To Christine Stanley at The Hype PR. Thank you for always having my back, baby cakes!
To my TBR sister’s, betas, ARC readers, bloggers, readers, lovers, and haters. Thank you. This journey has taught me to believe in myself, to find inner strength, and to challenge myself.
I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Much love,
Brooke xo
DANGEROUS TEMPTATIONS EXCERPT
Blurb:
One night was all it took…
One night to ruin everything I thought I knew.
From the outside, I had the perfect lifestyle.
Wealthy fiancé, blossoming career, amazing friends.
I wasn’t looking to get married yet, but when William—”Manhattan’s royalty”—charmed his way into my life, I couldn’t deny the security and comfort that overcame me.
To society, I was the girl only after his money. I was the party-goer who managed to seduce a man twice my age to have the lifestyle some could only dream of. I was every magazine’s cliché of what a gold-digging whore was.
I wanted to prove them wrong—that our love was real and that I wasn’t that girl.
But then everything changed.
One wrong decision. One unfaithful night. One haunting reality.
Perhaps they were right.
The media didn’t see it coming…and neither did I.
Excerpt:
“Good morning,” I heard Alex before I saw him, but my body instantly reacted. I sat up taller, my body tensing just at the sound of his voice.
I swallowed and answered, “Morning.” I was still actively trying to avoid him, but I knew I couldn’t for long. He seemed to find ways to interrupt any quiet and alone time I had. “You’re up early,” I said just before seeing that he was in running shorts and sweat was dripping from his bare chest. His hair was slicked back and his body looked tight as if he had just worked out. “You run?” I asked, a bit shocked I didn’t know this before now.
“Yes.” He walked to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water out.
“Since when?” I asked but then shoved a bite of bagel in my mouth. I should be ignoring him. Avoiding him. Anything but talking to him while he stood looking like that in front of me.
“Keeping tabs on me now?” I could tell he was smirking by the flirty tone in his voice.
“No. Was just asking.”
“Good looks and tight muscles don’t just happen overnight.”
“You’re so arrogant,” I spat out, finishing my juice and bagel so I could get the hell out of there.
“I’d say confident, which most chicks dig, by the way.” He winked, and I wanted to slap that stupid grin right off his face. He knew what he was doing, and I wasn’t going to let him.
“Well, good thing I’m not most chicks. I, for one, have a brain.”
“Well, then it’s a good thing I know what your favorite bagel is. Brain food is important, you know,” he said, amusement lay heavily in his tone, and I suddenly felt the urge to throw something at him.
“The bagels are from you?” I asked shocked and a bit pissed off at myself for not considering it.
“That’s right, sweetheart. Glad to know you’re enjoying them.”
“How’d you know my favorite flavor?” I asked a bit self-conscious.
He walked toward me, eyes focused on me and intense. “I know a lot about you.”
I swallowed and let his eyes captivate me for a moment. I shook my head, needing to break the tension. I quickly stood up and walked to the sink. “Oh, yeah…I hear it’s real hard to navigate Google.”
“Everything I know about you is from experience and observation, Mac. I don’t need Google,” he said seriously, his voice almost pained from the accusation.
“You’ve known me for like five minutes, Alex.”
“Actually, I’ve known you for almost three weeks, Mac. I know it’s not a hell of a lot of time, but every second has counted in some way.”
“Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. Eventually, you’ll move out, and I’ll only have to put up with you on holidays and birthdays,” I said smugly, hoping to piss him off.
I turned around to grab my things to leave, but he was standing directly behind me and caged me in with his solid arms. “I’ll guaran-fucking-tee you, holidays and birthdays would never be enough with you. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure of it.”
“You’re crazy, you know that? Stop chasing after something you’ll never catch,” I threatened and meaning every word.
“Oh, sweetheart,” he says, amusement thick in his tone as he looked down at me and smirked. “You’re ignorant if you think all you are is a chase for me. If that were the case, I’d push that skin-tight skirt over your hips and fuck you up against this counter.” I swallowed as he leaned in even closer, grazing his lips against mine as he continued just above a whisper, “I’ve already had a taste of you…on my tongue, on my cock. I’ve already been buried deep inside of you as your tits bounced in my face. I didn’t need to chase that hard in the first place, so if that were the case, I’d stop wanting you.”
“You can’t talk to me like that.”
“Says who, princess?”
Anger boiled in my blood as he challenged me. The way he was looking at me, reminding every cell in my body how close we were. My chest rose and fell as my heart pounded hard against his body. I wanted him in a way that didn’t make sense. I wanted to hate him. But the flashes of our night together haunted me. I wanted to remember, I wanted to feel what he felt like, even just for a moment. And that feeling scared the hell out of me.
I didn’t know how to respond, so I did the only thing I could to relieve the ache.
I wrapped my arms around his neck and pushed our faces together, molding our lips as one. His body jerked in response, cupping my face in both of his hands. I released a moan as he pressed himself into me, rubbing the length of his erection against my stomach. His hands moved down to my waist and thighs, cupping my ass and lifting me up on the counter. His hands roamed up my legs, pushing my skirt up with them. I spread my legs wider for him, leaving no space between us as he stood in front of me.
His mouth was greedy and hot, kissing me fiercely and with no apologies. His hands continued exploring my body as our tongues tangled in a messy battle. One hand pressed against my face as the other slid up and down my body from my breast down to my waist.
I became lost in him, in us. My body remembered everything about how he made me feel, but my mind was still catching up. It was obvious—the tension between us palpable—heavy, hot breathing, the only sounds in the room. It was wrong, but I didn’t know how to stop it. My body craved it, my mind took it, and my mouth devoured it.
He was my kryptonite. I was his addiction.
I squeezed my hands around his biceps, keeping him close to me. One hand wandered down further and squeezed my thigh. I moaned in response, his fingers tangling in the fabric of my panties.
My back arched as his mouth moved to my throat. I put both hands behind me as his lips continued devouring the flesh of my bare neck and chest. His fingers moved my panties to one side as he slipped a finger inside of me, sending a harsh shiver down my body. “You like this?” he taunted, pulling his hand back slightly. I groaned in response. “Or something more like this?” he whispered as he trailed up to my ear. He twisted his wrist and sunk it in deeper, making my hips jerk in response.
“Oh, god…” The moans I tried to hold in were uncaged. My hips moved on their own accord as my body heated from the arousal he was building up inside me. His lips covered my mouth again, soaking up the moans and screams I could barely contain. He worked another finger in, twisting and stroking deeper and harder. “Yes…yes…” I panted—an orgasm just within reach. I couldn’t think, only feel and he was making me feel something I had never felt before.
Just as I felt my body tighten, Alex released his hold on me and jerked away. I quickly opened my eyes in response, shocked and embarrassed that
he had stopped just before letting me release on his fingers.
I could feel the flush across my face as my chest rose and fell again, my heartbeat vibrating loudly against my ribs. He looked dangerous…his eyes tense and his hands balled into fists.
“Alex…” I panted, gripping my hands against the edge of the counter.
He stepped toward me, pressing his forehead to mine. His heavy breathing matched mine as we struggled to catch our breaths. Realization finally washed over me and I felt worse than ever.
“Not like this…” he began, guilt rising up in my core at how pained his voice sounded. “Not here.”
I closed my eyes to keep the tears from coming, but my body was so worked up, and my mind was spinning out of control between what my body wanted and what my mind knew.
I wanted to say something, to beg him to forget this ever happened, but I couldn’t get the words to come out. He leaned back on his heels and turned away, storming out of the kitchen and leaving me behind.
I jumped off the counter and sunk to the ground. I buried my head in my knees as tears leaked down my cheeks. How could I let that happen?
BUY IT HERE ON AMAZON!
PUSHING THE LIMITS EXCERPT
Blurb:
From USA Today Bestselling Author comes a new adult student/teacher romance that will have you laughing one moment and crying the next...
He’s my art professor.
I’m his student.
With an electric connection and undeniable chemistry, I know it won’t be long until one of us cracks.
When the opportunity arises to pose naked for the entire art class, I can’t help the thrill of knowing he’ll be watching me.
While they all look past me with their eyes narrowed and concentrated, drawing only the lines and angles of my body, he sees right through me down to my vulnerability.
He sees more than just the physical aspects—he sees me.
That’s when I see the struggle in his features as he tries to stay in control.
How do we keep our distance when everything seems to be pulling us together?
What feels so right can only go wrong if we keep pushing the limits.
Recommended for 18 & above due to explicit sexual content, language, and adult content.
*Pushing the Limits is a 101,000 words standalone.*
Excerpt:
I try to block thoughts of Professor Hampton out of my head, but after seeing him at the gallery, it’s all I’ve been able to focus on. I end up walking into the wrong classroom for my Monday morning course and even lock myself out of my apartment. I called the landlord, but of course, he didn’t answer or return my calls. I decided to wait outside of Kendall and Zoe’s apartment until one of them gets home since we exchanged spare keys months ago. But even sitting and waiting in the hallway for one of them to show, he consumes my thoughts completely.
I know nothing good can come from this fascination I feel for him. This is the exact reason I keep my distance in the first place and get involved with guys that mean nothing to me, but he’s making it really hard to stay away.
If my past has taught me anything, it’s to not get attached. I don’t talk about my past or why I prefer to live alone. Kendall’s asked me a million times why I don’t have a roommate or why I don’t date exclusively. I just give her or anyone else that asks a vague explanation—I prefer to paint and work alone, and I don’t need the distraction of a relationship right now. It seems to work most of the time, but Kendall has tried to dig for more. I just brush it off and change the subject. Although I have told her bits and pieces of my past, including parts of Ariel, it’s all she knows. No one besides me knows the whole story.
And if I’ve learned anything from this past week—guys are definitely a distraction.
Then today I got stuck staying later than usual for my shift at the gallery, and now I’m running so damn late for Professor Hampton’s class. Once I finally got off work, I ran home to grab my school bag and change clothes. However, I spent much more time than necessary trying to pick out an outfit.
After circling the parking lot, searching unsuccessfully for a spot, I give up and park on the street. I sigh and grab my bag just as it starts sprinkling out. It’s a longer walk, so I dig through my trunk for my umbrella, but it’s not in there.
Great.
I look up and see the dark clouds moving in. I beg them not to rain just yet. Just wait, I plead. I slam my trunk down and begin walking. I pull my sweater tighter against my chest and keep my head low.
I’m about half way there when the skies unleash, drenching me in a matter of seconds. Son-of-a-bitch. I try to walk faster, but it’s no use. I’m completely soaked.
I grab the railing to the staircase that leads to the LAB building. As soon as I take the first step, my heel slips against the wet cement, and I’m mere milliseconds from face planting.
An arm catches me from the side, wrapping around my waist and pulling me up before I can even comprehend someone is there. I notice the rain has stopped pouring over me, giving me the opportunity to stabilize myself. Once both feet are firmly on the ground, I inhale deeply, feeling relief.
“Are you okay?”
My eyes widen as I hear Professor Hampton’s voice next to me. I swallow and turn to face him. “Yes, thanks to you.” I try to sound casual, but the nerves in my voice make it impossible to look unaffected by him.
“You almost gave yourself a shiner there.” His lips curve into a sympathetic smile. “Let me walk with you.” He releases his grip on me, and I now notice he’s holding an umbrella over me.
“I swear I’m not always this jumpy and clumsy.” I lean into him as we walk up the rest of the steps, but he acts unaffected.
“You need to be closer,” he says, throwing me off guard. Before I can respond, he pulls me tighter to his side. “The umbrella isn’t wide enough,” he answers my unspoken question. I nod in return and keep my head down as he leads us into the building. His body feels warm against mine, his scent overpowering my senses.
“Thank you,” I say as soon as we’re inside and out of the rain. He shakes the umbrella off before closing it. “Oh, shit,” I gasp, taking a step closer to him and pressing my hand to his chest. “I got your suit jacket all wet.” I panic and begin brushing the water off but stop when his hand covers mine.
“It’s okay, Aspen.” His eyes stare intently into mine. “A little water won’t kill me.” His voice sounds so sincere and rough at the same time. How does he do that?
We stand there, staring at each other, unmoving. My stomach is somersaulting at the way his hand feels against mine. The way his eyes are looking at me, I can’t bring myself to break away.
The sound of the building door opening and closing breaks me out of my trance. I take a step back and remove my hand from his chest. I turn and see Professor Van Bergen staring suspiciously at us. She teaches art classes for freshmen and sophomores. I’ve had her as a teacher a few times as well. She’s in her mid-thirties, but the scowl that’s permanently etched on her face makes her look over fifty.
Professor Hampton clears his throat and shoves a hand in his pocket. “Claire,” he greets, nodding in her direction with a forced smile.
My breathing speeds up as I notice the intense stare she’s giving us. My mind starts spinning at what she must be assuming right now. My hand was on his chest, our bodies just inches apart.
After Saturday’s tour, I can’t deny the chemistry between us. I know he feels it too, but that doesn’t mean anything. He’s my professor. It would risk everything, and that’s why I must resist those irresistible dimples and charming smile. I usually have no problem keeping my emotions out of it, but he’s somehow managed to get inside my head just enough to make me second guess exactly what’s going on with my body and why it reacts to him this way.
“Morgan.” She nods and looks between us before adding, “Finally raining. The trees were starting to look like corpses.”
“Yeah, we definitely
need it,” he responds politely, but I can no longer see the two of them. My eyes lower to the ground as everything becomes blurry and my heart thumps hard in my chest.
“Well, have a good night.”
“You as well.”
I hear the inner door open and the clacking of her heels as she walks down the hall.
“Are you all right?” Professor Hampton’s voice captures my attention again. “You look pale.”
I blink a few times before responding. “Yes, I just…I just need to sit down.” My knees feel weak, and I can feel the blood draining from my face.
“What’s wrong?” he quickly asks, watching me take a seat on the wet floor, not even caring that the rain from our shoes has brought water inside. “Are you ill?” he asks, repeating the same question he asked me in the bathroom that first night of class.
“No.” I shake my head and bring my knees to my chest. “I’ll be fine. I just need a minute to calm down.”
“Are you having an anxiety attack?” He kneels down in front of me.
“Feels like it,” I respond honestly. “I just need a minute. It’ll pass.”
“Do you get these a lot?”
“Sometimes…I mean, yeah, I guess. It just depends.”
“What can I do?” he asks in a rush, brushing a rough hand through his hair. “God, I feel so helpless.”
“Count with me,” I reply. “Sometimes that helps.”
He nods as I begin slowly counting, his husky voice a balm to my anxious mind. When we get to seven his warm palm is on my shoulder, his hand slowly tracking down to my elbow before he repeats the motion as we count down to one.
I inhale through my nose and slowly exhale through my mouth once more, feeling the tension ebb away.
Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set Page 64
