Sunday Snippet: Zoning in the VZ (a V-World novella)

Hello October and welcome spooky season! I love this month for a lot of reasons. The spooky vibe being close to the top of the list, but it's quickly followed by cooler weather—usually—and that means it's soup weather! I love making soup on a cool day and savoring it with crusty breads, grilled cheese, and other creative toppings.

I'm through the worst of the yuck and back to almost normal. Of course, that means something else went sideways. In my case, our older doggo ended up with an emergency trip to the vet because her congestion got so bad her eye swelled up. She's on a steroid and broad-spectrum antibiotic and already seems to be much better already.

I'm slowly getting caught up on my work projects. I need to review the details of two new ones now that my brain isn't in sludge mode. I'm pretty excited about my last quarter of work projects for 2025.

Had an okay viewing week. I didn't quite make it through the whole slate of shows. Lower Decks and Reacher didn't make this week's window.

I did watch another episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I'm working my way through season two and I'm enjoying the conflict and tension because it's a real-life quandary. I love Mac for being a voice of reason.

Caught another Foyle's War episode and this is one I'd forgotten. It's so weird how a lot of the themes of this show, which is twenty-some odd years old, are so very prevalent today. Humans are slow learners sometimes.

Death in Paradise ended up being very enjoyable. I'm really not sure about this new police commissioner other than he's way too smarmy and utter unlikable.

Poirot entertained with a way back episode showing how Hastings and Poirot kind of got their start together. Very much enjoyed this one.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite enjoyed the twisty turns it took. Also loved Joan solving the neighbor issue. Love to see that kind of stuff.

Caught another Batman Beyond and it's one I didn't really remember either. Quite enjoyed the rewatch.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Zoning in the VZ, the final book in the V-World trilogy.

Here's the miniblurb:

With Nemesis no longer wreaking havoc in V-World, Augustus Serrano can't celebrate a job well done until he rescues Santina McGovern who doesn't know her boss is no longer in play. Scared for her life, Santina is zoning—sending out multiple copies of herself to engage the grid—and the longer she stays in the harder her return to reality will be. Augustus has to earn her trust and help her get out before she's shredded in the VZ.

And a sneaky peek…

Santina McGovern inhabited a submersion chamber providing nutrients, oxygen, and water to her physical form while encased in a cocoon of synthetic body armor. The setup might be the only way to zone in the VZ safely.

Or as safe as anyone could be when they didn't want to be found.

Her scenario aka her personal sanctuary—a little cottage nestled in a green glade—brought joy to her heart and calm to her mind.

Bringing a mug of tea to her lips, she snorted. "And somewhere Nemesis would never look for me." After all, she came from the city streets and back alleys where darkness reigned supreme. "It's how I got hooked up with Nemesis in the first place." She took a bracing sip of the fragrant brew.

She'd wanted a way out of the dank, dingy confines of the no-rent slop houses and cheap rooming shacks. Nemesis provided a path to freedom.

"And didn't that work out fucking wonderful for me?"

The price of liberation ended up being a yoke of oppressive surveillance by the genius madman.

But she'd wormed her way out from under him.

By helping his enemies.

Her lips curved. "At least they're out from under his ever-watchful eye." Too bad she couldn't say the same.

But for now? She had a haven and half a plan. Even if the method would probably end her life at some point.

The cottage gave her refuge. A place to recoup, regroup, and reflect. She'd filled every nook and cranny with comfortable things. Items that made her happy and soothed the inner turmoil of her mind. And she had no idea how long she'd manage to keep it active.

An alert sounded, and she settled on the edge of the sofa, closed her eyes, and focused her inner will. Several moments later, a copy of her appeared. Santina had gone a little punk rock with this version and clad her cloned self in ripped leggings, black combat boots, a threadbare red tee over a black bra and a red and white zebra moto jacket. Heavy pewter eyeliner rimmed her eyes and her hair spiked up and out in multiple directions. Piercings lined her ears, eyebrows, one side of her lip, and her nose. Her nails were matte black and a little shredded.

The copy lifted one corner of her lip in snarl, flipped up her middle finger, and left the cottage.

Santina's eyes slid shut, and she swayed before toppling to one side. Each time she made a new version of herself, she got a little bit weaker. She'd had to slow down because the multiples were out there living their best lives and each time something significant happened, Santina experienced the scenario right along with her copy. Sometimes that worked out well … other times not so much.

She slowly sat upright again. "I gotta be careful." If one of her versions died, Santina had to absorb the black energy.

But she had the foresight to write code that protected her. She created a buffer. But each time one of her copies died, the buffer got smaller. If the shielding went below a certain point, she'd be shredded.

And … each time she sent a replica out, she lost a little more of herself. "I can't keep this up forever." She hoped she wouldn't have to.

Honestly … she feared she might not be able to keep it up long enough to outrun Nemesis.

But she'd damn well try.

I'm kind of excited about this trilogy and I hope I can make more progress on book two so more pieces can fall into place in book three.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: The Zipper Incident

Yeah, rough week. The cold, virus, some other kind of ick from the last post definitely kicked my ass this week. I did manage one of my client calls but had to reschedule the other one. I had no voice and couldn't breathe through all the congestion. Bleh.

The good news is I'm feeling much better. I think everything kind of broke on Friday. I slept a good portion of the day on Saturday. And my head doesn't feel like it weighs ninety pounds anymore.

I got very little accomplished on my work projects last week. I got some reading done but I'll probably review to make sure I didn't miss anything in my notes. I didn't get a lot of editing completed mainly because I feared missing important things. Back to work this week at double-time.

I had an okay viewing week. Very nice to have something on in the background while I tried to focus on the few things I managed to work on.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. I loved this episode because it marked the first time Jack owned his feelings for Phryne. I also love that he didn't even consider the possibility of trying to use his feelings to change her or ask her to be something she isn't. That's one of the reasons this show holds such a big place in my heart.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War. I remembered this one and appreciated how it didn't shy away from there being good and bad people and things at the beginning of the war in England.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm warming up to Wilson and I'm enjoying how Naomi is finding her footing with him. I also love Rose and ability to stumble onto exactly what they need for the case. I'm looking forward to Wilson and Naomi digging into his mother's death, which does appear to be more than a tragic accident.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. I like it when the mystery isn't a murder, but it's still twisted and tricky. And I love Hastings. Just saying.

Caught another episode of Elementary. It's kind of nice to see Sherlock interested in someone so neurodivergent. Did seem weird that Joan went middle-school student on the idea, but maybe the writers were trying to show their progression? I liked the mystery with this one.

Watched another Batman Beyond. I actually didn't remember this episode so it was nice to dive into a new-to-me story.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks. I might be past the hump on the annoying factor. Great to see Boimler back with the crew and I love the reason for it. I truly do enjoy the callbacks to previous series and episodes. That's so much fun.

Finished up the episode of Reacher I started last week. I'm excited to see what this season brings. I'm also trying to remember that two plus years have passed since the last time Reacher and Neaghly were together.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from The Zipper Incident, a sexy short that nudges a couple in the right direction.

Here's the miniblurb:

Layne Donaker makes a grave error when she mistakenly uses a super adhesive on Hyde Scarlotti's zippers—all of them, including his flight suit. Hyde is beyond done with her stupid pranks and calls her out in front of the entire crew, which Layne doesn't take kindly.

And a sneaky peek…

Entering the brig cell, Layne flexed her jaw, trying to soothe the stinging burn from the punch. "Clearly, someone doesn't know how to label things correctly." Or maybe you misread the bottle because you were too drunk…

She ruthlessly squashed her internal voice.

She stomped over to the bunk and slumped down, bracing her shoulders on the wall.

Hyde followed her inside and she jerked up to a sitting position. "What the hell? Why can't you take number two?" She didn't need to share space with him right now.

Hyde only arched his brows.

Lance Corporal Janz Mayhew answered her question. "Following orders, Ensign. Apparently, the CO thinks if you're going to act like children, he'll put you in timeout until you can learn to use your words instead of throwing punches." He locked the door and turned toward the watch station, whistling a peppy tune.

Layne sighed. "Perfect." But not surprising … nothing else had gone right since yesterday's promotion celebration.

Hyde nudged her knee. "Scoot and make room."

She frowned. "Why should I?"

He gave her a long stare. "Why shouldn't you? Do you see anyplace else to sit?"

Her gaze flicked toward the toilet. If he wanted to have a seat…

Hyde growled. "Don't even. Move your ass down." He sat on the very edge and started edging closer to her.

Layne huffed out a breath. "Fine. Whatever." She slid down almost to the other edge of the bunk.

Hyde leaned back, his head resting on the wall. Layne shot him a sideways glance. She should probably apologize yet couldn't quite put one together. Guilt licked at her conscience, but she hadn't meant to completely ruin his stuff. Just her luck when one of her pranks went completely off the rails, it landed on Hyde … the last person she really wanted to harm.

Even if he made her angry.

A few minutes later, Hyde angled his head toward her. "Why are you so out of control? What's your problem?" His voice held no censure, only curiosity.

Layne shrugged. "I don't have a problem." Not one she wanted to share at the moment.

Hyde tsked. "Yeah, you do." He sat up and turned to the side. "It's being passed over for promotion, right?"

She could own that one. "A little. Even though I get it. I'm not nearly as by the book as you are." And probably never would be.

Hyde nodded. "True. But why target me?" He held her gaze. "Your time will come." He didn't have any doubt in his tone.

And didn't that turn the lick of guilt into a pretty strong flame? He truly believed she'd move up the ranks just like him. And, yeah, she would. Eventually.

But none of that actually concerned her. Not much anyway. Hyde moving on without her did.

Ugh … she had to be honest, even if she feared saying the words aloud.

She got up and paced the floor. "I don't know. Maybe because I don't want you to forget me." Or leave her behind.

Hyde rolled his eyes. "As if." He snorted.

She stopped and threw a hand out. "See … I knew you wouldn't understand." And she really didn't want to explain.

Because she only this moment realized how much the thought of losing him terrified her.

Pretty happy with how this story is coming together. I love it when feelings finally hit hard for my characters.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zipped Lips

Ugh. I'm fighting something, a cold, a virus, some other kind of ick. Not having fun with it at all. I have two client calls this week and I'm hoping I can manage both.

We got back up in the high eighties this week. Supposed to have some rain on Monday or Tuesday and I'm kind of excited for that. We definitely need it. The drought has been upgraded to moderate.

Not a bad work week. I'm almost finished with one of my work projects and making solid headway on another that should be complete by the end of October. I start a new one sometime early in October and I'm looking forward to working on that one. I'll find out if another new project will be starting on Tuesday.

Had a semi-decent viewing week. Between not feeling the best and trying to finish up work projects, I didn't know if I'd be able to watch much. But I made it through my usual shows and got to watch the back-burner ones also.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and quite enjoyed the rewatch. It's one I remembered from my original run through. Being in the US, it's fun to watch how footy affects those that have a long, long history with the sport.

Caught another episode of Foyle's War. This show is so well written, and I love the cast. So many super young actors who have gone on to amazing roles.

Watched a new Death in Paradise. I'm slowly coming around on Wilson. I think he might make a good addition to the team. The new police officer is also kind of growing on me. I love that he kind of came up with the solution to keeping Selwyn in his job.

Enjoyed another Poirot. Kind of leading everyone on a merry chase but keep them from going to France was very entertaining. Loved how Japp kept thinking he'd be losing his pension.

Caught another episode of Elementary. I very much like the Joan and Sherlock vibe this season. Really not sure what's going on with the stalker detective but I hope Joan watches her back.

Watched another Batman Beyond and didn't really remember this one. I have a vague memory of the conversation between Terry and Barbara but that's kind of all I remembered.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks. The opener for season two ended up being entertaining. I really do appreciate the callbacks to all the other series. Fun bit with Boimler at the end.

Finished up the episode of Peak Practice I started a few weeks ago. Sam is going to be in a lot of trouble and I'm not sure I'm going to like how things go down with him.

Also finally started season two of Reacher. I'm almost finished with the first episode, but I had to pause because of the whole cold / virus / yuck thing going on. Should finish it up this week. I think the very best moment so far is the Terminator easter egg. Kudos to the writer of the episode for that!

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zipped Lips, a sexy short that pulls a couple together in a fun way.

Here's the miniblurb:

Details of intimate encounters are spilled during a rousing card game and recent hookups are brought to light, but Keavy Smart and Gresham Young have the best secret—trying to keep quiet is half the fun and zipped lips means none of the crew is the wiser.

And a sneaky peek…

Super-secret hookup spot. You really aren't hooking up with anyone right now…

Gresh paused, the washcloth hovering over the table. He had no idea where the conversation would end up. But he could play seek and find for a while.

He shrugged. "Maybe I am just really good at staying quiet." And maybe she could see right through that lie.

Her lips twitched, but she stayed silent. Okay then. She had a crystal-clear view of his untruth.

Did he admit he'd love to break his dry spell with her? Or dig a little deeper to gauge her interest? Maybe test the waters a little…

Gresh prodded. "How about you? This is a personal question … but what's your stress relief?" Probably a long list of ready and willing options.

Keavy grinned. "My fingers and a hot, fantasy man…" She waited a beat. "Who will remain nameless." Her eyes dared him to ask who.

He didn't take the bait. Let her cast a line this time.

Gresh inclined his chin. "Fair enough." He went back to wiping down the table.

She didn't wait long to dip her toe into the water.

Keavy quirked an eyebrow. "How about you? Do you use any of the crew members as fantasy fodder?" Her voice went soft and husky.

His dick got hard. Probably time to put his cards on the table.

Gresh paused and glanced up. "Only one." He gave her a good, long look, leaving no doubt as to who he envisioned when jacking off.

Keavy shuddered. "Shit. Okay same. And on a frequent basis." Her eyes darkened a shade.

Damn. More than he'd hoped for.

Gresh's eyes widened. "So … what do we do about this mutual attraction?" He tossed the washcloth in the basin on the chair.

He had an entire list of things he'd love to do with her.

I'm having fun with this one. Keavy and Gresh are going to heat things up in a big way.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zinging Barbs (Sci-Fi)

Whew. It's been a week. I won't comment on the political spectrum at the moment but it's mentally draining to say the least. The good news is I got a couple of projects finished up and I'm taking that as a win because of the whole brain drain.

Our weather last week was very fall-like and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We're back to higher temperatures again but that's pretty typical. We definitely need some rain. I'd even take a nasty thunderstorm to get some at this point.

As mentioned, I finished up two projects and have a small break before the next one begins. I'm taking advantage to dive deeper into a couple of my manuscripts. It's fun to revisit what I've already completed.

Had a decent viewing week. Even if a little distracted. I made it through my usual stable of shows for the most part. Did not get to either backburner shows.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. One of my favorite episodes for Jack and Phryne chemistry. I also love how deep of a hole Hugh digs for himself.

Began a rewatch of a favorite comfort show with Foyle's War. It's been years since I've seen any of the episodes and I'm looking forward to diving back into this show.

Caught another Death in Paradise and I have to say I love Darlene so much. Her interactions with Patterson blew me away. The mystery ended up being pretty interesting also. Kind of a heartbreaking moment with Wilson but I think there's more to the story of his mom's death.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Fun to see the FBI show up to work with Japp and very fun to see Hastings think fast on his feet when creating a diversion for Poirot.

Elementary had a very interesting episode. I'm so intrigued by Moreland's journey this season. I haven't quite figured out if he's genuine or not and I kind of feel like he's not completely sure either, which I like. A lot.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and it's one I have vague memories of, mainly because it was a fun episode. Nice to see Howard back also.

Finished the first season finale of Lower Decks and after a rough start rather enjoyed the episode. And it left off with enough of a what just happened vibe that I'm interested in season two. My one hope is Mariner won't annoy me so much in season two. We'll see what happens.

Still hoping to get season two of Reacher underway this week. A lot will depend on what the work calendar ends up looking like. I have two client Zoom meetings and have no idea how long either will last.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zinging Barbs, a sexy short featuring characters from Poetry in Motion.

Here's the miniblurb:

Reagan Bruce won't slow down, not even when she's seven months pregnant, and Ian Flannigan decides to walk away from competing to keep Reagan healthy. The couple exchange some zinging barbs until they work out their issues.

And a sneaky peek…

Reagan didn't know what to expect after her admission, but it didn't take long for Ian to respond. He crushed his mouth over hers, his tongue slipping past her lips. Reagan melted into the kiss, laughing when the leather gloves tried to cup her face.

Ian growled and flicked his gaze to the side. His teeth caught the fastening and ripped them back on both gloves. Ian flung first one, then the other to the floor.

She loved it when he broke his rules—to always take care of his equipment—and went with his gut.

He scooped her up into his arms and started for the door.

She squirmed around. "Ian, wait. Put me down a moment." She couldn't get distracted yet.

He paused, setting her carefully on the floor. "Did I hurt you?" Concern clouded his gaze.

She smiled. "No, but I hurt you, and I'm sorry." She leaned in, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm not going anywhere, and I will behave—do what the doctor says and stick close to home." She grasped his biceps. "But you have to keep going. You've got a shot, and I don't want you to lose it." She'd never forgive herself if he did.

He folded his arms around her. "I love you, Reagan. We're going home." He shuffled them into a transport pod—another no-no—and had them standing in their living room within seconds.

She tilted her head back. "You know how much it turns me on when you break the rules." Because she inadvertently made him do so.

Ian flashed a grin. "I do, yes." He swatted her on the behind. "Let me grab a shower and I'll relieve that itch I know you're dying to scratch right now."

She shivered and palmed his erection threw his pants. "Make it a fast shower. I'll be waiting for you." She slipped her fingers under the straps of her sleeveless dress and stood nude before him.

Ian laid his palm on her belly. "Your mother's impatient, little one." He met Reagan's gaze. "Five minutes. Don't start without me." He headed for the bathroom.

Reagan smirked, cleared her throat loudly, and waited for Ian to take the hint.

He dropped his pants, and she relished the sight of her husband's naked ass strutting away from her.

Placing her hands on her stomach, she sighed. "He's right. I am impatient … but he's so worth the wait."

I love this couple and writing a bonus scene for them is so much fun.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Zero Sum

September is starting off with a bang. And crazy busy. Also a full blood moon, which is always fun to see.

Spent all day Saturday in Hocking Hills with a group of cousins on my mom's side of the family. We have so much fun when we get together. We're already planning the third annual gathering for next year.

I finished up two work projects this week and made progress on two more. I have a new one starting this week also. Possibly two. I'm hoping the due dates are a little more staggered.

Had an okay viewing week. I made it almost all the way through my usual slate of shows with the exception of Lower Decks. I started it but need to finish it up. It's the first season finale so there seems to be a lot going on.

Started with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and it's one I really enjoyed on my original run through. Always fun to see Dot stand up for not only herself but others.

Finished up season four of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Very happy to see Jean and Dom work through their issues. Loved how Dom proposed and how everyone knew they were meant to be together.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm interested in where things will go with Selwyn. The new officer is going to be fun. I love the vibe he has. DI Wilson might or might not grow on me.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. The entire trip to the coast just to hear good things instead of bad from Japp is such a Poirot thing to do. And the side plot with Lemon was fun.

Elementary had an interesting case along with an interesting side case. I like how Moreland reached out to Joan, and she figured things out with what's going on with him. And I love that she told Sherlock. Also really thrilled Sherlock met the character on the autism spectrum at her level, seemingly with care and patience.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and I didn't remember much of this one. Ended up quite enjoying it.

Started the Lower Decks episode. I do enjoy how many easter eggs are in this show. Mentions of other characters and episodes from all the various series are so much fun.

I didn't get to start season two of Reacher. I'm hoping I have the time this week, but I'm not going to rush in. I like to be able to focus on this show.

Also didn't get to finish up the Peak Practice episode I started, but I'll get back to it soon.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Zero Sum, a novella that pulls a couple together when they have to crash land.

Here's the miniblurb:

Sabrina Delft and Carrick Stafford have a zero sum relationship—whenever one gains something, the other has a corresponding loss. But when they're stranded on an abandoned mining colony and forced to rely on each other, they learn to balance the good with the bad and end up with a total win.

And a sneaky peek…

Sabrina stretched her neck from side to side. "We should stop and rest." She didn't know how many hours they'd worked but longer than a normal shift.

And they hadn't argued once.

Carrick didn't disagree; he pulled out a seat and settled at the table. "Now that the suits are operable and we've got plenty of O2, let's decide where we'll hunker down." He flexed his fingers, probably trying to loosen up the stiff joints from holding them in one position for most of the day.

Sabrina wanted to explore and take an inventory of the camp. "We should stay here, at the colony." She really wanted to figure out what kind of supplies they had available.

Carrick didn't immediately deny the thought, but he did counter. "One of us should stay on the ship. In case we get a call from another fleet vessel." A wary look crept into his eyes.

She didn't blame him. Normally, she'd be all over his push back. But … he made a valid point. She'd hate to miss contact if it came.

A stroke of inspiration hit her. "You know, a simple solution would be to rig a cable from the signal to the intercom system. If it's triggered, an auto response will generate, giving us time to get to a comm unit to reply." Her shoulders slumped. "But, ugh, I don't have the energy to deal with making that happen right now." She didn't relish putting the suit back on at the moment.

Carrick huffed out a breath. "Huh. That's genius." He riffled through the pack he'd brought over and pulled out two MREs. "We'll get on that first thing in the morning. Don't know about you, but I'm wiped out." He squeezed the package, activating the heating element inside. "Terrific solution though. Why don't I stay on the ship for tonight until we can get the line set up?" He tore open his dinner.

Sabrina blinked. "Um, okay." She nodded. "Yeah, that sounds good." She grabbed her MRE and mimicked Carrick's actions, a little stunned to have the arrangements resolved so quickly.

She didn't quite know how to deal with full cooperation from him.

But she liked having it.

I have this one pretty much plotted out and outlined. I'm excited to see where things go as I continue to write.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: You're Welcome

Geez, August has been a brutal month. The last week in particular. Not sure why, but I struggled hard, couldn't stay focused, and generally feel like I didn't get anything accomplished. Bleh.

Weirdly, the weather has been amazing. We need rain in a big way, but the temperatures were mild, which is a blessing. Actually had to break out a jacket and leggings because it got chilly at night.

Work projects are in a weird state of flux. I have a lot on my plate, and I hopped around multiple projects because of the aforementioned struggle to stay focused. I really hope I can get back on task this week.

I didn't get to watch the season two opener of Reacher, but I did make it through most of my regular shows. The first week of September is a chaos monster so I'm not sure if I'll get to make it through my regular slate of shows. Fingers crossed.

I did start the week with Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the rewatch. Always fun when Phryne and company go on trips.

Caught another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. I liked the mystery and my heart broke for Dom and Jean. But Jean was spot on with telling Dom he might not be ready to be a couple.

Watched the opening to season fourteen Death in Paradise. Still not sure if I'm down with the new guy. He might grow on me, and I do like how Naomi and Darlene hold their own with him.

Enjoyed another episode of Poirot. Very fun to see him solve the mystery while not leaving his apartment. And I do think he quite loves to put Hastings in horribly embarrassing positions.

Caught another episode of Elementary. I really like it when Joan and Sherlock team up to help their extended group. Detective Bell's dilemma being resolved ended up being a lot of fun.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. I didn't fully remember this one, so I enjoyed getting reacquainted with it.

The episode of Lower Decks I watched is hopefully a turning point. Mariner makes me absolutely bonkers, which I'm pretty sure is the whole point. Here's hoping she can dial it back about ten clicks and I can finally settle in and like the character.

I did almost make it through an episode of Peak Practice that I started a couple of weeks ago. Sam is headed for a very bad place, which makes sense since his run is almost finished. Hoping to get the rest of the episode watched this week.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from You're Welcome, a novella where a couple acts on their attraction.

Here's the miniblurb:

Dalyn Harris spends a lot of his time keeping his significant other, Shauna Drake, out of hack. When an old, forgotten prank catches the executive officer by surprise, Dalyn scrambles to keep Shauna's part under wraps—he has no desire to spend their anniversary in a brig cell.

And a sneaky peek…

Shauna wanted to pinch herself. I have to be dreaming. How had she finally landed exactly what she wanted at exactly the time she wanted it.

No, not it … him.

Dalyn's mouth caught hers, and he eased them backward on the mattress. Settling between her legs, his lips left hers and traveled along the column of her throat, down over her shoulder then slowly along her collarbone. Moving lower, his tongue flicked over her nipple before he drew on the taut peak.

Shauna moaned. "Gah. Yes." Her hips rolled upward seeking contact with him.

Dalyn switched sides, his mouth working magic. Shauna slid her hand between them, found his hard length, and circled her fingers around the rigid flesh. Brushing her thumb over the crown, she lightly squeezed then pumped back and forth.

Dalyn groaned. "Uhmmmm. Really wanna take things nice and slow, but I have to be inside you." He licked a trail from her sternum to her lips.

Shauna opened the space between her legs a little wider. "Plenty of time for slow later." Her hands cupped his ass and urged him forward.

Dalyn lined up and thrust smoothly into her. "Ahhhh … so hot." He drew back then surged forward again.

Shauna trailed kisses along his bicep. "Unfff … so good." She flexed her hips, meeting his groin. "Waited too long for this." For reasons … none of which she could remember right now.

Dalyn's head lowered, and his breath fanned across her breasts. He kept his pace steady and certain, adding an occasional bump against her clit. She wrapped her legs around his waist, lifting her pelvis to increase the friction between them.

Dalyn lifted his head and met her gaze. "Tell me when you're close…" He upped the speed, adding more force to his momentum.

Shauna nodded, her eyes sliding shut. Awareness scorched along her nerve endings, her breathing went shallow, and a ball of bliss unfurled in her core.

Her eyes snapped open. "I'm there. So close, Dalyn." One more thrust pushed her over the edge and she toppled into a wave of pleasure.

Dalyn locked his arms and increased his speed. "Yeah, that's it. Coming right behind you." He drove into her, his breath rasping until he burst through his release with a garbled growl.

Shauna propped up on her elbows and caught his lips with hers. Not breaking the kiss, Dalyn shifted to the side and hauled her against him. One hand cupped her face and the other palmed her ass.

Shauna deepened the embrace, pouring everything she felt into the connection with him.

When Dalyn eased back, his forehead rested against hers. "Worth the wait?" His voice scratched the quiet of the room.

Shauna smiled. "Most definitely." Her hand ghosted along his side. "Looking forward to round two."

Dalyn huffed out a laugh. "Yeah. Me too."

I like how this story is coming together. There's a bit of a surprise at the end and it's a fun one.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Yellow Fang

Man, I can't believe August is almost over. It's been a chaotic month between work, unexpected challenges, and other factors crowding each other out for attention. Geez. Between the road construction everywhere, my car needing a new alternator, and the dogs needing their check-ups but unable to go because of the car issue … yeah, wild week.

I did have a solid work week. I finished up some projects and started new ones. I got a surprise turnaround that happened a lot sooner than I expected. I'm filling September and some of October, which is great.

Had a pretty good viewing week. I made it through my regular shows and finished up one of my back burners. I get to start the second season this week!

Watched an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and enjoyed the rewatch. Again, this show is such a comfort view for me.

Enjoyed another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. I've got a weird feeling all isn't great between Dom and Jean, and that makes me a little sad. I loved the split mysteries even if Gloria's dad irritates the crap out of me. So much fun watching the team take down the con artists.

Caught the holiday episode for season fourteen of Death in Paradise. Not sure if I like the new guy, especially since he, like the actor who played Neville, has already been featured on the show. We'll see how it goes.

Watched another episode of Poirot and ended up enjoying more than I thought I would. It's fun to see Hastings get a moment to shine.

Elementary had a very fun episode. Thoroughly enjoyed Sherlock going head-to-head with the imposter. Also quite liked Joan and her stepdad's interactions.

Caught another Batman Beyond and it's one I didn't remember much, but I ended up enjoying.

Enjoyed another episode of Lower Decks. One thing I absolutely love about the show is the theme song. I know. Weird. But it's actually perfect for the show.

Finally, I watched the season one finale of Reacher, and it did not disappoint. I'm very satisfied with the season overall. I'm thrilled Picard ended up being part of the counterfeiting ring because there's no other explanation for how Charlie and Roscoe were found. Also loved that Paul ended up not being dead. Basically, the first season rocked. And … great to finally see adult Joe, but I didn't quite get the whole brothers looking so much alike thing as grown-ups. The flashbacks to their childhood, I definitely saw how they could be mixed up. I would really, really like to find out why the brothers hadn't talked much. Who knows, maybe season two will have more on that.

That's pretty much if for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Yellow Fang, a novella about a couple that gets reunited after one has been in enemy hands.

Here's the miniblurb:

Yancy the Yellow is Palmer Gump's only childhood friend—a stuffed toy from her dad. Missing and presumed killed in action, an auction is held for Palmer's personal items. When she returns, she gets everything back … except for Yancy, which leaves her feeling a little lost and unsettled, until it finds its way back to her via Dannon Bennett.

And a sneaky peek…

"Aw, fuck. Of course reinforcements showed up."

Dannon typed an order into his arm unit. "Contingency plan is a go." He waited for the five seconds it took for his teams to respond then pulled out the first IED to set and arm.

The backup plan—blow everything to hell and send up a flare beacon—meant he'd still get as many people out as possible. The evacuees could escape through the chaos with the secondary unit. But his team would likely go down.

Bravo team, a six-person squad, would hold off as many incoming assailants as possible. Alpha team, another six-person, including him, squad started a room-by-room search and planted the explosive devices. So far, they were clearing the area in good time.

He met his group at the end of the building. "We have to finish the last corridor of this wing and then blow everything." He got nods from everyone and they fanned out.

He moved halfway down the hall and kicked open the door to the room. A wild tangle of limbs came flying in his direction, snarling and slicing at him with a scalpel.

"Die, you son of a bitch. Die!"

Palmer's voice.

Shock filled him, but he grabbed hold of his assailant and gave her a hard shake. "Palmer! Stop. It's Dannon." Sure enough, the woman who'd haunted his dreams fought against him.

Her gaze, wild and frenzied, flew to his. And immediately filled with relief when she recognized him.

She collapsed against his chest. "Thank whatever rules the universe." She dragged in several deep breaths then put her head on his shoulder. "It's good to see you."

Overwhelmed with having her in his arms, Dannon blinked and shook his head. She's alive. I have her back.

His hand cupped her face. "We thought you were dead. I thought you were dead." He stepped back, noting her bruised cheekbone.

The smeared blood on her face.

The ragged gash along her hairline.

And the red liquid dripping from her fingertips.

Fuck. She's hurt. "You're injured." He unwound the tactical scarf from his neck and used his teeth to tear it into two strips.

Palmer looked down and swayed on her feet. She had never liked the sight of her own blood.

He grasped her shoulder and steadied her. "Easy there." Wrapping an arm around her, he lowered her to the floor. "Let's get this dressed and clear out." He started wiping away the blood and bound the wound. "Clock's ticking."

Really damned fast.

I'm kind of happy with how this scene came together. This is a high and low kind of story and I love the challenge of writing both.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye