by Gina Kincade
“Good night,” she finally managed after several hard swallows past a huge lump in her throat. She gave each of them a tight hug. “Get some rest.”
The moment Damon closed the door to the suite right next to the twins, Ava threw herself into his arms. “Thank you for that,” she whispered into his neck, unable to utter the words any louder with the emotion clogging her throat.
Damon wrapped his arms around her. “He’ll grow into a fine young man. It’s good to instill and encourage these values at a young age.”
Unable to say more, she nodded, absorbing his strength and presence. In less than a day, this man—her mate—had become her everything. When she’d stood at the Citadel, gathering her courage to knock, she couldn’t have imagined her life would have changed so drastically.
For the first time since her mother had died, she pictured a future where she was happy. One where she could have children of her own and a mate who loved her as much as she loved him.
It was fast, and she wouldn’t kid herself into thinking there wouldn’t be adjustment issues to deal with, but they’d get through them and come out stronger in the end. Damon had already proven his worth many times over. He was a good man. Whatever obstacles came their way, they would surmount them. Together.
About the Author
Self-proclaimed tropical princess, Élianne Adams has no idea how she came to be born and live in snowy Ontario, Canada. She has always enjoyed curling up with a good book and a warm blanket. Even before she really knew what love was, she dreamed of writing her own happily ever after stories. It wasn’t until her very own hero encouraged her to follow her lifelong dream that she began putting the words begging to be told onto the page. When she isn’t reading or writing, Élianne can be found spending time with her husband, three children and pets.
Ready to find out more about Élianne Adams?
Check out her website, and sign up for her newsletter. She can be found on on Facebook, Twitter, and be sure to check her out on her Bookbub page!
If you liked Damon, you’ll want to check out these other books by Élianne Adams.
Releasing Her Dragon
Her Gingerbread Dragon
Finding His Dragon
His Secret Dragon
Saving His Dragon
Keeping His Dragon
Torment
Betrayal
Wrath
Northern Sass
Kiss and Tell
by Monica Corwin
Copyright © 2017 by Monica Corwin
Cover by: Victoria Miller
Dedication
For Beth who always believes in me,
no matter how stupid my idea might seem.
In a world of one night stands and friends with benefits, Tony is ready to experience all life has to offer, if only Jeremy could allow her to forget his hands, his mouth, and his proposal.
Tonya McGregor has everything a girl could want except...a man. Well, she has a man, just not one she wants. Transferred overseas to her international office, her father intends to teach her about the market. Instead of learning the lay of the land, she starts learning the men, including her sexy ex across the hall. On the advice of her best friend, Tonya takes a more active role in her love life, effectively ruining it for good.
Jeremy Brandt left New York City to get away from the rejection, the pain, and humiliation of falling for the boss's daughter. Self-imposed exile in South Korea turns distracting once Tonya sweeps into the Seoul office. Sleepless nights and long days spent between Tony's thighs ignite emotions Jeremy thought he buried long ago.
The mistake of a lifetime throws Tonya back into Jeremy's arms and each day that passes they drive closer to finally holding on to something real or losing it forever.
Chapter One
His lips were hot and heavy against mine, his hair silky as I ran my hands through the strands.
"Oh Jer, please," I begged between kisses and wrapped my leg around his, digging my heel into his calf to give him more incentive. He kissed me harder for a brief moment, then pulled away.
"No, not done yet." I grabbed his face and pulled him back.
"Give me what I want and I'm all yours. I'll take you right here against your desk, just the way you like it." The memory of gripping his ass as he thrust into me turned up the heat simmering through my blood. Those images were followed by a vision of me in white and all the heat and passion took a nosedive, leaving me completely cold.
"Jer..."
He jerked away and turned his back to me. I sighed and stood up, arranging my skirt and slipping back into my heels. We were obviously done here and I wasn't about to have this fight while barefoot, again.
"Why don't you want to be with me?" he asked, still not facing me.
I slowly walked around my desk, straightening pictures and other stuff that had been messed up by my ass being abruptly planted on it. I needed the time to formulate my response. I wanted to be with him, but I didn't want the same things he wanted.
"I never said I don't want to be with you," I said. "It's you who needs all or nothing."
He swung around to face me. "I can't meet your father's eye and tell him we are together unless there is a ring on your finger."
"Jeremy, I'm 25 years old. I still have a lot of living to do before I get married."
"You mean a lot of fucking to do."
Ouch. "What sort of living I do is none of your business. As you pointed out, we aren't together."
He moved toward me and gripped my upper arms hard. "How many men have you fucked since me, huh, how many?"
I locked eyes with him, remaining still. "Get your hands off me, or so help me God I will knee you in the balls."
He released me, but stayed close, right up in my face.
"Listen here," I said. "Who I fuck is none of your business. If I want to walk around screwing barnyard animals, it is none of your concern."
He pursed his lips. I could tell he was angry. I was too, and I wasn't finished.
"You have no right to treat me this way. You came into my office with your penis raised. You're the one who kissed me."
He blew out a breath and headed for the door, stopping just inside the frame.
"This is over."
"This never started," I retorted.
He scowled and stormed out. I swear, some men PMS more than women do.
I shook my head and sat down behind my desk. It was a losing battle. I had raged through this exact same fight with Jeremy hundreds of times. Every single time we seem to gravitate back to each other, he asks me to marry him, I say no, he gets pissed, and leaves. Then the cycle starts all over again.
He's lucky he's hot or I would have told him to go fuck himself many years ago. It didn't matter that he was my first, and it didn't matter that I hadn't had sex with anyone else, but him.
He didn't need to know that, because more than likely, he would take it as a sign I was waiting for him. Needy bastard.
I clicked on Skype and called my friend Camille.
Her face appeared on the screen, coffee in hand. She was still in her pajamas, but her impossibly long hair was braided neatly and hung over one shoulder. She was stunning in no uncertain terms.
"Hola chica! How's Korea?"
"It's..." I would have said 'fine, just fine'... but no, it wasn't. "Horrible."
Her face instantly became a mask of concern, "Oh no. What's wrong?"
I dropped my forehead on my desk. "Where should I start?"
"What? I can't hear you with a face full of desk."
I looked up at her. I said, "Where do you want me to start?"
She took a sip of her coffee, looking thoughtful. "Probably with Mr. Brandt."
I groaned. "We made out; he started with his usual crap, and stormed out."
"So, it's Tuesday."
"Pretty much" I agreed, "he said that we're over."
She laughed. "Haven't you been over?"
"For like a year now, but tell him that."
Behind Camille's head appeared a very well formed backside. I watched it enter her bathroom. I blinked as the door closed behind him.
"Camille, there is a naked man in your bathroom."
She blushed. I could see her face turn bright red even through the camera.
"Who is that?" Cami turned around to look and then back to me.
"He's Paulo." She said it as if it were an inconsequential detail I should have already known.
"Who's Paulo?"
"A man I met online, went on a couple dates with, and now we are seeing each other."
"Wait, you met him online? Where?"
She looked a little guilty, already guessing my reaction, "Bobsindex.com."
I grabbed the computer and nearly pressed my face against the screen. She needed to see me.
"Camille! Haven't you seen that lifetime movie where the girls got murdered after meeting men from that site?"
She waved her hand. "In America maybe, but this is Spain. People don't do stuff like that in Spain."
"Oh, so the Spanish are immune to murder and rape? Well, Americans aren't and they certainly visit Spain. Obviously, you're there. No telling what crazies are there with you."
She waved her hand at me, again. "Calm down. I was safe. I screened him well before we met in person."
"Oh well, as long as you screened him." I dropped my face into my hands.
"You saw him. I would risk being murdered for that!"
I chuckled. She was fine, alive, and he was definitely nice to look at. "Just be careful, okay?"
"So what else is wrong with Korea? You have avoided the topic long enough."
"Besides Jeremy, no guys are interested in me."
"What? How do you mean?"
"In Korea, it is socially unacceptable for a Korean man to date a non-Korean woman. It's just not done. So, I haven't had one date since I got here. There are a couple of women here at the company I talk to, but none want to go out with me. Apparently white is contagious in the dating department." I dropped my head on the desk again, "I want to go home," I whined.
"How long do you have to stay there?"
I lifted my head in time to see Camille's man toy come out of the bathroom. I turned my head sideways to get a better look and Camille turned to look too. We both stared until he left the room again.
I smiled. "Until Daddy says I have enough experience in our international market. He thinks Jeremy is a good influence on me even though we do two completely different jobs."
Camille was still staring after the man.
"Go. I'll call you later."
She turned back. "Okay, te quiero. Bye."
I ended the call, still longing for my friend a whole continent away. I could call Lucy but she was probably still asleep, and I didn't want to wake her. Trying to find some semblance of peace, I started to look over reports, but they soon bored me. It was time to call it a day.
I grabbed my bag and headed out the door, careful to wish the security guard a good evening in Korean. This country was all about respect and tradition. Why my father sent me here I have no idea, because this country was still very much about the men being in power. Maybe that's why Jeremy enjoyed it here so much.
I sighed, shaking my head to get him out of my thoughts.
Jeremy was not the only man on the planet, and definitely not the only man willing to sleep with me in this damn country. My driver came around quickly and opened the door. I thought about my options as I watched the city of Seoul come alive around me. Bright lights were flickering on for food, entertainment, and anything else you might want. The city shone bright in the twilight and I wished Jeremy wasn't such a stubborn ass. It would have been nice to get to know this place with him.
Chapter Two
Back in my loft I stripped down to my underwear and cami then walked through the space, flipping on lights as I went. The city was bright and beckoning from the window, but I didn't even feel like trying tonight. There was never any use. I grabbed some wine and a glass and headed toward the couch. It enveloped me as I sank in, the computer already open on my lap.
Maybe Camille had a point. Maybe I should look elsewhere for a man. Cyberspace is usually considered dangerous, but if a girl took the proper precautions, there was no reason she couldn't have a pleasant experience.
I navigated to Bobsindex.com and made my way through the various "w4m" prompts until I came up with a very short list. Opening the first hotlink I looked, and immediately closed it again. Nope, I wasn't going to be touching that one. I opened another one; he was older than I was looking for, but it couldn't hurt to take a peek. Upon opening the link I was pleasantly surprised by a picture of toned and tight abs. Somehow I doubted that was really the person...how many people actually look like that?
Moving on, I went through the whole list, saw one penis after another in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and found nothing I was really interested in. I sat back and thought about it, already on my second glass of wine. Maybe there was a man out there doing the same thing I was, peeling through the various ads, getting nowhere. Why not post my own? I could keep it classy, definitely not on the level some of these were; maybe a classy ad might attract a classy guy.
I opened a new window and began drafting my own ad for Bobsindex.
Dear Potential Suitors,
First things first: You're probably wondering what I look like. I've got long blonde hair that brushes my waist, blue eyes, and full soft lips. I'm not thin or fat. I've got a body that curves in all the right places; I think the kids these days call it 'thick.' *shrug* I'm decent to look at if I do say so myself. I'm looking for a guy who can have fun, who's laid back, and who's in relatively good shape. You don't have to be perfect, just confident about what you have. Please respond with a picture or I won't be answering your reply. Also, if you send a picture of your dick I'll send you back a picture of a dick. I can't wait to hear from you. Here's a picture to whet your appetite.
XOXO
Me
I attached a photograph, hit send and did the verification. Pleased with myself, I poured another glass of wine and waited for responses. They came at an alarming rate.
I opened the first one and was greeted by a picture of a big penis. The next picture was also of a big penis. I tilted my head slightly to get the proportion in my head. He was...weighty. I opened the first email and sent the second guy's picture to him and vice versa. I did give them fair warning. Now they could make one giant, non-listening, large penis family.
Clicking quickly through the responses, I put the jerks who couldn't read in a separate file. Finally I was left with the responses from those who actually read the post.
I scanned the list of email subjects, avoiding those that said, "Looking for the one."
"You might be, but I'm not her," I told my computer.
Finally, I clicked one that said, "Looking for a good time."
"Let's just see what kind of good time you are looking for."
I scanned down and started to read:
Dear Ms. Me,
I am looking for someone who seems to fit your description. I'm also currently looking to have some fun. I want to enjoy Seoul while I'm here and get to know the culture a little bit. It would also help if I were accompanied by a beautiful woman. I attached a picture, please let me know what you think.
Mr. Right Now
I smiled at the signature and clicked the picture. Then, I double clicked the picture to make it as big as my computer screen. He was gorgeous! I took a deep breath. If he looked like this in real life, why was he looking for hookups on Bobsindex?
Maybe the same reason I am, I thought.
I needed to be sure this was really him first. I hit reply:
Dear Mr. Right Now,
I am happy you decided to contact me. I attached a picture of myself, but I think I would like to see another picture of you, just to verify you are who you say you are. You never know with serial killers around every corner. Once I verify I can cont
inue this discussion if you would like.
Thank you,
Me (also known as Tony)
It wouldn't hurt to give him my first name. After all there have to be hundreds of thousands of women named Tony. I sat back and thought about clicking on some more responses but decided to hold off. Mr. Right Now looked exactly like Tom Hardy and if that was really what he looked like, I was not going to pass that up.
I was starting my final glass of wine when I got a response. I opened it:
Dear Tony,
I attached a picture as you requested and I have to say you are gorgeous. Generous in all the right places...
I glanced down at my belly under the laptop. Generous was a very nice way to word that.
I am here in Seoul on business for the month and I am looking for someone I can hang out with, shop with, wander the city with, etc. Do any of these things appeal to you? Please tell me what you like to do.
Mr. Right Now (aka Steve)
I opened the picture and it was another breathtaking shot, same man, same rock hard body, and this time shirtless on the beach. Thank God for beaches.
I replied:
Steve,
I'm very happy you decided to write back. I'm also in Seoul for business but it's until the job is complete, so I am not sure when I can leave. I enjoy long walks on the beach, kissing in the moonlight, you know, the usual. I also would like 3.5 children and a husband as soon as possible.
Tony
Let's see if he gets my sense of humor. The response came faster than expected.
Tony,
Then by all means please accept my proposal of marriage and let me whisk you away on my white horse. I would however quickly deposit you in my kitchen barefoot where you will stay until you have our child. Just saying...
Steve
I laughed out loud, my guffaw bouncing off the bare walls I hadn't taken the time to decorate.
