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Toni blinked and opened her eyes. Her head hurt. She reached up to rub the spot but her hand was caught in a firm grip. Her eyes closed and she wanted to go back to sleep.
“Antonia, wake up for me.”
Drake. His fingers massaged the hand he held. She turned her head slightly and realized she lay on her side in her bedroom at the inn. Drake sat next to her, hips on the mattress.
“What happened?” Her memories were fuzzy.
“Your friend, Thomas, was a goblin and followed you here.”
Thomas. Everything came back in a flash and she sat up abruptly. The room whirled and Drake had to catch her before she face planted on the floor.
“He was going to kill me.” She placed a hand at her throat.
Drake threaded his fingers through her hair. She couldn’t describe the look in his eyes. “He did.”
“Thank goodness you stopped him.”
They spoke at the same time. When Drake’s words sunk in, Toni fell back. “I’m not dead.”
He braced his arms on the bed, caging her. “No, thank fuck, you are not.”
Toni didn’t like the pain in his violet eyes. She touched his face, his jaw. “What happened?”
“Thomas broke your neck.”
Oh, no. Toni took a deep breath and let it out. She felt alive. “Am I a zombie?”
Had Drake used magic to change her? She didn’t expect his booming laughter or the way he snatched her up in his arms. “You’re not a zombie. My therapist arrived and brought you back. Brody Curran is Fae.”
“Fae like a fairy?” Toni figured she had a lot to learn about otherworld beings.
“Not fairies and don’t ever say that to him.” Drake pulled back. “I had to promise to finish my therapy sessions with him in exchange for your life. A small price to pay.”
“Do I still have your magic on me?”
His smile contained an emotion she was afraid to identify. “Only a little. Most of it is already back in me.”
“What about Thomas?” The fear rushed back and Toni clutched Drake to her.
“Dead,” Drake spat, his gaze growing dark. “He’s dead and will never bother you again.”
Toni pushed back. “Are we in trouble? Will the police arrest us?”
Drake continued to smile. “No, sweetheart. Everything was taken care of.”
She released a sigh and placed her head on Drake’s chest. The solid warmth and rhythmic beat reassured her. “You promise I’m not dead and you’re afraid to tell me the truth?”
He kissed her temple. “I promise you’re not dead.”
“I can’t believe he did all this,” she mumbled.
“Magic is an irresistible draw to goblins. I didn’t realize what I was doing when my magic spilled onto you. I’m so sorry I brought that on you. I also had my assistant, Kent, check your phone and it seems like Thomas called you pretending to be me to confirm you were here.”
Knowing Drake hadn’t stood her up relieved Toni.
“What about secrets?” She asked suddenly. “Do you have any more secrets because I’m not sure I can take any more?”
“Just one.”
Toni groaned. “Tell me fast and get it over with.”
He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “I love you.”
Toni froze and reached up to tip his face down. “Do you mean it?”
“Yes. I love you, Antonia.”
“I love you, too, Drake.” Her heart wanted to burst with the love inside.
Author’s Note
This is a rerelease that I regained the rights to formerly titled Taste of Wicked. It is now available on all retailers worldwide along with the print as well. In more exciting news, I’m working on the sequel for Toni’s friend, Chrissy. If you turn the page and scroll, you can read a small excerpt I’ve included for Wild Lover.
Happy Reading,
Michelle H.
Excerpt from Chrissy’s story Wild Lover
The subject of her ire happened to glance up and catch her jabbing a finger in his direction. No confusion, no embarrassment just a bland stare. Anger took hold and Chrissy sped up.
“Chrissy! Chrissy, I really think you should let me explain.”
Chrissy ignored Toni and came to an abrupt stop beside Drake and his friends. She glared at one man in particular. A man she had wanted more than any other, even if only for the night.
“Chrissy, I hope you’re enjoying yourself.” That was Drake. Ever so polite.
“I’m fine.” She shot dark looks at Ben but he turned to the man next to him and proceeded to ignore her.
Unimaginable hurt set in. Seriously? While they hadn’t exchanged vows of eternal love she’d at least expected a respectful hug or a rueful grin. Not...dismissal.
“Chrissy?”
She blocked Toni’s hesitant tone. How could he stand there in all his glorious wonder and act as if last night meant nothing? The longer she stared the more the truth of what happened hit her. She’d been a one night stand. An easy pre-wedding lay and one he didn’t plan to acknowledge. Of course she’d known that. It wasn’t as if she planned to marry him and run away together.
Hell, it still hurt. Her lower lip wobbled but she curled her hands into fists letting the sting of pain from her manicured nails keep the tears at bay.
“Chrissy, this is James Kennar. I believe you mentioned enjoying one of the movies he directed.” Drake again.
Chrissy couldn’t find it in her to laugh at the fact Drake remembered the movies from the girls nights Toni made him attend with them curled on the sofa.
“This is my former ...”
Blah, blah. She didn’t hear the rest of the introductions as she planted herself in front of the man who’d licked her breasts with such reverence. His expression revealed nothing of his thoughts.
“Do you have anything to say for yourself?” She kept her voice low but conversation in their group dwindled. Toni’s hand pressed to the middle of her back but Chrissy shrugged it off.
“Should I have something to say?”
His voice remained gravelly. Layers of arrogance mixed with chocolate sin brought back the dirty words he’d whispered in her ear, the way he’d called her his pretty girl.
“I get that this is the norm for you but didn’t I at least warrant a goodbye. Or better yet—thanks for the good time?”
He’d been gone before she awakened, alone and tender all over. Her voice rose as anger took the place of pain. Drake drew Toni close as his eyes narrowed. “Chrissy, what’s wrong?”
“He’s what’s wrong!” She snapped, sparing Drake a brief glance and noting his confusion. “We slept together last night and he’s avoided me all day instead of having the decency to say something to me. Anything!”
More stares aimed their way. The sound of clinking glassware tapered off. Her cheeks flamed.
Mr. Hot for one night lost the glimmer of amusement in his blue gray eyes. His head cocked to the side. “I assure you if we slept together I’d remember it.”
“Oh, God,” Toni moaned. “Chrissy, I think—”
Chrissy grabbed a full glass of red wine from a roaming waiter and threw it at him. “You’re a liar, Ben Griffith. We had sex. S-E-X. Fantastic, toe curling, monkey sex. And I don’t regret it but you suck!”
To her horror a red stain bloomed on his pristine white shirt beneath his black tuxedo jacket. He calmly withdrew a handkerchief and wiped at the few sprinkles on his chin and jaw. The stern expression vanished to be replaced with comprehension. Much to Chrissy’s surprise, he smiled revealing the lone slash in his cheek. Damned dimple.
“While I’m glad to hear it was fantastic, I believe you have me confused with my brother who couldn’t make it today. I’m Kent.”
About the Author
USA Best Selling Author, Michelle Howard dreamed of writing since reading her first romance novel many years ago but never thought it was possible. Now, she couldn’t be happier. She loves paranormal and contemporary romances and is a fan of the classic romances by Judith McNaught, Julie Garwood and a host of others.
I love to hear from fans so please reach out to me. If the mood hits you, leave a review.
Email: michellehowardwrites@gmail.com
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Books by Michelle
Warlords
* Honor Bound (Warlord Series 1)
* The Overlord’s Heir (Warlord Series 2)
* A King’s Revenge (Warlord Series 3)
* Rise of the Shadow Warriors (Warlord Series 4)
* A Warlord’s Heart (Warlord Series 5)
* Unexpected Bride (Warlord Series 6)
* Unleashing a Warrior (Books 1-3 Warlord Series boxset)
Alpha Squad
* Project Genesis (Alpha Squad)
Harmony
* No Reason to Run (A Harmony Novel)
Sci-Fi Romance
* Mating Urge (Love in the Stars 1)
* Love Like No Other (Love in the Stars 2)
* Wired For Love (Wired #1)
A World Beyond
* Torkel’s Chosen (A World Beyond 1)
* Arak’s Love (A World Beyond 2)
* Lindsey’s Rescue (A World Beyond 3)
* Kyele’s Passion (A World Beyond 4)
* Rydak’s Fall (A World Beyond 5)
* Jaron’s Promise (A World Beyond 6)
Paranormal
* Djinn Lover (Magical Lovers book 1)
* Wicked Lover (Magical Lovers book 2)
* Rylin’s Fire (A Novel of the Dracol 1)
* Relentless Fire (A Novel of the Dracol 2)