by Morgan Brice
“I’d love to. But it’s cold up north by then. Won’t a Southern boy like me freeze my balls off?”
“Hell no,” Vic replied with a wicked grin. “I’ll keep them plenty warm for you.”
The grill was off, leftovers were in the fridge, and the fire pit embers were covered. Simon hefted the last bulging garbage bag and tossed it into the bin by the curb. Music still played from a speaker, cycling through the playlist Simon had put together.
“All done!” he announced.
“I want to leave the lights up,” Vic said, looking at the strands of twinkling white lights he had strung the day before. “It makes the backyard feel special.”
They hadn’t officially moved in together, but most of Vic’s stuff had found a home in the blue bungalow, and Simon was privately convinced all that was left in Vic’s apartment was a toothbrush and some dental floss. They had talked about moving forward slowly, building a foundation to make their relationship last, but Vic already stayed over with Simon most nights, and Simon wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Anything you want,” Simon said. A Springsteen song came on—Simon had made sure the playlist included all of Vic’s favorites—and Simon put his hands on Vic’s hips, pulling him closer. “Up for a little dancing in the dark?” he asked in his most sinful voice, hooking his fingers through Vic’s belt loops.
“Always,” Vic replied. His kiss sent Simon’s heart racing and hardened his already stiff cock. Their erections rubbed together through their jeans, and Vic’s hands slid down to cup Simon’s ass.
“What sort of dancing did you have in mind?” Simon teased, as they swayed together under the lights.
“Mmm…maybe start with a little horizontal mambo, or some four-legged foxtrot—”
“Oh, my god. I can’t believe you just said—”
Vic kissed his way over to Simon’s ear. “How about we go inside and I suck you off and then we fuck each other into the mattress?”
“Sounds perfect to me,” Simon replied, losing himself in their kiss underneath the stars. “I love you, Vic D’Amato, and I intend to prove it all night.”
END
Also by Morgan Brice:
Witchbane
Other books by Morgan Brice
Witchbane
Afterword
Myrtle Beach is one of my favorite places. Most of the tourist attractions and landmarks mentioned in the book are real, but all of the businesses and people that are part of the plot are fictitious. The boardwalk (and the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove), however, are real and if you visit the Grand Strand, I totally recommend strolling down to the piers and walking along the beach. The ghosts and wrecks mentioned on Simon’s tour are part of local lore.
The inspiration for the Slitter’s lair came when my friend and fellow author Jeanne Adams and I were sitting by the fire pit at Coastal Magic Convention in Daytona Beach and looked up at the high rise next door that was closed for renovation. Even though the parking garage was blocked off and the place was definitely not open, a single light blazed, high up in the tower, and we could see that a ceiling fan was turning. Creepy, huh?
Mark Wojcik, Seth Tanner, and Cassidy Kincaide made brief appearances in Badlands. They actually star in series of their own, so you if you want to know more and follow their adventures, there’s plenty to read! Seth Tanner is one of the main characters in the Witchbane series (another of my Morgan Brice urban fantasy M/M paranormal romances). Cassidy Kincaide, Teag Logan, Anthony Benton, and Sorren are featured in my Deadly Curiosities urban fantasy series (under my Gail Z. Martin name). Mark Wojcik is the lead in the Spells, Salt, and Steel series (Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin). Check them out for more monster hunting and supernatural adventure!
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Thank you for supporting independent authors!
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Thank you for reading!
Acknowledgments
Thank you so much to my editor, Jean Rabe, to my husband and writing partner Larry N. Martin for all his behind-the-scenes hard work, and my wonderful cover artist, Natania Barron. Thanks also to the Shadow Alliance street team for their support and encouragement, and to my fantastic beta readers: Mindy, Trevor, Darrell, Donald, Chris, Cheryl, Laurie, and Vickie plus the ever-growing legion of ARC readers who help spread the word! Many thanks also to the fabulous Jordan L. Hawk, Rhys Ford, Charlie Cochet, and Lucy Lennox for their help, encouragement and inspiration! And of course, to my ‘convention gang’ of fellow authors for making road trips fun.
About the Author
Morgan Brice is the romance pen name of bestselling author Gail Z. Martin. Morgan writes urban fantasy male/male paranormal romance, with plenty of action, adventure and supernatural thrills to go with the happily ever after. Gail writes epic fantasy and urban fantasy, and together with co-author hubby Larry N. Martin, steampunk and comedic horror, all of which have less romance, more explosions.
On the rare occasions Morgan isn’t writing, she’s either reading, cooking, or spoiling two very pampered dogs.
Watch for additional new series from Morgan Brice, and more books in the Witchbane and Badlands universes coming soon!
Where to find me, and how to stay in touch
Facebook Group—The place for news about upcoming books, convention appearances, special fun like contests and giveaways, plus location photos, fantasy casting, and more! The Worlds of Morgan Brice https://www.facebook.com/groups/143333126341151/
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail): pinterest.com/Gzmartin
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Twitter: @MorganBriceBook
