Sunday Snippet: Open Shelter

Well, it's kind of fitting that my last blog post for 2023 is on the actual last day of the year. I'm taking that as a good vibe to carry into 2024.

Had a semidecent week. Finished up a couple of things that needed attention and started to get my website updated after a very long dry spell. I'm also very close to launching the new endeavor I've been working on for several months.

Did pretty much a full run-through of my usual slate of shows. I have a whole lineup of holiday stuff I want to watch also. I know it's weird to wait until after the holiday is over but I've been very Scrinch-like the past couple of weeks, mainly because of the yucky cold.

Started out with My Life Is Murder and enjoyed the episode. I will say I still get a little put off by how prickly Alexa can be. I'm sure that's by design, but it annoys me.

Agatha Raisin kind of crushed me a little. I love Agatha and James and having them kind of end things breaks my heart. But I do love they ended on a soft goodbye instead of a harsh one. Looking forward to the next episode.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and I'm kind of surprised how things played out. Did not expect the new guy to have such a dark secret. I love that he exposed it himself. Can't wait to see how this ends.

Caught an episode of Death in Paradise and it's one I'd seen before. Meeting Humph's dad explains so much. I love how this episode played out. Looking forward to starting Beyond Paradise to see if there's more of Humph's family.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Loved diving into Joan's previous life a little. I'm very intrigued by her and having glimpses into her former profession is always fun.

Finally continued my rewatch of Battlestar Galactica. This episode had some great moments even if it ended up being heavier on the cylon lore. Hoping to catch another episode in the near future. Also need to backtrack a little and watch the webisodes and movie.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I actually remembered this one because Alfred ended up being a lot of fun. I love it when he steps out of his comfort zone into his former life.

Caught an episode of Classic Rugrats. I have vague memories of this one, especially Angelica trying to be silent. In all fairness, she got robbed for once.

Watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I have one more left for the first season. So far, I'm enjoying it, but I'm glad I have season two ready to go because I have feeling the first is going to end on a cliffhanger.

Finished up my episode of VIP from last week and started a new one. I forgot I didn't get all the way through the episode because I remembered how it ended.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Open Shelter, a novella that brings childhood friends together as a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jay Hestwick meets Weslee Noss at the open shelter his mom operates and sees through her sarcastic rogue front to the scared kid underneath and decides to be her new best friend. Fifteen years later, Jay runs the program and Weslee comes home, ready to assist, but she doesn't realize she's bringing a dangerous menace out of hiding now that she's back.

And a snippety peek…

Weslee gazed at the curved lane leading to the Hestwick family estate after Jay keyed in the entry code to open the gate.

She arched her brows. "You upgraded the guard shack?" She shouldn't be surprised.

It had been seven years since she'd been to the property, way back in her sophomore year of high school.

Jay shook his head. "I didn't. The estate manager did. They wanted the update to accommodate two to three workers when they host events in the main house." He slid glance her way. "Wanna see the place?"

Her lips quirked. "Yeah, let's drive by. I haven't been since your mom's funeral." And she'd stayed pretty much in the large kitchen, her favorite place in the home.

When younger, she'd expected something like a huge mansion the first time Nora insisted on bringing Weslee home with her. But the estate actually consisted of four homes, a stable, a large garage, a gardener's shed, and several outbuildings. The main house did impress, with three stories and a grand double staircase leading to the second floor.

Weslee angled toward Jay. "So, you're only using the place as a venue for events?" A terrific idea, actually.

Jay grunted. "Yeah. Meetings, weddings, galas. I literally have nothing to do with it. With the exception of providing the Hestwick name." He made a slow pass through the circular drive then headed for the small lane that led to the modern wood and glass structure on the lake.

Weslee grinned. "You're still in the art house." Her heart warmed a little and some of her nerves settled.

When she'd first seen the building hugging the shore of the small lake, she told Nora it looked like a museum of modern art and architecture. But the inside oozed warmth with clean lines and earthy hues. Both fit Jay's personality to a tee.

Jay laughed. "I've been there since I turned sixteen, with the exception of when Mom got sick. It's home." His gaze went to the rearview mirror. "More than the main house ever was."

Weslee nodded. "It suits you. The cottage is too stuffy for you, and the A-frame is too far from the main house." She loved both.

The stone cottage had a quaint and charming interior with overstuffed furniture and lots of woven tapestries. Her personal favorite had to be the A-frame. Rustic and quiet, it sat nestled into a copse of tall pines that didn't deter the natural light flooding in through the windows.

Jay pulled to a stop under the carport and turned to face her. "You're sure? About staying tonight?" His head angled to one side, and he gave her a questioning look.

Weslee lifted her chin. "I'm sure. I'll get started on furnishing the apartment tomorrow." Her lips curved. "Which means I might be taking a half day if you'll drop me off in the morning."

Jay chuckled. "You can have the whole day. As a matter of fact, you can go through the outbuildings to see if there's anything you can use there. Get a jumpstart and all." He popped his door open and dashed around to get hers.

Weslee slid out of the car and leaned up to press her lips against his. "Thank you. You're making this so easy for me."

Jay hugged her to his side. "If I go overboard, let me know." He led her up the walkway to the side door. "But I want you to be settled and happy."

Weslee followed him into the house. "Trust me when I say I'm easy to please." Okay, not always, but Jay never let her down.

And now she had to make sure she didn't let him down either … the only reason she had a tickle of nervous tension about spending the night with him.

But she wanted more than the kiss they shared earlier. She needed to see where things could go with him. He'd been her dream man for a long time, and he'd given her the time and space to figure out exactly what she wanted.

Jay shut the door and paused, blowing out a huff of air. "I'm suddenly at a bit of a loss. Like I said, I didn't think much beyond kissing you earlier." He raked a hand through his hair. "Not sure what to do now that we're here."

Weslee had all kinds of ideas. "Well, let's maybe start with this…" Wrapping her arms around his neck, she meshed her lips with his.

I'm having fun figuring out where this story is going. Jay and Weslee are an interesting couple to write.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: On the Bench

Happy holidays to all who celebrate. We're having a quiet weekend at home to avoid spreading all of our cold germs to anyone else. I'm very okay with that.

Started two new projects this week and slowly getting back to semi-normal while fighting the cold making the rounds through our house. My husband currently has it again.

Made an almost full run through of my current slate of television shows. I've been trying to make sure I get plenty of sleep, so I hopefully don't end up with a setback with the cold.

Watched an episode of My Life Is Murder and remembered I'd seen most of this episode before. Enjoyed watching it again.

Started another two-part Agatha Raisin and rather enjoyed the dynamic between James's sister and Agatha. Looking forward to the second half.

Finished the second half of a Silent Witness two-parter. I'm kind of excited to see where things go with a new person on the team.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise. I don't remember watching much of this one before, but I do have recollection of at least one scene. Interesting that one of the guest stars is a regular on Agatha Raisin.

Watched another episode of Elementary. Thoroughly enjoyed it. This show definitely intrigues me.

Enjoyed another episode of The Batman. I think there might be one more episode of season one left.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats. I remembered both of the vignettes and enjoyed watching them again.

Watched another episode of The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I'm still intrigued by everything and can't wait to find out more about Amy's past.

Finished the week out with an episode of VIP. I have vague memories of watching this during the initial run of the series. Lots of fun.

That's it for the personal life update this week. Tonight's post is from On the Bench, a novella that brings a couple together with one fighting against their past and one looking for the future.

Here's the miniblurb:

Peyton Bice comes of age around the mixed marital arts sporting events and her past comes calling in the form of her father's former star fighter, now a leading trainer. Rookie Cliff Westfordson offers a shoulder to lean on, but Peyton fears getting tangled up with the newest recruit on her dad's roster.

And a snippety peek…

Cliff Westfordson stooped down by his sister. "Sera? What's going on? Why are you out here behind the gym?" And when did she get here?

A lick of concern rolled down his spine when she didn't answer. She sat on the ground, her knees bent, feet tucked up against her behind, staring straight ahead. He reached out to place a hand on her shoulder and she flinched away with a gasp.

Concern turned to fear. and Cliff dumped his duffel bag off his shoulder. "Sera, what happened. When did you get here?" She hadn't mentioned stopping by to watch his practice today.

Sera swallowed hard, her eyes filling with tears and her breath hitching in her throat. "He said to meet him in the locker room. And … and … not to tell anyone." Her lower lip trembled. "I did just as he asked. We were supposed to … supposed to have our first date." A crystal drop streaked down her face. "But we didn't. Have the date. He wanted to … to…" Her voice trailed off and she went back to staring ahead again.

Fear turned to anger. "Who, Sera? Who were you supposed to go out with?" Had one of his sparring partners hurt his sister?

He discounted the idea as soon as it hit. There were five other guys in the gym today and all of them were either in the ring or at the training equipment. Not one of them left during their two-hour session.

Except … another man had been there today.

Son of a bitch.

Cliff choked down his rage and quietly tried to verify his worst fear. "Are you talking about Roman Capps? Is he the person you were supposed to go out with?" Fuck, the guy had ten years on Cliff.

And twelve on eighteen-year-old Sera.

Sera's startled gaze snapped to Cliff's. "How did you know? Did he tell you?" She shrank down, collapsing in on herself.

Cliff shook his head. "No, nothing like that. He's the only guy I didn't see on the floor today." Unease filled Cliff at her reaction. "Sera, what happened? Did he hurt you?" Cliff would tear Roman apart if he laid a hand on his sister.

Sera drew in a watery breath. "He got so angry, because I didn't want to … I didn't want to—" She broke off, her head dropping to her knees and her shoulders shaking in silent sobs.

He noticed the red handprints around her throat then. A white-hot boil slowly simmered in his veins. No doubt in his mind … Capps caused those marks. But Cliff needed to get Sera anywhere but outside the gym.

Cliff wrapped an arm around her, loosely holding her because he didn't want to scare her. "I'm sorry, Sera, but we can't stay here. Can I get you home? We can talk about what happened when you're ready, okay?" He moved slowly, getting to his feet then offering her his hand.

She raised her head, staring blankly again.

Cliff waited and she finally blinked and gave a nod. Her fingers were icy when she clasped his palm. Her knees were shaky, and she put a hand to the back of her head and frowned. Cliff gently probed the area and found a large bump at the center of her cranium.

He sucked in a harsh breath. "Ouch, that hurts, doesn't it? We'll get some ice on that lump as soon as we get home."

And he'd get the rest of the story out of her as soon as he could…

I'm very pleased with how this story is coming together. Cliff is slowly revealing his character to me, and I love what he's showing so far.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: On an Even Keel

I got slammed with a nasty cold and definitely feel it this week. Completely derailed my daily relaxation stress reducer posts. I'll hopefully catch back up next week or start over again for the new year.

Finished up several work-related projects and added a few to my calendar. Hoping to start the new year off with a full slate to stay busy.

Not a bad week of television, even with the icky cold making me super tired and exhausted.

Watched another episode of My Life Is Murder and enjoyed it. I'm still trying to get used to the New Zealand locale with the second season. Still a fun show.

Caught the second half of Agatha Raisin. Feel very badly for James, who kind of seems like the odd man out of the group. Loved how this one played out.

Started a new two-part Silent Witness and not sure on the new pathologist. He's not bad, I guess. Clearly, it's time to shake things up for Jack, which probably means things won't go well when his brother gets out of prison.

Enjoyed another Death in Paradise, which is one I didn't remember. I'm getting into the Humphrey episodes I missed on the first watch.

Watched another episode of Elementary and quite liked the dynamic. I'm very interested in getting into more of what happened with Joan's medical career. Sherlock is definitely true to form and I'm getting into this version.

Caught another episode of The Batman. I think I have one or two more episodes of the first season then a bit of a shift to the second one.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. For some reason, I think I might have missed a season or at least some episodes. I'll do a run through after I finish up the sixth season.

Continued with The Secret Life of Amy Benson. I'm intrigued by how the season is unfolding and I'm kind of interested in where things are going to go.

Finished out the week with an episode of VIP. Some familiar early aughts faces in this one. Also a fun episode.

That's pretty much it on the life update this week. Tonight's post is from On an Even Keel, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Security expert Goldie Swartz is presumed dead after a building explodes and she leaves behind a tangled past filled with burned bridges and messy relationships with those she loves. Ryne Kingston witnesses Goldie going down and realizes a little too late he'd give everything he has to have her back in his life. When Goldie returns, battered and busted up but very alive, she and Ryne finally acknowledge they need each other to stay on an even keel.

And a snippety peek…

Goldie stayed in the shadows. "Nothing like getting a ringside seat to the show." The Kingston men actually communicating with each other—about her—would be a big draw for anyone selling tickets.

Norm held his son's gaze. "No one thought she survived, son. You're not gonna find answers in that footage." He got up and exited the viewing room but left the lights off.

Ryne restarted the camera footage, a combination of CCTV, drone, and body camera films, to watch the building explode again.

Why is he torturing himself? He'd made the right call. She would've made the same one. Get everyone else out, make sure they were safe, and mourn the dead.

Which should've been her.

Except she survived … through the universe's grace and three kind souls who'd pulled her into their makeshift escape route.

Goldie emerged from her spot in the corner and angled in to sit beside Ryne, trying to see the event through his eyes. He spared her a quick glance then focused back on the screen. She watched the spliced material, strangely dispassionate about the playback. She didn't die … obviously … but could literally feel each internal flinch Ryne had when he viewed the footage over and over again, rewinding, hitting play, then repeating the process until he didn't wince or grimace anymore.

Her hand covered his and Ryne, not even looking at her, draped his arm around her. She leaned in, resting her head on his shoulder. They didn't speak. They didn't really have to. She got it. She remembered how it felt to think Ryne died two years ago after he'd been ambushed on a mission. She'd stay as long as she had to, until Ryne wanted to finally shut the recording off.

Her heart hurt to hear the note of pain and desperation in his voice when he screamed her name during the explosion. She never heard anything as raw and agonizing, especially when he quietly answered one of the hostages when they asked about her. "She's gone. Goldie didn't make it … she didn't make it out." His voice, gravelly and hoarse, spoke to her on a primal, gut level.

How long had she wanted to know what he really felt for her? With none of the past rearing its head to get in the way. With nothing interfering and no one offering their unsolicited advice.

She had the knowledge now. Right there on the screen. His true emotion in unedited form.

At the end of the current run through, Ryne didn't restart the footage.

Instead, he laced their fingers together. "It's good to have you home." He didn't speak above a whisper, but his words filled the silence.

Goldie's lips turned upward. "It's good to be back." She squeezed Ryne's hand, and the room went dark.

Neither made a move to leave. They would sit in peace and enjoy the quiet. They'd have to talk, at some point, about everything. But not yet. Because, right now, with those simple words, they cleaned the slate and hit the reset button.

And she finally had a course she wanted to follow.

This story is in the very beginning stages, and I'm excited to see where it goes.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading.

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: On a Snowy Mountain

I'm having a weird month so far. I'm doing well with posting daily relaxation, stress reducer things to avoid becoming the Scrinch (Scrooge and the Gringe combined), yet I'm also feeling kind of down, which is not the norm for me. I'm thinking a happy medium might be the best I'll do this year and I'm okay with that.

Had a week of busywork projects, which ended up being kind of fun. I like jumping around and moving back and forth between jobs. Keeps me on my toes and paying attention.

Had a solid week of television. A lot of what I worked on this week let me have background noise and I got a lot of shows watched!

I started with the first sixtieth anniversary special for Doctor Who. Thoroughly enjoyed having Ten and Donna back together. Looking forward to the second special this week.

Trying out a new to me show with Elementary. Watched the first two episodes and I like it so far. I didn't watch at all when it originally aired and I'm looking forward to seeing more of this show.

Caught two episodes of The Batman and should be semi-close to the end of season one. Looking forward to more of this one.

Enjoyed two episodes of Classic Rugrats. Liked both and loved the play on vintage TV shows the ghost stories episode had.

Watched two episodes of VIP and remembered one from the original airing of the show. Lots of fun with the ice bullets before they were really a thing.

Caught another episode of My Life Is Murder and ended up liking it a lot. The drag queen setting was fun and the snark fest between Alexa and the manager deserves a chef's kiss.

Enjoyed another Agatha Raisin episode. It's the first of a two-parter so I'm excited to see what happens next. Very fun to watch Agatha and James navigate living together.

Finished the second half of a two-part Silent Witness. Actually liked how this one played out. It's cool to revisit old cases and the one they went back to ended up being an important one.

Caught another Death in Paradise episode. I'm enjoying Florence and Humph working together. And I'm fond of the JP and Dwayne dynamic.

Also started a new Passionflix series with The Secret Life of Amy Benson. Got the first episode in and I'm intrigued so far. Looking forward to seeing how the two seasons play out.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from On a Snowy Mountain, a sexy short that follows a couple trying to live their best life after a career in the shadowy spy business.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jersey and Shaw make it through hell to be together. They get married and spend their honeymoon in a sunny paradise, where they discover their future plans to become parents is now a present situation. A couple of weeks before Jersey's due date, they're taking a well-earned break at a friend's cabin on a snowy mountain when the weather takes a turn, and all hell breaks loose.

And a snippety peek…

Shaw considered himself a lucky man. He shared his life with the woman he loved and she continued to surprise him. It might be tricky sometimes to navigate the ups and downs of her pregnancy—mood swings, wild cravings, and occasional bouts of insanity—like spending two weeks in the mountains so close to her due date. But the insatiable desire for sex he could totally handle. The way he figured it, once the kid arrived, they wouldn't have much time for it.

And quite frankly, she took his breath away.

Naked, Jersey looked exactly the way he pictured her that hot day in Mexico almost nine months ago. She looked beautiful. Rounded and soft, yet fit and healthy. Her breasts were fuller, but it was her stomach, stretched protectively over their child that held him in thrall. As if she could read his mind, her throaty chuckle made him burn a little hotter and her wicked grin had him shoving his suddenly uncomfortable jeans past his hips so he could wriggle out of them. Now he seemed to be in a rush.

But not Jersey.

Her impatience gone, she slid slowly and sensuously to the floor and knelt facing him. She met his lips in a deep, lingering kiss, their tongues vying for control. She won out and set the pace, taking things slow and easy. Her fingers glided down his arms. With one hand braced on his thigh, the other grasped his erection and she began a smooth up and down rhythmic motion.

Shaw used his hands, stroking over her skin, taking his time with caresses designed to soothe instead stimulate her senses. He focused on her lower back. The weight of their child added a strain on those muscles. She moaned softly as his fingers eased some of the tension.

His fingers skimmed along her torso and moved forward to brush over her nipples. The extra sensitive tips hardened and Jersey gasped at the sensation. Letting go of his cock, she reached behind him and dragged a cushion in front of the fire. Her lips met his again before she turned and lay down on her side, letting her stomach rest on the pillow.

Shaw spooned in behind her, trailing his lips along her shoulder and eased into position. He rubbed his hand over the curve of her behind and when she bent her leg at the knee, he gently stroked his fingers along her cleft to find her wet and ready. He used his thumb, circling it around her clit, creating a nice bit of friction.

A soft moan escaped Jersey's lips and she angled her head around. "I want you. Now."

Shaw propped himself up on an elbow and bent forward to capture her lips in a kiss. He took his time entering her, moving in short increments until fully seated. He placed a hand protectively over her stomach and set a gentle pace, taking care to work with the rocking motion of Jersey's hips.

His lips grazed over her shoulder and she shivered. She placed her hand over his, pushing it lower and together they worked on the bundle of nerves centered between her legs. And each time he thrust upward, Jersey's fingers would brush over his length and it pushed him closer to the edge. Shaw used two fingers, rubbing them quickly back and forth over her clit, building up the tension.

Jersey's breathing went shallow then burst out on a gasp as the orgasm overtook her. Her internal muscles clamped and held him deep inside and the shuddering movement of her body pulled him right along behind her. He moaned her name and emptied himself, satiated and spent.

Jersey brought her arm up and pulled his head down. Her lips were warm and soft and the kiss leisurely and sweet.

"I just might be able to fall asleep now." Jersey carefully moved to a sitting position. "But maybe after a shower."

Shaw rose and offered his hand so she could pull herself upright.

She wrapped her arm around his waist. "Gonna join me so you can wash my back?"

As if he'd have it any other way. 

I have a lot of love for this series of sexy shorts featuring Jersey and Shaw. Hoping to get this group ready for launch in the near future.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Old Habits Die Hard

Not sure I'm ready for December. The last few months have really flown by, and I can't seem to keep up. I must be getting old. Or life is coming at me fast and that's why I'm struggling to stay in the moment.

And because I'm failing at staying in the moment, I started a daily post for self-care on Instagram and Blue Sky. Each day I'm going to post something that I do just for me to help me shed stress and enjoy a few minutes of me time.

To that end, I might be including some television shows, so keep an eye out for a few specials that aren't in my normal rotation.

I did get two episodes of My Life Is Murder in this week. I'm a little puzzled by the change in location from Australia to New Zealand, but I'm running with it for now.

I also finished up the bonus episodes from Agatha Raisin season two and caught the premiere of season three. I kind of miss Gemma but Toni is a lot of fun.

Watched two episodes of Silent Witness. Hard to say goodbye to Thomas and it's weird to not see Clarissa at the Lyell anymore. I do like the new vibe Jack and Nikki have. Looking forward to seeing if they add any new cast members.

Also enjoyed two episodes of Death in Paradise. Camille left for Paris and Humph is working through the new dynamic. I really enjoy this show and I'm so glad I can see it in chronological order.

Finished Only Murders in the Building and I did get the villains right. Excellent third season and I'm excited about season four because who saw that one coming with the new victim?

Caught another episode of The Batman and enjoyed it. The dynamic between Bruce and Alfred is a lot of fun.

Watched another episode of Classic Rugrats. The two vignettes are ones I remembered and enjoyed the first time around. I love it when the parents truly have no idea what's going on.

Enjoyed another episode of VIP. The over-the-top villains are always entertaining. I truly miss that sometimes.

Also watched another episode of Peak Practice. Once again, I'm not interested at all in one of the storylines, but I do love the two new cast members and what's going on with them.

And that's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Old Habits Die Hard, a novella that got a start with a writing community prompt.

Here's the miniblurb:

Merrick Casey works security for a US Embassy and runs into an old flame, Neo Upton, when he arrives with his diplomat dad. They don't have much time to revisit their troubled past because the tour they're on is ambushed. Caught away from her team, Merrick has to rely on Neo for backup and she quickly discovers old habits die hard.

And a snippety peek…

"All right come with me." Neo shoved the door open and gave a quick glance back.

Merrick handed him a sidearm. "Go." She stayed on his six, scanning the corridor. "Watch out, Neo. You haven't fired one of these for a while." The adrenaline still coursed through her and the feeling of rightness only got stronger.

This … this is what she and Neo were born to do.

Neo snorted. "Doesn't matter, Merr. I let my guard down once. It's not gonna happen again." He paused when more gunfire sounded. Voice low, he reminded her. "And it hasn't been that long."

Easing around the corner of the next causeway, he moved forward, stopping at the next juncture. Merrick turned, making sure their backs were clear. Waiting for a group of attendees to clear the corridor, she took stock for a moment, wondering when the world-painted-wrong feeling would return. Oddly, deep in her gut, she didn't think it would.

Neo ducked out and cleared the next juncture, Merrick hot on his heels. Neo turned and raised his weapon, and Merrick braced for action.

"Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa." A member of another diplomatic security force lowered his gun arm.

Someone on their side. Or at least someone unwilling to shoot at them. She and Neo skirted past the other representative and started forward again. Neo paused at the next intersection when a barrage of shots being fired filled the corridor. He slid his gaze toward her. Now or never. Merrick shrugged and nodded. Go.

He moved forward and she followed, cautiously making their way through the causeway. They finally came up to the steps leading to Upton's quarters. Holy shit. Too many spent shells littered the area. Heart pounding, she dashed up behind Neo.

He turned toward her. "This isn't right. Where are the guards?"

Yeah, not good. The elder Upton should have two marines outside his suite of rooms during a lockdown scenario.

Only one way to find out the situation. Merrick moved past Neo, letting him cover her. She didn't want him to be first one inside … especially if things weren't good. Glancing his way, she silently questioned. He lifted his chin then focused on the empty hallway. She walked forward to try the door handle. Not locked.

Heart in her throat, she raised her weapon, ready for anything. She started to nudge the door, but it swung open to reveal Lanai James, the US ambassador.

What the hell is she doing here?

Quickly lowering her sidearm, Merrick stepped back, a vivid memory of firing her weapon at the ambassador churning in her mind. Not at … toward. Because the goon squad trying to take over the embassy lurked in the shadows.

Neo huffed out a harsh breath. "Madam Ambassador, you all right?"

Her voice a little breathless, she answered. "I'm fine."

A barrage of gunfire rang out behind them. Neo quickly turned, ready to draw fire if necessary, backing slowly toward them.

Merrick shoved the ambassador backward. "Get inside."

She took turns with Neo, keeping an eye out for anyone or anything to come at them. Once everyone cleared the threshold, Neo closed and locked the door then barricaded it. Merrick exhaled hard before dragging more air in. Safe for the moment.

Neo explained the sitrep to Ambassador James.

She snorted. "Uprising, my ass. An active mutiny ensues in this building. It's widespread and organized."

Merrick grunted. "Understatement, Madam Ambassador."

Neo set his weapon on the table. "Madam Ambassador, we're in danger of losing the embassy." He loosened his tie and jerked it off.

Merrick's lips twitched. About time Neo lost the tie. It would only get in the way.

The ambassador sank to the edge of the sofa. "Shit. Nate. He just left with his two marines after someone tried to get in here." She pushed a shaky hand through her hair.

Interesting. More than concern tinged her voice.

I have no idea where this one is going to go. It's a bit over the top but the sages are pushing hard to keep it that way.

 

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin