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

Sunday Snippet: Specter's Masquerade

Okay, I forgot to mention Strike Back last week. I seriously want the female antagonist to die a slow, painful death. It can happen anytime now. LOL

The Dread Doctors on Teen Wolf are creeping me out. Something tells me Peter is going to be involved, which is actually quite okay with me. He makes a good villain.

Defiance had a great episode. I really love the smaller personal beats paired with the big, somewhat sweeping arcs this season. Great stuff. Killjoys is heating up, too. Can't wait to see next week's episode. And Dark Matter did the impossible by adding a layer of emotional nuance to Three. I'm surprised and thrilled. LOL

The Last Ship took a turn I totally didn't expect and I love it. I enjoy how the new characters are being worked in without taking a lot away from the established ones. And, seriously, Tex rules. Just saying.

Tonight's post is from Specter's Masquerade, a novella with sexy intrigue and a masquerade ball.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jana Newberry starts her new position as head of security on the Specter Spacestation under fire. She walks into the job two days before the biggest gala event of the solar year, a threat is made on the personnel, including the principal owner of the station, Maddox Specter, all while fighting her attraction for the sexy entrepreneur.

And a sneaky peek…

Jana Newberry squared her shoulders and entered the main security hub of Specter Spacestation. Conversations ground to a halt and weapons were drawn.

She quirked an eyebrow. "Is that any way to greet your new Chief of Security?" Her hand reached for her shiny new credentials. "Jana Newberry, reporting."

Several mouths dropped open and everyone started talking at once.

"No one said we were getting a new chief."

"Who decided to hire a newb two days before a gala event?"

"Holy hell… the wife is going to have a stroke. She thinks I'm the new chief."

Jana's gaze swept over the assembled group, seeking out the last commenter. She found a tall, lanky man with frazzled red hair shaking his head, his eyes closed. Another quick study and Jana got a decent handle on the steaming pile she'd apparently walked into.

Striding across the space, she held out her hand. "Ned Granger? Acting chief?" His firm grip when he grasped her palm kicked her respect up a notch. "I believe we should have an immediate briefing, would you agree?"

He gave a sheepish grin. "Yes, uh…" He lifted a shoulder. "I'm not sure what you want to be called."

Jana jerked her head toward a small alcove in the corner. "How about we start with Jana and figure out titles later?" She ducked into the small room, discovering it served a myriad of purposes.

Interrogation room, witness holding area, secondary comms section, and quite possibly overnight accommodations if the sliding panels on the back wall hid a sleeping berth. Jana admired the ingenious use of space, her keen observation taking in small details along with the broader implications of how the central hub could be used. She liked the set-up, currently the only thing she could put in the plus column.

Ned shuffled in and hovered, clearly uncomfortable. "Jana it is then. I'm so sorry you were greeted with side arms." He frowned. "We had no idea the board filled the position… at the worst possible time if you don't mind me saying so." He pulled out a chair and sank down, his shoulders slumped.

Jana leaned against the wall, one booted foot braced for support. "First, you don't need to apologize. Clearly I walked into a situation where the right hand has no damned clue what the left hand is doing." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I'll be taking that up with the Chief Station Operator in about five minutes." She met Ned's gaze. "Gala event? Give me the bullet points so I can go in armed with information."

Ned straightened. "It's an annual event. A masquerade affair with the whole station involved. Everyone from level one to the top executives wear costumes." His lips curved in a half-smile. "My wife says it's the one reason she's willing to stay out here with me." His gaze met Jana's. "Living on a spacestation can get lonely, even one as busy as ours. She always looks forward to the big gala."

Jana nodded. "I can understand the appeal even if I'm not a big fan myself." She moved away from the wall. "My first order of business is to straighten out this whole debacle. Why anyone thought bringing me in two days before a huge party boggles my mind. The timing couldn't be worse." Moving to stand by the table, she met Ned's gaze. "I don't want my arrival to be any more awkward than it already is, but I'm ready to kick ass and take names." She squared her shoulders. "Starting with Maddox Specter."

To be fair, Maddox is less than thrilled his board hired someone without informing him, but he'll have to do some fancy footwork to avoid the wrath of Jana.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Something New

Great television viewing week. I finished up watching all available episodes of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and *sigh* what a great show. From what I gather, the third season might be the last, but I'll live in hope for more. Either way, the finale satisfied me, so bonus points for that.

Teen Wolf. What can I say? I'm intrigued by the possibilities, but I kind of hope making Parrish look like a bad guy is a ploy. I kind of like him. I'm also hoping the desert wolf thread is laying groundwork for next season. More interesting possibilities there.

The Last Ship is so good at keeping me on the edge of my seat. I love how twisty and turny the plot gets. Such a great summer viewing experience.

My Friday night lineup continues to bring good stuff to my screen. Defiance seriously upped its game this season. Killjoys keeps me glued, especially for the sibling bonding but also for the very secretive dance the trio does. John seems like the most open of the group, but I have a sneaky suspicion he may have a few big skeletons in his closet, too. Dark Matter is revealing little pieces of information and I'm liking the glimpses we're getting into the crew's histories. I would like to see a little more movement on who or what put them into the stasis chambers.

Have I mentioned how much I love having new material to watch in the middle of the summer?

Tonight's post is from Something New, a sexy short where my main characters overcome a particular challenge.

Here's the mini-blurb:

The sex is always good between fellow fleet officers Margie Range and Eli Kennington, but Margie wants to try something new. The challenge? They're on a ship deep in the black and the position she wants to attempt needs a lot more space than is currently available, but she won't be denied.

And a sneaky peek…

Margie Range paced the small passage just outside the landing bay. Eli Kennington would have exactly thirty seconds to sign in before she dragged him to the closest flat surface and had her way with him. Ten freaking days proved too long to go without physical contact with him.

Right now she'd almost settle for holding his hand. Almost.

But she truly wanted his entire body, hard and hot, against hers. Too bad she'd have to make do with a quick uncovering of essential parts and a hurried session. Eli had half an hour to get to his debrief.

Next time she'd make certain they were on the same mission.

A firm grasp on her shoulder halted her pacing and Margie turned to face the object of her wildest fantasies.

Eli gave her a quirky smile. "Revved up and ready to go?" He lifted an eyebrow.

Margie loved how well he knew her. "Absolutely." She grabbed his hand and dragged him down the corridor to pause outside an equipment locker, glancing in both directions before she keyed in the entry code to release the hatch.

The lock seal released and she undogged the door, opening it just far enough to squeeze through. Eli quickly followed and pushed the heavy metal shut, entering the digits for a time-release seal. Fifteen minutes of a blissful one-on-one stint. Good heavens, she'd missed—

Eli's mouth captured hers and any other thought fled. She responded, slipping her tongue between his lips, exploring the depths. Her fingers worked Eli's buttons loose and freed his erection. Long, hard, and so warm to her touch.

Eli eased away, making short business of her workout pants, pushing them down past her hips. "As you can see, I missed you." His lips brushed a kiss along her temple. "A lot."

I'm having so much fun with this manuscript. Looking forward to seeing how Margie and Eli enjoy their reunion.

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

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Sibling Rivalry

July 12, 2015

Well… not a bad week, with the exception of a nasty case of poison ivy. Bleh. I'm not fond of being itchy in any way, shape, or form. *scratch, scratch*

SDCC happened this week and I'm so excited for a couple of new shows and movies. I also love seeing the actors from my favorite shows do their panels. Looking forward to taking some time to dive into everything.

Teen Wolf is getting really creepy, which I love. I'm sort of long on theories and not much else, but something tells me Peter Hale is behind everything. LOL He's so easy to blame.

The Last Ship is so good at drawing out and ramping up tension. Another show where I have theories about who's behind the scenes trying to manipulate everything. I can't wait for tonight's episode.

My Friday night lineup of Defiance, Killjoys, and Dark Matter keeps getting better and better. One of the things I love about Defiance is how quickly they move the plot along. And a major brawl between Amanda and Stahma never hurts anything. Pushing the envelope where family relationships are concerned is also an interesting choice. And speaking of family relationships, the Jaqobi brothers are quickly turning into one of my favorite sibling duos. I'm holding back on forming strong opinions with Dark Matter at the moment. I can't quite figure why Two is going for Three yet. I have a few ideas, but none have formed into anything solid yet.

Tonight's post is from Sibling Rivalry, a novella where, you guessed it, a strong rivalry between brothers comes into play.

Here's the mini-blurb:

When Fayne Cartier falls for his brother's flight instructor, Rumor Child, he has no idea how difficult dating will end up being when his brother shows signs of not having the chops to qualify. Rumor won't cut him from her class thinking the sibling rivalry may be just what the younger Cartier needs.

And a sneaky peek…

Rumor Child called in her next candidate for flight school. "Renner Cartier. You're up." She opened his file and scanned the information.

Mediocre grades, but a sharp mind. Followed orders and made it through basic training without incident. The last name intrigued her. A full bird colonel shared the moniker, Fenrick Cartier, and the man defined flight legend. Commendations out the ass and credited with inventing two combat maneuvers the admiralty immediately put into the training program and still used to date. If memory served, the colonel had a hot shot son already on the fast track to squadron command, one who'd broken quite a few of his father's records. She couldn't say for certain—he'd gone through before her—but she'd bet her credentials the two men had been the pilots she picked to compete against. She'd needed someone's record for motivation and the Cartiers had the numbers to beat.

The shuffle of feet drew her attention. A handsome, wet-behind-the-ears cadet entered the room.

He saluted. "Lieutenant Child, Cadet Cartier reporting as ordered." He dropped his arm and stood at parade rest.

Rumor cracked a smile. "No need for the formality, cadet. Come on in and let's get started." She picked up her pen and put the potential familial relationship out of her mind.

No one got accepted into her class if she didn't think they had the stones to cut the work.

Renner crossed the room and took the seat opposite of her. "Thanks, Lieutenant. I don't mind admitting I'm a little daunted by this whole process." He kept his back straight and placed his palms on his thighs.

Rumor bit back a chuckle. "Relax, cadet. I won't bite, I swear—"

Her promise ended abruptly when a man, still in a flight suit, burst through her doorway.

He ripped the cover from his head. "Dammit, Renner, what the hell do you think you're doing?" Stomping across the floor, he stopped beside the cadet's chair.

Renner heaved a sigh. "Sir, my apologies. My brother…" He rose and faced his sibling. "Has no business barging in on my interview. Get out, Fayne."

The light bulb went off. Rumor quirked an eyebrow. The brothers stood toe-to-toe, staring each other down. The familial resemblance came through in spades. Both had rigid backs, muscles bunching and flexing under their clothes. Each had strong jaws and flashing eyes. Neither would ever be able to hide the fact they were related. And both had the kind of looks Rumor went for, with the exception of Renner looking at least six years younger than his older brother.

Fayne leaned closer and jabbed a finger in his sibling's shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere until you explain what you think you're doing." His mouth thinned to a flat line. "You're not ready for this."

Renner held his ground. "Says you. And I stopped listening to anything you have to say last year when you tried to talk me out of enlisting." He folded his arms across his chest, lifted his chin, and refused to meet his brother's gaze.

Rumor observed the standoff, her interest piqued. After the stunt the elder Cartier just pulled, she'd pretty much decided Renner would get in on principal alone. She didn't care who his old man happened to be, but the dickhead move his brother just pulled pretty much sealed the deal for her.

Fayne opened his mouth to speak, but Rumor held up a hand. "Uh uh. You can stop right there, Lieutenant." She rose and made her way around the desk. "This is my interview and I decide who makes the grade." She picked up the file. "I don't see any reason Cadet Cartier should be blocked." She met Fayne's gaze. "Unless you have something to show me that says otherwise."

Fayne snorted. "My brother isn't cut out for flying." He folded his arms over his chest.

Rumor fought the urge to roll her eyes. If the brothers could see themselves…

But their similarities wouldn't resolve their standoff. And the elder brother had her seriously pissed off at the moment.

Rumor straightened, boldly perusing Fayne. "Did you add an instructor credit to your jacket, then?"

He shot her a nasty look in response.

She nodded. "No? Okay, then. Until you do, or until you have something more specific than an opinion as to why your brother shouldn't be admitted to basic flight, I suggest you do as he asked and get out." She pointed toward the door. "Now." She flicked a glance toward the clock on the wall. "I have a very tight schedule to keep and you're family drama isn't on my agenda."

Fayne took a step toward his brother but Rumor cut in and blocked his path. "Let me be clear, Lieutenant, I'm a highly qualified instructor and I decide who enters the flight program. You just fly the birds." She jerked her head toward the door. "Which I can stop you from doing if you don't move your ass out of this room in the next thirty seconds."

Fayne narrowed his eyes and for a moment she thought he might push back—hard.

But after a brief locking of gazes, he took a step away and retreated. Turning on his heel, he stalked toward the door.

Before exiting, he called out over his shoulder. "We're not done, Renner. Not by a long shot."

He left the room and all the air seemed to suck into a large vortex.

Dragging in oxygen, Rumor then exhaled slowly. "Wow." The guy definitely had presence.

Renner let out a grunt behind her. "Yeah, he has that effect on people. You never get used to it."

Honestly? I had the best time writing the standoff between the brothers. I'm going to enjoy finishing this one.

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

ML Skye