by R. R. Banks
Hannah leaned back against the couch, enjoying the time she was spending with Russell. Their meal was over and now they were spending time together over a couple of drinks. The bottle of wine was slowly emptying while Russell was already on his fourth bottle of lager. Time passed quickly as they spoke to each other about a variety of topics. They joked about their families, talking about how they were brought up in very different atmospheres but how they both ended up being successful. The conversations continued on about their schooling and their educational backgrounds, focusing on where they attended and why Russell moved to the United States. The conversation moved on as the alcohol continued to flow, making the dialogue flow easier and their mannerisms more relaxed. Eventually they sounded more like old friends reconnecting than a potentially blossoming relationship.
“So, what is your relationship like with your best friend, Alexis?” asked Russell as he stood up from the couch and walked over to the kitchen to grab another beer. “I know you said she’s your best friend and the two of you have been exceptionally close for years, but what’s it really like?”
“I guess you could say she’s more like my sister than my best friend,” explained Hannah. “We’ve been as thick as thieves since grade school and there isn’t anything that I wouldn’t do for that girl.”
Russell smiled while he listened to Hannah explain her best friend, jealous that he didn’t have that. “Of all of our differences, you can safely say that is the largest one,” he informed her. “I don’t have very many friends of whom I can say I am that close to. I have friends, but none of them are that close to me.”
“Do you not let yourself get that close to someone?” she asked as she pried for more information.
“No, it’s not that. I typically just do not like people,” he answered her with a smile. “I always keep a very pleasant and friendly disposition about myself because I’m always happy to be alive; it really beats the alternative. But honestly, I am not a fan of human interaction. I am as introverted as they come, which is what makes tonight incredibly odd.”
Hannah laughed as he explained his position. “Would you not normally put yourself out here like this?”
“Absolutely never,” he replied. “When you approached me in the café after our meeting, the first thought that went through my mind was to run for the closest exit. I’ve never been great with confrontations and I’ve never been great with interacting with other people. It’s why I excel in business transactions because I will always say what everyone else is afraid to say, not because I’m courageous, but because I don’t have the social awareness not to say it.”
“I suppose that’s why you’re so successful then,” reasoned Hannah as she sipped on her glass of wine. “They send you to those meetings across the world because you will get the job done.”
Russell nodded slowly as he grinned from ear to ear, holding his beer in his right hand while looking into Hannah’s eyes. “I’m really glad you called me,” he said, changing the subject to a much more serious matter. “I wanted to see you but I didn’t know how to instigate making it happen. I’m really thankful you called and I’m happy we’ve been able to spend some great time tonight getting to know each other.”
“Well, I thought about spending the night alone doing some laundry, but I have a few days to do that before I’m dispatched to some corner of the world,” she replied. “I’m glad you decided to come over as well.”
He stood up and finished his beer, walking over to the garbage can and throwing it away. “Ms. Burchfield, I’m afraid I’m going to have to call it a night,” he said as he stood in the center of the room. “I have to be in court tomorrow to represent a very high-profile client of ours through some litigation and I cannot be late.”
“Aw, you don’t want to stay a little longer?” she teased.
“No, I’m afraid I cannot,” he replied with a smile. “However, I would like to take you out tomorrow night if you can free up some time for me. I think it’d be quite nice to have a proper date.”
Hannah smiled as she sat on the couch and looked up at Russell. “You know what, that would be absolutely perfect,” she said. “I would love nothing more than for you to take me out, but I warn you, Alexis will be in town and she may need a hug at some point.”
Russell smiled. “Well, that’s quite alright. We can go to dinner and maybe she and a friend of hers can join us for drinks afterwards.”
“I think she’d be for that,” replied Hannah as she stood up from the couch and walked over to Russell. She placed her arms around his neck and interlocked her fingers, pulling herself in close as she leaned in to kiss him. Their lips lightly touched as he placed his hands on her waist, holding them together for a few seconds before releasing and turning toward the door.
“I look forward to seeing you tomorrow,” said Russell as he reached the door with Hannah a few steps behind him.
“As do I,” she replied as she watched him open the door and walk out. “As do I.”
THE END
Sample of Boss Me Hard
“Now, before I was so rudely interrupted. I was still straddling his waist, letting him caress my thighs. His hands worked up to my ass, caressing it firmly as I started to rub my hands across his well-defined shoulders and chest. I started unbuttoning his shirt, pulling it out of his pants. His chest was very well-defined with tight pectoral muscles and chiseled abs. He looked as if he stepped off a runway and just so happened to end up in this trailer with me. I started caressing his chest, running my nails lightly over his tight, dark nipples. He groaned, when I took one of the little buds between my fingers to give it a slight squeeze. With a low growl, he firmly grabbed my ass, pulling me toward him.
Gregorio moved his hands around to my stomach and started unbuttoning my blouse. Still kissing me the whole time as I started to grind my hips into his. It didn’t take long, but once he adjusted his pants a little bit, I could feel the rock-hard glory nestled comfortably between his legs. It felt impressive, while I had yet to personally look at his cock, it felt as if it would do a very good job. Our mouths released as he finished unbuttoning my blouse, immediately pulling it off my chest and tossing it the side. He didn’t waste any more time reaching behind my back and unclasping my bra. Once released, my boobs dropped a bit, falling into his face like a child turning the knob on a jack in the box. With a cocky grin, he ran the very tip of his tongue teasingly around my right nipple before pulling it into his hot mouth.
I moaned, feeling every flick of his gifted tongue as it caused shivers to travel down my spine. His mouth felt amazing against my breast as I wrapped my hands around his head. I ran my fingers through his dark hair as he moved over to my other breast, licking that nipple and slightly nipping at it with his teeth. I moaned as the sharp nipping increased. I grasped his hair in ecstasy as he continued to make my spine tingle. Honestly, I have never had a man do to my breasts what Gregorio could do. The attention he spent with his tongue was second to no one and after a few more minutes, I was ready to take control and dominate him, though honestly, he beat me to it.”
I hope you enjoyed this excerpt from Boss Me Hard. Follow our girls on their trip to Dubai.
United States
Other Countries
Book 1 – Captured by Sweet Alien
Chapter 1
The hairs on my neck stood. It happened every time my boss was near. He gave me the creeps and on more than one occasion I had to politely remind him to keep his filthy hands to himself. Ever since I turned down his advances he made up his mind on giving me the worst cases and projects. I lifted my tired eyes to see him standing in front of my desk with a smirk. I knew that look. It meant he had something planned—and I wasn’t going to like it.
“Ms. Baines, I have a new assignment for you.”
Leaning back in my chair I nodded giving him permission to sit in the chair and waited for him to spit it out.
“You’re going on a trip.”
“Where to?”
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“Uoria.”
I gulped. Out of all the places he could have sent me and it was to the planet full of the most temperamental species humans had ever studied. “What for?”
“We need to learn more about them, what’s in their blood.”
I gasped. “You know that’s against the rules, Ryan.” Everyone knew that the King and Queen made the rules. They still allowed us to do testing, but never of their blood. And I knew what happened to those who tried getting the blood of a Denynso. They never came back that’s what.
He shrugged. “You’re sneaky enough and no one pays much attention to you. We need to know what makes them so powerful.”
His eyes lit up and I shuddered. I knew exactly why he wanted a sample of their blood. It was the same reason every other scientist wanted it, and it was exactly why they had all failed.
“Oh, and preferably the blood from their strongest warrior is what you need to get. You’ve heard of him right?”
Of course I had. Everyone in my line of work had heard of the monstrous Denynso called Pyra. He was one mean son of a bitch and no one wanted near him. Well, besides all the women that vied for a place in his bed. But there was nothing scientific about that.
“You know I won’t do that.”
He shrugged. “Then you’re job is as good as gone and so will your reputation. You’ll never work again. Not in this field!” He spun on his heel and looked over his shoulder. “Might as well practice saying, “Do you want fries with that?” because that’s the only work you’ll ever get. You know how much we need this information.”
“Wait,” I said and sighed. I couldn’t lose my job. It was all I had, my livelihood. I’d have to find a way to convince the leaders to let me have a sample and test it. Maybe fudge the results or something. I would find a way. “I’ll do it!” I prayed I live long enough to explain why I was asking for the one thing they’d refused since we learned of their species.
His smile widened as if he had won the biggest prize. He knew I wouldn’t be coming back and that was his plan all along. They’d kill me before I got close enough to the warrior, and if I managed to sneak by he’d break my neck with two fingers. I shuddered. This wasn’t going to be a fun vacation. I needed to form a plan and offer the Denynso something they couldn’t resist, but I didn’t have anything—not really. I only hoped I could get them on the off chance that they wouldn’t want me to lose my job. Maybe they’d feel sorry for me, throw me a bone or something. No matter how small it was, I’d take it.
“Good, I knew you’d see it my way. You need to be ready at four a.m.”
Then he left me stewing knowing he’d given me an impossible task. If I was going down, I was taking that piece of shit down with me. I smiled evilly. They were an angry species. It shouldn’t be too hard to piss them off and let them know it was all Ryan’s idea.
After he left me alone, I did what I was best at. I hacked the system and copied the surveillance from my office. Right there I’d be able to prove what was going on to the Denynso, if I could play it. I already knew there wasn’t electricity, but I’d charge my laptop for that purpose alone. Proof my boss was a scumbag and it was his idea to send me there to specifically break their rules. Maybe I’d have a chance to survive my stay there, but coming back home wouldn’t be so great.
Chapter 2
I was ready to go and waited for my boss well before four. I hadn’t slept at all. All night I planned how I would handle the situation my boss had put me in. I knew they would be expecting another scientist. I’d have to meet with them before I step foot on their compound. From what I had learned it was a very secure planet. Warriors scoured the land to keep watch over the humans, and be on the lookout for an attack from their enemies.
I shuddered and thought about what I’d heard about their enemies. There were several horror stories of the attacks on Uoria. The Klimnu were disgusting beasts. Luckily they hadn’t managed to make it to Earth yet or humans would be in big trouble.
Ryan strolled up to me at four on the dot and smiled handing over my paperwork.
“Here’s all the stuff you’ll need when you get there. I have you down as routine testing for plant and animal life. You’re there for up to six months. That should be plenty of time to get what I need.” He gave me a look and I didn’t miss the tone.
I nodded, but inside I was fuming. He was trying to get me killed. I was his competition, and the one that turned his ass down. He didn’t take rejection well, and now I was paying for it. But I was smarter than him and would come up on top.
“All right, well you know how to get in contact if you need anything, but I’m sure you won’t.”
I kept my mouth shut because this was all a fucking set up. I couldn’t believe he’d stoop so low, but maybe it had something to do with the fact that I was up for the promotion he wanted. Luckily I’d learned to control my Irish temper. My mother always told me one day it would come in handy to have self-control, and now I was learning.
Without a word I picked up my bags and boarded the ship. I was nervous as hell. This was the first time I was traveling to another planet, and I wasn’t too sure about it. I wasn’t the type of person who wanted to experience new things. I’d much rather stay in the lab by myself. I felt Ryan’s eyes burning into my back and straightened without turning back. He wouldn’t get a rise out of me. As soon as the metal door clanged closed I let out the breath I’d been holding and muttered, “stupid ass mother fucker.” He would get his.
The very human pilot chuckled. Apparently I spoke a little louder than I thought. Oh well. Everyone knew how I felt about Ryan so it wouldn’t be a surprise that I’d be cursing him. They also knew I had a temper and I held a grudge like no other. I glared at the man and he shrugged before getting ready to take off.
The ship shook and my stomach dropped. Leaning back in my seat I held my breath and closed my eyes. My hands gripped the arm rests and I clenched my teeth as I was lifted into the air at an unknown speed. My stomach rose back up into my throat and I nearly lost what little I had eaten. As soon as the ship leveled some I was able to relax but the speed hadn’t slowed and I kept my eyes shut hoping the medication I had taken would kick in soon knocking my ass out.
* * * *
I woke up to the pilot shaking me. I swung my fist and smiled when I heard the satisfying crunch of the bone in his nose breaking. I didn’t like being touched especially without permission.
“Shit!” he shrieked. “What the hell, I was only waking you up. I’ve been trying for nearly an hour. These warriors are starting to get antsy.”
I shot up and grimaced. “Sorry,” I replied sheepishly. Now I felt bad. “Sorry about your nose.”
“It fucking hurts. No wonder everyone is scared of you.” His eyes watered and he’d lifted his shirt to catch the blood.
I smirked. “Yeah, well next time refrain from touching me. Use a blow horn if you have to, but keep your damn hands to yourself.”
He nodded and winced. “You got it, but please get the hell of my ship.”
I stood and stretched knowing I’d just slept for probably five days. My body wasn’t ready to stand and I wobbled but caught myself before I fell. “Give me five.”
He didn’t respond so I took it as an okay and paced the small area while the rest of my body woke up. I needed to be alert when I met the King and Queen. My insides fluttered like butterflies. I wasn’t the biggest socialite and meeting people, human or not, wasn’t my thing. After the given five minutes I walked behind the pilot and laid a hand on his shoulder. He jumped and looked at me in fear.
“Thank you for the ride, and again, I’m sorry about your nose.”
He nodded curtly. The bleeding had stopped but his right eye was almost swollen shut. “I’ll remember the blow horn next time.”
I chuckled. At least he was able to find humor in getting his ass kicked by a woman.
I stepped off of the ship and gasped. It was so familiar, yet not. Everything was so alive. The
grass waved in wind, and the sky was almost violet with pinks and oranges. It was breathtaking. I stood taking in the surroundings. The ship rumbled to life vibrating the ground. I didn’t even bother looking back. I was stuck here for the next six months. Life was about to get a whole hell of a lot more interesting.
My view was blocked by the largest body I had ever seen. Even I felt tiny to the beast in front of me, and instinctively I balled my hands into fists. I had to be in front of the warrior everyone spoke about.
“You’re the new one?” he asked in a gruff voice that vibrated along my skin. The sound shot right through my body.
I gulped and looked up, and then up some more before nodding. “Yes, I’m Eden Baines.”
He smirked down at me. “Come, you must meet the King and Queen.” His voice was a bit tenser, and I wondered why. Must have been that temper I had heard about.
Chapter 3
Pyra wanted to roar. The moment she spoke, something inside of him came to life. A heat so intense filled him he was barely able to hold back his gasp. It wasn’t acceptable. This measly human was not his mate. She was tiny. There was no way she’d be able to handle all seven feet, and three inches of him.
He wasn’t ready to be shackled down by the all-consuming love he’d feel for her. His body already was going through the change, and they hadn’t even touched. He had this feeling for days. He was edgier than normal, though for him that wasn’t saying much. He flew off the handle more than once and fought five of his brethren. Now he understood why.
He stalked to the main house, not looking back. He couldn’t look at her, not yet. He wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep his hands to himself if he really saw her. From what he’d seen she was perfect. Fairly tall for a human woman, pale skin, fiery red hair, that he knew would match the glint in her bright green eyes. He noticed every tiny freckle that dusted her skin. He hadn’t missed the slight gap between her two front teeth when she spoke. He also didn’t miss the way she averted her eyes or didn’t offer her hand like most of the others did. She didn’t want to be there, he could tell right off.