by Mary Suzanne
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Except for select brand names and businesses, this book is a work of fiction. Names, places, events and characters are fictitious. Any similarities to actual events or persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental.
Darling Rebel
© 2009 Mary Suzanne
ISBN 978-1-934446-50-8
Cover Design by Viper
All rights reserved. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.
Published by
Romance Divine LLC
www.romancedivine.com
Other Romance Divine LLC Books
By
Mary Suzanne
Rekindled Love
The glamorous life of a fashion model was not without perils…of the heart. For Cassie, it meant an erotic photo shoot with an old lover. Had Antonio forgotten her? Could she hide her feelings, even as his body meshed with hers while the cameras clicked? In the ruins of an old castle, Cassie finds a REKINDLED LOVE.
Addie
Can dreams come true? Can we imagine our perfect love…and then have it sail into our life? Matt Martin had the chance to live happily ever after, a ghost of a chance. Would he take it, or break the spell?
Loving Katie
Storm clouds are brewing, both on the horizon and inside Katie Jordash. To escape the rain, she finds refuge with Ryan McDermott inside a cave. As the heavens open, so does her heart, for the first time. But years later, will a deadly tornado, and a tempest named Carol, keep Katie from living happily ever after?
Double Your Pleasure
The night her car broke down and she wandered lost in the woods was something Jenny Logan would have liked to have forgotten. Instead, she forgot who she was - a fall in the forest and she awakes in a cabin, but not alone. Two handsome strangers tend to her in ways she couldn’t have imagined. When Jenny’s memory returns, the men in her life are gone, but not forgotten. Will she see them again? And when she does, will she experience that night of lust again?
Partners
Josh Braslet was a regular at the Corral Bar, but he wasn’t out to rope and tame a peroxide filly. He was after a stallion in denim, Jake Talbot. Both Josh and Jake know what they want, but will family – and fate – get in the way of their happily ever after?
Secrets
Cade McKenna was a man who couldn’t make up his mind. He wasn’t sure what he wanted – or didn’t want. His wife Maddie, did he want her, and did she want him? It took a special stranger, one Bailey Kingston, to stir desire in Cade and to let him summon the courage to rid himself of his: Secrets.
Angel In Blue
Fireman Mack Baird was fearless – about going into a burning building. A relationship, a special kind of relationship, was something else altogether. He knew what he wanted, but was unsure about how and who. Policeman Isaiah “Ike” Madison would turn out to be who and he’d also show him the how. The action is hot, and it’s not simply burning buildings that are turning up the heat.
Just Not Into Me
Case O’Brien wanted nothing more than a relationship, someone to care about – and someone to care about him. Could colleague Rob Nelson be that special someone? Were their Master/slave games only that – games? Or will this turn out to be the real thing? Case needs to find out if Rob is the one, or if he is Just Not Into Me.
Private Dancer
Casey was bumping and grinding his way through college, a sexy male stripper who turned on the ladies, but didn’t feel quite the same about their affections. While screaming women stuffed his g-string with dollars, Casey’s eyes were on the dark mysterious stranger in the back of the club. Could Mathew be the one? Casey didn’t know, but he’d like nothing better than to audition as his - Private Dancer.
Now Available in Paperback
SEXY
Mary Suzanne’s
Erotic Romance Collection
SEXY is the first short story collection from erotic author Mary Suzanne. Within these pages are four hot male-male stories and a sensual male-female-male threesome.
SEXY goes beyond the bedroom and takes the daring reader into another realm of erotic romance.
Mary Suzanne has enjoyed hundreds of sales of her works. Partners, Secrets, Angel In Blue and Just Not Into Me were all on the "What's Hot" list at AllRomanceeBooks.com. Angel In Blue was number four and Partners number six on the AllRomanceeBooks.com Top-Ten bestseller list.
You might lose sleep at bedtime, with your copy of SEXY, but that's not a bad thing - is it?
ISBN: 978-1-934446-49-2
Darling
Rebel
Mary Suzanne
One
A fierce north wind blew crystal snowflakes across the porch and into the open door where Sasha Jardane stood. Sasha compared Chicago winters to living in a deep freeze; yet she loved the flamboyant city and had no desire to live anywhere else.
She stepped onto the porch and moved toward the long white pillar several feet from the entrance. She looked toward the intersecting streets for any sign of her friend's car. Joe was late. He had called earlier about picking her up and meeting another couple at a nightclub in the city.
Sasha stepped back into the house and closed the door. She shook the sticky flakes from her long, auburn hair and felt the wet droplets touch her face. When she glanced up, she saw her father walking down the staircase.
Mike Jardane wore a dark suit and tie, his silvery hair setting off the bronze coloring of his skin. He was a striking man, making Sasha wonder why he hadn’t married again after losing her mother years ago. He owned one of the largest newspapers in Chicago, and until recently, he'd presided over the enterprising business as its president. A month had passed since he’d instructed the Board to hire Mitch Jenner to manage the newspaper, leaving him time to pursue other interests.
"Where’s Joe?" Mike asked, joining her in the living room.
"He should be along any minute.” She ran her hand across her thick brown sweater and over her designer jeans in a smoothing gesture while she thought about what she wanted to say. "There’s something I want to discuss with you."
"What is it?” Mike didn’t miss the determination lining her face.
Sasha hesitated seconds before answering. It was hard to know how to begin, but there was no better time than now to tell him of her plan. "I've decided to get a job."
Mike shook his head. "You don't have to work, honey.” He removed a glass from the bar and filled it with amber liquid. "We've already discussed this before."
"I know, but you haven't fully heard me out. After putting so much time into college, I’m just wasting my degree staying at home. I want to make my mark in the world.”
"Okay, let’s hear it. What are you interested in doing?"
She took a deep breath gearing up her courage before beginning. "I overheard you talking to someone about a reporter's job at the newspaper. Since I majored in journalism, I have the right qualifications."
Sasha knew she’d always had a drive to write. A job at the newspaper would be the perfect chance to test her skills in her chosen field. She watched him closely for any signs of softening in his attitude.
"That's not possible. I’m sure Mitch Jenner will want someone with experience to take the cub reporter position."
She realized this was going to be harder than she first thought, but she’d always had a stubborn streak. "You can talk to him for me.” A pleading look covered her face.
"I haven't met Mitch Jenner yet, even though I recommended
him to the Board after reading his resume." He shrugged, "How would it look if I interfered and demanded he put my daughter on the payroll?"
"Please, Dad, I could always use mothers’ maiden name on my application. No one would have to know we're related. Give me this one chance to prove myself."
"You make everything sound so simple. I know you’ve taken on more responsibility since your,” he paused, “rebel phase, but this is something that will be hard to pull off.”
Sasha knew exactly what he referred to by her rebel phase. A younger Sasha participated in every protest or march for equality, much to her father’s irritation. She only hoped her past didn’t continue to haunt her.
“There shouldn't be any problems.” She saw the indecision race across his face.
He was silent, studying the whiskey in the glass, considering his daughter’s future. "If I agree, you can’t tell anyone your identity.”
She flushed with her victory, but hid her reaction.
"I don’t want Mitch Jenner to know. He’s done a capable job running the newspaper and I don’t want to lose him.”
"I’m not going to tell a soul.” Excitement lit her eyes, "There's something else I want to discuss with you."
"Go ahead,” he took a drink, steeling himself for the next onslaught. “I'm listening.”
"I’m going to rent an apartment closer to the newspaper." She’d barely spoken the words when she noticed him shaking his head. "Please, don't say anything until you've had a chance to think it over.”
“You've never lived away from home, and I don't like the idea.”
“I’m twenty-three; it's about time I tried making it on my own," she crossed her arms, holding her ground. "I've already made an appointment to see an apartment tomorrow."
He sighed; he’d known this day was coming. "It looks as if you've made up your mind and nothing I say will change it.”
"Thank you so much.” She threw her arms around his neck, “You won’t have to worry about me.”
The ringing of the doorbell was a welcome sound. She was sure if they discussed it any further, he might change his mind.
Mike released her and held her at arms' length, studying her features. "You're determined enough to succeed.” He smiled at her, shaking his head in defeat. "If you don't get a move on, Joe may leave you at home tonight.” Mike watched her walk through the hallway to answer the door.
She opened the door, and greeted Joe with a smile, "Come in and visit dad while I get my coat."
Joe Fields stomped the snow off his shoes and walked into the room. His brown gaze lifted to where Mike stood. "How are you, Mr. Jardane?”
"Couldn’t be better; it’s nice to see you again, Joe.”
A few seconds later, Sasha reentered the living room with her coat draped over her arm. "I’m all set.”
"Have fun tonight, but be careful," Mike cautioned, walking them to the door.
"We will.” She kissed his cheek.
Sasha felt Joe’s arm circling her waist when they stepped outside. He held her arm until they made it across the icy patch and she was safely seated in his car.
She looked at the snow alongside the road and the gleam of the streetlights on the icy streets, "Do you think we should forget going out tonight?"
"Joan and Steve are already at the nightclub waiting for us. I called and told them we'd be running a little late.” Joe shrugged,” But hey, if you don’t want to go, we can cancel.”
“I guess it’d be silly to change our minds at this late date," she answered as he turned off the side street and drove to the interstate.
When they walked through the entrance of the club, Joe raised his head to see over the top of the crowd. "There they are,” he said after spotting Joan and Steve.
Joan must have been watching, as she waved once she spotted them.
The dimly lit room echoed with the sounds of voices and laughter. Sasha didn’t miss how Joan and Steve added their fair share to the ruckus. As they approached the table Joan's voice rose to greet them. Sasha glanced around, feeling self-conscious about her friend’s shrill tone. She had known Joan since childhood, so there were times when she ignored some of her shortcomings. She often made excuses to stay at home when Joan wanted her to go out for the evening. On the times that she did go with her, Joan wound up drinking too much and getting into an argument with someone. Sasha sighed, this looked like another one of those nights.
Sasha frowned at Joan’s loud tone and she glanced around at the tables near them. A strange sensation flooded through her when her gaze collided with a set of piercing, black eyes. The stranger frowned as Joan’s voice continued to rise. Sasha quickly dropped her lashes and looked away.
Sasha felt uneasy from the brief eye contact with the man. She couldn't shake the feeling as she tried to concentrate on her friend’s conversation. Something told her not to look across the aisle again, but she ignored her instincts, and her gaze traveled back to the stranger. The quick peek was all she needed; he was watching again, but the frown was gone and irritation had taken its place.
Her best bet was to ignore the man; she didn’t know him, and nothing would bring her mood down tonight. The happy thoughts that she’d soon have a job and a new apartment raced through her.
Sasha threw caution to the wind and decided to join her friend’s lively discussion. Yet three hours after arriving, she couldn’t help noticing Joan had become louder.
Sasha saw the manager of the nightclub weaving his way through the crowd. Frustration lined his face as he approached their table. "I've had several complaints about the noise. I'm going to have to ask you to quiet down, or take your rebel rousing somewhere else,” he said angrily.
"Oh, is that so?" Joan shouted. “Where do you get off pinning a name like rebels on us?”
Sasha realized Joan was drunk, and she knew that an embarrassing scene was imminent. It would be easier to leave than to stay and argue the point with the man towering over them.
"Joe, are you ready to go?" Sasha reached for her coat from the back of her chair.
Joe nodded his head and stood.
"You don't have to leave because of what some old fuddy-duddy has to say.” Joan’s voice carried around the room. "We have as much right to stay as anyone.”
Sasha’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she knew from past experience that Joan couldn’t be shut up. "I'll call you tomorrow.” When she turned away, Sasha’s eyes moved slowly toward the stranger. She couldn’t come up with a logical explanation why she should be looking at him. His gaze locked on her, and she felt an icy shiver race down her spine; she looked away quickly.
Sasha settled into Joe’s car, “I’m glad we left when we did."
"From now on, I’m not going to meet them anywhere,” Joe said, slowing the car for a red light. "What are you doing tomorrow?"
"I'm driving into the city to look at an apartment."
"You're going to move?" His head snapped to look at her, "What did your father say?"
"He was against the idea at first, but I convinced him it was time I tried making it on my own.” She smiled her victory smile, “I'm also planning on getting a job."
"You don't have to work. Look at the fancy car he bought you."
"I want to work, and that fancy car, as you put it, was a college graduation present. My purpose in getting a job is to be independent.”
He shrugged his shoulders. "If that's what you want then you should do it. Will you need any help moving in?”
“No, I can manage, but thanks for the offer.”
They drove the rest of the way to Sasha’s house in silence.
“Don’t get out, Joe,” she said reaching for the door handle and stepping onto the snowy sidewalk. “I'll give you a call when I get settled into my new place."
“You’d better.” He lifted his hand and waved as he drove away.
As Sasha prepared for bed an unexpected vision of the stranger popped into her head. Judging by the man's expression, she knew h
e considered her as rowdy as her friends. She wondered what he’d thought when the manager had called them rebel rousers. That name was in her past, and Sasha hoped it stayed there.
Something about the stranger intrigued her, compelling her to glance in his direction more than once that evening. And the looks he'd given her had her shuddering inwardly. She eventually dismissed him from her thoughts, knowing she’d never see him again.
* * * **
The following morning she awoke early, excited to start the day. Sasha dressed in jeans and a sweater, noticing in the mirror how her deep green eyes danced with enthusiasm. She powdered her nose before running a brush through her long auburn waves.
She walked down the stairs and smelled the aroma of coffee in the air. When she entered the kitchen, Mike folded his morning newspaper and placed it on the table.
"Good morning," he greeted her, kissing her cheek.
"Morning, Dad." She returned his kiss before walking to the cabinet for a mug. "I'm going to get an early start today.”
"Don't be in too big a hurry driving. From the news reports, the snow’s made the highways dangerous.”
"I'll be careful,” she murmured, raising her mug and drinking the warm brew.
"I'll probably be late getting back." She stood and picked up her handbag and coat.
"No hurry. You have all day.”
Sasha nodded as she made her way through the hallway and out to her car. Just as she reached the city limits, she came to a busy intersection. When she looked up, the light suddenly changed from a green to an amber color. In a matter of seconds, the light blinked to red.
"Oh darn!” She muttered as a car shot across her path, barely missing her by inches. She slammed on her brakes to avoid a crash and saw the driver of the other car.