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Detective(34) Author: Arthur Hailey Then, remarkably almost incredibly what had been feared did not happen; the information dam held. The media, including national newspapers and network TV, gave prominence to the grisly crime and concentrated on the fact that an apparent serial killer had finally been caught. Another factor helped. Young Ivan Tempone, who, as one news writer put it, "courageously summoned police at the risk of attracting the murderer's attention and being killed himself," became an instant folk hero. There was neither air time nor column inches for much more. During it all, quietly and behind the scenes, penalties against the officers involved in what was privately described as "the homicide that shouldn't have" were being debated. Because of potential public-relations damage if the truth should ever emerge, the discussion went as high as the chief of police. Final decisions, though, were left to Major Mark Figueras, commander of the Cri...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(38) Author: Amanda Hocking “Sorry. I’ll talk to you later.” And with that, I was out the door. I should’ve said more, but I couldn’t even wait for the elevator today. I pushed the call button, and when the doors didn’t immediately open, I ran down the stairs. Even in the rush I had been in, Jack had still managed to beat me outside. He’d driven the Jeep, and I practically dove into it. I looked at him expectantly, and he just smiled grimly at me. “What happened?” I demanded as we pulled away from my apartment building. “And a ‘how do you do’ to you too,” Jack replied dryly. “Jack!” “Sorry.” He stared out straight ahead but kept taking sidelong glances at me. “So… last night, after you left… Peter left.” “What do you mean left?” My heart had already started pounding and my stomach twisted in knots, and Jack just groaned. “Jack? Where’d he go? Why’d he leave? Because of me?” “You have to calm down,” Jack sighed. “This is why I didn’t do ...

Inferno (Robert Langdon #4)(36) Author: Dan Brown Langdon’s jaw tightened as he watched the chopper streak off in the direction from which it had appeared—the Porta Romana and the Art Institute. “I don’t know what you did,” Sienna said, “but some powerful people are clearly very eager to find you.” The helicopter banked yet again and began a slow pass along the perimeter wall they had just jumped. “Someone at the Art Institute must have seen us and said something,” Sienna said, heading down the path. “We’ve got to get out of here. Now.” As the drone buzzed away toward the far end of the gardens, Langdon used his foot to erase the letters he’d written on the pathway and then hurried after Sienna. His mind swirled with thoughts of cerca trova, the Giorgio Vasari mural, as well as with Sienna’s revelation that Langdon must have already deciphered the projector’s message. Seek and ye shall find. Suddenly, just as they entered a second glade, a startling thought hit Langdon. He skidd...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(35) Author: Amanda Hocking “And who is this?” Mae turned her attention to Milo. Just looking at her made his anxiety disappear, and he returned her open smile. “I’m Milo, Alice’s brother.” He looked a little embarrassed by the look she was giving him, and I knew the feeling. She reached out and touched his face gently (his chubby cheeks were hard to resist) and grinned warmly. “I’m Mae, Ezra’s wife. You’re so much cuter than I’d thought you’d be.” “Thanks?” Milo replied unsurely. “Have you had a tour of the house yet?” Mae had already started looping her arm through his, and she’d missed her calling as a real estate agent. Milo shook his head no, and she laughed a little. With that, she led him away on a tour. As soon as they were out of earshot, I turned to Jack and hissed, “What the hell happened?” “You tell me,” Jack countered evenly, and I might have overestimated how much he knew. “You have an idea of what happened, don’t you?” I a...

Rock Hard (Sinners on Tour #2)(26) Author: Olivia Cunning Jessica’s nostrils flared. “I’ll pay you later,” Sed promised. “Go away now.” The attendant nodded and disappeared around the corner. “I really hate your fans sometimes.” Jessica noticed they were entirely alone now. All the other tourists had left. “If someone else had caught us, we’d have to leave.” “Good point.” He untied the string at the back of her neck and pushed down her bodice to expose her br**sts. “I’ve been wanting to do that since we left the bus.” He lowered his head and sucked her breast into his mouth, his tongue working against her rigid nipple. Her free hand moved to the soft, short hair on the back of his head, while her other hand slowly stroked the length of his cock. He released her aching breast from his mouth. “Grab hold of the fence behind you.” The fence? What did he have in mind? She lifted her hands over her head and held onto the thick chain-link wire fencing with both hands. “Like this?” ...

Detective(31) Author: Arthur Hailey * * * Prieto Fast Delivery and Porky's Trucking were similarly cooperative, and the four combined visits revealed other facets of Doil's character, including the fact that he disliked regular work. When he felt like working, probably because he needed money, he would phone one of the companies, and if work was available, he was taken on temporarily. He was obviously smart enough not to cheat or steal at any of those places, but he clearly could not control his turbulent, aggressive nature. For Ruby Bowe, the next step was to compare the information with dates of the various killings. Back at her desk at Homicide, Bowe dealt with the outof-Miami murders first. On March 12, Hal and Mabel Larsen were murdered in Clearwater, 260 miles northwest of Miami. On that same day, while working for Overland Trucking, Elroy Doil drove a tractor-trailer load of furniture from Miami to Clearwater, where, according to a driving log and expense record, he...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(34) Author: Amanda Hocking “I don’t hate you.” He looked embarrassed and lowered his eyes. I had an awful pain at not being able to see into his eyes, but it came with some relief, as I’d be able to think a bit more clearly. “Then why do you act like you do?” I pressed. What the hell was I doing? I was normally an absolute coward, and now at the worst possible moment, I suddenly decided to be brave and corner this amazingly stunning man into hating me. He had said he didn’t, but after I shamed and irritated him like this, I’m sure he would. “I don’t know.” He looked up, staring straight ahead, but he wasn’t really looking at anything. His beautiful features stiffened to a painful mask. “You want to hate me, though.” My voice was almost inaudible, but he’d heard me. I’d thought I hadn’t had the strength to speak, but the words kept relentlessly tumbling out. “That’s not exactly true.” His face softened again, and he turned to look at me. ...

Frostfire (Kanin Chronicles #1)(32) Author: Amanda Hocking As the song ended, Linus politely extracted himself from the arms of a lovely but clingy Marksinna in her early teens, and he came over to where I was standing with Ember and Tilda. His cheeks were flushed, but he had a goofy, lopsided grin plastered on his face. “How are you doing?” I asked Linus as he reached us. “Good. I mean, I think I am.” He ran a hand through his dark hair and his smile turned sheepish. “Did I seem to be making any mistakes?” “No, you look like you’re doing really good,” I assured him. “Are you having a nice time?” “Yeah. It’s a little weird dancing with so many strangers, especially when I’ve never been that into dancing, but most of the people are nice.” He glanced back toward where his parents were seated at a table. “And my parents seem really proud.” “They are,” I said. Linus turned back to me, his eyes twinkling. “Are you having fun? You look kinda left out here on the sidelines.” “I’m hav...

Detective(24) Author: Arthur Hailey Andrews prompted, "And broke down the door?" She nodded. "He stormed right in like a crazed dog, his click hanging out, and swinging a knife." Thurston said, "And that's when you shot him?" "No. I didn't have the gun then, so I gave him a karate kick. He dropped the knife." "You do karate?" "Black belt. I let him have it to the head and torso and he went down. Then I got the gun and shot him." "Where was the gun?" "In another room. My bedroom, in a drawer." Thurston was startled. "You mean you already had the guy down, but you still got a gun and shot him emptied it into him six shots?" The woman hesitated. "Well, I wanted the shit to stay down. He had the knife and was wriggling around. That's why, even after I shot him, I kicked him in the head some." It explained the sounds light footsteps and thuds that both detectives had h...

Detective(27) Author: Arthur Hailey The first dispatcher replied, "Sir, we are on the way. Have the suspects left?" "Yes, they jumped into their car a gray Buick Century. There were three of them. They all had guns. They really shot up the policemen. They look dead." "Okay, sir. Try to calm down. We need your help." Another dispatcher had turned switches, opening the way for a BOLO. It would reach all county and state police and every other law enforcement agency. The call was preceded by a five-second loud continuous tone, signaling its importance and priority. The tone and message following would override all other transmissions everywhere. "Attention all units. A three-two-nine just occurred at Coral Way and Thirty-second Avenue, Barnett Bank. There are reports of at least two officers down. Suspects left the scene in a gray Buick Century." The number "three" in the message indicated emergency; the "two-nine" was a s...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(31) Author: Amanda Hocking But then, how exactly would I go about becoming one of them? And why would they even want me to? Just what the hell did he even mean by “one of them?” One of them what? By the time I got out of the shower, I had used up all the hot water. I muttered an apology to Milo, but he shrugged and said he didn’t mind cold showers. Going to school had never seemed so much like a chore, but at least it was Friday. I could stay out as late as I wanted tonight, and I would spend every second of the night interrogating Jack if that’s what it took. I wouldn’t stop until he told me everything. The day went by surprisingly fast, but that was in a large part because I slept my first three hours. Over my lunch break, I text messaged Jack and asked him when we were going to hang out. Even though he usually responded to me within seconds, he didn’t this time, but that’s what I had mostly expected since he stayed up all hours of the n...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(28) Author: Amanda Hocking Matilda had followed him over to where he sat crouched on the floor, putting the game in the player and hooking up the wireless guitar controllers. She shoved her nose right in his hair, drooling over it, but he didn’t seem to really mind or notice. “Like once, at a friend’s house,” I said. Jane had been making out with a guy the entire time, while I sat downstairs in the living room and played Guitar Hero with his nine-year-old brother. It had been a hoot. “It’s really awesome,” Jack said. “I don’t know why you’re making the poor girl play with you,” Peter said. For once, he didn’t sound angry or irritated, and I think he was almost coming to my defense. “You’re going to completely slaughter her.” “I am the greatest Guitar Hero player of all time.” Jack was insanely proud of this accomplishment, and why wouldn’t he be? He had amazing talents that he downplayed constantly, but he was really, really good at a vide...

Cryptic Cravings (Vampire Kisses #8)(28) Author: Ellen Schreiber He held out the necklace he must have gotten from my pocket when he kissed me. The key swung back and forth like a medal. "Monster Girl," he whispered. "No - " I said. "No!!!" I awoke with a jolt to find Nightmare pawing at my shirt. I sat up. I could barely breathe. Nightmare jumped back, startled. Stunned, I reached out and grabbed my cat. "It's just you pawing at me. Not that monster." I cuddled my cat. Both our hearts were racing. "I had a horrible nightmare, Nightmare. And not the good kind." I got up, went to the bathroom and splashed water on my face, and tried to calm myself with a cup of water. I switched the light on and hopped back into bed, put Nightmare on the pillow next to me, and pulled the covers over my head. It was the first time I ever remember sleeping with the light on. The following morning, when Becky and I were walking to our lockers, I co...

Detective(12) Author: Arthur Hailey The computer did not take long to provide an answer. The New York prints matched those from 805. Sylvia Walden sighed. "Not good news, I'm afraid, Bernie.'' She explained that the only fingerprints she had found at the murder scene proved to be from the dead victims, a hotel maid, and now the room's previous occupant. Quinn ran his fingers through his tousled hair and grunted unhappily. There were days when he felt his retirement could not come soon enough. "I'm not too surprised about the prints," Walden said. "I noticed some smudges in places where there might have been fingerprints smudges that latex gloves leave. I'm pretty sure the killer wore them. I do have something, though." Quinn's brows shot up. "What?" "An unidentified palm print. It's only a partial, but it doesn't match palm prints from any of those people whose fingerprints we've identified I asked f...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(24) Author: Amanda Hocking “I mean, you figured out that I was gay.” Milo spoke quietly and kept his eyes down, so I knew it was still something that was uncomfortable for him to talk about. “When did you know?” I pulled my plate back over to me, but I just pushed the food around. I was too full to eat, but when I felt awkward, I wanted to keep my hands busy with something, and this was better than biting my nails. “I don’t know.” He sighed a little, and I wondered if I should change the subject, but then he went on. “I suspected for… ever, I guess. I mean, as soon as I learned what gay was, I thought, ‘maybe.’ But really, it was when I met Jack.” He blushed deeply, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor. “I’d just never been so attracted to anyone like that before.” “Yeah, Jack does that.” I had meant to comfort him with that statement, but I ended up sounding exasperated. “But you’re not attracted to him.” Milo looked up at me, looking both...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(27) Author: Amanda Hocking “Peter,” another voice boomed. His voice was deeper than Jack’s or Peter’s, and it resonated in a way that made me flush warmly. He was disapproving, and I knew that if I had been on the receiving end of his disproval, I’d probably faint. “Sorry,” Peter grumbled. “That’s Ezra,” Mae told me, smiling proudly just at the mention of her husband. Jack finally put down Matilda, who had completely saturated his face in slobber, and she bounded away. Mae looped her arm in mine, and I knew she would revel introducing me to Ezra, so I let her lead me into the next room. “He’s really not scary at all,” Jack reassured me as he wiped dog slobber of his face with the back of his arm. Then we walked into the living room, and as soon as I saw him, all my fears melted away. My very first thought was that he looked like an angel. He was taller than Jack and Peter, but he didn’t seem to tower over anyone. As I had suspected, he w...

Detective(21) Author: Arthur Hailey Cynthia apparently had no such scruples. As Cynthia's superior, Ainslie had suspected that some of her investigative successes might be morally questionable. But nothing came to his direct attention, and his questions about her rumored freewheeling methods produced strong denials from Cynthia, and once indignation. One matter did surface, though, in a way he could not overlook. It concerned a con artist and thief named Val Castellon, recently released from prison on parole. Cynthia was lead investigator in a murder, and while Castellon was in no way a suspect, it was believed he might have information about another ex-con who was. Brought in for interrogation, Castellon denied any such knowledge, and Ainslie was inclined to believe him. Cynthia did not. In a subsequent private session with Castellon, Cynthia threatened to plant drugs on him if he failed to testify for her, then have him arrested, in which case his parole would be revoked and ...

Detective(22) Author: Arthur Hailey All of this brought her to the attention of Police Chief Farrell Ketledge, and when Cynthia's department head died unexpectedly, the chief appointed her to take over. At the same time, because of the prominence and increasing importance of Community Relations, Chief Ketledge decided it should be headed by a police major. Thus Cynthia attained that senior rank without ever having been a captain. Meanwhile, Ainslie was still a sergeant, to some extent penalized by the fact that he was a white male at a time when affirmative-action promotions of minorities and women were disproportionately and many thought unfairly large. However, he had passed the examination for lieutenant with distinction and expected to move up soon. From a practical point of view, a promotion would increase his annual sergeant's salary of $52,000 by a welcome $10,400. With financial pressures eased, he and Karen would be able to travel more, go to more concerts they lov...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(18) Author: Amanda Hocking “What exactly are you accusing me of?” I slammed my locker door shut. He let his hands fall to the sides, looking startled. “Even if I am dating Jack, so what? I can do that. There’s nothing wrong with being friends with him or dating him or whatever it is I decide to do with him. He’s a nice guy and it’s a perfectly reasonable thing to do.” “Whatever you say,” Milo said, but he wasn’t as confident or angry. “Milo, this is stupid.” I readjusted the strap over my shoulder and looked at him softly. “I get it, okay? I saw the way that you looked at Jack.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He flushed and averted his eyes, shifting uncomfortably. Outing him in the middle of the hall at school probably wasn’t the best idea, but I just couldn’t take his indifference to me anymore. He normally told me everything, and it looked like he wasn’t going to talk to me about this unless I got the ball rolling. “It’s oka...

Pretending He's Mine (Caught Up In Love #2)(13) Author: Lauren Blakely What the hell was that? She was treating him like a guy treats a girl he doesn’t want to see again. Thanks, here’s a cab, now get out of my face. He didn’t like that. He didn’t want the brush-off. He wanted to be seen again, called again, texted again. He wanted a second date with her, dammit. Except it wasn’t a real date. But even with her hot-and-cold routine, he couldn’t stop thinking of the way she wriggled in that chair, how she’d spread her legs without a second thought, how she’d done everything to stifle the scream of his name when he brought her to release. God, he wanted to do that to her again. She was so receptive, so willing, so damn eager to be touched. He loved the way she responded to him, the way she became a different Sutton when he touched her. That’s what he thought of, as he pressed one palm against the tiles, leaning into the hot stream, his other hand bringing him all the way back to...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(21) Author: Amanda Hocking “Peter’s upstairs being a crab,” Mae told Jack dramatically. “Oh,” Jack replied knowingly and exchanged a look with Mae that I couldn’t read. She just bit her lip and shrugged, then hugged me a little tighter. “Peter is such a jackass.” “Oh, he is not.” Mae had taken to stroking my hair gently, and that alleviated some of my tension and shame. “Peter!” Jack shouted up at the stairs at him. “I am reading a book!” Peter growled down. “Peter!” Jack shouted again, growing more irritated. “I am reading, Jack!” Peter responded, and I winced at the anger in his words. “Jack.” Mae shot him a look. “Let him be.” “Whatever.” He relented, but he didn’t look happy about it. Then he turned his attention to me and smiled. “So, Alice, wanna have some fun?” “Sure?” I replied hesitantly. His eyes had a mischievous glint, and I hadn’t decided whether or not I should trust it. “Hot tub!” “I don’t have a suit.” This was true,...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(17) Author: Amanda Hocking “Okay, yeah, but you don’t have a normal human temperature.” “Are you like a walking thermometer?” Jack started the car and looked over at me. “Where are we going?” I asked, ignoring his question. “I’m taking you home,” he said, then added, “Just for the night. I’ll see you tomorrow. But you’ve had a long enough night, and you have school in the morning.” “You still need to go to the hospital,” I pointed out. “The bite broke the skin. You need a rabies shot.” “I do not.” He started to pull out of the parking lot and turned on the stereo, but kept it low so we could talk. “Look, I know the wounds aren’t very big, but if any of his saliva mixes with your blood, you can get rabies,” I said. “I read this book by Chuck Palahniuk all about rabies, so I’m almost nearly an expert. It’s even sexually transmitted.” “Well, luckily for you-” (at that point he stopped to wink at me, but I just rolled my eyes) “-I do not ha...

I Married a Master(7) Author: Melanie Marchande "Okay," said Maddy, leaning across the table a little. "Now, stop me if you're not interested in part-time work at all...but didn't you study early childhood development for a while?" I nodded. "Yeah, I almost finished my degree. Why?" It took a second for the realization to kick in. Shit, I needed more caffeine. "I really need some help," she said, that edge of desperation showing in her eyes again. "And in spite of what I saw you do on the trampoline at that one frat party, I actually trust you." "That's unwise," I said, grinning. "But seriously, if you think Daniel will be okay with it..." "Oh, he'll be fine." She nodded firmly. "You give off a good vibe. He likes no-nonsense people. And you'd still have time to audition - I'm thinking maybe three days a week? Just so I can get out of the house, get to yoga, do some galle...

Detective(15) Author: Arthur Hailey Detective Bowe answered, "No, sir. I don't think so." Her voice was nervous but controlled. She held a paper in her hand. "This had better be good." Newbold's annoyance was clear. "You said three double murders, sir." "So? You questioning my arithmetic?" "Not exactly, sir." Ruby raised the paper in her hand; she glanced toward the others. "No one is going to like this, but you'd better make it four." "Four! What do you mean?" It was Ainslie, seated opposite, who asked quietly, "What have you found, Ruby?" She shot him a grateful glance, then returned to Newbold. "Couple of days ago, sir, you were worried about the size of the Tomorrow Pile. You asked me to work on it." There were smiles at the reference to the Tomorrow Pile, Quinn's droll name for the perpetual inflow and accumulation of official paper. Newbold acknowledged, "Yes,...

Detective(2) Author: Arthur Hailey "He was a suspect in some other crimes; anyway, it's in the public interest to find out all we can." Uxbridge asked skeptically, "The public interest, or to satisfy your own personal ambition, Sergeant?" "As far as Animal Doil is concerned, my ambition was satisfied when he was found guilty and sentenced. But I have an official duty to learn all the facts I can." "And I am more concerned with this man's soul." Ainslie smiled slightly. ''Fair enough. Facts are my business, souls are yours. Why don't you work on Doil's soul while I'm on my way, and I'll take over when I get there?" Uxbridge's voice deepened. "I insist on a commitment from you right now, Ainslie, that in any exchange you have with Doil, there will be no pretense that you possess any pastoral authority whatever. Furthermore " "Father, you have no authority over me." "I have t...

Detective(5) Author: Arthur Hailey Newbold continued, "Have Rodriguez drive you to Jacksonville. It's only sixty miles; you'll make it easily. And when you get back, we'll look at your extra expenses and work something out." "That might appease Karen." "Was she upset?" Newbold asked. "You could say that." Newbold sighed. "Devina's that way when I get lousy duty, and mostly I can't blame her. Oh, I called the State Prison. They've promised to waive formalities going in, so you'll get to Animal fast." "Great." "One thing they asked. When you're about twenty minutes from Raiford, phone Lieutenant Neil Hambrick. Here's the direct-line number." Ainslie wrote it down. "Nice going, Lieutenant. Thanks again." "Hey, have a good trip and enjoy Toronto." Switching off the phone, Ainslie reflected on the excellent relations between Newbold and his white subordina...

Detective(11) Author: Arthur Hailey Walden was dusting wood surfaces with a black graphite powder mixed with tiny iron filings, and applied with a magnetic brush; the mix adhered to moisture, lipids, amino acids, salts, and other chemicals of which fingerprints were composed. On smoother surfaces glass or metal a nonmagnetic powder was used, of differing colors to suit varied backgrounds. As she worked, Walden switched from one type of powder to another, knowing that prints varied depending on skin texture, temperature, or contaminants on hands. Officer Tomas Ceballos had reentered the room and briefly stood watching Walden at work. Turning her head, she told him, smiling, "Finding good prints is harder than people think." Ceballos brightened. He had noticed Walden the minute she arrived. "It always looks easy on TV." "Doesn't everything? In real life," she explained, "it's surfaces that make the difference. Smooth ones like glass are be...

Sweet Victory (His Wicked Games #2.5)(5) Author: Ember Casey Damn him. He knows I won’t be able to resist playing no matter what the terms are. I can protest all I want, but he’ll call my bluff every time. “Fine,” I say. “But I have a rule of my own.” “Yes?” He’s enjoying this too much. “No twisting words or rules to get your way,” I say. “None of your usual tricks. It’s cheating, and I consider it an automatic forfeit. You break—or even bend—the rules, and you lose. I win. I get the present and you aren’t allowed to argue.” His eyes widen in mock offense. “Me? Cheat? I’m hurt you’d think me capable of such a thing.” “Oh, please.” I grab a carton of steamed veggies and stab at them with my chopsticks. “You’re just pissed that I won’t let you pull any of your normal stunts.” He grins. “Fine. No stunts. Does this mean you’ll play?” Did he ever doubt it? I hold out my hand, and he grasps it in his own. We shake in agreement and then turn back to the food. “So,” I say between bit...

1984(8) Author: George Orwell 'Smith!' screamed the shrewish voice from the telescreen. '6079 Smith W.! Yes, you! Bend lower, please! You can do better than that. You're not trying. Lower, please! That's better, comrade. Now stand at ease, the whole squad, and watch me.' A sudden hot sweat had broken out all over Winston's body. His face remained completely inscrutable. Never show dismay! Never show resentment! A single flicker of the eyes could give you away. He stood watching while the instructress raised her arms above her head and - one could not say gracefully, but with remarkable neatness and efficiency - bent over and tucked the first joint of her fingers under her toes. 'There, comrades! That's how I want to see you doing it. Watch me again. I'm thirty-nine and I've had four children. Now look.' She bent over again. 'You see my knees aren't bent. You can all do it if you want to,' she added as she straightened hers...

My Blood Approves (My Blood Approves #1)(15) Author: Amanda Hocking “Did you have some big plans for tonight?” I asked, trying to figure out what had him so depressed. I was the one that had to get up at seven in the morning, not him. “No. I just don’t like it when things are finite.” He sighed again, and then looked up at the sky. “That’s kind of weird,” I said. Milo had a phobia of wet sand, and Jane hated the word kumquat (it sounded too perverse, even for her), but it was pretty strange to dislike anything that had a definite ending. “Everything ends.” “I know. I mean, we don’t hang out forever anyway. It’s just…” He shook his head, and then stared off at the Basilica of St. Mary. It was this huge, beautiful cathedral, and we could just see the top of it, arched out into the sky above the trees. “Mae wanted to get married there.” “What?” I asked, confused by his sudden topic change. “My brother’s wife.” He nodded at the church. “But Ezra didn’t want to.” “Why not?” It was a...

Halo: Cryptum (Halo #7) Author: Greg Bear 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 ONE SOL • EDOM TO ERDE-TYRENE THE BOAT’S CREW banked the fires, disengaged the steam engine, and raised the cal iope horn from the water. The bubbling clockwork song died out with a series of clicks and sad groans; it hadn’t been working wel to begin with. Twenty kilometers away, the central peak of Djamonkin Crater rose through blue- gray haze, its tip outlined in ruddy gold by the last of the setting sun. A single bril iant moon rose bright and cold behind our boat. The crater’s inland lake rippled around the hul in ways no tide or wind had ever moved water. Under the swel s and whorls, sparkling with reflected sunset and moon, pale merse twisted and b...

Detective Author: Arthur Hailey To the Memory of Stephen L (Steve) Vinson Sometime Detective-Sergeant (Homicide) Miami Police Department Adviser and Good Friend Who died, at age fifty-two, shortly before completion of this book Life resembles the banquet of Damocles; the sword is ever suspended. VOLTAIRE PART ONE 1 At 10:35 P.M. on January 27, Malcolm Ainslie was halfway to the outer door of Homicide when a phone rang behind him. Instinctively he paused to look back. Later, he wished he hadn't. Detective Jorge Rodriguez moved swiftly to an empty desk, where he picked up a phone, listened briefly, then called to Ainslie. "For you, Sergeant." Ainslie set down a book he had been carrying and returned to his own desk to take the call. His movements were ordered and easy. At forty-one, Detective-Sergeant Ainslie was solidly built, a half-inch short of six feet and not too different in appearance from his days as a high school fullback. Only a slight belly bespoke the...

Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2) Author: Stephanie Perkins Chapter one I have three simple wishes. They’re really not too much to ask. The first is to attend the winter formal dressed like Marie Antoinette. I want a wig so elaborate it could cage a bird and a dress so wide I’ll only be able to enter the dance through a set of double doors. But I’ll hold my skirts high as I arrive to reveal a pair of platform combat boots, so everyone can see that, underneath the frills, I’m punk-rock tough. The second is for my parents to approve of my boyfriend. They hate him. They hate his bleached hair with its constant dark roots, and they hate his arms, which are tattooed with sleeves of spiderwebs and stars. They say his eyebrows condescend, that his smile is more of a smirk. And they’re sick of hearing his music blasting from my bedroom, and they’re tired of fighting about my curfew whenever I watch his band play in clubs. And my third wish? To never ever ever see ...

Rough, Raw, and Ready (Rough Riders #5)(22) Author: Lorelei James Chassie’s jaw dropped. “You…and…Trevor…did it?” “Yep. And me and Trevor and Colby. And me and Trevor and Edgard. And me and Trevor alone. And me and Colby alone. Obviously I clicked with Colby from the start.” She smiled. “No regrets because it was about experiencing all the sexual situations I’d fantasized about.” Chassie reached for her coffee cup on the table and took a big drink to wet her dry mouth. “Shocked?” “Uh. Yeah.” The true jolt of it would probably sink in later. Or would it be absorbed by the first, more brutal shock she’d had earlier? “You are aware of Trevor’s past sexcapades?” “Yes. I honestly didn’t care about who he was with before me.” Chassie paused. “I’m not upset Trevor was with you, Channing. But I am shocked he wasn’t only with women but also with men.” “Man,” Channing gently chided. “Trevor hasn’t been with any other man besides Edgard.” “You’re sure?” Chassie gently chided right bac...

Billionaire Unbound ~ Chloe (The Billionaire's Obsession #8)(31) Author: J.S. Scott “I wish he’d do something to give me some help. I’m used to observation, but this case is personal. Something happened to Ellie, and I need to find out what and why. She wouldn’t have just run off. She doesn’t have the type of personality,” Zane rumbled. Gabe got up to show him out. “What was she really like?” he asked as he climbed the stairs. He talked to Chloe about her friend, but he never pushed for details. He was afraid it might be too painful for her right now. Zane was so silent for a moment that Gabe wasn’t sure he was going to answer. Finally, he spoke. “Sweet. Very organized, and incredibly smart. But she has a stubborn streak. She could have done anything with her life, but she chose to skip college and help her mother by going to work right after she graduated. I wanted to help her, but she refused to accept any financial help from me or Chloe. By the time her mom remarried and was...

Opposition (Lux #5)(19) Author: J. Lynn Our gazes locked, and I could tell by the stricken look on her face that she wasn’t sure what to make of any of this. There was confusion and raw hurt and fury pouring from her, choking the air, choking me. It took several moments to slow my roll. I got my breathing in check as I forced myself back to Rolland, meeting his curious stare. “I told him not to touch her before and that if he did, I would kill him. I’m not a liar.” Sadi’s gaze flickered to where Quincy lay. “He’s not dead.” “Yet,” I promised. A look of anticipation, of pure eagerness, swept over Sadi’s face as she wet her bottom lip. “Why would you care if he touched her or not?” There were a thousand endless reasons. “She belongs to me.” I could practically feel the daggers she was driving into my back, but I didn’t look at her. “No one else. It’s as simple as that.” Rolland eyed me intently, and then he pushed off the desk. Straightening, he clapped his hands. “Everyone. List...

Porn Star (P*rn Star #1)(34) Author: Laurelin Paige, Sierra Simone “Good. We’re alone.” He gives me a quick peck before turning off the engine and gesturing for me to get out of the car. Logan sets up our picnic on the hood of his car, and even with his handheld a distinct presence, our meal of sushi and tsukemono paired with plum wine is absolute perfection. Between popping California rolls in our mouths, we kiss and make out like any two normal people who are attracted to each other and are newly going out. Is that what we are—normal people? When I’m with him like this, and he’s touching me, and my blood is boiling in my veins, I actually believe we might be. When the sun has set and we’ve finished both dinner and the bottle of wine, I realize why he’s brought me to this spot. “The stars,” I gasp. “They’re so clear here.” “Impressed? Hint—you should say yes.” My smile is so wide, I’m sure I look like a dork. “Yes.” I lose myself in the sky above me, searching out the patterns ...

Snake (Five Ancestors #3)(25) Author: Jeff Stone “I want you to know, you pass through my mind every sssingle day,” AnGangseh said. “I only wanted a better life for you than Mong and I could provide.” “I understand,” Seh said. “Do you?” AnGangseh asked. “Do you know what it's like to hand your child over to a complete ssstranger? A ssstranger ssso cold, he gave you the name Sssnake?” Seh stiffened and opened his eyes. He was drawn into his mother's eyes once more. “You mean my name wasn't always Seh?” “Of course not,” AnGangseh replied. “Just like your brother Fu wasn't originally named Tiger and your brother Malao wasn't originally named Monkey. Grandmaster changed your names to better erase your pasts. He sssaid if he were to raise you, he wanted to ssstart with a clean ssslate.” Seh shivered. “What was my name before Cangzhen?” “Choy,” AnGangseh replied. “Really?” Seh said. “‘Wealthy’?” “Yes. I wanted you to grow up and amass a fortune ssso that you wou...

The Billionaire's Salvation ~ Max(36) Author: J.S. Scott Mia didn’t want him to have regrets. “I know that now. But those were my insecurities, baggage from my past. It wasn’t you, Max. We’re both responsible for not communicating. We were actually both hiding; in love, but so afraid of losing that love instead of trusting ourselves and each other.” God, she must have been blind, deaf, and dumb. The love radiating from his gorgeous eyes was unmistakable. Had she really looked, she would have seen him, really known him. “Growing up in my family was hell. My father’s madness and abuse was hard on all of us.” “Your mother never thought about leaving him?” Max asked huskily, putting his forehead against hers in a gesture of comfort. “No. Never. I think she’d withstood his abuse for so long that she had closed down just to survive. We begged her to leave, even after we were grown, but she wouldn’t. She made excuses for his behavior,” Mia answered sadly. “I think she loved us, but sh...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(31) Author: Lorelei James Ben gave them credit for quick thinking. “We’ve always wanted that creek front section. But they’ve always refused to sell.” “It don’t look like Rielle’s got an option now. The sale of that acreage will give her enough money to keep her bed and breakfast open if she wants.” “Who else have you talked to about this?” “No one,” Dalton said. “Not even Brandt.” “Why not?” “Because as much as we appreciate that Brandt’s a hard worker, he’s a damn do-gooder. He’ll see even talkin’ to Rielle as takin’ advantage of her. We don’t see it that way. We figured you wouldn’t either. So, we’d appreciate it if you didn’t mention this to Quinn.” It clicked. “Quinn would feel the same as Brandt.” Tell nodded. “You’re practical, Ben. And to some extent, unsentimental, like us. It’s just business.” “Good business,” Dalton inserted. “It has to be just the three of us, if we can swing it.” “Because you don’t want Uncle Carson or Uncle Ca...

Hudson (Fixed #4)(6) Author: Laurelin Paige I’m so consumed with figuring out the answer, so in need of exploring my fascination, that I called my investigator earlier in the day to look into her further. I told myself it was about business. Perhaps she didn’t show up at the meet and greet because she’d already been offered a job. If I find her, I can counter. But I know it’s more than that because if she doesn’t accept a job, I’ll have to find another way to get close to her. I need to know if this preoccupation has staying power. It fleetingly occurs to me that the intensity of my fixation is very similar to the way I used to feel when starting a new experiment. I dismiss that notion immediately. This is different because for once I’m not interested in another person’s emotions, but rather my own. It’s about damn time. Though I’m not sure I like it. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I lean forward at my desk and try to erase Alayna from my thoughts. My efforts are interrupted by ...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(33) Author: Lorelei James “That’s a relief.” “For me too.” “Why?” “Performance anxiety.” She laughed softly, naturally. “I doubt you’ve ever suffered from that in your life.” “There’s always that first time. Now, I’ve gotta make an embarrassing confession.” Ben hung his head. “I’m addicted to Wheel of Fortune. Most nights I eat supper in front of the TV so I can get my fix.” “Well, that changes things between us dramatically. Because I’m more of a Jeopardy fan myself.” “That’s because you have way more brain power than me, smart girl.” “Because you’re just a simple rancher, right?” she teased. “Yep. So how about if I fix us a bowl of popcorn and you can snicker at me as I try to guess the puzzles?” “Sounds good. You need help?” “Why? Do you think I’ll burn it?” “No. I just want to make sure you pour extra butter on mine.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. “If your goal is to keep me off balance, it’s working.” They settled in front of...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(30) Author: Lorelei James “He drinks until he passes out. We stop by to check on him.” “To make sure he ain’t dead,” Dalton said. The muscle in Tell’s jaw flexed. “Mom would have a conniption fit if she saw the state of the house. It’s nasty. Dad’s been livin’ like a drunken hermit since their divorce was finalized.” Dalton scowled. “Even after all the shit Dad did to Jessie over the years, she still tried to help him. Cleaned the place top to bottom. Washed his clothes. Cooked for him. He’s such an ungrateful bastard that Brandt won’t let Jess go over there anymore.” “Too bad you can’t just move your dad’s stuff to Brandt’s trailer and then he and Jessie could have the house. It’s at least fifteen minutes closer to her job.” Tell and Dalton exchanged a pained look. “We think that’s what they’re waitin’ for.” “Waiting for Uncle Casper to die?” Ben said sharply. “He’s killin’ himself, Ben. He won’t listen to any of us. Believe it or not, Mom h...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(36) Author: Lorelei James Maybe he wouldn’t notice the drool dripping from her chin at seeing him nearly nude. When he opened the door a crack, the dogs clambered to get inside. He snapped, “Sit.” The dogs sat. “Stay.” They whimpered. And stayed. Wagged their tails to get their master’s attention. He opened the door for Ainsley. Once she was inside, he said, “Take off,” to the dogs and they slunk away. He finally looked at her, then at the Crock-Pot she held. “What’s this?” “Dinner. You made me dinner the other night, I’m returning the favor.” “Smells good. You can plug it in by the coffeepot.” Ainsley felt his eyes on her as she fussed with the temperature and the lid. When she turned around, Bennett wore the Dom face. “Supper will keep for a while?” She nodded. “Good. Clothes off.” “Right here?” That one brow lifted as if to say, You challenging me, sub? and she stripped without another word. He directed her through his bedroom to his ba...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(34) Author: Lorelei James “What books?” “The ones that deal with…BDSM.” To some extent, he hated the way the term BDSM was thrown around as much as he disliked the casual use of the word Master. “Have you read any of those books?” she asked. “Fiction? Or nonfiction?” “Either.” “Nonfiction. When we first went to the Denver club. One of the owners saw that we were clueless bastards and took pity on us. He gave us a stack of material to read so we knew the differences between what we wanted as dominants and what was expected in certain Dom/sub relationships. And I’ll admit, even from the start, I’ve been on the side of the fence where dominance is used as a sexual tool to heighten sexual experiences. I’m not into debasing a sub by using a cage or a pallet to sleep on or a shock collar. Or extreme pain games. Never been tempted by bloodsport or knife play or piss play or even breath play. If I knew subs who were into that stuff, I’d avoid them. Bu...

Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #20)(40) Author: Laurell K. Hamilton I called, "Newman, watch in front. I've got the shifters behind us," I said. There was a whoosh like the world's biggest bottle rocket overhead. The heat pushed at the back of me, so that I flinched and dropped to one knee, turning as I did it to bring the MP5 up to aim at the Harlequin behind us. The explosion from in front of us made me flinch again and want to turn that way, but I had to trust Newman to handle anything in that direction. I knew there were two Harlequin behind us, and I knew I was fast enough to wound them; I didn't know the same of Newman. But there was only one thing in the road now. It was on fire, a blazing, burning shape, so bright that it chased back the dark in fire shadows, as it crouched on the road. I heard Newman say, "Holy Jesus." It made me glance behind me to the roadblock that wasn't there anymore. The road was clear. Tilford yelled, ...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(26) Author: Lorelei James “I’ll stand, thanks.” “I’d think you were a gentleman, saving the chair for your wife or girlfriend, if I didn’t just see you order her to sit alone in the truck.” Any veneer of calmness fled. Ben cut across the room and placed his hands on her desk, looming over her. “First off, I wouldn’t have been in the Rawhide Club screwing around with other women if I was married or seeing someone.” Breathe, man. His gaze dropped to the nameplate. Whoa. Her name wasn’t Angel? “Maybe I oughta be questioning you and your motives, since you, oh, lied about your damn name and wore that ridiculous wig.” “Given my occupation, I’m sure you understand why I disguised myself. Plus, I had no idea what to expect from an establishment like the Rawhide Club since it was my first foray into such a place. Better to be safe than sorry.” “Fine. I guess I can buy that.” She fiddled with a pen. “Can you please sit down?” “Am I makin’ you nervous?”...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(29) Author: Lorelei James “Yes, you’re definitely a master at what you do.” A harsh look darkened Bennett’s face. “I don’t have a playbook. I’m not thinking, if I stroke her pu**y fourteen more times she’ll cream on my hand.” Ainsley knew he’d intentionally used crude language to drive home his point. “I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant. I meant you should have that designated Master title because…well, you are a master at this stuff. It’s a compliment.” When she looked at him, Bennett was gone. Seemed strange to think of him as two separate personalities, but he really did have a switch that turned Ben, the easygoing rancher, into Bennett, the intense Dom. “I ain’t gonna lie. I want more of that with you. I’ve been kicking this idea around all day.” “What idea?” “I want you as my submissive.” He wasn’t joking. She narrowed her eyes. “I’ll never be a lifestyle submissive like Layla.” “And I’d never demand that of you.” “What would you deman...

The Billionaire's Voice (The Sinclairs #4)(6) Author: J.S. Scott “No,” Tessa answered sadly. “They’re both gone, but Liam lives in my parents’ old home. I’ll move back in with him. I have to try and earn more money this winter. We need to have the restaurant renovated.” Micah had already run into Tessa’s obsessively protective brother. He could understand why she didn’t look happy about being housemates with her only sibling. He’d been to Sullivan’s Steak and Seafood for dinner, and the food was spectacular. However, the shack near the end of the pier was badly in need of repair, so he could also understand why Tessa was saving. “You were hoping to stay here for the winter, weren’t you?” He automatically signed as he spoke. “Hoping,” she confided. “But I knew the house could sell at any time.” “Do you have more jobs lined up?” he asked curiously. “Just the cleaning services on the Peninsula, but I think I can find more jobs. I just started looking.” She fidgeted, and her eye...

Love Bites (Vampire Kisses #7)(31) Author: Ellen Schreiber On the cheek, I know, he said. Luna made a deadly stare at Alexander, then gazed at Sebastian. On the neck, please, she said coyly. Sebastian was stunned, and the crowd cheered. She stood up and flipped back one of her pink Wednesday Addams braids to expose her porcelain flesh. Luna put her waify arms around Sebastians waist. We have to stop this, I said to Alexander. Hes going to bite her! He better not! Alexander charged forward, but the cheering crowd grew larger, blocking our path to the gazebo. Sebastian grinned and began to lean in to Luna. I squeezed myself in between a pair of petite cheerleaders. Sebastian smiled, revealing two shiny fangs. Lunas eyes closed and she leaned back with delight. No! I screamed. I jumped between Sebastian and Luna, but at the last moment someone pulled me back. It was Jagger. What are you doing? voices from the crowd yelled at me. Alexander and I were mortified. Sebastian wa...

Love Bites (Vampire Kisses #7)(30) Author: Ellen Schreiber Becky stopped me. Raventhen Alexanders party will be a bomb. Look at him. Alexander was joking with the group of jocks as they replaced the items on the table. He was as content and happy as hed been when he was out with Sebastian and me. Wouldnt you rather the party be a hit than have your boyfriend stuck in his attic room forever alone? I weighed my friends thoughts heavily. Then what should I do? I finally asked. How about have some funlike everyone else? Why should you be the only one moping? Becky didnt understand the severity of the situation. And it wasnt something I could delicately break to her over the sounds of pounding music. However, it was Alexanders mansion, and if Alexander was having a blast, then it wasnt my place to break up the party. Alexander was now hanging out by the fire pit with Matt, Sebastian, and several soccer snobs. I was approaching him when I overheard a few cheerleaders talking to him. ...

Love Bites (Vampire Kisses #7)(19) Author: Ellen Schreiber You just did it yourself. You both were making fun of it. How will he feelwith some reporters comments published throughout town? For once I had silenced my parents. See our problem? I asked. Your father and I were just kidding. Youre rightwe really shouldnt have said those things. But the townthey wont be fooling around. Theyll mean it. You see how Ive been treated for years. Thats what I dont understand, my dad said. I thought you were all about being yourselfno matter what. I am. Then I figured Alexander would be, too. Of course he is, I said emphatically. There is no reason, then, my mom said, that Alexander should change who he isor where he lives. She had a point. So where is our nonconforming daughter? my dad asked. What has happened to you? We dont want the whole town to know my boyfriends a vampire. That he sleeps in a coffin and has a cellar filled with bottles of blood, okay? I wanted to say. I was on ...

Backstage Pass (Sinners on Tour #1)(13) Author: Olivia Cunning “Oh, come on, Trey. How many pairs of tits do you see in an average week?” Brian asked. “Doesn’t matter. I’ve never seen hers.” Trey nodded toward Myrna. Myrna’s face flamed as she closed the robe over her exposed chest. “Hey, I didn’t get to see them yet,” Eric complained. “Go bang on a drum in the other room.” Brian pul ed the robe sash free from its loops and handed it to her. “Here. Hold this over your tits so Trey doesn’t knock his guitar out of tune with his hard on.” She laughed and glanced sidelong at Trey, her face burning even hotter. Trey nodded, pul ing his sucker out of his mouth with a slurp. “Seriously.” “Al right,” she said. Brian pul ed her robe off her shoulders and she held the sash across her br**sts. It covered her ni**les but little else. “That’s almost worse,” Trey murmured. “Uhn. She’s so goddamned sexy. I just want to lick her al over.” He drew his tongue over his bottom lip, his gaze dri...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(18) Author: Lorelei James “And that’s a problem…why?” “It’s embarrassing.” “Huh-uh. Try again.” “My head gets fuzzy. It makes me…” “Lose control. Guess what? That’s exactly what I’m tryin’ to do. Because control is mine, not yours.” Ben slid his hand between her legs. Swirling his middle finger in her juices and following the seam of her sex up to her clit. He rubbed the tiny nub until it plumped, her escalating moans urging him on. Then he went in for the kill, suctioning his mouth to her throat as he shoved two fingers into her wet pu**y. Her body jerked like she’d stepped on a live wire. He felt the vibration of her scream beneath his lips and a jolt of male satisfaction hardened his dick. She was so damn responsive. He imagined spending all night teasing her, driving her to the pinnacle and then kicking her over the edge. Some other time, since he was chomping at the bit to f**k her. When the tension left her body, he donned a condom. He...

Hit List (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter #20)(35) Author: Laurell K. Hamilton "Yeah." "You getting the specs I suggested?" he asked; his voice had gone very quiet. "Yeah," I said, and my voice was doing the same thing. We were talking, but we were also listening. You always did that, even though with wereanimals our most likely bad guy we'd probably never hear them coming. You still strain for it, and try to listen; all the while your eyes are almost hurting because you're looking so hard. I tried to let my gaze relax and just look for movement, just look for anything that didn't look like trees. I needed a shape that was out of place. "I don't see anything," Edward said, finally. "Me either," I said. "Did they do this to keep us from going in with the other marshals, or is this an ambush just for us?" he asked. "I don't know." "Three choices," he said. I kept scanning the trees. ...

Angel's Blood (Guild Hunter #1)(9) Author: Nalini Singh And she was now in his hands. Unless he'd changed his mind in the hours since she'd hauled ass from the duck pond. Her mood brightened. Reaching over to open up the laptop on the coffee table, she booted it up and used her wireless Internet connection to look up her Guild account. The transaction history showed one recent deposit. "Too many zeros." She took a deep breath. Counted again. "Still too many." So many that it made Mr. Ebose's substantial payment look like chump change. Hands sweat-damp, she swallowed and scrolled down. The payment had come from "Archangel Tower: Manhattan." She'd known that. Obviously, she'd known that. But seeing it in black and white was a jolt to the system. The deal was done. She was now officially working for Raphael. And only Raphael. Her Guild status had been changed from "Active" to "Contracted: Indefinite Period." ...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(16) Author: Lorelei James She nodded, a bit shyly. “I don’t like usin’ a spanking as punishment.” “I’m not usually much of a rule breaker anyway, so see my dilemma?” She peered up at him. “I’d be worried you’d use more than your hand on me.” “There’s no need for you to worry because it’d be my decision.” She pursed her mouth into a scowl. “Ah-ah. None of that.” His lips grazed the plumpness of hers, hovering a breath away, waiting to swoop in and claim the kiss she’d denied him last night. This time when she opened her tempting mouth, Ben denied her a kiss. Moving his lips to the tip of her chin and cruising up the left side of her jaw. He nuzzled her ear, licking, blowing, nibbling. The more he nuzzled, the harder she squirmed. Coarse hair brushed his cheek and he itched to remove the wig, so she wasn’t hiding anything from him. Her fingers inched up his chest and she clutched his shirt. “Hands by your sides,” he reminded, nipping her neck....

Library of Souls (Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children #3)(18) Author: Ransom Riggs “You seem to know every last fact about this hellhole with the exception of anything that would be remotely useful to us.” “Such as?” Sharon said, his patience thinning. “Whom can we trust here?” “Absolutely no one.” “How can we find the peculiars who live in this loop?” said Emma. “You don’t want to.” “Where are the wights holding our friends?” I asked. “It’s bad for business to know things like that,” Sharon replied evenly. “Then let us off this accursed boat and we’ll set about finding them ourselves!” said Addison. “We’re wasting precious time, and your endless monologuing is putting me to sleep. We hired a boatman, not a schoolmarm!” Sharon harrumphed. “I should dump you into the Ditch for being so rude, but if I did, I’d never get the gold coins you owe me.” “Gold coins!” said Emma, fairly spitting with disgust. “What about the well-being of your fellow peculiars? What about loyalty?” S...

Cowboy Casanova (Rough Riders #12)(19) Author: Lorelei James “They looked naughty and sexy up by your ears.” He just grunted. Then he patted his thighs. “Come here and sit on my lap.” She walked on her knees, watching as his eyes ate up her body. When Bennett’s gaze lingered on her belly, she didn’t suck in the pooch, nor did she mention getting back to exercising to tone up her wide hips and flabby thighs. Ainsley just let him look his fill. He curled one hand around her jaw, holding her in place as he kissed her. These bone-melting kisses were new. Soft, slow, and thorough. He explored every inch of her mouth with his tongue as he urged her to sit on his thighs. Ainsley didn’t mind the awkward position if he’d just keep his mouth on hers, devastating all her senses with his drugging kisses. But Bennett abruptly spun her around, face first on the bed. One of his legs pinned both of hers to the mattress and his hand was in the center of her back, holding her down. “What are you—...