by Chelle Bliss
Maybe I’d treated her shitty by fucking her last night and being harsh with her this morning, but I didn’t care. The hurt she’d caused me ran deep, and the pain hadn’t dulled in the three months since the truth had come out.
Her high heel landed near my head as I slid on my boots. “Get the fuck out of here. You were the biggest mistake of my life.”
I turned and grinned. “I’m the best man you’ll ever have, babe. You’ll never forget the way I fuck you, how deeply I loved you, and how loving I was with you. You’ll crawl back to me someday, begging for it again.”
She closed her eyes, dropping her head. “Just leave, Frisco.”
I stopped in the doorway, glancing over my shoulder. “Call me when you’re missing my cock.”
“Fuck you!” she yelled, reaching over the edge of the bed.
“I will…again. That I promise you,” I called out as I headed down the hallway.
I jumped when a loud thud echoed through the small space. Most likely caused by the other heel smashing against the wall. I guessed I’d hit a chord with my ex.
I’d spent three months feeling sorry for myself. Jeanine had ripped my heart out. We’d been together for two years, and just when I’d been about to propose to her, I’d caught her fucking him. She’d begged my forgiveness, sworn it had only happened once and that it would never happen again, but I’d told her to hit the road.
It wasn’t that I’d sworn off women, but I couldn’t even think of a relationship. The ladies at the Neon Cowboy, my favorite bar and hangout, were more than happy to share my bed without a relationship.
As I walked out of her house, I knew that it was time for me to move on. Jeanine was my past, and who the fuck knew where my future would lead me.
I’d been given a fresh start and I felt ready to conquer the world. I had a kickass job at ALFA Private Investigations, a group of new friends, and my buddies at the Neon Cowboy. Pussy was in abundance. I wasn’t attached.
Life couldn’t be fuckin’ better.
I’d never needed anyone to make me feel whole. I’d spend years in the military, traveling to countries most people only read about, and served as a member of one of the most elite fighting forces—the Navy SEALs. The men I surrounded myself with were my family and everything in the world to me. We looked out for each other.
Right now, work was the name of the game.
Pussy was a recreational activity.
Variety is the spice of life, right?
Who wanted to be nailed down to one woman?
I sure as hell didn’t.
* * *
“Aren’t those the same clothes you wore yesterday?” Thomas asked as I sat down for our weekly meeting at ALFA PI.
I nodded and then shrugged. “Shit happens.”
“Who was it last night?” James asked, tossing a stack of files on the conference table.
“You don’t wanna know,” Sam said as he began to laugh.
James shook his head. “You didn’t?” he asked as he collapsed in the chair.
“She offered. I took,” I said as a slow grin spread across my face.
“Never go back,” Thomas said as he rubbed his forehead. “It never ends well.”
I leaned back in the conference chair, moving from side to side. “Ended well for me.”
“Let’s start the meeting and forget about Jeanine,” Thomas said, her name sounding acidic coming out of his mouth.
“Please.” I scrubbed my hand across my face. Her smell still lingered on my fingers, taunting me.
The guys hadn’t stopped giving me shit about her. Every time I’d say her name, they’d tell me to get the fuck over her and find a new woman.
The problem was, I found too many.
“Let’s welcome our newest member, Bear,” Thomas said, giving Bear a nod.
“I’m happy to be here,” he said.
That was Bear—serious as a heart attack, funny as fuck, and scary as hell. We’d been friends for years. We were regulars at the Neon Cowboy and both friends of Thomas’s brother Joe. We’d both jumped at the chance of working for a PI firm in town when Joe had mentioned that they were looking for new guys to hire for the crew.
“Frisco,” James said, grabbing my attention.
I dragged my eyes to him. “What’s up?”
He slid a folder down the long black table, and it stopped in front of me. “New case for you this week.”
“What is it?” I asked as I opened it and studied the contents.
“Someone wants proof that their spouse is cheating.”
I looked up as James grinned. “Getting a kick out of this, aren’t ya, man?” I asked, gritting my teeth.
“Shit happens every day to people. Just do your job and get the proof.”
“Fine,” I grumbled, reading over her details.
“Sam, where are you with your case?” Thomas asked, changing the subject and leaving me to study my next assignment.
I hadn’t taken a cheating case in three months. Thomas and James had been kind enough to pass them along to the other guys.
While James and Thomas handed new assignments out to everyone in the room, I read the information Mary Green had written. There wasn’t anything unusual. Her husband had started staying later at work, started to dress differently, changed his cologne, and started locking his phone. She suspected he was cheating and wanted proof.
“Can I just ask something real quick?” Bear asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Shoot,” James replied, motioning toward Bear and nodding.
“When the fuck did we start calling him Sam?” He pointed at Sam. “You’ll always be Flash to me. Sam just sounds so…fucking old.”
Thomas laughed as Sam’s face turned pink.
“I dropped the nickname years ago, Bear.”
“It suits you, though, pretty boy. I’m calling your ass Flash. Just putting it out there,” Bear said as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“Whatever you want,” Sam replied, holding his hands up and giving Bear the killer smile he’d been nicknamed after.
“Glad that’s settled,” Morgan chimed in, tapping his fingers on the table. “We done?”
“Are you good, Frisco?” James asked.
I nodded. “I got this. Easy case.”
“If it’s too soon, I can give it to one of the other guys.”
“What the fuck,” Morgan said, rolling his eyes.
“I’m not a pussy, man. I got it.” I lifted my chin to him as I glanced at Morgan out of the corner of my eye.
“About damn time,” Morgan said. “You back, brother?”
“I’m back.” I smiled as I stood. “And better than ever,” I said as I walked out of the room.
As I walked down the hallway toward my office, I could hear the guys laughing. I’d felt the truth in those words as I’d spoken them. I was no longer the man I had been the day before. I was better, a different version of my former self.
I was a self-described asshole, but I had a kind heart too.
One thing I knew for sure—I’d never be anyone’s doormat again.
“So it’s really over?” Bear called down the hallway as I started to walk inside my office.
I stopped and turned to face him. “Finished.”
He fist-pumped the air. “That bitch didn’t deserve you.”
“I know,” I replied, unable to stop grinning.
“Drinks tonight to celebrate my first case?”
“Sure, Bear. Neon Cowboy?”
“Fuck yeah. Where else, man?”
“I’ll be there. Now, get to work before they fire your ass before you start.”
“Pussy,” he whispered as he disappeared in his office.
I laughed as I walked into my office. After closing the door behind me, I tossed the file on my desk from across the room and took a deep breath.
Tonight was a night to celebrate.
Click here to pre-order
Unlawful Desire
&nb
sp; Releasing on 9.22.15
The Men of Inked Series
Throttle Me ~ Book 1
Hook Me ~ Book 2
Throttled ~ Book 3
Resisting ~ Book 4
Resist Me ~ Book 5
Uncover Me ~ Book 6
Without Me ~ Book 7
Each book in the Men of Inked series
can be read as a standalone.
About the Author
Click here to join the Chelle Bliss Newsletter
USA Today Bestselling author, Chelle Bliss, started writing romantic erotica two years ago. Since then, she’s written and published twelve different works and hit the USA Today Bestsellers List five times.
Chelle taught high school for ten years, spreading her passion for history to high school students in Florida and Ohio. She currently holds a Bachelors in History from Cleveland State University and a Masters of Education degree from Notre Dame College of Ohio.
She currently resides in Florida and is a full-time writer. She spends her days talking with readers, interacting with other writers, and typing as many words as possible to keep her readers happy.
For More Information
@ChelleBliss1
authorchellebliss1
www.chellebliss.com
[email protected]
Other Books by Chelle Bliss
Acknowledgments
There are so many people that helped in the creation of every book I write. I don’t even know where to start, but here goes…
Cat Mason, thanks for lusting after my fictional men. I love that you’re always willing to read my babies as soon as I offer it to you. Your support, love, and friendship have meant so much to me.
Tracy McKay…what can I say? I love you a ton. Although I’ve only wrapped my arms around you once, you’ll always hold a special place in my heart. The messages you send me are priceless.
I can’t thank the bloggers enough that have supported me over the last year and a half. You’ve been amazing. Thank you for loving the Men of Inked and your excitement for the new series. I hope you enjoyed meeting Morgan and Race. I know blogging is a tough job, but you do it with grace and kindness that I’ll never forget.
I seriously think I have the best readers in the world. The messages and emails I receive every day drive me forward and keep my fingers banging out words on the keyboard. The way you embraced the Gallos had me dumbfounded. I hope that Sinful Intent was everything you’d hoped for and that the sneak peek into Unlawful Desire has you wanting more. I can’t wait to bring the Neon Cowboy guys back into the fold. Hold on to your seats, it’s going to be one wild ride.
None of it would be possible without my guy. He put up with my bitchy attitude, complete meltdowns, and stuck by my side. He made sure I had food, love, and held me when I needed it. Each day is a new adventure and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. Thank you for being you and being by my side.
Lisa A. Hollett, my editor and friend, you are a rock star. Even in the process of moving across the country you found the time to edit SI and put up with my bullshit. Each day you made me laugh and your words were supportive and kind. Thank you for being along for the entire SI ride. I can’t wait to see what we can do in the future. Look out LA, Lisa’s on the way. Get the wine ready.
I have to thank Arran at Editing720. I’m sure your comments will make me wince and leave me wondering how badly you hated reading SI, but that’s why I love you editing my work. You’re dead honest, unyielding, and always find a way to make me laugh. I know romance isn’t your favorite read, but thank you for taking the time to read each word. I think you’ll be proud when you see I decreased the moans just for you, but probably to the dismay of my readers.
Thanks to Darren Birks and Felicia Lenarczyk for the amazing cover photo. I think you captured the essence of Race and Morgan perfectly. I appreciate how quickly you shot the cover and your professionalism through the entire process.
I don’t have enough words to the authors who have supported me. Not just helping spread the word about the Men of Inked and Sinful Intent, but also for your help and encouragement. We truly are a family. Without each other we are nothing, but together we’re a force that keeps the traditional publishing world on their toes.
To my good friend, Meredith Wild, I don’t have words for you. You’re always there to lend an ear and tell me how it is. You never hold back and remind me what’s truly important. I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see where you go from here.
Two people that always make me laugh are Aly Martinez and Mo Mabie. You girls are whores and I love you for it. You’re always quick with a sassy answer that verges on assholiness. Mo, your laugh alone brings a smile to my face. Aly, your attitude and wordiness makes me happy. I love you both. I can’t wait to squeeze you again. Aly, I’ll even let you hump my leg because I love you so much.
Thank you to Rosarita Reader for proofreading Sinful Intent and always being willing to review my newest release. It was great meeting you in Vegas last year. Bloggers like you make the journey a little more special.
Mickey Reed has been amazing. Thanks for being the final set of eyes on Morgan and Race. Thank you for being an amazing editor and friend over the last year. I appreciate all the time you spent with me.
Thank you to Fiona Wilson for doing a final read through and putting my mind at ease. I love your bad Aussie self.
I need to thank my beta readers. I drove them insane writing Sinful Intent. I think I went through at least three drafts, if not more. They were honest and kept me striving for more. I couldn’t have survived without Renita, Mandee, Malia, Patti, Maggie, Stefanie, Ashley, Wendy, Deb, Kathy, and Kaylee. You girls kick ass and I’ll always love you for your honesty.
For anyone I may have forgotten, please forgive me. I appreciate every person along my journey and the countless friends I’ve made along the way.
