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Free excerpt from Terri Brisbin Highlander Box Set

Last week we announced that Terri Brisbin Highlander Box Set is our Romance of the Week and the sponsor of thousands of great bargains in the Romance category: over 200 free titles, over 600 quality 99-centers, and thousands more that you can read for free through the Kindle Lending Library if you have Amazon Prime!

Now we’re back to offer our weekly free Romance excerpt, and if you aren’t among those who have downloaded Terri Brisbin Highlander Box Set, you’re in for a real treat:

Terri Brisbin Highlander Box Set: The Highlander
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
Here’s the set-up:

Let USA TODAY bestselling author Terri Brisbin sweep you away with four reader-favorite stories about The MacLerie Clan:

The Highlander’s Stolen Touch
Formidable Tavis MacLerie knows he will never be good enough for innocent Ciara Robertson. But, ordered to take Ciara to her husband-to-be, Tavis is tormented—and tempted—every step of the way…

At the Highlander’s Mercy
Lilidh MacLerie has never forgotten Robert Matheson—the man who broke her heart. But now she is his hostage. She should be afraid—but still, he excites and unnerves her in equal measure…

The Highlander’s Dangerous Temptation
Highland laird Athdar MacCallum has had a tragic past and has vowed never to marry again. But then he is utterly disarmed by the innocent beauty in the eyes of Isobel Ruriksdottir…

Yield to the Highlander
Fearsome warrior Aidan MacLerie’s heart remains restless, until he meets Catriona MacKenzie. She is a married woman, so he can never truly possess her, yet he seeks her surrender one kiss at a time…

*  *  *

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  And here, for your reading pleasure, is our free romance excerpt:

Lilidh MacLerie has never forgotten Robert Matheson—the man who broke her heart. But now she is his hostage! Read on for an exclusive extract of At the Highlander’s Mercy, one of four exhilarating books in this box set by USA Today bestselling author Terri Brisbin!

Chapter One

Lilidh MacLerie, eldest daughter of the MacLerie laird and Earl of Douran, looked out her window and tried to sort through her options. This silent time between the gloaming and the night was her favourite when she needed to make decisions or choices. Remembering now that she’d made the decision that had brought her to this time and place made her pause. Mayhap she should wait until morning instead?

Turning from the window and gazing across the large, well-furnished chamber, she knew she had little time or choice…again. The parchment remained as she’d left it and she lifted it, tilting it so that the light of several candles made it able to be read. For the fiftieth time, she said the words and could not yet decide what else to write, when so much more was needed.

To the Earl and Countess of Douran, it began, using their formal titles first. Father and Mother, next.

And then the words disappeared.

How could she explain the private misery behind the very public death of her husband of only two months? The MacGregor’s death had been kept quiet for now until his heir, his younger brother, was approved by the clan elders as chief. Her purpose in this marriage—to bind their clans and to produce an heir for the MacGregor—was a failure. Though, even as an innocent young woman coming to this marriage, she understood that things were not as they should have been between her and Iain MacGregor.

The parchment in her hand moved in the current of the warm air created by the heat of the candles and reminded her that this task also went unfinished. Sitting at the table, she lifted the quill, dabbed the ink so it would not splatter and forced the words on to the page that would both embarrass and humiliate her in her parents’ and clan’s eyes.

I find myself in need of your counsel concerning the situation of my position here in Iain MacGregor’s household and family. As his widow, though with no hope of producing an heir, I know…

What did she know? She had married him under a contract negotiated by her uncle and signed by her father. Her dower portion was protected for her use and she had been given the choice of remaining here as part of her husband’s clan or to return to her own. Her uncle had made certain to protect her in the contract, but giving her such a choice made things more difficult than if she’d been simply told what to do.

If she remained, there would be another marriage arranged for her, to a suitable eligible man, to keep the bonds between the clans strong. If she returned home, there would be another marriage, but also she would face the disappointment of her family in her failure. And with no way to explain and with no one to speak candidly about it, what could she say? Lilidh dipped the quill again to freshen the ink and placed the tip of it on the parchment.

She was being a silly ninny. Her parents loved her and would accept her back, explanation or not. Her mother was the only one to whom she could speak on personal matters. As she had before her marriage, even if that conversation did not explain what had happened or, as it was, not happened between a husband and wife. Looking off at the flame of the candle, she took and released a deep breath, and did the only sensible thing she could: she asked leave to come home.

I find little reason to remain here and would ask your permission to return to Lairig Dubh as soon as an escort can be arranged. I would seek your counsel on other important personal matters, but I hesitate to put them in this letter.

Father, please send word if this is your pleasure.

Mother, please keep me in your prayers and ask the Almighty to watch over me during this trying time.

It was short, but to the point, and there truly was little else to say in her missive. Sanding it, Lilidh allowed the ink to dry and then folded the letter, sealing it with the ring her father had given her on the anniversary of her birth a year before. She would send it off on the morrow with one of the MacLerie servants who had accompanied her here. Hopefully, within a fortnight, she would have an answer from her parents and know what her future held for her.

But how could she explain that though she was a bride and a widow, she’d never been a wife?

 

* * *

 

Jocelyn MacCallum, wife to Connor MacLerie, held the parchment before her and read it once more. The sadness in her daughter’s words was clear to her. Lilidh, her eldest daughter, was never anything but confident and self-assured. But the words, nay, the tone of this latest letter, told her that Lilidh was lost.

‘You will give her permission?’ she asked her husband as he climbed from their bed and walked to where she sat. As she glanced up, her mother’s heart grew heavy in her chest. Lilidh was far away and all Jocelyn wanted to do was to take her in her arms and soothe away the pain that was so evident in her words.

‘I am discussing it with Duncan and the other elders,’ Connor replied quietly as he lifted the parchment and placed it back on the table. ‘The MacGregors have kept Iain’s death quiet until his heir is in place. With tensions so high and war with their rival clan the MacKenzies in the air, they do not wish to open themselves to attack. But, for this night, there is nothing to be done, Jocelyn. Come back to bed.’ He took her hand in his and entwined their fingers, tugging her to stand.

She allowed her husband to wrap her in his arms, much as she wanted to do to Lilidh, but Jocelyn realised quickly that his aim had little to do with comforting a lost child. She caught her breath as he lifted her in his strong arms and carried her back to their bed. She understood that her husband’s need for her as well as his attempts to distract her from her sadness and taking too much interest in clan decisions brought on his intimate attentions. She’d allow it, later, for those same reasons.

For now, she asked her last question once more, not content to let the men make this critical decision without her counsel.

‘Will you bring her home?’ She watched as many emotions crossed her husband’s face, but the final one that settled was acceptance. As she knew it would.

‘Aye. I was simply waiting on her word.’

She leaned into him and kissed his mouth. ‘Did you send her word yet?’ He pulled her close, surrounding her with his strength and his love. Kissing her forehead, he rested his chin on her head.

‘The message to the MacGregor will go out on the morrow. She should be home in a sennight.’

‘And the implications?’ she asked. This marriage arrangement had been between clans and chiefs and not simply between a man and woman. And it had been part of their, the fathers’ and the mothers’, wager to find the best match for their children. Since this involved her daughter, Jocelyn had been left out of most discussions, except for the private ones she’d had with Connor. Ones that always seemed to end up with them in bed!

‘You know the implications. No questions have been raised to me about her involvement in Iain’s death, so the MacGregors must be at peace with how it happened. Her dowry will be returned to us and any future marriages will be at my discretion.’

Those were the words she wanted to hear. Lilidh would return home to her family and her future happiness would again be in her father’s hands, along with the counsel of his closest relatives and advisers…and her.

But since Jocelyn had thought this marriage a good one, she could little complain about Connor’s choice. Whatever had happened—between Iain and Lilidh and to cause his death—had ended any chance that it could prove out.

Comforting done, Connor lifted his head and touched their mouths together. In only moments, the passion between them flared and Jocelyn savoured it. This is what she’d hoped Lilidh would find in her marriage. Even though older and married before, Iain had seemed a kind soul and appeared to worship Lilidh. Their betrothal and marriage showed promise and Jocelyn had no doubt that she would soon have grandchildren from the match.

Now, Iain was dead and Lilidh returning home.

She would get to the real reasons and to the true situation once she had Lilidh back and they could speak plainly. Her letter asked for such counsel, almost begged for it, and she would help her daughter in any way she could.

But, for now, her husband demanded her attentions and when the Beast of the Highlands called to his mate, she always answered.

Always.

 

***

 

Robert Matheson clenched his teeth until he thought they would crumble under the pressure. Anything, anything to keep from letting his anger and frustration spill out the way he wanted to. Clenching his fists did not help either and finally he could not allow this madness to continue.

‘Halt!’ he called out to those bickering before him. ‘Attacking the MacLeries will lead only to our destruction.’ Looking from one to the next, he met their gazes and realised the futility of trying to stop them. If he could not stop them, he must delay them. ‘If we are to do so, we must have a plan and ready ourselves. It cannot be done as quickly as you would like.’ Or as easily as they thought.

The Matheson clan elders had approved him as chief when his father passed, but it had been a hard-won battle. His cousin, Symon, the son of his father’s older sister, had been in contention and was suited for the warmongers among the councillors. Rob, on the other hand, had a clear understanding of the strength and power and fighting might of the MacLerie clan for he had spent years among them.

As Connor MacLerie’s foster son.

Rob had lived for five years with them, learning his own fighting skills from the best of their warriors, learning battle strategies from their tacticians and the ways to prevent battles from their negotiator. Now, he had no intention of leaping into a fight with a clan he could not defeat. Or worse, with a clan who would destroy them and leave not a piece of wood or stone standing on their lands. Though listening to some on the council drone on and on about all the reasons they should and listening to those who knew nothing and understood less made him think about letting them all charge into the fray unprepared.

Still, his innate loyalty to his family, kith and kin stopped him from goading them into such an act. Glancing at his other cousin, Dougal, the one who did not wish to be laird, he waited for the only person with some sense to speak up and support his plan. Dougal did and though those wanting war did not quiet completely, it did make them listen.

‘Robbie is right,’ Dougal called out, gaining their attention. ‘To rush in against such a clan will result in all our deaths.’ Some grumbled at his declaration, but the others quieted and waited on his words. ‘Let the laird study this and make the necessary plans. Hear him out when he does for no one knows the MacLeries as he does. If there is a weakness to be found, he is the one to find it.’ His voice rang out in the silence, but Rob did not know whether to cheer or to strangle him.

The best way to defeat the MacLerie? The Beast of the Highlands?

There was none.

Rob’s actions so far must even be considered a betrayal of their bond by Connor. Attacking would simply be a death warrant for him and the rest of the Mathesons. The only weakness the man had was for his children and, other than that, he was ruthless in weeding out enemies and dealing with betrayal. Breaking his ties with Connor at the behest of the council and currying favour with the MacKenzies had been the hardest thing he’d ever done. He did not doubt there would be hell to pay over it.

Dougal finished and stepped back, allowing Rob to move to the centre of the dais while the men were yet calm.

‘I have been gathering information already,’ he said. ‘Even now, I’ve sent messengers out to determine their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. In a few days or a sennight at the most, we will meet and prepare our plans.’

He dismissed them with his most imperious wave, hoping they would obey—and they did. All save Dougal left him in peace. He returned to the table and filled his goblet with ale. When Rob turned back, Dougal remained. He poured another goblet and handed it to his cousin, the one who did not wish to be laird.

‘You sounded convincing, Rob,’ Dougal said. He drank a couple of mouthfuls and then wiped his mouth with his arm. ‘Do you have a plan?’

‘Other than praying to the Almighty for a flood?’

‘You had that look in your eyes,’ Dougal said laughing. ‘You never could bluff.’ Dougal met his gaze and all mirth disappeared. ‘What will you do?’

‘Stall for more time,’ Rob said. ‘I cannot figure out why they want to go up against the MacLeries. Come now—I cannot be the only one who knows their strength?’

Rob drank deeply, watching the servants in the hall preparing for the evening meal. It was not as spacious or well appointed a hall as the one at Lairig Dubh, but it was his. He’d sworn an oath to protect his family and if it had to be from themselves, so be it. Something more was going on here, something he could feel, but could not see, and getting the real reason why some in the clan wanted to ally them with the MacKenzies and break all past ties with the MacLeries was critical.

‘How can I help?’ Dougal asked, putting the now-empty goblet down on the table.

They both watched as a comely maid approached and took the goblet and the pitcher to refill it. Unmarried and one of the most beautiful of his cousins, removed by several generations, Ellyn smiled at them and sauntered away, her shapely hips moving in a rhythm meant to entice and draw attention. A moment or two passed before they regained their senses and their subject.

‘As I said, how can I help?’ Dougal repeated.

Rob looked at his closest friend and decided he must trust someone in this matter before everything went out of control. Stepping closer, he lowered his voice.

‘Someone is behind this effort to make the MacLeries our enemies. Though not friends or enemies of the MacKenzies, they avoid each other’s areas of concern and properties. So this intentional goading is not something either one wants and not something we can afford to get in the middle of now.’ He paused and checked to see who was near them. Seeing no one, he said, ‘I suspect that my cousin Symon is the one, but without proof, I cannot accuse.’

Dougal studied him and then nodded. ‘I will see what I can do.’

Rob smacked his shoulder. ‘I will be in your debt.’

Dougal strode off, leaving Rob behind to deal with the other matters that faced a clan chief and laird every day. Complaints from villagers. Requests from the clan. Demands from the elders that he marry his betrothed—Symon’s sister—as his bride sooner to unite the two fighting factions. And on and on each day.

When he had been fostered by Connor, he’d never dreamt of being in this position—chief of his family and in charge of their holdings. The laird, his natural father, was hardy and young enough to produce a male heir in addition to the lasses he’d had with several wives. With his new wife heavily pregnant, the expectation was that a son would be born. A direct, legitimate heir.

As son of the laird’s older sister, Symon should have had no expectations other than being counsellor to the next laird, or to serve him in some capacity. As the laird’s bastard, Rob’s expectations were lower still. Now, his father and his wife were dead in an accident and Rob, illegitimate or not, had been chosen to lead the clan.

And his cousin Symon, legitimate or not, was not.

As Rob watched Dougal make his way out of the hall, he knew Dougal would find out the truth. In the meantime, Rob needed to gather those loyal to him and be ready to head off this foolish attempt—both to usurp his position, a position he’d discovered he truly did want, and to throw the existing treaties with the MacLeries and the MacKenzies into disarray.

He prayed only that there was time before the disaster he could feel in his bones arrived on his doorstep.
Chapter Two

 

Lilidh turned to the right, trying to decide if she truly was seeing someone moving along their path in the shadows or if it was a trick of the light and the leaves. She peered into the darkness of the forest and watched more carefully for a few moments. Not certain, she rode on, never mentioning it to either of her companions or their guards. Then, just as they followed the turn in the road that would take them south to Lairig Dubh, the attack came.

One moment they were riding quietly along and in the next, the men descended from the hills around them and, though Lilidh was a good rider, she found herself unhorsed and standing encircled by five armed warriors. She gazed at them as she drew her dagger. She would fight them if only her leg would remain strong.

And she did, turning the handle of her blade in her palm for a better grip and swiping it around her to keep them from getting too close too quickly. Glancing around to see how the others fared, Lilidh realised only she remained standing while the rest lay scattered around the area either dead or unconscious. She took a deep breath and tried to run, but someone grabbed her from behind and dragged her up against their large, muscular body. Like being thrown against a rock wall, it forced the air from her body. A beefy hand entangled in her loosened hair and her head was dragged back. With her neck exposed so, she knew it was only a matter of moments before she died. Offering up a silent prayer asking for forgiveness of her sins, she waited for the death-blow to strike.

‘Who is she?’ a gruff voice demanded from beside her. The one holding her turned their bodies as one until she could see her maid across the clearing. Or at least her lifeless body as one of the other men touched her with his foot.

Isla made no sound and did not move. Lilidh drew in a ragged breath at the possibility that the older woman who had helped raise her was dead. Her eyes burned with tears, but then her anger rose at such a thought. The woman was there to see to her comfort and now lay dead because… Because of what? Of whom? The daughter of the Beast of the Highlands felt his pride rise in her blood.

‘Who are you to attack those travelling under the MacLerie banner?’ she asked, struggling to pull free. ‘What do you want?’

One of the men broke away from the others and strode towards her. The expression in his dark gaze made her take a step back, but the taller man behind her was like a wall that kept her in place. ‘You are the MacLerie’s girl.’

It wasn’t a question so Lilidh did not answer. Her chin lifted. Her pride would not allow her to slink away or hide her heritage. Still, she would know who dared to attack them.

‘And who are you? Why do you need to kill an innocent woman?’ she said, refusing to cry out as the man holding her prisoner wrenched her head back with a rough tug.

The dark-eyed man nodded to the one holding her and the other one nearer to Isla. She opened her mouth to demand her freedom when the blow hit her from behind and her world went black.

 

* * *

 

Each of the next several days went from bad to something that resembled his idea of hell. Rob managed to calm one faction of his family only to have another rise up in complaint. He wondered many times through those last days how Connor MacLerie made it look so easy. Peering over the rim of his goblet as yet another storm brewed in his hall, Rob realised that the one thing that Connor had to help him was his terrible reputation, one not completely undeserved, as the murderous Beast of the Highlands. As he glanced from one squawking Matheson to another, he considered murdering them all and gaining himself a similar reputation.

Symon had been quieter than usual, but that only worried Rob more. At least when he was making noise or complaining, he knew what Symon was up to. His cousin had been absent from the keep and village without word. A worrying thing, that.

He was about to summon Dougal when the doors to the hall were thrown open and a large group of warriors, under Symon’s control and with him in the lead, came crashing in, yelling and calling out to each other as though celebrating some great victory. Rob nodded to the man he’d appointed as his commander and by the time his cousin and the others reached the front of the hall, additional soldiers had entered and taken positions around the chamber. If Symon noticed, he did not say, but his swagger and manners spoke of trouble walking towards him.

‘Rob,’ Dougal said as he approached from the other side. He took his place behind his laird as Symon reached the dais. ‘He is up to nothing good.’ Rob only nodded, never taking his gaze off the seething group of men, and waited. The attack was not long in coming.

‘You have dragged your heels long enough, Laird,’ Symon began, using his title as a curse. ‘The Mathesons will not serve a leader who will not lead them.’

Shouts both for and against him rippled through the men gathered there and they gained the attention of anyone who might have otherwise passed on through, carrying out their duties. Soon an even larger audience listened to Symon’s threats to his position as chief. Symon waited and then waved them quiet.

‘It matters not now, for I have done what you could not and would not do.’

After making that challenge to his leadership, Symon walked forwards and climbed the first step. Rob blocked him from moving forwards. Every man in the hall tensed and the air seethed with discontent and hostility. Dougal’s hand moved to the hilt of his sword, but Rob shook his head, holding him from taking that step.

‘I care not for your words, Symon,’ Rob said, stepping down and forcing Symon to move back. He did. ‘I am chief and will make decisions for this clan.’

Crossing his arms over his chest, he watched Symon’s expression as all those loyal to him lined up behind Rob. All the elders save one, Murtagh, gathered with him, but Murtagh’s move was not a surprise to Rob. The old man had supported Symon’s claim throughout the time of uncertainty and did not yield now.

‘You refuse to take action against the MacLeries, though we want it,’ Symon said. Rob’s gut seized, warning of something bad coming. The next words confirmed it. ‘Lachlan, come,’ he called.

Symon motioned with his hand and his men separated. One of the men strode forwards from the back of the hall while Symon’s gaze never left his. Lachlan carried a bundle over his shoulder and Rob could not guess what it contained. Then he saw the bundle move, much as a body would if carried in that manner, and he drew a breath through his clenched teeth.

‘Symon,’ he whispered, ‘what have you done?’

He turned from the self-satisfied smirk of his cousin and towards the man and the bundle. Taking no care, Lachlan dropped it on the rush-covered floor just in front of them and stepped back. This was not going to end well, for neither him nor the person they’d kidnapped.

‘You have orchestrated this. Carry on, Symon, and let us see who lies within,’ he said. Better to see what challenge he faced then drag this out, he thought.

Symon, not a small man, though not as large as Lachlan, walked to the bundle, untied the ropes encircling it and tugged an end free. With a grip on that and one good flick, the bundle unrolled and unrolled until a woman was freed and left lying at their feet.

A woman who had ropes around her wrists and ankles and a sack over her head. A woman who did not move now, in spite of Symon’s prodding foot. A woman who had suffocated to death from their harsh treatment?

‘What the hell did you do, Symon?’ he shouted as he bent over the woman. Tugging the sack off her head and then removing the gag he found there, he summoned one of the women over to see to her as he stood and dragged Symon aside. ‘Who is this and why did you kidnap her?’

‘We did not kidnap her, Rob. She is a prisoner of war,’ he said.

‘We are not at war,’ Rob said as one possibility began to tease his thoughts. Even Symon would not be so bold and brash as to… Nay! It could not be. Was it truly Lilidh MacLerie?

Rob had turned back to look at the woman who lay unconscious on his floor. The servant had pushed her hair from her face and was dabbing at her dirt-covered face with a wet cloth. He took in the costliness of her clothing and the jewelled rings on her hand, not missing the gold band that spoke of her married state.

Then he noticed the gently arching brows, the curve of her neck and the full lips that had enticed him even in his youth and yet haunted his dreams—and he knew it was her.

‘You kidnapped the MacLerie’s daughter? She is wed to Iain MacGregor.’

He swore under his breath now as the implications hit him. This was an act of war against two powerful clans. Worse, this was not simply taking their cattle or burning a few farms, which would be insult enough. This was a personal attack as well on both clans and their chiefs. Holy Christ, what had Symon got them into now?

‘Dougal, check the guards. Brodie,’ he called to the steward, ‘get the outlying families into the village and gather the stores.’

He pushed Symon aside and walked over to take a closer look at Lilidh. As he could have predicted, she’d fought against them when they took her—the bruises on her face and her torn fingernails showed that much. The markings of a man’s fingers on her neck made his own clench in response. What else had they done to her?

‘How did you find her?’ he asked, as he strode towards Symon. Nothing, nothing would give him greater pleasure now than pounding his face into the floor and breaking a few of his bones. Grabbing Symon by the neck, he forced him back several steps until his back met the wall behind him. ‘Where are the others?’

Symon’s gaze moved to something or someone over Rob’s shoulder and Rob knew Lachlan approached. With a nod of his head, his men took care of that threat. ‘Where are they?’ he asked again, squeezing hard until Symon choked for breath.

‘She was returning to Lairig Dubh. We took her on the road just after the river as she left the MacGregors’ lands,’ he forced out.

‘And her guards? Her servants?’ No daughter of the MacLerie and wife of the MacGregor would travel alone.

‘A few of the guards are dead. We left the rest of them and took their horses.’

‘Did they see you?’ he asked, but he knew the answer. They made sure they could be identified as Mathesons. Symon wanted the MacLeries and MacGregors to know who’d taken Lilidh. They wanted to force his hand into war.

He tossed Symon to the ground and turned back to the servant at Lilidh’s side. ‘Find a chamber for her.’

‘She is my prisoner, Rob. I want her held in the aerie.’

‘You think she is that dangerous?’ he asked, pointing to the unconscious woman on the floor.

The aerie was in one of the oldest parts of the keep and sat open to the winds. Lightning had struck the roof and blown it away and no one had ever repaired it. Though mostly unused, it had been used as a cell for prisoners in the past…the far, far past. Rob turned back to argue with Symon and to assert his control over any prisoner of the clan when she moved.

Within a few moments, she’d seized a dagger from one of his men and held the servant woman hostage. The wild expression in her eyes spoke of her confusion, but warned him of her uncertain behaviour. Spreading his hands out to show he was unarmed, he began to walk towards her slowly and evenly.

‘Here now, lass,’ Rob said softly. ‘Let Edith go and all will be well.’

His words might have worked until Symon began jeering at her and his men added their taunts. Overwhelmed and injured, she glanced left and right, estimating her escape routes, he was sure. She dragged Edith with her, using her as a shield as she moved. When Lilidh blinked several times and stumbled, Rob suspected a head injury. He tried to follow her moves, staying the same distance from her and speaking quietly to her, but his voice was drowned out by Symon’s men.

‘Silence!’ he yelled, trying to regain control over a dangerous situation.

Well, he did manage to get the men under control but it gave Lilidh the moment she was watching and waiting for and she pushed Edith at him and ran for the door. He passed Edith off once she regained her balance and ran to catch up with her before she got to the door or before Symon reached her. Symon was faster and he got between her and the door, forcing her to stop. He wondered how she could move so quickly on her leg.

‘Come now,’ Symon urged her towards him. ‘Do you want to try me again?’ he goaded.

Rob swore he would kill Symon for this, but first he must stop Lilidh before she was seriously hurt. He doubted that Lilidh knew where she was or even who he was. No glimmer of recognition filled her eyes when their gazes met, but years had passed since she’d seen him last and he’d done the usual growing up that young men did. No matter the manner of their parting, he would never forget what she looked like. Turning his attentions back to her, he decided that he would need to gain her trust.

‘Lilidh MacLerie,’ he called out to her. ‘Do you remember me?’ he asked while waving Symon off. When his men positioned themselves to intervene, Symon finally backed off, though the expression in his eyes promised it was not the end of his challenge to Rob’s leadership. ‘Lilidh?’

Her hand, holding the dagger out before her, began to shake badly and she lost her balance once more. Just when he thought she would tumble to the floor, she righted herself and pushed her hair out of her eyes and tried to focus on him.

‘Who are you? Why have you done this?’ she said as she looked from one man to another and to the next. ‘Does my father know about this?’ Rob waited for her to bring her gaze back to him and then he smiled at her.

A silent moment passed and then another and another before the light of recognition flared in her forest-green eyes. Then she shook her head, though whether in disbelief or confusion he knew not. Lilidh opened her mouth several times, but no words escaped. The distraction was all he needed to gain control of her without hurting her more so he crossed the empty space between them in a few paces, grabbed her wrist and squeezed until she dropped the dagger. Kicking it aside, he still held on to her. As she probably had when Symon took her, she did not allow his hold to remain there. She began backing away, pulling and tugging, trying to free herself.

Lilidh just did not realise she had no chance of escape. As Dougal and some others returned to the hall, he gave one sharp tug and pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her from behind. Rob noticed the smell of blood and saw the thick patch of it on her head—she had been struck and knocked unconscious. Tightening his hold on her, he leaned down and whispered in her ear so that only she could hear his words.

‘Lilidh, you are safe with me. No one will hurt you.’

All the times he’d dreamt of holding her in his arms he had never seen it happening this way. But his body reacted, regardless of how and why, as he felt the womanly curves resting under his arms. Once she realised who he was, any chance of holding her like this would disappear for ever. She belonged to another man and could never be his. She was the daughter of a powerful chief and he was a bastard pretending to be laird.

It would never be, so why not make that clear from this moment on? Taking in a breath, he spoke the words that would separate them for ever…again.

‘Lilidh, it’s me, Rob Matheson.’

Her body stiffened for a moment and then she tried to turn to look at him. He relaxed his grip a tiny bit to allow her to do that. Her green gaze searched his face, seeing the changes that growing up and fighting had wrought there, and he watched as her expression changed. The fear remained, but shock entered it now and she trembled again. It only took a few seconds before the next emotion filled those beautiful green eyes and it was the one he was hoping for. It would help her survive whatever happened around them.

Anger. Her eyes filled and flashed with it and her hand lifted as he’d expected it to. Although she swung with all her might, he captured it easily and held it between them.

‘’Tis good to see you, too, Lilidh. It’s been a long time,’ he goaded her a-purpose.

‘You bastard,’ she swore at him. ‘You are behind this?’

Before he could answer, Dougal called out to him.

‘Some of the villagers come. The gates are secured,’ Dougal said as he approached, not missing the lovely woman still in his arms. ‘This is the MacLerie’s daughter, then?’ he asked, his appreciative gaze clear to everyone watching.

‘Aye. His eldest girl.’ Rob pitched his voice to sound uninterested.

‘And you two are acquainted?’ he asked, meeting Rob’s glance.

‘Do not be a fool, Dougal. Here…’ he held out Lilidh’s hand towards the man and pushed her closer ‘…put her some place for now.’ Dougal’s gaze narrowed and he looked from him to Lilidh and back again.

‘Symon said the aerie. Is that where you want her?’ Dougal watched him closely as he asked his pointed, probing questions.

Where did he want her? In his bed, naked, was the first place he thought of, but the one he could never admit. Shaking his head to clear the lust from his thoughts, he considered the aerie, with its position high in the old tower, one that could be approached by only one stairwell and would be easily defended. Putting her there would keep Symon satisfied and make him less of a problem. And, if her family came calling sooner than he expected, her position there would make them think twice before assaulting the keep.

Hell! What was he thinking?

The aerie was barbaric with its open walls, cracked wooden roof and nothing in the way of comfort. Putting her there would be another way to tweak the MacLeries and the MacGregors into acting against him faster than they already would. Rob stepped away from Dougal and Lilidh and dragged his hands through his hair. The others stood watching and waiting on his word—Symon, Dougal, his men, the elders, all the others who called him chief and those who would remove him with but a wrong word.

‘Take her to my chambers,’ he ordered quietly, hating the way that Dougal’s right eyebrow lifted in silent censure, but not willing to deny it.

The hall erupted with shouts from those backing Symon and those backing him. He would bring this under control and make Lilidh hate him even more than she probably did at this moment.

‘She is my prisoner!’ Symon demanded, shaking his fist at Rob. Rob quickly and without warning strode over to Symon and punched him in the jaw, knocking him to the floor as he’d wanted to do for days.

‘I am chief here and she is my prisoner. You wanted to anger the MacLerie and draw him into a fight? ’Twas your thought that kidnapping her would do it? Well, you have brought her here and she is mine now. Taking her to my bed will be even more effective in drawing him here.’

‘I will not be—’ Lilidh began to say but he gave her no time to say more. Rob turned and was in front of her before she could finish any declaration she would make.

To show her, to show them, who was in charge, he grabbed her by the shoulders and lifted her to him, taking her mouth in a claiming kiss that told one and all that he would possess her body and soul before this was done. His demonstration was so successful that all of them began to cheer and urge him on.

Her mouth that was closed against his now softened and he deepened the kiss, tasting the sweetness he had craved for years. Tasting the passion that had lay dormant between them for so many reasons. Reasons that were important then, but now flew off like a flock of summer geese in the autumn’s chill. His thoughts scattered as his body reacted to her mouth and the enticing way she touched her tongue to his.

Until she latched on to the tip of his and bit him! Chiding himself for losing his mind under the guise of putting on a show for those watching, he pushed her back into Dougal’s arms and laughed as he wiped blood from his mouth. Blood she’d drawn.

‘Symon, you wait for me in the solar. Dougal, put her in my chambers. Use a rope or chains if you need to keep her there. I will see to her later,’ he ordered.

Lilidh didn’t say a word as Dougal led her away, but the expression now in her eyes resembled the one in Symon’s eyes just minutes ago. One that promised death and mayhem—with him as the target.

He turned away to see to another task before dealing with those challenging his position and wondered if he or his clan would survive this encounter with Lilidh MacLerie.

Click here to download the entire book:

Terri Brisbin Highlander Box Set

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Let USA TODAY bestselling author Terri Brisbin sweep you away with four reader-favorite stories about The MacLerie Clan: Terri Brisbin Highlander Box Set – A Harlequin Historical Romance

Like A Little Romance?

Then you’ll love our magical Kindle book search tools that will help you find these great bargains in the Romance category:

And for the next week all of these great reading choices are sponsored by our Brand New Romance of the Week, Terri Brisbin Highlander Box Set:

Terri Brisbin Highlander Box Set: The Highlander
Text-to-Speech: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

Let USA TODAY bestselling author Terri Brisbin sweep you away with four reader-favorite stories about The MacLerie Clan:

The Highlander’s Stolen Touch
Formidable Tavis MacLerie knows he will never be good enough for innocent Ciara Robertson. But, ordered to take Ciara to her husband-to-be, Tavis is tormented—and tempted—every step of the way…

At the Highlander’s Mercy
Lilidh MacLerie has never forgotten Robert Matheson—the man who broke her heart. But now she is his hostage. She should be afraid—but still, he excites and unnerves her in equal measure…

The Highlander’s Dangerous Temptation
Highland laird Athdar MacCallum has had a tragic past and has vowed never to marry again. But then he is utterly disarmed by the innocent beauty in the eyes of Isobel Ruriksdottir…

Yield to the Highlander
Fearsome warrior Aidan MacLerie’s heart remains restless, until he meets Catriona MacKenzie. She is a married woman, so he can never truly possess her, yet he seeks her surrender one kiss at a time…

About the author:

Terri Brisbin is a mom, a wife and a dental hygienist (in her spare time!) and has sold more than 1.8 million copies of her historical and paranormal romance novels and novellas in more than 25 countries and 20 languages around the world.

A three-time RWA RITA® finalist and USA Today bestselling author, Terri has been published by Berkley/Jove, Harlequin and Kensington Books. In addition to working on more historical romances scheduled for release through 2016, she has re-published her earlier books and has a new fantasy romance series coming from NAL beginning in 2015!

Visit her website at terribrisbin.com for more information or ‘friend’ her at Facebook at facebook.com/terribrisbin

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If you love athletics and romance, discover a new series FREE TODAY!
The Recruiting Trip (The University of Gatica Series Book 1) by Lexy Timms

♥Don’t miss today’s KND Romance of the Day♥

The Recruiting Trip (The University of Gatica Series Book 1)

by Lexy Timms

The Recruiting Trip (The University of Gatica Series Book 1)
4.0 stars – 55 Reviews
Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled

Here’s the set-up:

Book 1 in the University of Gatica Series

Aspiring college athlete Aileen Nessa is finding the recruiting process beyond daunting. Being ranked #10 in the world for the 100m hurdles at the age of eighteen is not a fluke, even though she believes that one race, where everything clinked magically together, might be. American universities don’t seem to think so. Letters are pouring in from all over the country.
As she faces the challenge of differentiating between a college’s genuine commitment to her or just empty promises from talent-seeking coaches, Aileen heads to Gatica State University, a Division One school, on a recruiting trip.
The university’s athletic program boasts one of the top sprint coaches in the country. The beautiful old buildings on campus and Ivy League smarts seems so above her little Ohio town upbringing. All Aileen needs to convince her to sign her letter of intent is a recruiting trip that takes her breath away.
Tyler Jensen is the school’s NCAA champion in the hurdles and Jim Thorpe recipient for top defensive back in football. His incredible ocean blue eyes and confident smile make Aileen stutter and forget why she is visiting GSU. His offer to take her under his wing, should she choose to come to Gatica, is a temping proposition that has her wondering if she might be making a deal with an angel or the devil himself.

* This is NOT erotica* It is a new adult & college sport romance.
For mature readers only. There are sexual situations, but no graphic sex.

Book Trailer for The University of Gatica Series:


Click here to visit Lexy Timms’s Amazon author page

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Extremely hot erotica… and this is your last chance to grab it for 99 cents!
Club Luxe Box Set (Books 1-3) by Olivia Noble

Last call for KND free Romance excerpt:

Club Luxe Box Set (Books 1-3)
4.4 stars – 26 Reviews
Kindle Price: 99 cents

***Limited time sale! Grab three sizzling HOT books for 99 cents.***
Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled
Here’s the set-up:

Warning: The irresistible Malcolm Cage will completely soak your panties. Laundry may be required. 

She has a thirst for danger. He is used to getting exactly what he wants…

Victoria Chase is Chicago’s hottest new reporter, looking to make the scoop of the century. Rumor has it that in the bowels of the city lies a private sex club for the wealthy elite. Willing to do anything for a story, she infiltrates the club, determined to uncover this urban legend. She didn’t expect to run into him:

Malcolm Cage.

The famous billionaire bad boy is the king of Club Luxe. Every Friday night, he reigns supreme over untold sinful pleasures in his underground kingdom. His one rule? He never participates and only watches–until he sees Victoria. She sets his body and soul on fire, and Malcolm does not plan on letting her go. Can Victoria keep it professional and get her story? Or will her heart betray her under Malcolm’s smoldering gaze?

Book Two:

With her life stolen from her, Victoria is left with no choice. She must drop everything and dedicate herself to helping the infuriating Malcolm Cage. But the task is a dangerous hunt for information that she promised herself she would avoid at all costs. It doesn’t help that Malcolm is utterly distracting with a voice as smooth as silk and eyes that make her body tremble.

Malcolm used to think that Victoria was just another slimy reporter, but she is quickly invading his heart with her stubbornness and bravery. He was once willing to do anything it took to protect his family, not caring who got hurt in the process–but he finds himself feeling guilty for manipulating Victoria. Even though he was the one who put her life at risk, he is now the only one who can save her…

Book Three:

With Malcolm presumably dead after a terrible accident, Victoria finds herself in the most dangerous situation imaginable: trapped in a foreign nation with nothing except the clothes on her back. She has no idea what to do next or how to get out of this mess. The only thing keeping her going is the willpower to finish the job Malcolm gave to her, and honor his final request to find Claire.

But Malcolm Cage isn’t the type of man who will go down without a fight.

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  And here, for your reading pleasure, is our free romance excerpt:

Chapter One

 

“Hurry up, Chloe,” Victoria demanded impatiently. “Club Luxe closes their doors in two hours, and traffic is already going to be a bitch.” She tapped her foot as she lifted her phone to check the time:

8:00 PM.

The sounds of a young woman fighting with her dress and releasing exasperated groans filled the apartment. “I’m sorry, Vica, but I can’t just throw on something and instantly look gorgeous like you do,” Chloe said, on the verge of tears. “I’m a total mess.”

Victoria couldn’t help but smile a little as she walked around the corner to assist her friend. Of course, she had absolutely no idea what Chloe was talking about. With cute red curls and buxom, creamy breasts peeking out from a low-cut blue dress, Chloe looked like a man-eater. “Honey, you look amazing,” Victoria said reassuringly. “Don’t stress.”

“Really?” Chloe asked sweetly. “Because I don’t feel it. Look at you!” She pointed to the mirror accusingly.

Victoria did have to admit that she looked great. Her black dress was trimmed with gold, while a daring slit up the side revealed her long and shapely leg. The fabric covered her breasts, but there were tasteful spaces where the material was sheer. Her naturally tanned skin gave her an exotic quality that she took full advantage of. “Yes, but it’s not about how you look compared to me. It’s about how you feel about yourself. If you believe you’re a bombshell, so will the men,” she said confidently. She flashed her friend a smile and gave her a gentle pat on the back.

Chloe seemed like she wanted to say something else, but instead let out a sigh. “You’re right. I still can’t believe I’m letting you take me along,” she said as she put her hands on her hips.

“But it’s exciting, Chloe, and this could be a huge break for my career,” Victoria said with a sly grin on her face. “Besides, I’m sure you’ll find someone that makes you forget all your worries.”

“I doubt it,” Chloe huffed with a shake of her head. “I’ll just get a couple drinks and leave after a few hours or something.”

“You can’t, remember? This isn’t a normal club. Once the doors lock, no one gets in or out until the morning,” Victoria explained. “There’s no escape tonight. We’re going all the way.”

Chloe bit her lip nervously and she gulped down some air before saying, “Right, I forgot about that.” She sighed again and stood up straight. “Alright, let’s just get this over with.”

Victoria smiled and squeezed her friend’s shoulder. “My editor is going to love this exposé,” she said with excitement dripping from every word. “Every investigative journalist in Chicago has been dying to get this story.”

“I still don’t see why your boss thinks writing about a sex club is worth anything,” Chloe mused with a tone of disbelief. “What’s so special about a sex club?”

With a coy smile, Victoria double-checked to make sure her recorder was tucked safely in her purse. “Not just any sex club, Chloe. A sex club for the one percent. Society’s elite. A chance to see just what America’s royalty does with their spare time.”

Chloe shrugged her shoulders. “Probably the same as the rest of us,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

Victoria sighed and gave her friend a teasing look. “Honey, I bet you still have sex with the lights off,” she said with a chuckle.

Chloe’s face turned as red as her hair as she turned away. “I just look better in the dark. It hides all my cellulite.”

“What cellulite?” Victoria asked with a laugh. She reached out to pull her friend into a hug. “Oh, Chloe, I do love you. Never change.”

Chloe hugged back. “Don’t worry. It’ll take more than a night at a sex club for the ‘one percent’ to take away my sainthood. Besides, I’m only coming to watch out for you.”

“Thanks,” Victoria said softly. “It really does mean a lot to me.”

The girls embraced for a moment longer before Chloe pulled away with an adoring smile. “Let’s go get you that story, Miss Chase.”

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

“Jesus. Downtown is a bitch,” Victoria complained as she veered across traffic in her blue Mitsubishi Lancer, attempting to snag up the last parallel parking spot. The wheels hugged the ground as she drifted into the spot and Victoria let out an exhilarated whoop.

“Do you have to drive like a crazy person!?” Chloe asked in near hysterics.

Victoria just laughed as she opened up the car door and stepped out. “We made it here in once piece, didn’t we?” she asked as she walked toward the club.

“You’re impossible, Vica,” Chloe retorted in irritation.

“You can yell at me later,” Victoria said as she picked up her pace. “We only have ten minutes to get there.”

Chloe huffed and did her best to sprint in the heels she was wearing. Her feet were already aching and she limped slightly as she tried to avoid getting caught in the cracks between sidewalks. The two of them ran down the street and counted the addresses as they went.

“Wasn’t it 504?” Victoria asked as she continued to rush forward. “502… 506… 508…” She stopped and looked around. “Where the hell is 504?” she asked in annoyance. She could easily see building 502 next to 506, but there was nothing for 504. She glanced across street in confusion.

“Don’t tell me it’s down the alley,” Chloe said with a twinge of fear in her voice.

Victoria looked in front of her to see the eerie looking gap between the two buildings. “It’s worth a shot,” she said with a smile. “Let’s go.”

“Dressed like this?” Chloe exclaimed in horror. “No way! We’re going to get attacked by some creep.”

Victoria turned to her friend and put a hand reassuringly on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I know kickboxing, remember? I’ll wreck anyone that might try something,” she said confidently. “If the place doesn’t exist, I’ll just drop the story. But for right now I need you to be tough and come with me.”

Chloe nodded softly and took a deep breath. “Alright, but you owe me even more now.”

Victoria smiled softly. “We’ll see.”

The girls took their first step into the darkness of the alleyway. The street lights that illuminated the sidewalks at night seemed to have their light swallowed by some invisible black hole. Within just a few feet they were in near pitch black conditions. Victoria could feel anxiety creeping up her spine as they ventured deeper into the alley.

“It has to be around here somewhere,” she said nervously.

“Vica,” Chloe said in apprehension, “let’s just go home.”

Victoria shook her head stubbornly. “No. The tickets cost a small fortune. I’m not going to get another chance like this.” She pulled her iPhone from her purse and quickly jabbed her thumb onto the center button. The screen lit up and illuminated the time:

9:55 PM.

She groaned in frustration and unlocked the phone to turn on the flashlight function. The bright LED light pierced the darkness until it was nearly bright as day in the alley. Her eyes glanced around wildly to find the proper number.

“Where are you…” she muttered to herself.

“Is that it?” Chloe asked nervously as she pointed deeper into the alley.

Victoria’s eyes followed her arm and she shone the light to expose the faded number painted over a large metal door. “Yes! It is!” she shouted excitedly. Her pace quickened even more and she nearly dragged Chloe with her to the door. She pounded on the scary-looking iron door and heard a deep echo. When nothing happened she pulled her phone out again to check the time:

9:59 PM.

“You fuckers better open up. I have a minute left!” she bellowed at the door. She pounded again in frustration and flinched as the clock ticked:

10:00 PM.

“Fuck!” she cried out.

She felt Chloe’s soft hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m really sorry, Vica,” she said soothingly. “I know how much this meant to you. This is my fault for being a baby.”

Victoria turned around and tried to conceal her grave disappointment. “No, it’s okay. It’s just a story. I’ll find another way,” she said with a forced smile. “Come on, we’ll find somewhere else to have some fun tonight and not worry about work.”

Chloe nodded her head in agreement and the girls began to walk away from the metal door with 504 painted above it. As soon as they took a step they heard a loud grating sound that drew their attention. Both of them turned around to gaze at a bright red light protruding from a small window in the door. A man stood behind metal bars with a stiff expression on his face.

“Tonight’s password?” he asked robotically.

Victoria’s heart soared, and she mentally did a happy dance as she gazed upon the man. She knew the password from memory but pulled the ticket from her purse anyway to present it to the man. “Tremble,” she spoke softly. She motioned for Chloe to do the same.

The man took both of their tickets and turned to enter the doorway. “You arrived just in time,” he said in a monotone voice that lacked any hint of emotion.

The girls followed him wordlessly and the metal door clanked loudly as it shut. They walked down a flight of dark, winding stairs that took them far below the surface of the city. Carefully and nervously, they walked through the dusky tunnels, further and further away from the normalcy of Chicago and into the unknown underground. The melodic sound of music could soon be heard reverberating through the hall as they approached an ornately decorated pair of double doors. In bright fuchsia lettering was a single, glowing word: LUXE. There was a man standing below the neon lights, and he reached for the door handle, stopping only briefly to look at the girls.

“Next time,” he said with an edge in his voice, “don’t be late.”

 

 

 

Chapter Three

Soft music played throughout the club. Victoria glanced around and saw that several other people were dressed in a similar way to herself and Chloe. It made her feel comfortable in spite of the alien location. Several men and women looked at the pair of girls with mirth in their eyes, and some even waved. It was obvious that the girls were newcomers.

“Well, they seem nice,” Chloe said nervously.

“Of course they are nice, Chloe,” Victoria said with a chuckle. “They are insanely rich and getting laid all the time. Why wouldn’t they be nice?”

Chloe laughed lightly. “That’s true. Maybe this isn’t so bad,” she said softly.

Victoria nodded and pointed at the classic-looking mahogany bar off to the side. “Let’s get a drink.”

An impressive display of dozens of elegant bottles lined the walls behind the bar. As they approached, they could see that the bartender was an attractive man dressed in a black silk vest over a freshly starched white shirt. His sleeves were rolled up and he was in the middle of performing a series of tricks with the bottles as he prepared several drinks at once. He took notice of the girls as they approached and flashed them a smile as he finished his last order.

“What can I get you, ladies?” he asked in a voice as smooth as the fabric of his shirt.

Chloe blushed at the man and hesitated in placing her order. Victoria glanced at her friend and smiled softly as she noticed the red tint in her face.

“What’s good here?” Victoria asked flirtatiously.

“I make a mean margarita,” he said confidently. “It’s strong, but trust me, you’ll love it.”

“Sounds good. Let’s have two of those,” Victoria decided.

The bartender smiled and reached for a bottle of Patrón tequila. “Coming right up,” he said as he spun the bottle in his hand.

“Are you always so fancy, or is that just to impress customers?” Victoria asked with a sly smirk on her face.

The bartender chuckled. “Little of column A, all of column B,” he responded as he began to mix their drinks.

“I see,” Victoria said as she took her seat. “This is my first time here, so I’m just getting the lay of the land.”

Chloe joined them, sitting on the stool next to Victoria as she eagerly listened to every word the bartender spoke.

“Fresh meat, eh?” he asked mischievously. “I can help you a little there.”

“Please do,” Victoria said in a sultry voice.

The bartender grinned as he dipped her glass into the salt. The little crystals clung to the glass and looked like diamonds sprinkled on the rim. “Well, the festivities, if you know what I mean, don’t start until the King of Kink says they do,” he began to explain as he poured the drinks for the girls. “Right now, this place is as tame as any normal bar.”

Victoria nodded and glanced around curiously, noting that everyone had their clothes on. “When does that happen?”

The bartender shrugged. “Whenever the king wants. He generally waits about an hour or so to let people get settled in and find their partners for the night. He’s a considerate fellow like that,” he said with a chuckle.

“Mm,” Victoria murmured. “I’ve heard it can get pretty insane in here. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen happen?”

The bartender smiled at her and shook his head. “Oh no,” he said slyly, “I’m not going to spoil all the fun for you.”

“Just a little story?” Victoria asked sweetly.

“Where to begin? Group sex on the dance floor isn’t unheard of,” he said with a wink, “but the real action happens in the private rooms. They contain state-of-the-art toys and fancy furniture built just for fucking. Swings, sex machines, mechanical dildos, and everything you can possibly imagine. It was inspired by the Love Hotels in Japan. It’s a sex freak’s paradise.”

“Oh my,” Chloe said with a light blush, wrapping her hands around the large margarita glass timidly.

“But the rooms have a hefty price tag,” the bartender explained. “Fifty grand for the hour.”

“What?” the girls said in unison. Victoria and Chloe looked at each other in amazement.

“That’s insane,” Victoria breathed. “I feel like we’re mere mortals on Mount Olympus.”

Chloe screwed up her face in anger. “That’s disgusting. I can’t believe people would waste that kind of money on enhancing their sex lives when there are people starving in the world.”

“Actually,” the bartender said defensively, “the owner of the club—the king—donates all the money to orphanages in Asia. It may just mean a good time to these people tonight, but it goes toward saving lives tomorrow.”

“Wow,” Victoria said in wonder as she gazed around the club with a new appreciation for the establishment. “That’s amazing. It does feel like a glamorous charity event at the moment.”

The bartender laughed. “Just give it a few minutes. People will be ripping off their clothes and fucking all over the place before you realize it. Everyone goes crazy with all the sex in the air. You’ll see soon enough.”

Victoria clenched her thighs together uncomfortably, feeling her panties grow a little dampened. She needed to shrug the feeling off: she was here to write about the club, not to get involved in an orgy. “I’d really love to meet this king,” she said, changing topics smoothly. “He must be an incredible guy.”

The bartender smirked. “You’ll see him—but meeting him? That’s unlikely.”

“Why’s that?” Victoria pressed on.

“The king very rarely participates. He just comes out and sits on his throne and watches the rest of us,” he replied.

Victoria raised her drink to her lips, growing more intrigued by the minute.

“What about you?” Chloe asked suddenly. “Do you participate?”

Victoria glanced at her friend and was startled to see that she had completely finished off her first margarita. The bartender had a similar look of surprise on his face before his lips formed a smile.

“Of course I do,” he said as he leaned forward against the bar. His face was inches away from Chloe’s and his dark eyes were smoldering and intense. “Perks of the job

Chloe’s face turned blood red and she averted her gaze slightly. “I see. Well, maybe you can help me start off slow?” she asked shyly.

“I would love to. My name is Dominic,” he said as he leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on Chloe’s lips.

She recoiled and pressed her fingers against her lips in surprise. “I’m—I’m Chloe,” she said with a smile.

Victoria was grinning from ear to ear as she watched the exchange between the two of them. “You two keep each other company. I’m going to have a look around,” she said as she took a long pull from her drink.

Chloe and Dominic nodded slowly as their attention was focused on one another. Victoria turned away, hoping that her friend was in good hands. In an upscale club like this, she couldn’t imagine any real harm coming to her and felt safe going off to investigate the club.

Her dark eyes glanced around the room and she saw what appeared to be classy, well-dressed people conversing. Yet at the same time, she could feel the sexual energy building in the atmosphere. Just how powerful is this ‘king’ to get these people to keep it in their pants? Victoria wondered to herself as she walked. And how powerful must he be to get them to let loose like wild animals?

Young or old, man or woman, it didn’t seem to matter in this place. She could see groupings of all types gathering and touching each other gently with promises of unimaginable bliss. Part of her wanted to find a partner and experience the club first hand, but she needed to keep this professional. The last thing she wanted to do was make herself the story.

 

 

 

Chapter Four

 

Victoria took a large swig from her second drink that night. The tingling sensation of the alcohol was already beginning to spread throughout her whole body as she strolled through the halls of the extravagant club. Her limbs were beginning to feel warm and relaxed, even while her mind was busy processing what was going on around her. Men and women would come over to strike up conversations with her, and they would casually reach out and touch her back. She couldn’t quite explain why, but there was something comfortable about the way the people in the club responded to her.

Those in the room were casually wading in their sea of lust. They all seemed to have a firm understanding that they needed to wait for the king’s proclamation to begin. Victoria found the anticipation breathtaking; it was like waiting for a rock star to come out on stage. Her reporter’s curiosity was getting the better of her. She was determined to do whatever it took to meet this king and find out exactly what made him tick. She was not sure whether her interest was for business or pleasure. Maybe I can mix them? A little won’t hurt, she thought to herself as she continued to explore the sumptuous underground lair.

She was so lost in her own thoughts and observations that she didn’t even notice when a pair of handsome young men approached her from behind.

“Evening, miss,” one of them said.

Victoria turned around to gaze at the two strangers. She was surprised to see the men were a pair of identical twins with matching golden brown eyes. “Well, hello,” she said with a sultry slur of her words. “You two must be popular around here.”

They both cracked a smile at the same time. “You have no idea,” they said in unison. They moved closer, surrounding her body as one moved to stand behind her and the other looked down into her face.

“You should let us show you why,” the twin behind her said gently into her ear as he placed his hands on her hips.

She glanced behind her appraisingly, but she allowed him the touch. She was both intrigued and overwhelmed by their attentions, and she felt comfort in the fact that she was free to walk away whenever she wished. “I bet we could have a lot of fun,” she mused softly.

“We would love that,” the twin in front of her said with a charming smile.

“Maybe if I get some names and a way to tell you apart,” she bargained with them smoothly. She took the final sip of her margarita and casually handed it to the twin in front of her.

He took it gracefully and said, “I like this one, brother.” He smiled at the man behind her and moved to place her glass on a countertop nearby.

“Yes,” he said slowly, “she does have fire in her eyes.”

A thrill went down her spine as she realized the men were talking as if they had already conquered their prey. She liked a man that knew what he wanted, but having two was more arousing than she could bear. The twin behind her kneaded the flesh of her hip with strong hands and she moaned at the impromptu massage.

“When the king allows, my dear. You will be ours,” he said as he deftly slipped his fingers into the slit that exposed her leg. His arm wrapped around her hips as his fingers trailed against the lace trim of her panties. His hand gently brushed over the fabric guarding her mound.

“I might be too much for you boys to handle,” she remarked as her knees went weak. She felt her pussy quiver with pleasure as heat flooded her stomach. Her breathing picked up and her pulse began to race.

“We look forward to having our limits tested,” the twin who had taken her drink replied as he once again took his spot in front of her.

“No woman or man has ever broken us,” the twin from behind said as he slipped his fingers beneath the fabric and touched her sensitive clit.

Images of being fucked by these men filled her mind and their attentions sent a trickle of moisture sliding down her leg. It was insane how turned on she was. She was surprised at how receptive her body was in this environment, and she tried to shake off the feeling. She couldn’t afford to be distracted right now.

“Perhaps another time, boys,” she said with a smirk. “I’m going to browse my other options. I might have to come find you later.”

The twins smiled at one another confidently and stepped away. “We look forward to it,” they said in unison.

She smiled at the two of them and walked away with as much grace as she could muster. Her hips swayed with every step and she could feel their eyes on her rear as she walked. It gave her a thrill but she refused to look back at them. I am Victoria Chase, the best up-and-coming young reporter in Chicago. I cannot let a pair of rich boys get me this flustered!

She glanced over at the bar to see that Chloe was still talking and laughing with the bartender. Instantly, Victoria felt a sense of ease wash over her. As long as Chloe remained out of too much trouble, Victoria felt that she could continue to do her job.

All the music in the club suddenly stopped, and everyone grew very quiet.

Victoria felt the energy in the air change before the lights dimmed in the main hall. Everyone turned to look as a spotlight revealed a stage she hadn’t noticed was there before; she found her eyes magnetically drawn to the same spot. Her instincts told her that it was now time for the king’s arrival. Her eyes glanced around and she saw the others in the room exchange excited looks. The footsteps of a single man echoed throughout the club as the king made his way to the throne. She stood on her tiptoes to try to look over people, and tried to move around to look between them to get a better view. She could see the man’s broad bare shoulders and the back of his expertly-styled hair. When he finally turned around and sat down in his opulent throne, her jaw dropped open.

She recognized him.

Victoria felt her mouth grow very dry as she stared. The man sat there completely naked, save a golden crown atop his head. His muscles glistened and his strong jawline was set as if he were chiseled from stone. His cock hung between his spread legs casually, flaccid, but Victoria could tell it was a monster when engorged. She couldn’t understand why, but staring up into his eyes took away all sense of reason. Her body ached with need and she couldn’t stop herself from taking several steps closer to him.

“Malcolm Cage,” she said softly to herself in wonder. “You’re this ‘King of Kink’ guy?” A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Thoughts of the twins were now completely forgotten, overpowered by the sheer presence of the man before her. “Now I have to mix business with pleasure.”

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She has a thirst for danger. He is used to getting exactly what he wants…
For your reading pleasure, is our free excerpt of Club Luxe Box Set (Books 1-3) by Olivia Noble

Last week we announced that Olivia Noble’s Club Luxe Box Set is our Romance of the Week and the sponsor of thousands of great bargains in the Romance category: over 200 free titles, over 600 quality 99-centers, and thousands more that you can read for free through the Kindle Lending Library if you have Amazon Prime!

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Club Luxe Box Set (Books 1-3)
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Kindle Price: 99 cents

***Limited time sale! Grab three sizzling HOT books for 99 cents.***
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Here’s the set-up:

Warning: The irresistible Malcolm Cage will completely soak your panties. Laundry may be required. She has a thirst for danger. He is used to getting exactly what he wants…

Victoria Chase is Chicago’s hottest new reporter, looking to make the scoop of the century. Rumor has it that in the bowels of the city lies a private sex club for the wealthy elite. Willing to do anything for a story, she infiltrates the club, determined to uncover this urban legend. She didn’t expect to run into him:

Malcolm Cage.

The famous billionaire bad boy is the king of Club Luxe. Every Friday night, he reigns supreme over untold sinful pleasures in his underground kingdom. His one rule? He never participates and only watches–until he sees Victoria. She sets his body and soul on fire, and Malcolm does not plan on letting her go. Can Victoria keep it professional and get her story? Or will her heart betray her under Malcolm’s smoldering gaze?

Book Two:

With her life stolen from her, Victoria is left with no choice. She must drop everything and dedicate herself to helping the infuriating Malcolm Cage. But the task is a dangerous hunt for information that she promised herself she would avoid at all costs. It doesn’t help that Malcolm is utterly distracting with a voice as smooth as silk and eyes that make her body tremble.

Malcolm used to think that Victoria was just another slimy reporter, but she is quickly invading his heart with her stubbornness and bravery. He was once willing to do anything it took to protect his family, not caring who got hurt in the process–but he finds himself feeling guilty for manipulating Victoria. Even though he was the one who put her life at risk, he is now the only one who can save her…

Book Three:

With Malcolm presumably dead after a terrible accident, Victoria finds herself in the most dangerous situation imaginable: trapped in a foreign nation with nothing except the clothes on her back. She has no idea what to do next or how to get out of this mess. The only thing keeping her going is the willpower to finish the job Malcolm gave to her, and honor his final request to find Claire.

But Malcolm Cage isn’t the type of man who will go down without a fight.

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  And here, for your reading pleasure, is our free romance excerpt:

Chapter One

 

“Hurry up, Chloe,” Victoria demanded impatiently. “Club Luxe closes their doors in two hours, and traffic is already going to be a bitch.” She tapped her foot as she lifted her phone to check the time:

8:00 PM.

The sounds of a young woman fighting with her dress and releasing exasperated groans filled the apartment. “I’m sorry, Vica, but I can’t just throw on something and instantly look gorgeous like you do,” Chloe said, on the verge of tears. “I’m a total mess.”

Victoria couldn’t help but smile a little as she walked around the corner to assist her friend. Of course, she had absolutely no idea what Chloe was talking about. With cute red curls and buxom, creamy breasts peeking out from a low-cut blue dress, Chloe looked like a man-eater. “Honey, you look amazing,” Victoria said reassuringly. “Don’t stress.”

“Really?” Chloe asked sweetly. “Because I don’t feel it. Look at you!” She pointed to the mirror accusingly.

Victoria did have to admit that she looked great. Her black dress was trimmed with gold, while a daring slit up the side revealed her long and shapely leg. The fabric covered her breasts, but there were tasteful spaces where the material was sheer. Her naturally tanned skin gave her an exotic quality that she took full advantage of. “Yes, but it’s not about how you look compared to me. It’s about how you feel about yourself. If you believe you’re a bombshell, so will the men,” she said confidently. She flashed her friend a smile and gave her a gentle pat on the back.

Chloe seemed like she wanted to say something else, but instead let out a sigh. “You’re right. I still can’t believe I’m letting you take me along,” she said as she put her hands on her hips.

“But it’s exciting, Chloe, and this could be a huge break for my career,” Victoria said with a sly grin on her face. “Besides, I’m sure you’ll find someone that makes you forget all your worries.”

“I doubt it,” Chloe huffed with a shake of her head. “I’ll just get a couple drinks and leave after a few hours or something.”

“You can’t, remember? This isn’t a normal club. Once the doors lock, no one gets in or out until the morning,” Victoria explained. “There’s no escape tonight. We’re going all the way.”

Chloe bit her lip nervously and she gulped down some air before saying, “Right, I forgot about that.” She sighed again and stood up straight. “Alright, let’s just get this over with.”

Victoria smiled and squeezed her friend’s shoulder. “My editor is going to love this exposé,” she said with excitement dripping from every word. “Every investigative journalist in Chicago has been dying to get this story.”

“I still don’t see why your boss thinks writing about a sex club is worth anything,” Chloe mused with a tone of disbelief. “What’s so special about a sex club?”

With a coy smile, Victoria double-checked to make sure her recorder was tucked safely in her purse. “Not just any sex club, Chloe. A sex club for the one percent. Society’s elite. A chance to see just what America’s royalty does with their spare time.”

Chloe shrugged her shoulders. “Probably the same as the rest of us,” she said with a roll of her eyes.

Victoria sighed and gave her friend a teasing look. “Honey, I bet you still have sex with the lights off,” she said with a chuckle.

Chloe’s face turned as red as her hair as she turned away. “I just look better in the dark. It hides all my cellulite.”

“What cellulite?” Victoria asked with a laugh. She reached out to pull her friend into a hug. “Oh, Chloe, I do love you. Never change.”

Chloe hugged back. “Don’t worry. It’ll take more than a night at a sex club for the ‘one percent’ to take away my sainthood. Besides, I’m only coming to watch out for you.”

“Thanks,” Victoria said softly. “It really does mean a lot to me.”

The girls embraced for a moment longer before Chloe pulled away with an adoring smile. “Let’s go get you that story, Miss Chase.”

 

 

 

Chapter Two

 

“Jesus. Downtown is a bitch,” Victoria complained as she veered across traffic in her blue Mitsubishi Lancer, attempting to snag up the last parallel parking spot. The wheels hugged the ground as she drifted into the spot and Victoria let out an exhilarated whoop.

“Do you have to drive like a crazy person!?” Chloe asked in near hysterics.

Victoria just laughed as she opened up the car door and stepped out. “We made it here in once piece, didn’t we?” she asked as she walked toward the club.

“You’re impossible, Vica,” Chloe retorted in irritation.

“You can yell at me later,” Victoria said as she picked up her pace. “We only have ten minutes to get there.”

Chloe huffed and did her best to sprint in the heels she was wearing. Her feet were already aching and she limped slightly as she tried to avoid getting caught in the cracks between sidewalks. The two of them ran down the street and counted the addresses as they went.

“Wasn’t it 504?” Victoria asked as she continued to rush forward. “502… 506… 508…” She stopped and looked around. “Where the hell is 504?” she asked in annoyance. She could easily see building 502 next to 506, but there was nothing for 504. She glanced across street in confusion.

“Don’t tell me it’s down the alley,” Chloe said with a twinge of fear in her voice.

Victoria looked in front of her to see the eerie looking gap between the two buildings. “It’s worth a shot,” she said with a smile. “Let’s go.”

“Dressed like this?” Chloe exclaimed in horror. “No way! We’re going to get attacked by some creep.”

Victoria turned to her friend and put a hand reassuringly on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I know kickboxing, remember? I’ll wreck anyone that might try something,” she said confidently. “If the place doesn’t exist, I’ll just drop the story. But for right now I need you to be tough and come with me.”

Chloe nodded softly and took a deep breath. “Alright, but you owe me even more now.”

Victoria smiled softly. “We’ll see.”

The girls took their first step into the darkness of the alleyway. The street lights that illuminated the sidewalks at night seemed to have their light swallowed by some invisible black hole. Within just a few feet they were in near pitch black conditions. Victoria could feel anxiety creeping up her spine as they ventured deeper into the alley.

“It has to be around here somewhere,” she said nervously.

“Vica,” Chloe said in apprehension, “let’s just go home.”

Victoria shook her head stubbornly. “No. The tickets cost a small fortune. I’m not going to get another chance like this.” She pulled her iPhone from her purse and quickly jabbed her thumb onto the center button. The screen lit up and illuminated the time:

9:55 PM.

She groaned in frustration and unlocked the phone to turn on the flashlight function. The bright LED light pierced the darkness until it was nearly bright as day in the alley. Her eyes glanced around wildly to find the proper number.

“Where are you…” she muttered to herself.

“Is that it?” Chloe asked nervously as she pointed deeper into the alley.

Victoria’s eyes followed her arm and she shone the light to expose the faded number painted over a large metal door. “Yes! It is!” she shouted excitedly. Her pace quickened even more and she nearly dragged Chloe with her to the door. She pounded on the scary-looking iron door and heard a deep echo. When nothing happened she pulled her phone out again to check the time:

9:59 PM.

“You fuckers better open up. I have a minute left!” she bellowed at the door. She pounded again in frustration and flinched as the clock ticked:

10:00 PM.

“Fuck!” she cried out.

She felt Chloe’s soft hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I’m really sorry, Vica,” she said soothingly. “I know how much this meant to you. This is my fault for being a baby.”

Victoria turned around and tried to conceal her grave disappointment. “No, it’s okay. It’s just a story. I’ll find another way,” she said with a forced smile. “Come on, we’ll find somewhere else to have some fun tonight and not worry about work.”

Chloe nodded her head in agreement and the girls began to walk away from the metal door with 504 painted above it. As soon as they took a step they heard a loud grating sound that drew their attention. Both of them turned around to gaze at a bright red light protruding from a small window in the door. A man stood behind metal bars with a stiff expression on his face.

“Tonight’s password?” he asked robotically.

Victoria’s heart soared, and she mentally did a happy dance as she gazed upon the man. She knew the password from memory but pulled the ticket from her purse anyway to present it to the man. “Tremble,” she spoke softly. She motioned for Chloe to do the same.

The man took both of their tickets and turned to enter the doorway. “You arrived just in time,” he said in a monotone voice that lacked any hint of emotion.

The girls followed him wordlessly and the metal door clanked loudly as it shut. They walked down a flight of dark, winding stairs that took them far below the surface of the city. Carefully and nervously, they walked through the dusky tunnels, further and further away from the normalcy of Chicago and into the unknown underground. The melodic sound of music could soon be heard reverberating through the hall as they approached an ornately decorated pair of double doors. In bright fuchsia lettering was a single, glowing word: LUXE. There was a man standing below the neon lights, and he reached for the door handle, stopping only briefly to look at the girls.

“Next time,” he said with an edge in his voice, “don’t be late.”

 

 

 

Chapter Three

Soft music played throughout the club. Victoria glanced around and saw that several other people were dressed in a similar way to herself and Chloe. It made her feel comfortable in spite of the alien location. Several men and women looked at the pair of girls with mirth in their eyes, and some even waved. It was obvious that the girls were newcomers.

“Well, they seem nice,” Chloe said nervously.

“Of course they are nice, Chloe,” Victoria said with a chuckle. “They are insanely rich and getting laid all the time. Why wouldn’t they be nice?”

Chloe laughed lightly. “That’s true. Maybe this isn’t so bad,” she said softly.

Victoria nodded and pointed at the classic-looking mahogany bar off to the side. “Let’s get a drink.”

An impressive display of dozens of elegant bottles lined the walls behind the bar. As they approached, they could see that the bartender was an attractive man dressed in a black silk vest over a freshly starched white shirt. His sleeves were rolled up and he was in the middle of performing a series of tricks with the bottles as he prepared several drinks at once. He took notice of the girls as they approached and flashed them a smile as he finished his last order.

“What can I get you, ladies?” he asked in a voice as smooth as the fabric of his shirt.

Chloe blushed at the man and hesitated in placing her order. Victoria glanced at her friend and smiled softly as she noticed the red tint in her face.

“What’s good here?” Victoria asked flirtatiously.

“I make a mean margarita,” he said confidently. “It’s strong, but trust me, you’ll love it.”

“Sounds good. Let’s have two of those,” Victoria decided.

The bartender smiled and reached for a bottle of Patrón tequila. “Coming right up,” he said as he spun the bottle in his hand.

“Are you always so fancy, or is that just to impress customers?” Victoria asked with a sly smirk on her face.

The bartender chuckled. “Little of column A, all of column B,” he responded as he began to mix their drinks.

“I see,” Victoria said as she took her seat. “This is my first time here, so I’m just getting the lay of the land.”

Chloe joined them, sitting on the stool next to Victoria as she eagerly listened to every word the bartender spoke.

“Fresh meat, eh?” he asked mischievously. “I can help you a little there.”

“Please do,” Victoria said in a sultry voice.

The bartender grinned as he dipped her glass into the salt. The little crystals clung to the glass and looked like diamonds sprinkled on the rim. “Well, the festivities, if you know what I mean, don’t start until the King of Kink says they do,” he began to explain as he poured the drinks for the girls. “Right now, this place is as tame as any normal bar.”

Victoria nodded and glanced around curiously, noting that everyone had their clothes on. “When does that happen?”

The bartender shrugged. “Whenever the king wants. He generally waits about an hour or so to let people get settled in and find their partners for the night. He’s a considerate fellow like that,” he said with a chuckle.

“Mm,” Victoria murmured. “I’ve heard it can get pretty insane in here. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen happen?”

The bartender smiled at her and shook his head. “Oh no,” he said slyly, “I’m not going to spoil all the fun for you.”

“Just a little story?” Victoria asked sweetly.

“Where to begin? Group sex on the dance floor isn’t unheard of,” he said with a wink, “but the real action happens in the private rooms. They contain state-of-the-art toys and fancy furniture built just for fucking. Swings, sex machines, mechanical dildos, and everything you can possibly imagine. It was inspired by the Love Hotels in Japan. It’s a sex freak’s paradise.”

“Oh my,” Chloe said with a light blush, wrapping her hands around the large margarita glass timidly.

“But the rooms have a hefty price tag,” the bartender explained. “Fifty grand for the hour.”

“What?” the girls said in unison. Victoria and Chloe looked at each other in amazement.

“That’s insane,” Victoria breathed. “I feel like we’re mere mortals on Mount Olympus.”

Chloe screwed up her face in anger. “That’s disgusting. I can’t believe people would waste that kind of money on enhancing their sex lives when there are people starving in the world.”

“Actually,” the bartender said defensively, “the owner of the club—the king—donates all the money to orphanages in Asia. It may just mean a good time to these people tonight, but it goes toward saving lives tomorrow.”

“Wow,” Victoria said in wonder as she gazed around the club with a new appreciation for the establishment. “That’s amazing. It does feel like a glamorous charity event at the moment.”

The bartender laughed. “Just give it a few minutes. People will be ripping off their clothes and fucking all over the place before you realize it. Everyone goes crazy with all the sex in the air. You’ll see soon enough.”

Victoria clenched her thighs together uncomfortably, feeling her panties grow a little dampened. She needed to shrug the feeling off: she was here to write about the club, not to get involved in an orgy. “I’d really love to meet this king,” she said, changing topics smoothly. “He must be an incredible guy.”

The bartender smirked. “You’ll see him—but meeting him? That’s unlikely.”

“Why’s that?” Victoria pressed on.

“The king very rarely participates. He just comes out and sits on his throne and watches the rest of us,” he replied.

Victoria raised her drink to her lips, growing more intrigued by the minute.

“What about you?” Chloe asked suddenly. “Do you participate?”

Victoria glanced at her friend and was startled to see that she had completely finished off her first margarita. The bartender had a similar look of surprise on his face before his lips formed a smile.

“Of course I do,” he said as he leaned forward against the bar. His face was inches away from Chloe’s and his dark eyes were smoldering and intense. “Perks of the job

Chloe’s face turned blood red and she averted her gaze slightly. “I see. Well, maybe you can help me start off slow?” she asked shyly.

“I would love to. My name is Dominic,” he said as he leaned forward to plant a soft kiss on Chloe’s lips.

She recoiled and pressed her fingers against her lips in surprise. “I’m—I’m Chloe,” she said with a smile.

Victoria was grinning from ear to ear as she watched the exchange between the two of them. “You two keep each other company. I’m going to have a look around,” she said as she took a long pull from her drink.

Chloe and Dominic nodded slowly as their attention was focused on one another. Victoria turned away, hoping that her friend was in good hands. In an upscale club like this, she couldn’t imagine any real harm coming to her and felt safe going off to investigate the club.

Her dark eyes glanced around the room and she saw what appeared to be classy, well-dressed people conversing. Yet at the same time, she could feel the sexual energy building in the atmosphere. Just how powerful is this ‘king’ to get these people to keep it in their pants? Victoria wondered to herself as she walked. And how powerful must he be to get them to let loose like wild animals?

Young or old, man or woman, it didn’t seem to matter in this place. She could see groupings of all types gathering and touching each other gently with promises of unimaginable bliss. Part of her wanted to find a partner and experience the club first hand, but she needed to keep this professional. The last thing she wanted to do was make herself the story.

 

 

 

Chapter Four

 

Victoria took a large swig from her second drink that night. The tingling sensation of the alcohol was already beginning to spread throughout her whole body as she strolled through the halls of the extravagant club. Her limbs were beginning to feel warm and relaxed, even while her mind was busy processing what was going on around her. Men and women would come over to strike up conversations with her, and they would casually reach out and touch her back. She couldn’t quite explain why, but there was something comfortable about the way the people in the club responded to her.

Those in the room were casually wading in their sea of lust. They all seemed to have a firm understanding that they needed to wait for the king’s proclamation to begin. Victoria found the anticipation breathtaking; it was like waiting for a rock star to come out on stage. Her reporter’s curiosity was getting the better of her. She was determined to do whatever it took to meet this king and find out exactly what made him tick. She was not sure whether her interest was for business or pleasure. Maybe I can mix them? A little won’t hurt, she thought to herself as she continued to explore the sumptuous underground lair.

She was so lost in her own thoughts and observations that she didn’t even notice when a pair of handsome young men approached her from behind.

“Evening, miss,” one of them said.

Victoria turned around to gaze at the two strangers. She was surprised to see the men were a pair of identical twins with matching golden brown eyes. “Well, hello,” she said with a sultry slur of her words. “You two must be popular around here.”

They both cracked a smile at the same time. “You have no idea,” they said in unison. They moved closer, surrounding her body as one moved to stand behind her and the other looked down into her face.

“You should let us show you why,” the twin behind her said gently into her ear as he placed his hands on her hips.

She glanced behind her appraisingly, but she allowed him the touch. She was both intrigued and overwhelmed by their attentions, and she felt comfort in the fact that she was free to walk away whenever she wished. “I bet we could have a lot of fun,” she mused softly.

“We would love that,” the twin in front of her said with a charming smile.

“Maybe if I get some names and a way to tell you apart,” she bargained with them smoothly. She took the final sip of her margarita and casually handed it to the twin in front of her.

He took it gracefully and said, “I like this one, brother.” He smiled at the man behind her and moved to place her glass on a countertop nearby.

“Yes,” he said slowly, “she does have fire in her eyes.”

A thrill went down her spine as she realized the men were talking as if they had already conquered their prey. She liked a man that knew what he wanted, but having two was more arousing than she could bear. The twin behind her kneaded the flesh of her hip with strong hands and she moaned at the impromptu massage.

“When the king allows, my dear. You will be ours,” he said as he deftly slipped his fingers into the slit that exposed her leg. His arm wrapped around her hips as his fingers trailed against the lace trim of her panties. His hand gently brushed over the fabric guarding her mound.

“I might be too much for you boys to handle,” she remarked as her knees went weak. She felt her pussy quiver with pleasure as heat flooded her stomach. Her breathing picked up and her pulse began to race.

“We look forward to having our limits tested,” the twin who had taken her drink replied as he once again took his spot in front of her.

“No woman or man has ever broken us,” the twin from behind said as he slipped his fingers beneath the fabric and touched her sensitive clit.

Images of being fucked by these men filled her mind and their attentions sent a trickle of moisture sliding down her leg. It was insane how turned on she was. She was surprised at how receptive her body was in this environment, and she tried to shake off the feeling. She couldn’t afford to be distracted right now.

“Perhaps another time, boys,” she said with a smirk. “I’m going to browse my other options. I might have to come find you later.”

The twins smiled at one another confidently and stepped away. “We look forward to it,” they said in unison.

She smiled at the two of them and walked away with as much grace as she could muster. Her hips swayed with every step and she could feel their eyes on her rear as she walked. It gave her a thrill but she refused to look back at them. I am Victoria Chase, the best up-and-coming young reporter in Chicago. I cannot let a pair of rich boys get me this flustered!

She glanced over at the bar to see that Chloe was still talking and laughing with the bartender. Instantly, Victoria felt a sense of ease wash over her. As long as Chloe remained out of too much trouble, Victoria felt that she could continue to do her job.

All the music in the club suddenly stopped, and everyone grew very quiet.

Victoria felt the energy in the air change before the lights dimmed in the main hall. Everyone turned to look as a spotlight revealed a stage she hadn’t noticed was there before; she found her eyes magnetically drawn to the same spot. Her instincts told her that it was now time for the king’s arrival. Her eyes glanced around and she saw the others in the room exchange excited looks. The footsteps of a single man echoed throughout the club as the king made his way to the throne. She stood on her tiptoes to try to look over people, and tried to move around to look between them to get a better view. She could see the man’s broad bare shoulders and the back of his expertly-styled hair. When he finally turned around and sat down in his opulent throne, her jaw dropped open.

She recognized him.

Victoria felt her mouth grow very dry as she stared. The man sat there completely naked, save a golden crown atop his head. His muscles glistened and his strong jawline was set as if he were chiseled from stone. His cock hung between his spread legs casually, flaccid, but Victoria could tell it was a monster when engorged. She couldn’t understand why, but staring up into his eyes took away all sense of reason. Her body ached with need and she couldn’t stop herself from taking several steps closer to him.

“Malcolm Cage,” she said softly to herself in wonder. “You’re this ‘King of Kink’ guy?” A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Thoughts of the twins were now completely forgotten, overpowered by the sheer presence of the man before her. “Now I have to mix business with pleasure.”

Click here to download the entire book:

Club Luxe Box Set

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Brand New Romance of the Week: Club Luxe Box Set (Books 1-3) by Olivia Noble
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And for the next week all of these great reading choices are sponsored by our Brand New Romance of the Week, Olivia Noble’s Club Luxe Box Set:

Club Luxe Box Set (Books 1-3)
4.3 stars – 23 Reviews
Kindle Price: 99 cents

***Limited time sale! Grab three sizzling HOT books for 99 cents.***
Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled
Here’s the set-up:

Warning: The irresistible Malcolm Cage will completely soak your panties. Laundry may be required. She has a thirst for danger. He is used to getting exactly what he wants…

Victoria Chase is Chicago’s hottest new reporter, looking to make the scoop of the century. Rumor has it that in the bowels of the city lies a private sex club for the wealthy elite. Willing to do anything for a story, she infiltrates the club, determined to uncover this urban legend. She didn’t expect to run into him:

Malcolm Cage.

The famous billionaire bad boy is the king of Club Luxe. Every Friday night, he reigns supreme over untold sinful pleasures in his underground kingdom. His one rule? He never participates and only watches–until he sees Victoria. She sets his body and soul on fire, and Malcolm does not plan on letting her go. Can Victoria keep it professional and get her story? Or will her heart betray her under Malcolm’s smoldering gaze?

Book Two:

With her life stolen from her, Victoria is left with no choice. She must drop everything and dedicate herself to helping the infuriating Malcolm Cage. But the task is a dangerous hunt for information that she promised herself she would avoid at all costs. It doesn’t help that Malcolm is utterly distracting with a voice as smooth as silk and eyes that make her body tremble.

Malcolm used to think that Victoria was just another slimy reporter, but she is quickly invading his heart with her stubbornness and bravery. He was once willing to do anything it took to protect his family, not caring who got hurt in the process–but he finds himself feeling guilty for manipulating Victoria. Even though he was the one who put her life at risk, he is now the only one who can save her…

Book Three:

With Malcolm presumably dead after a terrible accident, Victoria finds herself in the most dangerous situation imaginable: trapped in a foreign nation with nothing except the clothes on her back. She has no idea what to do next or how to get out of this mess. The only thing keeping her going is the willpower to finish the job Malcolm gave to her, and honor his final request to find Claire.

But Malcolm Cage isn’t the type of man who will go down without a fight.

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Last call for KND Romance of The Week: Sharon Hamilton’s SEAL My Home

Last call for KND free Romance excerpt:

SEAL My Home: Bad Boys of SEAL Team 3, Book 2 (SEAL Brotherhood 9)

by Sharon Hamilton

SEAL My Home: Bad Boys of SEAL Team 3, Book 2 (SEAL Brotherhood 9)
4.5 stars – 26 Reviews
Text-to-Speech and Lending: Enabled
Here’s the set-up:

Bad boy Rory Kennedy was raised in foster care, bouncing in and out of trouble along the way. He finds his true family and real brothers as a Navy SEAL, one of the Navy’s elite warriors. When his BUD/S instructor barked the SEAL’s Motto: Only Easy Day Was Yesterday, he knew he had found home.Megan Palmer works in a bookstore and finds her passion in life through reading steamy romance novels. Her brief affair with a man she later found out was married has left her damaged, until she meets the handsome SEAL, who stands ready to open her world and give her things she’s only dreamed.

On a skiing trip, Rory suffers a possible career-ending injury and also comes face to face with a past he never knew of, and a family who had abandoned him. His relationship with Megan is tested to the breaking point as Rory wades through the dark waters of recovery and whether or not he can live without the life he loves. A home-grown terrorist cell forces his hand and he discovers his true purpose.

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  And here, for your reading pleasure, is our free romance excerpt:

He didn’t have to be a Navy SEAL to understand Megan had a look about her that told him she’d not yet had her world rocked sufficiently. Special Operator Rory Kennedy figured once he got those big glasses off her and let her hair down, she’d be a beauty. She seemed to try especially hard to look plain and homely. He could see through all of that. Best of all, she liked to read and didn’t like to prattle on like so many of the San Diego crowd. He liked quiet girls who were not full of themselves.

He and his friends had commented often that women who were somewhat bookish and liked to read were the best lays. It was music to his ears when she told him she worked in the big bookstore downtown. That was where their first meet for coffee was arranged. And their second. And their third. She declined all his invitations to do something like lunch or dinner, and he decided he had the patience perhaps others wouldn’t have. He saw a prize under that plain brown paper wrapping and wasn’t going to stop until he got it.

He fantasized getting it on with her in her Santa suit, kissing her with the white moustache, getting her black velvet britches unzipped and pulled down so he could see what color panties she wore.

Does that mean I’m gay?

He answered himself by nearly choking on the latte.

No fuckin’ way I’m gay. He decided it was the velvet material and the anticipation of running his hand against her smooth thigh and then moving up to her midriff so he could feel her warm cleavage and get lost there.

He never admitted it to his fellow Team guys, but he loved those first encounters with a woman, especially a woman who hadn’t been awakened. Experienced women were a turn-off, as were those who wore lots of makeup and always had to be primping in front of a mirror. He liked it awkward for her. He planned to be careful, take it slow. He thought about what it would be like with her, everything fresh, new, and unspoiled. No baggage or track record. Just pure clean simple fun. Surprises under every bit of lace, under every moan she’d make. He loved gentling women, reassuring them they were beautiful, letting them know how much he enjoyed their company. He liked it when they developed the confidence to let the reins out a bit and see how far they’d fly and take him with them. If the truth were known. he wanted to see her desire for him more than he actually wanted to feel it.

It amused him she was dressed this way tonight. It brought back memories of his years growing up. He didn’t believe in Santa Claus when he was a child because there were no pictures of the benevolent St. Nick in the orphanage. He felt like Christmas was something other kids got to experience. Those were the kids who knew what a brother or sister was or what it felt like to be part of a family with real parents.

He recalled that one year the nuns put up a scrawny Christmas tree. Unlike pictures he’d seen in magazines, there were no presents under it. The Sisters removed the sad-looking spruce when Rory and a number of the boys took the glass ball ornaments outside and played catch until they exploded like snowballs.

They’d missed their dinner that night, but it had been worth it, he recalled. Their quiet giggles continued all through the evening. Instead of Christmas carols, they told ghost stories in the corner of the room they shared, secured at night with a sleepy nun sitting guard outside the door until morning. He took pride in the fact that he was part of the incorrigible boys, and though the oldest was seven, they had earned a reputation they liked: impossible to live with. They figured if they continued screwing up, they could stay together until their teens and then be a pack of friends “on the outside” as they referred to it. Despite the best efforts of the nuns, the cold, dark structure still felt like a children’s prison. In the five remaining years he lived there, he would never see another decoration reminding them of the holiday.

He angled his head and watched her until she looked up at him across the room, with her pale blue eyes, the dimple at the right of her light pink lips hidden by the glued-on facial hair. He could see the squint of a conspiratorial smile, and suddenly he was as hot for her as anyone he’d ever been with.

She finished the story to the clapping of small exuberant hands and the titters of several mothers who had gathered behind the semicircle of the rapt little audience. She signed some books as Santa, and then stood and straightened up her suit with the fake belly. Her black stretchy pants revealed just enough about her thighs and ass to drive him wild. Her boobs were enormous and having difficulty staying put behind the tight suit obviously made for a small male. He didn’t want to do her in the men’s bathroom, but damn, he sure felt like it. He couldn’t look in her eyes as she came up to him—his mind was so filled with dirty thoughts. Instead, he lowered his gaze to her chest, letting her get a glimpse of his lust for her. He figured it was way past time and she deserved to know his intentions even if he couldn’t tell her yet.

Her girlfriend, Brady’s wife, told Rory just yesterday that Megan was seriously interested in having a good time. Lindsay also whispered the magic words that Megan was very inexperienced and kind of intimidated by Rory, that he’d have to be careful. He knew Lindsay and her little breach of confidence were setting him up, but he didn’t mind one bit. He decided it was time to whisk Megan away to some place dark and dangerous, to help her with whatever fantasies she had about spending time with a SEAL. Whatever they were, he was happy to oblige.

“You want to go somewhere?” she asked. When he stared back into her pale blue eyes he saw fear residing there. He saw that she blushed a glowing shade of rose that made his groin react so fast he almost gasped.

“I’d like that, Megan.” He leaned in closer and kissed her on the ear. “Was hoping you’d be up for something other than coffee.”

She tilted her head and gave him a frown.

He wasn’t sure she’d understood him. “N-n-nothing wrong with coffee, sweetheart. Just thought a little change of scenery would be good.”

She blushed again, and he hoped she was having half the lush red thoughts he was having. Behind a shy smile, she continued softly, “I’ll go change.” Hoisting her backpack over one shoulder, she turned to head to the staff area. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back dangerously close to him.

His voice was raspy, and he was short of breath. “I always wanted to have a date with Santa. Sure as hell never had one when I was growing up,” he whispered. This last part was true. He’d never sat on Santa’s lap or had the luxury of being able to tell anyone what he wanted for Christmas as a child. Like he had a label affixed to his forehead that read, “Doesn’t deserve.”

“This material is scratchy though, Rory.”

“I can help you with that, sweetheart. No worries. I’m very easy to please, especially tonight.” He chased his comment with a smile.

Instantly, Megan’s cheeks flamed and her eyes skittered away from his. Rory did a quick location check around the store to make sure no youngsters had noticed them before he turned back to face her, stepped close enough to feel her body barely touch the entire length of his, and kissed her.

He felt how nervous she was, but also how needy. Her minted breath was punctuated by little catches and faint squeaking as if she tasted forbidden fruit. It sent waves of arousal down his spine. When they parted, he licked his lips to taste what she’d left behind. “Mmmmm. Nice, Megan.” He meant it.

She hesitated, then carefully placed her fingertips just below his shoulders, as if it was the first time she’d put her hands on a real man, and then allowed them to travel lazily across his pecs. He inhaled and let his chest cavity go huge which caused a flutter in her eyelids. No longer a skinny orphaned boy, he let her see how proud he was of his physique, how hard he had trained, how disciplined he was as a powerful killing machine. He could feel her heart thumping in a dull cadence. He let his right hand slip around her waist, barely touching the top of her ass with his fingers, which got the tiny reaction he was hoping for, the little inhale that told him she was afraid of him, but couldn’t stop herself. He pressed her thigh into his groin, maneuvering around the large Santa belly he wanted to get his hand under, loving the way they fit already, even with the costume. But mostly loving how she let him lead her.

He saw realization spread across her face that his body was hard and lean and he wasn’t afraid to show her what he intended to do. He smiled and said with his eyes on her lips, “You ready?”

She gave a nervous shrug, but allowed him to pull her backpack from her, sling it over his own shoulder, and tuck his other arm around her waist. She fit well next to him like the missing piece of a puzzle.

“Where’s your car?” he asked.

She pointed to her small red VW convertible partially obscured by a large white van. “You want to follow?” She was all pink and timid again as she removed her Santa hat and started to remove her beard.

“Hold on, sweetheart. I’ve been watching you read to those kids for the past hour, and I definitely have some plans for that outfit.”

She tented her eyebrows and shot him a questioning look. “Seriously?” She took a step backward and he followed, meeting her, not letting her get away, and whispering in her ear.

“You have no idea.” He kissed the side of her neck just under her ear and he heard her purr like a kitten.

So far so good.

As he followed behind Megan’s little VW, Rory recalled their first awkward meeting on a bright Saturday morning about three weeks ago. It had been a beautiful warm and cloudless winter day, so the chirping little birds had gotten an early start in the bright San Diego sunlight at 6:30 AM. The night before, he’d been at the Scupper, their local Team hangout and site for operations of the female kind, the pre-planning for something local or for discussing something happening overseas in the theater. But mostly it was to get shit-faced, talk smack and let off steam with several of his team buddies. Tyler and T.J. told him the early Saturday morning yoga class almost never had men in it. But it was loaded with frustrated, nubile young women who twisted themselves into some pretty suggestive poses, and who sometimes went out for coffee afterwards.

As he continued to follow her car down the narrow streets lined with old palm trees and modest stucco and red tiled homes, he smiled and a warm glow traveled all over his body as he thought about how it had gone.

He hadn’t been prepared for the tight yoga pants hugging their little asses, the colored toes and scrunchies holding up their hair with the special fluffed “come fuck me” look he loved. Coop’s father-in-law, the renowned psychiatrist Dr. Austin Brownlee, had diagnosed his itch to catch someone as being due to a lack of intimacy. Rory called it a failure to fuck. He was going to fix this before the weekend was up.

The nut-brown yoga instructor the girls all called Baba Omar, hid behind a salt and pepper beard, his large almond shaped eyes scanning every one of the lovelies. Rory was sure he too was surveying for his next sexual partner. He and the instructor were the only two males in the class.

Rory didn’t understand the terms, but soon understood by watching others what he was supposed to make his body do. This was sometimes difficult because he was looking right into the back of Megan’s ass, and God, did he wish the thin black seam that held her two butt cheeks together would fail. Her ass and thighs were encased in thin yoga pants with bright flowers down the leggings. He was praying for a major clothing malfunction. Something of epic proportions, and him right there to benefit from it. But God wouldn’t grant him that wish. Not yet.

With arms entwined in bent elbows, barely hooking thumbs together, backside of palms touching, he did the breathing exercises the little Indian man had shown them, but he felt like he was tied in a knot. Occasionally someone’s shirt would ride up and he’d get a view of the creamy midriff of one of the lovelies. Megan’s peachy complexion and her rose-colored lips were shockingly intimate on this Saturday morning as she closed her eyes, married her palms together and inhaled, her moist lips in a puckered “O,” sending her chest out toward the front of the room. He knew her nipples would be the same delicate shade of rose as her full lips, and that she would blotch on her chest when she got embarrassed or overly heated.

Rory noticed one of the ladies at the end of his row was using line of sight to get his attention and he pretended not to notice. The woman was very beautiful, and judging from her enhancements and careful efforts to hide her advanced age, she was obviously well off. He was not in the least bit interested in being a rich older woman’s date for coffee, no matter how much fun it would be and how well put together she was. He admired her for her efforts, but Megan’s naïve aura had snagged him completely. She simply enchanted him.

The instructor ended all his classes with a cow-cat breathing exercise, the class in a circle. The little brown yogi took the center, moving to face each student briefly while the warm-up breathing began. Once the powerful poses from rounded back of the cat to the swaying back of a cow intensified and the breathing became deeper and sucked the air out of the hot room, he began to get a boner. Instead of next to him on all fours, in Rory’s mind Megan was beneath him, begging to be penetrated. Each thrust of his hips got him harder and harder as he imagined plunging into her soft moist pussy and then out, only to plunge in again. This went on for nearly five minutes.

The teacher asked them to hold their breath and he gulped in air like it would be his last on earth, hoping his lungs would explode so he wouldn’t have to embarrass himself with what he knew was coming next. As he exhaled, his cock erupted and would not stop. He collapsed on himself, thinking that would abruptly end it.

But he was wrong.

She had leaned forward, palms to the ground, her third eye pressing deliciously on the rubber mat of the studio, her breathing quieting down as in his mind he filled her cavity with everything he had. He grabbed the large green towel he’d brought to freshen up afterwards and pulled it to his pulsating groin area, rolled his neck to the side and looked at her. Her repose was sweet. The natural rhythm of her chest rising and falling, her knotted nipples daring to softly fall, barely grazing the mat. It was a thing of pure Michelangelo beauty.

At last, her blue eyes opened and, with a smoldering look, she viewed him, a question there he was sure.

“I just made love to you,” he whispered before he could stop himself, his voice cracking like a schoolboy. He watched her frown lines develop as she pretended not to hear. But he knew she had due to the blush streaking her cheeks. Her reddish-brown hair was piled high, nearly escaping the tightness of the scrunchie. At last, a trace of a smile started coming on, but she turned her long neck to the side and faced the other direction while her shoulders revealed a giggle she was trying to mask from him.

Perfect.

They headed for the co-ed lockers. The showers were occupied but he was able to get inside the men’s restroom in time to get a stall and wipe himself clean. He had not brought a replacement pair of pants, only a clean shirt, which he donned afterwards.

He thought perhaps he’d taken too long. The hallway was bustling with people, but Megan had already exited the studio, headed toward the parking lot, and he watched her drive away in her cherry red VW convertible. He hoped she was a regular and he would see her again soon.

That had been one heck of a way to meet a lady. Now, he watched her little VW pull into a shared driveway between two single story bungalows. She veered off to the left into a garage. Rory parked at the curb, stiffly got out of the car, and tried to walk casually toward the woman in red velvet, suppressing every dirty thought he didn’t have a right to think. He was thanking his lucky stars he’d managed to stay patient. The night was just coming on, the brilliant colors of dusk adding a peachy glow to everything, including her cheeks. He was on a mission after all. The plan had worked. He’d executed it about as well as he could, giving her time to decide to choose him.

Because he knew, the woman always chooses. He just had to wait until she did.

Click here to download the entire book:

SEAL My Home

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