The Queen's Mystery

by Jamie K. Schmidt

  Mom and Pop didn't look offended. "Unless you can read that symbol writing of theirs, it won't help. Best let him know dearie," Mom said. "We're not going anywhere and neither is this deal until he gets this."

  "Great," she said. "I'll be right back." She should have offered them coffee or lunch, but she was too agitated to be smooth and suave. She wanted to kill someone. No. She wanted to kill Byron. That churning in her stomach wasn't eagerness. It wasn't a stir of desire. It was sheer pissed-offness.

  "Whoa," Viola said as Bianca stormed into her cube. "What's the dealio?"

  "Another dragon named Byron counter offered. They have a message for Smythe's eyes only."

  "Crap. Okay. I'll handle it. You just get back in there with the Carters and keep them happy. I'll get Smythe in there as soon as possible."

  "You sure?"

  "It's my job. That's why I get paid the big bucks." Viola's sarcasm was a balm to Bianca's nerves.

  "I owe you one."

  "Yes, you do."

  Bianca wound up ordering lunch from the deli across town for the Carters, so the room smelled like garlic pickles and potato salad when Smythe stormed in.

  "You have a letter for me?" Smythe snatched it from Pop's hand. They stared at him like he was a god come down from Olympus. Truthfully, Bianca didn't see it. Or maybe she drank dragon's blood so she wouldn't have to.

  Smythe scanned it. "Fine," he said. "Now sign."

  The Carters scrambled for the documents.

  "Cut them a check for double the amount and get the keys to the store. I need you to go there and take pictures of the back room."

  "Right now?"

  Smythe shot her a look of contempt and walked out of the room without another word.

  Bianca got the Carters on their way and was gripping the keys hard enough to leave marks in her palm. She wasn't an idiot. She was pretty sure Byron would be waiting for her in the vitamin shop. She didn't appreciate him interfering with her job. She was going to give him a piece of her mind. Once she was done kissing him silly.

  The ride down town took forever because of traffic and Bianca had an awful thought that he might give up and not be there. Her hands shook when she opened the store. She sneezed in the dust.

  "I know you're here," she said, her voice echoing back to her. The empty shelves and fluttering light bulb were giving her the creeps.

  As she lay dying, she called for him in her mind. But he had been banished. She was such a fool and she was paying the price for it. If she could have a second chance, she would never let him go. Mary wished he would know that her love for him would never die.

  "You're so very smart," he said and she released the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding.

  "Am I?" Bianca said. "I feel so stupid."

  I let you go once. And now I'm mostly human, with no way to be fully dragon unless I sell my soul to the Order of the Dragon Slayers so they can force my dragon half to emerge.

  Bryon came out of the backroom, dressed in a suit that made Smythe's custom made jobs look like off the rack. He held a bouquet of flowers. Stargazer lilies. Her favorite. She took them and buried her face in their sweet scent. The desire tickled her insides like a mischievous playmate.

  "What's all this about? Do you believe me about Mary?"

  "I had some time to think," he said. "And I want to court you." His non answer was an answer.

  "Court me? Like a date?" She could accept he'd never believe her or she could tell him to pound sand.

  "I'm assuming the Order had a way of helping you."

  "I don't want to talk about it," she said quickly.

  "Did they hurt you?"

  "I can’t talk about it!" she shouted.

  "All right." He held up his hands in a placating manner. "Do you want me?"

  "Yes," Bianca didn't even bother lying. "But I'm not going to sleep with you."

  His face fell.

  "Today."

  A slight smile quirked up.

  "I think we've got something worth exploring," Bianca said. The white dragon inside her, lifted her head again. Butterflies swirled in her stomach all the way up to her neck. "But you need to get to know me. And I need to get to know you."

  Again.

  "I've missed you." Byron closed the distance between them.

  She wrapped her arms around his waist as he kissed her with sweet passion that made her long for the madness of ripping off their clothes.

  "I promise, I will not make you my mate until you ask me to."

  "What if it takes awhile?" Bianca said. "This is all still so strange to me." It was weird that she was in this half human, half dragon state. She’d have to get used to the memories from her life as a Queen coming back to her in odd moments.

  "Take your time, but if you keep me waiting too long, I'll make you beg me."

  Bianca cuddled into him. It might not be tomorrow, or next month, but she was pretty sure at some time in the future she wouldn't need the Order's vile blackmail drink. She was going to have to find a coffee substitute, though. Dragon blood had put her off coffee. She owed the Dragon Slayers something for that. And maybe someday, she’d have to courage to become a dragon Queen and go through their painful ritual. But for right now, it was enough that Bryon wanted her as a human mate.

  "So are we going to go to the movies and bowling like normal couples?" Bianca asked.

  "Whatever you desire."

  "Will you take me to your lair?"

  "My love, when you agree to be my mate I'll take you in my lair."

  That was good enough for her.

  The End

  Other books by Jamie K. Schmidt:

  The Emerging Queens Series

  The Queen's Wings

  Long ago, the Cult of Humanity sacrificed the Dragon Queen, crippling the breeding process. But now Carolyn hears the voice of that long dead queen telling her that she holds the key to breaking the spell that will free all the female dragons.

  FBI dragon Reed's disdain for humans can't mask the magnetic attraction he has for Carolyn, but when she tells him she's going to shift into a dragon he thinks she's crazy. A female hasn't been hatched, or shape shifted, in over a thousand years.

  He's proven wrong after Carolyn shifts and is named the new Queen on the block. A never-ending line of suitors forms, but she only wants Reed. Too bad he doesn't want in on the competition. But when the Cult kidnaps Carolyn to sacrifice her in an effort to make the curse against the female dragons permanent, Reed must face his fears—and feelings, racing to save the woman he realizes he can't live without.

  The Queen’s Flight

  Courts, queens, and sexy dragons with wings...

  Viola Pierce has never had particularly great luck with guys. That is, until the day she shifts into a glorious, deadly, three-headed dragon. As it turns out, Viola is a dragon Queen. But when she's abducted by a greedy dragon who wants to breed with her, Viola begins to realize the dragon world is filled with betrayal, deception, intrigue, and danger...

  As a rule, Sergei hates Queens, but Viola's beauty and humanity reach something deep within him. Something he should not be feeling. When she names him her protector and consort—quite by accident—Sergei has no choice but to accept. Now they are bonded for life...with a growing attraction neither of them could have imagined.

  But the dragon court is ruthless...and what doesn't kill Viola will only make her more dangerous.

  The Queen's Dance

  Despite his handicaps outside his natural habitat, water dragon Remy “Champ” Champlain fights to protect Queen Margery from those who plot to quash her damaging news reports by silencing her...forever.

  He can never have her, but he'll protect her with his life.

  After newly shifted sky dragon Queen Margery is rescued from smugglers by water dragon Remy Champlain, she debates whether to flesh out the story that nearly got her killed or embrace her royalty and build a court of protectors and studs. Sparks fly between Remy and her. He’d love her to giv
e up her job and settle down…hopefully with him…but he can’t fly and she can’t swim, so their relationship can never get off the ground.

  Club Inferno Series

  Heat

  USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Style and seduction collide as the world’s best-dressed men and women shed their clothing . . . and their inhibitions.

  On the run from her abusive fiancé, ER doctor Mallory Bryant arrives at her sister’s Connecticut resort desperate for a place to restore balance to her life. But Club Inferno is more than a haven for the rich and fashionable. Beneath its elegant facade, dominants and submissives play out their fantasies. At first, Mallory is wary of Max Spencer, the martial arts trainer acting as her bodyguard—until he introduces her to passion so intense she wants nothing more than to surrender to his touch.

  As one of Club Inferno’s most skilled doms, Max enjoys taking Mallory to the limits of pleasure. It’s a dangerous proposition, and as their sensual games draw them into a relationship beyond the boundaries of pupil and master, Max starts spiraling out of control. But when Mallory’s violent past catches up with her, Max knows what he must do: draw her closer than ever before, even if it means risking a surrender of his own.

  Heat is intended for mature audiences.

  Longing

  Ready for the sexiest getaway of your life? USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt turns up the heat in the sizzling continuation of her Club Inferno series.

  Reeling from a disastrous love affair, plus-size model and budding fashion designer Anya Litton needs a temporary refuge, a place to lick her wounds and plan her next career move. At Club Inferno, where seductively chic men and women indulge their most intimate fantasies, she can mix business with unimaginable pleasure. Anya quickly connects with club Dom Clint Reyes, who unleashes Anya’s deepest longings over nights of burning passion.

  Clint is a master at taking submissives to the heights of pleasure in Club Inferno’s opulent private dungeons. But it’s Anya who has Clint begging for more when the woman of his dreams becomes his eager partner in exploring the limits of desire. As their relationship ignites into a contest of wills—and a jealous rival plots against them both—Clint prepares to fight for a future with Anya. In this complicated dance, the wrong move could end it all . . . and taking control means total surrender.

  Longing is intended for mature audiences.

  Fever

  Deep in the shadows of her exclusive fashion resort, Couture, Colleen Bryant presides over a much more intimate world: Club Inferno. The successful businesswoman and sex instructor has built an empire that caters to an elite crowd, but now she finds herself longing for something a bit more ordinary: a man to love. She’s not sure how to find someone who will accept what she does for a living—or the kinks that drive her wild—until her old flame, ex-pro football player Chase Fairwood, comes back into her life.

  There’s no woman as hot, sexy, or exciting as Colleen—and Chase knows it. He also knows he’s man enough to play her games, and to give as good as he gets. His return to Club Inferno reignites Colleen’s scorching demands, along with a new determination to test his resolve. Soon he’s competing against a rival Dom to brand Colleen as his own. But Chase has a secret weapon: the burning desire to offer his body—and his heart—in sweet surrender.

  Fever is intended for mature audiences.

  Hawaii Heat Series

  Life's a Beach

  Sex on the beach has never been so much fun! USA Today bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt kicks off a series set in paradise with an irresistible tale of second chances, secret identities--and a connection that's too sweet to miss.

  When Amelia Parker arrives in Maui, newly single and unemployed, she's shocked to discover the resort she booked is actually a ramshackle little beachside hotel. At least the scenery is easy on the eyes--as is the toned, laid-back snorkel instructor, "Dude." After two weeks of sun, serenity, and mind-blowing sex, she even accepts a job as the hotel's concierge. But what Amelia really wants is to relaunch the place completely. And that means convincing the absentee Wall Street billionaire owner, Samuel Kincaide, to take a chance on her.

  Samuel has a plan, too: selling off every last reminder of his former life and chilling all day, every day as his slacker alter ego . . . Dude. He loves his romps in the ocean, and under the sheets, with the feisty Amelia. If she discovers his true identity, her boundless enthusiasm and innovative business plan will seriously diminish his hammock time. But when Amelia runs into real trouble on the island, he'll put everything on the line to keep her safe. He just hopes that the woman who's falling for Dude will feel the same about Samuel.

  Sentinels of Babylon

  Necessary Evil

  In this steamy series opener from bestselling author Jamie K. Schmidt—whose writing has been called “hot and sexy, with just the right amount of emotional punch,” by Lauren Layne—a vigilante biker takes the power of love into his own hands.

  Lucy Simmons comes from a rough family, but she’s a damn good public defender. Even though she hates to see criminals walk due to sloppy police work, the law’s there to make sure everyone gets a fair trial, and Lucy certainly doesn’t believe in the kind of justice meted out by the leather-clad ex-cop they call “Evil.” He’s stubborn, cynical, and out of control—but he plays her body like no man ever has. For once, both Lucy’s boss and her brother agree: The biker is trouble.

  Evan Villiers took a sacred vow to let no killer, rapist, or pedophile go unpunished. When scumbags fall through the system, the Sentinels of Babylon clean up the garbage. Although the SOBs and their methods may not be to Lucy’s liking, the beautiful lawyer has become Evan’s light in the dark. But his next hit is Lucy’s own brother—a murderer who got off on a technicality. Now, with his loyalties split, Evan must turn his back on his sworn duties . . . or lose the woman who has claimed his reckless heart.

  Sentinel’s Kiss

  Spice

  - Book Three in the Fate Series - Co-written with Jenna Jameson

  As the adult film sensation, SPICE, Liz Carter was known for her sultry looks, sexy curves, and natural DDs. Years ago, a surprise pregnancy prompted her to leave porn and LA for her native New York where she launched a new life as a single mom and graphic designer. Still, having to hide her past for the sake of her son takes its toll. Staying single and solo is a lonely path but it’s also easier—and safer—than risking being recognized. To fill the void, she forms FATE, an informal meet-up group for former adult entertainers who’ve left the life but find themselves in need of a supportive, safe environment where they can speak freely without fear of retaliation or rejection. The tight knit group of five, which eventually includes her bestie, Sarah (SUGAR), becomes more than friends—family.

  FATE is just a few months old when Liz learns she has breast cancer. The decision to have a double mastectomy is agonizing but doing so will give her the best shot at seeing her son grow up. The multiple surgeries and chemotherapy are grueling but with the help of her fellow FATEs, she comes through. Cancer-free for more than a year, she is back from a mother-son vacation to Disney World when she runs across a Facebook message from a former male stripper seeking to join the group. A coffee meet-up to screen the potential newcomer proves to be more than Liz bargained for—a lot more.

  Tall, dark, and Irish-American, Sean has her seriously rethinking her “single and solo” status. For the first time since her diagnosis, she feels sort of...sexy—so long as she keeps her clothes on and her scars hidden.

  Will Liz learn to trust again only to have it—and her heart—broken?

  After his sister, an adult film star, dies from an inevitable drug overdose, PhD candidate Sean O’Malley does some digging into the porn-star life and stumbles upon FATE. Curious about the correlation between drug usage and the industry, he contacts Liz—the group’s smart, sexy leader. Hoping to better understand his sister’s life and death, he poses as a former male stripper seeking guidance and support. If he can be accepted into FATE, maybe
he’ll get the answers he seeks.

  But infiltrating the group isn’t easy. Though Sean eventually wins over most of the members, there’s only one flaw in his plan: Liz. But he has work to do and his late sister to think about. He must continue his research. So why does he keep finding excuses to put off finishing it?

  The Truth & Lies Series

  Aged out of the system and battle worn from unsuccessful foster care, four women on the cusp of adulthood find passion and their paths in life through the help of an anonymous fairy godmother type who calls herself the Benefactrix.

  Truth Kills

  College freshmen, Phoebe's new lover is sexy, creative and willing to let her act out all her dirty fantasies. Unfortunately, Keith's not telling her the truth about who he really is and the secret past that binds them together. When his Uncle breaks out of prison to search for the "girl who got away," Keith risks losing the best thing in his life by admitting to Phoebe that his Uncle killed her parents.

  Truth Reveals

  When Maryanne is given a scholarship to spend the summer after high school painting in the French countryside, she tries to reinvent herself from the foster kid whose parents loved meth more than they did her. But when Henri, the French caretaker of the chateau she's staying at, treats her like a spoiled rich girl, she's determined to make him sorry and seduces him--only it backfires and she's the one enthralled. Taken aback by the dark passion and the intense lovemaking, Maryanne feels forced to keep up the lie when a gossipy neighbor tells her that Henri is looking for an heiress to save the chateau from creditors.