When Deacon Starkis sets his sights on the gorgeous young model gracing the pages of his glossy catalogue, he knows he has to have her. One problem. She’s not available. But that won’t stop Deacon. He’s a man used to getting what he wants and he wants Mia.
Mia is stunned when she receives an email from the elusive billionaire who owns the lingerie company she models for. He tells her he’s intrigued. He’s not the only one. But she knows she’d be a fool to throw away an eight year relationship for a brief affair with the head honcho. He doesn’t do relationships and she doesn’t do casual sex. It seems they’re at an impasse.
Who will come out on top in this battle of wills? The dominant one or the woman intent on teaching him the meaning of submission?
Book Trailer
Excerpt
I
barged into Deacon’s office at eight o’clock that evening. Since
his silver Lamborghini was one of the few cars left in the
parking lot, I wasn’t too concerned about interrupting a meeting.
He
looked up from his computer when I stormed in, and a smile quickly
replaced his scowl.
“They
let you in without clearance?”
I
plopped down in the seat across from him, trying not to notice how
tempting he lookedwith his sleeves rolled up and no tie on.
“The
receptionist who usually guards your castle left for the day,
and the security guard at the front desk has a crush on me, so he
didn’t ask any questions.”
He
frowned. “Which security guard is that?”
I
spotted a stress ball on the corner of his desk. I doubted he used
it; it looked like a promo item Alabaster’s gave away. I
whipped it at his chest.
“You’re
not serious.”
He
laughed, catching the ball before it hit him. “You have a pretty
good arm.”
“Shut
up, Deacon!”
The
nagging voice in the back of my head reminded me I was talking to my
boss, but I told her to mind her own goddamn business and go back to
sleep.
“I’m
pissed at you.”
He leaned back, kicking his feet up on the desk as he tossed the ball from one hand to the other and squeezed it.
He leaned back, kicking his feet up on the desk as he tossed the ball from one hand to the other and squeezed it.
“Do
tell.”
“You
told Eleni about us.”
“So?”
“So
you had no right to do that!”
He
seemed totally unfazed by my anger, which only incensed me further.
“She’s
my friend. I should have been the one to tell her, when—or if—I
decided there was anything worth telling her.”
That
got his attention. When he pinned me with that hot gaze, I
feared he would demand I bend over the desk and take my
punishment like a brave girl.
“I
asked you not to tell anyone, including Eleni. You didn’t, and I
appreciate that. Now that you’re single, I’ve decided it’s
time your best friend know about our… relationship.”
The
way he said relationship made me feel as though he had been seeking a
different wordbut come up short. Arrangement, perhaps? Was that what
this was to him?
Not
willing to let him have the last word, I said, “We’re not in a
relationship. We’re still getting to know each other. If I
like what I see, I might agree to date you, though not exclusively.
I’ve
been tied down too long to get serious again so soon.” I swallowed,
averting my eyes when the thin skin across his knuckles turned
white from the pressure he was inflicting on the ball.
“Let
me get this straight. You might agree to date me—though not
exclusively?”
I
was almost afraid to push him further, but if I backed down, that
would set a precedent for all future arguments.
“That’s
right. If you have a problem with that, we can part ways now and—”
He
planted his feet on the floor and made his way around the desk
slowly, like a panther preparing to devour its prey. He gripped
the armrests of my chair, his face a fraction of an inch from
mine. I held my breath—waiting, praying, and trying to predict what
he might do next.
Pushing
him had been a very bad idea.
“You
really think that’s an option?” he whispered.
Eleni Litras recognized a kindred spirit when she saw one. Damon loved to have a good time, was allergic to commitment, and was honest to a fault. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it meant raising a few eyebrows. She loved that about him. In fact, she feared she may be falling in love with him. But her tragic upbringing taught her trust was a filthy four letter word.
Damon Starkis partied like a rock star most of his life, with little regard for consequences. That was one of the many advantages of being born to a billionaire. But when he got news that rocked his world, he had a choice… grow up or risk losing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Change didn’t come easily, but he was proud of his new life and the man he’d become, except for one little problem. The secrets and lies were piling up and if Eleni found out, she’d never forgive him.
About the Author
When one door closes, another one opens. I closed the door to my business for the last time in 2011, which left me with a decision. What now? Find another location and move my nutrition business, go to work for someone else, or take a chance on my dream? I chose the latter and I’ve never looked back!
I’ve always loved reading and writing, but it wasn’t until I jumped in with both feet and decided writing would be my career, instead of just a hobby, that my muse woke up from her deep slumber. It was like someone flipped a switch inside my head and stories just came pouring out. At the end of the day, I would often look at the keyboard and wonder, ‘Who the heck wrote that? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me!’
I don’t write books. I tell stories, or rather, I allow my characters to tell their stories through me. I’m not a plotter, never have been, never will be. Why? Because I have no idea how the story will evolve and it’s not my place to manipulate it. My job is to get to know these characters, figure out what makes them tick, then follow their journey wherever it takes me.
When I’m not writing, I’m daydreaming. Thankfully, I have an understanding husband and son who know I’ll re-join the land of the living just as soon as my muse decides it’s quitting time. I don’t work for myself. I work for her. She’s the boss. And I’m okay with that.
No comments:
Post a Comment