Earlier this year, Mr. Sterling took a wild leap and left his career in military intelligence and became The Voice of Lake Cliff. We just released our fourth audiobook and I thought I’d sit down with him and see how it’s going and what he’s learned.
It’s always the quiet ones, isn’t it? Like many of my favorite characters, Captain Denver Walsh wasn’t much more than a cool name for a minor plot point. He popped up in a few books and each time a few more details were teased out until I realized there was a bigger story waiting for us. I knew Denver’s past would be very sad and extremely painful so I decided he needed a friend and a big burst of light to balance all the darkness. It was important that they shared a bond that was stronger than their physical attraction because Denver’s wounds were so deep. Their friendship makes me melt, reader. Ezra’s exactly what Denver needed and I couldn’t be happier for him. Here’s a peek at one of my favorite chapters from A Soul To Keep:
“We should probably run into town unless you want soup for dinner again,” Ezra said as he swung the freezer shut then leaned into the fridge. “We could make breakfast for dinner or pull together some weird salads if you don’t feel like going out until tomorrow,” he suggested and Denver squinted as he looked up from his book then glanced at the window.
“Or!” Denver gasped as he slid out of his chair and pointed at Ezra. “We could go fishing. Your uncle has everything we’d ever need out in the garage,” he said excitedly and Ezra’s eyes narrowed as he considered.
“I’m more of an Angel fan than a Buffy fan but Spike was my favorite,” he stated and Denver grinned as he rested his hip against the counter.
“You’re telling me you’re too much of a nerd to go fishing,” he guessed.
“I don’t like boats or understand how fishing works and I’m not touching a fish while it’s alive or killing one,” Ezra vowed. “What I will do is run to the store and see if they’ve got any fish sticks and cook them for you while we watch my favorite Spike clips on YouTube,” he offered and Denver made a pffffttt! sound as he gripped Ezra’s shoulders and gave them a shake.
“I’ll take care of the fish. You run to the store and get potatoes, cornmeal and oil,” he ordered and a crooked smile curved Ezra’s lips.
“I really like fried fish,” he said dreamily then nodded. “I’m in as long as I don’t have to touch the fish until it’s cooked.”
“Grab some beer and ice and we can hang out on the dock. It’s going to be a gorgeous day,” Denver said and Ezra was legitimately excited.
“Sounds like a plan.” They slapped hands and Ezra darted around Denver and raced into his room to pull on a shirt and his sneakers. He rushed into the hall and Denver caught Ezra just before they collided.
“Slow down! It’ll take me a couple of hours. I want to catch something big enough for a few meals,” he laughed as they spun then set Ezra away from him.
“It’s supposed to be hot today! Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for the sun?” Ezra complained. “Mom’s only been down here a few times since Myles died so it’s been years since I’ve had an excuse to drag everything to the dock and do some drunk sunbathing,” he said then felt a lot warmer as he imagined Denver sunbathing. “In a Speedo, if there is a God,” Ezra murmured to himself dreamily.
“What?” Denver asked as he leaned and searched Ezra’s face.
“Nothing. I probably shouldn’t drink anything stronger than beer,” Ezra said cheerfully then gave Denver’s chest a quick pat. He was so solid and large… Ezra pulled his eyes from the light dusting of hair between Denver’s pecs and swallowed hard. “Make sure you wear sunscreen,” he added weakly.
“I won’t forget, doc,” Denver said as he tapped his brow then winked at Ezra. “Although I was thinking I’d work on my tan lines today,” he whispered loudly and Ezra’s eyes widened.
“Really? I was going to put on my trunks…” he babbled as he pointed over his shoulder and Denver’s brows fell as he shook his head.
“No. I was joking. I’m going down like this but I’ll probably let my feet hang in the water,” he replied slowly.
“That’s still a lot of exposed…” Ezra shut his eyes as his head bobbled. Denver was wearing a pair of cargo shorts and flip flops but Ezra was blushing like it was his first time being in the presence of another bare-chested human.
“Are you all right? You’re already acting like you’ve been in the sun too long,” Denver said and Ezra waved it off.
“I’m really looking forward to the beer and fried food and maybe a nap in the sun. We can drag the lounge chairs to the end of the dock,” Ezra suggested and Denver nodded.
“I’m keeping an eye on you,” he warned and Ezra laughed it off because he thought he’d survived the most humiliating moment of the day. He was just warming up.
“Hey! I was sure we’d be stuck with something sad like Bud Light but you’ll never believe what I found at the store,” Ezra exclaimed as he strolled to the end of the dock with two cases of Red Stripe behind his back.
“I like Bud Light but I’m not that picky,” Denver said and squinted up at Ezra as he reached into the water and pulled at the line. “Look at what I caught while you were gone,” he said as he stood and held out an alarmingly large trout.
“Ew! No!” Ezra protested and raised the cases to shield his face. Denver might have thought Ezra was about to throw the beer because he dropped the trout so he could catch them and fell backwards, into the lake.
“Holy shit!” Denver shrieked as his head and arms burst from the water and he laughed as he swept his hair away from his eyes. “It’s freezing!”
“Oh, fuck! I am so sorry!” Ezra said as he set the beer on the cooler then dropped to his knees and reached for Denver.
“It’s not a big deal. I was getting hot and the water was starting to look good,” Denver replied as his arm swung and his hand locked around Ezra’s forearm. “Join me,” he said as he yanked.
“Noooo!” Ezra cried as he went over then lost his breath as he plunged into the icy abyss. “You ass!” He yelled as his arms flailed then yelped as Denver’s arm looped around Ezra and locked him against his chest.
“It’s not that deep. You can probably touch the bottom if you stretch your toes,” Denver said soothingly. Ezra nodded weakly as he watched a drop of water fall from Denver’s lip and land in his beard then stared as it melted.
“Probably,” Ezra sighed then shook his head. “You’re right. I’m fine,” he said and almost swallowed his tongue as Denver leaned back and pulled Ezra with him as he kicked. Denver’s legs thrust powerfully outside of Ezra’s as they glided around the end of the dock. Ezra bit back a moan as his arms wound around Denver’s broad shoulders.
“There’s a ladder on this side,” Denver said as he reached for it.
“Right. I knew that,” Ezra replied. If the water was clear enough, Denver would see that the front of Ezra’s trunks was pointing at it. “Great!” Ezra stated as he admired the ladder warily.
“After you,” Denver offered politely but Ezra shook his head.
“You first. It’s only fair since I practically pushed you. Accidentally,” he insisted and Denver hummed.
“Obviously. But you should probably go first,” he said then cocked his chin at the ladder. “Or let go, unless you want me to carry you up,” Denver teased.
“I think I can manage,” Ezra murmured then kicked away as he pumped his arms a few times, just to prove he could swim and stall for several moments. Ezra discreetly adjusted the front of his swim trunks then quickly pulled himself up the ladder. “Thank God I remembered towels,” he said as he dove at the nearest lounge and covered his lap.
“Toss me the other one?” Denver asked as he climbed out. Ezra held his towel against his groin as he swiped the other towel off the lounge and held it out to Denver. “Give me a minute. I need to take these shorts off. They’re heavy when they’re wet and they’ll dry faster if I lay them out,” Denver said as he unbuttoned the fly of his shorts and let them fall. His white boxers were transparent and Ezra’s eyes darted to the beer. It was warm but Ezra’s face felt like it was on fire and he was ready to jump back in the lake. Ezra stared longingly at the cooler and searched for a rational justification for dumping the ice into his lap. Then, he noticed Denver’s phone and keys on the dock, next to the cooler.
“You knew we were going in,” Ezra accused and Denver held his hands up innocently.
“I might have wanted to see how much you’d freak out over the fish and it was getting really hot,” Denver said. “I thought you’d throw yourself in the lake and I’d have to go in to save you.” He cringed as he bit into his lip and Ezra glared as he reached for the beer.
“I’ll get you back for that,” he vowed and Denver grinned as he dried his hair. Ezra swung away and hunted for the bottle opener because he didn’t need to stare at Denver as he mopped at his large, powerful body with the towel. Ezra’s imagination was doing a good enough job and still fixated on the drops of water on Denver’s broad shoulders and clinging to the dark hairs on his chest and abs. He could practically see Denver’s tattoos glistening as he pried off the cap. “Here,” he said as he held the bottle out to Denver.
“Did you poison it?” Denver asked and Ezra rolled his eyes as he grabbed another bottle and opened it.
“That would be a dumb way to murder you. I’d have to hide the body long enough for the poison to be undetectable and I’m not dragging your ass around. That would be so exhausting,” he predicted and Denver pointed in agreement.
“Smart. That’s a lot of dead weight. Better to make it look like an accident so you can just leave me.”
“Exactly.”
Hello, my loves!
I’ve been a stranger and I apologize. The last few months have been a roller coaster but I’ve managed to get a bit of writing done! I got a little sidetracked by some crazy pain and sleepless nights that I thought I could muscle through because it “was just an ulcer”. Let’s skip ahead to the part where it wasn’t an ulcer but the ugliest, angriest gall bladder ever, according to the surgeon who removed said gall bladder. Add a few weeks of being lazy and enjoying very nice pain meds and you’ve got an unintended but delightfully restful vacation. I took many naps, did some gardening and annoyed my kids as much as their hectic summer schedules let me. I also finished Lake Cliff #7! I had the idea for the book “mapped out” in my head just before my gall bladder attacked but I wasn’t able to really focus until a few weeks ago. But it all flew out of me once I got to typing. I won’t get all sentimental or bore you with a discussion of themes and such because I’m excited to share this excerpt. It’s my favorite because we learn that Lavender can dance and it’s full of so much foreshadowing. Here’s a peek at In The Wind:
Now, you can rest but don’t drift too far off, Lavender said and Sage sighed as he let go and gave in to the bone deep exhaustion and shut his eyes. He didn’t go too far, just back to Lake Cliff and one of the last warm nights by the pool, in the backyard.
“Our son is a wonder,” Jeremy announced as he skipped down the deck steps and Sage grinned over his sketch book at him.
“I’m aware but what did he do this time?” He asked as he reached for the joint in the ashtray and Jeremy gave him a hard look. “Daddy gets to smoke and play while Robin’s away,” Sage reminded him before he took a long drag and his head fell back onto the lounge before he slowly let it out. Jeremy rolled his eyes but his lips twitched at the corners.
“His Russian might be better than mine. We talked about school and his plans with Grandma and Grandpa Bradley on the way to Chicago and I don’t think he said a word in English,” he said as Sage took another hit. Sage hummed softly and a smile curved his lips as his limbs became lighter and tingled.
“You should join me,” he said as he set the joint in the ashtray and tossed his sketchbook on the other lounge then stretched. He was shirtless and Jeremy’s eyes caught on the semi pressing against the front of Sage’s jeans.
“I might…” Jeremy said as he unbuttoned his coat then rested his knee on the lounge, between Sage’s legs. He crawled over Sage and growled as he pecked at his lips then groaned in disapproval. “It is less noticeable once my mouth tastes as awful as yours,” he added and Sage pouted for another kiss as his neck craned then gasped as he heard the metallic click and felt cold metal lock around his wrists.
“Come on!” Sage complained as he tugged but his hands were cuffed to the lounge, above his head.
“Daddy gets to play…” Jeremy sang as he braced his hand next to Sage’s chest then reached for the joint. He stuck it between his lips and grinned tauntingly as he lit it then took a deep pull. He held it in for several seconds then angled his head and brushed his lips against Sage’s. He sucked as Jeremy blew and Sage pulled the smoke into his lungs then whimpered as he undulated restlessly beneath him.
“Unlock these!” He begged but Jeremy clicked his teeth as he slid away and rose to his feet.
“Hurry and I’ll reward you,” Jeremy said silkily before he took another drag from the joint and Sage became painfully hard. Sage definitely had a smoking fetish. Jeremy always made him weak but it drove Sage nuts, the rare times he took a hit off a joint or smoked a cigar with Lane.
“I’ll reward you if you take these handcuffs off right now. I’ll do anything you want,” Sage pleaded but Jeremy flicked the joint at the gravel and wagged his finger at him.
“What’s your very favorite thing?” He asked and Sage’s brows pulled together.
“Aside from this, right now, or you and Robin?” He asked as he considered and Jeremy chuckled as he pulled his phone from his pocket and swiped at the screen.
“What’s your favorite thing, Sage?” He asked as he dropped his phone on one of the cushions then smirked as a hard, driving beat floated from the speakers. He gave his tie a tug as his hips thrust in time with the music and Sage’s fingers frantically picked at the tiny nubs on the side of his watch.
“Oh, my God!” Sage groaned as Jeremy’s tie flew through the air and landed in one of the rose bushes by the deck. Jeremy hated dancing because he said it made him look undignified but sweet, sweaty Christ on the 4th of July, he could move. His shoulders popped along with the pulsing, throbbing beat as he shifted out of his coat then tossed it at the other lounge and Sage was desperate to get the cuffs off. He worked the pin sized strip of metal out and eventually found the key hole but his hands were sweating and he needed Jeremy. Sage was hard and shaking as Jeremy bounced on the balls of his feet and unbuttoned his shirt. He spun and rocked from side to side as his shirt slid down his shoulders and back and Sage’s teeth dug into his lip as he begged the lock to catch. Jeremy let the shirt fall and Sage whimpered as he pulled his undershirt over his head and threw it at the porch. His pants were about to come off and Sage was desperate as Jeremy toed off his shoes. He pulled his belt free and Sage gasped in gratitude as the lock on the cuffs clicked and they loosened. “Yes!” He cheered as he sat up and quickly replaced the tiny pick while Jeremy bucked his hips and slowly tugged at the zipper of his trousers. “Please don’t stop!” Sage cried as he dove and captured Jeremy’s face and kissed him hungrily. Jeremy hummed seductively as their lips tangled then blew Sage’s mind when his trousers dropped and landed in a puddle at their feet. “Holy shit. You’re almost naked outside.”
“One minute and ten seconds. That’s your best time,” Jeremy drawled and Sage nodded in agreement as he unzipped his jeans and shoved them down his thighs.
“I’m getting better, you twisted lunatic,” he panted as he hastily kicked his jeans away. Jeremy chuckled as he locked their hips together and pulled Sage with him as he danced them back to the lounge.
“Find northwest,” Jeremy commanded. Sage made a dismissive gesture as he reached for the elastic waist of Jeremy’s boxer briefs.
“Later,” he said then gasped and his lip pushed out when Jeremy slapped his hand away.
“Point to northwest and I’ll reward you,” Jeremy whispered as he traced the cleft of Sage’s ass, causing goosebumps to spread down his back and arms.
“Fine,” Sage groaned as he squinted at his wrist. He pressed the wrong button and the flashlight glowed bright and hard. Jeremy clicked his teeth scoldingly again as his hand covered the watch.
“Don’t forget that a light can be as loud as a siren if you’re trying to hide at night,” he reminded him and Sage rolled his eyes and snorted as he turned it off and found the compass.
“What exactly do you think I do while you’re gone?” He asked as he turned and found north then pointed. “Ha! There!” He declared and Jeremy clapped like an insufferable prick.
“I am so proud,” he said then hissed as he tilted his head conspiratorially. “And let’s not pretend that all manner of terrible things aren’t possible, given our history,” he added and Sage raised a brow at him.
“I will divorce you if you get me kidnapped again,” he warned and Jeremy shushed him.
“You will not,” he murmured as his lips brushed against Sage’s and he cradled his face tenderly. “And your reward,” he purred as he found a packet of lube behind Sage’s ear.
“You didn’t tell me this was going to be romantic,” Sage teased as he nibbled on the end of Jeremy’s chin and enjoyed the very faint stubble. “I thought you were just going to torture me with your Go-Go-Gadget watch,” he said and Jeremy’s brows fell as he leaned back.
“That watch has saved my life and sanity more times than I can count. I wanted you to have it because it’s useful but mostly because it’s brought me a tremendous amount of luck. Specifically that garrote,” he said as he raised Sage’s wrist and studied the watch. “Remember: if you ever have to use the wire, make sure you clean it well before retracting it. It’s a bitch to take that part of the housing off and clean it,” he added and Sage’s face twisted as he grabbed his wrist.
“Ew. Exactly how many times…?” He started as he found the clasp but Jeremy took his hands and raised them to his lips.
“Don’t all heirlooms have a bit of a past? It adds to the charm and character,” he said and Sage frowned but he was becoming distracted as Jeremy’s tongue flicked at the seam between his fingers.
“I don’t know if a body count adds to the appreciation of an item,” he argued and Jeremy snorted.
“I actually think it might…”
“Let’s stop talking about the watch, 007,” Sage ordered and Jeremy raised a shoulder.
“In this instance, I feel more like Q,” he said and Sage laughed.
“I’d be all about a James Bond movie with him fucking Q,” he decided and Jeremy’s head rocked from side to side.
“I haven’t seen any of the films since I was a kid but I’d be interested in Bond fucking the older, crankier Q,” he said as Sage plucked the lube from his fingers.
“Hot,” he stated. “But I’m going to put a pin in that and focus on this,” he said as he grabbed the front of Jeremy’s boxer briefs and fell back on the lounge. Jeremy fell with him and Sage groaned in relief as their bodies interlocked and their legs tangled. They kissed wildly as their hands gripped and pulled. Jeremy shifted and stretched until his briefs floated away and they were both naked. Sage’s jaw stretched and he moaned as Jeremy bit into his shoulder and sucked before he slid down his body.
In The Wind will be available on Friday, July 5th on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. You can PRE-ORDER it now and the book shows up on your Kindle as soon as it’s available and I get a little boost in the rankings on Release Day!
In The Wind by K. Sterling on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TJKQ68W
I’m still here! I’ve been busy but I’ve missed you. I decided I’d be generous with the excerpts since it’s been a while and I’m so stoked to tell you all about Roan. He was the happiest accident and totally caught me by surprise and took my breath away when I heard his story.
It started with the concept for Snatched. I was in the mood to write something angsty and pair two people who had no business falling in love. Jake, from Throttled, was tapping on my shoulder and I asked myself who would be the last person a medical examiner would want to hook up with. A mob boss! Right? We got rid of one nasty bad guy in Throttled and it made sense that another would step forward to fill the vacuum. But, what if our bad guy didn’t even want to be there in the first place and who’s the last person the leader of an Irish crime family would want to get involved with? A cop! BOOM. And then we were off. I needed to get our guys in a little trouble and I thought it would be fun if there was a rotten little brother to stir the pot… BANG! Roan. As soon as I wrote Roan’s first appearance I had to keep a tight hold on him because he did his damndest to steal the book from Dilan and Jake:
“There you are. How’s it going?” Connor asked when Dilan found him in the kitchen.
“Fine,” Dilan said as he went to the fridge and chuckled to hide a pained grunt as he reached for a beer. “At least it was, until Roan fucked up my day. Have you seen him?” He asked as he leaned against the counter and twisted off the top and Connor gave him a pointed look.
“He got in about ten minutes ago. I told him to wait for you in your office. He responsible for this?” Connor asked as he waved a set of tongs at Dilan and he shrugged.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” he replied.
“What’s this about you needing help bringing a body here?” Connor said as he went back to prodding the roast he was browning. He was part house mother, part advisor and part bodyguard. Before last night, Dilan trusted him with his life and his family but Connor was one of the three men pushing him out of O’Malley’s bar after the fight. Everything was upside down and under water and Dilan was drowning. He didn’t know who to reach for, so he held onto the medical examiner.
“Just a prick who gave me too much trouble but I need to see if he saw something before I decide what I’m doing with him,” he said vaguely then saluted Connor with his beer as he headed out. He waved at the men in the dining room and the living room then headed upstairs, to his office. Roan was sitting on Dilan’s desk and his feet were kicking idly as he and Mick watched the unconscious coroner. Dilan slid an indifferent glance at the couch. The coroner was sprawled on his stomach and looked almost angelic. If an angel could have a really nice beard and a tight ass. “Mick, do me a favor and make sure the boys are ready for that run later. I need to have a word with Roan,” he said and Mick winced at Roan as he left. Dilan gave Mick a disgruntled, irritated look before he jerked his head at the door, telling him to get out. Mick was also behind Dilan when they were leaving the bar.
“I heard you were looking for me. What did I do this time?” Roan asked as Mick shut the door behind him. Dilan gave it a moment before he hurried across the room and grabbed Roan by the front of his shirt then threw him into the small storage room behind his desk. Roan’s back hit the shelves as Dilan pulled the door shut. “What about that guy?” Roan hissed as he pointed at the door.
“Where the fuck is he going to go? There’s almost three dozen men downstairs and they’re all carrying,” Dilan hissed back then grabbed Roan’s shirt again and pulled him close. “I just took care of Bannon. Are you out of your fucking mind?” He demanded and Roan’s head pulled back.
“Bannon? What are you talking about?” He asked and Dilan’s eyes tightened as he searched his face. He was legitimately confused.
“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to find you since you stood me up for dinner, yesterday,” Dilan said and Roan’s mouth stretched on a silent, horrified gasp.
“I knew I was forgetting something! I’m sorry, D!” He said then gestured for Dilan to move on. “What do you mean you took care of Bannon?” He asked and Dilan shook his head. His little brother liked to pretend he was dumb and charming and gloss over things that might get him in trouble. He usually got away with it, as long as he wasn’t trying it with Dilan.
“Save it for mom, Roan. I got a text saying you were meeting Bannon. It said you were walking into a trap so I got my ass down there,” he explained and Roan’s head cocked forward.
“It sounds like you walked into a trap,” he said and Dilan gave him an extremely loaded look.
“I didn’t have a choice. You turned off your phone and I had no way of knowing if you were even alive,” he growled and Roan bit down on his lips as he nodded slowly and made a thoughtful sound.
“I see how that was really stupid of me and I’m really sorry,” he said then gave Dilan an apologetically sheepish smile.
“Well, then…” Dilan said flatly then scrubbed his hand over his lips as he glared at him. “The problem was… Bannon walked into the trap too and someone put a bullet in the back of his head,” he stated and Roan’s eyes widened and he mouthed a silent “Wow!”. Dilan nodded in agreement. “I don’t know how many people were told about your meeting with Bannon but I found your message on his phone and your number’s the last one on his call log,” he continued then cocked his thumb at the couch on the other side of the door. “Which is why I’m now in possession of one of the city’s medical examiners. I had to get rid of fucking Bannon before everyone found out it was you,” he added and Roan shook his head.
“But it wasn’t me! Why the fuck would I call Bannon or message him? Everything’s just about ready to go. And I was…definitely somewhere else,” he insisted suggestively and Dilan squeezed his eyes shut.
“Where were you?” He repeated firmly and Roan looked defiant as he shook his head.
“I think I’d rather go down for murdering Bannon. Half the city will think I’m a hero,” he said and Dilan swore as he pushed Roan against the shelves and several folders fell and slid off, spilling old faxes and invoices.
“This isn’t a joke!” Dilan whispered as his eyes pleaded with Roan. “I need you to take this seriously,” he said then released him and stepped back. He quickly pulled up the back of his hoodie and the layers of t-shirts he was suffocating beneath as he turned and Roan stifled a curse as he grabbed Dilan.
“Who did this?” He asked and Dilan jumped and hissed as Roan poked gingerly at the angry wound throbbing in the middle left side of his back. Dilan heard him groan as he looked away.
“I don’t know. We were at O’Malley’s last night and I got into it with Gleeson. They pulled me off of him and they were rushing me out of the bar when someone stabbed me in the back. It was Connor, Mick or Johnson. I tripped and he couldn’t get a hold of me and get the blade in deep enough. It was dark and the fight followed us out and we were all fighting again. I didn’t have time to think about it until we were in the car and realized nobody else knew, so I kept my mouth shut,” he stated and Roan threw his hands up.
“You should have stopped and figured it out! We’ve got a fucking traitor in the house!” He said as he pointed and Dilan’s hand clamped over his mouth as he shushed hard.
“We’ve known there were traitors but we’ve got a bigger problem if it’s one of those three,” he screamed under his breath. “I’ve worked my ass off to keep them on our side because we can’t make it without them,” he reminded Roan and he was finally taking it seriously.
“I was with Abbie Burke. Her dad was out of town and her mom was drunk so we spent the night in the pool house,” he said and Dilan pushed the heels of his palms into his eyes before his hands dragged down his face. The mayor’s daughter.
“Whyyyyyy?” He groaned and Roan held up his hands.
“She thinks the whole Romeo and Juliet thing is hot and it’s a lot more fun when you know you shouldn’t be doing it. You know?” He said and raised his brows at Dilan.
“No. I don’t fuck with naive girls or follow my dick everywhere it tells me,” he said and Roan snorted.
“First of all, she’s twenty-four, engaged to an investment banker and thinks my name is Rooney. She likes me because I’m gorgeous, hung and I’d disappoint her parents. I like her because she always has good drugs and loves anal. We’re not exclusive,” he explained and Dilan hated his life as he rubbed at the stabbing pain behind his forehead. It was almost as bad as his back.
“Could I interest you in a book about a man named Jesus?” He muttered softly then reached for Roan’s cheek and cupped it tenderly. “Do me a favor and stop adding names to the list of people who want to kill you. I’ve already got my hands full with trying to find out who wants to frame us for Bannon and who’s literally stabbing me in the back. We’re nearly there,” he said then gave his cheek a hard slap. Roan hissed as he jerked his head away.
“I got it, D. But you need to see a doctor, that looks pretty serious,” he warned and Dilan smiled tightly.
“That’s why I hung on to him,” he said as he gestured at the door and Roan’s face twisted.
“He’s a doctor of dead people,” he complained and Dilan shrugged.
“He can see me now or he can see me later,” he said.
“Don’t say shit like that,” Roan scolded before he pushed out a hard breath. “What are we going to do?” He asked and Dilan pulled out his phone.
“Go get supplies. If anyone asks, I’m questioning someone but we don’t want it getting out because we’ll have the police in our business. Word’s going to get around soon that a cop was taken but I’m hoping I can get this fixed before people start asking us about Bannon,” he said and Roan was nodding along but a frown tugged at his lips.
“You’re not getting a flat tire fixed. You were stabbed and it looks pretty deep. That’s going to take a lot more than stitches and a while to heal,” he predicted and Dilan shook his head.
“I don’t have a while. I just want to get everything stitched up so I can keep moving but I’m pretty sure it’s infected. Find someplace I can hide for two days and help me trick everyone into thinking I’m still on my feet and running things,” he explained and Roan’s eyes became focused as he planned.
“I know of a vacant house out in West Elmwood. I’ll get it set up in a few hours and I’ll keep your phone so I can take calls. I can run interference and bounce people off each other,” he said and Dilan pulled him close and kissed his forehead hard.
“I need you to be my eyes and ears here too. Whoever did this is freaking out. Be careful and don’t talk to anyone,” he whispered and Roan nodded. He was a younger, prettier, smoother version of Dilan and a total shit. But he was Dilan’s heart and he’d kill the Pope to save his brother. He was the only person Dilan could trust at the moment, and after a lifetime of being an obnoxious little brother and a prankster, Roan could mimic his voice flawlessly. “Hurry up and let me know when you’re ready. I need to convince this doctor to help me,” he said and Roan cleared his throat.
“It might be better if I talked to him,” he suggested gently and Dilan’s head tilted.
“Maybe but I’d like to negotiate with him myself, so I know I can trust him before I allow him to sedate me and put a scalpel in my back,” he stated and Roan pointed.
“That’s a good plan. You apologize to the cop and see how much he costs while I get everything ready. Give me about three hours,” he said.
“Perfect,” Dilan sighed as his head hung and he pinched the bridge of his nose. He had complete confidence in Roan’s ability to pull off something illicit at a secret location and cover their tracks. But Dilan had a feeling there was no amount of money in the world that would convince that medical examiner to help him if he didn’t think it was the right thing to do.
It didn’t take long for me to realize Snatched was about Dilan and Roan’s bond, their struggle to free themselves and help each other find true love. A true BROmance, if you will. I’d be a complete and utter fraud if I tried to pretend The Godfather isn’t where I learned half of what I know and the whole reason I’m fascinated with the mafia. The first two movies are masterpieces and I’ve cherished them. When I started writing my mafia family I wanted a moment that felt like the family meal scene at the end of the second movie. Here’s why I love it and why it sticks: It’s real. It’s a candid but rosy moment that feels like the exact sort of moment we cling to when we miss who we were and the people we’ve lost. We see a real family beneath the politics and tension and those four minutes and fifteen or so seconds are full of the laughing, scolding and love that gives us a glimpse at the history behind those characters and a little foreshadowing. It’s one of the lighter, happier moments but also one of the saddest. We know Sal will let us down and we’ll lose Sonny and Connie ends up with a piece of shit. We know how much Michael will fail to turn the family around and break free. We know how much Fredo will break his brother’s heart but we love this moment because we get a peek at them all in better times.
I wanted my own family meal scene when I wrote my mafia romance and I wanted it to be both a wink to my favorite Godfather scene and an opportunity to reboot those classic themes in my own unique way. Here’s what we ended up with:
Everyone rolled their eyes whenever Roan mentioned his work on “the spreadsheet” but it gave Dilan no amount of joy to watch the accounts explode. They could get on a plane as the embattled and struggling O’Shea brothers and land as millionaires with new identities in about a dozen different countries but Dilan’s pride had nothing to do with the money. The whole family and just about the entire world wrote Roan off as nothing more than an adorably empty but dashing conman. They thought he was cocky and shallow and bound to get his dick caught in a trap but he’d outsmarted them all and robbed them blind. And not just the entire Charles Hill Gang. He’d created a Ponzi scheme and roped in some of the wealthiest Irish crime families with a meticulously crafted investment banker/money launderer. Many of them shook Cillian McGregor’s hand at parties and didn’t realize it was Roan in disguise as they asked him to dump their money into offshore accounts. Roan fooled them all and laughed charmingly in their faces as he did it. They wouldn’t catch on for months and they’d never know it was him.
“It’s going to be brilliant,” Dilan said and Roan’s smile was incandescent.
“I won’t forget to mention your name when I’m thanking the Academy,” he replied and Johnson sighed as he passed Roan in the hall and gave his shoulder a shove.
“Sure you will. Connor said to get downstairs. Dinner’s ready and everyone’s here,” he said and Roan pulled a face as he shoved him back.
“I’ll still let you be in my entourage but you’re doing all the dumb shit,” Roan threatened Johnson as they headed down the hall and Dilan laughed as he pushed his chair back. He didn’t stop laughing as he followed them downstairs and the insults and horseplay escalated.
“Yeah, I’ll make you fresh squeezed orange juice but I’m gonna give it an extra squeeze or two,” Johnson said as he grabbed his balls and Roan guffawed as he dropped into his seat at the far end of the table, across from Dilan’s.
“Get it to work, first. You limp asshole!” He cackled as he hugged his stomach and hands slapped the table and chairs scraped loudly as everyone lost it.
“Go fuck off!” Johnson yelled as he sat and Roan nodded as he checked his watch.
“I’ve got a date, if you shitbags can get on with it,” he drawled and Connor rolled his eyes at Dilan as they sat.
“Letting the widow ride your dick after the prayer vigil is not a date,” he muttered and Dilan groaned as he scrubbed his hand over his eyes and it echoed around the room.
“That’s so messy, kid,” Mick said and Roan hummed in agreement.
“It is but what kind of man would I be if I abandoned her in her hour of need and what the fuck was Eddie thinking, marrying a girl like that? God bless him,” he said as he raised his beer and a very frank and uncomfortable discussion of the widow’s best features followed.
“Speaking of Eddie,” Dilan said loudly as the lamb stew was passed around. “We all leave for the church together and the rest of you need to behave, Roan’s making enough trouble for all of us,” he grumbled and Roan jumped as someone kicked him under the table. It would have been Mick or Joe.
“So jealous…” Roan said then clicked his teeth as he stirred and Dilan cleared his throat.
“We all show up for Mass and behave then I need the rest of you to hustle back and get ready for this weekend. We’ve got two shipments coming in and I don’t want any surprises this time so we hired extra security for the docks,” he lied. They weren’t taking extra measures because they didn’t care if there was a bust. His men moved quick and wouldn’t expect to see a few extra sets of eyes and guns hidden around the pickup sites.
“I suppose you’ll be busy spending time with Mrs. O’Shea,” Connor said and Johnson bit into the side of his cheek to keep from laughing.
“Connor won’t be needing any salt for his stew,” he said as he slid the shaker down the table and Dilan winked and shook his head at Connor. He was the only one who still worried about what Caitlyn did. Dilan promised he didn’t care and they’d come to an understanding years ago but Connor refused to accept that on his behalf. He insisted Dilan deserved to marry for love and be happy.
“I’ll spend time with her on the way to Mass and we’ll probably have dinner while she’s here,” he said then scooped a large bite of stew into his mouth. He grunted in approval as he chewed and pointed at the bowl with his spoon. Conner’s stew was always perfect and nobody could admit it was better than their mother’s. “You can always taste the love,” Dilan said and Roan groaned in agreement as he chewed then swallowed.
“Very true, unlike your marriage,” he said as he pointed at Dilan with his spoon then held up his hand so Connor could slap it.
“You know, my sister would give you enough kids to have your own football team and she’d never sleep around,” Connor said and Roan gasped.
“Dear Lord, no one wants to marry your sister,” he said as he shivered. “Let alone fuck her,” he added quietly then ducked as Connor winged his roll at him.
“She’s tried really hard to fix herself up, you stuck-up cunt!” He yelled and Dilan grabbed the arm of his chair as he wheezed and cried. He was going to Hell because everyone knew Connor’s sister, Erin, had been in love with Dilan since she was a little girl. He’d done his best to make everyone be kind about it and did what he could to be gentle with her, but not for any amount of grace or glory. Connor was so ugly, he was strangely handsome but his twin sister was just brutally ugly. And she was aggressively sweet and stupid, bless her.
“She’ll make some man a very lucky husband but I’m never making that mistake twice, if I’m ever brave enough to break my mother’s heart,” Dilan said and Connor shrugged.
“I don’t know, I think Eileen would get over it. She might be cool about it, if you asked her. She can’t stand Caitlyn,” he said and Dilan waited until their eyes touched to shake his head slightly. He didn’t mind a little teasing and some mild nagging but he wasn’t discussing the intimate details of his marriage with eight of his closest friends and advisors. It didn’t hurt to plant the seeds and let people know divorce was on his mind but Dilan wasn’t going to disrespect Caitlyn.
“Thank you, Dr. Phil,” he said then reached for the pepper. “Why didn’t anyone mention the Escalade that got totaled last week? What are you, teenagers?” Dilan asked as he looked around the table and the room exploded in accusations and denials. He exchanged a knowing glance with Roan and they were both content to let the chaos swell around them and enjoy a blessedly typical family dinner.
As I’ve said, it was hard to keep a leash on Roan and he was so ready to jump out of my head and get his hands on Sherman, I couldn’t wait to write Flipped. He was so ready to go and so loud, it took me a while to figure Sherman out because I couldn’t take my eyes off Roan. But once I figured out how Roan could help Sherman find his new beginning, Flipped became a whole new book and we moved away from a heartwarming bromance to a steamy romance about finding yourself and starting over. Don’t worry, Roan has a lot of fun as Flynn and gives Dilan and Sherman plenty of grief before we get to happily ever after:
“Flynn’s my last dead-end so I figured I’d just hang out for a while to make sure he’s not in any danger and see if anyone contacts him about McGregor,” Sherman stated and Dilan raised a brow as he caught on to Roan’s game.
“Ah. Flynn’s not the subject of your investigation,” he said and Sherman snorted then shook his head.
“I can’t find too many laws he’s broken that I need to worry about yet but I’m keeping my eye on him,” he said and Roan smiled as he hooked his arm around Sherman’s neck. He looked as irritated and uncomfortable as always but his hand splayed against Roan’s back before it drifted lower and cupped his ass.
“I might have to up my game and commit bigger crimes so I can keep him,” Roan said and Jake shook his head.
“Don’t,” he begged then offered Sherman a sunny grin. He was settling into the routine and Roan gave him an encouraging wink. “I need a beer and a shower but it was great to meet you,” Jake said as he pointed at Sherman and backed away.
“I’ll see you around. I’d love to pick your brain about this investigation after you’ve had time to catch your breath,” Sherman said and Dilan chuckled but there was a hint of panic.
“That sounds like fun. How long are you planning to stay in Sanctuary Mills?” He asked and Sherman shrugged.
“I haven’t decided. I’m kind of killing time until I retire now. Once I close the case on McGregor, I’m just out-processing and using up my leave,” he said and Dilan’s eyes tightened.
“You’re retiring? You don’t look old enough to retire,” he attempted and Sherman’s brows pulled together. Roan gave Dilan a very hard and threatening look.
“He doesn’t look like he’s forty-nine but that’s what karma and good manners gets you,” Roan countered severely and Dilan held up his hands.
“I just said he looked young to be retiring but forty-nine’s not that young,” he replied and Sherman looked confused as he tried to follow along.
“I don’t think I’m offended but I’m going to go and run our dinner inside. I don’t want the car to smell like Chinese food,” he said then gave Dilan a nod. “It was great to meet you. Everyone in town’s obsessed with you and Jake right now and Flynn’s told me a lot,” he said and Dilan raised a shoulder but he grinned and a red rash crept up his neck as he blushed.
“We’re newlyweds and it’s a small place. Everyone’s been great, though,” he said then gave Sherman’s hand a slap. “It was great to meet you too. I’ll see you around,” he added and Sherman offered him a salute before he turned and ran to get the food from the car. “Seriously?” Dilan hissed as soon as Sherman was out of earshot. Roan watched Sherman duck into the passenger side and enjoyed how tight his ass looked and the way his jeans hugged his thick thighs.
“Yeah… I think so,” he murmured as his head tilted appreciatively.
“He’s a cop!” Dilan scolded under his breath as Sherman carried a box of takeout containers up the driveway. Roan’s eyes swept upwards as he turned on his heel.
“So. Is. Jake,” he said as he pointed at Dilan and he threw up his hands.
“And look at how complicated that was! We had to train him and make sure we weren’t going to get him arrested or killed. Do you really want to go through all of that again? Everything was just getting so easy and quiet,” he said and Roan’s lips twisted before he nodded.
“I’ve got a really good feeling about Sherman. And let’s be honest, do you think a civilian is going to have a chance at coping with this?” He asked as he gestured at himself. “I think a firm grasp of the law and hand-to-hand combat training is going to come in handy,” he mused and Dilan’s shoulders sagged as he scrubbed his brow.
“I guess it wouldn’t be fair if you were to trap a decent woman or a normal guy.” He grabbed Roan’s shoulder and he squeezed it as if he wanted to shake him until his teeth fell out.
“What the hell would I do with decent or normal?” Roan asked petulantly then pushed Dilan off him.
“He’s been around long enough to know all about the Charles Hill Gang, he’ll make us if he’s a half decent agent,” Dilan warned.
“We just limit how much time he spends with us until I’m sure I’ve got it under control,” Roan said and Dilan squinted.
“By it, you mean the investigator who’s hoping you’ll help him put you in prison and would also be more than happy to put us in prison, if he had the chance,” he clarified and Roan blinked back at him.
“Whatever. I’ve got this. I’m going to go enjoy my Kung Pao chicken while I decide if I’m in the mood to ride Sherman like a Hippity Hop or top him tonight,” he said and Dilan pulled in his lips and blinked back at Roan in shock/horror. Shorror? Roan wondered then shrugged and flicked Dilan’s nose. “Don’t come knocking unless you want to feel really uncomfortable,” he warned before he jumped back, out of Dilan’s reach as he tried to slap him in the stomach. “Later!” He said then turned and ran across the street and up the lawn.
“Try to stay out of trouble,” Dilan called after him.
“Not if I can help it,” Roan said as he pulled open the door and Sherman was arranging their food on one of the sectional’s ottomans and Aretha was playing. “Perfect!” Roan gasped then prowled toward Sherman.
Roan’s so rotten and beautiful and full of optimistic generosity. I can’t wait for you to read Flipped and fall madly in love with him. He’ll be available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited on April 30th but you can meet Roan, Dilan and Jake in Snatched and get caught up while you wait!
Snatched on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited:
PRE-ORDER Flipped on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited:
Hello, my Pervy Loves!
It’s been a while since we’ve talked. I’ve dropped books here and there but it’s been an age since I’ve checked in, hasn’t it? If you’ve read the posts about Throttled and Snatched, you already know I’m super excited about my new book babies. But I’ve had a lot going on behind the scenes too! Mr. Sterling and I produced an audiobook for Hide And Keep and he did a fabulous job narrating it. I’ll have links for that as soon as it’s released on Amazon and Audible.
We had such a great time making the audiobook and Mr. Sterling’s looking forward to narrating the rest of the Lake Cliff series, if Hide And Keep is well received. Cross everything and keep an eye out for details! Mr. Sterling also made a brilliant website for me so I look like a legit author now. Please, please, please check it out at ksterlingbooks.com and subscribe because he also made a fancy new newsletter for us! Sign up so I can give you monthly updates on new releases and maybe the occasional recipe or playlist.
EVERYTHING is on the new website! All my books, the newsletter, the Lake Cliff guide a link to book playlists… Go!: http://www.ksterlingbooks.com
You can find a link to a NEW PERVY PODCAST on the website too! Scott and I just recorded a new episode and we discussed all the wild things we’ve been up to.
Pervy Corner podcast:https://soundcloud.com/user-321457733/pervy-corner-ep-17
While I was preparing for episode 17 I had to do a little hunting for an author to feature and I was blessed to cross paths with Kat Cassidy. She’s brilliant and wrote my new favorite MM noir romance mystery, Backstreets. It’s the second book in the Hot Wire series and should definitely be read in order (I did not read it in order and I have bigly regrets). Please check Backstreets out and follow Kat on Facebook and Twitter!
Backstreets by Kat Cassidy on Amazon and KU: https://amzn.to/2XLh7c8
I’m getting to work on the sequel to Snatched and can’t wait to reveal the cover and excerpts for that later. Snatched will be available on March 26th but is AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW!!!! Please pre-order it now! You’ll give me a huge boost on release day and more readers will see Snatched.
Snatched on Amazon and KU: https://amzn.to/2Tvnq4i
If you haven’t read Throttled, you better! Go get that and read it before Snatched! They’re stand alones but you’ll enjoy Snatched just a little bit more if you read Throttled first. And it’s such a special love story.
Throttled on Amazon and KU: https://amzn.to/2EW9AQ1
Want a playlist for Snatched?: https://open.spotify.com/user/sahoney79/playlist/4o5fSLWwzqvtGDb3sCCjHr?si=ayZ3Bft_QmCruNTKILHcPQ
I’ll be adding playlists for past books and posting new ones for future books so check in often so you can hear what K. Sterling books sound like!
I’ve been quiet but I’ve been busy, loves. We’ve got an audiobook happening soon and we’re making another podcast but I’ve also done a little writing. We’re editing Snatched and it will go out to ARC readers later in the week so we can have it ready for release on March 26th. Keep an eye out for pre-order details and I’ll add links when it’s live on Amazon. If you read Throttled, you met Jake Tyler and probably wanted to spend a little more time with him. You’re in luck! Snatched picks up right where Throttled left off and Jake finds himself in danger and with a very different kind of mystery to solve. Here’s a semi-edited peek at the first chapter of Snatched:
“Help me lift him into the bag and then you can go ahead and get the stretcher,” Jake said and Brian nodded as he got the victim’s legs and they carefully lifted the body into the bag. Brian waited for Jake to give him a nod then hopped to his feet and ran outside to the van. Jake quickly zipped the bag then stood and checked the area beneath the body but there was nothing but the puddle that formed around the victim’s head. He chewed on his lip as he scanned the warehouse for anything he might have missed then peeled off his gloves.
“I think we’re just about it. There’s two units in front but they’re just waiting for us to let them know we’re done so they can go,” Brian said as he pushed the stretcher through the open bay door and Jake hummed absently as he slowly turned. The whole scene felt weird and the hair was standing on the back of his neck. The mood had been generally tense and weird in the aftermath of a major corruption scandal in the police department and the takedown of a powerful gang leader named Wavy T but this felt unusually weird and ominous. Jake missed the old days, when just the basic tragedy and gruesomeness of the crime scene made him uneasy. There were undercurrents and shadows everywhere and a body was rarely “just a body” these days. With Wavy T gone, along with most of his chain of command, a vacuum was created. Rival gangs and the Irish and Italian mafias were all circling and jostling for control of the vacated territory. The police department was doing everything in its power to protect the neighborhood and businesses and so far, it was working. But bodies were piling up as dealers, pimps and gangsters went to war in alleys and backstreets. Jake could tell from the combination of shamrocks and Aryan themed tattoos that the victim was from one of the Irish families and a hard timer. Jake winced as he considered the possible implications. Things were especially tense with the Irish at the moment.
“I need to get him identified and talk to Wal as soon I can. He’ll want to get on top of this,” Jake said and Brian nodded in agreement as he looked behind him and guided them toward the van.
“Poor Wal,” he sighed. “He’s barely had a day off since he got back,” Brian said and Jake shook his head.
“Kind of hard to go house hunting if you can’t get out of the office,” he muttered then waited as Brian got the van doors. “We’ll do what we can to make his life easier,” Jake said as they eased the stretcher in and Brian snorted.
“Wal just needs to pick a day, turn off his phone and call time-out,” he stated and Jake nodded.
“Yup. There’s never going to be a good time,” he said as Brian tossed the keys at him. He caught them then turned.
“As a matter of fact…” A low, hard, raspy voice growled as a gun was pointed at Jake’s nose. Jake put his hands up but his nose wrinkled as he tamped down the urge to push the gun out of his face or knee the asshole in the balls.
“Is there something I can do for you?” Jake asked as he glared through the other man’s sunglasses. He had a hard, angular face and his square jaw was dusted with stubble beneath a heavy grey hoodie. A menacing grin spread across the other man’s lips and Jake’s eyes dropped to the fist around the gun. It was covered in tattoos and it remained steady as he chuckled softly.
“Since you asked…” He said as he stepped around Jake and his hand swung toward Brian.
“Whoa! Let’s keep it over here,” Jake urged but the man ignored him and grabbed Brian’s sleeve as he pushed the muzzle against his temple.
“I’m the one giving orders,” he said and Brian’s eyes were wild with fear and panic as they pleaded with Jake.
“What do you want?” Jake asked as he wondered where the other units were. It would be the perfect time for someone to check on them, he noted.
“I want you to get into the driver’s seat and wait for me,” the man said. Jake started to shake his head but the other man tapped a finger against his lips. “Do what I tell you to and he’ll be fine. And you’ll be just fine, if you listen and do what I say,” he promised and Brian nodded slightly in agreement.
“I’ll do whatever you want, just let him go,” Jake said and there was another smirk.
“We haven’t known each other for very long but somehow, I have a feeling you won’t,” the man predicted and Jake shrugged.
“You can take that out on me, then. He’s a kid and he’s just doing his job,” he said.
“I don’t want to hurt either of you and I’m in a bit of a hurry. You’re going to get in the fucking van and wait. If you take off without me, I execute him. If he even thinks about moving and alerting anyone, I execute you. The two of you cooperate, we all go our separate ways and live happily ever after,” the man said and Jake didn’t have a reason to believe him but he did.
“Let’s see how far we get,” Jake offered and the other man’s head tilted slightly.
“Maybe I should take the kid. I have a feeling he’ll be less trouble,” he mused and Jake’s lips pulled tight.
“You could but you’d have to kill me first. You’re not getting away from here with my assistant,” he vowed and there was a twitch in the other man’s jaw.
“Leave your phone on the ground and get in the fucking van,” he said and Jake gave Brian a reassuring look before he pulled out his phone then carefully dropped it. He backed around the side then jogged to the driver’s door. There was a slight tremor in his hands but he was focused on getting them away from Brian as fast as possible. Brian had a young, pregnant wife at home and Jake didn’t want to live or die with that on his conscience. “Get down on your stomach and put your hands behind your head. Just don’t think about moving and everything will be fine,” the man told Brian and Jake’s hands were slick around the steering wheel as he watched them in the mirror. The other man skipped sideways then threw the passenger door open and jumped into the van. Jake noticed a slight jerk and a wince as the man hit the seat before he offered Jake a tight nod. “Let’s go,” he said as he pulled the door shut and Jake gave him a hard look as he put the van in drive.
“Where are we going?” He asked and he was shushed again.
“You’re going to keep heading west and I’ll tell you when to turn,” the man said as he rested his elbow on the center console casually and kept the gun pointed at Jake’s head. “Don’t take any sudden turns or hit any large potholes,” he warned and Jake pulled a face.
“There’s Uber, if you just needed a ride,” he stated dryly and there was a soft snort.
“You’re a funny guy and I appreciate that. I’d like it if I didn’t have to kill you this afternoon. Take the next left,” he ordered Jake then quietly and calmly directed him to an alley behind an abandoned mortuary, just a few miles from the warehouse.
“You are in a hurry,” Jake noted as he parked the van and the man’s thin, hard lips pulled into a tight smile.
“I’d like to see my friend put to rest,” he stated and Jake’s brow rose.
“Yeah? What’s his name? I’ll say a few prayers,” he said.
“Who gives a shit? Give me the keys,” the man said as he held out his other hand. He waited as Jake shut off the engine then dropped them on his palm. “Don’t move until I tell you to or I’ll shoot you,” he said simply before he carefully got out. Jake’s hands stayed on the steering wheel as the man hurried around the front of the van. He kept the gun on Jake as he went around and opened the door. “Out,” he barked and Jake sighed hard as he stepped out. “I’m going to need a hand,” he said and grabbed the shoulder of Jake’s pullover and pushed him toward the back of the van. “Get the door and get him out,” he said. Jake cautiously looked for anything he could use as a weapon or something to distract him long enough to try for the gun but there was nothing but an empty alley.
“You know, destroying a body is pretty solid proof of guilt,” he pointed out and the other man shrugged.
“Tell them I did it. Let’s get moving,” he said as he waved the gun at the back doors and Jake’s nostrils flared as he gave the handles a hard pull and jerked them open. He didn’t give a spit about the dead white supremacist in the back of the van but he wasn’t about to lose a body and that much evidence. And Jake’s gut told him this man was trying to avoid something a lot bigger than a murder charge. Jake pulled the stretcher out with a little assistance then obediently guided it through the mortuary’s service entrance as the other man held the door for him. The incinerator room was the first on the left and Jake felt his first real rush of panic as the man pulled the stretcher around the corner and backed through the doors. Jake could smell that the oven was running and already felt the heat. The man kept the gun and one eye on Jake as he steered them toward the incinerator’s belt. “Here we go,” he commanded Jake as he grabbed one corner of the foot of the bag. He waved the gun at the other corner and Jake threw him a disgusted glare but he joined him. They each gave it a hard tug and pulled until the bodybag could roll on it’s own. “If you’d like to offer any last words on the deceased’s behalf,” the man said as he came around the stretcher. He eased Jake aside then reached for the button to start the belt’s motor and open the doors. I can’t lose that body.
“No!” Jake yelled as he shoved his shoulder hard into the other man’s chest and reached for the gun. He was a few inches taller than Jake’s even 6’ and he was a lot broader in the shoulders. He was heavier than he looked and made of solid muscle, to Jake’s disappointment, and he barely shifted as they pushed against each other and fought for the gun and the button. Jake tried to head butt him but he only succeeded in knocking off the other man’s glasses. Jake was momentarily stunned by his pale green eyes. They were too soft for his face and too penetrating as they met Jake’s. Searing heat seeped through his coat and sweat dampened t-shirt and Jake snapped out of it and bucked hard. They twisted, thrashed, grunted and gasped as they crashed and rubbed against the side of the hot incinerator. The man got the hand with the gun free just long enough to smash the side of his fist against the large red button. “Fuck!” Jake swore as he pushed hard and strained for the button. He could just touch it with the tips of his fingers but he couldn’t get closer as they writhed and bucked against each other.
“I knew you were going to be a pain in the ass,” the other man ground out as his forehead pushed against Jake’s. His breath was a hot, minty huff against Jake’s lips as their chests heaved and their eyes locked.
“Admit it: that’s why you like me,” Jake panted and he saw a flash of something in the man’s eyes as their lips brushed. They froze for a moment as their eyes clung and their breaths mingled. Jake recalled that quick flinch, as the man fell into the passenger seat and hoped he was right. He locked his hands together, behind the man’s back and hugged as hard as he could. The man arched as he howled in agony then released Jake and pushed so he could step back.
“God damn it all!” He growled as he grabbed the front of Jake’s sweatshirt. He used his forearm to pin Jake to the incinerator before his forehead swung forward. It connected with Jake’s and the front of his skull was on fire before the back of his head slammed against the incinerator, making his teeth rattle and his ears ring. Jake was stunned and his vision blurred as he slid down the side and everything went dark.
This one’s really hot, tense and full of fun surprises. Keep an eye out for pre-order info and get Snatched of March 26th!
Have you missed me? I’ve missed you. I come bearing news and a gift. Mr. Sterling and I have been hard at work on the Hide And Keep audiobook and that’s been hell, let me tell you. But it’s almost ready to submit to ACX for release on Audible/Amazon. Please cross your fingers, I’ve heard horror stories about the process but we’ve worked our butts off and it sounds amazing. I’ve also been feverishly writing in between editing audio and I have an excerpt to share! I’m madly in love with Wal and Marco and you will be too. Jack Walden is a detective who’s as mysterious as the cases he solves. He’s a very broken man and madly in love with his best friend and ex, Marco. Marco is a mechanic who turns rusted-out muscle cars into art. He’s still hung up on his ex as well but doing his best to move on. Wal’s trying to find a missing girl, protect his neighborhood from a vicious gang and convince Marco to give him a second chance when the case and their lives take a very dark turn. Throttled will be available soon. I’ll keep you posted.
How about a barely edited peek at Throttled?:
“Ask him to come over because you want his opinion on the new bedding,” Wal urged himself as he stared at the mirror. He looked at the cologne on the counter then reached for it. His hand shook as it hovered over the bottle before he squeezed his fist tight then shook his head. “He might not like it or he’ll notice it and think you’re expecting something else to happen,” he warned himself then looked back at his bed.
It took him months to pick something. Wal just wanted to sleep, he didn’t understand why it mattered if he did it in a bed or on the couch or standing in the rain. As long as his brain was able to shut down and rest, he was satisfied. But he studied catalogues online for weeks and navigated an overwhelming array of details and the idea of starting over if he’d got it wrong terrified Wal, if he was honest. He didn’t understand the implications of certain patterns. Which florals were “too feminine” or old-fashioned? They all seemed too busy to Wal and he didn’t know when one was too bright, even though all but the dullest seemed too bright to him. Which patterns and styles were too juvenile or too dramatic? Why did beds need skirts and bolsters and shams? In the end, Wal found something that was marketed for teenage boys. He liked that it was just dark blue and in a very soft velvet and available with all the extra parts. Wal ordered the skirt, bolster pillows and shams, as well as the coordinating white sheets with navy trim, curtains and a matching throw blanket for the end of the bed. For some reason. Just to be safe, Wal also bought the laundry basket, coordinating shower curtain, towels, bath mats, toilet seat cover and counter accessories pictured with the bedroom set. He spent over $1,000 but he’d gladly pay ten times more if he got it right and never had to do it again.
“He can’t see that you’ve changed if you don’t show him,” Wal pointed out and he sighed at the mirror then zipped up his grey hoodie. He gave himself a stern nod before he turned off the light. He hurried into the living room then hissed at the box of comics on the table and quickly relocated it to the spare room before he grabbed the truck’s keys and left. “You have to tell him tonight. Tell him you want another chance and you’re ready to do whatever it takes,” he whispered as he parked in front of the shop then got out. He would have a hundred opportunities while they were alone in the shop and plenty of time to muddle his way through it. He pushed out a nervous breath as he reached for the door then jumped when it swung open.
“Right on time!” Marco declared as he pushed Wal back and turned him then locked the shop’s door.
“Where are we going?” Wal asked and frowned at the shop as Marco threw his arm around his neck and lead him away.
“To Maddigan’s to watch Madrid,” Marco said and Wal groaned. Soccer.
“Why can’t we work on the car like we planned? I don’t want to watch soccer in a noisy sports bar,” he grumbled and Marco shushed him.
“I finished the car last night and you owe me,” he said and Wal stopped.
“I owe you?”
“Come on!” Marco said as he gave Wal a shove. “Two years ago, we made plans to meet at Maddigan’s to watch Madrid play Al-Ain. I got there early to make sure we got good seats but you stood me up with a text message that said “Raincheck”,” he explained and Wal’s face fell.
“Why are you still bringing that up? I should have asked the coroner to make it snappy or postpone an autopsy until Monday so I could watch soccer?” He argued and Marco’s hand slapped against his eyes.
“I get it, Wal. But we’re doing it now. I wanted to do it with you then and we couldn’t so I’m calling in the raincheck,” he explained as he dragged him down the sidewalk. “And you’ll blend right in at Maddigan’s,” Marco added and Wal stopped again.
“What’s wrong with this?” He asked as he looked down at his body. Fuck, he hated clothes. He always wore a grey hoodie, a white t-shirt, jeans and sneakers if he wasn’t wearing a suit.
“Nothing! Option #2 is perfect,” Marco insisted and Wal’s stomach clenched. Nothing made him feel more insecure than clothing. He never had new clothing when he was a child. Everything he wore was free or hand-me-downs he shared with other foster kids. Nothing ever fit right or looked current, everything was faded and repaired. The other kids at school could always tell and enjoyed pointing out all the ways his clothes were wrong. One of the many reasons Wal loved being a cop was the uniform. It felt like a blessing, just putting the right thing on every day without having to worry about standing out for having the wrong thing on. In fact, the more closely he adhered to the uniform, the less negative attention. He applied that lesson to the rest of his wardrobe as an adult. When he became a detective and had to wear a suit, he bought as many of the same basic black suit and tie as he could afford and made sure he had plenty of fresh backups. For all the times he couldn’t wear a suit, Wal picked the most basic, unremarkable outfit possible, in hopes of flying under the radar.
“I’m sorry I don’t have more options, I’ll work on being more shallow and materialistic,” Wal said under his breath.
“Whoa!” Marco said as he spun on his heel and pointed at Wal. “First of all, I have never cared about what you wear and I think you look fine. I get it and I’m happy as long as you’re comfortable. What’s your problem? You know I’m teasing,” he said and Wal pushed his hands into the pockets of his hoodie and shrugged.
“I don’t want to watch soccer and you’re making me,” he muttered and Marco considered for a moment then nodded.
“Then don’t watch soccer. I love hanging out with you and I want to do that while drinking beer and watching soccer. Come and hang out with me and drink beer, Wal. I’m sorry if I stressed you out by making it sound like a makeup date or something,” he said and Wal wondered why he didn’t jump on the opportunity to use the night as a makeup date.
“Fine,” Wal said and swung his chin at the bar on the corner. He’d make the best of it and hope the beer helped him relax and find his nerve.
The beer did not help him relax and find his nerve. It also didn’t help that the bar wasn’t able to play the game. Marco and his fellow disappointed Madrid fans decided to drown their disappointment in alcohol and insults. Which lead to Marco lighting Wal’s fuse with this soul-crusher:
“Why can’t I find someone like you but just a little less like you?” He asked as Wal helped Marco stumble back to the shop. Wal stopped drinking well before he realized Marco would need help getting home.
“I don’t know how to respond to that,” he admitted as he frowned at the pavement and Marco laughed as he pulled him close. He pressed his forehead to Wal’s as he laughed again and it was stunning. Wal’s heart slammed against his chest and he couldn’t move but there was so much heat and joy, for just a second.
“Why do you have the be the only man in this city I have chemistry with?” Marco asked as their eyes clung and Wal’s chest hurt despite the heat flooding his groin. Wal panted and swayed closer as he silently begged his hands and his lips to attack. He couldn’t count all the ways he felt inadequate but he couldn’t stop himself from licking his lips to see if he could taste Marco’s breath.
“What do you mean?” He could have said so many romantic or sexy things but he was still reeling and taking it the worst way possible. Marco laughed again but it came out as more of a pouty groan and made everything worse before his hands slid down Wal’s chest and he pushed away.
“I need to get laid, Wal,” Marco said, as if he was blaming Wal for something. Offer to fuck him right now! Wal’s brain screamed but he just stared as Marco hunted for the pocket on his jeans. He found it and cheered under his breath as he reached all the way in and fished for his keys. Which was a feat in a pair of perfectly tight jeans with perfectly normal sized pockets. “For example!” Marco announced loudly as he turned and waved his keys at Wal. “I’ve got this date with Tad tomorrow night and I know we’re going to have sex but I really don’t want to have sex with him. I should want to have sex with him. He’s cute and funny and wants to name our kids after Ewoks and I’m sure he eats ass but I’m just going to do it to do it. You know?” He asked then gasped. “And he’s a doctor! You know my mom would have to approve of him!” He added and Wal’s face twisted.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because it’s going to suck. Just like the rest of them but I keep fucking other guys hoping I’ll have chemistry with them. Like. I. Did. With. You,” Marco explained and punctuated each word by pointing the shop’s key at Wal. He flinched each time and the spark rushed along the fuse.
“Maybe you should stop fucking other guys,” he stated dryly and Marco’s head pulled back.
“We agreed we were better off as friends and it was cool if we each moved on,” he said and Wal nodded.
“And I apologized and told you I made a lot of mistakes,” he replied and it was laced with bitterness.
“And I forgave you!” Marco said as he threw up his hands.
“Really?” Wal asked quietly. It was as close to an explosion as you’d get with Wal and probably why Marco accused him of being indifferent. “Because it feels like you’re still trying to punish me. Please give me my keys,” he said. Which was about as close to storming off as he was capable of.
“Unbelievable,” Marco said as he quickly unlocked the door then flung it open. Wal waited on the sidewalk as Marco dashed into his office. “I’m trying to get over you. I didn’t fuck any of them to spite you but I might now,” he added then tossed the keys at Wal. He caught them and clutched his brow with his other hand.
“Fucking… Come on!” He whispered to himself in utter exasperation as Marco slammed the door. Don’t get over me! He implored himself to yell. Just tell him he doesn’t need to! He pleaded with himself but he just stood there until he realized the car was still in the shop. He had the perfect reason to ring the bell and an opening to apologize and turn it all around. But he also had the keys to the truck in his pocket and decided after an hour of arguing with himself that it was easier and safer to go home.
They’re so cute, aren’t they? They get really hot too and there’s action and mystery and Wal will break your heart. I’m so excited. You’re going to love them.
