. So let’s just leave it at this and go take a walk.” Nick moved away, leaving Kelly leaning against the railing trying to catch his breath. “This is your fear of commitment cropping up, huh? Isn’t that usually like a fifth date thing for you?” Nick stopped short and turned to face him. “I call bullshit,” Kelly said. He crossed his arms over his...

Close to You (Fusion #2)(38) Author: Kristen Proby She’s adorable. We dance and simply soak it all in. And when the song “When I Was Your Man” begins to play, I pull her into my arms and we sway in the aisle, moving back and forth, and for this moment, we’re the only people in the room. She sighs and melts against me, her whole body pressed to me. I bury my face in her hair, kiss her softly, and then the song, and the moment, are over. “This is incredible!” Cami exclaims, smiling up at me. “Thank you!” “It’s my pleasure,” I reply. Everything with Cami is my pleasure. “SO HOW ARE your siblings?” I ask on Thursday night. Cami and I are in her kitchen, cleaning up from dinner. “I know you said Amanda and her family moved north. What about your brother? I haven’t seen him in years.” “They don’t live here anymore either,” she replies with a shrug. “Bobby and his wife moved to Arizona to be closer to her family.” “I always liked your brother,” I reply, watching her closely. “I’m ju...

Torn (Trylle #2)(36) Author: Amanda Hocking Chairs littered the rest of the room, most of them mismatched because they’d been pulled from other rooms to fill the space. Our mothers commanded the meetings, so Tove and I were always the first people in attendance. It worked to our advantage, and we hid in the back. The usual twenty or so attendees were here: Garrett Strom, Willa’s father and my mother’s possible boyfriend; the Chancellor, a pasty, overweight man who stared at me in a way that made my skin crawl; Noah Kroner, Tove’s ever-silent father; and a few other Markis, Marksinna, and trackers. Soon the room started filling up more than normal. People I’d never seen before filtered in, including a lot more trackers. None of the trackers took a seat, because that would have been impolite with limited seating. Duncan stood behind me, despite the fact that I told him to sit down three times. Willa burst in a few minutes before the meeting was set to start, and she pushed her way t...

Entrusted (Club Destiny #7)(26) Author: Nicole Edwards “Elijah,” she mumbled now. Logan recognized what was most definitely concern in her pretty green eyes. Forcing her back a little, he slid down into the hot water, his muscles singing with pleasure. Easing his way over to the reclining lounger, Logan pulled Sam with him. Once she was straddling him, he looked up at her. “Does it bother you?” she asked suddenly. “What? That you find Elijah attractive?” That was a given. Then again, the man was rather good looking, even in Logan’s very hetero opinion. The guy had class and elegance, all of the things that Sam seemed to find fascinating. “That and…” She let the sentence trail off. “That and you want him to join us?” Logan clarified. “Do you not want that?” When he started to answer her, Sam stopped him, her fingertips pressing against his lips. “Listen to me for a minute, please.” Logan didn’t try to speak, just nodded his head and watched her. “I’ve been thinking about thi...

The Suffragette Scandal (Brothers Sinister #4)(4) Author: Courtney Milan Signed, Another Man Dear Other Man, Why would you think my column a joke? A paper written by women, for women, and about women obviously needs a man to speak on its behalf. If it is a joke for men to speak on behalf of women, then our country, our laws, and our customs must all be jokes, too. Surely you are not so unpatriotic as to suggest that, sir. Yours in one-hundred-percent-certified seriousness, Stephen Shaughnessy Verified Man Ah, he was going to enjoy reading these. Edward flipped to the next page. This would be an excellent way to pass the time while he waited. Dear Man— The door to the room opened. Edward’s pulse leapt—this was, after all, the second reason he had paid this visit—but he did not move. He sat in the chair that had once belonged to his father and waited. “What is this?” The man in the doorway was just a silhouette, but his voice was achingly familiar. “How did you get in?” Edw...

Close to You (Fusion #2)(42) Author: Kristen Proby Now they’re laughing so hard that I wouldn’t be surprised if one or both of them has a stroke. “I’m so happy that my bloodshed is funny to you.” “Oh, baby,” Landon gasps, trying to gather himself. “I’m sorry. It’s just that it’s so horrible.” “Horribly funny,” Kat agrees, wiping tears from her cheeks. “Damn, my makeup is a mess.” “Yes, and my arms are a mess,” I say, which only makes them laugh more. “Seriously, it hurts.” I pout, but I have to bite my lips because I want to bust out into laughter with them, but now it’s the principle of it all. Jake and Max are onstage, singing one of their old hits, the restaurant is packed, and I’m back here with these two being ridiculed. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” Landon pulls me against him to give me a hug. “I should have gone with you.” “Why does he like you so much and not me? I feed him! I give him a place to live. I’m nice to the little bastard.” “He’s just temperamental,” Landon sa...

Close to You (Fusion #2)(45) Author: Kristen Proby “I’ve gotta take this.” I kiss Cami’s cheek and excuse myself. “Hello.” “Hey, Palazzo,” my old Navy buddy Ringo says. “Sorry, I know it’s Sunday, but my day is jammed tomorrow, so I thought I’d get a head start.” “No worries. What’s up?” “I spoke with Lucas last week, and he mentioned that you might be interested in a flight instructor position.” I take a deep breath and shove my hand through my hair. “I can’t fly.” My voice is flat, and the rage and sense of loss boils up the way it always does when I think about the fact that I’ll never pilot another plane. “Not in the air,” he clarifies. “I’d like you to teach in the classroom, and oversee the program up there for me. You’d be the boss, which you’re good at.” I frown. “You want me to stand in a classroom and bore the fuck out of people? If anything, I should be in the air.” “But you can’t be,” Ringo says softly. “You got a shitty deal, man. I’m just thankful that you’re oka...

Crash (Billionaire #2)(13) Author: Vanessa Waltz The executives? You mean, yourself? Nevertheless, my mouth watered. I always wanted to go to Italy. He smirked at me, knowing full well that he was dangling a fat, juicy carrot in front of my face. I snapped back to myself. “Why me? Seriously. I really doubt that you need employees you get along with.” He suddenly reached over and grasped my wrist. His thumb ran up and down, tracing my veins. “No, but I’d rather go with you.” I snatched it away, the huskiness in his voice making my face hot. “Don’t lie to me.” “Do you really think it’s that far-fetched that I might be attracted to you?” Yes, I thought to myself, but admitting that would be a bit pathetic. “I’m getting very mixed signals from you. You said you weren’t interested in me, now all of a sudden you want to go on a three week trip with me?” He looked at me, his eyes blazing. “You’re not my usual type, but I like the fact that you’re so open. You were so sad at the party....

Worth Dying For (Jack Reacher #15)(25) Author: Lee Child Or late. Mahmeini said, 'I should have received my items a week ago.' Safir couldn't speak. His mouth was dry. Mahmeini said, 'Please look at it from my point of view. Those items are already allocated, to certain people in certain places, for certain date-specific uses. If they are not delivered in time, I'll take a loss.' 'I'll make good,' Safir said. 'I know you will. That's the purpose of my call. We have much to discuss. Because my loss won't be a one-time thing. It will be ongoing. My reputation will be ruined. Why would my contacts trust me again? I'll lose their business for ever. Which means you'll have to compensate me for ever. In effect I will own you for the rest of your life. Do you see my point?' All Safir could say was, 'I believe the shipment is actually on its way, as of right now.' 'A week late.' 'I'm suffering too. An...

Torn (Trylle #2)(33) Author: Amanda Hocking “Princess?” Duncan waited at the open doors for me. “Is everything all right?” “Would you die to save me?” I asked him bluntly. “What?” “If I was in danger, would you be willing to die to protect me?” I asked. “Have other trackers done that before?” “Yes, of course.” Duncan nodded. “Many other trackers have given their lives in the name of the kingdom, and I’d be honored to do the same.” “Don’t.” I walked up to him. “If it ever comes down to a situation between me and you, save yourself. I’m not worth dying for.” “Princess, I—” “None of us are,” I said, looking at him seriously. “Not the Queen or any of the Markis or Marksinna. That’s a direct order from the Princess, and you have to follow it. Save yourself.” “I don’t understand.” Duncan’s whole face scrunched in confusion. “But … if it’s as you wish, Princess.” “It is. Thank you.” I smiled at him and walked into the palace. THIRTEEN captive The debris had been cleared from the...

Close to You (Fusion #2)(36) Author: Kristen Proby “I have oral skills I haven’t showed you yet,” I inform him as he shimmies his jeans down his hips and I take him in my hand firmly. “Don’t make me stop.” “Oh, honey, I’m not going to make you stop.” “I mean, when you’re close, don’t make me stop. I want to taste you.” “Fuck me,” he groans as I sink down on him, just taking the head in my mouth and running my tongue over the tip, then around the rim. I watch him bite his lip and throw his head back as I sink farther and swallow around him, massaging him with my mouth. Oral sex is empowering. I love watching his face as awe, surprise, and pure unadulterated lust wash through him. His hips begin to move, slow at first, then picking up their rhythm as he fucks my mouth. I slip one hand under his balls, massaging gently, and rubbing my finger over the sensitive skin beneath, while my other hand continues to jack him and I suck him. His hands dive into my hair, but he doesn’t force m...

Uncaged (Corps Security #3.5)(13) Author: Harper Sloan I drop the phone, hearing it shatter against the sidewalk, and it isn’t until I’m sitting in Axel’s truck while he speeds down the interstate that I realize those terrifying wails I hear are coming from me. Chapter 8 – Melissa – Two Hours Earlier I hate that Greg won’t be with me for the shower.  I know he said that he would try his best, but knowing why he got called in is making me crazier.  Or I should say who is behind the reason he was called in. Everyone knows how that terrible Mrs. Hutchins is.  She has her sights on all the men at Corps Security.  I wouldn’t even be shocked if she has tried to get some action from openly gay Davey.  Greg’s told me over and over how frustrating she is, and I know he’ll be there longer than he wishes. I don’t pretend to understand why they keep her on as a client, but I trust my husband, so I’ll give him the support he needs, even if I wish he were by my side righ...

Torn (Trylle #2)(28) Author: Amanda Hocking “I think it’s nice.” I understood what she meant, but it was still a beautiful room. All the glass gave it a sleek yet opulent feel. “Your ‘friend’ is staying with us.” She chose her words carefully and walked over to the throne. She ran her fingers along the arms much the same way I had, letting her black manicured nails linger on the details. “My friend?” “Yes. The … boy. Matt, is it?” Elora lifted her head, meeting my eyes to see if she was correct. “You mean my brother,” I said deliberately. “Don’t call him that. Think of him however you’d like, but if someone hears you say that…” She trailed off. “How long will he be staying with us?” “Until I feel it’s safe for him to leave.” I stood up straighter, steeling myself for another fight, but she didn’t say anything. She simply nodded once and looked out the window. “You’re not gonna try to stop me?” “I’ve been Queen for a while, Princess.” She smiled thinly at me. “I know how to pic...

Torn (Trylle #2)(30) Author: Amanda Hocking The overcast sky and the chill in the air didn’t help bring out the color, though. Even the leaves, which had turned golden and red, appeared faded as they littered the yard around Finn’s house. Now that I was here, I wasn’t sure what I should do. I wrapped my arms around myself and swallowed hard. Did I go knock on the door? What did I even have to say to him? He left. He made his choice, and I already knew that. I looked toward the palace, deciding it might be better if I went home without seeing Finn. A woman’s voice stopped me, though, and I turned to Finn’s house. “I’ve already fed you,” a woman was telling the goats. She walked through the pasture, coming from the small barn on the far side of the field. Her worn dress dragged on the ground, so the hem was filthy. A dark cloak hung over her shoulders, and her brown hair had been pulled up in two tight buns. The goats swarmed around her, begging for a handout, and she’d been too bu...

Infatuation (Club Destiny #4)(30) Author: Nicole Edwards That wasn’t an option at Club Destiny, and the members were informed of that, prior to committing. And, due to the fact that they had invited McKenna, an email blast had been sent out to all members advising of her presence. Had Tag not insisted on the very rigid confidentiality clause in the contract she signed, he would’ve been a little worried. Even if he did trust her. Although, he wasn’t quite sure yet why that was. “The food should be here any minute.” Tag stood, holding out his hand for McKenna, helping her up from the floor. Having a beautiful, naked woman in front of him was not a foreign concept to Tag, but not touching her was. And in this case, this particular woman was making it damn difficult to remember the stipulations he had insisted upon. The subtle sound of his phone ringing broke the intimacy lingering between them, and Tag reached into his pocket and retrieved it. “Murphy,” he answered, recognizing the ...

Close to You (Fusion #2)(39) Author: Kristen Proby I want to bury my face there and breathe her in. I rub my chest as I walk out of the house and down to my car. It aches. I’m in love with her. I can’t imagine my life without her in it. She’s it for me. And this isn’t just a childish crush. It’s the real thing. Holy fuck, I’m in love with her. Now I have to figure out a way to tell her without scaring the shit out of her. Chapter 11 ~Cami~ “Seriously,” Riley says, her eyes glued to the TV, “Stephan makes my insides tingle.” “Your insides?” I giggle and sit back, giving Scoot room to jump onto my lap, give me the stink eye to make sure I don’t dare try to pet him, then settle in to sleep. “Are we fourteen? Your girlie parts are tingling?” “Stop judging me,” she replies. “You know what I mean.” “We really should go to a Comic Con sometime. They are always there.” “Why haven’t we done that?” she asks as Landon walks back into the house, carrying a bag. “I have several kinds...

First Touch (First and Last #1)(14) Author: Laurelin Paige I swallowed. It had to be coincidental. “Mob guys can hate child molesters too.” “Not denying that. But supposedly Nick didn’t even know James Pries was a sex offender. So why was a mafia guy taking a hit out on a child predator?” Even though the thought had already taken up residence in my mind, I wasn’t ready to believe it. “There could be a hundred reasons. Maybe they fought over toilet paper. Maybe James fought back when Nick was making him his bitch. This probably has nothing at all to do with Amber.” “Maybe.” Joe’s tone said he didn’t believe that for a second. “It’s just interesting considering the last man she was seen spending time with was Reeve Sallis, who also has mob ties.” “Rumored mob ties.” Jesus, even to myself I sounded defensive. “Yeah, yeah, ‘rumored.’” He was quiet for several seconds. “I just can’t get that picture out of my mind, the one of Sallis with Vilanakis. Not many people can get that close ...

Wife in Public(34) Author: Emma Darcy She glared at him. ‘I’m not a trophy woman, remember? It’s not me.’ She looked down at the ring on her finger, beginning to feel uncomfortable about that, too. He put his hand over it to prevent her from taking it off. ‘You’re going to be my wife, Ivy. This ring is part and parcel of that position. I want you to have it. Okay?’ He spoke with soft persuasion but there was inflexible purpose in his eyes, demanding that she surrender to his will on this issue. She heaved a sigh to ease the tightness in her chest and nodded. ‘Okay to the ring. But not to you buying me anything else.’ She was absolutely inflexible herself on that point. The memory of yesterday’s encounter in the Double Bay boutique was too fresh to forget. No way would she invite rotten assumptions to be made about her. He raised his hand to gently stroke her cheek, which was burning with the ferocity of her feeling. ‘You’re more than good enough for me and I hope you never change,...

Fair Game (Alpha & Omega #3)(23) Author: Patricia Briggs "Intimidating." She nodded again. "He was playing muscle, I think. But she didn't treat him that way." Why did she think that? "He came in late with coffee for all of us - she'd sent him out so she could explain to us how to make the matter easier for him." "To keep everyone safe?" Leslie shook her head. "She said so, but I got the distinct impression she was a lot more worried about him than she was any of us. It was the standard stuff - don't meet his eyes if you can help it. No aggressive moves. The only new thing was that we weren't supposed to try to touch her at all. I expected a wild-eyed maniac, and the man who came in was tight, controlled, and at ease. He looked like he conducted meetings with the federal government every day of his life." "And that made you think he was running the show behind the scenes?" "No. That's not al...

Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (Halo #4) Author: Eric S. Nylund Halo series Book Halo #1: The Fall of Reach Halo #2: The Flood Halo #3: First Strike Halo #4: Ghosts of Onyx Halo #5: Contact Harvest Halo #6: The Cole Protocol Halo #7: Cryptum Halo #8: Glasslands Halo #9: Primordium Halo #10: The Thursday War Halo #11: Silentium Halo: Evolutions, Vol. 1 PROLOGUE BETA COMPANY'S VICTORY AT PEGASI DELTA 1135 HOURS, JULY 3, 2545 (MILITARY CALENDAR) \ 51 PEGASI-B SYSTEM, TARGET AREA APACHE, PLANET PEGASI DELTA The orbital pod impacted, and metal wrenched and sparked. Inside his cocoon of titanium, lead foil, and stealth ablative coating, SPARTAN-B292 watched black stars explode across his vision, he tasted blood in his mouth, and the last air compressed from his lungs. Tom's training kicked in: he pulled the pod's twisted frame apart and blinked in the bright blue sunlight. Something was wrong. 85 Pegasi-914A was supposed to be a faint yellow sun. This was electric blue—boiling pl...

Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia #2)(9) Author: C.S. Lewis "Your horse had taken flight long before we found you," said the first voice - a curiously husky, earthy voice, as Caspian now noticed. "Now don't let it talk you round with its pretty words," said the second voice. "I still say - " "Horns and halibuts!" exclaimed the third voice. "Of course we're not going to murder it. For shame, Nikabrik. What do you say, Trufflehunter? What shall we do with it?" "I shall give it a drink," said the first voice, presumably Trufflehunter's. A dark shape approached the bed. Caspian felt an arm slipped gently under his shoulders - if it was exactly an arm. The shape somehow seemed wrong. The face that bent towards him seemed wrong too. He got the impression that it was very hairy and very long nosed, and there were odd white patches on each side of it. "It's a mask of some sort," thought Caspian. ...

Fair Game (Alpha & Omega #3)(16) Author: Patricia Briggs "That I've seen." There was a growing tightness in Goldstein's shoulders, and an eagerness in his scent that told Brother Wolf that Goldstein was thinking, adding this to all of the bits and pieces he knew about the killer, trying to see how this changed the big picture. Charles considered the repercussions of a serial killer who hunted fae. Surely the Gray Lords would have noticed that someone was killing their people? But they were not Bran, who protected and loved his wolves. If a fae who was not powerful and kept his head down for safety died, would the Gray Lords who ruled the fae even notice? And if they did notice, would they do anything? "Could the killer be a fae?" That was from Pat, the Cantrip agent. "If he's been killing since 1975 and he was human, he'd be using a wheelchair by now." Agent Fisher frowned. "I know an eighty-year-old man who could take you wi...

Billionaire Bondage (My Billionaire Boss #3)(4) Author: Emily Cantore The instant I thought of this, the solution came. I stepped out of my flats and pulled my dress off, dropping it on the grass. Let's see how he deals with this. I turned away from the satyr and nymph and walked down a long passage of green. At every step the plug and egg increased in intensity. I could see a red roof ahead, rising above the hedge and I knew I was going the right way. But I had to get their fast. Already I was moaning under my breath. I stopped at the final corner and took a deep breath. I couldn't let him see what he had done to me. With waves of pleasure running up and down my body I strolled around the corner like I was just out for an afternoon walk. In the centre of the maze was a large pagoda with a circular bed sitting beneath it. Standing in front of it was Jackson Stone, fully dressed, waiting for me. As soon as I walked out I saw that hungry look come over his face. I was hopi...

Blood Song (Raven's Shadow #1)(40) Author: Anthony Ryan He turned and made for the Keep followed by the Tower Lord but the others lingered a moment. Hera Drakil gave them all a long look, his eyes moving from Dentos slumped in Barkus’s arms to Caenis’s blood smeared nose and Nortah’s sagging form, his unreadable expression turning into recognisable disgust. “Il Lonakhim hearin mar durolin,” he said sadly and walked away. The girl, Dahrena, seemed embarrassed by the words and gave them a brief glance of farewell before turning to follow. “What did he say?” Vaelin asked, making her pause. She hesitated and he wondered if she would plead ignorance of the Seordah language but he knew she had understood the words. “He said ‘The Lonak treat their dogs better.’” “And do they?” Her mouth tightened a little and he saw a frown of anger before she turned away. “I expect so.” Nortah’s head lolled back and he grinned at Vaelin. “She’s pretty,” he said before finally passing out. “So ho...

Ready for You (Ready #3)(29) Author: J.L. Berg Her eyes became watery, and she pushed away the tears with her sleeve. “I visited my parents today.” That was the last thing I’d expected. As we entered the hotel and made our way to the elevator, I tried to come up with a reply. “They live here?” She nodded. “Yes, they moved here after I left…Richmond.” I had a feeling she had been about to say, after I left you, but I didn’t press. “Okay, so you visited your parents. Please explain to me further, so I can understand,” I pleaded. The elevator dinged, and we stepped out onto our floor. She fished out her key card, and I waited. She unlocked her room and stepped inside, and then I followed her inside. Our conversation wasn’t over. I closed the door behind me, and she turned, becoming aware of the very small space between us. “I haven’t seen them in eight years,” she said. “Eight years, Mia? Why?” I searched her face for answers, but she wasn’t giving any. “I wasn’t perfect anymo...

Legally Wed (Lawyers in Love #3.1)(24) Author: N.M. Silber “I know. I was thinking that too.” I smiled. “Even if we missed all those chances before, at least we’ll never miss another one.” He leaned down and kissed me, a soft, delicious cinnamon Tic Tac kiss that became a sensual, sexy, spicy kiss. We made out for a long time, occasionally whispering either very loving or very dirty things in each other’s ears. “Are you sure you won’t be too tired to show me a good time tonight?” I teased, smiling and sucking gently on his neck. “After a week? You must be kidding,” he said biting my earlobe. “Besides, didn’t you look at the pictures of the room? I’m going to play desert sheik and harem girl with you.” “Let’s save that for our wedding night.” I giggled with anticipation. “I’ve been taking those belly dancing lessons and I bought an outfit to wear so I could dance for you then.” “Oh my God. That’s better than Princess Leia and the gold bikini.” It wasn’t all banter, though. We al...

Cover of Night(36) Author: Linda Howard "What's the name on the credit card?" "The name he gave me was Harold Mellor, hi it I know it wasn't the same man who was here today; their voices were completely different." "Have you run the charge through yet?" "Yes, and it went through." "It could still be a fake card. That's something we can check, though. Did you get their license plate number?" "No." Writing down tag numbers wasn't something she normally did when a guest checked in - though she thought she might start. "And they left without harming anyone after you gave them Layton's things?" "That's right. They didn't harm anyone." Calvin made a motion that said he wanted to speak to Marbury. Cate raised her eyebrows in question, silently asking if he was certain, and he nodded. "Hold on," she said to Marbury. "Mr. Harris wants to speak to you. This is Inve...

Small Wars (Jack Reacher #19.5)(7) Author: Lee Child There was plenty of scope for a threat assessment. Neagley pretended to see the broken-down vehicle, and lifted off and coasted, and she could have stopped two hundred yards out, or a hundred, or fifty, or wherever she wanted. She came to rest right where Ellsbury said it happened. There was nothing to see. The mud was dull and flat and uniform, lightly pocked by rain spatter. But the marks in the photographs had told the story. A vehicle had been parked right there, across the not-quite two traffic lanes, and a guy had gotten out and waited near the front, probably pretending to look under the hood. They all got out, making fresh marks in the mud, deep and oozing where it was thick, and spongy and blotted where it wasn’t. The air smelled of rain and sun and earth and pine. Reacher looked back, and looked ahead. He said, “OK, I’ve seen enough.” Then he looked ahead again. A car was coming. Black and white. A cop car. State Poli...

Once upon a Billionaire (Billionaire Boys Club #4)(39) Author: Jessica Clare His hand tightened on the fingers that lay on his sleeve. “Everything all right?” “I didn’t expect to see so many people.” He did. But that wouldn’t make her feel better, so he simply patted her hand. “I’ll help you find my mother’s equerry.” “What’s an equerry again?” she asked as they descended the stairs into the ballroom. “It’s a word that the royal family uses for personal assistant,” Griffin said in a dry voice. “But my mother would never be so common as to use an assistant.” He heard Maylee stifle a giggle. If she could laugh, she’d be okay. He knew she was incredibly nervous—hell, this wasn’t fun for him, either—but he doubted he was feeling the same levels of panic that were written across her face. A visiting dignitary nodded at Griffin as he passed by, followed by a Hollywood actress. The royal family was nowhere to be found. Damn it all, where were those cowards hiding? If he had to be out ...