by London Casey
She cradled his cheek. “Likewise, handsome.”
Appia held on to Elizabeth for a long time, both women teary when they finally let go. Kane took Appia’s hand. “Thank you, for taking care of Elizabeth when I could not.”
“It was my pleasure, and my honor. You won’t be coming back here, will you?”
“No,” Elizabeth said, her voice choked. “I’ll miss you, so much.”
Appia pulled out of Kane’s grip and hugged Elizabeth again. “You will always be in my thoughts, and in my heart. Here.” She slipped off the silver and lapis ring she always wore, put it on Elizabeth’s left hand. “Now part of me will go with you.”
“Appia, I can’t—your mother gave this to you—”
“As a gift when I was leaving. Now I am doing the same.” Appia kissed her cheek, and moved back until she could grab Marius’ hand. “May the gods watch over you both.”
“Now I won’t need an excuse to pry it off your finger,” Marius said. Everyone looked at him, except Appia, who stared at their joined hands. “I received my final orders. I am now the official commander of Vercovicium.”
“Congratulations.” Kane clapped one hand on his shoulder. “They could not have picked a finer man.”
“Thank you. I expect you to remain as my right hand, Quintus. Now that you are officially the senior centurion.”
He let out his breath. “Thank you, captain—commander. It will be my honor.”
“Appia.” Marius brushed his hand over her hair. “Look at me, my love.” She shook her head. “I can hardly ask my next question with you staring at the ground.”
“Oh, Marius.” She lifted her head, tears filling her dark eyes. “You are not obligated because of a silly promise—”
“I am thrilled, because now I can call you mine, and spit in the legal eye of Rome. Marry me, my heart.”
“With such a romantic proposal, how can I refuse?” She cut off Marius’ laugh with her lips, and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her in.
Elizabeth leaned against Kane, happy for her new friend. When Appia let go of Marius, Elizabeth stepped forward, wanting to be the first to hug her.
“I am so glad I got to see this before I left.”
Appia’s arms tightened around her. “You will be missed, Elizabeth. In more ways than you know.” She let out a shaky breath and backed away. “Take care of her, Kane.”
“Always.” He kissed Appia, then shook Marius’ hand. “You will be the envy of many.”
Marius grinned. “And enjoy every moment of it. Take care, both of you. If you do ever find yourself in this part of the world again, you always have a welcome, and a home.”
Elizabeth and Appia hugged again, for what she knew would be the last time. Kane finally pried her away.
She held on to him, tears sliding down her cheeks, as three more people she would never see again walked out of her life.
Kane watched as Elizabeth wiped her eyes, picked up her backpack, and stared at it, as if she forgot what she was about to do. Kane helped her with it, sliding the strap over her shoulder before picking up his pack. He held out his hand.
She bypassed it and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“I know this is the difficult part for you, Beth.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Ready?”
She sniffed. “No, but let’s go anyway.”
They moved out to the field. Kane strapped the transport to his left wrist, and programmed the date. Home, the day they left. He knew it would take them to a later date, because of the portal glitch, but it would get them in the vicinity of his time.
Elizabeth tucked her hands in the crook of his arm. He turned his wrist, so the transport faced her. “Would you like to do the honors?”
“Kiss me first. For luck.”
He was happy to oblige. Cold wind whipped her hair around them, a golden web that brushed against his skin.
When he let her go, he leaned his forehead against hers, breathed her in.
“I love you, wife.”
She smiled. “Last time you get to say that.”
For now. “Whenever you’re ready, Beth.”
She took a deep breath, slid her finger over the button, and looked up at him. “I love you back, husband.”
Still holding his gaze, she pushed the button.
Thank you for joining Elizabeth and Kane on their continuing adventure! They will return in August, in Second Chances.
Want more? Loving Kane, a short story that takes place right after First Breath is now available. If you missed book one, you can buy your copy of Final Hours at your favorite retailer.
Want to be the first to know when the next book is released? Then join my list here:
http://catedeanwrites.com/join-my-list
Reviews mean so much – and help other readers find books. If you enjoyed First Breath, please take a minute and leave a review, even if it’s a short one.
Can’t wait until August for the next book? Then turn the page for a sneak peek of Second Chances.
Excerpt from Second Chances
Kane and Elizabeth flew out of the portal, and tumbled across thick grass.
Elizabeth thanked whoever was watching over them for the soft landing—then let out a shriek as she toppled off a steep bank and landed face first in icy water.
The first thing she heard when she pushed up, choking and soaked to the skin, was Kane’s laughter.
“Stand closer and laugh at me. I dare you.”
“Forgive me, love.” Still chuckling, he crouched on the bank and rolled up his right sleeve. “Give me your hand, now.”
She was more than a little tempted to pull him in with her, but she decided she would rather have his warm, dry body to hold on to than a second of revenge.
She pushed dripping hair out of her face, swam over to him, and gripped his wrist with both hands. He pulled her out in one easy move, then kept pulling, until she was plastered against his chest.
“Kane—I’m getting you wet—”
“That is what dry clothes are for, love. Now lift your head, so I can kiss you.”
He cut off her surprised laugh with his lips, his right arm hauling her off her feet. His body warmed her. His kiss had her dizzy, and hot, and wanting him. Probably what he intended.
He broke off the kiss, his lips leaving a trail of heat as they made their way down her throat.
“Kane—” She gasped out his name, let her head fall back to give him easier access. He hummed against her skin, and she wanted to wrap her legs around him and have her way with him. Now. “Kane… oh, there, right there.”
He nibbled at her throat, worked his way back up, his lips brushing her ear. “Remember where we left off.”
“Okay.”
With the low growl she only heard when he was making love with her, he kissed her again, then lowered her until her feet touched grass. She held on to him, even more aroused, and waited for her head to stop spinning. His right hand spread over her ribs, his fingertips brushing the side of her breast. Elizabeth let out a shaky breath, the casual caress so intimate.
“All right, love?” He may have sounded normal, but the fingers caressing her trembled, and his breathing was uneven.
She lifted her head, met his eyes, and forgot that she was wet, cold, and in a public place. The heat in his gaze scorched her.
“Kane—”
“Once we get you dry, Beth, I am going to find the nearest room and—” A loud beeping cut him off. “Bloody hell—the transport. You are a distraction, love.”
He raised his left arm, and she held her breath. The burst of hope faded when he stared at it, not saying a word.
“Kane?”
He turned his wrist, so the transport faced her. Because it was one of her good sight days, she was able to focus easily. A date marched across the screen—and it wasn’t the date he punched in.
“London, 14 October, 1874.” Kane met her eyes. “Welcome to the Victorian Age, Beth.”
Books by Cate Dean
Love in Time
Book One – Final Hours
Book Two – First Breath
Book 2.5 – Loving Kane
The Claire Wiche Chronicles
Book 1 – Rest For The Wicked
Book 2 – A Gathering of Angels
Book 3 – Carry On Wayward Son
Book 4 – Annie’s Song
Book 5 – What Doesn’t Kill You
Box sets
The Claire Wiche Chronicles Volumes 1-3
The Claire Wiche Chronicles Volumes 4-5
Young Adult
Alex Finch: Monster Hunter (The Monster Files Book 1)
Truth and Consequences (The Monster Files Book 2)
When Walls Can Talk (The Black Mountain Saga)
Danel of Black Mountain (The Black Mountain Saga)
Fantasy
Choices
Last Chance Jack
Anthology
Tales From The Mist – The Messenger
Lore: Tales of Myth and Legend Retold – The Barricades
Author’s Note
Like all my books, this one is a collaboration with people who make me look better, and I just love hanging out with them. This is my chance to thank them for all their hard work. To my beta reader Ann – thank you for your enthusiasm, and your quick turnaround. Your reaction made me want to write a better story. To Janet, at Dragonfly Editing – thank you for polishing my story, until it shines. And thank you, Jes, for another amazing cover. I am proud to have it speak for my book.
And a final thank you to my contest winners, Carrie, Chelssie, and Colette – thank you for letting me invade your lives a bit, so I could bring your characters to life.
About the Author
Hi there – thanks for checking in. My name is Cate Dean, and I write romantic suspense and paranormal, with some action packed YA paranormal and fantasy thrown in.
I am a huge history buff, and with my English/Irish heritage, I have always gravitated to English history. That love has taken me across the pond on a regular basis for the last 15 years. Now I get to combine the thrill of being in a country I love with my research addiction. :)
The Love in Time series is the culmination of those trips – and my love for romantic suspense. I hope you enjoy following Elizabeth and Kane on their adventures – I have a blast writing their story, and watching them grow and change.
If you want to be the first to know when the next book is released, or be in on some fun, exclusive contests and giveaways, join my list here:
http://catedeanwrites.com/join-my-list
You can learn more about me and my books at my website:
http://catedeanwrites.com
Like me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/catedeanwrites
Follow me on Twitter:
https://www.twitter.com/catedeanwrites
See my visual inspirations on Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/catedeanwrites/
I look forward to meeting you. :)
Chasing Perfection
Vol. 1
M.S. Parker
Copyright © 2014 Belmonte Publishing
Connect with me on Facebook:
http://Facebook.com/MsParkerAuthor
Newsletter:
Click here to get an email as soon as my next book is available.
Chapter One
Devon
As I used the expensive linen napkin to wipe the wine from my face, I was glad I’d ordered white instead of red. My dry cleaner would be able to salvage my dress shirt. I was still pissed, though. A perfectly good glass of Chardonnay wasted in a fit of childish temper.
“You’re breaking up with me?” The beautiful blonde who was still in the midst of the previously mentioned temper tantrum had pushed back from the table and was now standing to deliver her indignant monologue. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
I opened my mouth to tell her to sit down and be quiet, but she didn’t let me speak.
“After everything I’ve let you do to me?” Her face was starting to get that red, splotchy look that happened when fair-skinned women let their temper get the best of them. She looked around at the other diners, most of whom were no longer even trying to be polite and ignore the scene.
“I let you tie me up for your little games!” She was almost shrieking now. “You fucking spanked me!”
Shit.
I could see the expressions on the other men and women, saw their eyes darting towards me. Some of them recognized me. That was not acceptable.
I stood and crossed to her in two long strides, putting just an inch between our bodies so we weren’t touching, but she was forced to look up at me. I glared down at her and spoke in a low voice, the one that demanded submission.
“You are behaving in a manner most unbecoming, Miss Paine.” As it always did when I was trying to control my temper, the faint accent that usually tinged my words thickened until I sounded more like the teenaged boy who’d first stepped off the plane from Venice. That just made me more angry. My next statement was nearly a growl. “You know what happens when you misbehave in public.”
Her mouth snapped shut.
I watched her swallow hard and the anger in her face drained away, replaced by lust. I preferred that look on a woman’s face. Lust was easy to control.
I took a step back and motioned for one of the waiters who’d been nervously standing in the shadows.
“Yes, Sir?” the man asked nervously.
“Bill me for the meal,” I said. “And a bottle of wine for each table as an apology for the disruption of your guests’ meals.” I glanced at the waiter. “And add a thirty percent tip for your aggravation as well.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
I turned my attention back to my soon-to-be former lover. “Follow me.”
I didn’t bother to check if she was following as I walked towards the exit. I kept my eyes forward, my head up, expression blank. The only thing that betrayed what was bubbling under the surface was my lips pressed in a thin line. I stepped out into the balmy autumn night, not pausing to see if she was coming. I walked around the corner and into the narrow alley that separated the expensive Beverly Hills restaurant from the boutique next door. Less than a minute later, she appeared, stepping into the alley without a moment of hesitation.
“Face the wall, palms flat against it.”
I could see her fingers trembling as she did as she was told. She knew what was coming, and the fact that she was here meant that she accepted it, wanted it. She was always free to walk away at any time. I knew she wouldn’t, though. They never did.
I closed the space between us and slid my hands under the hem of her shirt. I had instructed her to wear the two-piece dress combination rather than a full dress for just this reason. Of all my lovers, Sami had been one of the most contentious – and not always in an enjoyable way – requiring far more discipline than the others. It hadn’t been a difficult decision to end our… encounter.
I pulled down her skirt and tapped her bare calf. She lifted one leg, then the other, kicking away half of the twenty-five hundred dollar garment. The top came down to the middle of her ass, leaving the rest of her bare. Like all my women, she didn’t wear panties in public. I preferred easy access at all times. I only allowed those who needed it to wear a bra. Sami didn’t.
I wasn’t interested in her breasts at the moment, however. I ran my hand over the firm globes of pale flesh and felt her tense. I smiled and drew my hand back.
The first crack echoed in the alley, sounding louder because of the silence between us. She didn’t make a sound until my hand made contact for the third time, the skin on her ass already starting to turn a delightful shade of pink.
“Ahhh…” It wasn’t exactly pleasure, but it wasn’t pain either. Sami was in that place where the two were starting to join, but her body hadn’t sorted out how it wanted to respond.
I spanked her harder, reminding her that this was a p
unishment for her behavior. It wasn’t meant to truly hurt her, but she needed to feel it. My palm was starting to sting and I was starting to wish I’d thought to bring a belt. Used correctly, it worked as well as a flogger to bring my submissive right to that edge.
I didn’t stop until her breathing began to hitch and I could see the moisture between her legs. Only then did I reach into my pocket for one of the little packets I kept on me at all times. I tore it open, unzipped my pants and rolled the condom down over my throbbing cock.
When I stepped up behind her and nudged her legs further apart, I could feel the heat radiating off of her ass. She wasn’t going to be able to sit comfortably for days. I lined myself up and thrust into her pussy with one hard stroke.
She keened as I buried my full length inside her. She was wet, but still so tight that it was almost painful for me, but I didn’t stop. I grabbed a handful of her hair as I began to pound into her. I could feel her body quivering around me as I tugged on her hair. For as much as she’d made it sound like I was the one who wanted it rough, she got off on it just as much as I did.
I could feel the pressure building in my stomach and knew I was close. I’d been wound too tight from the moment she’d started her tantrum, and spanking her had just made it that much worse. I put my mouth against her ear.
“Come if you can, but I’m not helping you.”
She growled in frustration, but I ignored her. My own release was too near. I lowered my head to the place where her shoulder met her neck and took some of the skin there into my mouth, sucking on it, nibbling it with my teeth. We were done, but I’d make sure she’d remember our last time together.
She was making whining little mews now, pushing back to meet my thrusts, forcing me even deeper. I put my hands on her hips and held her in place as I slammed into her, biting down on her neck as I came. She wailed, her body shaking around mine, further proof that I wasn’t the only one who liked what I’d done.