Losing at Love cover reveal!!

Today we’re having a cover reveal for Jennifer Iacopelli’s Losing at Love. And—bonus points!!—we’re also revealing the new redesign for the first book in the series, Game. Set. Match. 

Jennifer is sharing an excerpt from Losing at Love, as well as a giveaway, so be sure to check it all out. 

Title: Losing at Love 

Author: Jennifer Iacopelli 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Release Day: February 24^th 

Excerpt:
      Stepping into the sunshine, Indy shouldered her bag and turned towards the OBX library, her mind running through the assignments she still had to complete when a shadow crossed over her path, a large body falling into step with her, close, but not touching, their strides matching. 
      “Jack,” she said, glancing up at him sideways, a small smile threatening at the corner of her mouth.
      “Indiana,” he said, echoing back her name, sending a shiver down her spine. He was the only one allowed to call her that, the only person who made the name she’d hated since forever sound friggin’ good. 
      They walked together without another word, turning the corner that separated the courts from the residential area of the complex, but her stride was suddenly cut off when Jack shuffled his feet, sliding his arm around her waist and pulled her into a shady walkway between buildings. 
     Her bag slid off her shoulder, but he caught it before it crashed to the ground and smashed her laptop to smithereens. He let it settle on the ground gently before leaning over her, forcing her to step back into the wall. 
      Walls were their thing. Their first kiss had been against a wall in a random hallway at Roland Garros, their second pressed against the wall of their hotel in Paris and now that they were back in North Carolina, they found any excuse to push each other against a wall and kiss until they were gasping for air and their bodies begged for relief. 
     Jack’s lips trailed from her temple, using the wall behind her as an anchor before bending his head to hers. Pushing up onto her toes, Indy met him halfway. She’d never been so grateful for every millimeter of her five feet ten inches as she was when she was kissing Jack. His hands slid through her hair, twisting it around his fingers, then cradling the back of her head, drawing her mouth more firmly against his. Indy brought her hands to his torso, gripping his t-shirt, letting her palms press against the cut of muscle that disappeared into his cargo shorts. The skin on skin contact made his breath hitch, his mouth opening just enough to allow her tongue to slide in, deepening the kiss, before letting her teeth nip at his bottom lip. A groan rumbled in his throat as he stumbled forward, pressing his body full length against hers. He wrenched his lips from hers, trailing his mouth over the line of her jaw to the spot just behind her ear. It was her turn to gasp and her head fell back as she arched into him. No one had ever kissed her there before. 
      Jack smiled against her skin as her fingertips dug into his sides and she let a moan slip free as he focused his attention on that spot, scraping his teeth against it then soothing that small pain with a flick of his tongue. Her hands scrambled to get purchase against his shoulders, desperate for some leverage, anything to help her slide her body against his. Then he was gone, his hand gone from her hair, his mouth gone from her neck and his body inches then feet away. Indy blinked at him, trying to figure out what happened when the voices echoing down the pathway towards them finally reached her ears.
      Bending down, he lifted her bag as she ran her fingers through her hair, knowing he’d made an unholy mess of it. 
     “You’re fine,” he muttered, handing her the bag, then keeping the distance between them as a group of junior boys stomped past them, none giving them a second glance. 
     “You have good ears,” Indy said, biting her lip at the close call.         If those boys had seen them, the news would have spread like wildfire through the OBX campus and everyone would have known by the end of the day. 
     She was only seventeen for another few months, but that wasn’t really the problem, seventeen or eighteen wouldn’t matter to other people. She was a young tennis pro, he was an up and coming agent. The last thing either of their careers needed was the heightened publicity of a controversial relationship, even if Jack Harrison was far more of a gentleman than any guy she’d ever met. Sometimes a little too much of a gentleman, truth be told. Jack shrugged, glancing back over his shoulder again before facing her fully. 
     “I’m sorry about this.” She reached out and took his hand, “We both agreed,” she said, entwining their fingers together, “it’s just between us for now. It makes sense for the both of us.” Pressing his lips together in a thin line, he nodded, but she knew he wasn’t entirely convinced. “Jack, we talked about this. You said you were okay with it.” 
      “I just wish it were different,” he said, tugging her closer, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. His hands released hers and dropped to her hips, the edges of his thumbs brushing against her hipbones in slow circles sending shivers over her skin. “Me too.”           She wanted to scream it from the rooftops that this amazing guy was hers. That he had deep green eyes and a smile that brightened them whenever he looked at her. That he was brilliant in ways that she couldn’t even fathom with his degree from Harvard. That he’d fought their attraction for so long because of that ingrained sense of honor, like one of those heroes in a fairy tale, except Jack was real, flesh and blood. 
      "Have you thought...maybe we should tell Penny?" Indy asked, her fingertips landing on his forearms, gently stroking up to his elbows and back down to his wrists. Jack let out a heavy breath.               "Penny has a lot on her plate right now." 
        "I know, I just feel funny keeping it from her. Jasmine knows." 
      "We'll do whatever you want to do. This is your show, baby." 
      "I don't need a supportive…" she hesitated, almost using the word boyfriend, but that didn't really fit, did it? Not if they were keeping it a secret.
     "I need honest Jack." He leaned back, looking her in the eye. "Honest? Honestly, my sister doesn't do well with change. It freaks her out and right now, I'm not sure that the idea of you and me will go over that well. On the other hand, if we don't tell her and she finds out?" "She'll be pissed." "Yep." "Maybe we wait a little longer. We could tell her in London?" Jack nodded, "Face to face instead of over the phone." 
      “There’s always Skype,” she said, not really sure if she wanted to know what Penny, the only girl who’d made an effort to befriend her when she first arrived at OBX, would think if she found out she and Jack were together. 
      “There’s that.” Indy shook her head. They should do it in person. They should have done it before they left Paris, but Penny had been so devastated by withdrawing from the tournament that it hadn’t felt like the right time then either. 
      “In London. We’ll be there in less than a week. We’ll tell her then.”  
     “Okay, in London.” They stood there for a moment, just breathing each other in until Jack leaned away.
     “I’ve gotta go. I have a meeting with a potential new client this afternoon and I’ve got to prep.” Indy snorted a laugh. 
     “Right, like you don’t already have a complete profile worked up along with potential sponsors to contact if they sign.” 
      “You know me so well,” he said, leaning around the building, checking the pathway for any more unwanted spectators. 
      “I’ll go this way.” Indy nodded back in the opposite direction.         “And I’ll go that way.” With a bow, he was gone, around the corner and out of sight, so she turned and adjusted her bag over her shoulder, heading out from between the buildings and towards the library. She’d have about half the time to get her Calc done than she originally planned. Fingertips pressing against that spot on her neck lightly recalling the feel of his mouth and the way her entire body was lit on fire by his touch, it was totally worth it. 
       “Are you sure that is a good idea?” a voice rang out from just a few steps behind her, the French accent giving its owner away, if the superiority and condescension weren’t enough of a clue. Indy spun around and came face to face with her agent, tall, blonde, perfectly put together in a silk blouse and linen skirt, somehow looking completely cool and calm despite the blaze of the sun. 
     She was in town before they all left for England, mostly to go over her plans for Indy’s future off the court. A denial formed on Indy’s tongue, but she knew it was useless. Caroline had seen them and it probably just confirmed what she’d suspected for a while. Her agent was damn good at her job and it wasn’t like she and Jack had been super careful about keeping private moments behind closed doors. 
      “Good idea or not, it’s none of your business.” 
      Raising her eyes to the sky and shaking her head Caroline said, “You are my business, Indiana.” 
      “How many times do I have to say it? Don’t call me that, and my tennis is your business,” Indy corrected. “Keep your nose out of everything else.” 
       “It is not that simple,” Caroline insisted, her voice inching up in pitch.  
       “It really is.” She turned on her toe and walked away, wanting to look back, hoping that Caroline’s brow was furrowed and her hands were on her hips, lips pursed in aggravation. But looking back would ruin the moment because despite getting in the last word, Caroline now had the upper hand and it was only a matter of time before she used it to her advantage.

  About Losing at Love: Grass courts, tennis whites and the fiercest competition in the world. Wimbledon. After two crazy weeks in Paris, the girls of the Outer Banks Tennis Academy are headed to London with just one thing on their minds: winning. Indiana Gaffney is fresh off a surprise win at the French Open junior tournament. Sponsors are clamoring for her attention, but what she wants more than anything—aside from a wild card to Wimbledon—is to be with Jack Harrison, but international fame and a secret relationship rarely mix well. When Penny Harrison dreamed of playing at Wimbledon she never imagined agonizing pain shooting through her ankle with every step. With just a month until the tournament and the whole world expecting her to win, she’s determined to play, with or without the support of her coach or the love of her life, Alex Russell. For the first time ever, no one expects anything from Jasmine Randazzo. After a crushing first-round defeat in the French Open juniors, the tennis world has given up on her, but worse than that, so have her parents, her best friend Teddy and maybe even her coach. With everyone writing her off, can she find it within herself to go after her dreams? Pre order now!! Add on Goodreads! To celebrate the cover reveal, Game. Set. Match. is on sale for .99!!  
About Game. Set. Match.: Nestled along the North Carolina coast, the Outer Banks Tennis Academy is the world's most elite training facility. In this pressure-cooker environment, futures are forged in blood and sweat, and dreams are shattered in an instant. Penny Harrison, a rising female star, is determined to win the French Open and beat her archrival, Zina Lutrova. But when her coach imports British bad boy Alex Russell as her new training partner, will Penny be able to keep her laser-like focus? Tennis is all Jasmine Randazzo has ever known. The daughter of two Grand Slam champions, she's hell-bent on extending her family’s legacy and writing her own happily-ever-after...until her chosen Prince Charming gives her the just-friends speech right before the biggest junior tournament of the year, the Outer Banks Classic. With a powerful serve and killer forehand, newcomer Indiana Gaffney is turning heads. She’s thrilled by all of the attention, especially from Jack Harrison, Penny’s agent and hot older brother, except he keeps backing off every time things start heating up. With so much at stake, dreams—and hearts—are bound to break. Welcome to OBX: Where LOVE is a four-letter word, on and off the court. Amazon | BN | iTunes | Kobo | Goodreads    

About Jennifer Iacopelli:

Jennifer Iacopelli was born in New York and has no plans to leave...ever. Growing up, she read everything she could get her hands on, but her favorite authors were Laura Ingalls Wilder, L.M. Montgomery and Frances Hodgson Burnett all of whom wrote about kick-ass girls before it was cool for girls to be kick-ass. She got a Bachelor's degree in Adolescence Education and English Literature quickly followed up by a Master's in Library Science, which lets her frolic all day with her books and computers, leaving plenty of time in the evenings to write and yell at the Yankees, Giants and her favorite tennis players through the TV. newsletter signup | twitter | facebook | website | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon Author Page  





  Enter Jennifer’s giveaway!! a Rafflecopter giveaway

the Legend of Arturo King release and review!!

Title: The Legend of Arturo King

Series: Legendary Rock Stars #1

Author: L.B. Dunbar

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 27, 2015

My name is Arturo King, and I’m told I’m a legend in music. My band is called the Nights and we got our start at the underground Round Table in New York City. Raised by a foster father, I didn’t know the extent of my inheritance until I was twenty-one, and it was all more than I bargained for. I wanted to play the guitar and rule the world with song, but I learned I have a mother from old money, a dead father who was once a real estate mogul, and a record company that needed some rebuilding. Mure Linn, my friend and mentor, has been by my side through it all, teaching me to play, strengthening my lyrics, and guiding me in the music industry. There was one area he couldn’t guide me, though, and that was love. Guinevere DeGrance changed everything for me, I suppose, including the reason I’m here learning the legend of my life without remembering any of it.

The legendary rock star series begins...

Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU B&N Kobo

My 3.5 star review of The Legend of Arturo King

LB Dunbar is another new author to me, and I enjoyed her writing, and look forward to the rest of the books in this series.

I went into this not knowing much about the book, except the rock star aspect. And I ended up falling in love with the Arturo, or the “King Arthur and Guinevere,” aspect of the story.

Arturo King is a ladies man, a lead singer in a band called “The Nights.” I love the play on words and the tie to the story of King Arthur. He has such a passion for his music, and you can tell. But then one night he spots a woman, and she could change the game.

Guinie DeGrance is a daughter of a famous man, who owns the club that the Nights play at, and she has be warned to stay away from Rock Stars, but Arturo King is really hard to stay away from.

I love both of the characters, their love affair is a slow simmer, and it turns to a boil over time. I love the changes we see in both the characters, and it makes for a really interesting story. They definitely have their bits of angst, as every couple does, but overall it’s a super romantic tale of Arturo and Guinie.

This isn’t just a retelling of King Arthur though, even though it had bits and pieces of the story in there, it’s such an enigma all on its own. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review, and I can’t wait to see where LB takes us on the next journey.

I’d like to say I was always a writer. I’d also like to say that I wrote every day of my life since a child. That I took the teaching advice I give my former students because writing every day improves your writing. I’d like to say I have my ten-thousand hours that makes me a proficient writer. But I can’t say any of those things. I did dream of writing the “Great American Novel” until one day a friend said: Why does it have to be great? Why can’t it just be good and tell a story?

As a teenager, I wrote your typical love-angst poetry that did occasionally win me an award and honor me with addressing my senior high school class at our Baccalaureate Mass. I didn’t keep a journal because I was too afraid my mom would find it in the mattress where I kept my copy of Judy Blume’s Forever that I wasn’t allowed to read as a twelve year old.

I can say that books have been my life. I’m a reader. I loved to read the day I discovered “The Three Bears” as a first grader, and ever since then, the written word has been my friend. Books were an escape for me. An adventure to the unknown. A love affair I’d never know. I could be lost for hours in a book.

So why writing now? I had a story to tell. It haunted me from the moment I decided if I just wrote it down it would go away. But it didn’t. Three years after writing the first draft, a sign (yes, I believe in them) told me to fix up that draft and work the process to have it published. That’s what I did. But one story let to another, and another, and another. Then a new idea came into my head and a new storyline was created. 

I was accused (that’s the correct word) of having an overactive imagination as a child, as if that was a bad thing. I’ve also been accused of having the personality of a Jack Russell terrier, full of energy, unable to relax, and always one step ahead. What can I say other than I have stories to tell and I think you’ll like them. If you don’t, that’s okay. We all have our book boyfriends. We all have our favorites. Whatever you do, though, take time for yourself and read a book.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOSTED BY:

Slam blog tour!!

Title: Slam

Series: The Completion Series #4

Author: Holly S. Roberts

Genre: Adult, Erotic/Sport Romance

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Olivia Stradmore, daughter to Senator Jonathan Stradmore, has one goal in life—win her fifth grand slam tennis title in as many years. 

Olivia doesn’t have time for a stalker who disapproves of her less than modest life choices. She enjoys the occasional tennis pro in bed, short skirts, and the chance to free her wild side. 

Her dreams take a turn when her stalker, known only as Ty, runs over her with a van and puts her in the hospital. Ty will stop at nothing to possess what he covets. 

Enter bodyguard Brack Jacobs—hair too long, attitude too uptight, and body too damn hot. 

Brack has a job to do and sleeping with a target is not in the target’s best interest. Doesn’t matter that Olivia is sexy as hell and bent on adding a notch to her bedpost with Brack’s name on it. 

Life is not as straightforward as it seems and deadly consequences await them both. 

Can Olivia change Brack’s mind and turn a spark of desire into a raging inferno? Will Brack survive the flames or would slam, bam, thank you ma’am be his safest bet? 

- A Completion Sports Book. Expect erotic sex, an alpha male, and more balls than a girl knows what to do with.

Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU
smashwords Kobo iTunes

(Click Photo to read the #SLAMSECRET Contest Rules)

I squealed as Brack flipped us over dislodging my hands. He was hard again. Or maybe his erection never left. I sat back on his thighs and admired his cock. Placing my fingers around the head, I squeezed gently.

“Harder,” he said with lust in his voice.

“Mmm, I want to suck.”

“What’s stopping you?” he asked gruffly.

I gripped harder like he asked. “I want you shooting off in my pussy this time.”

He closed his eyes for a moment. “Suck me first and that can be arranged.”
I didn’t care that I was a sticky mess. I wiggled off him until my knees hit the floor. He moved down a bit so I could comfortably reach him with my mouth. He propped himself on his arms and watched. I stuck my tongue out and licked just the tip. I didn’t always like the taste of men but Brack was yummy. When I’d sucked his cum from my fingers, I’d wanted to go back for seconds. I flicked my tongue against him watching his reaction. It wasn’t much. I knew he liked it hard. I wrapped my lips around the head and sucked a little as I circled his balls with one hand and his cock with the other.

Saliva pooled in my mouth as I took him deeper. At the same time, I put additional pressure around his cock. My lips met my fingers and I sucked while bobbing my head. His groan had me tightening my fingers even harder.

“I want to grab your hair but I’m afraid I’ll hurt your head,” he moaned out on a ragged breath.

His cock slipped from my mouth as I looked up. He stared at the stream of saliva between his dick and my lips. I smiled. “I’m fine, do what feels good.”

His eyes met mine as he placed his fingers in my hair and pushed my mouth to his cock again. I opened wide and took him deeper.

“Fuck me you’re good at this.”

I didn’t take it the wrong way—I was good at this. The second lover in my life, an Australian tennis pro, spent a lot of time teaching me fellatio. He wasn’t into returning the favor frequently and I finally kicked him to the sideline. He came out of the closet a year ago and it all made sense. But who better to teach about blowjobs than a gay man? I didn’t feel comfortable enough to practice my skills with most of the men I slept with. Brack was different. I wanted his cock. And like most things in my life, I took what I wanted.

My 3.5 star review of Slam

This is my first Holly Roberts book, and it won’t be my last. I really enjoyed the sports theme in this book, and each one in the series is a standalone, that can be read as such- and also sports romances.

Olivia is the main character and I really liked her a lot. She was very sassy, which in a heroine is super appealing to me. She is the daughter of a senator and she is huge in the tennis world. She doesn’t have any time to have a serious boyfriend, so hopping from guy to guy has never been a problem for her. but the catch is, Olivia has a stalker- and super creepy. After a kidnapping attempt fails, Olivia’s father steps in and hires the best security team that money can buy. Olivia didn’t bank on Brack Jacobs to be the head of that team.

Brack is total alpha male from head to toe. He is strong, and super swoony. He is the total package as far as Olivia is concerned. And being that he is off limits makes him that much more attractive. I loved the banter between these two characters, and it was a super turn on but at the same time equally hysterical.

I really enjoyed reading this fast paced romance, and I suggest to everyone to read this one, as well as the others in the series. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon AU
B&N smashwords Kobo iTunes

Holly S. Roberts is the USA Today Best-Selling Author of “Play” the first book in the completion series. She lives high in the Arizona Mountains with the love of her life and her anxiety ridden Rottweiler, Dizzy. To write, she needs caffeine on her desk and music playing in the background. Hard rock and mellow instrumentals fill her office in equal accord. Oh and she loves to read, and read, and read.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HOSTED BY:

Little Wolf Blitz post!!

Synopsis

When twenty-three year old Tala Velsik appears in a last minute performance art piece, she has no idea that public nudity will be the least of her worries. Wearing nothing but silver paint and a pair of antlers, her body is bared to hundreds of eyes, but one penetrating stare simmers through the others, Adrian Caro.

Adrian Caro is one of the world’s most famous directors and photographers, but with striking features and a body made for sin, most would guess he belonged in front of the camera.

Of course, the last thing Tala needs is romance, even with a walking Adonis. Mounting bills, a dead end job and a set of childhood memories most therapists would pale at; love is low on her list. Assuming, of course, her new admirer allows her to have a say in the matter.

Shocked yet thrilled by Adrian’s passionate domination, Tala can’t help but feel she’s standing on quicksand. For all his wealth, fame and talent, Adrian is tormented by his own demons; hiding secrets big enough to destroy them both.

About the Author

Amélie S. Duncan writes contemporary, erotic romances with a dark edge. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.

Media Links

Website: http://www.ameliesduncan.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmelieSDuncan

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Am%C3%A9lie-S-Duncan/572889196145981

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/little-wolf-Am%C3%A9lie-S-Duncan-ebook/dp/B00QSP9K0M

Interview

When did you begin writing?

All my life I have been a storyteller. My younger years consisted of making up stories and skits to share with my family. When I was a teenager, I wrote more poetry and short stories than anyone else I knew. As I got older, my stories became darker and I drew from experiences surrounding a tough patch in my life.

In college, writing was academic and I put aside my personal stories. But a few years ago, I began writing again; only it didn’t come as easily as I remembered. I spent a lot of time studying and developing stories. I was always a lover of paranormal romances, but I progressed to erotica, and erotic romances. I shared my writing with my husband and friends. Friends were a bit more reserved about what I was creating, but my husband loved how alive I was when I was writing and encouraged me to pursue this dream. I am forever thankful for his support.

What genre do you write and why?

I write contemporary erotic romance stories, but I also include darker elements in my writing. I’m an avid reader of dark erotica, erotica, erotic romances, paranormal romances and new adult stories. They all inspire me creatively. So, I write what I truly love and enjoy reading and hope those stories will resonate with like-minded readers.

Can you tell us a little about your book?

Little Wolf is truly, at its heart, the love story of my heroine, Tala Velsik. She has a had a tough life growing up with her unmediated, paranoid schizophrenic mother and an absentee father. In her teen years, she was adopted by the family of Jax Molsom, her best and only friend.

She faced her haunted pass and challenging life with strength and resilience, managing to take care of herself and all those around her. In her pursuit to do just that, and pressing forward in her chaotic and difficult life, she helps her brother with his dreams and ends up crossing the path of famed photographer and director Adrian Caro.

Adrian’s life is quite a contrast of Tala’s, but he is also personally unfulfilled. So he makes a deal with the devil in his pursuit of happiness. As their worlds collide, the secret he is hiding becomes his biggest challenge of the story. Ultimately, this secret threatens everything.

I am long-winded, but purposely being vague to avoid spoiling the story. Ultimately, it is a story about finding love, care and family. These things come at a price, and it isn’t always perfect or easy, but even the most damaged among us can find it.

What is the inspiration behind your book Little Wolf?

Little Wolf was first and foremost inspired by my work in the mental health field. My experience is with children, teens and women like my heroine, Tala Velsik. Their lives are often tragic and chaotic at times, but many of them remain strong and resilient. They are also extremely tough on the outside, but their hearts are so beautiful. Their loyalty a wonder. So this book was inspired by all the Tala’s I fell in love with over the years.

The location where the majority of the novel takes place also has a special spot in my heart, as I studied there and always wanted to write about the beauty and kindness of the people I met while abroad. Overall, the family and community there are so unique that I felt this was the perfect setting for Tala and Adrian’s story.

How did you come up with the idea for the cover?

Actually, my cover designer found the photo, as I was indecisive. I loved the picture, and the way it turned out is beautiful. I am very happy with it.

Name your all-time favorite book?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

If your book was made into a movie who would you cast and why?

If you’ve ever viewed my Pinterest account, you know I have a healthy obsession with David Gandy, so Adrian Caro would be him. Although, I always think of Adrian with a deep sultry voice, but I like his accent. A wonderful blogger brought my attention to Emilia Clarke for Tala Velsik. Blythe Danner for Sophie Caro. For the rest, I’m not as certain.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t really believe I ever thought I could be a writer. My friends and family always told me I was a great storyteller, but it seemed like a dream so far out of reach. I did well in story writing throughout my educational life, but it was only recent and through the encouragement of my husband that I began to really develop stories. It didn’t all come together at once, but I found wonderful people to help me and I’m continuously working to be better. So I hope to one day truly consider myself a writer.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Writing a book doesn’t take nearly as long as developing, editing and publishing it. I find the first draft is pretty quick, but I would never publish that because it’s always awful! I would say for Little Wolf, it took a few months to write it, but much more time to develop the story with my development editor and beta readers.

Do you have a sequel or new books coming out in 2015?

Yes. I have a series entitled Tiger Lily which I plan to release soon. As for a sequel to Little Wolf, I haven’t written one yet, but I may consider doing so in the future.

Excerpts

“No, Monique, we are going to Sacred Coeur tomorrow,” Sergio said.

She pouted, but Sophie walked over and hugged her, kissing her cheek. A pang went through my chest at the love and comfort between these two women. It scraped against a deep longing in me to have a similar connection with my mother. I stroked the knife wound on my forearm, remembering that it had been earned one of the times I had trusted in and tried for that kind of comfort.

“Tala? Tala? Someone give Tala a hug, I think she could use one right now,” Fatou said.

I blinked at her. “What? Huh?”

“You were staring, and you looked sad,” Fatou observed.

My cheeks warmed. “I was just lost in thought. I don’t need a hug.” My tone was harsher than I meant, and Fatou bristled. I immediately felt guilty.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean—” I tried to recover.

“Nothing’s wrong with getting a hug,” Fatou smiled, seeming to have already forgotten my tone. She came around the counter and wrapped her arms around me as I chewed my cheek to stop from crying.

What is wrong with me?

Adrian took over from there, kissing my face and cheeks with soft assurances.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

I shook my head. “You did, but not anymore. I’m perfectly capable of tending to myself.”

“I’m also perfectly capable of tending to you,” Adrian said with a Gallic shrug.

I looked away. “You’re overwhelming me. I don’t like games or riddles. I like straight talk. I don’t like coddling—”

“You do like coddling, that’s a lie,” Adrian said. His tone was so full of disappointment that it made me spill out an explanation.

“Fine. I don’t trust coddling. Trauma growing up… snore. So no more of that.”

He cupped my face. “Tell me what happened.” His eyes bore into me, but I didn’t want to share a part of myself with a wealthy, famous man who couldn’t possibly understand, someone I was sure I wouldn’t see again anyway.

I rubbed the back of my neck. “It’s in the past where it belongs and has no relevance to my job with you.” He swallowed and his mouth turned down. My heart stuttered. I didn’t understand why I felt bad, but I decided to offer him more of an explanation. I took a deep breath before blurting out, “My mother is a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic. She was unmedicated for most of my childhood.”

He stroked my face gently. “She hurt you.” His eyes flashed and his mouth curled up. He appeared pumped and poised to slay the demons of my past.

I licked my lips. “She’s better now. She lives at Newton House in Middletown, New York. It’s a partially private group home. She’s one of the reasons I agreed to come here. Helping her afford her home. So, I’m fine,” I babbled. “She had childhood trauma too, but she’s doing better, and I want her to stay there.”

“So you work and do day labor to cover the cost of her housing?” The look on his face showed he didn’t agree with my sacrificing for someone who had hurt me.

I moved on my side, facing away from him on the bed. “Newton House is more than housing. She gets doctors, therapy, counseling, and activities. My mom was good when she was on medication, and you have no right to judge me. I wouldn’t expect someone like a Carlotti to understand anyway.”

“Just because I have wealth doesn’t mean I have lived a charmed life. I’ve experienced pain and loss too. I lost my mother to breast cancer when I was twelve. There wasn’t enough Carlotti money to save her and keep her with me.” Something inside me melted, and I turned back over and didn’t protest as he moved me closer to him and embraced me.

“Daddy?” I’m five years old, running barefooted up to the blue Mini Cooper. I’m wearing a dirty striped shirt and shorts. My hair is a tangled in pigtails. The pretty lady with golden hair is smiling at me.

“Can I come?”

“No, sweetheart. Next time, I promise.” Daddy comes and pushes me back. I fall on the sidewalk and start crying.

“Next time. Now be a good girl and go find your momma.” I wiped my face as I watched the car move down the street.

I woke with a start. “Daddy.” Did I call out his name?

I wiped the moisture at my temples with a tissue. Adrian had stayed long enough to hold my hand for the second takeoff, then walked back to the cabin with Henry. I suspected he didn’t want to be berated with more questions from me, but I wasn’t bothered. In fact, I wanted the time alone to think about all that had happened and formulate a plan on what I should do.

The sound of the engines may have muffled the sound, but the images were loud in my head, heightening the ache in my throat as the memory hung in my mind for me to process. From what I recalled, I imagined over the years he was off to great adventures, and I was so envious. The promises to take me had started around that time. Every year, I watched his car drive away.

Don’t feel it. I dug my nails into my skin until I had half-moons on my arm. I needed some way to deal with these feeling rising in me.

“Time to get up.” His voice pulled me from my dreams. I gazed through my lashes, then blinked a few times at the windows and noticed the sun hadn’t risen yet. I turned to Adrian, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, bouncing on his feet. True to his word, he was up and ready for me to start his new routine.

I covered my head with the pillow. “I thought you were on vacation,” I grumbled.

He pulled the pillow and sheets away and handed me a sports bra, shorts, and a t-shirt.

“It gets too hot later to run,” he said in explanation. “We’re off to Ouest Coriche for our daily run with Henry.”

I grimaced as I put on the clothes he had laid out for me. Once I was finished, he chuckled and tied my long, black hair in a loose ponytail.

“You’re grumpy in the morning.” He looked sweltering hot, and alert. He’s a morning person too.

I scowled at him before going to the bathroom and cleaning myself up as quickly as I could. Then I followed him down the stairs and out to the car where Henry was waiting for us. Watching the two of them prep like professionals made me nervous.

I did a few leg and arm stretches. “I’m a beginner, go easy on me,” I implored.

“Dites-le nous en français, tell us in French,” Henry teased, and they laughed in unison.

I made a face. “I don’t know how to say it in French yet. Uh. Facile s'il vous plait? Easy, please?”

Adrian suddenly wrapped his hands around my waist and kissed the side of my head.

“Votre français est mauvais, Your French is awful.” I hit his arm and ran for the car, door already opened, and dove inside.

“You little brat,” Adrian said when he reached me. He pulled down my shorts and swatted me on the ass.

I mewled and giggled at the same time. “Ouch!” He leaned down and kissed both cheeks, then helped me pull my shorts back up.

“Behave, or there will be more.” His face was dark, and I felt a stir below my waist.

Henry climbed in the front and called back to us. “We’ll do a few miles down the beach to start. You’ll love it.”

I scrunched my face. “Hey, I’m a beginner! Remember? On sand?” I whined. They both chuckled. I crossed my arms and stared outside as we made our way up the coast.

He was right about one thing. I loved the view. Even with the absent sun, the swaying palms and oceanfront was breathtaking. He parked, we checked our sneakers and water bottles, and took off.

As the sun rose, I heated up fast. I took frequent breaks as Henry and Adrian looped me in the area, their set circle, creating the pace for the run. I tuckered out after my third loop and shook my head as the two of them competed in gladiatorial runs against each other. Even with the breeze off the water, I was too hot.

I finally stopped. “I can’t move anymore,” I called out. Adrian came over and gulped his water down before handing the rest to me. I took a sip and wiped my forehead.

“Get on my back,” he ordered.

I frowned. “I’ll hurt you. We’re too far from the car now.”

He snorted. “I didn’t say I would carry you the whole way, little wolf.” His face was firm, and I now knew that meant this would go his way.

I sighed and wrapped my arms and legs around his neck and waist as he lifted me up with an ease that suggested I might be weightless. I buried my face against his neck and inhaled. He smelled so good, even when covered in sweat.

“What are you doing?” Adrian asked in an amused tone. He knew exactly what I was doing, so I only giggled. He hopped a little, and that made me laugh.

“Tala.” He sighed my name and started walking us down the beach. I was unfamiliar with our surroundings, right up to the car where we found Henry waiting for us. When Adrian put me down on my feet, I spontaneously wrapped my arms around and hugged him. He rubbed my back.

“What’s this for?” he asked. I looked up and saw the surprise and delight in his face, and a flutter went through me.

“Do I need a reason?” I asked softly.

He hugged me tighter and kissed my hair. “Never.”