by Taylor Lee
“I don’t know if I should be impressed or scared. I didn’t know that on top of everything else you’re a martial artist.”
Griffin gave a tight smile. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Tara. Which reminds me, given what I have planned for tonight, now that we have a curfew, we’d better get started.”
Realizing that he was leading her over to the Harley that was parked by the side of the lot, she asked tentatively, “Where are we going, Griffin? Somewhere that is available by automobile, I hope.”
His face lit up in a grin. “C’mon, Tara. Admit that you like the hum of that powerful engine between your legs as much I do. At least the last three times you’ve ridden on this crotch rocket, we barely arrived at our destination before you began attacking me.”
“I attack you?” she shrieked in mock horror.
He laughed as he picked her up and settled her on the back of the bike. “How about we call it a mutual attack? As for where we are going, we’re going somewhere where I can strip you naked and take up with you where we left off. The last time we were naked together, that is. Let’s head for your house. I think it’s high time we christen your bed—if I can get through the front hall without tearing your clothes off and having my perverted way with you against the wall.”
“Griffin, I really don’t like motorcycles. They scare me. I told you that.”
“So you did. I also remember you saying that you didn’t like being blindfolded or tied spread-eagled to my bed. Which is why I brought these.”
He opened the side saddlebag, revealing several cuffs and a blindfold along with what looked like a riding crop among other esoteric items she didn’t recognize.
“What . . . are all of those?”
Griffin chuckled as he put her helmet and began to tighten the straps. “Just some equipment I need to convince you that all those dislikes of yours are actually things that, at a very deep level, you want.” He pinched her cheek and said with a sly grin, “For example, things that you thought you’d never do, such as allowing me to take your ass. Although, when I did, I seem to remember that the only cries that were more ecstatic than mine were yours.”
Strapping on his helmet, he shot her a sexy grin. “That said, Ms. Tara Trouble, we shouldn’t tarry. I don’t know how long the fearsome sheriff of Cochise County can keep his short-stuff company entertained. Plus, I have a lot of plans for you, sweetheart. In fact, so many it may take me at least a lifetime or two to implement them.”
****
Six months later, the crowd at the entrance to the Shadow Peaks development included dignitaries from the governor of the state and its entire congressional delegation as well as media representatives from across the country. A group of tribal leaders from Oklahoma and Utah were also present. After Robert Redhorse opened the ceremony, he turned to Griffin and Tara, who were standing together. A smile tugged at his lips.
“I was honored to accept the invitation to speak today from two special friends of mine, Griffin Black and Tara Trouble. I’ve known both of them for many years. But in all those years, the prospect of what appeared to be irredeemable differences between their views of land development made their partnership today as likely as General Custer winning the Battle of the Little Bighorn.” Allowing the laughter to settle, Redhorse continued. “I’ve always known that both Tara and Griffin were passionate about the land. Their challenge was how to share that passion in a way that speaks for them both. I’m pleased to say that in Shadow Peaks, as it is now conceived, they did exactly that.” He bowed to Tara and Griffin. “I congratulate you both for your vision and your willingness to challenge your long-held views and come together to make Shadow Peaks the truly groundbreaking development that it will be.” His grin widened, taking over his face. “And most of all, for those of us who love you, the announcement of your upcoming marriage confirms Shadow Peaks is but the first of many projects that will be blessed not only by your vision but by your love.”
Waiting for the deafening applause to end, his arm securely around Tara’s waist, Griffin stepped to the microphone. “Thank you, Robert, for blessing both Tara’s and my life with your friendship and good counsel. We treasure them both. Now, for all of you male chauvinists out there, I need to correct your certain assumptions. Knowing the arrogant asshole that I am, you no doubt think all I had to do was bark out an order or two and this little woman would eagerly obey.” At the disbelieving laughter, he nodded. “Apparently, many of you know my fiancée. Those who do will know that every concession she ultimately made, which were miniscule compared to how ignominiously I caved to her suggestions, were as hard fought as any battle I participated in Iraq. To make that point, take the time to study the blueprints of the project as it had been conceived by Black Enterprises and compare it to the current plans developed by B and T Enterprises. And yes, the ‘B’ comes before the ‘T’ but only because it is earlier in the alphabet. I’m confident that you will see that the project as it is now is infinitely better than what I originally proposed.”
Again waiting until the applause ended, Griffin pulled Tara closer to him. “I remember telling Tara’s father many months ago that I was humbled by his beautiful and powerful daughter. That is nothing compared to how humbled I am today, knowing that this extraordinary woman will soon be my wife.”
Tara stepped up to the microphone through the deafening applause and smiled at the crowd. “Most of you know me better than you know Griffin, who is a new arrival to our town. Now, I’m aware that I had a bit of an environmental activist reputation—make that an eco-nut. I’m also confident that to those of you who know me, seeing me accede to anyone’s wishes, particularly an arrogant, commanding man like Griffin, would be as likely as the sun rising in the West or putting out a forest fire with a squirt gun. But I’m glad to say that among his other traits—” She was interrupted by Tanya’s impudent shout, “Such as being Mr. Sex on a Stick and hitting a solid one hundred on a ten-point stud scale?”
Waiting until the laughter and wolf whistles quieted, Tara looked up at Griffin and said with a sly smile, “Well, yes, sis, there is that!”
She continued more seriously. “Griffin said that he is humbled by me and frankly he has reason to be. I have been blessed to have quite simply the finest father a daughter could have and two sisters that are my closet and dearest friends. But what is awe-inspiring to me is that Griffin, Brooke, and Hunter will soon be a part of our family, making it even better and stronger. I’m humbled and will be forever grateful.”
When the applause finally stopped, Tara looked up at Griffin and grinned. “Oh, and by the way, he truly is an arrogant asshole.”
Griffin waited for the laughter to end, then pulled her up close to him. Tipping up her chin, he kissed her, then said, “And yes, folks, it won’t surprise you that’s what this saucy little minx loves most about me.”
Love Tara and Griffin’s story?
Be sure to grab
TATIANA: Book 3
in the riveting
TROUBLE SISTERS SAGA
Prepared to be wowed!
AFTERWORD
Thank you for reading TARA. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much I enjoyed writing it. I loved Tara from the first time I met her. But the character who surprised me the most was Griffin Black. A challenging and complicated man—to say the least.
If you want to meet a complicated woman, prepare yourself for Tatiana. Believe me, Zane Wilder more than has his hands full with the quietist and supposedly most easygoing of the Trouble Sisters. Hmm. And as always, perhaps the hottest guy among them is none other than their terrific sheriff father, Titus.
If you enjoyed TARA, do a huge favor for me. Click on this link and write an honest review of the book. Authors live and die by their reviews. The few extra seconds it takes really helps us authors out. Many, many thanks! AND please go to my website www.taylorleebooks.com for my publishing schedule and lots of FREE stuff! Sign up for my newsletter. It is the way I stay connected to my glorious
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About the Author
USA Today best-selling author Taylor Lee writes Suspenseful Mystery Thrillers—with a heavy dose of Sexy to Sizzling HOT Romance.
In the five years she has been writing, Taylor has written more than forty books. Her eight, soon to be nine, series track her Special Operatives, Covert Agents, Cops, Firefighters, and other iconic heroes and heroines through the harrowing situations that make up their lives. From human trafficking rings to corrupt politicians, Taylor investigates the underbelly of society and the criminals who flourish there.
Taylor says, “From the residue in my personal blender of mixed races, cultures, and world views, my characters emerge. It comforts me to know that while evil slinks in the shadows, the ‘good guys and gals’ of the world sniff it out—and snuff it out.
My characters are arrogant alpha males and the feisty women who bring them to their knees—and vice versa . . . They fight hard, love hard and don’t mince words. They are dangerous men and women in dangerous times. Love, passion, and ridding the world of evil? What’s not to like?”
Here is a sampling of Taylor’s reviews, which number in the multiple hundreds and are incredibly positive:
"Taylor Lee never disappoints! These books are sizzling hot and keep you guessing at every turn. For discriminating readers who insist on great characters and a spellbinding story that also includes HOT romance!" Sarah Reviews
“The sexiest, most outrageous hero I’ve read in a long time. Snappy, laugh out loud dialogue, and a Sizzling HOT romance makes these wildly exciting murder mysteries true page-turners.” J. John
"These are the best books I've read recently. Taylor Lee's stories are so full of action, sex and exquisite love that I hate when they end. I want them to just go on and on. I can't wait for the next installment." Deidre Abbot
“Spellbinding police mystery thrillers that will have you on the edge of your seat. Pulse pounding action and steamy romance. A cast of unforgettable characters that will capture your heart.” Action Junkie
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Copyright Information
TARA: Book Two; The Trouble Sisters Saga
Copyright, 2018 by Taylor Lee
idesire publications
All rights reserved
This book is a work of fiction. Characters, incidents, places and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
No portion of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
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Table of Contents
Main Menu
Afterword
Other Works by Taylor Lee:
The Criminal Affairs Collection—Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
The Justice Brothers Series—Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
Ladies of the Night Series—Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
The Man in the Arena Series—Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
The All Fired Up Collection—Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
&n
bsp; The Red Rock Collection— Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
The Blonde Barracuda Collection—Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
The Dangerous Affairs Collection—Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
The Grand Master’s Legacy Collection—HOT Historical Romance
The Bad Ass Brigade—Contemporary Sizzling Suspense
About the Author
Contact Information
Copyright
Chapters:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19