Sunday Snippet: Ties Don't Bind

Time to wrap up 2024 and send it on its happy way. For me, it's been a year of ups and downs and sometimes the downs packed a punch. That said, I try to focus on the ups and pull that energy into my realm.

Wild weather, per usual. We had sixty degrees yesterday, so my husband went golfing. He's been down with a nasty cold and wanted / needed the fresh air and exercise. Today it's raining and dreary outside.

Finished up a section of a developmental edit I've been working on. So excited to have it done, because we're almost to the finish line on this story. One more chunk of chapters then a full read through and we'll be ready to go.

A semi-decent week of viewing even with the holiday thrown in this week. I still need to pick a new show to watch on one of my streamers and I finished another show and will need to replace it also.

Started season three of Elementary. I'm not sure how I feel about Harsh Joan or New Watson working with Sherlock. Also feel a bit off by Gregson's backhanded bitchslap to Sherlock. I do love that Sherlock is seeing consequences for his actions, even if they were to preserve his sobriety. Season three could prove to be interesting.

I finished The Batman series and thoroughly enjoyed the rewatch. I feel like there's at least one episode I missed, but maybe I'm remembering a different series.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and didn't remember either of the vignettes. Loved the babies thinking they were helping and the grown-ups getting locked in the playpen.

Enjoyed another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I think I have two more episodes left in this series. It's a fun show and I'm glad I watched from the beginning.

Finished up the second season of London Kills and I'm excited to start season three. The weaving of the plot lines is something I really like about this series. Looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. Really interested to see what happens with JP. I love his character and I'll be sad to see him go, if he does.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Ties Don't Bind, a sexy short that brings a couple back together after big life changes.

Here's the miniblurb:

Gemma Neal, a soldier, shares a past with Tripp Macintosh and wants to reconnect with her former friend and lover. But when Tripp gets elected to a parliament position, trading fatigues for a suit and tie, she's not sure how to proceed … a foreign concept for the take-charge lieutenant.

And a sneaky peek…

Gemma smiled. Catching Tripp off guard happened to be one of her favorite pastimes. With their separate locations, she couldn’t indulge as often as she'd like anymore.

She gave him a questioning glance. "What's it look like I'm doing, Tripp?" Her fingers edged along the waistband of her pants then pushed them down so she could step out of them.

Turning, she walked toward the bed wearing nothing but his tie. She glanced back at Tripp, almost laughing at the stunned look on his face.

Sitting on the edge of the mattress, she cocked her head sideways. "You gonna join me or stand there with your mouth hanging open?"

Tripp moved fast. His pants hit the floor, and he crossed the deck in three strides. Lifting her up, he tumbled them both to the soft surface, kissing her on the way down.

His lips, her teeth, and his tongue were used to soothe, nip, and lave, fanning the flames. His hands smoothed over her skin, teasing, stroking, plying her with ease. Her fingers dug into his flesh, grasping, straining, seeking. Limbs entangled, her body fit easily with his, moving in sync like a finely tuned machine.

With her hips raised, she took him in deep and gasped his name. Gah! She'd missed him so much. Moving against her and in her, Tripp moaned in unison to his thrusts. Her head thrashing on the pillow, Gemma let the tension build until she couldn't stand it anymore. Holding his gaze, she licked her lips then raised her head to mesh her mouth with his. Her breasts tingled from the contact with his chest, and it sent her flying over the edge … with Tripp careening right behind her.

Collapsing back into the pillows, she fought to catch her breath. She wondered how it could be possible to feel exhilarated and lethargic at the same time. When Tripp landed with an exhausted thud beside her, a look of sated contentment on his face, she figured it was. Turning, she molded herself to him, hands stroking over his skin, relishing the tactile connection.

His hand came up to cup her head, fingers stroking through her hair. The rapid beat of his heart against her cheek became a soothing balm. Eyes drifting closed, she let the sound lull her into slumber.

I enjoy exploring reunions after breakup and Gemma and Tripp have been fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Threshold

Seasons' Greetings!

For whatever holiday you celebrate, I hope you have a joyous time filled with cheer and merriment. We'll be low key per usual with a trip to my dad's and hopefully some FaceTime with my brother in Arizona.

The weather is still playing back and forth. We have a bit of snow and it's pretty cold right now. The temps are supposed to warm up into the forties and fifties over the next few days.

Finished up two projects this week and have one on my plate. January looks to be shaping up with multiple projects and I'm so grateful for those. The short break gives me some time to finish getting my side project ready to launch and I hope to do that next week during the holiday.

Only a semi-good week of viewing. I had some big cleaning projects to work on and got a good bit of that completed. Still working on a few others and hope to have them finished before the end of the year.

Watched another episode of Mr and Mrs Murder. I remember parts of this one but hadn't seen the entire episode. Ended up being pretty good.

Also watched an episode of London Kills. The plot thickens regarding the disappearance of David's wife. Looking forward to seeing how that ends up being resolved. Also enjoying Billie so much on this show.

Enjoyed the one hundredth episode of Death in Paradise. So lovely to have Camille back for a brief stay. Also nice to see Spirit Richard. This also marks, in my opinion, when Catherine and Selwyn take on larger roles in the show. Looking forward to rounding out season ten with the last two episodes.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Threshold, a novella that puts a couple on their path to freedom after years of servitude.

Here's the miniblurb:

Satin Welch takes one look at the gorgeous Blade Killian and has to have him. She purchases his slave contract and grants him freedom. Blade doesn't trust the beautiful woman or her idea to make him a partner on the Threshold, a pleasure ship traveling throughout the galaxy, but he can't quite resist the chance to make his own choices after a decade of sexual servitude.

And a sneaky peek…

Who are you? A great question. One Satin would answer in just a moment. First, she had something very important to do—before Blade ended her life.

She choked out an order. "His collar. Remove his collar." The words gurgled from her throat.

Blade's eyes widened when the circlet of silver fell to the deck. He swooped around, locking an arm around her torso, resting just below her breasts. She held up the controller and he snatched it from her hand but didn't loosen his grip.

Satin dragged in air then nodded toward the device. "I thought you'd like to have the honor of destroying the unit." The next step to calm the raging man.

She hoped.

After shoving her away, Blade dropped the tiny device to the deck and stomped on it. He picked up the collar and threw it against the wall, shattering the thing into pieces. Symbolically, she'd given him his freedom. Now she had to earn his trust.

He spun around. "Again, I ask, who are you and why shouldn't I kill you right now?" His chest heaved with barely controlled emotion.

Satin smiled. "The who is Satin Welch and the why is something we'll get to in a moment, but first—" She crossed to the kitchenette and grabbed a stack of papers.

Taking the first one, she tucked the others under her elbow. She retrieved a handheld mincer.

She returned to his side. "I'm setting you free. This is the purchase contract from the transaction with your former owner." She shredded the pages and let the pieces fall to the ground. "As of this moment, you are no longer a slave."

Blade crossed his arms over his chest. "Why should I believe you?" He clicked his tongue against his teeth. "My first owner did the same thing—yet here I am, ten years later, newly purchased. I've traded one owner for another … again."

Satin lost her patience. "You moron. I didn't buy you, I bought your contract so you can become my business partner." Maybe she'd misjudged his intelligence.

Blade blinked then threw his head back and laughed. "You're amusing yourself, right? You said business, but you mean bed, don't you?" His derisive tone suggested disgust at the thought.

Satin sighed and rolled her eyes. "No, I don't." She gave him a slow once-over. "I certainly wouldn't turn you down, but you'll never be forced to pleasure me—or anyone else—in bed from this moment forward…" She paused a moment. "Unless you want to earn more on the side or you choose to bed someone of your own volition." She tried really hard to make her intention clear and succinct.

If he could get out of his own way enough to see.

I love how this story is coming together. Satin and Blade are interesting characters and I enjoy writing them.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Therapeutic Recuperation

Big cold snap with a little bit of snow this week in weather. I'm getting much better about making sure I have layers on even if it's just a quick trip outside with the doggos. I also haven't had a major cold yet this season and I hope I didn't just jinx that fact.

Semibusy work week with finishing a proofread and working on two copy edits. I'm hoping to have some projects to work on over the holiday break. I'm not great at having a week or two off then trying to gear back up into work mode.

Fairly decent week of viewing. I'm trying to decide what new show to add to my usual slate of viewing fare. I'm leaning toward Beyond Paradise, but I'm not completely sure yet.

Caught another episode of Mr. and Mrs. Murder. I hadn't seen much if any of this episode and I enjoyed it. I think I have a handful of episodes left before it'll be time to switch to another show.

Watched another episode of London Kills and tensions are running high. The case ended up being very interesting and Viv and Rob are pushing the line by investigating David. Looking forward to more of this one.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Part one of a two-part arc and the lead-in to the show's one hundredth episode. Loved seeing Camille at the end and can't wait to watch the next episode. I've seen almost all of it and loved it.

Finished up season two of Elementary. I still think Mycroft is an ass even if I get why he did things the way he did. I'm a little on the fence about where Sherlock and Joan left things. I'll be interested to see where they pick up with season three.

Started the two-part series finale of The Batman. I don't remember if I actually watched this before or not but it was a good episode. I think I might move on to Batman Beyond after this.

Also watched another episode Classic Rugrats. I hadn't seen either of the vignettes and enjoyed both.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Therapeutic Recuperation, a novella that brings a couple together after a major explosion.

Here's the miniblurb:

An accidental blast on the hangar deck lands Nadine Hewes and Hall Pullion in sickbay. The ship's doctor gets them stable then puts them in the same alcove so they don't drive everyone else nuts while they recuperate, leading the pilots to discover all kinds of interesting things about each other.

And a sneaky peek…

Year 3952

Base Recovery Room 219

Day 5

Nadine groaned. "Physical therapy sucks huge heavy balls." She made her way slowly into the recovery room and barely got up on the bed, near tears. "I feel like a raw, open wound." After someone poured salt into it.

Hall scooted his wheelchair over and reached out a hand to reassure her.

She stopped him. "Don't, Hall. Please. Just don't. I hurt so bad right now if you touch me, my reaction will be punching you in the face." And then weeping from the effort that would take.

Hall dropped his hand. "Damn, I wonder if I can look forward to that tomorrow?" He made a low scratchy sound in his throat.

Nadine's eyes popped open. "Seriously? I hope not. It's like a gigantic pain bomb exploded under my skin." She moved, wincing. "I wouldn't wish this feeling on my worst enemy, which you are not." The physical therapist on the other hand…

Hall flashed a smile. "So … who is your worst enemy?"

Nadine snorted. "I have no idea. You could probably do a quick check and find out who lodged the most complaints about me." That could be a fun endeavor.

Hall didn't let her off the hook. "C'mon, Nadine. I can't check anything from here." He rolled over to the supply cupboard and got some ice for her.

Nadine gingerly placed the pack on her shoulder then mused and named off several crew members. "The best would be Flat Foot actually filed a grievance because I called him out for leaving his gear in the cockpit." A huge no-no. "And Beehive lodged a complaint because I turned her in for being hungover." Not even Nadine tried to fly after imbibing too much. "And the list goes on…" She pushed boundaries but didn't cross the line.

Hall's lips twitched. "You're not exactly high on any of the deck crew's list either." He obviously enjoyed her tales of potential enemies.

Her eyes narrowed. "And I think you're having a little too much fun at my expense."

He smirked. "Maybe. But how do you feel?" He arched his brows.

She tilted her head. "Better, actually. The ice helped." And the distraction didn't hurt either.

He nodded toward her feet. "Can you handle a massage?" He wiggled his fingers in the air.

She gave a low moan. "Ah … you're gonna spoil me. What am I gonna do when we get out of here?" She lowered the bed a few inches to make it easier for him to reach her.

Hall gave her a leer. "Dream of my magic fingers." He warmed his hands by rubbing them together then started on her calf muscle.

Her breath hitched. She already dreamed of those fingers and what they might be able to do. The only good thing about physical therapy? The aftermath left her so tired she didn't dare try to discover how much pleasure Hall could wield with his hands or any other body part. But her mind loved to conjure images while she slept.

He finished the rub down and wheeled over to his duffel bag and grabbed his shower kit and a crutch. Tucking the container under his arm, he used the crutch to start back across the room.

When he got to her bed, Nadine snagged his arm. "Thank you." He helped ease the agony from a torturous physical therapy session and helped take her mind off the discomfort by with the art of distraction.

A charged moment passed between them. He had to know what her thoughts were. But he didn't push. Instead, he put his hand over hers for a moment then excused himself to grab a shower, walking slowly and carefully into the head.

Nadine drifted off, fully aware she'd dream of Hall and his gorgeous hands and not minding one bit.

I'm enjoying this one. Nadine and Hall are a fun couple to write while they try to recuperate from their injuries.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Taken By Surprise

Ohio is back to being contrary with its weather. Super cold days in the teens followed by a warmup of midfifties. My sinuses hate this kind of back and forth.

Had a fairly busy work week with a new project landing in my inbox. It's one of my favorite authors to edit and proofread for. Also spent a lot of time pulling my tax stuff together. I realized last week I hadn't filed for 2023 yet. Better late than never.

Not a bad week of viewing. I didn't make a full round of my usual slate of shows, but I got most of the way through. Again, my sleep schedule is playing havoc with my brain.

Watched another episode of Mr and Mrs Murder and thoroughly enjoyed it. A lot of familiar faces in this one, which is always fun.

Caught another episode of London Kills and I'm kind of excited about Rob and Vivienne teaming up to investigate David. Of course, there's more to the story and I can't wait to find out what's really going on.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one but it's nice to follow the whole story from beginning to end instead of catching bits and pieces all the time.

Finished up season twenty-seven of Silent Witness. Gotta say, I really enjoyed the finale. Jack proposing to Nikki made my heart happy. And I'm interested to see what happens with Jack's place. Maybe Kara and Velvy will stay there.

Watched another episode of Elementary and enjoyed it. Still not a Mycroft fan even if he had extenuating reasons for being an ass. I am kind of glad Sherlock isn't going to throw his brother under the bus. At least I don't think he is. The next episode should reveal what will happen.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Taken by Surprise, a sexy short that changes the dynamics of a friends-with-benefits couple to something more.

Here's the miniblurb:

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…

Herrick enjoyed the view when Pales made her way out of the mess. "Damn, that was fun." Getting a little under her skin made his day.

She made pursuing her so much fun with her quirky reactions. Not that many people could read her … she had an outstanding poker face. But he paid attention and discovered quite a few of her tells. Like when her gaze lost focus, and a slight smile played around her lips? She had sex on her brain. Or when her eyes shifted color? He could guess most of her moods by the changing hues of her irises or how quickly her pupils widened.

Did he keep track of anyone else the way he did with her? "Nope." But he liked Pales, even when she got prickly.

He'd heard the stories. She rarely attempted a full-fledged relationship. The woman had terrible luck with her previous attempts. One guy couldn't keep his dick away from others. Not a problem except he'd been caught with his pants down an hour before his scheduled wedding … to Pales. Needless to say, she broke the engagement.

Another guy broke up with her when she made lieutenant before he did. Didn't matter if she had the experience and higher score on the exam. Also didn't matter they'd been together for close to two years. The asshat's ego mattered more to him than she did.

Herrick finished up his meal and stacked his tray on the pile at the wash station.

He didn't discount her reasons for being wary of getting involved with anything long-term. "But she can't go through life without a deeper connection. No one can." Okay … maybe a person could, but what did that kind of existence look like?

Lonely, for one. And, frankly, shortsighted. Living in the moment absolutely had benefits. But everyone needed a person they could count on. Whether they slept together or not.  He wanted to be that person for Pales.

He wouldn't push, but he'd be present. As up close as possible. He didn't want to spook her. But he needed to show her he'd be there, no matter what.

Because he liked so many things about her. Her sassy mouth, her total focus when flying, her ongoing feud with the XO. He quite loved everything about her. The sex became an unexpected and added bonus.

His mouth curved. "Especially when neither of us expected to hook up." At least not the first time.

A mix-up on new assigned quarters put them in the same berth. She'd pulled a double shift and appeared dead on her feet after a shower. The quartermaster either transposed the numbers or made a mistake. Either way, the card she held listed the same designation as his notification had earlier. When her shoulders slumped and she blew out a frustrated breath, he didn't have the heart to make her wake up the quartermaster to get a new rack.

He slid back against the wall and lifted his blanket. "Look, you might as well crash here. We can straighten this out after you get a solid eight." He could sleep facing the bulkhead so she didn't notice how much she affected him.

She only hesitated for a moment before she slipped beneath the covers. "Thank you." Pulling the curtain closed, she grabbed his extra pillow and got comfortable. "I owe you one. 'Night." Within a minute, her breathing deepened into sleep.

The next morning, he woke up with a start and the feel of her palm cupping his erection. She didn't say a word, but she worked his dick out of his knit boxers and moved to straddle his thighs. After pulling her hipster panties to the side, she sank over his rigid length then leaned down to mesh her lips with his. Neither lasted long, but by the time she broke and shuddered through her orgasm, he pretty much wanted to wake up every day with her wet heat surrounding his cock.

Of course he didn't say that to her.

Instead, he made it his mission to become her friend and find out if they had a chance for something else. The more he got to know her the deeper he fell. When one or both needed to scratch an itch, they found themselves together. So far, they hadn't strayed from that path. Which meant he might not stand a chance for a future with her, but he at least wanted to try.

Exiting the mess, he headed for a shift in comms. "And I aim to find out soon."

Having a lot of fun pulling this story together. Herrick likes to catch Pales off guard, but she's got a few tricks up her sleeve also.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Table of Lies

Welcome, December! I'm truly not sure what this month will bring. I'm at a weird place where I feel kind of stuck and a little buried under the weight of needing to get things done … but I have no idea where to start.

Work slowed down a little, which isn't a great thing. But it did give me some time to spend with my daughter when she came home for Thanksgiving break. I'm so grateful for that time. And December still looks to be booked with projects for the most part.

The temperature did drop but didn't quite dip into the teens. I'm really not ready for the arctic blast yet. But it does help get me in a mood for the holidays.

Had a semi-decent week of viewing. My sleep schedule is all over the place again and that doesn't always make for a good attention span.

Watched the season two premiere episode of London Kills. Nice to see Billie back in action. I'm interested in the ongoing arc from season one. This cast is stellar, and I love the changing dynamics between them.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I'm starting to find some redeeming value in Neville. I liked the way he kind of helped Florance. Really not sure about Marlon.

Enjoyed part one of Silent Witness. Loving some inside looks at Jack and Nikki and the mystery is kind of amazing. I have no idea where things are going and that's always fun.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Mycroft is an ass and maybe that's a good thing. He definitely has some explaining to do. I do give him kudos for being able to manipulate Sherlock even if I hate that he could. And I'm going to be really pissed if Sherlock decides Joan is his weakness and starts acting like a bigger ass than Mycroft.

Caught an episode of The Batman and it's one I don't remember watching previously. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Having a team that is completely opposite of Batman and Robin was fun.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I think it's the final one where the whole episode is one story. I kind of wish there were more of those.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Table of Lies, a novella that features one of my favorite tropes of meeting the wrong brother first.

Here's the miniblurb:

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 Fillion returned from a lunch meeting and grinned when he noticed the message light flashing on his computer. "Hope that's Quint getting back to me." His brother's concept of time didn't always reflect reality.

But Garth wouldn't trade his younger brother for anything on the planet. They might be opposites in almost everything, but Quint never failed to brighten things up wherever he went. Before their parents got divorced, Quint made life bearable when the arguments got out of hand by using humor to drown out the yelling and shouting from both adults. Garth tried to be the one to ease the strife, and usually got caught in the middle. Quint would usually come down and drag Garth away with a lame excuse—like Quint needed help with his homework—then get into his stash of snack foods to share before regaling Garth with bad jokes.

Garth shook his head. "Those jokes haven't improved since grade school." And if he sometimes wished Quint would dial back the antics, Garth rarely expressed that hope.

Because Quint used humor as a release valve and deserved to cope however he wanted to … especially after their turbulent childhood.

Pressing the icon on his monitor, Garth listened to his brother's message.

"Yo, G-man. Can't wait to see you, even if I have to share you with the ministry defoffs."

Garth snorted at the nickname his brother gave to the defense officers on base next to the military academy.

The one their dad and Garth each graduated from and where Quint currently spent his days. Garth had to monitor an inspection of a newly launched program for the ministry. One of the new responsibilities he'd inherited when he'd accepted his position in the ministry of defense.

Quint added a parting shot. "Also, I won't be on campus. I crash at my girlfriend's place on the weekends. Stop by after six for dinner. We'll catch up then." He rattled off the address then signed off.

Garth's eyes widened. "Girlfriend. Huh." A new development since they'd spoken last?

Or … one of Quint's practical jokes? With Quint, Garth didn't know for sure. He could end up in the middle of nowhere with Quint laughing his ass off.

Garth jotted the address down. "Not in a neighborhood I'm familiar with." He'd double-check the mapping program before heading out this weekend.

I love exploring different variations on a theme. Meeting the wrong brother first opens up a lot of possibilities. Garth and Quint are fun to write and throwing Nichelle into the mix is a lot of fun.

 

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

ML Skye