With a moan of his own he sucked her hard and pressed two fingers deep into her sheath. She dropped flat on her back, her hips lifting off his desk, a scream of pleasure erupting from her throat that likely was heard throughout the complex. Her hips bucked. He continued his sensual torment even after her butt rested once more against the desk, her breasts rising with her gulping breaths. Only when she was finally still did he push the chair back and stand.
Before he could turn her over to take her from behind, she slid off the desk. “I want you inside me.” She put her hands on his shoulders. “Now. I want to ride you.”
Even as he wondered anew at her aggression, in this instance he thought it wasn’t such a bad thing. He grinned and went down on his knees, then his back. She came down over him, knees on either side of his hips. One slender hand gripped his erection and pointed it where she wanted him. She dropped onto him, taking him deep with one smooth movement. She cried out and bucked with a second orgasm almost immediately. He clasped her hips, holding her where he wanted her, and thrust up, fighting his way in and out of her swollen flesh with no thought beyond wanting to explode with blinding release. The base of his spine tingled and his balls drew up tight against his body. At the moment his orgasm gripped him, his release jetting into her wet heat, he reared up and sank his fangs into the softness of her throat. She jerked and cried out, then as the pain of the bite faded she gave a low, needy moan.
Her blood tasted rich and salty. His. This incredible woman was his.
Slender fingers clutched at him, nails digging into his shoulders. The slight sting of pain enhanced his passion, and he drank a little deeper. She moaned with pleasure, another climax rocketing through her. When it was done, he licked over her wound and wrapped his arms around her, holding her naked body close, clinging to her. For these few brief moments, his heart beat and his body and mind soared with pleasure so powerful he could do nothing more than shudder against her.
“I love you.” Her words were so soft he almost missed them. And that was saying something, since as a vampire he had a heightened sense of hearing.
Keeping his cock firmly embedded in her slick channel, he gently pushed her shoulders back so he could look into her eyes. Sliding his hands from her shoulders, he cupped her face. Her lovely, sweet face. “That’s the first time you’ve said it,” he murmured and dropped a kiss against the corner of her mouth.
Her eyes were dark, glittering with an emotion he couldn’t decipher. It looked almost like…anger. Maybe even hate. But he didn’t sense those emotions from her. All he felt from her was affection. And the love she professed.
“You’ve never said it, either,” she rejoined, her voice soft yet still holding a thin thread of steel.
He frowned. “Sure I have.”
She shook her head. “No, you haven’t. I’ve been listening very hard for those three words, and you’ve never said them.”
“I’ve felt them, Kimber.” Duncan kissed her, a lingering melding of lips, of hearts. “I do love you. So much.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him. She yawned, her breasts rubbing against his shirt. After a few minutes she lifted off him, and he let loose a growl of complaint at the sense of loss he felt when his cock left the haven of her body. She gave him a saucy grin and a quick kiss on one corner of his mouth. “You want more, you’ll have to come across the hall.” She got to her feet and stared down at him, passion written all over her face, in the tense stance of her slender body. “You should come with me now. I want you again.”
He wished he could, but his next appointment was important. He shook his head as he stood. He righted his clothing, tucked his cock into his pants and zipped up. “I have a meeting with Xavier. I can’t cancel it.”
Annoyance and that ever present aggression flashed in her eyes, turning the hazel to a vibrant green before she tamped it down with an effort he could see. “I know,” she said, her eyes hazel once more. She took a breath, as if fighting for control, and pressed a slender hand to his cheek. “I realize this partnership is important. If we can establish a safe corridor between here and Cleveland, all of us will be more secure and better able to get supplies.”
He helped her get dressed, though it took longer than it would have if she’d been on her own. Every few seconds he had to pause to stroke and kiss. When she was finally clothed, she seemed to have her emotions under control. With a teasing expression she clucked her tongue and stared at him. “You didn’t even take off any of your clothes.”
He grinned. “That’s the advantage men have, I suppose.”
She rolled her eyes. “Well, when you decide to come to bed, you may find that advantage won’t work for you there.” She went on her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss against his mouth, then moved away. Heading toward the door, she sent him a look over her shoulder full of promise. “See you later.”
“Count on it.”
After she’d gone, Duncan walked back around his desk and sat down. He could feel the grin on his face and knew he probably looked like a lovelorn sap, but he didn’t care.
She loved him.
Finally, Kimber Treat loved him.
About the Author
Many writers will tell you they began writing stories the moment they learned to wield a pencil. My own first story was written in sixth grade at the behest of my teacher to write a story with this opening phrase: “It was a dark and stormy night.” But even as a child, I didn’t write “kid” stories. I preferred something darker, something that went bump in the night.
As I grew older, I began to read various genres. I especially enjoyed fantasy and science fiction along the lines of J.R.R. Tolkien and Ray Bradbury. I discovered Bram Stoker and Arthur Conan Doyle.
Then I came across romance. Not only could I have fantasy, alien, horror, or mystery, I could also get a great boy-gets-girl story as well. I was hooked. And along with the passion for reading romance came a passion for writing it as well. After moving to Arizona and working a hectic job for a few years, I joined Romance Writers of America and in 2005 decided to get serious about writing as a career. I was able to take a year off work to focus on my writing. I began with novella-length paranormal stories that I had published with electronic publishers such as Ellora’s Cave, Amber Heat, and Liquid Silver Books (under the pen name Sherrill Quinn).
A few years later I sold a werewolf series (also under the name Sherrill Quinn) to Kensington, and in 2012 my Warriors of the Rift series (written as Cynthia Garner) found its home at the Forever imprint of Grand Central Publishing. Most recently I sold a two-part vampire series to Forever Yours, and I hope there are many more to come!
Also by Cynthia Garner
Warriors of the Rift Series
Kiss of the Vampire, Book 1
Secret of the Wolf, Book 2
Into the Rift, Novella
Heart of the Demon, Book 3
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Don’t miss Cynthia Garner’s Warriors of the Rift Series!
Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she’s more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world’s mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist…
Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn’t interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.
* * *
As a werewolf liaison to the Council of Preternaturals, Tori Joseph is used to straddling the world between humans and immortals. She plays by the rules and always delivers justice, no matter the cost. But after a string of increasingly brutal attacks results in humans turning into w
erewolves, Tori doesn’t reveal her horrifying suspicion: Someone very close to her might be responsible.
Investigating the paranormal violence, no-nonsense detective Dante MacMillan believes Tori is hiding something. His search for the truth draws him into greater danger as he gets closer to the dark realm of the immortals—and to the sexy werewolf who stirs his primal lust. Now with evil closing in around them, Dante must convince Tori to trust him…before her deadly secret destroys them both.
* * *
The next opening of the rift is coming—and its consequences will be deadly. A rogue group of human-hating preternaturals is planning an apocalyptic attack, but the Council of Preternaturals may have found the key to saving the world: Keira O’Brien, a fey with a long criminal record, whose empathic abilities once made her the queen of con artists. If she successfully infiltrates the dangerous faction, the sins of her past will be forgiven.
Keira isn’t the only agent working against the rogue prets. Finn Evnissyen, a powerful demon with a dark lineage, is a hired assassin looking for a way out. If he stops the threat, he will finally earn his freedom. As the rift fast approaches, and danger escalates, Finn and Keira must discover if they’re on the same side—or sleeping with the enemy…
* * *
In this exclusive ebook short story, Cynthia Garner shares the history of the Warriors of the Rift and introduces Sirina, a fearless female soldier transported from another dimension. The thrilling prequel to Secret of the Wolf, Into the Rift chronicles Sirina’s heart-pounding journey to escape cataclysmic events that have turned her world upside down.
Don’t miss these Forever new releases!
Twenty-four-year-old Pax Tate is an asshole. He’s a tattooed, rock-hard bad boy with a tough attitude to match. His mother died when Pax was seven, leaving a hole in his heart. Now, he uses drugs and women to cope with the black void in his soul. He pretends that the emptiness isn’t there and this has always worked…until he meets Mila. Mila Hill is the fresh air that Pax has never known in his life. Mila restores his broken heart, even as she evokes his powerful, sexual desires. Now for Pax to keep Mila, he needs to work on his issues—and stop being an asshole. But is that enough to make her stay?
* * *
“I have a proposition for you.” Kacey should have run the minute those words left Seattle millionaire Jake Titus’s mouth. It’s been years since Kacey’s seen her childhood friend Jake, but the minute Jake mentions his ill grandmother, Kacey is ready to do anything for the sweet old woman. And if that means pretending they’re engaged for her sake—so be it. But Kacey wasn’t counting on Jake’s older brother Travis still being there. Yet when they meet again, Travis’s gorgeous smile is a direct hit to her heart…and Kacey’s more confused than ever. As the days pass, only one thing starts to become alarmingly clear—she never should have accepted Jake’s deal.
* * *
Jenny Carpenter is the unrivaled pie-baking champion of Last Chance, South Carolina’s annual Watermelon Festival, and the town’s unofficial spinster. With her dream of marriage and children on hold, she focuses on another dream, turning the local haunted house into a charming bed-and-breakfast. But her plans go off course when the home’s former owner shows up on her doorstep on a dark and stormy night. Mega-bestselling horror writer Gabriel Raintree is as mysterious and tortured as his heroes. The new innkeeper proves to be as determined as she is kind, and soon Gabriel finds himself a paying guest in his own home. As Jenny and Gabe bring new passion to the old house, can she convince him to leave the ghosts of his past behind—and make Last Chance their first choice for a future together?
* * *
Aubrey Madison is starting over. Leaving Los Angeles and everything behind except the scars of her ruined past, Bree sets out for cowboy country. Now she has a new home, a new job—and a new worry: the ruggedly sexy rancher who makes her long for things she shouldn’t. Cattleman Max Jameson has broken wild stallions and faced angry bulls. Yet the redheaded city cupcake who turned up at the High Heather Ranch might be his undoing. Bree has a plan to rescue the ranch from foreclosure that’s just crazy enough to work. But will Max gamble his future on a beautiful stranger?
* * *
Flying is Theo Jacobson’s passion. When he comes home to Everson, Texas, for his big brother’s wedding, it’s nothing but a pit stop. He’ll act as best man, cover the family business while the happy couple honeymoons, and be on his way before the champagne goes flat. But all that changes when he comes face-to-face with the wedding planner—the very same woman who broke his heart without a backward glance years ago.
Irene Cornwell started I Do I Do with a wing and a prayer. Now, with two weddings under her belt, it’s a piece of cake…until Theo lands back in town. Just seeing his twinkling blue eyes and infuriatingly sexy smile turns her world upside down. For the sake of her business, she proposes an uneasy truce. But when the wedding is over—all bets are off!
* * *
Lady Daphne Bevington would do anything for her maid Kate—including masquerading as Kate and sneaking around the wrong side of London to settle the poor girl’s debt. Yet her innocent ruse takes a scandalous turn when “Kate” runs into a handsome gentleman on a secret quest of his own. A moment of passion could cost Daphne her reputation, but how can she ignore the stranger’s searing kiss? Lord Cormack Northmore is determined to find the immoral peer who ruined his sister. So when he learns that the irresistible woman he knows as “Kate” is the Season’s most sought-after debutante, Cormack plans to use her connections to help him set a trap. Now, the closer Cormack gets to uncovering the villain who haunts the ton’s ballrooms, the more he realizes that the lovely lady is in danger herself. Will he abandon his quest for revenge—or risk losing his one chance at love?
* * *
Merry Wilding is a lady of breeding, of innocence, and of breathtaking beauty. With high hopes for a holiday in England, she sets sail from New York—but the tide of her life is destined to turn. Mistakenly swept aboard an infamous pirate ship, Merry finds herself at the mercy of a wicked crew…and one sinfully handsome pirate. Soon she’s spending her days yearning for escape, and her nights learning the pleasures of captivity. Devon Crandall believes Merry is in league with his greatest enemy. He’s determined to slowly urge her secrets from her. But along the way, he discovers her beautifully unbreakable spirit…and a desire unlike any he’s ever known. She is hiding something from him, and yet, each day that passes brings her deeper into his heart. When fierce arguments give way to fiercer passion, can a pirate learn to love a woman? Or will true love be lost at sea?
* * *
Three years ago, reporter Kate Johnson was the first victim—and only survivor—of the Broadcast Butcher. Scarred both physically and psychologically by the brutal serial killer, Kate lives life on the run, knowing that one day he will find her and finish what he started. Agent Hayden Reed spends his life chasing monsters. The only way to stay sane is to detach, but the second the Broadcast Butcher case crosses his desk, Hayden knows this is the case that might just cost him his soul. To catch this vicious murderer before he strikes again, Hayden must find Kate and earn her trust, for it’s her darkest secrets that hold the key to stopping this madman once and for all…
* * *
As one of the bastards born to the Stirling court, Sorley the Hawk has never known his mother or father. It’s a burning quest he has devoted himself to uncovering at any cost. But as a roguish warrior who serves at the pleasure of the King, his prowess—both on the battlefield and in his bedchamber—is legendary. So when a flame-haired Highland lass sneaks into his quarters with a tantalizing proposition, he can’t resist taking her up on her offer. Lady Mirabelle MacLaren will do anything to keep from marrying her odious suitor, even sully her own good name. And who better to despoil her than his sworn enemy, the one they call “Hawk?” As they set about the enjoyable task of ruining her reputation, Hawk and Mirabelle soon learn that rebellion never tasted so sweet.
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Contents
Cover
Title Page
Welcome
Acknowledgments
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
A Preview of Vampire’s Thirst
About the Author
Also by Cynthia Garner
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Copyright
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
Copyright © 2014 by Cindy Somerville
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