by Nina Levine
After our quick dialogue, Bobby turned in a huff and stomped out to the back room. I gave my attention back to Liam who was now casually leaning against the front counter, feet crossed at the ankles and chin in hand. His amused eyes were focused solely on me.
“What?” I snapped. I didn’t like the fact that he found this funny because I sure as hell didn’t.
He lifted his chin in Bobby’s direction. “You should go easy on him; he’s just looking out for your best interests.”
“Some part of that statement might be true but mostly, Bobby just wants you to stick around because you’re hot.” My mouth opened before my mind had a chance to even think about what I was saying. Story of my life. I mentally berated myself for my honesty.
Liam chuckled. “So you do have some enthusiasm for me?” His eyes twinkled with mischief and it had to be said, when Liam stopped being so serious, his hotness rating went through the roof.
His new playful mood flustered me and I dealt with it the only way I knew how; cranky Roxie took over. “Just because I think you’re hot doesn't mean I’m enthusiastic about you sticking around. Tell me what you need from me and then we can all get on with our work.”
He assessed me for another moment or so and then pushed off from the counter where he was resting. His serious face was back on. “I need to know if you’re aware of anyone who may have been following you or if you’ve been harassed by anyone lately.”
“Why?”
“Because if you have been followed or harassed, they might be the ones doing this.”
“No.”
His forehead creased. “What do you mean, no?”
“No, I haven’t been followed or harassed.”
He thought about that for another moment before asking, “Are you seeing anyone?”
“What does that have to do with this?” He was really starting to irritate me with all these personal questions.
“I’m just trying to get the background here, Roxie. I believe these break-ins have to do with either you or one of your staff so I need to know who is in your lives who might be responsible for them.”
As much as it irked me to admit it, he did have a point. I had my own suspicions but after this last break-in, I was beginning to doubt myself. “When you say, am I seeing anyone, what exactly does that mean?”
He looked puzzled. “Last I knew, it meant are you dating anyone.”
“No.”
He opened his mouth but quickly shut it again and paused before continuing, “Okay, you’re not dating anyone but are you involved with anyone in another capacity?”
“Do you mean, am I fucking anyone?”
His eyebrows arched. “Yes, are you fucking anyone or are you spending time in any way with anyone,” he said with a slight shake of his head. I was pretty sure from the look on his face that I’d managed to frustrate him. Score one to me.
“Why yes, Liam, I am. I fucked a guy three nights ago and I also fucked him early last week,” I informed him in my sugar sweet voice I reserved for when people really pissed me off.
The fucker didn’t even blink. “I’m going to need a name.”
“Well, I don’t have a name. I never stopped to ask him.”
He blinked.
Score two to me.
I smiled sweetly at him and waited for his response.
Finally, he muttered, “Fuck.”
Score three to me.
We stared at each other for a minute or so and then he said, “Well, you’re going to have to find him because I need to know who he is.”
My eyes widened. “You’re kidding, right? I have no idea who he is or where he is.”
He smirked at me. “Yeah you do; we just have to go back to wherever you found him before you screwed him.”
The bastard. He knew what I was doing and now he was playing with me.
“Ah, no. There’s no we in this, Liam. I’ll go back by myself and find him.”
He shook his head. “No, sweetheart, we’ll both go. If you think I’m letting you out of my sight during this investigation, you can think again.”
My mouth dropped open.
Score one, two and three to Liam.
***
Liam
Jesus Christ, she was something else. The little minx was fucking me around and doing a damn good job at it.
My instructions for this job had been clear: get in and get out fast. Zane was sure he knew who was behind the break-ins at Roxie’s hair salon so when Scott had called in a favour he hadn’t hesitated to agree to it. However, I’d just spent the last hour going over this particular break-in with a fine tooth comb and I was convinced this was the work of someone else, not the crew that Zane thought. I was also sure that Roxie had an idea of who was committing these break-ins. Why she was keeping that to herself, I was yet to figure out.
She was currently glaring at me after I’d just informed her I’d be going with her to find this guy she’d slept with. Fuck. I had no idea why I’d said I would go with her and I also had no clue why she hadn’t challenged me on it because she sure as fuck had challenged me on everything else this morning.
Bobby broke the tension between us. “Sweet cakes, your first client will be here in about ten minutes. You right to do it or do you want me to take over?” He winked at me and then suggested, “I could always take over here with Liam while you look after the clients.”
I had to hand it to him; he was persistent. A good quality to have, but it wouldn’t get him far with me on this; I was one hundred percent a pussy man.
“I think that Liam and I are finished here.” She looked back at me. “Is that right?”
“For now. I’ve gotta take off to get to another job but I’ll be back when you close so that you and I can take care of the matter we just discussed.”
“You want to do that tonight?”
I nodded. “We need to find him as soon as possible.”
Bobby was confused. “Who do you need to find?”
I didn’t answer him but rather waited for Roxie to tell him; it wasn’t my business to share her personal information.
She glared at me again; what for, I wasn’t sure. “Apparently we need to find that guy I slept with the other night. Liam’s convinced he might be the one breaking in.”
Women and their exaggerations never failed to shit me. “I never said that, but I would like to clear him from the investigation,” I said calmly; much more calmly than I was feeling it on the inside.
My phone rang which made my fucking moment; I needed a break from Roxie and her attitude.
It was Zane. “Liam, you nearly finished with the hairdresser?”
“Yeah, but it’s not Red’s crew doing these break-ins so I’m going to have to spend some more time on this one.”
“Fuck,” he muttered, “Was hoping you wouldn’t say that.”
“I’m just about to leave and head over to the other job you emailed.”
“Good, I told them you’d be there in about twenty.”
“I’ll call you once I’m finished that one and let you know how it goes,” I promised and we ended the call. I’d been working for Zane for about three years now and we had an easy work relationship; our thinking patterns were fairly similar which meant we didn’t have to explain ourselves too much and there were pretty much no miscommunications. Just the way I liked it.
I turned back to Roxie but she’d left me and it looked like she was getting ready for her client. This gave me a reprieve from her smart mouth; it also gave me a moment to rake my gaze over her. She was unlike any woman I’d ever met; in looks and attitude. She was so far from my type it wasn’t funny, and yet, the bulge in my jeans disagreed. Roxie had long hair that was a mix of pink and purple, and a face full of makeup; far more makeup than I usually liked on a woman. Her arms were covered in colour tattoos, as was the part of her chest exposed above her tank top. And Christ, there were even more fucking tattoos on her neck. I wasn’t a fan of tattoos on a woman; didn’t find them at
tractive at all. She had on the tightest black jeans known to mankind and a loose, black tank top that flashed more of her breasts than I’d ever want a woman of mine to flash. And those heels she was wearing? How the hell a hairdresser stood for eight or more hours a day in heels that high was beyond me.
Zane had told me that Scott and his boys weren’t keen to work with her on this but that his sister had bugged them to help her. After spending as little as ten minutes with her, I could see why they felt that way. She was difficult, and full of attitude, but there was something else there; something I hadn’t put my finger on yet but I’d work it out. Not to fucking mention the fact that her challenging nature turned me the fuck on. God knew why, because it also frustrated the hell out of me. Tonight would be interesting to say the least.
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About the Author
Nina Levine is an Aussie writer who writes stories about hot, alpha men and the tough, independent women they love.
When she isn’t creating with words, she loves to create with paint and paper. Often though, she can be found curled up with a good book and some chocolate.
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The Beginning: A Duet by Jani Kay
If you love biker books, you will LOVE this series by USA Today Bestselling author Jani Kay!
THE BEGINNING: A Duet is the story of The Princess & The Biker.
A modern day Romeo & Juliet story.
Ryder Knox wants freedom from the hatred churning in his gut. Saved by the Scorpio Stingers MC boys, he owes his life and allegiance to them—they are his family.
He doesn’t need a smart mouthed woman who pushes every one of his buttons. But he can’t get Jade out of his head.
Jade Summers is a good girl. She wants a man just like her lawyer daddy.
Not the alpha male biker who storms into her life, who looks like a sex god with tattoos and piercings. He’s demanding, controlling and won’t take no for an answer.
Their chemistry is off the charts and they are drawn to one another like magnets. Neither can resist the other.
Two worlds collide. Their families are determined to tear them apart.
With everything stacked against them, is what they have strong enough to overcome the odds?
They must choose: family or one another.
The ultimate price may be too high.
Will their polar opposite worlds destroy and rip them apart forever?
This book is intended for mature audiences (18+) due to language and adult sexual situations.
THE BEGINNING: A Duet contains:
Book #0.5 RYDER (Prequel)
PLUS Book #1 TWO WORLDS COLLIDING
PLUS 5 BONUS Chapters
Book #2: Unchain My Heart is out now.
The story of the Beauty and the Beast: Can Eva unchain Harrison's cold and unyielding heart?
Add to your TBR on Goodreads.
The Beginning: A Duet
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22500535-the-beginning——a-duet
Unchain My Heart
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20985987-unchain-my-heart
Sneak Peek of Control Me by Elle Raven
Synopsis
He knows what he wants.
He wants her.
Only on his terms.
To save her failing family empire, the stunning yet feisty heiress Jada Sinclair must find a way to keep the Sinclair Winery in the family. She is barely keeping things afloat due to her father's bad business decisions. The only person who can help her family is the multi-billionaire tycoon Max Brunetti. Can she trust him, or will she be selling her soul to the devil himself?
Ruthless and powerful, Max Brunetti wants to take over the Sinclair Vineyard to expand his own family corporation, and he will do everything in his power to get it. In order to gain the vineyard, he needs to make the Sinclair family an offer they cannot refuse. And he knows exactly what he wants in return.
*The Barossa Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions. Located in South Australia, the Barossa Valley is about 56 km northeast of the city of Adelaide.
***
PROLOGUE
Sydney, Australia
Jada
"Holy hell, Jada, you look amazing!” my best friend Mia Brunetti shrieked. "You’re going to knock everyone dead tonight! Everyone at that awards ceremony is going to go crazy when they see you in this hot number. It is so elegant, yet so sexy!"
Looking at my reflection in the mirror made me smile with appreciation. Yes, the gown I was wearing was a stunning creation, specifically designed for me by the famous Australian designer Paolo Sebastian.
It was a beautiful, light and sheer nude-coloured gown. Reminiscent of the early 1950s styles and inspired by style icons such as Marie Antoinette and Audrey Hepburn. The bodice was sheer and tight, and it fit my torso like a glove. Covering my breasts were beaded embellishments that typify a Paolo Sebastian gown. The skirt was free flowing with delicate layers of tulle, making it glistening and romantic. Yes, it was ‘sexy', as Mia described, exposing a hint of my bare, tanned legs with every graceful step I took. My tie-up satin heels resembled high-heeled ballet flats. With the gown’s neckline, there was no need for a necklace. My blonde tresses had been gracefully swept in an up-do, and I opted for simple, classic teardrop earrings.
My life was blessed. I had my best friend Mia with me by my side, helping me prepare for the Arenas. National and international actors, actresses, models and entertainers gathered to celebrate the Australian fashion industry on this one glamorous night.
As one of Australia's top models, I had been invited to present the award for Australian Fashion Designer of the year. What an honour and privilege this night was for me! I had worked so hard over the past eight years to make my modelling career a success.
My life had changed so much from growing up as a child in the beautiful wine country of the Barossa Valley in Adelaide. This was something I always looked back on with fond memories. I had been living away from home for over eight years, and I really missed my parents, my younger sister and my friends, especially Mia. She was like another sister to me. Mia was the greatest friend a girl could ever wish for.
Being based in Sydney and travelling to the most amazing destinations all over the world was beyond my wildest dreams. Life couldn't get any more exciting than this; I was truly blessed.
My life was perfect. Just perfect.
******
I could taste blood.
I could feel blood.
I could see blood.
I could smell blood.
Where was all this blood coming from? I had no idea. I was in so much pain.
The moment his fist connected with my face, blood splattered everywhere; that was how hard he hit me. I tumbled to the floor, hitting my head on the marble top of the dresser in my dressing room. I felt extreme pain everywhere.
Tonight would be the night I died. Tate Turner was going to kill me; I was sure of it.
He was so angry, so relentless, using the force of his fist to punch me continuously. I could feel the harsh impact of his bony knuckles connecting with my body with every blow. His big, thick hands were so forceful that I was beginning to feel giddy and dizzy. It was only a matter of time before I would pass out.
I cou
ld barely make out his face through all the blood that was dripping from my own face. mine. It trickled from my nose and went into my mouth. He was looking at me with an evil grin, laughing. The look on his face was a look of extreme hatred.
"Get up, bitch!" he yelled.
I tried my hardest to get up, but as I slowly stood, the room began to sway and I flopped back down again, causing me to wince from the pain.
He walked toward me, rolled me over onto my side, and continued to scream at me, "Did you hear me? I said get the fuck up, bitch!"
Agonizing pain coursed through my body as he proceeded to kick me, over and over again, repeating the same action in the same spot on my stomach. It hurt so damn much. I was convinced he was wearing steel-capped boots because I could feel something piercing into my abdomen.
Holy shit! My head. My stomach...Oh, God, it hurts. I can't...breathe. Every breath I tried to take made my head feel like it was going to explode. My abdomen was now cramping up and seizing like a vise from the amount of times he'd brutally kicked me.
"You don't look so beautiful now, do you, top model? This is all your fault, goddamn it! All your fucking fault. If you had just signed those papers when I told you to, I wouldn't have to beat the shit out of you now, would I?"
"Fuck. You. Tate Turner. I will...never...never sign over my share of the Sinclair Winery to you. NEVER!" Losing consciousness, I could barely get the words out. The blood continued to drip down my face, and the pain in my abdomen became more excruciating by the minute.
I looked into his eyes. The anger I saw there caused a chill to run up and down my spine. In the past, I had tried, without much success, to avoid him so many times. I knew he was trouble and every time he tried to contact me, I brushed him off. I refused his so-called 'dinner dates'. I returned all the flowers and gifts he'd left for me at my apartment and at all my photo-shoots. He had been stalking me for months. I may be blonde, but I was not stupid. If he thought I was some blonde bimbo model who would sign anything he waved at me, he was wrong.
I knew what he wanted, what he was after: the Sinclair Winery. He'd embezzled most of my father’s money, and now he wanted my share of the winery. He was my father’s worst enemy. How the hell had he gotten past security and into my dressing room?
