Sunday Snippet: Taken by Surprise

Whew. What a week in television! First, Teen Wolf pulled off a pretty interesting ending for the summer finale. That being said, I'll happily watch Theo die in a fire created by Parrish if that ever happens. Just saying.

The Last Ship threw in a few more little twisty bits. I tweeted last weekend about wishing they'd stop killing my faves and boot off the Ramseys. Here's hoping someone heard my plea. LOL

Defiance turned in a kick ass finale. I'm so hoping it's not the end of the series, but if it is, I could live with the way it ended. That said, I think there's a buttload of potential left and hope to see more from this show. Dark Matter ended up being way better than I thought. Finally have more info about Two. It's a little sketchy but enough to keep me interested. And wow… I have to say I didn't see the end coming with Six. I'll leave it there for anyone who hasn't seen how things are left, but yeah, I'm in for more.

Not sure what Syfy has slated for their Friday nights now, but whatever it is, the shows have a tough act to follow. Fingers crossed for good stuff.

Haven't mentioned Dominion lately, but again, good show that's holding my interest. We'll see how they leave things for their finale. Haven is starting soon and I'll probably be a blubbering mess when it's over because I love that show so much. Stay tuned. LOL

Tonight's post is from Taken by Surprise, a sexy short where my heroine has to get creative to surprise my hero.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Pales Thompson has a new man, Herrick Edwards, in her life and his birthday is coming up, but they're stuck on a ship with no R&R passes available. Pales isn't great at maintaining a relationship, but she'll take Herrick by surprise and plan a spectacular day.

And a sneaky peek…

Pales snuggled up close to Herrick. "Mmm. Nice to wake up warm and cozy for once." The recycled air on the ship tended to make the mornings cold.

Herrick's lips quirked. "You mean without getting called out in the middle of the night to dispatch a few raiding parties?" His arms tightened around her. "Damn right it is."

Pales couldn't argue. They'd had five nights of interruptions, emptying out the sleeping quarters each time. Traversing the neutral zone always proved interesting… and exhausting.

She rolled to her back and stretched. "A full eight hours. I'm not quite sure how to act after getting a full night's rest."

Herrick shifted to his side, propping his head on his hand. "Bright eyed and bushy tailed?" His free hand traced a line down her arm.

Pales laughed. "No way. The XO will find a mile long list of shit he wants me to do." She turned to face Herrick.

He quirked an eyebrow. "You think he won't anyway? He knows we all got decent shut eye last night."

Pales sighed. "Yeah, you're right." Her lips upward and she met his gaze. "So let's take advantage of being awake early." She smoothed her hand down his naked chest and over his defined abs.

Herrick leaned in, snagging her lips in a quick, hard kiss. "Have I ever told you I like the way your brain works?" His hands found her hips, pulling her flush against him.

Pales shook her head. "No, but we're usually too busy trying to get a quick one in to do much talking." She usually preferred to avoid deep conversation, but Herrick intrigued her on so many levels.

She might have to revisit her stern set of rules. She'd already broken the first one by sleeping with him more than two nights in a row. Okay, they didn't actually get much sleep, so last night technically counted as the only time.

But she tried not to get attached to anyone on a ship. Why bother when transfers often came through at a moment's notice and random raiding parties took good pilots on a whim?

Except they were through the dangerous part of their journey and back in regulated space. And they'd be on this side of the galaxy for four months, carrying a scion generator to Base Station Ragnar.

Herrick's mouth moved along her jawline. "We've got ninety minutes before the morning briefing. Quick doesn't have to factor in this morning." His hands cupped her ass, kneading the flesh.

Yep. Time to throw the rules out the window.

Pales rocked her hips against his erection. "Then by all means, let's take our time and be as thorough as possible." Her arms went around his neck and she lifted her chin to meet his lips in a hot kiss.

I have a feeling this one isn't going to stay short and sweet, but we'll see how the sages cooperate. LOL

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Table of Lies

Still battling the cold / allergy / viral evilness thing. But… I think I'm finally in the last stages.

Teen Wolf has me confuzzled. I seriously don't know where or how everything is going to end up. I will say I kind of can't wait for the end of the Dread Doctors. I'm pretty much done with giving any kind of crap about them. Not my favorite storyline to date. Just saying.

Defiance keeps getting better. The twisty-turny stuff makes me happy. I love how even with internal betrayals, judgment and forgiveness tends to be fast and certain. I really do hope this show continues.

Killjoys season finale proved to be excellent. I'm so in love with this show, enough that I'm considering doing recaps for my fandom blog. Need to make a note to get the DVDs ASAP.

Dark Matter also gave me something I wanted, more information about Two. I'm liking how the crew is starting to gel and work together. The scene in the vault with all the guys was a treat to watch.

And once again, The Last Ship brought a ton of drama to the table. I'll be honest, I really want Chandler to take a step off the high horse and remember what things were like before he picked up the POTUS. Rachel made a gut call and kept everyone else out of it, taking full responsibility. And in this case, the greater good should outweigh any righteous indignation.

Also… I have a bad vibe about who cut the video to make it look like the ship bombed New Orleans. I hope we'll find out if I'm right this week.

Tonight's post is from Table of Lies, a novella where my main characters have some messy issues to deal with.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Nichelle Stohl finally has her life on course—she's an instructor at the coveted academy of military science and she's testing the relationship waters for the first time since a truly horrible break up. Then she meets Garth Fillion—her boyfriend's brother—and her world tilts sideways.

And a sneaky peek…

Garth knocked on the door, hoping like hell Nichelle answered. She jerked the door open and stepped back, horror then resignation settling over her face. With a quick flick of her wrist, she invited him in.

He entered and turned quickly toward her.

"About the other night." Speaking in unison threw both off.

Garth shut his mouth. By all means, Nichelle could go first. He had no freaking idea what he really wanted to say. I can still feel your mouth and taste your lips. Can't sleep because I dream of not stopping. I want you. More than I've ever wanted anyone.

Shit. No. He couldn't say any of those things. She belonged with Quint. Garth wouldn't get in the way of that.

Nichelle blew out a breath, a quick look of uncertainty crossing her features before a resigned one settled in its place. "Look, Garth. I know why you're here. Or I can guess anyway." She closed the door and put several feet between them. "The other night? One time thing. Never happened before. Won't happen again."

Did she think he assumed she made a habit of almost screwing men on her kitchen table?

Interesting.

But it let him off the hook. "Right. Agreed." Wait, that didn't sound right. "I mean, uh yeah, not a habit, won't become one."

Her lips twitched. "Didn't think it would."

She nodded toward the couch and he took a seat.

She settled in the chair beside it. "Trying to drink you under the table didn't turn out quite the way I expected. And it's not a thing." She chewed her bottom lip. "I mean, well, you know what I mean, right?"

Garth could guess. "I think I get it. And for the record, it's not a thing with me either. I don't steal Quint's girlfriends, and I'm not trying with you." He wanted to, good God, he wanted to, but he wouldn't.

She narrowed her gaze. "Then we're good, right? No need to be all awkward and weird?"

Garth nodded. "Yeah, good." He'd settle for that.

He stood and she rose as well. "Um, thanks. Just wanted to be clear."

Nichelle walked him to the door. "Great. Consider it crystal and all that." She twisted the knob and yanked hard.

Garth almost questioned the action, but thought better of doing so. "Good. Uh, I'll see you then." He stepped out into the hall. "I mean with Quint, you know, right?" God, what an idiot.

Nichelle's mouth curved up on one side. "Yeah. Right. Probably in a few weeks." She glanced away.

Garth lifted a hand in farewell and started down the corridor. The faster he got out of the building, the better chance he had to keep his head on straight and not lose his ass.

I'm not quite sure where this one is going or how many twists and turns it'll take, but my love of writing the sibling dynamic remains strong.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Submit

Greetings!

Ugh. I'm fighting a nasty summer cold / allergy / yuck something, which I'm hoping runs its course before next week. School starts on August 25, but my kidlets already have golf and football stuff going on. We've already had a football scrimmage and our first golf match is Monday. Sadly, I won't be going because I can't breathe when I go outside. LOL Ugh. Seriously, my nasal passages can clear up any time now.

Let's see. Teen Wolf? Yeah. A shit ton of stuff happened in the last episode. Glad to see things moving forward. I'm now excited to see Monday's episode. If I'm not in a cold / allergy medication induced coma.

Friday night on Syfy is still kicking major ass. Defiance turned in a pretty awesome episode. But… I was sad to see one of the characters go. I'm also dying to see where this whole thing ends and there better be another season to wrap stuff up. I'm going to be very angry if there isn't. LOL

Killjoys seriously keeps me glued to the screen. This is another one where a new season is a must. The pacing and everything else related to backstory and world building is just about perfect. The only thing I'd like to see a little more of is John's history. I'd even throw Pawter in there, too, but I'm actually okay with what's been revealed of her history so far. Here's hoping next week's episode is mind-blowing.

Dark Matter… cliffhanger ahoy! I'll be riveted to see how Two gets out of the predicament she landed in. I'm also interested in seeing where they end this season. While this show spends a little more time on backstory / exposition, I'm definitely excited by the possibilities of more.

The Last Ship. What can I say? I've praised everything from the pacing, characters, actors, and writing. I'll add all the twists and turns to the mix. I totally didn't see Rachel's ballsy action last week and I can't wait to see if shit flies or not. I'm kind of hoping for the latter because seriously? Her move needed to happen. Just saying.

And enough about TV. Tonight's post is from Submit, a novella where my heroine shows my hero an awesome way to bust stress.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lena Stoll and Welles Abernate work security on a large space station. While the job pays well, the stress level can quickly skyrocket, but Lena comes up with a great solution—she acts as a dominatrix in her downtime—much to Welles's surprise.

And a sneaky peek…

Welles blinked, his shock evident. "What the hell Lena?" His gaze scanned her from head to toe.

No doubt the leather bustier, latex hot pants, black lattice stockings, and high heeled, patent boots boggled his mind and scrambled his wits.

Lena lifted a shoulder. "Gotta relieve the stress somehow. This works." She pinned him with a bold stare. "It's not sexual, Welles."

He snorted. "Sure as hell looks that way." He glanced around her workspace filled with light bondage devices and other tricks of her trade.

Lena smirked. "Oh, Welles. You have so much to learn." And she wouldn't mind educating him.

The Marionette didn't do hardcore sadomasochism so the paraphernalia would be considered tame in most of the private facilities that catered to those who lived and breathed the lifestyle.

Welles frowned. "You think?" He folded his arms across his chest.

Lena huffed out a laugh. "Don't think. Know." She did a slow walk around the room. "But you'd never understand. Not if you think it's about sex." Lesson number one.

Welles cocked his head to one side. "So what's it about, Lena?" His skeptical tone belied the curiosity in his gaze.

She pursed her lips. "Finding order in chaos." The simplest way to start an explanation.

Welles rolled his eyes. "By smacking someone on the ass or putting their dick in a ring?" He shook his head.

Lena shrugged. "That happens sometimes. But you're missing the point." She stopped and waited, hoping to lead him exactly where she wanted him to go.

If he would open up to the possibilities, she could show him how exciting and rejuvenating a little playacting could be. Not to mention she'd love to get her hands on him more than just a little.

Welles finally asked. "And the point is…" He quirked an eyebrow.

Lena turned and walked toward the x-frame rack. "Control. Submitting to it and finding the calm in the storm." She glanced back and caught the doubtful look on his face. "Never mind. I told you you wouldn't get it." She ran her hand over the polished metal and gave the hand restraints a solid tug. "The concept is probably beyond you." Sliding her gaze sideways, she caught his reaction.

His arms dropped and his lips thinned. "So explain the concept then." He moved to the center of the room and settled down onto the spanking stool, a u-shaped, upholstered bench.

Lena shoved the vivid image of him draped over it, his ass on display while she chose which disciplinary tool to use.

Shaking her head, she pondered how to answer. "Look, the name of this club is The Marionette. It's all about role play here." She walked toward him, the heels of her boots making a click-clack sound on the tiled floor. "It's not a hard core S and M club. The guys, and girls, from the luxe quadrant come to enact fantasy scenarios. Maybe they're not getting what they need at home." She dragged a chair over and sat across from him. "Or they always have to be on point in their business meetings, or whatever. They're in high pressure situations, making all the decisions, and when they come here, they know exactly what to expect and none of the pressure is on them." They simply followed orders instead of giving them and let her make all the decisions.

Welles frowned. "Where do you come in then? All slicked up in latex, leather, and black lattice stockings." He did another once over.

Lena smiled. "I'm what guys dream about, Welles. A woman who can punish and reward, create tension before relaxation, and ultimately provide a satisfying end." And usually in ways no one expected.

Welles quirked an eyebrow. "How is that not about sex? If guys are getting off and blowing their wads, it's sexual." He barely kept the disdain from his voice.

Lena sighed. "First, not all of my clients seek that kind of release. Those that do strictly self-pleasure." She waited a beat. "And only if I give permission." She got up and paced back and forth. "That's the key, Welles. Giving them the okay to do what they want, but letting them not be the ones to decide." She stopped and faced him. "The experience is very freeing on an emotional level."

His reactions played out on his face for several long beats, skepticism followed by reflection until understanding finally dawned. About damned time. Lena didn't think she could paint a clearer picture of what she did and why.

Welles glanced around the space, his gaze lingering a little longer on the equipment. "Okay, Lena, I get it. And I can see how what you do relieves stress… on both sides." He huffed out a breath and slowly rose. "I'll file the report and note there's no conflict of interest here." He turned toward the exit.

Lena grabbed his arm. "Hold up, Welles. You're not at all curious to see if there could be a conflict?" She wanted him to stick around and let her put him through the paces.

Welles paused and faced her. "Is that a challenge?" He planted his hands on his hips.

Lena lifted a shoulder. "More like a dare, but call it whatever you want." Her lips curved.

Welles gave her a long, considering look. "Fine. Show me." He met her gaze with a bold stare.

Lena fought to keep her mouth from dropping open. She'd hoped, more like craved, getting him into this position. She couldn't blow her chance now.

She moved to stand toe-to-toe with him. "You're ready to give up total control?" Her fingers tingled with anticipation.

Welles gave a terse nod. "Yes, Lena." He held her gaze. "I submit."

A ripple of intense pleasure rocketed through her. She let a wide, slow smile spread across her face when she backed up several feet. Reaching into her pocket, she remotely closed and locked the door.

Putting on her game face, she lifted her chin. "From this point forward you will address me as Domina, do you understand?"

Welles barely kept his lips from twitching, but he responded. "Yes, Domina."

Several delicious scenarios sprang to mind and Lena couldn't wait to get started.

She inclined her head. "Good. Now strip."

This one is so much fun. Lena finally gets Welles exactly where she wants him.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Stripped to the Skin

So… Mad Max: Fury Road? Kick ass movie. Seriously, an excellent two hours of viewing pleasure. And I'm from the generation that started the whole Mad Max franchise and this movie blows the original ones out of the water. Enough said.

Let's see… Teen Wolf. Can't really say much. I'm sort of waiting to see what happens. This season isn't holding my interest as much as I'd hoped, but I'll reserve judgment until I've seen more.

But my Friday night lineup is kicking everything into high gear. Defiance rocks. I'm always kind of stunned by how quickly the dynamic changes. Same goes with Killjoys. Only two episodes left before a break and I want more. I have a feeling this show will eat my brain in the off season. Not a bad thing. Dark Matter turned in a pretty decent episode, but I can honestly say I'd like tighter writing. First season world building aside, it would be nice to get a little more information on Two, since we've seen a fair amount on the others.

The Last Ship is a little over halfway through its second season and I can't wait to see how things start getting resolved. This is one of those shows I'm stuck between wanting more and being happy a season is short and sweet, leaving me time to savor the goodness before a new one starts. LOL

Tonight's post is from Stripped to the Skin, a sexy short where my characters get hot under the collar.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kaley Pick and Dax Christopher are trapped in an isolation chamber when a ship wide power outage occurs. The temperature rises and they have to strip to the skin—a perfect time to consummate their growing attraction—except they're not alone. A junior officer is stuck with them and he's not dealing well with the heat.

And a sneaky peek…

Dax shook his head. "I'm not undressing him. You do it." He stepped back, bumping up against the wall.

Kaley put her hands up. "Oh, no. No way. Bird Dog would read way too much into it if I'm the one who gets his clothes off." And she'd never live the disrobing down.

Dax cocked his head to one side. "And how, exactly, would he know?" His t-shirt already had perspiration soaking through.

Kaley narrowed her eyes. "Good point. Which I'm gonna have to throw back at you." She crossed her arms over her chest. "How would he know if you're the one to do it?" Sweat dripped between her breasts and she lowered her arms, trying to cool down.

Dax snorted. "Because you have a big mouth and I don't." He gave up and removed his shirt, daring her with his gaze to claim otherwise.

She couldn't argue. Dammit. She would have a helluva time keeping it to herself.

Kaley growled and knelt down. "Fine." She loosens Bird Dog's fatigues and dragged the pants down his hips to reveal boxers with big lips all over them.

Dax let out a low whistle. "Well, those aren't standard military issue."

She couldn't help it and burst out laughing. "Oh, my holy hell. Those are seriously the only lips that'll ever get close to him." The temperature must be getting to her, tears sprang to her eyes.

Dax lowered down, helping remove Brad's boots. "Hey now, the poor kid just hasn't figured out how to be subtle yet." He tossed the footwear up against the wall.

Kaley yanked the pants off all the way and shoved them aside. "Yeah, well, making a move on me wasn't his best play." She glanced up. "And if he says one word about me being the one to remove his clothes, I'm going to find a way to make you pay for a long, long time." Unable to stand the heat, she grabbed her shirt and yanked it over her head.

Dax lifted a brow.

Kaley shrugged. "Not like you haven't seen me in sports bra before." She fanned her face. "And the pants are next, so be prepared." Rising she popped the button of her fatigues after kicking her boots off.

Dax reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Hold up, Kales. It might not be the best idea to strip down." His fingers trailed along her forearm. "Robinette obviously needs to be cooled down, but you and I aren't suffering like he is."

Kaley huffed out a breath. "Speak for yourself, Dax. I'm dying here." She met his gaze again. "Aren't you?"

Dax stepped back. "Yeah, I am. But…" He glanced away. "We'd be tempting fate. Hot or not, the less you have on, the harder it'll be to resist what I want to do." His voice dropped to sexy growl. "What we both want to do."

Kaley's eyes widened. "Really? You pick now to poke a stick at the big, bad attraction we have?" She undid the rest of the buttons on her fly. "Get over it, Dax." Pushing the damp fabric past her hips, she used her feet to anchor the legs and remove the garment. "Why not, for pity's sake?"

He grabbed her biceps and turned her to face him. "Because it's only going to get hotter in here and that means keeping our heads on straight will get harder, if not impossible."

Kaley huffed out a breath. "Which also means whatever happens can't be held against us. Did you think of that?" She quirked an eyebrow.

Dax opened his mouth then snapped it shut.

Victorious, Kaley nodded. "Exactly. Now lose the pants."

This sexy little short is so much fun to write!

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Steamed

So… I have the final two episodes of Strike Back waiting to be watched and I'm putting it off. Because I want to savor the last two hours before it's over for good. LOL

Teen Wolf… eh, this past week felt like a bunch of set-up, which is okay, but I'm kind of wanting the new guy to be found out and I really want to know what the hell is going on with Stiles. Here's hoping Monday's episode sheds some light.

The Last Ship continues to keep me glued to the screen. I love everything about this show, the actors, the pacing, the storyline, and most definitely the characters. So much awesome rolled into forty-five minutes. Just saying.

Friday night lineup is still kicking major good vibes. Defiance and Killjoys each turned in superb viewing. Repercussions abounded and I pretty much loved both episodes. Dark Matter also dropped some interesting info bombs, which did indeed tie back to the clues in previous episodes. Really liking the dynamic and the way it changes when new stuff is revealed about the characters.

Tonight's post is from Steamed, a sexy short where my characters figure out a great way to bust up their boredom.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Page Wagner and Gannon Bendis pull long range recon duty and Page decides they need to play truth or strip. After several days of sexy banter, Gannon has enough of Page's innuendo and confronts her… in the shower.

And a sneaky peek…

Gannon entered the head and crossed his arms over his chest. The steam rose and swirled around him, but didn't obstruct his view in the least.

Page turned and tilted her head to one side. "What the hell, Gannon?" She didn't try to hide or duck further into the alcove.

Page had pushed Gannon a little too far and he decided to call her on the bullshit. "If you didn't want me to call your bluff, why didn't you shut the hell up?" His gaze dropped to her feet and traveled upward.

A slow smile curved her lips. "Maybe you're doing exactly what I want." She tilted her head back, letting the water saturate her hair.

Gannon snorted. "Really? Nice try, Page." The bottoms of his workout pants were getting soaked but he didn't care. "You didn't think for one second I'd come find you."

She lifted a shoulder. "No, but I did have hope." Her lips twitched. "Took you long enough. I figured you'd try something last week." She smoothed the liquid from her head, wringing the ends of her hair out.

Gannon dropped his arms. "I'm not just saying something, Page. I'm doing something." He took a step forward.

Page put her hands out. "Come on, Gannon. The game's over. Just some fun to pass the time, right?" She backed up a little, but lowered her arms.

Gannon shook his head. "I don't think so." He moved closer to her, crowding into her space. "You wanted a reaction… you're getting one." If she asked, he would leave, but his gut screamed she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

Page gave him a long considering look, the steam rising in the stall, the water beating down behind her.

Instead of responding with words, she fisted her hand in his shirt and hauled him under the spray. "So, what are you waiting for, G-man?" Her hands pulled the sopping material away from his skin. "Start doing. You've got way too many clothes on for the shower."

This one is so much fun to work on!

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

ML Skye