The Office Summer Picnic

by Marteeka Karland and Shara Azod

***SEQUEL TO OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY***

Office parties were generally a breeding ground for drunken escapades and fumbling hook ups but there was nothing like a company picnic. Or so Shenice Robins comes to find out while once again caught in the snare of her lover Alistair Parsons. The only man whose authority she had NO issue obeying. Even wagging tongues around the office can't stop the two from delighting in each other. Why should one small outdoor activity do so?

***

EXCERPT!

"Shenice..." The deep, husky voice was velvet over gravel, sending a jolt of arousal humming through her body. It was at once jarring yet soothing. Hungering for him and not seeking him out had proven to be excruciating. Yet the pointed absence had been telling. Not once had he actually driven by her place to ring her doorbell. Yes, he'd tried to call but for the past three days, but he hadn't bothered to seek her out. It hurt to think he hadn't missed her nearly as much as she'd missed him. Or maybe he had already moved on. Lord she had to be strong, but just his frigging voice made her panties wet.

"I'm a little busy, Alistair."

"Busy packing? Busy leaving me?"

Glancing back at him was a mistake, but she managed to shrug with some degree of nonchalance. "Just busy. What's up?"

He raised an eyebrow, then turned to shut her office door. No, no, no- being alone in a closed room with Alistair was dangerous to her mental well being. God, she could smell him and he wasn't even close. He smelled like all man; it was too damn sexy. When he stalked over to the large window bank and closed the blinds as well, it was her turn to quirk an eyebrow.

"What do you think you're doing?" Oh, but she knew. This was bad. This was really, really bad.

"Giving us a little privacy." Pulling out a folded piece of paper from the inside of his suit jacket, he thrust it in her general direction. "Want to explain this?"

It was her resignation. Was he only now getting it? Fuck, she had been so prepared for this three days ago. Now all her well thought out explanations seemed to have went poof from the inside of her head. In fact, her brain was close to much. The ice in those blue-gray ices dropped the temperature in the office to close to subzero. She'd expected some anger, yes, maybe, but not this.

"Not much to explain.” Keep it together, keep it together. “I've decided to move on. Another offer came my way, one that was too good to pass up, so I didn't. I'd have thought you'd have gotten this long before now. I've only got two more days before I leave."

"Oh, I'm very much aware. I've had the letter for the past week and a half. I was just concerned at why you felt you couldn't tell me yourself." Was it kinda sick she found his fury to be a turn on? Probably. His face might as well have been carved from granite, his words clipped and cold with that dispassionate British accent, but the fire and ice screamed he cared. Still, she could not get her hopes up. He hadn't asked her to stay yet, had he? . "I wanted to give you a chance to tell me yourself, to let me know if you planned on leaving me- as well as your job."

There was no way she could look directly at him with the guilt riding her so hard right about now. She had taken the chicken way out. Instead, her gaze bounced around the room, trying to focus on anything but him. "It didn't seem like our... relationship... was going anywhere. I thought it would be best to make a clean break." Oh God, this was so hard. How much a wuss did she sound? Waaa, waaa, you never said you loved me so I got mad. Saying it out loud made it all appear so childish. But it wasn’t. Right?

"I see."

Now he sounded so fucking calm. Reasonable. Waaaay too calm and reasonable. Shenice was determined that if he could sound calm and unemotional, so could she. Only she knew he wasn’t. The manly man of her most fevered fantasies was all man even now, and he was seething. What the hell did he had to be so mad about anyway?

"It's not like I've not enjoyed our time together." Okay, now she was just making this worse. That sounded like something some prickish guy would say. "I've been very contented over the past few months. I just think it's time --"

Before she could finish her sentence, Alistair swiped her desk clean with one harsh motion of his strong arm. Before she could react, he was pulling her from the where she stood, turning her around with just one hand, and pushing her back onto the desk. His expression had transformed from cool and unemotional to almost feral. Wedging his knee inside her legs he opened wide then pulled her tightly against him, all while pushing her skirt up high on her thighs.

Totally not the reaction she was expecting. “I think it’s time you figure out you belong to me and no other,” he growled.

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MacRieve by Kresley Cole

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The Prefect's Baby - All Romance Ebooks

The Prefect's Baby - All Romance Ebooks

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When Astra meets a mysterious, handsome stranger at a ball in honor of her father’s honored guests, she lives in the moment. A lifetime of sheltering makes her reckless. The sexy stranger makes her long for something... more.

Unfortunately “more” leaves her in a delicate condition. And her handsome stranger turns out to be the very Prefect her father needs an alliance with.

Galen is taken with the beautiful daughter of the king. The alliance he came to form with this planet could rest with his ability to control his wayward feelings. Astra’s pull, however, is more than he wants to resist.

Now he just has to convince her family he’s the one for her...

***

“I’ve been told the view of the stars from that particular mountain overlooking the sea is quite breathtaking.”

The sultry, masculine voice sent shivers prickling over Astra’s body, heat coiling through her middle. “So I’ve heard,” she murmured, trying to pretend to be unaffected by the deep rasp that tickled her ear as he spoke. “I’ve heard it’s the most beautiful sight on all of Stratan.”

“Well,” he drawled, resting his hands on her hips, his breath stirring the fine tendrils of hair loose from her thick, tight braid, “maybe not the most beautiful. I can think of at least one sight more fair.”

He was definitely a smooth talker. Being the only daughter of the king of planet Stratan, Astra was used to compliments. “Flattery is a frivolous thing, good sir.”

“Only if it isn’t true,” he answered without hesitation. “I’ve been to worlds that would stun you into silence with their beauty and worlds that would freeze your blood in terror of the monsters inhabiting them. But I have truly never seen a woman to compare to your beauty.”

Astra opened her mouth to deliver a taunting remark, but nothing came to mind. Instead, she grinned, crossing her arms beneath her breasts. “I don’t care if you mean what you say or not. You’re good.”

His smile was heart-stopping as he stepped closer to her. The slight breeze coming in off the sea blew tendrils of his blue-black hair across piercing blue eyes. Before she realized what she’d done, Astra had reached out to brush the silky strands away from his face, tucking them behind his ear with shaky fingers.

The stranger was a ruggedly handsome man with angular features. He reminded her of her father’s new guests, but this man was more approachable than the party of dignitaries from the newly discovered Alliance of Worlds. Astra hadn’t been introduced; in fact, she’d stayed as far away from them as she could. But she’d been naturally curious about the group of intensely handsome and powerful men, so she’d spied from afar.

Before she could pull her hand away from his face, he caught it gently in his own hand, bringing her fingertips to his lips. No man had ever dared to take such liberties with her, but Astra had no desire to reprimand him. The warmth of his skin seemed to seep into her body, setting an ember smoldering deep inside her.

Reluctantly, she pulled her hand from his, lowering her eyes and looking back over the balcony of the grand ballroom where the formal party for her father’s guests would continue well into the night. She’d sought refuge there for the view of the sea and mountains. In all the palace, this was her favorite place. Even the view from the turrets didn’t offer this precise angle.

“My apologies if I offended you.” He didn’t sound a bit sorry.

“Judging from the grin on your face, I sincerely doubt you mean that.”

He shrugged. “Perhaps I should clarify, then. I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable, but I enjoyed the feel of your skin on my lips too much to regret my actions.”

Astra studied him a long moment. “You’re not like any man I’ve ever met.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He extended his hand to her, this time requesting permission to touch her. Astra hesitated only a moment before accepting. The stranger led her back to the ornate ballroom, straight to the dance floor where he whirled her around once before pulling her close to him. His arms were enormously strong; Astra could feel the hard muscles pressed against her body as he held her securely. A fine shiver coursed through her, and he pulled her closer, smiling down into her upturned face.

“If my lady is cold, I’ll be happy to warm her.” The silken honey in his voice was anything but cold. Astra thought she would go up in flames, but she was trembling so hard, she could see why he thought her chilled.

This had been foolish on her part. She was an expert at deflecting male attention. Being the king’s only daughter had made it mandatory. Her father and brothers were the overprotective types, and she had no desire to see a man dead or worse because he was caught in a compromising position with her. What she had no clue about was how to deal with a man she was genuinely attracted to. And she was definitely attracted to this man. In the few short minutes she’d been in his company, she was charmed beyond reason. She’d never considered letting a man hold her as they danced like she was allowing this one to do.

Trying to gather her wits, she glanced around the room... only to spot her father’s fierce gaze centered squarely on her and her dance partner. She knew she only had a minute or two before one of her brothers intercepted her, removing the man in such close proximity to her. The thought wasn’t very appealing. Not only because they tended to be embarrassing about it, but also because she wasn’t ready to give up the company just yet.

Decision made, she nodded toward the door. “Want to go see if the view from Mount Dwallig is as beautiful as we’ve heard?”

A wide grin split his face, taking her breath. “Absolutely.” He pulled her under his arm and guided her toward the door. A quick glance over her shoulder told Astra her father had lost sight of her in the crowd. She quickened her steps, hoping the man holding her so possessively would think her merely eager to be alone with him. It was at least half the reason for her hurry. Thank goodness for her father’s important guests. There was no way he could leave the king of such an important trade alliance to go collect his wayward daughter.

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Illicit Mating by Marteeka Karland

Illicit Mating

by Marteeka Karland

Gabrielle is willing to risk her life for a future away from dying Earth, even if it means giving herself over to a man she's never met. With her best friend Lyra, she takes the leap, volunteering to help the alien Cluath repopulate their world.

Worr of Cluath has his own misgivings about Gabrielle. But she proves to be just as formidable an opponent as anyone he's ever faced. Their passion proves volatile, their quickly formed bond becoming the first line of defense when mysterious forces attack the lunar colony Worr is pledged to protect.

EXCERPT!

The expression on his face froze the blood in her veins. A chill of certain death shivered down her spine and through her body. The instinct to run was overpowering. There was no way she could get to the door leading outside the room with him between it and her. Her only recourse was to barricade herself inside the bedroom.

Five steps later, Worr’s big, brawny arm circled her waist. Gabrielle screamed and lashed out, kicking and thrashing as he took her down face first to the bed.

“You will cease this instant!” His words were harsh, holding a whip of command. Gabrielle was terrified, every instinct she had screaming at her to fight for her life. But in spite of his menacing expression and aggressive body posture, he hadn’t hurt her other than when he’d grabbed her arm. That fact alone allowed her to find the strength of will and courage to do as he bid her.

“We need to get one thing perfectly clear,” he continued, breathing just as hard as she was. “When I tell you to do something, there is usually a reason for it. Those men were hired mercenaries whose goal is to take over Lunar Colony 1 for whomever paid them.” He didn’t move off her, but kept her pinned on the bed. When she’d fallen, her legs had spread, and he was now wedged between them. “Kil and I are here not only to help in the construction of LC1, but to protect it from these mercs. We have no idea who is funding them, but we know they are well paid. As such, they wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone who tries to stop them. That includes a foolish woman with no business fighting such men.”

Worr shifted his weight, flipping Gabrielle over before covering her body with his own once more. The glint of war was in his eyes, a fierce battle lust she knew would serve him well in a fight. Worr might seem calm and controlled, but she knew now he was a dangerous man. Unexpectedly, her belly tightened and her hips arched against his leg where it was wedged between hers. She’d almost been killed. Had probably killed the man she’d burned. Adrenaline still coursed through her, fed first by the violence in the corridor then by Worr’s reaction. All that energy needed to be let out. Now. If not, she was sure she’d lose her sanity.

Before she could stop to consider the consequences of what she was doing, Gabrielle grabbed a fistful of Worr’s hair and brought his mouth to hers. He didn’t resist, rather meeting her with a kiss of his own. His tongue plunged into her mouth, conquering, claiming, probably tasting the fear and excitement inside her just as she tasted it on him.

Worr lifted her further onto the bed, settling his body squarely between her spread thighs. Both were still fully clothed, but the instinct to mate seemed overpowering. All Gabrielle could think about was turning all the fear and terror inside her into pleasure in this man’s arms.

She kissed him back as greedily as he kissed her. Both vied for dominance, but Gabrielle knew there was no way this man would submit to her. Instead, she found she wanted to be at his mercy. When he was kissing her like this, touching her roughly through her suit as if he had the right to her, she found she wanted to give herself to him, to do whatever he needed in order to satisfy them both.

With impatient fingers, Worr unzipped her pressure suit and moved her clothing until he found the skin of her stomach. With a groan, he moved his battle-roughened hand up her belly to squeeze her breast through the material of her bra. He was rough with her, his touch not at all gentle, but he didn’t hurt her. There would probably be slight bruising later, but the sting only amplified her need. She arched into his touch, whimpering her desire for him, her legs locking around his hips as she struggled to bring herself the friction she needed.

“You will never, ever do that again, Gabrielle. Do you understand me?” He didn’t let her answer, but found her mouth again, kissing her so she couldn’t think straight. “You’re my woman. Mine to protect. You will never place yourself in that kind of danger again.” This time, he did pull back, giving her a little shake for emphasis. “Do you understand me?”

Gabrielle took several deep breaths, trying to bring some semblance of understanding back to her garbled mind. There was a reason she’d disobeyed him. She just had to make him understand.

“I only did it to protect you,” she managed. She didn’t want to talk. She wanted to fuck! She needed this physical manifestation of their attraction to each other. She needed the release he promised with those drugging kisses.

Shock crossed his features, followed quickly by anger, then amusement. “You? Protect me?” He rolled off her to prop himself up on one arm. “You couldn’t protect yourself, much less a warrior of my status. All you need to do is what I tell you to. That and warm my bed at night. Follow those simple guidelines, and we’ll get along just fine.”

Oh $no he didn’t! The infuriating grin on his face was her undoing. Where she’d found it charming and devastating before, now she found it arrogant and... $male!

She got to her feet, sliding off the bed as smoothly as she could, ignoring him completely. Shrugging out of her suit, she found he’d removed his body armor and come up behind her, keeping his distance, but obviously expecting them to pick up where they’d left off if the bulge between his legs was any indication.

“Just so we’re clear,” Gabrielle said softly, “what exactly is it I’m supposed to do again?”

“What I tell you and warm my bed at night.” He replied without hesitation. Obviously, she didn’t look like any threat to him.

“That’s what I thought you said.”

Worr took a step toward her. At the same time, Gabrielle swung an open-handed slap at his face, connecting with a satisfying $smack.

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