McKenna Jeffries

Today’s snippet theme is Why Can’t We Be Friends. Below is a scene from a book I co-authored Aliyah Burke . Enjoy.

An snippet from Wicked Burn…

Her thoughts flashed to his firm lips on hers. She could still taste his sweet and male flavor. His words pulled her from her thoughts.

“I’ve had such mixed feelings. I was grateful to you for saving Shelby, yet I blamed you, all of you, who were at the fire for not saving my sister and her husband.”

Yasmine stopped, disentangling her hand from his. Rufus whined, but sat, waiting for her to move. She gave her attention to Sedeo. He put Shelby down and held her hand as he met Yasmine’s gaze steadily.

“Why are you telling me this now, so suddenly?”

His statement had come out of the blue. They had been having such a good night.

“I had to.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m so angry with you, but I can’t stay away!” he cried.

She stared at him. She could understand both things. The same need had driven her to use the picture as an excuse to see him. As a firefighter, she had faced the anger before from survivors. They needed someone to blame, and it was easy to make firefighters a scapegoat. Although she understood, it still hurt he blamed her.

This is what you get for letting yourself get involved with a fire survivor. He might not have been in the actual fire, but he was still a survivor. He had to live with the aftermath. The blame, anger, and results. Yasmine crossed her arms under her breasts.

“I had to tell you. I’ve been doing research on the internet. On firefighters. Trying to understand what you do. Why do you do it? What’s the draw?”

“It’s my job. I love it. I’m not about to defend or explain it to you. ‘Nuff said.”

She wondered if this was some sort of survivor syndrome. Yasmine knew when people were put in such tragic circumstances they could develop an unhealthy attachment to those they perceived had helped them. She couldn’t believe she had missed it with Sedeo.

“This is not survivor syndrome,” he said, as if reading her mind.

She glanced at him, startled. His look was steady.

“I looked into that, too. My feelings were so strong when I met you, despite the circumstances. When I saw you again, it was out of control. I’ve never felt this way–an instantaneous attraction, a connection that seems like I’ve known you for so long, instead of such a brief time.” He stopped, closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again.

She gasped at the intensity of his gaze.

He continued. “I wanted to be sure of what I was feeling. I read everything I could find. Talked with a therapist about it, even. Ultimately, I figured out it wasn’t a false connection, but real. If it had been just attraction, I would have come to you weeks ago. I wouldn’t have fought coming to you for so long, even after I knew I wanted to know more about you…be with you…see where this could go. I didn’t come.”

His frustration was clear.

“Why did you come tonight?” she asked.

“I couldn’t stay away anymore,” he said softly.

Yasmine observed the need battling with his guilt, a guilt she was sure stemmed from him being alive while his family was gone. Sedeo reached out and cupped her cheek.

“I want to be here. Here with you. I’m afraid of you being a firefighter, but I can’t let it stop me. I need to be here. Let’s see how this goes.”

She couldn’t fault him for his truthfulness. If he had said he had come to terms with her profession, she would have walked away, knowing it to be a lie. With what he said, she couldn’t.

Be real. You wanted him from the very beginning. At least now, you know what you’re up against. And he wants you as much as you want him.

Yasmine turned her head and pressed her lips against his palm. Sedeo came closer and kissed her. She kissed him back. No matter what happened, she would see where this led. He pulled back.

Copyright © 2009 Aliyah Burke and McKenna Jeffries
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Megan Hart:Read in bed!
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Mandy M Roth
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
HelenKay Dimon
Shiloh Walker
Lauren Dane

Today’s snippet theme is Shame, Shame, Shame. Below is a scene from a book I co-authored Aliyah Burke. Enjoy.

A snippet from Wicked Burn…

“Are you meditating, or is there a reason you’re at my door?”

His eyes snapped open at the sound of the smoky voice he had missed so much. He met her topaz gaze hungrily. It still made his heart race. Her dark brown hair was in her usual braid, resting on one shoulder. Her broad forehead was wrinkled in a frown, while her full nose flared. She was so sexy and cute all at once. She licked her lush, dark pink lips. Thoughts of her taste filled his head.

“Have you gone mute?” Yasmine asked.

She crossed her arms over her breasts and leaned against the doorjamb.

“No. Can I come in?” He found his voice.

“Are you here to make more grand declarations?” She looked at him with the suspicious look he loved.

“No.” He stifled a smile.

He had missed her sharp tongue. She stepped back and walked into the house. He stepped in, closing the door behind him. He followed her, watching the sexy sway of her full ass. He had missed a lot of things. Yasmine strode through the kitchen, then out the back patio doors. She sat on a chair by the patio table and curled her legs under her. Sedeo leaned on the railing close to her. He studied her.

“Are you going to speak anytime soon?”

“I’ve missed you, Yasmine.” He smiled softly.

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes. “Really? No word for more than three weeks, and you missed me, huh?”

He looked off to the ocean and said, “I couldn’t face you with false promises, without knowing for sure I can deal with what you do.”

“I guess you came to a realization. From your tone, I already know what’s coming. So what is it, Sedeo? The great break up? We already went through this!” Yasmine snapped.

He looked at her. She was sitting with her arms crossed, her back stiff.

“Yes, we have. And Yasmine, I know I can never accept what you do. I’ll always have this ball in my gut when you go to work,” he stated.

“So much for not making any great declarations. Just leave, Sedeo.” Yasmine jumped up and stood at the porch railing, as far away from him as she could get.

She gripped the wood tightly and looked out at the ocean. Sedeo followed her and leaned against the rail next to her. Yasmine stiffened.

“God, Sedeo. I can’t do this again. Please leave.” Her voice was hoarse.

“I can’t,” he replied.

“Why?” She turned to him, her fists clenched.

Her eyes glittered with unshed tears. Sedeo closed the distance between them, and she flinched in response. He ignored her reaction and stiff posture and pulled her against him.

“I can’t live with what you do, but I find not being with you supersedes everything else.”

“What are you saying?” She blinked at him.

“From the first time I laid eyes on you, even though it was during the worst moment of my life, I felt as if I’d been burned. You were burned into my soul. I hated myself for lusting after you when my sister lay dying. For weeks, I thought of you. Then when you came to me all I could think of was I wanted you. But I was still ashamed of myself for it. For weeks after, I stayed away, and then came to you. As I got to know you, I knew then it wasn’t just a sexual attraction, but something more. I fought it because I didn’t want to face what you are. You fight fires, and they killed someone I love.” He raised a trembling hand and smoothed it against her cheek. “I’m afraid it will take you from me.”

“Sedeo, we don’t have any control over when it’s our time to die.”

He rested his forehead against hers. “I know. God, I do. But it scares me your life is in danger whenever you go to work.” He paused and studied her face, then continued. “That will never change, but I can’t be without you. Can’t stand one more moment without you. Holding you and being with you. I love you, Yasmine.”

Yasmine was silent as she studied him. After a few moments, she raised her hand and slapped him upside the head.

“You’re such a dunderhead, Sedeo Parker.”

Copyright © 2009 Aliyah Burke and McKenna Jeffries
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Megan Hart:Read in bed!
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Mandy M Roth
Lissa Matthews
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane

Today’s snippet theme is It’s Raining Men. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Reese pulled the car into the driveway and turned it off, looking at the beautiful, large stone house. It had the look of a quaint cottage. The sign as they drove in had read “Ellis Hideaway,” but it should have been called Paradise. The place had a charming feeling about it. The unique stones on the house were complimented by wide bay windows, an oak door, and a wraparound porch. Counting the terraces, Reese realized there seemed to be a separate one for each room in the structure’s six floors.

Jasmine asked, “What do you think?”

Turning, he saw she had a smiling, smug look on her face. Usually, he had been the one to initiate them going on a weekend getaway. He leaned in and kissed her, softly and thoroughly, before pulling away.

He saw pleasure fill her eyes when he replied, “You’re beautiful.” Her melodious laughter made his body clench in reaction.

“Come on,” Jasmine said, opening the door and getting out.

Chuckling, Reese got out of the car on his side while she walked around to join him. She hooked her arm with his, gazing at the house. Reese studied the cobblestone walkway, surrounded by lush vegetation on both sides. Manicured gardens of roses and many different flowers were as far as the eye could see. Huge weeping willow trees surrounded the property, making a gate made from nature. Cocking his head, Reese could swear he heard water running. But glancing around, he couldn’t find the source.

Reese turned at the sound of the door opening. He was unable to see the person clearly in the shadows of the porch, but assumed it was a woman by the shape. She came forward and waved at them, and Jasmine waved back.

Curious, he asked, “You know someone here?”

Jasmine glanced at him. “Don’t you recognize her?”

Reese observed the lovely woman coming toward them. She looked familiar. Then realization dawned, and he chuckled. “I thought Chantal was in Italy.”

“She came back a couple of months ago, after this place was ready.”

“She’s the owner?”

“Yes, and Karim is ecstatic that he was able to convince her to buy this place and open the bed and breakfast she always wanted. He’s very pleased to have his sister living nearby.”

Chantal arrived in front of them, embracing Reese before turning to Jasmine and doing the same. She stepped back and studied Jasmine from head to foot, then glanced at him, giving him a wink.

In a lightly accented voice, Chantal said, “Reese Bryant, it’s been a long time, il miele. Still sexy as ever. Why don’t you dump this la vecchia mucca and run away with me?”

Laughing, he took her hand, kissing it as he said, “Chantal, I can’t even dream of having someone of your beauty. Ouch.” He rubbed his stomach where Jasmine had hit him.

“Don’t call me an “old cow,” Chantal,” Jasmine said. Noting her friend’s surprised look, she continued, laughing. “Hah! Didn’t think I knew what you said, did you? I’ve been learning so I can know when you’re insulting me. You better behave, before I forget that you’re family.”

Chantal pouted playfully. “Come on, Jazz, you know I’m kidding with my favorite cousin.”

“Batting those eyes at me won’t work. You only say that to get out of trouble. Try it on your brother, and mine.”

“Pash, my brother is too smart to fall for it, but your brothers are another story. Would it work on you, Reese?”

Chantal started to touch him, but Jasmine stopped her. “Don’t you dare!” Chantal laughed, Jasmine joined her, and they hugged again.

Looking at them, Reese joined in their laughter. Chantal Ellis, Jasmine’s cousin, had lived in Italy for a number of years. She was a lovely woman, trim with light toffee-colored skin, sculpted features, and short, curly hair. Her eyes were the most startling shade of lavender. He knew they were inherited from her father. She gave him a warning glare over Jasmine’s shoulder.

He smiled, trying not to laugh. Chantal was very protective of Jasmine, even though Chantal was younger. Frowning, Reese remembered the last time she had come for a visit. It was right after the Derek fiasco, and it had taken all of them to stop her from going after him. She had a nasty temper.

Chantal had whisked Jasmine away to Italy. After she returned, Jasmine had refused to talk about Derek, and acted as if he never existed. With this trip out of town, Jasmine had ruined his plan to go see Derek. But he was still going, as soon as they got back to New York.

Reese ignored Chantal’s questioning look and shook his head. He sighed as her expression changed to curiosity. A curious Chantal was a bad thing. Unless he could distract her, she would torture him until she found out what was going on.

She stepped back from Jasmine, saying, “I missed you, Jazz. It’s been so long since you came to see me. I thought since I lived closer now, you would come and see me, but you haven’t. Been too busy, I see.” Chantal pointedly looked in Reese’s direction.

Grinning, Reese winked.

Shaking a finger at him, Chantal continued talking to Jasmine. “I was going to drop in on you when I came to New York in a couple of weeks to see Auntie Raina. I’ve been trying to reach her to set it up, but I can’t get her. Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine. Mom is in Paris on a buying trip for the boutique. She’ll be gone for a few months, but you can still come for a visit. You can stay with me.”

“I might. Tell her hi for me when you speak with her,” Chantal said. Then she gestured to the magnificent structure behind her. “So, what do you think?”

“The last time I was here, I knew it was going to be nice, but this is fabulous!” Jasmine replied enthusiastically.

“Thanks. It took me a lot of hard work and time to get it just right, but at last, it’s almost the way I want it. Come on in. You must be tired from the trip. I’ll send the bell hop for your bags.”

“No, that’s okay. I’ll get them,” Reese replied.

Chantal nodded her agreement. She hooked arms with Jasmine and started toward the house. Reese watched them stroll up the walkway, and their laughter followed in their wake. Jasmine glanced back over her shoulder, giving him a sizzling look and winking at him before turning around.

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Megan Hart:Read in bed!
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Jody Wallace
Mandy M Roth
Lissa Matthews
Leah Braemel
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shiloh Walker
Shelli Stevens
Zoë Archer
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane

Today’s snippet theme is Author’s Choice. Below is a scene from a book I co-authored Aliyah Burke. Enjoy.

A snippet from Wicked Burn…

One night as she stood in the kitchen barefoot, making herself a salad for dinner, the doorbell chimed. Munching on a carrot, she walked to the door and pulled it open. The sight on the other side almost caused her to choke. The man who’d been haunting her dreams stood there, holding the cute little girl in his arms, a bag on one shoulder.

“H…h…hi,” she managed to mutter. Holy hell, he’s even hotter than I dreamt.

Shelby cooed and reached for her, and without thought, Yasmine took her into her arms. The gentle scent of innocence washed over her.

“Would you believe we were in the neighborhood?” One side of his mouth curved up in a disarming smile. Yet she could see in the depths of his eyes more than a bit uncertainty.

Did she? And did she really care? “Come on in,” she said, stepping back to allow them in the house.

“We’re not interrupting, are we?” he asked as he moved past her.

“Nope, fixing a bite to eat before Rufus and I go for a walk.”

“Rufus?” Sedeo asked.

Jerking her head toward the door, she said, “The one putting nose prints on my sliding glass door.”

“Puppy!” Shelby cried and struggled to get down.

With a smile, Yasmine set her on her feet, well aware Rufus was fine with kids.

“Is she…is he okay? Will she…?” Sedeo babbled.

Without thought, she placed a hand on his arm and said, “She’ll be fine. Rufus loves kids.”

The heat from his skin seared her palm, and she swallowed rapidly. Removing her hand, she moved to the door, opening it to allow Rufus to come inside. Keeping her gaze on the two on the floor, she made sure all was good between dog and child. She longed to stand near him again, but part of her make-up was following the rules and doing what was best. Getting involved with Sedeo Parker was not what was best.

A shadow fell across her, and she looked up at the man who stood a few inches taller than her. He stared down at her with longing in his gaze. Her belly churned, and her legs became shaky. Everything in the room shrank to the two of them, nothing more, and nothing less. In slow motion, he cupped the side of her face and lowered his mouth to hers.

Nothing else mattered, aside from the fact his lips were nearing hers. At first touch, she whimpered. His lips were made for kissing. He nibbled gently before covering her mouth. She moaned as his tongue slid along her lips and sought entrance. Yasmine opened on a sigh.

It was a slow exploration of the recess of her mouth, and Yasmine allowed him to set his pace. Her fingers curled into her palms so she didn’t grab him. It was finished almost before it started, and when he pulled back, his eyes swirled with barely restrained passion.

“Hate me if you must, Yasmine Van Cort, but I had to kiss you,” he mumbled against her lips.

Copyright © 2009 Aliyah Burke and McKenna Jeffries
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:

Megan Hart:Read in bed!
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Mandy M Roth
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Shiloh Walker
Lauren Dane
Shelli Stevens
Jody Wallace
Lissa Matthews
Zoë Archer

Today’s snippet theme is Love Scene. Below is a scene from a book I co-authored Aliyah Burke . Enjoy.

An snippet from Wicked Burn…

A shadow fell over her, and she looked up at the man who stood a few inches taller than her. He stared down at her with a longing in his gaze. Her belly churned, and her legs became shaky. Everything in the room shrank to the two of them, nothing more, and nothing less. In slow motion, he cupped the side of her face and lowered his mouth to hers.

Nothing else mattered, aside from the fact his lips were nearing hers. At first touch, she whimpered. His lips were made for kissing. He nibbled gently before covering her mouth. She moaned as his tongue slid along her lips and sought entrance. Yasmine opened on a sigh.

It was a slow exploration of the recess of her mouth, and Yasmine allowed him to set his pace. Her fingers curled into her palms so she didn’t grab him. It was over almost before it started, and when he pulled back, his eyes swirled with barely restrained passion.

“Hate me if you must, Yasmine Van Cort, but I had to do that,” he mumbled against her lips.

Yasmine studied him. If she hated him, it would have been easier. Hate was far from what she was feeling.

“Less talk, more kissing.” She reached for his shirt and jerked him to her.

His startled laugh tickled her lips. She sighed as their mouths met. His firm lips felt delicious against hers. He murmured, and his arms came around her. She shuddered as her body touched his. All those fine muscles were even better up close and personal. Sedeo kissed her hungrily and thoroughly. His tongue licked along the side of her mouth. She leaned against him, rubbing slightly.

He moaned and continued to savor her. That was what it felt like to her, the way he kissed her, taking everything in. Her taste, the soft furrows of his tongue finding all the recess of her mouth, and the hunger that made her know he wanted her. It was all so sexy and tender.

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries and Aliyah Burke, 2009.
All Rights Reserved.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Megan Hart:Read in bed!
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Mandy M Roth
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
HelenKay Dimon
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane
Lissa Matthews
Zoe Archer

Today’s snippet theme is Emotional Scene. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Bracing for him to leave her, she turned to look at him. Seeing the sorrow and pity in his eyes was an even worse blow. She knew Reese would feel obligated to stay with her now, but she couldn’t let him. Turning away, she got up and walked to the other side of the room, away from him.

“I can’t give you what you want, Reese, so leave. I know you feel sorry for me now that you know, but I don’t want that. And I don’t want you to miss out on having children. I was selfish, just wanting you for me, but…”

Jasmine jumped as he roared, “Who the hell do you think you are?”

Turning to face him, she instinctively backed up at the rage she saw on his face. Catching herself, she stopped and stood her ground. In awe, she watched him battle to control his anger. His eyes snapped with not only anger, but also hurt.

His voice was hoarse as he spoke. “How could you think I wouldn’t want you, or still love you, because you can’t have kids? My love isn’t that shallow. This is real, Jasmine. It’s not about what you can give or not give me. I love you, Jasmine.” He stopped, waiting expectantly.

Hope blossomed in her as she looked into his angry face. Thinking of how happy she could be with him, Jasmine started toward him. But she stopped as she remembered what happened the last time she let herself love. Putting her arms around her stomach, she knew she couldn’t allow it. Emptiness filled her, making her heart ache. Battling tears, she looked at him. He deserved a whole woman, not someone as broken as she was.

Forcing herself, she said the words she knew would drive him away. “Ha! I thought what I had with Derek was real. Look what it got me. Nothing but pain and anguish. I can’t love you, Reese. I never can.”

Her breath caught at the devastation on his face. She waited for him to storm out. He looked at her through wounded eyes, and silently took a small jewelry box out of his pocket. His movements stiff, he walked over to the center table and flung the box down. It bounced from the table onto the floor as he turned, walking out the door and slamming it behind him.

The silence echoed after he left. Shaken, Jasmine stood frozen in place. Her body ached. Finally, she moved forward, and taking the box off the floor, opened it. Seeing his mother’s engagement ring, she collapsed onto the floor. Silent tears rolled down her face. Rocking back and forth, she wrapped her arms around her body, trying to ward off the pain.

After a while, she drew a shaky breath, wiped her eyes, and stood slowly, each movement agony. Closing the box, she placed it slowly onto the table. Listlessly, she gathered her bag and went out the door. She hurried to her car and got behind the wheel. She started the car and pulled out of the drive. Briefly, she glanced at Reese’s house and saw he wasn’t there. Turning, she drove down the street as tears flowed, blurring her vision.

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Megan Hart:Read in bed!
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Lissa Matthews
Mandy M Roth
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Leah Braemel
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Lauren Dane

Today’s snippet theme is Author’s Choice. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Reese turned and looked at Jasmine. She shook her head and started to stand.

“Mia gets more…” She trailed off as Reese put his hand on her shoulder to stop her from rising.

“Wha…” she tried to ask.

His mouth covered hers in a hungry kiss. She moaned into his mouth as her arms came around his shoulders. Sinking her hands into his hair, she matched his hunger. Reese shifted, pushing her back into the chair. He sucked her tongue into his mouth, savoring her sweetness. Devouring her.

He broke the kiss. His heart thumped against his ribs. The scent of her captured all his senses. Weak, he rested his forehead against hers, trying to catch his breath.

“Hmm…that’s what I was thinking about all day,” he mumbled, trailing kisses along the side of her face.

Her voice sounded breathless as she asked, “You have? Hmm…I wonder why.”

“You know why, you little tease. Telling me that you don’t have on any panties, then leaving a brother hanging like that. How could you expect me to get any work done?” He stroked his fingers along her face, memorizing it.

“Why did you hang up on me like that anyway?” He watched the sheepish expression on her face, then kissed her on the lips softly.

“Umm. Mia came in for our meeting early.”

Reese laughed, and she hit him on the arm.

“That’s not funny. It’s your fault that she heard.”

He continued to chuckle. “I can only imagine what she said.”

“Nothing. Though, you should be thinking about what I did after she left. I was thinking of you.”

Reese sobered, his gaze heating. Sliding his arm around her shoulder, he pulled her closer to him, murmuring, “What did you do?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know? What will I get if I tell you?”

Lowering his mouth to hers, he said, “Me.”

Jasmine closed the space between their lips, whispering, “Good.” Then she kissed him ravenously, running her hands along his chest and around his back.

“Ahem.”

They jerked apart at the noise of a throat clearing. Glancing toward the open door, they saw Mia grinning wickedly and Jordan staring off into space, trying not to laugh.

“Excuse us. We just wanted to let you know we were leaving,” Mia said, barely able to stifle her giggles. She and Jordan turned to leave.

Jordan looked back and asked, “Reese, are you sure you don’t have any brothers?”

Distracted, Reese responded. “Um…no. I don’t.”

“Damn.”

“I do have cousins.”

“Good.” Jordan smiled, then turned and walked out behind Mia. Reese and Jasmine listened as the door closed behind them.

Reese looked at Jasmine. “All alone. What shall we do?”

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
Megan Hart:Read in bed!
Rhian Cahill
Eliza Gayle
Lissa Matthews
Mandy M Roth
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Shiloh Walker
Shelli Stevens

Today’s snippet theme is Bad Boys At Night. Below is a scene from a book that I wrote with authors Aliyah Burke and Taige Crenshaw for our free read site called Satin Notes. Enjoy.

An snippet from Magnetism…

Looking at the man who had caused her so much pain, Kira waited for the fear to overwhelm her. It didn’t. All she felt was calmness as she gazed at him. She studied David and wondered what she had ever seen in him. The handsome, debonair man she knew was gone. All she saw was a monster who wanted power, a man who had ripped apart her life, and others, to get it. A steely resolve filled her.

“David, I’m going to kick your ass,” Kira said softly.

“You can’t kill me, Kira.” David chuckled.

“I know.” Kira nodded.

Swiftly, she broke his loose hold and moved back from him. The shocked look on David’s face warmed her. He had underestimated her, thinking she would be ruled by fear. But she wasn’t the same Kira she once was. He’d made sure of that when he had betrayed her. In a quick motion, she raised her foot and swiped across his chest. David hissed and fell back, looking down at the blood on his chest. Kira smiled fiercely and cut him again with the blade in her shoe. David roared.

“I don’t want to kill you, David–just bloody you a little, for every second of pain and suffering you caused. The times I couldn’t think. When I thought Challen was dead. All of it.” With each word, she cut him somewhere else.

David tried to block her, but she was relentless, cutting him over and over again. He looked stupefied at all the blood gushing from various places on his body. Kira stifled a laugh at the look. David’s arrogance would be his downfall.

“For deceiving me.” Kira sprang up and turned, swiping across his face.

David roared and grabbed the cheek she had cut open. Kira raised her swords and charged him. David met her, blocking the blows. He hissed as she got one through. Kira ducked out of the way as he swiped for her. She laughed at him. David was enraged, and it left him sloppy. She cut him again, then again and again, over and over. Each cut gave her a sense of peace. David reached out to grab her. Kira slid back away from him. She teetered on the edge of the cliff and righted herself. David grinned evilly and charged her. Kira could see his plan clearly on his face. She waited until he reached her, then twisted out of his way and back kicked him between the shoulders. David’s arms pin-wheeled as he tried to not fall. It was useless. He went over the edge of the cliff as Kira watched him.

“You can’t kill me, Kira!“ David bellowed.

The hate in his voice was palpable. The rage on his face made it an ugly mask. Even after all this, David was too stupid to realize she had no intention of delivering the death blow.

“I know!” she called in return.

Kira turned swiftly and saw the ground littered with bodies and the others watching her. She glanced at the one man who had as much right to kill David as she did.

“Challen,” Kira said.

Challen nodded and smiled fiercely. He raised his hands in the air, and light flew from his fingers. With a howl, a tremendous wind flew around them. Kira glanced back at the cliffs, and David floated up in front of her. He struggled against something that held him.

Challen joined Kira at the edge of the cliff. David looked at him, and fear blossomed on his face. David glanced back at Kira.

“I should have killed you,” he hissed.

“You didn’t, and now, you will die.” Kira shrugged.

“Do you want to bloody him some more, Kira?” She heard the amusement in Killian’s voice.

She glanced at him, then looked back at David. The blood flowing from the various cuts she’d given him made her smile.

“Nah, I’m good.”

The others behind her laughed.

Challen spoke in a musical voice. “I am Traveler Oracle Challen Valen Kirlus. The gateways are mine to protect. The judgment of those who do not heed the law of dimensions is mine to make. David Hollingsworth, you have betrayed the law, and judgment has decreed you will die.”

As Challen finished speaking, a golden film covered David. It started from his feet and continued up his body. As it reached his face, David screamed loudly as he disintegrated. In seconds, he was gone. Kira looked at Challen.

“You’re one badass dude. Remind me never to get on your wrong side.” Kira chuckled.

“Me? You’re the one who wanted to bloody him. Felt good, didn’t it?” Challen bumped shoulders with her.

“Yeah, it did.” Kira curved her hand around his waist.

Copyright © 2008 Aliyah Burke, McKenna Jeffries and Taige Crenshaw.
All Rights Reserved, Satin Notes.

Check out the rest of Magnetism and more free reads at Satin Notes – http://satinnotes.com.

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Today’s snippet theme is We Got the Beat. This is one of my fav scences. It is with my heroine, her brothers and friend. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Opening the door of Visions, Jasmine remembered how Reese had looked when she left for work–sexy and tousled. It was hard for her to get out of bed with him looking so delicious, but she had work to make up for after leaving early on Friday. Going inside the lobby, she locked the door behind her, then noticed that there was no sound in the office.

Listening carefully, she confirmed it. She started to sing I Had a Hot Night Last Night, a song she and her brothers had made up to tease each other with when they were caught out late, or came to any function late. Singing at the top of her lungs, she knew she was off-key and didn’t care. She knew her Aunt Ainsley, who was singer before she got married, would be horrified to hear her. Walking further into the room, she dropped her briefcase on the ground and kicked off her shoes, then climbed up on the burgundy couch.

Facing the wall, she kept singing and started to dance. Jasmine felt exhilarated as she moved along the couch, bumping and grinding her hips from one end to the other, kicking the cream and hunter green cushions onto the floor. Coming back, she stopped in the middle of the couch and spread her arms wide, shimmying and moving.

A pair of hands grabbed her off the couch, startling her. Hearing his husky laugh, she knew it was Jamison. He turned her and she glanced up into his twinkling hazel gaze. Then he twirled her, and all she could do was hang on. He stopped, then started to dance himself. From the moves, Jasmine knew it was the Samba.

Picking up his rhythm, she joined him. She saw a flash of red, then glanced over to see Wolfe and Mia dancing the Salsa. They moved perfectly together. A whistle from Jamison caught her attention. Wolfe looked up, nodded and then she was twirling. Everything was a blur, and the wind blew across her face.

Jasmine felt Jamison’s arm ripple as he twirled her. Then he let go and she was sent into Wolfe’s arms. He caught her and, without breaking a step, changed to the Tango. All Jasmine could do was hold on and go with him.

Wolfe still dances beautifully. I wonder if Reese still knows how to do this, Jasmine thought as they started across the floor.

Jasmine knew they all could dance beautifully. After all, their mother, Raina Hamlin, had been a professional dancer at one time. She had taught all the Hamlin kids, Mia included, to dance. Jasmine couldn’t believe she still remembered the steps to the dance number her mother had created for the family, which she dubbed the “Hamlin Special”.

Hearing Mia shriek, she glanced at her in time to see Jamison swing Mia behind his back, and then pull her between his legs. Jasmine laughed in delight, then felt Wolfe shift his hold. He did the same thing as Jamison, but brought her up in the air, over his head, and held her there.

(more…)

Today’s snippet theme is Character Sass. Enjoy.

An snippet from Conquering Jazz…

Laughing, Mia replied, “You know I’m a wicked woman with any type of food. But chocolate syrup is more my thing. Give me a bottle and I’m wild.”

“So, that’s why you pawned my account off on one of your employees?” demanded a deep baritone voice from the door behind Mia.

“Uh-oh. She’s going to blow,” Jasmine whispered.

Ignoring her, Mia replied in a scratchy, tight voice, without turning around. “Yes. So I can have time for my legion of men, who know what they want and can make up their damned minds.”

From the corner of her eye, Mia saw Jermaine’s muscular thighs come into view. Distracted by his nearness, she was caught unaware as he hauled her up out of the chair to face him.

“Well, your legion will have to wait. You aren’t going to leave my party in the hands of some incompetent idiot.”

Jasmine looked on in disbelief as they circled each other like boxers.

Jerking her arm from his hand, Mia replied through clenched teeth. “We don’t have incompetent people working here. But we do have difficult clients.” Mia looked pointedly at him. “We are more than happy to serve you the best we can by pairing you with a more compatible individual.”

Crossing his arms over his muscular chest, Jermaine scoffed. “I want you to plan the party, or I will take my business elsewhere. Unless you’re afraid you can’t handle a party like this.”

Sputtering, Mia answered, “I can handle any party, even your rinky-dink one, with my eyes closed.”

“Good, then it’s settled. When can we meet to talk over the changes we discussed last time?”

Mia’s gaze glittered dangerously. “We will not discuss anything. If you don’t want Vivian, you can…” Jasmine put her hand over Mia’s mouth from behind, muffling her as she kept talking.

Laughing, Jermaine reclined on Jasmine’s desk. “Hi Sis. Sorry for the interruption. My planner and I had a slight miscommunication. We’re working it out.” He gestured toward Mia, as she continued to rave behind Jasmine’s hand.

Jasmine watched uneasily as Jermaine’s expression turned speculative. “I haven’t seen much of you lately. Where have you been? Every time I call, you brush me off, or you’re not at home. So what have you been up to?”

Damn! He suspects something, Jasmine thought.

Clearing her throat, Jasmine replied, “Oh, I’ve just been busy, that’s all. Sorry I haven’t come by. I meant to get together with you, J. So how is everything going?”

“Everything is fine, but you’re not going to get off that easy. Where have you been? None of us has heard anything from you in weeks. So what’s going on? If I didn’t know better, I would swear you have a new boyfriend. But you always let us check him out, so, nah, that can’t be it.”

Guiltily, Jasmine laughed. “You’re so full of crap. I don’t let you check anyone out. You all get crazy and try to scare them away.” She wasn’t fooled by the innocent look on Jermaine face.

“Who, us? We’re harmless,” he said. “We just want what’s best for our little sis. And I want to make sure nobody takes advantage of my second half.”

“‘Best’ my foot. Buy a clue, J. We’re twins, so we’re the same age, bro. I’m not your little sis. You and the rest of our brothers just like to interfere and get revenge.”

Jermaine’s brown eyes twinkled as he grinned mischievously. “That too. But who can blame us, after all the pranks you’ve pulled.”

They laughed. Jasmine glanced at Mia, whose eyes still glittered as she stood silently. She glanced back at Jermaine as he spoke.

“I think she’s run out of energy now. You can let her go.”

Gingerly, Jasmine withdrew her hand. Mia slapped her on the arm, saying, “Don’t do that again. I know he’s your brother. I wasn’t going to hurt him–too much.”

Chuckling, Jasmine whispered, “I know, but I wanted to make sure you didn’t say something you would regret–although he is a pain in the ass sometimes.” They ignored him as he made a rude noise. “Jermaine is a client.”

The glare Mia gave Jermaine could have melted steel as she said loudly, “Yes, he’s more than a pain in the ass. He is a …Ouch! Stop that.” She rubbed her arm where Jasmine had pinched her. She continued to glare at Jermaine.

He returned her glare with a smirk. The tension in the room thickened.

“If you think I’ll work with you on anything, you are sadly mistaken,” Mia said.

“Oh no, I’m not. You are, if you think I’ll let you pawn me off like some chump to someone else. If you can’t be mature, that’s your problem.” He straightened his six-foot-four frame from his lounging position on Jasmine’s desk.

The verbal slings continued and escalated as Jasmine watched, trying not to laugh. Jermaine stalked across the carpet until he stood in Mia’s face. Mia was only slightly shorter than him, and in her heels, she almost met him eye to eye. They seemed like two cats, bristling at each other.

Then Jasmine’s eyes widened. There was more than animosity in their body language as they argued with each other. Mia stepped back as Jermaine advanced on her. Catching herself, Mia stood her ground. Jermaine reached her, and Jasmine watched in fascination as her normally cold brother proceeded to try and haul Mia up off her feet.

Copyright © McKenna Jeffries, 2008.
All Rights Reserved, Liquid Silver Books.

Go to the following sites to check out these other great authors snippets:
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Rhian Cahill
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
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Mandy M Roth
Mari Carr
McKenna Jeffries
Myla Jackson
Taige Crenshaw
Delilah Devlin
HelenKay Dimon
Lauren Dane
Leah Braemel
Shiloh Walker
TJ Michaels
Zoë Archer