Here we are once again Behind Closed Doors for another Scintillating Sunday Showcase. For those of you who haven’t heard of this hop yet, let me set the stage. The Mile High Muses hosts this weekly party. Participants agree to post eight words, lines, sentences or paragraphs of one of their published works or a current work in progress. No other muss or fuss required. We post “our eight” we feel are a small scintillating representation of our stories.
At the bottom of today’s post, you’ll find a link to click on to take you to the list of my fellow participants. Some of the other blogs you will notice that the list is in their posts. With this format of WordPress, we can’t use java script so I’m stuck with providing a hyperlink for you to click on to take you to the list.
No worries! It’s just one extra click you have to do for the hop. You can do it! You’ll find different heat levels with all the participants and more than a few new books to add to your wish lists. So without further ado…
Released July 8, 2015
Excerpt from Bound in Paradise (Now and Forever 3.5)
Jarrod clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “It’s settled then. We’ll hash out the details and then get with you about potential dates that fit both of our schedules.
Rita slipped her arm through his and leaned in conspiratorially. “I’d like to hire you to create something just for us…for our private collection.”
He patted her hand. “Excellent proposition, pet. What do you say, Julia?”
“I think it’s a fabulous idea. To get the most accurate scene, I’ll want to use the two of you as models.” She lifted her eyebrows and waited to see how they would react to her declaration.
“You mean in full on play mode?” Rita’s eyes widened and a soft blush tainted her cheeks.
She nodded. “If you want the same realism portrayed in these pieces, you’ll have to agree to be the subjects.”
“Sounds exciting. We’re in.” Jarrod’s smile lit up his face again.
Rita bounced on the balls of her feet and appeared to be trying to keep from jumping up and down like a schoolgirl. “Our schedules are wide open for the next few months. You pick the day and time and we’ll be there—props, crops, and all!”
Make sure you check out the other Scintillating Sunday posts by jumping on over to the full list.
I’ve gone and done it again! I told you I was going to release the first book of The Kayne Legacy Series on it’s own, separate from the Season of Sun and Sin collection…
And here it is!
The cover is something different than you’re used to seeing from Sassy Vixen Publishing for my books but we wanted to make this series different from the erotic romances and erotica I usually write.
Yes this book has some hot sex scenes but the story as a whole isn’t a romance. This is Cain’s journey to save mankind from destruction at the hands of his brother Malachi. It’s the start of the entire legacy all of the Kayne family must accept or turn their back on forever.
For those of you who have read my vampire inspired poetry book Courtship of the Vampyre, you already know the basic outline of the series and have been introduced to a few of the main characters. There is so much more coming your way! You need to grab this one and immerse yourself in this heartbreaking tale of Cain’s early years.
And here you all thought you knew his story. Think again!
Blurb
In the first book of the Kayne Legacy series, we meet reporter Abigail Matthews after she is awarded the interview of a lifetime. She’d been granted no holds barred access to everyone associated with one of the most powerful foundations in the world, including the current CEO Michael Kayne. Sparks fly between them the moment they meet but nothing compared to the jolt she receives when she comes face to face with Michael’s grandfather—the biblical legend Cain.
In hopes she’d accept her destiny as his grandson’s chosen mate, Cain opens up and shares his heartbreaking tale— everything from the tragic fight with his brother Abel to his journey to find Lilith and make her his wife. Together they were to create a family of immortals sworn to protect the Essence of the Tree of Life from the one hell bent on destroying it.
Excerpt
Thousands of Years Ago, Somewhere in the Middle East
Cain secured the last stone into place and stood back to survey his work. He stretched his legs and rubbed the kink out of his lower back as he circled the altar. He’d spend hours in his gardens and the surrounding forests in search of the perfect pieces for his offering to The Three. Each stone, piece of wood and plant held special meaning to him and as such had to be included.
In addition to the first fruits of his garden, he’d included the largest of the fish he’d caught in his nets that morning as well as six of the freshest eggs from the nests of the waterfowl inhabiting the nearby marsh. He’d asked the animals permission as he’d gathered and thanked them for blessing him with a beautiful bounty to share with the gods.
The serenity he’d enjoyed on his venture came to an abrupt end as his brother made his presence known.
“Those won’t appeal to them you know. They want a blood sacrifice and they’ll accept no less. You should know that by now.”
Cain rolled his eyes and sighed. Why can’t he mind his own affairs and leave me to worship in peace?
“It’s none of your concern, brother. How I present my gifts to Them is no reflection on you or how you choose to worship.”
Abel snorted. “Do you really think your paltry offering will help you win Jezebel’s heart and hand once more? The decision has been made. I’ll make her my mate before the next full moon.”
“I won’t argue with you about this anymore. Father feels you would be the better match for our sister. I have no choice but to accept it and move on. Jezebel has made it clear she’ll not go against the wishes of our parents either. You’ve won, yet again.”
Cain reached for his gathering bag and attempted to walk away rather than continue their fight one more day. Unfortunately, Abel had no intention of leaving.
“I’m not through with you yet. Jezebel has asked to wear a jade pendant during our ceremony. She mentioned you found one large enough for me to carve into the shape she desires.”
Cain glared. “No. It’s part of my offering. I have others for you to choose from to use for her necklace. This one belongs to the Goddess Fate.”
“What does it matter? They’ll not accept your offering whether the stone is included in it or not. Why should it go to waste when I can make better use of it?”
Cain stood his ground. “I’m the elder brother and you’ll show respect to me in front of The Three. I’ll not allow you to treat me this way, not today.”
Abel’s laughter cut Cain deeper than any sharp rock. “What makes today different from any other? You may’ve been born before me, but you mean nothing to our parents. In fact, it would be much easier on all of us if you would never have been born.”
He leaned against a nearby tree and sneered. “Why do you think no one remembered today would be special to you? If they cared at all, we would have dedicated the entire day to celebrate the moment you were born. Instead, our family chose to forget and live their lives as if you never existed.”
Cain’s stomach clenched. “Leave me, before we both say and do things we’ll regret later.”
“You have something I want and I’ll not leave until I have it. You can give it to me freely or I’ll take it from you like I’ve taken everything you’ve held dear. Good thing father came to his senses. I’d hate to see what kind of life you would be able to provide for our beautiful sister.”
“I would’ve cared for her and our children until the day I died. They would’ve wanted for nothing.”
Abel doubled over with laughter that echoed throughout the forest. “With you they would have nothing. Why on earth would she ever want to marry a man the gods themselves have ignored?”
“You interrupted me before I finished my preparations. My offering isn’t complete—”
“Oh, so now you must give your heartfelt plea for Them to accept your shortcomings as one of Their creations? You insult the gods and bring shame to our family.”
“Shame? I’ve done nothing to you to warrant your insolent behavior toward me. Leave me if you’re so shamed by my mere existence.”
“Not until I have that jade.”
As Abel took another step toward him, Cain snatched the gemstone from the altar and stuffed it into his gathering bag. “You’re still welcome to any of the other stones I’ve gathered but this one is spoken for and not to be touched.”
Abel grabbed the bag and yanked. “Give it to me now!”
Cain leaned back with all of his weight and held fast. The handle of the bag slid out of Abel’s grasp and burned his palms.
“You would mark me so before my wedding?” He stared at his bloodied hands in disbelief.
“You brought this upon yourself. If you would’ve left me alone as I’d asked, this wouldn’t have happened. When will you learn you can’t force people to bend to your will? Your cruelty will catch up to you in time and your life will be as black as your heart.”
Abel didn’t appear to hear one word Cain had said. “When father sees what you’ve done to me—“
“Go ahead. Make up another wild tale about how I’ve mistreated you. What does it matter now? As you’ve pointed out, you have everything that had been promised to me. All I ask now is to be left alone.” Once again Cain attempted to walk away.
Abel latched onto both of Cain’s upper arms and dug his fingers into the skin and muscle. “You’re not going anywhere until you pay for this.”
Cain narrowed his eyes. His body temperature rose and his cheeks burned. No more of this. I’ve had it with his antics. He planted both palms against Abel’s chest and pushed with all his strength. “Leave. Me. Alone!”
Abel’s eyes flew open and he appeared stunned by Cain’s sudden outburst. He frantically swung his arms around in an attempt to regain his balance, but to no avail. He toppled backward and crashed into the wood and stone altar.
An unmistakable pop sounded as his head connected with the corner stone. Blood pooled and then covered the surface.
Cain rushed to his brother’s now still body and lifted him into his arms. The back of Abel’s head gave way at his touch. His life force continued to flow from the gash and covered Cain’s hands and chest as rocked back and forth. “What have I done? Abel! Wake up. Please, wake up.”
Abel’s eyes glazed over as his spirit left his body.
Cain stood and ran through the forest to Abel’s altar. He placed his brother’s body on the center and then raised his bloodied hands to heaven. “Please. I beg of you. Bring him back. Take me instead.”
Screams and wails erupted behind him and brought him out of his own grief. He spun around to find his mother, sisters and brother Malachi with their eyes wide with shock. Eve dropped to the ground in a heap at the base of the altar. “My son! My beautiful boy!”
Malachi stepped forward, removed Abel’s lifeless body for the stone slab and placed it on the ground. “What have you done, brother? How could you do this?”
Cain shook his head. “He fell against my altar—“
“You mean you killed him upon your altar!”
“No…”
“You wanted him gone so you could have Jezebel’s hand again.”
“No!” Why will he not believe me?
Cain knelt beside Eve. “Mother? Please hear me.”
She turned from him and ignored his plea. She raised her hands to the sky. “Why have you allowed this to happen to your favored son? His innocent blood cries out for justice…”
The women cried louder as their mother collapsed over Abel’s body and became inconsolable.
Cain’s other brothers arrived and shouted at him. They, too, demanded he be brought to justice. Malachi’s voice rang out over all the others. As they circled him, intending to do him harm, the sky rumbled and then exploded with flashes of lightening.
There in front of them stood Lucius in his black flowing robes. His amber colored eyes blazed with the intensity of the sun. He lifted his staff and shield to protect Cain. “Step away from your brother. No one is to lay another hand on him.”
“But he killed Abel. Surely you’ve heard our mother’s cries for justice. Let us punish him for this heinous crime against our family and The Three.”
Lucius raised one dark eyebrow and he clenched his jaw. “Not one of you here are without sin. Why would We allow any of you to speak for Us?
Malachi stepped forward. He alone appeared unafraid of the god. “He took Abel’s life in anger.”
“And how do you know this?” Lucius tilted his head and waited for an answer.
“He said as much when we found him here with Abel’s body.”
“Really? That’s not what We saw take place. Do not dare to speak of something you didn’t witness with your own eyes. Abel is as much to blame as Cain—if not more.”
Eve shrieked. “Abel! Abel! Bring back my son.”
Lucius turned toward the copse of trees behind the altar. “Adam, stop hiding and remove your mate from my presence. It’s time you grieve for your sons together for you are also at fault here for allowing this behavior to continue. Go now. Prepare him for burial. The rest of you will stay.”
“Why do you punish them? They’ve done nothing to deserve this.” Malachi appeared to shake in anger.
“That’s right. They’ve done nothing to stop Abel from putting himself before all of you and your needs. Their inability to rein him in and teach him humility led to this sad day.”
“Then they’ve paid the ultimate price with the loss of his life. Now Cain should have to do the same.” Malachi lunged but was met in midair by a protective force field and his body slammed to the ground.
“Once again your true self emerges, Malachi. You’re no different than Abel with your defiance. Do not test my patience any further or you’ll pay the consequences. Fate won’t intervene on your behalf. My decision here today will be final. Yeshua has granted me full authority to do as I see fit.”
Seth helped Malachi to his feet and then turned toward the god with his head lowered in deference. “Please, Lucius. Tell us why you’ve allowed this to happen? Abel was the best of us. Now we are lost.”
Jezebel fell to her knees before Cain and clutched at his chest. “If you’ve ever loved me, kill me now so I may join my betrothed.”
Cain’s heart shattered. Even Jezebel believes I did this on purpose. “I could never do what you ask of me.”
Jezebel collapsed against his chest and sobbed.
Cain tried to hold her but Malachi ripped her from his arms. “You can’t harm her but you could smash Abel’s head against the corner of your altar?”
“I didn’t do it.”
“You lie! Go ahead and compound your crime before the gods. You’ll not get away with this.”
Lightening flashed across the sky and the earth shook. “You will say no more, Malachi. The decision has already been made.”
“If it doesn’t include wiping Cain off the face of the earth, then I’ll not listen to another word from you.”
Cain closed his eyes and braced himself for what he was sure would be the last time he would hear Malachi’s voice ever again.
I hope you enjoy the book! Let me know what you think of it and if you like where this series is headed. Don’t know yet? Grab the poetry book as a companion to the series. It will be your guide to all things Cain, Lilith and their descendants.
Welcome to Behind Closed Doors! I’m excited to announce Sassy Vixen Publishing LLC has released Bound in Paradise as a stand alone companion to my Now and Forever series. Actually, it can be considered a prequel for The Surrender of Julia (Now and Forever 3). As you all know, the main heroine of these two books is still my favorite character I’ve written to date. She started out as one hell of a bitch and then she told me her story. I went from wanting to choke the life out of her to cheering her on through her trial by fire and ultimate redemption. She found her happily ever after with the woman of her dreams. My publisher and I thought it was a great time to release Bound now in light of the US Supreme Court decision in favor of marriage equality. I wrote about it for Julia and now thousands of couples can experience the joy she did.
If you compare the covers of the books concerning Julia, you’ll notice a little tie in. That was deliberate. I wanted to include the handcuff concept, but give it my own twist. I hope you like it and the story.
Right now you can get your copy from All Romance in any electronic format you need for your ebook readers. If you wish to have it in print, it is available in the print version of Season of Sun and Sin. I haven’t decided whether or not Bound will be in print yet. We’ll have to wait and see!
BLURB
Up and coming L.A. artist Julia Santos had searched for a Domme strong enough and confident enough in their relationship to allow her to be wild and free while trusting her to give over complete control to them in private. Unfortunately very few meet up with her expectations.
Except one.
Carmen Hall had longed for a partner who would be more than her pet, one who would challenge her skills as Mistress and yet offer themselves to her—heart and soul. She’d all but given up until she laid eyes on the fiery Julia.
Join Julia as she remembers her early days with Carmen and a love that spanned over two decades and would know no bounds.
EXCERPT
Surrounded by adoring men and a few women, Julia did her best to listen to and answer the questions posed to her. Unfortunately, every single one of them bored her—until her eyes found the blonde bombshell admiring the submissive painting on display on the other side of the room.
Would she be the one to see my plea in the piece? Her heart beat faster and her cheeks warmed. The painting had been her way of advertising she needed a dominant who had the ability to bring her full submission out on display. The calm serenity the model had nearly brought Julia to her knees during their first photo session. The scene had been her deepest desire and so far no lover or Master had been able to bring this out of her.
“Jules? Can I get you something from the bar?”
She snapped her head and eyes toward the voice that had addressed her. God, I hate to be called Jules. This man has now moved from interesting to `not in your lifetime, bucko’ category. She waited a beat and raised her scotch on the rocks. “No, thank you. I’m still working on this one.”
“We were discussing hard limits a moment ago. Do you have any or is there anything you have a difficult time performing?” He licked his lips and continued to undress her with his eyes.
She smiled. She knew exactly what he wanted to know. She’d heard the stories of his self-proclaimed monster sized cock and how much he demanded his subs suck him off—without reciprocation. Rita had warned her to keep her guard up around the man known as Viktor. No last name. Apparently he fancied himself famous enough to be known only by his first name. “Honestly, I don’t enjoy blow jobs. It’s not my thing.”
The hairy beast of a man shrugged. “Too bad. With lips and a tongue like yours, I’m sure you would bring me to my knees in a heartbeat.”
You have no idea, Big Boy.
In a flash, the man before her turned into her mother, encouraging her as she sucked her stepfather’s limp dick. “Swirl your tongue around the tip before you take the whole thing in, Jules. Tease him so he gets hard. Men want a woman who can bring them to their knees with their mouth and tongue. Now keep going like I told you…”
Julia blinked several times to clear her mother’s image from her mind. “So I’ve been told. It’s as you say, a hard limit for me. I won’t do them anymore. Ever.”
He tilted his head to the side and appeared to want to ask her more about it, but changed his mind. “A pity. I think you and I could’ve had an amazing experience together tonight. Blow jobs are a big part of my sessions. I desire a slave who’ll go at a cock as if her life depended on it.”
She tugged the end of the necklace from between her breasts and twisted it between her thumb and forefinger. At one time mine did, asshole. That’s why I don’t do them now. She swallowed the retort and smiled again. “I’m sure there are a few of those here tonight—“
“None with your exotic looks and fire. If you ever change your mind…”
“Excuse me, gentlemen. I’d like to steal Julia away for a bit. There’s someone here I promised to introduce her to as soon as they arrived.” Jarrod waited for the others to scatter and then sat down next to her. His companion sat directly opposite from them. Jarrod took her hand, brought it to his lips, and then smiled.
She squeezed his fingers in return and nearly burst into tears. His timing couldn’t have been any better even if she whistled for him to come running. “Thank you for rescuing me. Things had crossed from pleasant to intense.”
Jarrod explained their sudden appearance, but Julia didn’t hear anything he said except the name of his friend. She immediately picked up on their chemistry. They were a couple once—but could Jarrod have actually been Carmen’s sub? I haven’t run into anyone who is more comfortable in his role as Dom than he is. I wonder how he was as a sub?
Carmen moved to sit next to her.
She held her breath and turned her body so they could once again be face to face. The blonde woman’s beauty captivated her. The wild mass of curly hair framed her face perfectly. Her natural womanly curves enticed Julia to the point of complete distraction. Her mind continued to conjure up images of Carmen naked and posing for a painting. The light touch of her skin against her knee sent a jolt of electricity through Julia’s body and brought her out of her fantasy.
She noticed the subtle hitch in Carmen’s breathing and the dilation of her ice blue eyes. She feels it, too!
Julia licked her lips and leaned as far forward as she dared without actually kissing Carmen outright. “I hope you don’t think me too brass, but I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you since you entered the room. I kept sneaking glances while you stood in front of the painting. I’d hoped you would like the piece enough to want to talk to me about it. Now here you are and I don’t know what to do with myself.”
“I think you know exactly what you’re doing and I like it—a lot. Your painting is exquisite. I lost myself in it. It takes great talent to be able to pull that off. Tell me, have you experienced that kind of submission you brought to life in your art?”
She loves my work! Now to find out if she’s interested in taking me on as I am and not expect a meek wallflower. “Yes and no. I’ve come close, but have never quite achieved the bliss. I’ve seen it in others and that’s probably why I’m able to translate that into the artwork, but imagine how much more I could bring to the canvas if I actually experienced it firsthand.”
Carmen sat back and appeared to mull over Julia’s not so veiled invitation. “You’ve not been able to let go and completely trust your dominant before?”
Here’s my chance. Best to be honest, but I don’t want to throw myself at her feet either. She shook her head. “Don’t get me wrong. I never felt as if I wasn’t safe in their hands, but so far I haven’t found that deeper connection, you know?”
Carmen smiled and nodded.
She relaxed. She no longer had the urge to continue to try to impress Carmen. Instead, the desire to get to know her on a more personal level rivaled her obvious sexual attraction. This was exactly what she’s been looking for—not only kindred spirit but someone who could bring out the best in her. Not to say having Carmen as her Mistress wouldn’t make her happy too, but Julia needed more. “Do you prefer men or women as your pets?”
“I adore both. I don’t choose them based on their sexual orientation. If I feel a connection to them, I act on it and see where it goes.”
She smiled and brushed a stray curl from her cheek. “What about now? Do you feel something between us that you can work with?”
“Yes. I’d like it if we spent some time together away from the playrooms and toys to see if there’s more than the obvious sexual attraction between us. So far I’m very intrigued by you.”
“I’d like that. You fascinate me as well.”
Julia shut out everyone and everything around her except for Carmen. Their conversation came easily between them as if they’d known each other for years. She found great comfort simply being in her presence. She’d felt a similar connection with the Mitchells, but the pull between her and Carmen continued to grow as they talked.
Jarrod returned with the champagne and popped the cork with a flourish. He filled their glasses and managed to not spill a drop. He laughed at their surprised expressions. “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself. By the looks of things, the two of you have hit it off as I predicted. Time to celebrate and toast to those new beginnings.”
She reached for the glass Carmen handed to her. Their fingertips briefly touched and her thighs clenched. She’s the one. She’s accepted the challenge. Let the games begin!
Well, there you have it! If you read this and have some time, please leave a review on your favorite retail site. The other vendors should be live within the next few days. I’ll add the links here as soon as I have them. Thank you all for coming along on this journey with me!
~Tammy
UPDATE
I now have additional links for the book. I’ll keep adding them as they go live. Unfortunately, Oyster has decided not to stock it because it’s erotica. That’s not a problem at all but if they’d check their records, they would see they are stocking Season of Sun and Sin which contains this story. LOL! No worries!
Behind Closed Doors 
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