Rogue Excerpt 1 (560 words)
Rogue handed her the bags that weighed the least before loading up his arms with the rest. “Leave the laundry detergent in the truck, that stays here.” He used his head to point to the washer and dryer in the corner of the garage.
Stevie opened the door to the house and let him pass by since he had the heavier load. “Doesn’t the water line freeze out there?”
Misty was standing in the kitchen and took the bags from Stevie’s hand and put them on the counter. “Mr. Outlaw Biker keeps his garage heated for his precious bike. I swear he’d give it a bubble bath if he could figure out how to get it in the tub.”
The loud sound of a game show came from the living room. Misty took Stevie’s hand. “I’m so sorry to just drop in like this. Archie can be very insistent sometimes. If I don’t drive him where he wants to go, I’m afraid he’ll steal the keys and try to drive himself. Nobody wants that.”
Stevie looked to Rogue and then back to the diminutive woman clinging to her hand. “Uh, that’s fine. I’m just staying with Rogue for a short time. He’s doing me a favor and letting me crash in his spare room.”
Misty winked then patted her hand. “I know how those Steele twins are. Casanovas the both of them.” She laughed and shook her head. “There ain’t no shame in getting caught up in those pretty eyes of theirs. Lots of us women fall for those chocolate brown beauties.”
Jealousy shot through Stevie at the thought of the petite woman sleeping with Rogue. It shouldn’t bother her, it’s not like she was in a relationship with the man. Even if she wanted one.
“Misty.” Rogue’s voice held a warning. “Did Dad have a reason for wanting to stop by?” He stood behind Stevie and wrapped his arms around her waist. Pulling her into his embrace, he tucked his chin on her shoulder. The move was clearly claiming her in front of the other woman.
Misty shook her head and grinned. “You know how he gets sometimes. Archie came thundering into the den and threw down his jacket and said he was going to ‘Mac’s house to watch college football.’” Misty was putting away groceries as she spoke.
Stevie felt like she should be doing something to help. She started to move away from Rogue, but he tightened his grip. She smiled and turned to kiss his cheek when her burner cell rang. That was odd.
He looked at his father’s assistant. “College football season is over. He probably forgot about it before he got here. He seems happy to be watching game shows.”
After pulling the cell from her pocket she looked at the number. Only two people would have this number: Rogue and Detective Martin. Usually, he just texted code for times of meetings. The screen read “Anonymous” and that gave her pause. Hitting the button, she brought the phone to her ear but didn’t speak.
“Thanks for answering bitch. Now I can track you down and finish you off.”
Her body began to shake, and her vision became fuzzy around the edges.
“You’ll never be out of my reach.”
The line went dead. The phone slipped from her numb fingers to clatter to the floor.
Rogue Excerpt 2 (418 words)
His need to be close to Stevie pushed him to finish his shower quickly. It should have put him off, this over-the-top desire to shelter and protect a woman he had just met. It felt right, and one thing he learned over the years was to go with his gut.
He stepped out of the shower and dried quickly. He wrapped the towel around his waist then bent down to pick up his discarded clothes when the bathroom door opened. A female gasp had him standing up and turning quickly. Stevie was holding her backpack to her chest and her eyes were trained on his chest.
“I’m, I’m so sorry, Rogue. I — I didn’t know you were,” she stopped speaking. She didn’t move or look away from him. Her eyes were drinking in his body, her cheeks were pink, and she was nearly panting.
His body reacted, tenting the towel he clutched to his waist. When Stevie zeroed in on his erection and licked her lips, he made up his mind.
“Stevie. Look at me.” Her focus shifted slowly, taking in his abs, chest and then meeting his gaze. “If I’ve ever wanted anyone this badly, I damn well don’t remember it.” Rogue’s voice was hoarse and shook slightly. “I know this is happening fast, and I’ll turn around and leave if you ask me to, but please, don’t ask.”
She relaxed her arms, placing the backpack on the floor then took one step forward. “I want you, I want this. If you were to walk away from me now, I’m not sure I’d survive the rejection.” Stevie took another hesitant step toward him. In this small room, it brought her within arm’s reach. Raising her arms, she traced her fingertips over his stomach. “I can’t explain why it feels right, but it does. Please, Mac.”
The use of his real name was like pouring gasoline to fire. He dropped his clothes and pulled her toward him. “One of us is overdressed.”
He trailed his fingers down her arms, stopping at her wrists. He waited a moment to give her time to change her mind. The hem of her shirt was in his grasp as he slowly inched it up her torso.
Rogue’s fingers grazed her sides. He felt rough, scars on her left side. Stevie made a sound that reminded him of a wounded animal. “I find everything about you beautiful, angel.”
“But the scars, they’re so ugly. They —”
“They show you are a warrior, Stevie.”
Thank you for sharing Rogue! I really loved writing this book and hope readers enjoy it.
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