Sunday Snippet: On the Bench

December 30, 2018

I hope everyone who celebrates had a terrific holiday. Mine ended up being lovely; very low-key and quiet with family. The days after have been filled with catching up with friends. I got to spend time with my two best friends from high school last night and we had the best time. So nice to catch up after such a long time.

It's been a slow week for television. My focus is off right now and background noise gets distracting sometimes. I did catch some Classic Who while catching up on the dishes and doing some cooking. I'm into the web planet episodes right now.

Started the Thanksgiving episode of The Flash. Really hope to get caught up on my CW shows soon. Watched Midsomer Murders's final episode of series thirteen. Nice to see how Barnaby the first retired.

I also caught another episode of Babylon 5. I'd forgotten about this one and it was nice to see Dr. Franklin fight a moral dilemma. Also watched an episode of The Sarah Conner Chronicles. As a standalone episode, it worked well.

And that's pretty much it for my light week of viewing. Tonight's post is from On the Bench, a novella that started with a group discussion about weird situations characters find themselves in.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Peyton Bice closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. You'll be sorry, Peyton. Roman Capp will chew you up and spit you out. Her father's words echoed in her mind now at the sight greeting her.

Her boyfriend, the man she'd put all her faith in, currently had two up and coming mixed martial arts female fighters in bed with him. One, a brunette, on her knees with Roman's dick buried deep and the other, a blonde, flat on her back with Roman's hand between her legs.

I should have listened to you, Dad.

Peyton dropped her duffel bag on the floor with a loud thud. "Guess the honeymoon's over." Barely six months into her official relationship with the raging dickhole.

Roman craned his head around and motioned her to join the group on the bed. "Come on, baby." He pulled out of the brunette. "I got plenty of dick to go around." He fisted his cock, giving it a good tug.

She snorted and swallowed down the bile rising in her throat. "I don't think so, Roman. The size of your dick doesn't mean fuck all right now." She clenched her teeth together and snarled. "Where you're putting it does." The weight of her terrible choice settled between her shoulders and she resisted the urge to start tearing all three occupants apart.

A moment of clarity. The past year had been leading up to this very moment. She'd made the worst decision ever, all because she'd believed and trusted Roman.

He narrowed his eyes then glanced at the two new recruits. "Entertain yourselves for a moment. Gotta straighten this out with the little lady." He got up, his hard dick bobbing up and down, and walked toward Peyton.

The blonde and brunette moved to the middle of the bed and became a tangle of lips, hands, and scissored legs.

Roman grabbed her arm in a loose grip. "Peyton, babe, you know you're mine. Fucking these two doesn't change that." He slid his gaze sideways, licking his lips at the sight of the two women tribbing. "God damn, they're hot." He shifted his attention back to Peyton. "Gotta break in the new talent. You know that better than anyone. Busted your cherry, didn't I?"

More like he'd taken what she freely offered, much to her dad's dismay. She'd been six months shy of her eighteenth birthday when she'd been dazzled by Roman's seduction. And she'd been eighteen for two days when her dad cut Roman from his roster and Peyton walked out to follow the man she loved.

Peyton's lips twisted in a grimace. "Yeah, you did." So stupid. She couldn't be any dumber if a load of bricks landed on her head. "Thanks for that." She needed at least a hundred miles between her and Roman ASAP or one of them would end up in the hospital. "And have fun fucking the new girls. I'm sure they'll be big names on the marquee soon." She pulled away from him, repulsed by his touch, and bent to get her duffel bag.

Roman followed her from the bedroom. "Don't even think about leaving, you stupid bitch. I own your ass. You won't find anyone who gives it to you the way I do." He stopped in the middle of the living room.

Her hand on the doorknob, she paused a moment. Right. Because her nonexistent experience before Roman gave her nothing to base a comparison on. And exactly what had he given her? An STD test would definitely tell her. Shouldering her bag, she opened the door and left the apartment, and the building. She hated to crawl back to The Barn, but Beau wouldn't turn her away. Blood meant something to him.

And she had a new appreciation for what flowed through her veins.

This scene took a direction I didn't expect and it wouldn't be reined in. Peyton needed the bite of harsh reality and Roman definitely delivered.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: Steamed Up

Hello February! Where the weather in Ohio is like a frigid tundra one day and a balmy spring on the next. Ha! Sometimes we get both in the same day. Yeesh.

Well… Riverdale kept my attention and fulfilled my wishes in its second episode. I don't have shows reach and grab me like they used to so this is terrific! I'm completely interested in what happens next.

Gotham just keeps getting better and better. I'm dying to find out what happens to Penguin and can't wait to see the Riddler come into emergence. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow had great episodes. Even the Legion of Doom didn't suck. Looking forward to seeing new episodes this week.

Arrow also had a great episode. I like where they're going with the new Black Canary. I'm also kind of holding my breath to see whether the DA is going to end up being a good guy or a bad guy. I'm also waiting for the other shoe to drop with a seed planted quite a while ago with Oliver being in Russia.

Got all caught up on Teen Wolf and enjoyed the midseason finale. Not sure where they can go with the final ten episodes, but I'll be there to see them.

Started the new season of X Company and it's terrific. I really love this show and the cast. I have three more episodes on tap and can't wait to watch.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Steamed Up, a novella that got a start with a prompt of writing a scene with sexy times in the shower with someone else watching.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Raina Forbes and Huck Holloway are forced to work together after a spectacular break-up. Their close-quarters job situation has sparks flying between the former couple, and shaky new relationships are tested with Huck's going down in flames. And contrary to popular opinion, Huck doesn't always play nice when he truly wants something… or someone.

And a snippety peek…

"Merch Madness just sold their shares to me and Huck Holloway starts working out of this location today." Hector Wells pranced behind his desk, his chest puffed out with pride. "I consider this the best news in the history of best news."

Raina Forbes groaned, but refrained from calling her boss an idiot.

Hector stopped his victory walkabout and pinned Raina with his beady gaze. "You got a problem, princess?" He resorted to calling names when he didn't want a confrontation.

Considering she and Huck had a spectacular breakup almost a year ago and hadn't spent more than five minutes in the same room since, why on earth would she have a problem? Not like Huck could ride her ass about Hector anymore; not when the man would be Huck's defacto employer now. She'd laugh out loud if the idea of seeing Huck again didn't throw her into a tailspin of memories better left alone.

Raina shook her head. "No, no problem." She'd be peachy or die trying.

Hector snapped his fingers then pointed in her direction. "Better not be. You and that Holloway guy have to learn to play nice."

Dammit. Of course Hector would remember she and Huck had a thing. And of course, he'd say something about it.

Manny Johnson, one of the trainers, shot her a look.

Raina shrugged. "Nothing to worry about." Except it could be if Huck decided he didn't want to be civil.

Any why would he be? You didn't end on good terms.

Tina Lamb, Hector's latest assistant, finally rolled in—late, as usual—and blew Hector a kiss. Hector gave her an indulgent smile and Raina's fellow announcer, Marissa Cathaway, shook her head in disgust. Hector always hired bubble-headed fluff brains to handle his day-to-day busywork. And he always wondered why he went through at least four a year.

Tina preened in front of Manny, but directed a question to Hector. "Did you deliver the news yet?" Her heels made a clacking noise on the tiled floor while she made her way to the desk and not waiting, for confirmation. "You all are going to love Huck Holloway. The man is a force of nature." She put her dainty purse in the top side drawer then flashed a smile. "If I had my way, he'd be in the brawls." Flicking her gaze to Raina, she all but purred. "He's an animal in bed." Bombshell dropped, Tina pulled the chair out and settled behind the desk.

Tina arrived after the spectacular breakup, but she'd heard rumors. No doubt, she wanted confirmation of Raina's previous status as Huck's bedmate. Raina rolled her eyes but didn't rise to the obvious bait. But… her nails left half-moons when her fingers curled into her palms.

Figured Huck would go for a simpering flower like Tina. Someone men would find malleable and agreeable—in bed and out. Unlike Raina who didn't like to be told when found lacking.

Manny nudged her shoulder. "You gonna let her have the last word?"

Raina shrugged. "Why not? She obviously needs a confidence boost." Marissa burst out laughing and Raina decided to make a dignified exit during the distraction.

Manny fell into step beside her. "There's my girl."

Raina's lips curved but she didn't reply. She'd never be his girl. They hooked up on a casual basis, when either needed to scratch an itch.

Raina intended to stick with the status quo. She didn't want commitment right now, even if Manny tried to push for more, which he did sometimes. Building the brand, making a strong presence on the elite spectacle sports circuit—her work—took up most of her time. Hector wouldn't always be her boss. Getting her name on the map and moving up the influence chain would guarantee a chance for her to call the shots one day. Since the breakup with Huck, her goals had solidified—own her own company and be the boss.

Raina would never admit the actual reason she kept Manny at arm's length and shied away from a real connection—Huck Holloway had ruined her for anyone else.

Gotta say, I'm having fun with this one. Raina and Huck are a joy to write.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin

Sunday Snippet: On the Bench

August 21, 2016

Well… Blonde Ambition finally showed her true colors on The Last Ship. About damned time. LOL I'm going to be really super pissed if anything happens to Kara because of Allison's machinations. I almost dread watching tonight's episode. Almost. J

Killjoys. Wow. Took a very dark turn and I love it. The way the cast works together amazes me. There's tension, usually understated, and buttloads of chemistry with everyone. I hope this show lasts for a good long time.

Dark Matter had a very trippy episode with an alternate 'verse. The showrunners have crap tons of experience with the concept, coming from the Stargate stable. The possibilities of the blink drive makes for lots of interesting scenarios. Looking forward to seeing what they do with that.

My Strike Back and Babylon 5 rewatches took a nosedive. My schedule exploded last week and I had zero time to watch either. Hopefully I'll get to reconnect this week.

Looking forward to several new shows this fall and, obviously, my returning favorites.

And that's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from On the Bench, a novella that got its start with a prompt from a fanfiction community where one character doesn't leave when the other joins them on the bench.

Here's the mini-blurb:

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…

Roman smirked. "You're such a raving bitch, Peyton." His arm swept over the prone form. "You wrecked Carmella. Look at the damage you inflicted." He yanked the sheet off his latest lover. "Look at it! The bruises. The contusions." He stepped closer, his voice a low snarl. "And then there's what you can't see… the internal bleeding." His hand shot out and gripped Peyton's jaw. "You'll pay for this, Peyton. I'll make sure of it."

Peyton jolted awake. Her vision blurry, she blinked and spotted an imposing figure huddled beside her. A gasp escaped and she scrambled backwards but had nowhere to go. A strong hand gripped her wrist and she pulled hard to get away.

Roman's threat echoed in her brain, but she wouldn't go down without a fight. No way. Rearing her arm back, she let her fist fly only to smack up against a solid, open palm.

She blinked and shook her head, clearing the last of the dream from her head.

Cliff wrapped his fingers around her hand. "You're okay, Peyton. You're in your dad's office." He let go and gave her a moment to calm down.

She glanced around, confirming his words. Big, messy desk; a row of beat up, old lockers used for storage; and a blinking neon beer sign. Yep, definitely her dad's office.

Peyton put a hand to her temple. How did she get here? The fuzzy details became clear. Sitting on the ugly, brown leather couch, she had a vintage Indian blanket draped over her. Cliff had moved down to the end, stretching his legs out. Jesus, he looked good.

Cliff slid his gaze sideways. "Must have been some dream." He tilted his head, studying her with hooded eyes.

Dream? More like nightmare. The menace in Roman's posture and tone kicked her heart rate up a notch, even now. But something about the fuzzy remnants stuck with her. Something about Carmella's injuries. She closed her eyes, letting her subconscious replay the moment Roman pulled the sheet away.

Her lids snapped open. "It was on the wrong side." Peyton straightened, swinging her legs over the edge of the couch. "Carmella's bruising was on her right side." The huge contusion on her abdomen couldn't have come from Peyton.

Cliff's head whipped upward. "What did you say?" He turned to face her. "About Carmella?"

Peyton got up and paced back and forth. "She had an internal injury on her right side. I noticed the spot when we were sparring." She stopped and glanced in his direction. "And she bruises forming along her ribcage. I couldn't have put those there. Our fight didn't last long enough for them to pop out." Son of a bitch… the stupid cow should have never entered the cage.

Cliff got up and made his way to her side. "I knew it. I knew someone had put a beat down on her before the match." He met her gaze head on. "One guess who's at the top of my list." Disgust laced his statement.

Peyton's gut lurched. "Roman, right?" Who else could it be?

Cliff growled. "Damn fucking straight." He turned, walking to stand in front of the desk.

Peyton wanted to heave. Roman treated people—particularly women—like shit. His ego demanded adoration and when the fawning didn't prove up to his standards, his asshole meter went off the charts. But injuring someone on his roster?

Made him low and vile and probably psychotically dangerous.

But none of that explained Cliff's vehement dislike of her ex.

Peyton folded her arms across her chest. "What's your beef with him?"

Cliff turned, a brow raised. "What makes you think I have one? The guy's a raging ass cock. Don't need another reason, do I?" His left fist clenched, giving Peyton all she needed.

She pushed back. "Look, everyone… and I mean everyone knows my history with the fucker, but you? Had a serious hate on for him from the moment you entered the gym." She moved forward, keeping her arms wrapped around her middle. "Why?"

Cliff's gaze went flat. "Because you—and Carmella—aren't the first women he's tried to destroy."

A little longer than normal, but this scene ended up being a revelation when I wrote it. Couldn't wait to share with everyone.

That's it for this week. Happy reading!

Skylin