It’s time to strut your stuff. My next book, Desiring Lady Caro, releases in ten days, or one week and three days. So today it’s your choice. Post either the first page of chapter ten or the tenth page of chapter one. Keep it PG. Buy links are welcome.
Here is mine from chapter ten.
Desiring Lady Caro
Venice, Italy
Several days later, Antonio arrived back at his grandfather’s palazzo under an armed escort. He was ready to murder someone. The Austrian envoy had treated him like a common criminal. He hadn’t even been allowed to bathe and change his clothing while the Austrian talked with the duke.
Finally, he was summoned to his grandfather. Going down on one knee, he took the old man’s hand. “Nonno.”
“My grandson, I am greatly disturbed by some of the stories I’ve been hearing about you lately.”
The duke’s hand settled upon Antonio’s head and he knew he was in trouble. Never in his life had Antonio heard his grandfather raise his voice, but the softer his tone, the stronger the steel.
“But, Nonno, you told me to take what is mine.”
“Sì, sì, but the emissary said you created a great scene, which you know I cannot allow. We have the dignity of centuries to uphold. And that is not all. A rumor has reached the ears of my priest. Antonio, is it true you killed a novice?”
No, he’d done many things, but not that. “Someone is lying. She was a whore, pretending to be an innocent to get more money.”
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Now it’s your turn!!
ellaquinnauthor
Ella Quinn ~ Author 
Very nice! And I thank you for the opportunity to share an excerpt of my upcoming release Love & Vengeance, out April 24.
Ancient Rome, 108 AD –
“Ah, Gustina, we missed you earlier today.”
Marcus watched her nostrils flare as she lifted her head higher, off Clodius’ fingers. He felt her under his hands and her lips puckered as she spat at the man. The gladiator bit the inside of his lip to keep from laughing.
The man wasn’t amused. “Take her,” he ordered.
Marcus pulled her closer. They had taken his swords the moment he stepped through the gated door so he had no weapons to protect her. “Mine,” he stated possessively.
Clodius’ eyebrows rose. “Really? A murderer for a murderer. Interesting.” He eyed the woman again. “After all the clean patrons who pay for you, you’d rather have a dirty slave?” He hummed. With a sigh, he looked Marcus in the eye. “Fine. You need to go to the baths. Your services are already desired.” He shook his head with disgust. “As to your new ‘friend,’ I’ll hold her until Gaius arrives and then we shall see if she lives or dies.” He laughed.
As the laughter echoed down the hall, Marcus looked down at her. The guard took her arm to lead her away. She stared at him, her eyes questioning, pleading him until the guard yanked on the chain still dangling from her neck. With a last glance at him, she flipped her hair defiantly, grabbing the chain out of the guard’s hand in one flash move as she walked ahead of him.
Marcus smiled. Gustina. A murderer? That made them perfect for each other. Even more so, her defiance stood against Roman authority, despite the odds. It made him wonder why.
web: http://ginadanna.com
http://www.turquoisemorningpress.com
Also available on Amazon, TBA
Great excerpt!
Here’s mine from my forthcoming Son of Dragons – Fantasy/ Paranormal Romance:
Mirhana heard the resonating noise of a horn and her hands clenched. It was barely first light. She let her pet race ahead with Landon. She hoped the great cat could get him as far away from the Troblins and their dream-weaving as possible.
Mirhana could see Brock in the tall grass, moving forward with his sword in hand. Before she shouted a warning, her pet Melwyn, carrying Landon, smacked into his side.
It snarled down into Brock’s face. His sword arm jammed underneath one of its massive paws. He struggled to budge the weight from his arm, but it enjoyed his squirming. Landon rolled off the beast.
As though testing his next meal, the cat sniffed Brock before letting out a roar that rang through the woods.
“Melwyn, leave him be.” Mirhana rushed up beside them.
“Where did you get such a beast?” Brock grunted as the cat pounced off.
“I was curious about that too,” Landon said.
“He’s not a beast; his name is Melwyn.” Her hand rested on her hip. The cat normally did not like men, and would often engage any who approached her as a challenge. Once he bit a man who had clasped her elbow in greeting a little too long and she had to pay for the man’s medicine. Another man had offered to share his bed so she need not sleep outside, when Melwyn peed on his trousers. Yet, here he nuzzled Landon’s hand until the man rubbed his fur. “I rescued him from Gration poachers.”
Brock’s eyebrows shot up, “The jungles? Where the Anda roam?”
“The cannibals?” Landon asked, scratching Melwyn behind his ears as the cat purred.
“Those Anda? I’ve heard they are not as bad as the Everlang cannibals.”
“We’ve no time for this,” Mirhana snapped. “There are more Troblins on their way.”
“What are Troblins?” Landon asked. “Are they the spider creatures?”
“No.” Mirhana sheathed her sword. “Troblins are dream-weavers. Whatever you fear, that’s what they make you see when you look in their eyes. They can vanish from your sight when trying to find them, but it is a trick. Sometimes the weave is so strong that even if one escapes, they still live in their nightmare years later. Luckily you don’t have that issue.” She looked at him; curious as to why this human avoided that fate.
He caught her stare and she spun away.
“Where’s Jeslyn?” Brock asked.
“I don’t see her. She knew the risk when she offered her help, but we need to save her.
We may need the others help.” She glanced around. “Where are they?”
Brock pointed to the foliage atop the next hill.
She turned back to say something to Brock and noticed he did not follow, but stared out across the hills. Mirhana squinted, and just made out a spot dancing down one of thehills. Numerous yellow dots chased after.
Jeslyn.
Mirhana could not turn her back on her. Not when she had helped them freely. Herconscious and honor would not allow her to leave.
Before she took a step, Brock tore down the hill, as though not caring that any
observed his Elvin speed.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21479324-son-of-dragons?from_search=true
What great excerpts! I loved Ella’s and want to know more about Antonio. And Andrea’s? I love elves, so I definitely have to check hers out when it’s available!
Here’s mine from my new release, Bound to the Elvin King (fantasy romance):
“Well, look who’s here.”
The drawled voice caused her to startle. Her gaze flew to an alcove ahead of her, and she froze. Shit. Talion leaned against a corner wall of the small area. A tailored green tunic and a black pair of leggings molded all the right areas of his physique. Desire to touch those muscles swamped her. She licked suddenly dry lips, cursing herself all kinds of crazy for wanting him. He might be gorgeous, but his personality was obnoxious. Still, she couldn’t take her gaze off him.
His long, golden hair shimmered in the bright light spilling through the alcove’s window, and his gray eyes glinted with an unholy light that always appeared whenever he was around her. A shiver snaked down her spine. She felt like a mouse to his cat. For some reason, the realization only spiked her desire higher.
An answering blaze of anger flooded her. Damn him. How could she lust after and hate him in equal measures? It was all a game for him. He had no real interest in her other than pushing her buttons and watching her squirm, and she knew it.
“And look who’s skulking in obscure spots.” She made sure to put the acid bite reserved just for him in her tone.
He pushed himself off the walk and stalked toward her. Yeah, she was so the prey right now. Maggie held her ground, though her stomach had plummeted south of her toes. He stopped a few feet from her. Though her 5’8” height had always made her feel tall, Talion loomed over her by a good half foot.
“It’s my private wing. I don’t need to skulk, but if I wanted to, that would be my right.”
Always talking about his kingly rights—like she gave a flying flip. “I’m here to see Cal.”
“My delightful daughter-in-law could use some light, flippant company. You should meet the requirements. She’s been studying hard, learning about her position as a princess.”
Admiration for Cal shone in his voice, and he smiled like a proud papa.
Maggie bristled at the implied insult to herself. He constantly took cheap shots at her. “I’m sure she needs a rest from studying all the elvin princess crap you’ve surely shoved at her.”
“She handles everything with grace”—here, his gaze raked over her—“unlike some humans. If not through a chance of birth, she could pass for an elf.”
“Oh, please. She’s human but is trying to please Relian and you. You can dress her up in all the fancy clothes you want, but she’ll remain human.”
“She’s now the Princess of Eria and shares Relian’s lifespan. She may be human, but her behavior is becoming elvin.”
Like elves acted so much differently than humans. Sure, they tended not to wear their emotions on their sleeves. Underneath it, though, they carried many of the same weaknesses as humans. So what if they didn’t show them as much? They merely regulated them, but these failings still existed.
“Believe what you want. I don’t want to hear about elvin decorum, not that it would ever apply to me, anyway.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
Why did he try to control her with these little threats? Anger overrode the little part of her telling her to shut up and find Cal. “When have I ever shown any interest in elvin decorum? Plus, I’m a mere human with no standing here.”
A funny expression ghosted across his face so quickly she thought she’d imagined it. The notion slipped from her mind when he closed the distance between them.
He invaded her space like a conquering army. Alarm skittered through her. She needed to leave. Now. Pushing past him, she forced herself not to break into a run. She wouldn’t give the bastard the satisfaction.
“Running away again, I see. Well, have a good day, and enjoy your stay,” he called after her.
http://www.amazon.com/Bound-Elvin-King-Mists-Eria-ebook/dp/B00J3UL2KU/ref=la_B004LQPZEK_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395671267&sr=1-2
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bound-to-the-elvin-king-lisa-kumar/1118935277?ean=2940149482382
Very nice, Lisa!
Very nice!
From A Cowboy To Keep:
Blood. Wyatt’s blood. Oh, God.
She tensed, ready to jump away. Just as she thought the Angus would come for her, Wyatt moaned. Like a child with a toy car, the bull dropped his head and shoved the man into the rail fence. The logs shook as Wyatt’s body slammed into them.
Screaming nonsensical words, she chased the bull and hit him again with her prod. Shaking his head as if she were nothing more than a gnat, he repeatedly threw Wyatt into the fence.
Desperation clouded her mind, but she tried to think. The prod was only making the bull madder. She waved at him. “Look at me!”
When the mighty Angus glanced her direction, she ran at him and slapped his nose with her bare hand, then danced back a few steps. He pawed with both front feet, filling the air with dirt. Her eyes stung, but she refused to blink.
“Come on, come on.” She waved her arms, daring the animal to charge. Her heart pumped so fast she couldn’t tell the beats apart. She had to get him away from Wyatt. Now. “You dirty, filthy beast. Try to get me.”
Like a Mexican bullfighter, she leaped and poked his nose with her prod. Enraged, the bull lunged forward. Turning and running, with him hot on her heels, she sped into a small holding pen and catapulted over the back fence. Tearing around the backside, she slammed the gate shut and threw the latch. She dropped the hot-shot and ran for Wyatt, screaming his name.
She fell to her knees beside him and tugged him over. “Oh, God, Wyatt. Don’t you dare die on me.”
Buy: http://tinyurl.com/mj5e6y5
Hmm, Chapter 10, eh? That’s about midway through A Feather To Fly With, and features my hero the Duke getting engaged to quite the wrong woman. (A perfectly nice girl, but wrong for HIM.)
Tolliver handed the Duke his hat and cane, and bowed him out the front door. As soon as the door closed, Pelton appeared mysteriously at his elbow.
“It’s today, Mister Tolliver,” Pelton said softly and significantly.
“Ah, indeed?”
“Depend upon it. Three coat changes before he finally settled on the Bath superfine. A young man in great turmoil of mind, I give you my word.”
Tolliver eyed the ceiling with fervor. “May you be correct, Mister Pelton.”
“I suppose John Coachman will confirm where His Grace went?” Pelton asked hopefully.
“Now, you should know better than that. His Grace walked, of course.”
Pelton sighed. “Perhaps a duchess will break him of that common habit.”
Tolliver frowned. “A proper duchess would not so presume,” he said repressively. “If His Grace does it, it cannot be common.”
“To be sure, Mister Tolliver.” Pelton made a noiseless departure.
At the Harwell townhouse, the butler favored the Duke of Winton with a slight smile that said he was recognized as a friend of the family. “The ladies are in the morning room, Your Grace.” He made a move to lead the way.
“Ah, but…” the Duke stammered. The butler turned and raised an inquiring brow. “Actually, I’m here to see Mister Harwell.”
“Oh, indeed! This way, if you please.” The Duke was led to a ground floor apartment, which was identified as “the library, Your Grace.” In fact, it was a comfortable sitting room with several shelves of modern novels and horticultural journals. “I will inform Mister Harwell you are here. May I get you a drink, sir?”
“No. Thank you, no.” As the door closed silently, the Duke paced the room quickly several times, then took a seat on the very edge of an overstuffed chair. He soon heard footsteps clattering down the stairs and Harwell breezed into the library.
“Ah, Winton!” Harwell greeted him. “You bring those cuttings your mother promised?”
Arthur sprang to his feet. “No! Was I supposed to – I’m sorry, I haven’t spoken to my mother yet today.”
Harwell laughed heartily and waved Arthur back to his seat. “Pardon me, Duke. I was joking. Unfair of me, I know you must be nervous as a cat in a windmill. No, I know you’re not here about your mama’s cuttings. Have a pretty fair idea of what you are here about, eh?” He gave Arthur a significant look.
“I suppose you must,” Arthur said, fighting the urge to stammer. “The fact is…” He took a deep breath and continued in a rush, “Iamheretoaskyourpermissiontopaymyaddressestoyourdaughter!”
“There!” said Harwell encouragingly. “Wasn’t so hard, was it?”
Arthur sat back with a sigh. “I’ve never done this before, you see.”
“I guessed as much,” Harwell said. He took a seat across from Arthur. “And you certainly have my permission to speak with Felicity. I can’t speak for her, the decision is up to her. I think I’ve a fair notion what she’s going to say, but will leave it to her to say it. But you have my blessing for what it’s worth. And Mrs. Harwell’s, of course.” ”
A Feather To Fly With is available now at Amazon –
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IMMIUVY/ref=cm_cd_asin_lnk
Wonderful!
Whoa~ That was ….err deep? Harsh? It got my brows raised in surprise though.
He’s not a nice guy, Ki Pha.
Ahhh
I love Monday excerpt. Thanks so much, Ella.
In this scene, Adaira has been forced to act like the gentle-breed young lady she is. She’s not at all happy about it and is telling her brother off.
~~
Adaira shoved a stray curl back under her bonnet. “I’ll go to London for the Season, put myself on display like a mare at Tattersalls.”
She rested her hands on her hips. “Shall I permit the gentlemen to inspect my teeth, Brother. My hair?”
She lifted her hem, exposing her petite foot. “My feet?”
Roark’s lips curved in appreciation as her dress inched upward another pair of inches.
“My legs?” She turned sideways and stuck out her deliciously rounded bottom.
“My arse?”
Oh, my God.
Roark bit the inside of his cheek. He should be appalled. Instead, he fought the urge to laugh. Or reach and touch her tempting derriere.
She straightened, cutting him off before he uttered a sound. “What, no? Well, then I’ll smile and be gracious and pretend to be dazzled by the glitz and glamour.”
Adaira stood with her arms akimbo, tapping her foot. “I’m wearing stays and gowns, Ewan. My hair’s been tugged and tucked and pinned until I fear I might go bald. Mother’s given me enough lotions and creams to lighten my freckles and soften my hands that I might as well be a greased goose.”
Her voice had risen to a shout.
She paused in her tirade and cast a longing look at her stallion. “I’m not riding Fionn, because I don’t have a riding habit that fits,, and he’s not been trained to a blasted sidesaddle.”
Tears glistened in her eyes. Her gaze dropped to her fisted hands. “I’ve got elbow length gloves on in the stables.”
Adaira stomped to her brother. She wiggled the fingers of her right hand beneath Sethwick’s nose. “Fancy gloves, Ewan. In the stables! I’m even using this preposterous atrocity.”
She raised the parasol and shook it. He ducked when she nearly wacked him aside the head with the flailing sunshade.
Behind her back Roark choked back a guffaw. Zeus, but she was splendid when in a temper. She’d shine everyone else in London down. Why hadn’t he seen it before? She was a diamond of the first water. A rough diamond, but he’d have her polished to blinding brilliance by Season’s start.
I loved this, Collette. Thank you for sharing!
This one comes from Chapter Ten of the next book in my Realm series, A Touch of Honor, which releases tomorrow.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Isolde reluctantly returned to Briar House with the duke and duchess. She had no idea what to expect upon her arrival, and, in truth, she had been hard pressed to leave the company of Sir Carter and his wife, who had invited the baronet’s assistant to join them for the supper hour. Mr. Henderson, the third son of the Earl of Johnseine, was very congenial, but what Isolde had most enjoyed had been the lively conversation. She had appreciated how both Sir Carter and Mr. Henderson sought her opinions on the issues facing the Irish people, especially the administration of prisons, public health, and the extensive poverty plaguing her homeland.
“Hardly proper supper conversation,” she had remarked in self-effacement when she realized she had monopolized the discourse.
“Not at all,” Mr. Henderson assured as he assisted her to her feet. “I found your perspective enlightening.”
Sir Carter added, “As did I. Mr. Henderson and I must speak more often to those who have flooded our English docks. How may we address domestic security if we know nothing of those who seek English ties?”
When she and the Thornhills had been admitted to the duke’s townhouse, Mr. Horace had informed them Baron Ashton and Lady Swenton had retired. “I should call in with the baroness,” she said softly to the duchess. “Often Lady Swenton does not sleep well.”
The duchess nodded her agreement, and Isolde scurried away. The Thornhills had kept their thoughts regarding Baron Ashton’s unexpected appearance to themselves. Unlike the Lowerys, who sought her company, the duke and duchess viewed Isolde as a servant and not privy to their private musings. It was a sobering balance to maintain her position in a world in which Isolde possessed little experience.
Without knocking, she slipped into the baroness’s quarters. Isolde had expected to find her mistress in bed. Instead, Lady Swenton stood unclothed, examining her body before a standing mirror. Remaining half-hidden by the partially opened door, Isolde placed her fist to her mouth to prevent her gasp. She had never seen anyone so thin, even the poorest in her village would have appeared healthy in comparison to the baroness. Lady Swenton’s newest gowns had successfully disguised the girl’s sylphlike appearance.
Tears rushed to Isolde’s eyes. She could do nothing but encourage Lady Swenton not to ignore her health. Quickly she tapped on the door and called softly, “Baroness? Are you awake?” She hid behind the door as if she had not observed her mistress’s investigative inspection in the mirror. “May I bring you something to eat? You missed a delightful supper spread at the ball.” Isolde said a silent prayer for a quick resolution to the Swenton’s separation. Perhaps the baroness would attempt to please her husband: Isolde could not imagine any man finding a woman of so gaunt an appearance appealing.
From the other side of the door, she could hear the baroness scrambling into bed. “Come.”
Isolde eased into the room a second time. “I apologize if I woke you, Lady Swenton.”
“I thank you for thinking of me,” the girl said dutifully.
Isolde ventured, “Might I sneak down to the kitchen and make you some tea and toast. It would be no bother; I know for a fact Thornhill’s cook keeps a pot of water warming on the hearth.”
As Isolde expected, the baroness shook off the offer. “My uncle and I enjoyed tea and port upon our return to Briar House.”
Isolde thought, Tea, but no cakes or bread and butter. “Is there anything else you desire before I retire?”
“No. I suspect my uncle shall expect me up early. I shall make a point of joining him in the morning room. We created many beautiful memories while breaking our fasts at Chesterfield Manor.”
Isolde smiled weakly. “I am certain Baron Ashton will enjoy having his niece close once more.”
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Touch-Honor-Realm-Series-Volume/dp/149600051X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1395418748&sr=8-5&keywords=a+touch+of+honor
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Touch-Honor-Book-Realm-ebook/dp/B00IUU5W8M/ref=sr_1_5_bnp_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1395418829&sr=8-5&keywords=a+touch+of+honor
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-touch-of-honor-regina-jeffers/1118881562?ean=2940149218172
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-touch-of-honor
Lovely, Regina!
Wow is all I can say.
Thank you, Debbie!
Thank you once again for this chance Ella and what a great excerpt from you. Here is page one of chapter 10 of Restoring Lady Anna which is due for release on the 4th April. It is being edited at present so there may be typos
“She is mine, Carter—the child.” James shoved a hand through his blond curls and stared the butler down. Apart from an almost imperceptible raising of his eyebrow, the man showed no sign of even having understood. “You do not seem shocked.”
“I cannot say that I am shocked, my lord.”
“Why, because the aristocracy cannot keep it in their breeches?” He would have married Anna, had he known and had she not been kidnapped. God dammit but he did not want even his servants thinking he would abandon a young lady whom he had impregnated. Carter had been at Anncote Park since James was a boy and he hated the idea of the man being disappointed in his master and thinking ill of him.
“No, my lord. She looks like Lady Rebecca did at that age.”
“I did not know until just a few days ago. I would have faced up to my responsibilities, you know.” Why was he blabbering? He was like a naughty schoolboy caught out playing a prank. Besides, it was none of Carter’s business. But he continued nonetheless. “Lady Anna—I was going to propose. I did not know she was with child. And then I returned from London and she had disappeared. Everyone thought she had eloped with a footman. It turns out that she was kidnapped—by Mr Johnstone.”
“I see.”
“He is ill. He does not know what he is doing. Not that it makes me want to rearrange his face with my bare fists any the less but…” James sighed and sat on the chair behind his desk, enjoying the slight squeak of brown leather as his weight settled. “I have arranged to visit an asylum in Leicester tomorrow. A private one. I will leave Mr Johnstone here while I, Lady Anna and Mrs Johnstone visit the institution. If it is acceptable, I will send back my carriage with Mrs Johnstone who can accompany him to his new home. Lady Anna, Miss Viola and I will remain in Leicester and do some shopping and the carriage can bring all of us, except Mr Johnstone of course, home in time for dinner.”
“Very good, my lord. We can ensure that Mr Johnstone is properly attended until he is taken to his new home. Perhaps, if I may be so bold…”
James nodded his head. He trusted Carter implicitly and was always happy to take on board the advice of the snowy-haired servant.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21538992-restoring-lady-anna
Nice, Em. Thanks for posting.
Very nice, Ella. I’m looking forward to reading this book in full.
My Chapter 10 excerpt comes from Mistress of Merrivale, which is due out tomorrow!
He lost out to another man. The victorious bidder swished his maroon cloak aside and pushed his way up to the dais to receive his prize. The man conducting the bidding produced a key from his pocket and, with great ceremony, unlocked the cage.
He reached inside and took Ella’s hand. She stumbled as she exited, only her contact with the man helping her to maintain her footing. The man handed her off to the winning bidder, sending her on her way with a familiar pat on the arse.
Leo didn’t hesitate. He plunged through the crowd, shoving his way past the masked men and women. Instead of stopping at one of the cells, the man towed Ella out of the ruins and lifted her into a waiting carriage.
“Damn,” Leo muttered. His horse was tethered over the hill out of sight. Leo raced to catch up. For a while he managed to keep up with the carriage but once the road leveled out, the horses increased their speed from a trot to a canter.
Leo stopped following the road and cut across the moor. He plunged through a copse of trees and ran around piles of stones. The contour of the land changed radically, but the steep slope barely gave him pause. He raced down, desperate to cut off the carriage before he lost sight of it. Mud splattered his evening clothes. His cloak flared out behind him, his pistol thumping against his hip in painful digs.
Gasping for breath, he screeched to a halt with the carriage almost on him. Glad of the mask, he pulled out his pistol and stood square in the middle of the road.
Now Leo was closer he recognized the matching chestnut horses—Sir James Harvey. Leo knew him as a man who treasured his reputation, even though he was a rake. That might work to Leo’s advantage.
The driver saw him, saw his raised pistol and visibly hesitated. The team shied and slowed.
“Stand and deliver.”
http://store.samhainpublishing.com/mistress-merrivale-p-73291.html
Amazon
Thanks for the opportunity to share, Ella 🙂
My pleasure, Shelley. Thank you for taking the time to post!
Great excerpt, Shelley!
All great excerpts.
Tweeted.
I agree. Thank you, Daryl!
Here is the first page of Chapter 10. Xavier has yet to realize Vic is a young woman, not the young man she appears.
Xavier sighed and leaned back in his chair. He was amazed at his good fortune. He would have thought it impossible to find a person who enticed him in all ways: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Given his requirements, he supposed it only natural his enticement would be male. Where would he ever find a woman so intelligent, logical, and emotionally secure? No, this was for the better. What would he do with a wife? He lived for his work—something a wife could never share—but Victor could, and not just as a secretary. He envisioned a day in the future when Victor could be his partner in every way. He could not lose such a rare chance to find a partner in life for he’d never have such an opportunity at happiness again.
At ten o’clock, he stepped from his office to see how his future partner fared. Victor appeared to be recreating the posting book from the profit and expense ledger.
“There were discrepancies, so I am choosing to believe your numbers,” Victor said.
“How condescendingly kind of you.” He watched Victor smile in response.
“When is the next appointment?”
“Tomorrow at ten.”
“Excellent. It allows me time to stalk Mr. Ollie Simpson. Oh, wait…someone forgot to ask for an address.”
Victor grimaced and hit his head with the palm of his hand.
“Never mind, I will only waste an hour or two going to the courthouse and getting his address. Fortunately for you, I’ve no appointments and can manage the task.”
“Will you come back here after you’ve obtained it?”
“I will return at six. If you are finished with your work, I will take you to dinner, and we will stalk dear Ollie together.”
Vic rewarded him with a smile that pierced Xavier’s heart.
“Don’t rush your work, for you’ll spend more time hunting errors than it would have taken you to do it right in the first place.”
“I’ve already learned that,” Vic admitted.
“Once again, it seems I have nothing to teach you.”
(The Troublesome Assistant will release in August).
Very nice, Liza!
Ladies, I enjoy reading all your excerpts. Tweeted and shared. 🙂
Thank you so much, Carol!
Ella, love your excerpt! Another great book on its way to us from you.
Hi Lyn! Thank you so much!!