He peered outside into the night.
He saw movement by a small car, an old blue beat up Nova. The trunk was popped open, and a young woman with a fall of midnight black hair was lifting a crate into the back.
That was odd, he thought. Why was she taking food meant for the Mystic? He went out the door despite not having his jacket. He had removed it inside and not thought to put it back on. Although it was March, it seemed the winter was not done with them yet in Connecticut.
As he got closer, he was becoming more perplexed as the young woman bent over and lifted two more crates labelled with the Mystic insignia and placed them into the trunk of her car. Her backside was nice to look at was another of his initial thoughts. But then his suspicious nature was back in place. If this was the sous chef that Louis had hired, what was she doing putting things into a car, instead of bringing them in? He couldn’t make out what was in the crates, but they were clearly labelled.
He was about twenty feet away when she spotted him. She jumped and was clearly startled. It was made even more evident when her arm reached up to grasp the trunk and she banged it closed with a resounding clash that rent the night air.
“Excuse me,” he spoke first. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” He spoke the words softly. He tried to keep the suspicion out of his voice.
“Well, you did,” she snapped. Her dark brown eyes sparkling in fear, or bewilderment. “You really shouldn’t sneak up on a person like that. At night. A woman alone.” She was angry. With him? She glanced at her car briefly, lowering her eyelashes, the little black fans showcasing her classic beauty. But soon those snapping eyes gazed upon him once more. She was a tiny thing, but stood tall before him. She didn’t back down.
He stood across from her now. Just a few feet away. She recovered, and placed both of her hands onto her generous hips. He couldn’t help but glance at that part of her body one more time. The girl had curves. All of the important ones. He liked what he saw. He could tell she was native, too. Her olive skin and her strong cheekbones identified her as Pequot.
“I’m sorry. I was looking for the new sous chef. My mother wanted me to thank the kitchen staff for the excellent work in preparing the food for my brother’s engagement party.”
Her eyes went round. She recognized the man before her now. She had been too startled before. “You’re Joseph Sassacus,” she stated the obvious, and reached her hand out to him. “Well, you’ve found me then, I’m the sous chef, Jewel Diamente.” His smirk at her name caused butterflies to swirl in her stomach. He was massive. A brick wall. But incredibly handsome.
Jonathan took her small hand in his. The woman was shorter than him by at least eight inches. He was six foot tall.
When her small hand slid into his, he looked down at it. Not because she was so slight, but because he felt a bolt of electricity pass through him. He knew he was attracted to her. That much was obvious. But the current that passed between them shocked him.
Before he could contemplate it further, she was quickly withdrawing her hand. He recovered. “Well then,” he glanced back to her face. It was heart shaped. Adorable, framed by long dark hair that lay thickly past her shoulders, a few strands against her ample chest. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” she replied shifting from one foot to the other. She looked nervous all of a sudden. And that reminded Joseph of what he had just witnessed. He scrutinized her more closely. He gave her time to explain what she was doing before he asked. She had been taking items from the kitchen and had placed them into her car. When she didn’t respond, he glanced pointedly once more at her car wondering what exactly she had been taking. One of the toughest things to control in a casino this large was theft. Both small, and large. Despite best efforts to control it, the casino had plenty of that going on. And most often it was the staff taking the stuff themselves.
She noticed his gaze and his questioning look. Oh, my. He thought she was stealing. She became angry and embarrassed all at the same time. Her words came out in a rush. “I was taking the expired items to the food pantry, Mr. Sassacus,” she quickly lied.
Something about her tone kept Joseph on edge. He could always tell a lie when he heard it. Her body betrayed her, when she lifted a hand to twirl one dark strand of hair around her index finger.
“Of course you were,” he purred laying the charm on thick. He gave her his megawatt smile. The smile that worked wonders on the opposite sex. So she was a do gooder. Perhaps. He’d watch her carefully though, he mused. “And please call me Joseph, or Joe.”
“Joseph, er, Joe, of course,” she stammered and made to pass him by and head to the kitchen. He was unnerving her. The man was just too good looking for words. And by the way he kept staring at her like that, she felt like he was a wolf staring down its prey. She had to admit the man was attractive. But, she was not going down that road. She had too many other things to take care of, too many other responsibilities. And there was no way she wanted to be on this man’s radar. There was too much at stake.
She quickly made her way back to the kitchens. But she could feel those eyes watching her the whole way. Chocolate brown eyes, she noticed, as her body shuddered of its own volition. Yes, she definitely could lose herself in those eyes.
The End
Note from the Author
I hope you enjoyed Book 1 of Mystic Nights. And I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek I gave you into Book 2, Triple Diamonds, as well. This series will contain five books. Each of Tawny’s children will have their story told, and then it will end with her book, her love story. That is one you will not want to miss.
As an indie author, I love having the control over my books and releases. But it is difficult to get exposure when you don’t have the funds and resources to promote the books. Please, consider leaving a review. For authors, reviews are just so very important. They help us get more exposure on the various eBook outlets. So, please do leave a review from whatever eBook provider you use. I would really appreciate it.
And, you won’t have to wait long to read the rest of Joseph’s story. He’ll be here before you know it. You can follow me on Facebook to get all the updates and of course follow me on all the other book platforms to find out about sales and releases. On Facebook, I share teasers, and excerpts of books yet to be released, and share my cover reveals with my fans.
If you enjoyed this book, and the start to my new series, you might enjoy some of the books from my back catalogue. Please check out my other two series; Secrets & Seduction, and The Bounty Hunters: The Marino Bros. Aliya Chance was a minor character in my Bounty Hunter series.
I’d love to hear from you. I enjoy getting feedback from my readers. I can be reached at [email protected]
Keep reading for a peek at the rest of The Mystic Nights series.
The Mystic Nights Series
Chances
(Book 1 of Mystic Nights Series)
Mystic Nights Casino is the newest gambling hot spot to hit Lantern Hill, and Tawny Sassacus runs it. For her people, the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, she is determined to make it a success despite trouble with politicians, and a rival tribal nation. With the help of her children, she is determined to fight for what is right.
As Vice-Chair of Mystic Nights, Jonathan Sassacus doesn’t have time to chase women. He only likes a sure bet. When he crosses paths with the new dancer, things change. Tall, with legs that won’t quit, she’s a distraction he doesn’t need, but can’t resist.
One night of passion is all it takes. Aliya Chance can’t get the sexy as sin Jonathan out of her head. His powerful and domineering ways are not what she needs in her life. She has her own dreams that don’t include giving private dances to the boss.
Jonathan has much to do. He has to hunt down skimmers and embezzlers in his casino before the big audit. The trail he follows leads him down a road filled with murder and betrayal that brings danger to his very door. When his faith is rocked by the woman stealing his heart, will it be too late to s
ave them? Or, will he risk throwing the dice by taking the biggest chance of all?
Triple Diamonds
(Book 2 of the Mystic Nights Series)
Mystic Nights Casino is the newest gambling hot spot to hit Lantern Hill, and Tawny Sassacus runs it. For her people, the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, she is determined to make it a success despite trouble with politicians, and a rival tribal nation. With the help of her children, she is determined to fight for what is right.
Joseph Sassacus, corporate attorney for his reservation’s casino, would rather be fighting for justice for his people, but the casino sucks him in time and time again. A dark haired beauty with almond eyes, might be able to alleviate some of the stress he is feeling. He can’t help but imagine doing things to her he shouldn’t, but her allure keeps him coming back for more.
A life altering tragedy prevents Jewel Diamente from pursuing her dreams of her own restaurant. She finds herself doing things she never thought she would have to do. She has no time to pursue her own ambitions, let alone Joseph Sassacus. But the man with the sexy smile, and electric touch, has her pulse pounding and her senses reeling.
A rash of robberies at the casino, an increasing drug problem on the reserve, and Jewel Diamente will test Joseph’s loyalties when the three collide. With all the signs pointing to her, will he risk his family, people, and ambition? Is his ‘diamond’ the real deal? If he goes with his gut, gambles and wins, he just might hit the jackpot, but he could also lose it all.
Lucky Strike
(Book 3 of the Mystic Night Series)
Mystic Nights Casino is the newest gambling hot spot to hit Lantern Hill, and Tawny Sassacus runs it. For her people, the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, she is determined to make it a success despite trouble with politicians, and a rival tribal nation. With the help of her children, she is determined to fight for what is right.
Eve Sassacus loves the night life. Sometimes more than she should. Music, dancing, drinking, and partying are more than just sport for her. It’s her livelihood as well. As entertainment director for the casino, it’s her job to bring in the hottest talent to Mystic Nights. She’ll do anything to bring the sexiest rocker she’s ever seen and heard to Lantern Hill. Anything.
Lucas Stryker is the hottest and most in demand up-and-coming rocker in the northeast. Knowing his music and his band is about to explode, when Eve Sassacus tells him she’ll do anything to have him come play for her, he is tempted to find out just how far she is willing to go. From the moment he sees this beauty, he knows how far he wants to go.
Eve fears she has made a deal with the devil when she becomes involved with her new headliner. And the more he pursues her, the more things begin to go wrong. Determined to find out the truth, Eve is led on a twisted and dangerous journey in the behind the scenes music industry. Can she survive it? Can her heart survive it? Is she another notch on a very cluttered bedpost, or will she be the one to hit pay dirt. Will she strike out, or get a lucky strike?
Black Jack
(Book 4 of The Mystic Nights Series)
Mystic Nights Casino is the newest gambling hot spot to hit Lantern Hill, and Tawny Sassacus runs it. For her people, the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, she is determined to make it a success despite trouble with politicians, and a rival tribal nation. With the help of her children, she is determined to fight for what is right.
Dawn Sassacus wants to help her family even if it means looking for trouble at the casino as a dealer on the floor. No one steals from her people and gets away with it. No one. Especially not a smoldering hazel eyed con-man who counts cards. Even if he makes her body burn.
Jackson Black is a working man. Using several aliases, he conducts his business across the country undetected until one young, bookish black jack dealer threatens his game. And he knows he’s the best game in town. But looking at her, he knows she is a game he would like to play. With his cover in jeopardy, he needs to do something drastic. With single minded focus, Jackson sets his sights on pleasantly distracting the woman with the cherry lips, and sexy smile.
Dawn knows she’s in deep. Deep trouble and love. Her gut tells her to trust Jack even though she still can’t figure him out. He’s hiding something from her. She knows it. Should she risk her heart? Can she play his game, or will she find out that Jack’s heart is as black as his name?
Playing for Keeps
(Book 5 of the Mystic Nights Series)
Mystic Nights Casino is the newest gambling hot spot to hit Lantern Hill, and Tawny Sassacus runs it. For her people, the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, she is determined to make it a success despite trouble with politicians, and a rival tribal nation. With the help of her children, she is determined to fight for what is right.
Tawny is a task master. A woman who raised four determined, driven children on her own. With them all grown, making choices on their own, her focus becomes her business and her people once more.
But when one of her children becomes sick, all that she has struggled to build is in jeopardy. Why? Because she will be forced to reveal a 30 year old secret to her children. And no one will be happy about it. With her secret unravelling, Tawny starts to receive threats against herself, her children, and grandchildren. She’ll either have to give it all up and give in, or someone will have to pay the price.
Disappearing to keep her secrets seems like the only way to protect them all. But instincts warn her even that may not be enough. So she gambles it all. And goes public. This time Tawny won’t accept second place. This time she is playing for keeps.
More Books by MJ Nightingale
Her erotic romance series, Secrets & Seduction, is the tale of three different couples with secrets that may destroy their chances of finding their happily ever after. These books are definitely books you will NOT want to read in public. Check them out. They are available on most eBook retailers.
Fire In His Eyes
Ex-army buck, Victor, teaches innocent sexy school teacher, Monica, all about sex, and not the old-fashioned variety your grandmother was used to either. Filled with gut wrenching emotional turmoil due to Victor’s secrets, you can be sure one of them will melt and the other will burn.
Afraid to Love
Teddy is not your average bartender by any means. A cop on the mend from 9/11, he wants nothing but good times and to live each day to the fullest. When it comes to sex, well, hmm, let’s just say he is not your average Joe. Then, he meets a fiery red-head named Ana, and she can teach him a thing or two in the bedroom. He falls for her, but she pushes him away. Why? Because she has so many secrets, and they make her Afraid to Love.
Afraid to Hope
Jay and Louisa are both battle scarred, but ready to start anew. His scars are not just from the war in Iraq, and hers are not just from a teenage pregnancy that resulted in raising a child alone. The scars in them run deep, and they both have secrets. Can two people so deeply wounded learn to trust each other enough to share those secrets? And if they do, will those secrets make or break them?
All three of MJ’s books in the Secrets & Seduction Series will have you turning pages, reading in the dark, and wanting more. Will her characters find their happily ever after? You’ll have to read to find that out. But one thing, I can tell you is that they are hot, hot, hot!
The Bounty Hunters: The Marino Bros.
Beautiful Bounty by MJ Nightingale
(Book 1 in The Bounty Hunters)
Ronnie Sears has a college degree, a promising future, a boyfriend, and a plan. But, her perfect life comes crashing down around her in the blink of an eye. Arrested, framed for drug smuggling, and facing years behind bars, Ronnie sees no choice but to run. Only she can prove her innocence.
Nikko Marino is a sexy, devastatingly charming bounty hunter. His job, as told to him by his older brothers, is to keep an eye on the curvaceous blonde. Make sure she doesn’t run. But what his brothers don’t know is that he and Ronnie have a past. He and the Ice Princess are more than mere passing acquaintances. She
makes his blood burn, and he knows how to warm up this woman.
Nikko wants to prove himself, but this beauty might just take him down. With his reputation on the line, will Nikko, the hot-blooded youngest Marino, fall for this temptress? Will he be able to protect this beautiful bounty from herself, from the man who framed her, but most importantly can he protect his heart?
Beautiful Bounty is the first book in The Bounty Hunters – The Marino Bros.
Suspenseful, erotic, and romantic, these books are packed with passion, sex and characters you will love. What more could you want?
Beautiful Chase by MJ Nightingale
(Book 2 in The Bounty Hunters)
Bella Chase led a simple life. She was a good girl who worked hard at a job she loved, had good friends, and enjoyed her life. She just fell for the wrong guy. A bad boy with a bad reputation. When he maliciously involves her in a crime that goes awry, and someone is killed, it is her life on the line. She has no choice, but to flee. She not only faces life in prison, she faces a death sentence if she talks.
Blaze Marino is done with women. They can’t be trusted. Period. Not even the good girls. When his next case lures him to the hills of Tennessee, hunting down another “good girl”, Blaze is torn between taking down this natural beauty, and losing himself inside of her. He, who has vowed to never love or need again, is drawn to Bella and he just can’t help himself.
Terrified, Bella doesn’t know which way to turn. She doesn’t know who to trust.
Jaded, Blaze can’t fight the pull of attraction. He doesn’t know if he can trust her.
Chances (Mystic Nights #1) Page 17