Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry

Final day of November and it's cold and windy outside. We're due for some snow in the next day or so. I'm kind of not prepared. It's been a long week.

Had to prep for the colonoscopy on Monday and I can now commiserate with anyone who's gone through the process. It's not fun. Seriously not fun. By the time I got to the surgery center, I was completely spaced out, which maybe didn't hurt. I have a major phobia of being put under and I was in full freak-out mode. Thankfully, everything went well and even though it was a holiday weekend, I got the test results back and all looks okay. Whew!

Had a full slate of work projects also. I'm a little behind because, honestly, while I should have bounced right back from the procedure, I ended up being out of it until Thursday. I have a copy edit I have to finish up today then I'll have a little breathing room.

I literally watched one of my normal slate of shows this week. I'm hoping to get back on track, but even with breathing room, I've got a busy week ahead. We'll see how it goes.

I did get an episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries in. It was a fun episode that I enjoyed the first time around.

I started an episode of Foyle's War but haven't made it all the way through yet. I'll probably pick up with it this week and finish out the round of my usual shows.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Bad Chemistry, the opening book in the speculative series about an uncivil revolution.

Here's the miniblurb:

Lex Durban and Charlotte McIntyre do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Charlotte McIntyre shoved her fist against her mouth and bit back the scream that wanted to come roaring out. Charlie Miller—immediate superior, mentor, friend—dead, cut down too soon. She couldn't grieve; she didn't have time. She had to stay clear, focused, and think. 

If the board had Charlie killed, she couldn't be far behind. "He made no secret I've been his right hand and know everything about Project Hope." What she wouldn't give to be blissfully ignorant right now.

The true intent of the project had been leaked. By Charlie. He'd gotten the word out, let his contact know Project Hope had the power to wipe out a large portion of the world's population. But global annihilation didn't happen to be on the agenda. Not yet.

"It'll start at home, in our very backyard."

Targeted disbursement would take out the malnourished and indigent. Half a city's population could waste away to nothing and die with no traceable reason. Okay, half might push the numbers, but the demographic range of homeless, low-income families, and drug abusers made up a large portion of residents. The board decided if they could remove the load on the social system, it would ease everyone's burden.

"And by everyone, they mean the upper echelon of global corporations."

Her gaze scanning the lab, she looked for something, anything, she could easily carry as a weapon. Her sight landed on an array of syringes. She dashed over and grabbed a handful. It wouldn't help much, but it could slow down anyone who tried to pursue her.

The sound of running footsteps had her crouching low against the wall. She had to get out of the lab … down more floors than she wanted to think about and out the gates of the complex. The elevators had security cameras so no way would she use them.

The stairwells had the stupid things, too, but one of Char's soon-to-be-former coworkers had found a way to stay hidden from them. Thank God the woman had an insane sex drive and a penchant for taking willing participants to the nearest landing for quickies. And a mad desire to overshare about her exploits.

That unwanted knowledge might just be the thing to save Char's life.

She made it halfway down the eight flights of stairs before she got busted from behind.

"Charlotte McIntyre! Hold up." A burly security officer called out. "I've been instructed to keep you on the premises until further notice." He hustled down the remaining steps to the landing.

Char stood still, keeping her hand in pocket of her lab coat and worked the cap off one of the syringes. She knew this guy. Not terribly bright and he didn't demand she show him her hands.

A mistake. When he went to grab an arm to secure her and Char lashed out … jabbing the sharp needle into his neck. His eyes blinked rapidly and he tilted his head to one side.

She didn't think the solution worked at first, but he finally went down, collapsing in a heap.

Char dashed the rest of the remaining four floors, stumbled out into the parking garage, and sank to the floor. She dragged in a shaky breath and willed her heart to slow down. She had to get moving or lose her life.

Forcing herself upright, she took a wobbly step forward only to shrink back against the wall when a motorcycle came roaring up along the exit.

The helmet visor popped up, and her eyes met the clear blue of the rider's.

He held out a gloved hand. "Charlotte McIntyre? Name's Dom. You need to come with me."

She stood, mouth hanging open, wondering how he knew her name.

He grabbed another helmet off the back. "Lady, if you wanna survive, get on. Now." He tossed the spare and revved the throttle.

Char did the smart thing. She strapped on the protective cover and settled in behind Dom.

He sped out of the parking level and headed for the main gate. "Hang on!"

The words, shouted loudly, gave her warning. Char risked a peek over his shoulder and gripped him tight around the waist. Her eyes slid closed, and she groaned. Dom planned to ram the panel blocking the garage exit.

The bike picked up speed and Char bit back a scream. The splintering sound of smashing through the gate hit just before the screech of tires when Dom rounded the sharp curve that would lead them away from Coburn Pharmaceuticals.

Char had no idea how he kept the bike upright let alone how she managed to avoid flying off. She held tight, leaning to the side when he did and hoped like hell he had some kind of plan.

Because she sure as hell didn't.

This story keeps me on my toes. I have the general plot hammered out but I also have to sprinkle in some seeds for the other two books. These characters are a lot of fun to write.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Relative Chemistry (Uncivil Revolution)

Whew! What a week. It's been something of a wild ride. My daughter starts graduate school in Athens the week of August 25, and we're still trying to figure out her financial aid. She's headed to Ontario Canada this week for a theater festival, which is what she'll be getting her master's degree in. My work inbox is overflowing! I'm so grateful for all the new projects but also a little daunted by how much I have stacked up and waiting for me to get to. My car also has an issue that we're hoping is not the computer. I'll know more on Monday. Ugh!

I didn't get much done on the viewing front. Too many things needed my focus elsewhere. Between the phone calls for school and car problems, my brain turned to mush. Bleh.

I did get an episode of Best in Paradise in. I enjoyed it again. It's fun to have the introductions from the cast members.

I also got to watch the closing episode of Death in Paradise season eight. A very interesting and twisty episode with a really cool gesture at the end from the commissioner.

And I also finished up the main draft of a holiday manuscript I've been working on for, geez, almost a year. The sages finally cooperated and threw a bunch of ideas out. I'm so happy about that.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Relative Chemistry, a novel in the Uncivil Revolution series. Or maybe the Civil Revolution. I'm not sure on the title yet.

Here's the miniblurb:

In a nation torn apart by an uncivil war, Wallis Canton is allowed to live if she keeps the men at a covert human trafficking location sated and satisfied. When Etta Morgan is brought and held for sale to the highest bidder, Wallis finds a kindred spirit and rediscovers her will to be free. When Dom Marinelli arrives on the scene to save Etta, he almost takes out the one man, Perry Norris, who didn't abuse and degrade Wallis. With Perry's help, the four escape the facility and live to fight another day, and Perry helps Wallis navigate life on the outside, showing her good men do exist and love can flourish from tragic circumstances.

And a sneaky peek…

Wallis Canton shuffled along in front of her armed escort. Her head throbbed and her muscles ached. Twelve hours with no food and barely any water sapped all of her energy. Taking care of five clients didn't help. Sex burned a lot of calories.

I'm running on empty.

The man behind her grunted. "You're home. No work tomorrow. Rest up." His mouth twisted in a sneer.

The heavy steel door opened and Perry Norris, one of the caretakers, stepped to one side. "Instructions?" He spoke to the armed escort.

Wallis itched to get inside the facility, to have a shower, and find her bed. Her rumbling stomach and parched throat would need attention first. After that, she might curl up on the nearest flat surface and crash hard.

The goon—she never remembered their names—shook his head and nudged Wallis across the threshold. Perry lifted his chin and quickly closed the door, turning the deadbolt before he put out a steadying hand.

Wallis nearly crumpled at the supportive gesture. "Need water." Her voice cracked and rasped between her dry lips.

Perry pressed a bottle into her hand. "I figured. They never think past collecting the fee and moving on to the next stop." He guided her toward the bathroom in the old high school that functioned as a makeshift dorm for the sex workers.

She twisted the cap off and slowly drank a few sips of the clear liquid. "Thanks." Her stomach gurgled and roiled … the water making her queasy, even as it quenched her thirst.

Perry reached into his shirt pocket and tore the wrapper from a protein bar. "Didn't feed you either, did they?" He handed the food over.

She gratefully took the offering and bit into the mix of granola, peanut butter, and honey. "No." She chewed and swallowed, following with another longer drink. "Not usually out as long as I was today." A yawn escaped before she could stop it.

Perry angled her toward him, his gaze sweeping over her. "You're dead on your feet. Would you rather go to your room instead of the restroom?"

She shook her head. "I want a shower. I need to get … clean." Her gaze met his. "You know?" Especially after the long sex-filled day.

Perry dipped his chin. "Yeah. I do." He led her into the cavernous former locker room and over toward the line of showers. "Finish the food and water. I'll get the water warm for you." He pointed to the bench by the stalls.

She sank down then jumped back up. "Wait! You're fully—" The spray of water drowned her voice out.

Dressed. He's fully dressed.

Sitting back down, she nibbled the protein bar and sipped the water. The infusion of calories eased the emptiness in her stomach and the water soothed her throat, but her body still ached from the overexertion of the day. She might fall asleep right here.

Perry returned, his clothes damp. "All warmed up. You're good to go." He grabbed a towel from the rack and dried his hands off.

Wallis heaved a sigh and slowly got to her feet, swaying a little.

Perry caught her elbow. "You okay?" Concern etched his features.

Wallis lifted a shoulder. "Not sure. Can't really think straight." She moved forward, pausing by the stall. "Ugh. I don't even have the energy to get undressed." Her vision swam.

Perry put his hands on her shoulders. "Look, I'm not trying to be creepy or anything, but let me help. You can't stay upright much longer."

She gave a nod and held her arms up. Perry walked behind her and lifted her shirt over her head. Then he slid her pants down until she could step out of them and her clogs. She slowly made her way into the stall and under the hot spray of water.

Perry pulled the curtain. "I'll be right outside. Call out if you need anything."

She paused, wiping the water from her face. "Can you stay? I won't be long." As much as she'd love to spend the next twelve hours under the steamy mist, she wouldn't be able to stay awake much longer.

Perry grunted his acknowledgment. "I'll stay."

I'm very excited about writing this one. I think it's the final book in a three book series and the ideas have been rolling around in my head for more than a decade.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Organic Chemistry (Civil Revolution)

Welcome June and another month where time will probably fly by too quickly. Doesn't help that I'm under the weather right now and feeling yucky. Hopefully whatever this is will pass quickly and I can get back to normal.

Had a solid work week. Finished up a cozy mystery proofread and made progress on a developmental edit. Also got a lot of writing done, which makes me happy because I've been hitting walls lately.

Fairly good viewing this week. Managed to go through my show list twice. I might start adding in a few more shows but I like this current group.

Finished up the fourth season of Suspects. I'll be starting the fifth and final season this week. Looks like a banger ending for this series.

Caught two episodes of Brokenwood Mysteries. Both were excellent. Very fun to see how Halloween is celebrated in New Zealand, especially since it's spring there instead of fall. Very cool.

Watched two episodes of Best in Paradise. I'm enjoying the intros by the actors and I'm enjoying their picks for favorite episodes.

Also enjoyed two episodes of Death in Paradise. I'd seen bits of both episodes but not the whole thing. Loved the one with the zoo. Also like how much Jack is becoming a part of the community.

Caught two episodes of Elementary. Interesting to see Gregson's personal life on a bit of a display. Also thoroughly enjoying Sherlock's interactions with Joan as he fully sinks into the partnership.

Watched two episodes of The Batman. Fun to have Harley Quinn introduced. And I very much enjoyed the New Year's Eve episode.

Also enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I'd forgotten they started to work three vignettes in after the movie. Not sure if I really like that in hindsight.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Organic Chemistry, a novella that folds into the Civil Revolution series. Or Uncivil Revolution. I can't quite decide which one I like better.

Here's the miniblurb:

Dominic Marinelli and Etta Morgan meet under very difficult circumstances, but form a relationship built on one basic need … sex. When Etta decides to strike out on her own, Dom has to figure out why it bothers him so much.

And a sneaky peek…

Dom stood outside Etta's room, propped up against the wall, a sloppy grin on his face.

He sobered. "What the hell did I just let happen?" The last person anyone should get involved with would be him.

But Etta didn't want anything hot and heavy. She wanted to get laid. Why the hell should he turn that down?

Maybe because she might not get emotionally involved, but he almost always did.

He pushed away and started down the hall, retracing his steps to the main entrance. He thought briefly about forgetting the scheduled visit, but he'd talk himself into keeping it. Pathetic as it made him, he craved some human female contact. And since the woman he wanted would never be his, he'd seek it with another.

And if that makes me a huge asshole, I'll get over it.

Snagging his jacket, he shoved the main door open and stood outside. He'd planned to go out for a long ride but opted to walk around the perimeter of the spa grounds instead.

Why did Etta Morgan push his buttons? He'd known her what? For a while now. Since the night he'd found her left for dead outside the sector barricade. During her recovery, they'd talked a good bit, and he enjoyed her company, enough to be comfortable with her.

Thought he knew her fairly well despite the short span of time.

He so hadn't.

With one simple challenge he'd been ready to drop trou and have a go at her. No … with her. She brought out something feral … primal … a little wild in him. Her honesty about what she wanted and how she wanted it turned him on.

And a walk on the wild side sounded damn good at the moment.

Maybe he needed it. Etta had one thing right. Truth equaled Char and Lex forever. They were meant for each other. He could let it eat at him or move the fuck on.

Etta would make the latter a hell of a lot more interesting.

Maybe he'd been too wrapped up in Char to see the possibilities with Etta. Char had been something sweet, and he'd needed that. Char had, too. But she'd held a big part of herself back. She never laughed the lusty laugh with him like she did with Durben.

And he might not have had the instant spiral of feeling for Etta that consumed him when he met Charlotte. But he'd admired Etta's grit from the moment he'd found her in the tall grass fighting for her life. Her tenacious spirit served her well.

Making a turn, he headed along the final side of the perimeter boundary. "Okay, Etta … let's see where this mutually beneficial arrangement takes us."

I love how this one is coming together. Dom and Etta are one of my favorite couples and telling their story is so much fun.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry (Uncivil Revolution)

I hope everyone who celebrated Thanksgiving had a wonderful one. We're always low-key. We head to my dad's, eat, converse for a while then head home to nap in a food coma. We definitely had a good time.

The weather is crazy weird again, which is actually kind of typical for the end of November. It's usually a little colder and the question of whether it'll snow or not. Now it's more like up and down temperatures that go back and forth to drive anyone with sinus issues to the pharmacy to stock up on meds.

I finished up the episode of Ted Lasso I started and thoroughly enjoyed. I'm iffy on Jamie's redemption but hopefully it'll continue and stick. I honestly hated that character so much last season.

I also spent the week watching a large chunk of Batman: The Animated Series as mentioned in last week's post. I started with episode seventeen of season one and continued through episode thirty. I'll be watching more this week with a plan to finish out November with my memorial to Kevin.

One of the things I love most about revisiting this series is finding overlooked gems in the rewatch. There were a couple of episodes I'd completely forgotten about and it's nice to see them again.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Bad Chemistry, the opening novella in a three or four-part series.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Lex Durban and Charlotte Martin do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Lex stood at parade rest, in front of former General Mulroney.

"How's it looking out there, Lex?" Fit for his age—at least sixty, by Lex's guess—the general split open a sunflower seed with his teeth.

"We're low on supplies, but the base is secure. My attachment of men went above and beyond to make certain, Sir." Several skirmishes to make their point had been necessary.

Mulroney shot Lex a swift glance. "Lose the 'sir', son. It's not necessary here."

Old habits died hard. Lex nodded. It would be easier if he didn't respect the general as much as he did.

Mulroney leaned forward. "Glad to hear you're secure. Because I need all but two men for another location." He spit the seed shell into a metal bin on his desk. "And don't worry. We'll restock your supplies before you leave." Mulroney popped another seed. "I hate to pull the men, but District Four needs them." He nodded toward the lone chair, opposite his desk. "Have a seat and I'll brief you."

Lex sat, feeling oddly out of place in the informal setting of the general's hunting cabin. Not exactly a place he ever imagined as a base of operations for military excursions. Then again, he never dreamed he'd muster out and sign on with a covert, underground campaign.

But he had. And became a better man for it.

He leaned forward, ready to listen.

The general got right to the point. "I got a call from Jack Cooper two days ago. District Four is his former constituency—or part of it—and they've got more refugees than they can handle."

"The Sector Police won't let people into the cities?" They'd seen more and more of the larger cities go on lockdown.

The general shrugged. "We're not sure. Cooper's trying to get intel. I'm sending in two units to help keep the peace and transport folks out to your location." Mulroney pinned him with his gaze. "Can you handle it?"

Lex nodded. "I'll handle it, Sir." He tapped the file on the desk. "If you get me everything on the list, we're good to go." He'd deal with it, even if they didn't get the supplies, but the general didn't have to be told. The man picked Lex for a reason—he got the job done.

Mulroney's smile spread across his face. "Expect incoming within two weeks, maybe sooner."

I'm hoping to have this series plotted out and ready sometime next year. The ideas fly fast for a period of time then the sages get tired and need to focus on something else for a bit.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Organic Chemistry (a Civil Revolution novella)

Had a slower work week and got a good bit of cleaning and clearing done. I also got some solid viewing time in. I'm also somewhat stunned that August is just around the corner. This year is flying by.

I started my watch week with Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries and got two episodes finished. The first one did indeed have Percy the Putz involved in his usual shenanigans. The second one made my heart ache but I thoroughly enjoyed getting some background on Birdie. I'm loving the episode titles for the second season as much as I loved the first season's. Can't wait to finish season two up this week, which I think is probably doable.

Caught two episodes of Silent Witness. These finished out the eleventh season and I'm getting into the seasons I've definitely watched before. I'll be starting season twelve this week.

Enjoyed two arcs of Classic Who and I'm getting close to the end of the seventeenth season. Not sure how many more Four has but I'm excited to start Five's tenure soon.

Finished up UFOs: The Lost Evidence. I thoroughly enjoyed both seasons and got a few neat little plot bunnies from what I viewed.

Caught four episodes of The Muppet Show and finished out the second season. The guest stars were Bob Hope, Teresa Brewer, John Cleese, and Cloris Leachman. Looking forward to starting season three.

This was my week for finishing up seasons. I watched the last two episodes of The Hardy Boys and I'm so excited there's going to be a second season. I really enjoyed how everything played out and I'm so happy everyone got the ending they deserved. Also kind of thrilled there's a seed planted for more possibilities for the eye.

Watched two episodes of Peak Practice. The first one finished out the third season where everyone said good-bye to Beth and Jack. The second started season four with Will on the hot seat trying to save the practice. Glad to see Andrew sticking around for a bit and I kind of liked the new doctor.

I finished up the Master Class with David Carson. I enjoyed getting his insight to graphic design and learned some new things. I also started a new class with LeVar Burton on storytelling. I'm very excited to work through this series of classes.

Caught two episodes of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I'm loving how accepting the group is being about Theo and I'm kind of interested in how the academy stuff is playing out. I like Nick okay but I'm a little twitchy about his motives. Can't wait to find out if there's more going on there.

Enjoyed two more episodes of the Brokenwood Mysteries. I loved this show. The wine episode ended up being a great little mystery and the golf course episode was thoroughly enjoyable. I loved seeing the story play out on that one.

Started Star Trek: Discovery and have to admit I'm cautiously optimistic. I quite enjoyed the first episode. I'm looking forward to more.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med and have to say again I'm so glad I'm finally getting to watch this series from the beginning. I'm getting close to the end of the first season and I'm looking forward to the season two.

Passionflix premiered season two of Driven and the first episode rocked. I loved the first actor that played Colton but the recast works very well. Looking forward to the next three episodes!

Started UFO Witness and liked the first episode. It's only a single season so I'll see where things go.

For nostalgia's sake, I started the new version of the Rugrats (heretofore referred to as New Rugrats). The original will always have a special place in my heart since all three of my kiddos loved the show. It had the rare ability to appeal to little ones and grown-ups with so many inside jokes. The new version is quite charming and I'm happy to say I think I'll enjoy it.

Last but not least, I started a new episode of Blue Heelers. It's a two-parter and looks to be kind of interesting with lots of bridges being burned and internal affairs out for blood.

Whew. That's if for television this week. Tonight's post is from Organic Chemistry, an Civil Revolution novella.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Dominic Marinelli and Etta Morgan meet under very difficult circumstances, but form a relationship built on one basic need … sex. When Etta decides to strike out on her own, Dom has to figure out why it bothers him so much.

And a sneaky peek…

It's just not right. I saw her first. Wanted her first.

Had her first.

Too bad Dom hadn't been able to keep her.

Dom Marinelli cursed the twisted fates of inconvenience. One look at Lex Durban and Dom had lost Charlotte forever. They'd hit the refugee underground after spending a solid week living in each other's pockets and the only thing Char had to do was smile and Durban had been on her like a shit ton of bricks.

Not that Dom had been any different. He'd pulled Charlotte out of a bad situation and offered to get her to the camp. She'd hopped on the back of his bike, scared and shaking, but ready to go.

She didn't know him, but she'd put her trust in his ability to get her where she needed to be.

Safety.

And in that exact moment he'd fallen for her. It didn't matter that she had a price on her head. Or that the corporation she did R&D for had put it there. It didn't even bother him they had to lay low and take a very circuitous route to get to the underground.

Because he considered every moment with Charlotte a gift.

Two days into their journey they had the sweetest sex he'd ever experienced. He opened up and told her things he'd never shared with anyone else. Told her about his craptastic childhood. Maybe if they'd met differently—extreme circumstances provided a shared intimacy almost from the first instant—he wouldn't have fallen so hard. And maybe he'd just been alone too long.

Neither had made any promises, but Dom thought they might have a chance.

Until Lex.

Dom really wanted to hate Durban. But he couldn't. In fact, Lex proved to be a good man, one Dom called friend.

Durban took charge, got in everyone's face, and rode their asses. Everything Dom didn't do, or would think of doing. A natural leader, Durban often made himself a target to protect others.

Dom worked more effectively in the background, hovering in the shadows, to watch and observe. His ability to blend in and ferret out pertinent information made him a good counterpoint to Lex's sometimes swaggering presence.

In spite of the elephant in the room, Lex and Dom worked well together. Dom's feelings for Charlotte rarely got in the way. If he needed a break from the happy couple, he left the compound and scouted for intel. So what if he pushed the envelope sometimes and stayed out longer than Lex's limitation of forty-eight hours?

Dom usually made the extra time worth it. A foraging excursion, a resupply of necessities, liberating medical goods … he never came back empty-handed.

And okay, he kinda liked that Char worried about him and fussed over him when he came back.

He never claimed not to be a sick bastard.

Durban would eventually rip Dom's ass for constantly breaking protocol, but until he did, Dom had some control. Not that he made it a power play. Dom had no desire to give orders and be responsible for the refugee compound. He did his bit and pitched in wherever they needed him.

Lex should kick Dom's ass for thumbing his nose at the rules. They were there for a reason. Dom had a feeling the other man cut him slack because he got it. He understood Dom sometimes needed to lick his wounds and be alone.

Like now.

I'm so excited about this series, especially if it comes together the way I'm hoping it will. There's at least one more book, possibly two after this one.

 

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Organic Chemistry - Civil Revolution Book Two

Wow, some gorgeous weather today. I love having a true spring with mild temperatures and lovely breezes, instead of a chilly thirty degrees one day and eighty-five with loads of humidity the next. LOL

Today's post is from the second book in the Civil Revolution saga. Organic Chemistry features the same folks from Bad Chemistry but the focus is on Dom and Etta's relationship. Etta is a fascinating character to write and she speaks very loud and clear when I try to go in a direction she doesn't like. LOL I wish all my characters had such strong opinions. :D

Here's the tagline:

Dominic Marinelli and Etta Morgan meet under very difficult circumstances, but form a relationship built on one basic need: sex. When Etta decides to strike out on her own, Dom has to figure out why it bothers him so much.

And here's the sneaky peek…

The walls of the former spa turned way station for refugees closed in on him. He snagged his jacket, turned and bumped into Etta Morgan.

Literally, almost knocking her on her ass.

"Damn. Sorry." His free hand reached out to steady her. "You okay?"

Etta laughed lightly. "I'm fine. Fine." Her fingers were warm when they closed over his bicep.

Kind of like her eyes when she looked at him.

"I wasn't paying attention." Her hand slid down to his forearm and rested there.

Dom stepped back a little, needing some space, but didn't try to shake her hand free. Etta looked over his shoulder, her gaze landing on Lex and Char then dropping down to the jacket in his other hand.

A brief shadow of something entered the depths of her eyes and her mouth flattened to a thin line. But only for a moment. She let go of his arm and smiled brightly in his direction.

"I'm glad I found you…" She angled her head in the direction she'd come from. "Do you have a minute? Or are you heading out?"

Damn. He really wanted to escape into the shadowy dusk. He felt honor bound to assist her though.

His mouth turned up in a brief smile. "I've got more than one if you need it." He flung his jacket over the back of a chair.

Etta's eyes crinkled with a genuine smile. "I promise I won't keep you long." Spinning around she led him to her room and pushed open the door. It hung slightly lopsided and Dom figured out what she needed him for.

Resetting the hinge.

Etta dug into her back pocket and produced the missing pin.

Ding. Ding. Ding. He'd totally called that one.

"This spa is a great place to crash for a few days, but the eight foot doors are just a tad above my reach." She lifted her gaze and jerked her head upward. "Would you mind?"

Dom took the pin from her outstretched hand. "Not at all." She lifted up on the door and lined up the slots of the oversized hinge.

He slid the rod home and swung the door back and forth a few times to make sure it would hold. "Thanks." The assistance hadn't been necessary, but he appreciated it.

Etta grasped the handle and pushed the door shut. Then she turned and pressed her back against it.

"They're perfect together."

He didn't have to ask who she meant, but he so did not want to talk about it.

He frowned. "Yeah, I know." His voiced sounded harsh, even to his own ears. He should probably work on that.

"Why not let it go? Hook-up with someone else?"

Dom shot her a sideways look. "You volunteering?"

Etta shrugged. "I might be." She eyed him up and down. "You interested?"

He swept appraising eyes over her from head to toe. She had a certain rough beauty. Sorta raw and sensual, enough to make his dick twitch under his jeans.

Right. He wouldn't be going down that road again.

He sighed. "Even if I were, I wouldn't be." A hard on didn't make him stupid. She looked the type to tease, tempt and walk away.

Actually she looked offended before her eyes dropped to the bulge in his pants.

"Why not?" An arched brow worked for her. The slightly triumphant gleam in her eyes didn't.

Dom cut to the chase. "You don’t wanna be a substitute. Don't you deserve better?"

She rolled her eyes. "It's not about what I deserve. I'm WAY past that."

Baffled, Dom queried. "Then why make an offer that'll open you up to abuse? Because right now—with me—that's what it would be."

Her laughter caught him by surprise.

"Abuse? Really?" She walked around him, putting her hands on his arms, grasping at the muscles of his biceps. "Because you don't feel all tender and gooey toward me?" She snorted. "Not exactly what I'm looking for."

Okay. She had him intrigued.

"What, exactly, are you looking for?"

"Something hot, hard, dirty, and fast." Her gaze flicked up and down, lingering just a moment too long on his crotch. "Three outta four isn't bad. I'd take it."

Dom gave her a tight smile. "And which one do I fall short on?"

She smirked. "For all your big, bad talk of abuse, I seriously doubt you have it in you to be as dirty as I want." Shrugging she turned away. "But I can live with—"

Yeah, sorry, gonna leave it right there. LOL Needless to say, Etta pushes just the right button to get a reaction from Dom. Seriously, delicious fun to write her. :D

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Bad Chemistry (Civil Revolution - Book One)

Hello!

Very crazy week with weather all over the place. LOL I'm kind of happy when it's rainy because I get to catch up on lots of television. Nothing like folding clothes with Stonebridge and Scott from Strike Back.

On a similar note, only three more episodes of Arrow this season. I'm truly excited to see where things end up and where they go after the hiatus. My brain hurts with all the possibilities.

And that leads me to tonight's post from Bad Chemistry, the first book in the Civil Revolution saga. I'm currently writing it under the ML Skye name, but it may very well end up switching over to Skye Ritchey. The sages aren't playing nice and keep giving me mixed signals. They can't decide if they want it set in the future on another planet, or more urban fantasy current time. *sigh* This will be one of those manuscripts that goes through a zillion revisions. LOL

But…I do have a tagline:

Lex Durban and Charlotte Martin do their best to survive in new world hierarchy, each with a different kind of target on their back. But when they have to undertake the dangerous task of moving refugees to a new location, Lex wants Char to stay behind so only one is in danger, but Char has other ideas.

And a sneaky peek…

Lex Durban surveyed his men's work, impressed with the ramshackle appearance of their new base of operations. An outside observer wouldn't think much of the structure of lean-tos constructed with galvanized steel and surrounded by several different types of fencing. He particularly loved the standard issue plank style interwoven with the chain link mesh and patched over with more of the girded metal. The place looked thrown together and had a commune type of vibe.

He grinned. Exactly what he'd been going for when they found the location. The whole thing hid the true beauty—an exterior entrance to an underground bunker facility. A mid-sized concrete building, twenty by twenty-four feet, led to the reinforced true base of operations. A former government safe location, the space transferred into military hands sometime near the end of the cold war. The huge area hadn't seen an update since the late eighties, which suited Lex just fine. The less traceable tech the better.

His fifteen man team kicked major ass. They'd pulled the exterior together in under a week. He'd head out at first light to meet with his commanding officer and give him the bullet on the readiness of their location.

Okay, General Edward R. Mulroney didn't exactly hold an official rank. His former position in the military no longer existed. But he did establish a covert, underground version of the armed forces, one that continued to protect the citizens of a country in turmoil.

The chain of command stopped at the retired general, his attachment of former officers—admirals, colonels, commanders, and captains—and an odd group of no longer elected senators, representative, and two governors. Good people who got into politics to actually make a difference. Until they realized the impossibility of the effort.

Now they put their time into finding shelter for the displaced citizens who got caught out of the boundaries of the new districts or chose to leave the oppressive environments. Lex had been ordered to scout and find a place in New to set up a permanent center. The first part of his mission completed, he had to figure out how to supply the location. If tradition held, he'd be doing a lot of compromising with the Sector Police. Not his idea of fun, but it usually proved necessary.

Letting himself into the main base, Lex scanned a critical eye around the area. He made his way to the living quarters and claimed a space to call home. He tossed his rucksack on the floor beside the bed and fell into it. Sheer exhaustion would guarantee a good night sleep and his internal alarm clock would wake him before the sun came up.

The opening of the book lays some groundwork, which may or may not work well since there isn't a lot of dialog. When I read, I often like being dropped right in the character POV and getting to crawl around in their head before jumping into lots of talking. Gives me a chance to get to know them intimately before they interact with anyone else. J

That's it for tonight's post. Catch everyone on the flip.

ML Skye