Could You Learn to Love & Trust Again After Abuse?

That's the subject I tackled in Truth, Dare or Dangerous Intent – my latest release from Rebel Ink Press. First of all I want to say a HUGE Happy Anniversary to my extended family. It was just before Labor Day last year that an FB friend of mine – who turned out to be the fabulous cover artist for Rebel Ink Press – Carl Franklin suggested I send in a piece to this new publisher. I thought – what the heck and sent in in on Labor Day. The lovely publisher herself, our illustrious "E", sent me an email welcoming me to the family the next day. Talk about dedication!

It's been nothing but a family ever sense. The folks are wonderful and because of their love and hard work I just released my 10th with them and have several more under contract through June or July or next year (and that won't stop). Please check out all the fabulous writers!

So how do you tackle abuse? It has to be handled very carefully or anyone that has ever experienced it before will be turned off. It's an erotic piece where Leesa finally allows herself to enjoy the man she's falling in love with who happens to be her best friend but… there's a catch. Take a taste….

 

TRUTH, DARE OR DANGEROUS INTENT

When a horrible moment from your past tracks you down, what can you do but fight?

BLURB

Nightmares kept Leesa Douglas looking over her shoulder every day and night, running from place to place. A monster from her past had ripped apart her life and gave her reason to fear. Pretending. That had become Leesa's way of life.  Living in a new country under a new name, after two years, Leesa finally allowed herself to feel peace. Leesa loved her island paradise in the Bahamas. Playing and working with her best friends couldn’t be better, especially since they were four of the most gorgeous men she'd ever laid eyes on. The only problem was, she was keeping a damaging secret from everyone.

Renowned island chef Kaydyn Foster knew something was wrong with his lovely co-worker, the one he longed to share his bed and his life. Sadly, he had no idea how to break Leesa out of her shell until a wicked storm washed out the road from the restaurant where they worked and kept the friends together one night. Playing out a fantasy, Kaydyn suggests a saucy game of Truth or Dare. Throwing inhibition to the wind, the five friends engage in a wanton night of passion. But in the light of day, terrified her secrets would destroy them all, Leesa decides to run. Knowing only he can stop her, Kaydyn wonders if he can find her before the past fractures them forever?

 

EXCERPT

    “No! This can’t be happening to me.” Leesa shivered violently, her voice a strangled scream as she palmed the plate glass window until the next flash of lightning forced a series of harsh whimpers from her mouth. She scuttled backward, hovering in the doorway, her frozen with fear. “He’s gonna fucking kill me!”  Licking her lips, she shook her head from side to side. “I don’t believe it!” The next flash drove her forward into the shadows of her office. Bouncing against the glass, she kept her brow pressed against the window as if searching into the darkness for a damning answer.

     “Is that Leesa?” Mark eyed her silhouette that could be easily seen through the oversized office window.

     “Yeah it was,” Dusky’s voice offered, full of concern. Pitching the kitchen towel aside, he strode toward her office. “Shit!”

     Leesa yelped. “I hate you! You fucking…” She stopped short and stole a glance into the dining room.

     “What the hell?” Startled, Mark flew past the long mahogany bar toward her office, nearly knocking over a tray of dishes, reaching her first.  “Leesa, what the hell happened honey?” He threw his body behind hers and stared out into the malevolent sky. “What do you see?”

     She stood shaking as the raging effects of the storm cast a haunted glow around them. “I just saw him. I did. He’s here and he’s got a knife and he’s come to finish the job. He found me…he…he’s going to kill me! Please help me!”

     Kaydyn Foster advanced quickly, jerking her from Mark and wrapping his arms around her shaking body. As he pulled her tightly against his chest, her thin frame molded easily into his larger one. He stared out into the wind whipped night unable to see little of anything but ominous shadows grazing against the carved shore. But that didn’t mean she hadn’t seen something real that terrified her. “It’s just the storm baby girl. Nothing else. You’re very safe here with us.” Kaydyn had only seen Leesa Douglas, the all American girl and his current restaurant manager, so full of terror twice before in the two years he’d known her. And each time had been during a storm. Yet tonight she was more hysterical than ever before. Kaydyn eyed the few tables that held customers. While a couple of the patrons were watching in fascination, they were at least welcome regulars and considered the staff family. Still, to have her so frenzied in the middle of dinner while a storm raged outside was more than a bit unnerving.

     Mark backed away, his hands in the air.

     Leesa’s voice barely a strangled whisper, the words were meant for Kaydyn only. “You don’t understand! He always told me he was going to find me and kill me! I can’t run any longer. He’s found me!” Leesa bit her knuckle as her hand flexed open and closed as she struggled to gain control. Hissing, she stared into the troubled sky. “Why? What did I do wrong? Why?” Her body shook against Kaydyn’s violently.

     “What do you think you saw? Who are you talking about?” Kaydyn whispered as he glanced around at the light crowd. Jesus! Thank God the music was loud enough the customers couldn’t hear what she was saying. “It’s okay Mark, I’ve got her.” He eyed their friend who stood, every muscle tense.

     “You sure buddy?” Mark kept his gaze locked onto Leesa.

     “Yeah, go on. Tend to the customers.”

     Mark nodded, catching Kaydyn’s drift and inched forward to rub Leesa’s arm before walking back toward the main dining room.

     “I see a real monster. He’s going to cut me into little pieces. He’s…got…a…knife and he told me…that he would…” Gulping, Leesa stopped short, as if trying to retract her anguish. A single tear trickled down her face. “Shit Kaydyn. I’m sorry. It’s just the storm. I’ve been having nightmares lately. That’s all. Guess I’m exhausted. I think I’m seeing ugly little men in my dreams.” Laughing nervously, she brushed her hand through her long curls.

     Somehow Kaydyn knew better. Lately he’d noticed the increasing bouts of emotion that seemed to be slowly overtaking her. He wanted nothing more than to help and comfort her, the woman he’d fallen in love with. The same one that refused to give him the time of day.  The fact that she stood here not letting him hold her meant something had drastically changed for Leesa Douglas, the beauty that wore her mysterious past like a badge of honor. Yet it suddenly like her secrets were coming back to bite her.

     They stood for a few moments holding each other, Kaydyn rubbing her back. “Relax. I’m here for you if you’ll lean on me.”

     “I’ll be okay,” Leesha sighed.

     Kaydyn shook his head as Mark strolled back into the room.

     “You have friends out there girl,” Mark smiled. “They’re worried about you.”

     “You do,” Kaydyn added.

     Leesa jerked away from Kaydyn and stumbled backwards, falling hard into the corner of the desk as if the words of comfort were overwhelming.

     “Whoa girl, I got you.”  Mark took her by the arms and pulled her against his chest. “It’s just the storm.”

What do you think? I love this one and when I was doing the final edits I cried. I don't know, I think it's one of my best and I hope you'll enjoy.

ENJOY A NAUGHTY VIDEO:

http://youtu.be/uHEICpHKy-o