Tomorrow, you’ll meet Raffiel and Monroe in Ours for Hours. This book does not have a preorder setup, so be sure you’re signed up to my mailing list to be notified when it goes live!

Synopsis:

For Raffiel and Monroe, both life and love are crumbling underneath them. When they meet, their similarities motivate them to rebuild their foundations. To do that together, they must first release old ambitions and reservations. Will their weekend together lead to a lifetime of love, or will they part ways and force their memories of one another to be enough?

Raffiel

She was going to be upset. 

This was the third night that week Raffiel had been late.

He kept telling himself that his girlfriend, Nataly, would understand. They both worked for rich, powerful black families. In fact, those families were the reason Raffiel and Nataly were even together. It was their parents’ bright idea that the two families join. Had Raffiel not been attracted to Nataly he would not have even considered dating her… family be damned. To their credit, Nataly was beautiful and just as ambitious as he was when they’d first met three years ago, so getting together made sense. 

Time, however, unraveled things inside both of them that kept them from getting married immediately. Though Raffiel hadn’t found a way to tell his parents they would never get married, he wasn’t in much of a rush to end things. With his schedule and commitment to his family’s business, he had no room for love. Hell, he could barely take the time to date Nataly, and while she was understanding of the priority he placed on the business, Raffiel could also sense her growing frustration.

This was the third night he’d been late. 

In a rush to get to his woman, Raffiel quickly killed the engine of his Jaguar and jogged toward Nataly’s front door. Letting himself inside, he took the stairs by two up to her room. His haste was halted at the sound of knocking. Fist lifted to pound on the door, Raffiel listened intently. He wanted to believe his ears were playing tricks on him. It sounded like Nataly’s wooden bed was banging against the wall. 

Nataly’s quiet moans filled his ears causing his eyes to shut, but when he heard, “Nataly, this pussy is so fucking wet,” muttered by a familiar voice, they snapped back open. 

Jaw clenched, Raffiel’s fist opened. His fingers trembled as they covered the knob. With quiet, slow movements, Raffiel turned the knob and opened the door. His brother and girlfriend were so busy fucking each other they didn’t notice him step inside. Light, long steps led Raffiel over to the bed. He cracked his neck, watching them for a moment. 

When he couldn’t take it anymore, Raffiel chuckled before biting his bottom lip and wrapping his arm around his brother’s neck. Lifting him off the bed, Raffiel squeezed, more than okay with being the one to drain his brother of his soul. Nataly’s screams went in one ear and out of the other as she hopped from the bed and shielded herself with her black sheet and duvet… as if he hadn’t seen, felt, worshipped her body a million times before. 

As his brother, Montez, clawed at his arm, Raffiel tightened the hold he had on his neck. 

“You’re going to kill him!” Nataly yelled, scooting up the bed and pressing against the headboard. 

“That’s the point,” Raffiel gritted, staring into her eyes. He couldn’t look away. A part of him wanted Nataly to be looking at him the moment his brother died. His death was going to be on her hands, all because she allowed Montez to put his dick in her pussy. 

“Raffiel, please!” she begged with tears streaming down her cheeks. “Let him go!”

“Why?” Raffiel taunted, feeling his brother weaken against him. It wouldn’t be long soon. “You fell in love with him too?” He scoffed. “What am I saying? You were never in love with me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have cheated on me with my brother!”

“I did love you,” she assured, crawling over to the edge of the bed. Her covering fell, and Raffiel’s eyes lowered to her breasts. His eyes closed as he thought about his brother suckling them. “I do love you. I-it was a mistake!”

His eyes opened as Montez finally stopped moving against him. Releasing him, Raffiel allowed his limp body to hit the ground. 

“The only reason you aren’t on the floor next to him is because I was raised not to put my hands on women.”

“Rell, I…”

He lifted his hand to silence her. “You’d better stay the hell away from me and my family because I will be giving my sister permission to beat your ass every time she sees you.”

Nataly’s shoulders sagged as her expression covered with sadness. “Raffiel, please. Just let me explain.”

“I’ll have someone come and get my things.” He looked down at his brother, head shaking at the rise and fall of Montez’s chest. He was still alive. Unable to resist, he kicked Montez in the side of his head, unmoved by Nataly’s scream. “Remember what the fuck I said. It will be your only warning.”

Stepping over Montez’s body, Raffiel released a long breath as he loosened his tie. Their relationship had exceeded its expiration date. There was no doubt they would be over soon. And if Raffiel was to be honest with himself, it wasn’t the cheating that fucked with him most—it was who she’d cheated on him with. There was no sadness or hurt in his heart because of her infidelity. That was a reflection of her character, not an indication of anything he lacked. There was, however, a hell of a lot of hate in his heart toward her and his brother, and there was no doubt in Raffiel’s mind that neither would be dissolving soon.

Tomorrow - MISTER LIBRARIAN

Hey, book bae!

Tomorrow, Mister Librarian will be live for your reading pleasure! If you haven’t preordered it already, you can do so here.

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek. Indulge, and let me know in a comment if you’re ready for more!

Honey

 The literary gods and my professor smiled on me. Professor Johnson had given us a selected book to read and write an essay for. Since there weren’t any copies of The Book of Women by Marlon James at my school library, I had to go to the black historic library. It wasn’t necessarily a historic book, but it was written about a historic time, so I was hoping they had it in stock. If he didn’t, as long as I could see him, this wouldn’t be a wasted trip. 

My grin was wide as I strutted inside with a fast pace. Standing between the information and checkout desks and the computers section, I closed my eyes and allowed my sense of smell to take over. Immediately, my nostrils were engulfed by my favorite scent—books. As soon as I opened my eyes again, I had to resist releasing the clipped squeal that tried to come out as I skipped toward the aisles of long, thick bookshelves.

It was… beautifully overwhelming. My eyes were filled with wonder as I took in row and row of books. I didn’t even know where to start. A part of me wanted to see if The Book of Women was here, but Jesus. There was so much to explore. 

I found myself going down each row, fingers trailing over books here and there. At some points, I’d stop and grab something to scan, but for the most part, I just wanted to take in the majesty of so many books written by Black people all in one place. 

For the first time, I didn’t have to go to an African American section. This library housed thousands of books, and they were all written by people who looked like me. I started to get so emotional that I had to pause and take a few deep breaths while I dried my eyes. 

“Do you need help finding something?”

Even with his hushed tone, I knew it was him. That low honeyed voice was unforgettable. Chills covered my arms just at the sound of it. Slowly, I turned to face him, unable to deny the smile that spread my lips in the process. 

Mr. Librarian was devastatingly beautiful. Yes, he was handsome and sexy and fine… but God… was he beautiful. 

Like the first time I saw him, he was dressed professionally. Today, he wore black slacks and a navy-blue button-down shirt. It fit like it was made just for him—showcasing his muscular build and wide chest in the process. 

His hand lifted and thumb grazed the middle of his chin as he eyed me, showing off his classic silver timepiece. There was also a pair of diamond studs in his ears, but no necklace or bracelets. 

“Actually, yes and no.” My gaze lowered to my feet softly as I tried to pull in my smile. I felt like a little girl with a crush, and I didn’t know if it was because I was physically attracted to him or feeling attached to him because of what he’d done for me days earlier with Mr. Sheldon. “I’m here for a specific title, but I wasn’t looking for it just yet. This is my first time here, and I’m honestly blown away by the size and collection of these books.” A ghost of a smile lifted the corners of his lips briefly before he licked them and crossed his arms over his chest. When he didn’t reply, I added, “So you’re the manager?”

“I’m the owner,” he corrected, getting an impressed nod and eyebrow raise out of me. He didn’t look that much older than me, but that didn’t mean anything. Hell, there were kids creating businesses and opportunities that were making them millionaires these days… So it shouldn’t have surprised me that a young black man was able to create something for the culture. 

“That’s cool. I would live in a place like this if I could.”

This time when he smiled, it fully formed. “You don’t just restore books then?” he confirmed. “You actually read them?”

“Oh yes.” 

I couldn’t stop myself from gushing as I took a small step in his direction. I shouldn’t have done that, though, because it gave me the chance to smell his scent. It wasn’t loud and strong or the kind of scent you smelled from feet away. No. It was delicate and alluring… the kind of scent that made you want to get closer so you could smell it better… take in every note. My eyes fluttered as I inhaled, filling my nostrils with the sandalwood and oriental mix. He smelled… airy. There was no other way to describe it. I had taken such a long pause to inhale his scent that I forgot what we were even talking about. Mr. Librarian chuckled before licking those heart-shaped pink lips. They were lined in a brown shade that was darker than his sandy brown skin. 

His low beard connected to the tapered fade he was rocking. The sides were shaved low, and there was a curved line on the left side that gave him a slightly boyish appeal.

I liked it—a lot. 

But his eyes… I believe I was most captivated by his eyes. They were coffee brown in color with curly lashes framing them. I had to resist reaching out and running my finger across his naturally arched brow. 

“What book are you looking for?” he asked, keeping his voice low as our eyes remained locked. 

“I need The Book of Women by…”

“Marlon James,” he added with a bob of his head. Turning on his heels, he motioned for me with his hand as he said, “Follow me.”

I did, unable to keep my eyes from zeroing in on his back. I loved a man’s back, especially if he worked out. All I could visualize was my nails digging into his back as he dug into my pussy. With a quiet groan, I shook my head and tried not to think about that as I lowered my eyes. 

Damn!

He even had the perfect round butt!

Get it together, Honey!

“Is there a particular reason you’re looking for this book?” he asked, forcing me to stand next to him instead of behind him to ensure he’d hear my reply. 

“Yes. I have to do an essay on it for my creative writing class.”

“Interesting. What’s your classification?”

I smiled as we made a sharp left down one of the aisles I hadn’t made it to yet. The fact that he had black carpeting and shelves made me love this place even more. 

“I actually already have my bachelor’s degree in English, but I’m going back to get my master’s in creative writing.”

“Impressive,” he complimented, stopping and turning to face me. “Is it your goal to write fiction?”

Shrugging, I nodded. “Yeah, eventually. Book restoration pays my bills, and I’m content with doing that, but I would love to be an author one day—fiction and nonfiction. I also love to learn which is why I went back to school. I know that I can write and publish without a degree, but I’m a lover of knowledge and words.”

“Are you as good at writing as you are restoring books?”

Smiling, I shrugged again. I wasn’t used to a man asking me questions about school and work… books for that matter, but I was loving every second of it. 

“I’m not sure. Maybe you could read some of my work one day and let me know if you think I’m any good at it.”

“I’m sure you are.” He paused, head tilted as his eyes scanned my frame again. “I’m sure there are a lot of other things you’re good at too.”

There was something about his tone that was naughty. Or at least that’s how it sounded to me. I refused to believe he was actually flirting with me though… so blatantly at that. My head lowered briefly, and when I pulled it back up, a few of my curls had spilled over onto my face. 

Mr. Librarian made a quick work of gently pushing them out of my face and pushing my glasses back up the bridge of my nose. I only wore them when I was working or reading and hadn’t even bothered to take them off when I headed here. 

Before I could lose myself in the feel of his closeness, Mr. Librarian was extending his arm on the side of me and grabbing a book. He stepped closer, invading my personal space with his heat… filling my nostrils with his alluring scent. When his eyes lowered to my lips, I was unable to deny his attraction any longer. My mouth watered and I swallowed, hoping he wouldn’t notice my hardened nipples. 

All of my reservations about meeting new men flew out of the window with him. If he was anyone else, the invasion of my personal space would have been a crossed boundary that triggered me. But with him… I only wanted him closer. 

“Here you are,” he granted, extending me the book as his eyes remained locked on mine. 

My clumsy ass dropped the book when I tried to grab it, and it hit his foot. 

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” I whispered as loudly as I could, bending to grab the book. 

He groaned within his throat, but it wasn’t from pain. I knew that groan. That groan was from pleasure. I looked up at him, unable to deny the bulge in his pants in the process. 

“Unless you’re about to get on your knees, I really need you to stand up.”

I was so caught off guard and aroused by his comment I was speechless. Shit, a part of me wanted to drop to my knees right the fuck where we stood! See how quiet he could be while I sucked his dick in this library. But I didn’t know this man from Adam. The last time I’d moved so quickly with a man, he invaded my home with three of his friends and robbed me while one of them beat and tried to rape me. I guess it was his mercy that he stopped the rape and beating, but that for damn sure didn’t stop Chris from making sure they left with my money, jewelry, electronics, designer items, motorcycle, and bank information. 

That thought had my pussy drying instantly as I stood. 

“Thanks for helping me find the book,” I muttered, hating how my thoughts of that night could instantly shift my mood. 

“Come. I’ll set you up with a library card.”

“That would be nice,” I admitted with a small smirk. 

We walked to the front area of the library, where I gave him my license and answered a few questions for the application. He found my name to be fitting, and that wasn’t the first time I’d heard that. As soon as I came out of my mother’s womb with skin the same shade of honey like my father, she made up in her mind that would be my name. I couldn’t count how many times I’d had men ask me if I tasted as sweet as honey and that shit would be more and more played out each time. Mr. Librarian hadn’t asked that though, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it would have gotten a different reaction out of me if he did. 

“I want you to come back for more,” Mr. Librarian said, pulling me from my thoughts. 

It took me a second to register his words, but when I did, I confirmed, “More books? You didn’t finish your sentence.”

He grinned with one side of his mouth as he handed me the book and my new library card. “Yes, I did.” 

“Yes, sir,” I agreed, unable to keep my voice from dropping and displaying my arousal. 

He groaned again and bit down on his bottom lip before taking a few backwards steps then turning and walking away. I was glad he did, because I was a few seconds away from hopping over that counter and having my way with him…

A Heart's Connection - tomorrow!

Hey, book bae!

Here’s a sneak peek of A Heart’s Connection before it goes live tomorrow.

Also, click here to listen to my new book podcast!

—

Something was wrong. 

After checking the time on her silver Rolex a third time and seeing that they were now almost an hour late, Naima made the executive decision to cancel the drop and force Stefano to take that loss. 

“Make the call,” she ordered Pete, putting her shades on. 

“Are you sure?”

Slowly, her head turned in his direction. “What did you say?”

“I’m sorry, Naima. I’ll make the call.”

With one bob of her head, she returned her attention across the street. At the sight of a small gray car pulling up, she lifted her hand to stop him. Looking toward the left, she noticed three black trucks park a few feet behind. 

“Shit,” she grumbled, sitting up in her seat and cutting the Lil Baby that was playing down. 

Even though she knew her intuition was trying to prepare her for this moment, Naima waited instead of making a hasty decision. She watched as the man and woman got out of the car and looked toward the blacked-out trucks. They were dressed in exactly what Stefano told her they would be wearing. 

“They were searched and planted. CBP is with them to seize the drugs and arrest whoever does the pickup.”

“What do we do?” 

“Call Snipe. Do not let them walk into the building. Tell him to wait until I’m in my car and turning off the street. Then, you leave.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Quickly yet casually, Naima got out of Pete’s car and walked to hers. She kept her head low, making sure the couple didn’t spot her. Once she was inside, she sent Stefano a text letting him know they needed to meet ASAP. As soon as she turned off the street, shots began to ring out. 

All Naima could do was shake her head. This was exactly why she needed to maintain 100 percent control of her operation. She was too good and had been doing this for too long for shit like this to happen. Had Pete gone inside to collect, he would have been arrested. And even though Naima trusted he would maintain his loyalty to Stefano, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t be trailed long enough to lead them to him or Naima anyway. 

As much as Naima loved what she did, this was the second sign that it was time for her to retire or relocate. The first? Stefano’s grandson’s release from prison…

—

Are you ready for tomorrow? Let me know in a comment below! There’s still time to preorder here!

Holiday Novella Set - Last 2 Books!

Hey, book bae!

The last two books of the holiday novella set have been completed. I hope to have them ordered within the next few days, but Amazon is already releasing January delivery dates because it is the holiday season. I will get them to you as quickly as I can, but EXPECT THESE TO TAKE LONGER THAN THE PREVIOUS TWO BOOKS!

If you have not placed your order yet, you have until the 20th to do so. After that, these books will not be available for purchase until next year around this same time. You can order here.

Check out the samples below!

And also, audiobooks are available here!

Synopsis:

Holly hates Christmas, and it’s been that way ever since she was fifteen. No matter how much her teenaged daughter, Ailey, tries to lift her spirit… it never seems to work. Christmas just isn’t the same without her first love, and it doesn’t help that that time is a bitter reminder of the day he left her. But Emmanuel didn’t leave Holly with nothing to remember him by—he left her with their child—a child he knows nothing about. When Holly and Emmanuel make their way back into each other’s lives… they both have truths and secrets that are hard for the other to digest. Will their reunion be a Christmas miracle, or will his return make Holly hate the holiday even more?

Sample:

“Mm,” she moaned, digging her small orange spoon inside. The moment Holly placed the spoon into her mouth, her body weakened and eyes closed in delight… but not even a second passed before the energy around her shifted. 

As cold as it was outside, her body heated while chills covered her arms. Though she felt a presence behind her, Holly was in no rush to turn around and see who it was. They weren’t outside alone, so she didn’t fear for her life, but the feeling in the pit of her gut was definitely unsettling. 

“You deserve forever,” came from behind her, and though she didn’t fully recognize the voice, she’d never forget those words.

Those three words.

They were the three words Emmanuel always said to her—including the night he took her virginity. She told him that she’d planned to share her body with her husband, and he swore that was him… because she deserved forever. 

Imagine her surprise when forever turned into one night. 

Slowly, Holly turned… refusing to believe what she was seeing. 

Fifteen years. 

She’d never forget that face. 

Her eyes blinked rapidly as she fought back tears. 

Every day she wondered how she’d feel if she ever saw Emmanuel again. The relief she thought she’d have was replaced with surprise as her ice cream dropped from her hand. 

“Am I fucking crazy?” she muttered to herself more than him. Her hand trembled as it lifted to touch his face.  Holly refused to believe he was real.  Under her touch, Emmanuel smiled softly. “Are you real?”

Emmanuel nodded softly. “I am.”

Before Holly could stop herself, she was slapping him so hard the sound drew attention their way as she scowled. Snatching her purse off the table, she stormed over to her car as her tears began to fall. 

Anger. 

That’s what had taken over now. 

How dare he say those words to her like they meant anything?

Forever, yeah, she deserved forever alright.

Forever taking care of a child he didn’t even know about because he’d left her when she needed him most. 

“Holly,” he called, but she kept walking, hoping he wouldn’t chase after her. 

Honestly, she’d let him stop her—let him explain himself—but his reasoning wouldn’t matter. What they’d had all those years ago was over, and there was nothing he could say or do to fix that.

Synopsis:

Arya has a list of everything she wants in a man… cultivated by thoughts of her best friend. After a bad and public breakup, Arya has the opportunity to connect with the man who created the mold for her soulmate in a way she never thought was possible. Agreeing to a fake engagement has them on the cusp of real love. Will Arya surrender to the man with everything on her love list, or will their siblings stand in the way of their happily ever after?

Sample:

Please note, The Influence of Love has been reworked for novella publishing as The Love List. You can read the already published sample here.

Unedited

Arya

 Arya’s excitement couldn’t be contained, and after how hard she’d worked for her success, she shouldn’t have to contain it. Out of everyone in her life, Arya most wanted to share the great news with her fiancé, Zion. Though he’d been acting distant lately, he had still been her biggest cheerleader. That was why Arya made her way to his office building to share the good news in person. 

Had she called, he probably would have ignored it, which would have irritated her. Besides, some things were best discussed in person… and landing her first six-figure speaking engagement was one. Just thinking about it had Arya’s grin widening as she parked her customized lavender G-Wagon. After looking her caramel toffee colored face over, Arya got out of her car and headed toward the tall office building. 

As a self-employed content creator, she was definitely Zion’s opposite. Since childhood, he had his plan for his life mapped out, and a large part of that plan included becoming a lawyer like his father. Their difference in career showed how they balanced each other out. Where Arya went with the flow and dreamed big, Zion had a plan for everything and logically maneuvered through reality. 

While riding the elevator up to the eleventh floor, Arya responded to a few emails—the most important one being sent to her social media manager. 

At the sound of the elevator dinging, her head lifted, and she dropped her phone into her large, black bucket bag. Stepping off the elevator, Arya turned left and headed down the gray carpet in the direction of Zion’s office. She knocked on his door twice before peeking her head in. Zion’s lips lifted slightly into a small smile as he bobbed his head and motioned for her to come in. After closing the door behind her quietly, Arya made her way over to his dark brown, large desk and sat on the opposite side. 

While she waited for him to finish his phone conversation, her eyes scanned the awards and diplomas that lined the wall behind his desk. At thirty-five, Zion was one of the youngest partners at his law firm. Having chosen corporate law instead of criminal, his days were often filled with meetings about mergers more than anything else. Arya may not have found much excitement in his niche of choice, but it seemed to be safe and secure and it paid well, so she had no complaints. 

A long sigh escaped Zion as he set his iPhone on his desk. Sitting back in his seat, he looked her face over intently. There was a time he wouldn’t be in her presence without showering her with kisses as he held her close. Now, their affection seemed to be reserved for dates and late nights. Arya often tried to avoid overthinking the change in their relationship, especially since they were newly engaged.

“Hey,” he greeted, sitting up in his seat. “Is everything okay?”

Arya cleared her throat and cupped her hands in her lap. Holding back her smile, she led with, “Everything’s great. I had some good news that I wanted to share with you in person.”

“It couldn’t wait until I got off work?”

Her face twisted in confusion. 

“I didn’t think my fiancé would have a problem with me coming to his job to share some great news.” Arya stood, ignoring the sound of her name escaping his lips like a soft plea. 

Zion made his way across the room quickly, grabbing her wrist softly to hold her in place.

Shoulders caved, Arya sighed and looked toward the ground, unable to look into his eyes. At this point, she regretted going to see him. Her mood was shifting as much as she didn’t want it to, and what was supposed to be a great time was turning into one filled with irritation. That was one of the things she wished she could change about herself – how overly sensitive and emotional she could be. Highly emotionally intelligent, Arya was able to quickly and logically work her way through what she was feeling… but it was the act of feeling so deeply and being swayed by the words and actions of others that bothered her so damn much.

“I’m sorry, okay?” Zion’s voice, still soft added, “Of course it’s not a problem,” as he lifted her head and her eyes to his. “It’s been a long day and I’m wound a little tight. That’s no excuse for me taking it out on you though.”

Remaining silent, Arya shook her head as he cupped both of her hands in his. “Can we start over, love?” Zion requested, closing the space between them. After placing a kiss to her cheek and lips, he wrapped her in the warmth of his embrace. “Good afternoon, Arya. I’m happy you stopped by.”

As much as Arya wanted to keep from giving in so easily, the longer he held her, the more her ill feelings faded away. 

“Good afternoon.” Dropping her arms from his neck, Arya put some space between them. “I’ll just talk to you later.”

When she tried to walk away, he gripped her hand. “I want to hear the good news.”

“I’m not in the mood to talk to you about it anymore, Zion. I was really happy about this, and I don’t want you being overwhelmed at work to ruin it.”

“It won’t, I promise. I’m sure this is what I need to lift my spirit. Why don’t I take my lunch break now and you can tell me all about it?”

Arya nibbled her bottom lip for a few seconds as she thought it over. “Okay.”

The left corner of his mouth lifted into a lazy smile. “Do you have a taste for anything in particular?”

“I was going to go to my usual Italian spot after I left here.” 

Zion chuckled with a nod. Once a week, Arya went to the same Italian restaurant to try something new on their menu. It was one of the standing dates she had with herself every week – going to the same restaurant until she had everything they offered. 

“I know that’s your you time, so I won’t impose. How about we go for a walk by the river?”

“That works.”

With a nod, Zion went to his desk and called his assistant and receptionist. After letting them both know he was leaving the office for a half hour, they headed out. As happy as Arya wanted to be over the effort Zion was extending, she couldn’t help but think about how different things had been lately. It seemed as if things had been off between them ever since she told him she’d chosen a date to announce their wedding date and show their picture on her social media. 

For the entire year and a half length of their relationship, Arya had been very private. Because Zion held their relationship just as sacredly, he liked that she didn’t expect him to have her plastered all on his social media either. Though she’d built her brand on femininity, romanticizing everyday life, love, and relationships… her own relationship was too personal of a thing to share with her followers. However, getting married was big news in her industry—evident by all the brand proposals and possible sponsorships she’d gotten just from announcing the engagement. 

The drive from his office to the Mississippi river wasn’t a long one, and it was done in silence. As they began their walk, Zion looked at her until she caved and smiled, then he mirrored it. 

“Tell me the good news.”

“You know that new dating site The Single Standard?”

Zion nodded in recollection. “Yeah.”

“Well… they follow me and saw me announce that I would be sharing our picture and wedding date soon and offered me a hundred thousand dollars to speak at their singles seminar on waiting and preparing for the one.”

“One hundred thousand dollars?” Zion clarified, surprise lifting his voice. 

Chuckling softly, Arya nodded. “Yes! Can you believe it?”

“That’s amazing, love. I see why you were so excited. Congratulations!”

“Thank you,” she muttered as he brushed her shoulder with his. “This is the most I’ve ever been offered for a partnership, and it’s the first time I’ve ever been asked to speak, so I’m definitely really excited.”

“I’m sure this is just the beginning. You were made for this. I’m happy to be a part of what’s getting you to the next level in your career.”

Seeing that as the opportunity she needed to bring up how things had been lately, Arya looked up and into the sunny sky. 

“Are you? Because since we agreed that we would show a picture of ourselves on my social media it seems like you’ve been pulling away. Distant at least. Have you changed your mind about the reveal?”

Zion’s feet stopped. He ran his hand down his wavy hair as he turned slightly in her direction. Doing the same, Arya looked up and into his dark brown eyes. 

“Can I be honest with you?”

“Always.”

“I’m not really feeling that no more. Things have been really peaceful between us. This is the first relationship I’ve been in, in years, that I held this sacred, and I think that’s why it feels so good. Why it’s been a success. I don’t want us sharing our love with the world to cause problems. I know you have to share your life with the world on your YouTube channel and shit, but I’ve enjoyed being your secret. I’m not 100 percent sure I’m ready for us to share what we have with the world yet.”

“Why haven’t you said anything, baby?”

His shoulders caved. “I didn’t want you to feel like I was hiding something or trying to stop you from elevating.”

“I wouldn’t think that. You can always talk to me. I’m not in this relationship alone, so it’s not my call to make all decisions concerning us. We’re a team. If you want us to keep our relationship private I will. I can talk about the engagement and wedding without giving dates or showing pictures of us. It’s no big deal.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m positive. I don’t want anything to mess up what we’re building.”

When Zion connected their lips for a passionate kiss, it amplified his words effortlessly. He’d given her no reason to doubt him, and Zion had no problem showing her how much he valued what they had. Sure, things had been a little boring lately, but it wasn’t anything worth worrying about.

“Thank you for being understanding. Let me just think on it, okay? I’ll let you know in a few days.”

Though relieved that Zion had finally opened up to her about what had been bothering him, she was a little bummed that he was changing his mind. Still, she would honor his decision and not post their wedding date and picture if he wasn’t comfortable with it. Her followers would be disappointed, and it was probably going to limit the deals she could take, but it would be worth it. Above all, Arya was willing to do whatever it took to maintain the peace within her relationship. It was worth that. 

Final Sneak Peek - In His Possession 2

Hey, book bae!

Here’s one last look into In His Possession 2 before it goes live tomorrow! Hmmm what can I say about this book? Well, for one thing, it focuses on all Black siblings. I wanted to give you the feels for them before we shift gears in 2022 with the Mayhem brothers. (Don’t worry, the Black siblings are still main characters, just not in the forefront.) It also has a couple of unexpected twists, so buckle up, and get ready for this wild yet loving ride!

To preorder, click here!

Unedited

Assad

Once Maria was asleep, Assad made his way to his bedroom. Scarlett was already in bed, back turned in the opposite direction than usual. Every night, her chest was on his. Leg wrapped around him. Arm holding him tightly. Tonight, she was scrunched up in a ball almost on the edge of the bed—like that would keep him from touching her. 

Sighing, Assad pulled his shirt over his head. “Do you want to talk about this tonight or in the morning?”

She smiled. “Now you want to talk?”

Assad nodded as he headed for the master bathroom. “I deserve that, but yes, I would like to discuss this tonight so we can sleep peacefully. If you don’t want to talk, I understand.”

After tossing the rest of his clothing into the dirty clothes basket, Assad cut on the shower and closed the glass door to give it time to heat and steam up. Looking his tattooed chest over in the mirror, he waited for Scarlett to decide. Whatever she was most comfortable with, they’d do. 

Thankfully, Scarlett made her way inside the bathroom. She sat at the mauve vanity he’d gotten her. It was the only thing in the room that wasn’t black or gold. Assad had given her full permission to change the décor up any way she saw fit, but Scarlett loved what he’d done with the estate. She said it fit him perfectly and she didn’t want to change that. 

Along with the mauve vanity, the only other thing Scarlett wanted was to add plants in every room and Assad had no problem giving her that. 

“I get that what happens with Maria is between you and her mother, but when I become your wife, I need your word that you won’t shut me out like this.” She paused, running her hands up and down her bare thighs. The brown silk gown she had on was short as hell, barely covering her fat ass cheeks, and Assad was trying his hardest not to lower his eyes between her legs to look at that pretty pink pussy. “It’s a lot of shit going on right now, and I was worried sick about you. You weren’t answering anyone’s calls, and I didn’t know what the hell was going on with you. If you don’t want to go into detail about what you’re doing or what’s bothering you, I’m okay with that, but please, respect me enough to communicate the fact that you don’t want to communicate at that moment. I can’t be left in the dark like that again, Assad.”

Making his way over to her, Assad squatted and took her hands into his. She looked down at him with those beautiful honey-colored eyes and his heart turned to mush. 

“I apologize for not communicating with you. There was no excuse for that, but it wasn’t personal. When I’m upset, I shut down, but I will make it up to you.” He kissed both of her hands. “And you’re right, what happens with Maria is between me and her mother, but you’re an extension of me, so you’re included in it too. I have to be mindful of that and include you, but I want you active in my daughter’s life. She has grown so attached to you and I know you love her like she is your own. Jessica and I may make decisions for Maria in general, but I will always discuss things with you when it concerns our household. I don’t want today to make you think I don’t value your place in her life.”

“I know you didn’t intentionally leave me out. I just don’t want you to make a habit out of that. We’re partners and I want it to stay that way. No matter what you have going on, you don’t have to deal with it alone anymore, okay? I will always be by your side.”

This. 

This was one of the most beautiful parts of their union. 

The partnership.

The partnership he hadn’t been blessed to see his mother and father have. 

No matter how used to handling shit on his own Assad was, Scarlett always reminded him with respect, love, and grace that didn’t have to be the case anymore. At times, it was hard as fuck releasing the independent mentality he’d garnered over the years. Being in control and responsible of an entire multi-million-dollar organization intensified that. More than anything, it was a means of self-preservation. One that kept him from being disappointed when motherfuckers were inconsistent or walked out of his life altogether. 

But not Scarlett.

From day one she’d wholeheartedly accepted him and shown him what God meant with the act of two becoming one.

It would take mindfulness for him to remember he wasn’t doing this shit alone anymore, but Assad was willing to actively practice it. Having her by his side provided a peace and rest that Assad hadn’t been able to experience with any other woman in his life, and he wouldn’t allow anything, not even himself, to ruin that.

Sample + Details for - In His Possession 2

Hey, book bae!

I hope you’re ready for more of the Black Mayhem Mafia! We have a family affair happening 12.1.21— Assad & Scarlett’s wedding!

Playlist

Preorder

Synopsis

In His Possession… she found freedom—and love.

Assad and Scarlett are preparing for a winter wonderland wedding that the city of Memphis won’t soon forget. But will a few issues from their pasts and unsuspecting guests turn their white Christmas into a dark, bloody mess?

Sneak Peek

Unedited

Assad 

October

Swerving his black Tesla into his mother’s driveway, Assad lowered the volume on the Kevin Gates he was playing. Though his expression was stone, his nerves were rattling like a baby’s toy internally. Since she was regularly taking her mood stabilizers and getting the proper amount of rest, Kirby had been a lot more intuitive and selfless lately. She’d regained the ability to see and feel what her sons were feeling without their consent. And since he could hear the worry in her voice when she called, Assad didn’t want his ill feelings to further consume her.

Kirby had her ways in the past, but Assad’s unconditional love for her wouldn’t allow him to not come when she called. She’d been working diligently to care for and restore herself while bettering her relationship with both him and Hassan. He’d even allowed her to keep Maria and AJ overnight. At this point, he was willing to do whatever it took to help her maintain her peace… even if that meant being a few minutes late for his meeting with the rest of the heads of the mafia.

After cutting his car off, Assad stepped out and looked around the empty street and quiet neighborhood. He covered his eyes with his Versace shades as a hard exhale escaped him. Running his fingers down the corners of his mouth, Assad headed toward the front door. The door was already unlocked, so when he stepped inside, Assad went directly to the kitchen since that’s where Kirby usually was.

Sure enough, she was seated, eyes darting from one corner in the kitchen to another as she nibbled on her thumbnail. Relief washed over her body and it went limp at the sight of him. 

“What’s going on?” Assad asked, heading over to the round, glass table. 

“Colton called me.”

“And?” He sat down, unsure why this call had gotten this type of anxiousness out of her. It didn’t matter how much he told his mother not to entertain him when he called, she did. A part of him wondered if it was because she hoped one day he’d call to apologize and seek her forgiveness but that had yet to be the case. 

“This call was different.”

“How so?”

“He’s coming home. Soon.”

“What makes you say that?”

Kirby stood and grabbed the dish towel hanging off the edge of the sink. The moment she began to wipe off the already clean countertop Assad clenched his jaw. She’d been doing so damn good—the last thing she needed was Colton’s taunts to cause her to relapse. 

“He told me that he can’t wait to see me when he gets here. He says we need to talk.”

“What did you say?”

“I told him that there’s nothing we need to discuss, especially in person.”

Assad stood with one bob of his head. “Then why are you so worried? Did he threaten you or say he was coming to see you anyway?”

Leaning against the sink, Kirby rubbed the center of her chest. “I don’t have a good feeling about this. I don’t know why that conversation made me so anxious, but it did. Do you have a plan in place for when he comes? Is there a way you can denounce him and make it clear we don’t have anything to do with him?” Kirby slowly walked back over to the table and stood across from him. “I’m not worried about him bothering me. It’s you and my grandbabies I’m worried about.” 

That sinister smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “I don’t need you over here worried about that, okay? I’ll put two guards on the house to make sure he doesn’t try to pop up.” Assad lowered his shades to make sure she was looking in his eyes when he added, “Colton can call and make plans all he wants. The moment he’s spotted, he will be taken care of. We can keep it gangsta or be gentlemen about it, his choice. But you don’t have to worry about us, Ma. We’re going to take care of it.”

Releasing a loaded breath, Kirby nodded and blinked rapidly. “A part of me wishes me and April could handle his ass but she’s so holier than thou her ass would try to throw holy water on me if I even stepped foot in the same room as her.”

Though April’s extreme religious antics shouldn’t have been funny, Assad couldn’t help but chuckle. April’s hatred of Kirby and the sons she birthed had never been a secret. He’d never seen an adult feel so bitter toward a child for merely existing until he was old enough to recognize the hate in her eyes when she looked at them. It used to fuck with him as a kid, but now… he had no fucks to give. 

“Fuck April. If you want that, you’ll have that. I’ll put ’im at your feet and let you release his spirit. Whatever it takes to make sure you keep up the progress you’ve been making.”

Her head hung briefly as he stood. “I’m not going to let him get in my head, son. I promise. Peace comes from knowing you’re going to handle this. I can’t lie… Colton has a way of…” Her head shook as she stared through him in thought. Her eyes were frozen, but when she blinked, that seemed to pull her out of her trance. “I-I’m sorry I…”

“I can’t control you, so if you answer his calls that’s on you. You know how he gets to you and makes you start thinking differently. It won’t do me any good to make moves to keep him away from us all if you willingly invite him back into your life during a moment of weakness.” He paused before adding, “I need you to promise me that you won’t answer any more of his calls. Don’t give him the opportunity to convince you that he’s changed in any way. Can you do that?”

Kirby cleared her throat as her brows wrinkled. “He just… gets me so flustered. I know in my mind that he’s a horrible evil that needs to be put down permanently. But there’s still this part of me that…” She looked away. “Feels love for him and attached to him. Hope that maybe one day…”

“That’s not love,” Assad rejected quickly. “You’ve never loved him. Y’all bonded through trauma and pain and that’s a hard bond to break. You’re healing and living better than you ever have. There should be no confusion about how detrimental Colt would be to that.”

“You’re right,” she almost whispered. “I won’t answer anymore of his calls.”

Assad wasn’t 100 percent confident in her words but all he could do was trust them and her. “Okay. Call me or Sanny if you need anything.”

She nodded, losing herself in her thoughts yet again, and it was taking everything in Assad to not call Colt and try to find out his location right the fuck now. Kirby had been doing too fucking good to be swayed by the slithering of such a common snake. One who had been bad for her in every way possible. In fact, the only good things that came from Colt were the children he’d made and empire he gave. 

All the hope and grace Assad had stored up for his father over the years faded with each day of his absence and neglect. Each day of his presence and abuse. Disrespect. Too many lives had been shifted and hearts broken for Colt to have mercy. But he’d get it—as long as Assad was the boss of all bosses. One chance to leave the city in peace. If Colt didn’t take it, that mercy would expire… and so would Colt’s time here on earth.

—

Tell me in a comment what you’re expecting to happen at this wedding!

Final Sneak Peek - A Father's Objection

Tomorrow, the saga continues with Dijon, Naeem, and Destiny. Here’s one last sneak peek before their book goes live. In the meantime, you can preorder it here.

Checking the time on his phone, Naeem drew in a long breath. The more he tried to remain calm, the more his nerves unraveled. 

Even with a decade passing between them, there was no doubt in Naeem’s mind that he would recognize her. He was waiting at her gate, hoping he wouldn’t lose his shit at the sight of her. 

How was one supposed to prepare to see the wife they’d spent years thinking was dead?

When passengers began to enter the airport, Naeem stood. A weight seemed to press on his chest, making it impossible for him to breathe. 

The second his eyes landed on her, Naeem’s heart stopped. Literally stopped. His mouth opened, trying to pull in air for his lungs. They seemed to have caved, too. His knees weakened. Naeem dropped, unable to hold himself up any longer. 

Destiny covered her mouth and clutched her stomach… staring at him for a few seconds before jogging over to him. He grabbed her hips and looked up at her as tears fell from his eyes.

Yeah.

There was no way in hell he would have ever been able to prepare for this. 

Destiny’s fingers trembled as they tilted his chin. 

“Naeem,” she choked out before her sob grew. Her hands gripped his arms and tugged him up, and Naeem wasted no time lifting her into the air and spinning her around. 

Before he could register what was happening, her lips were covering his. For a moment, he succumbed. Allowed himself to experience his first love. But as soon as her tongue slipped between his lips, Naeem pulled away and placed her back on her feet. 

He should have wiped the kiss off… but he couldn’t. 

Not yet.

Not until it dried and he fully savored it. 

“I’m with someone,” he reminded, covering his rapidly beating heart. “I told you that.”

Not bothering to process his words, Destiny pressed herself into his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. His eyes closed and body weakened against her. Arms encircled around her waist, Naeem picked her up again… needing her as close as possible. 

“I missed you so much,” she confessed, placing a kiss to his neck before burying her face there. “I’m so happy right now.” Her body shook against his as she tried to stop crying. “This is the closest I’ve felt to our sons since that night. God, I needed this.”

At the mention of their sons, Naeem placed her back on her feet. Turning to the side, he wiped his face. His breath was hard and shaky as he composed himself. Once he was sure he wouldn’t cry another tear, Naeem turned to face her. 

“Sorry doesn’t feel good enough to express how I feel about not being there that day. If I would have just… let someone else handle that situation…”

Destiny’s head shook as she gripped his hands. “Don’t tell me you’ve spent all this time feeling guilty over what happened to us?” When he remained silent, she smiled softly and kissed him quickly. “He would have tried me any chance he could get, Naeem. He was obsessed with me. I-I should have told you that he flirted with me often, but I didn’t say anything, because it felt good to be admired still. That was a weird phase for me. Between trying to be supermom and wife so young and find myself, I lost myself. So when he would stare at me and make little comments when you weren’t around, it made me feel good.”

“Whether you liked his flirting or not, that was no reason for him to think he could have sex with you. You didn’t do anything to deserve being raped, Destiny. And you for damn sure didn’t do anything that would justify him shooting you and killing our sons.”

When her tears poured, Naeem wiped them but eventually pulled her into his chest so she could release them freely. Not caring about who was around, he allowed her to shed all the pain she’d been harboring alone for years. He’d been telling himself that he needed this moment to get to her father, but the truth of the matter was, they needed time to grieve their sons too. Naeem just prayed she didn’t mistake his brief moment of weakness for a chance to get together again.

One or two small kisses or not, Naeem’s heart belonged to Dijon. No matter how broken and dark it was… it was hers… and he wasn’t going to let anyone, not even Destiny, have access to it. 

—

Are you ready? Let me know in a comment below!

Final sneak peek for Bloody Fairy + new covers!

Hey, book bae!

Here’s the final sneak peek for Bloody Fairy. If you have not already purchased your holiday novella set, you can do so here.

Also, I’m giving a few books a facelift with new covers. At the top of that list was my five-year anniversary bundle from last years’ celebration! If you have not already read Faded Mirrors, Love is the Byline, or Faded Love… now is the perfect time to do so :)

New covers, but the story is still the same. P.S. If you were waiting for the update novella, Faded Love, it is included in Love is the Byline!

Syena

Two days had passed since Diesel bit Syena, and she hadn’t felt right since. The only person who knew so far was her closest friend, Onju. When Syena frantically realized the consequences of becoming a vampire, the main one being her inability to go deep into the sea, she almost lost it. It was no secret that vampires didn’t step on holy ground or into large bodies of water, fearing both would cleanse them of the darkness and evil within them. For two days, she’d only been able to dip her body into water before hiding in the black tent Onju purchased her, hoping no one would see. 

Onju assured her that by the end of her turning stage she’d be a full vampire, but it didn’t look like that would be the case. She still looked half vamp and half fairy, and her symptoms were getting worse. Syena coughed as her body shivered. She was cold yet sweating. Her entire body ached, and she had a nagging headache that wouldn’t go away. Clutching her stomach as it turned, she groaned and rocked gently from side to side. 

“Sy,” Onju whispered. “Open up.”

“I can’t,” she whined. “It hurts to move.”

“Rasha is with me. Maybe she can help.”

Inhaling a deep breath, Syena groaned and rolled a few times. She unzipped the tent, then rolled back to the center of it. As they both huddled inside, Onju closed the tent behind them. 

“Sweetie,” Rasha called softly, feeling her forehead. “You’re burning up. Your pupils are dilated.” Her hand went to the center of Syena’s chest. “Your heartbeat is irregular.” Her head shook. “What were you thinking, Syena?”

“Well…” She coughed. “I didn’t really ask for this. I just told a very literal man that I wanted to live forever, and this was his way of helping me.” As much as she wanted to be upset with Diesel, she smiled. She’d been missing him like crazy but told herself staying away was for his own good. 

“Who is your sire?”

Syena looked from Rasha to Onju. “I-I don’t want to say.”

“He should be with you. He’s your ward, so it’s his job to protect you and take care of you.”

“I didn’t want to get him in trouble.”

“You’re in trouble.” Rasha took her hand into hers. “By your symptoms, you’re in stage two of your turning. Has your sight weakened yet?” Syena shook her head. “Good. You need to get to him as quickly as you can before you get to stage three.”

“What happens in stage three?”

Onju and Rasha looked at one another. “You will need to feed, but you won’t be able to control it. Your appetite for blood will consume you. You need to be with someone who can help you.”

“If I just stay here… I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’ll just keep myself locked up in here. That way, everyone will be safe.”

Rasha smiled sweetly. “My love… You don’t have that kind of power.”

“How about this?” Onju started. “Why don’t you tell me who it is, and I will check on you every twelve hours? If it looks like it gets to a point that you can’t handle it, I will tell him, but only if I believe you’re about to harm someone or you’re in danger yourself.”

Syena considered her offer briefly. “Okay. That sounds fair.”

“It’s important that you stay hidden, Syena,” Rasha reminded. “If anyone, and I do mean anyone, sees you before you turn fully, you will be banished.”

“And what about when I turn fully? Won’t they recognize me?”

“No. You will be able to fully reinvent yourself.”

Syena smiled. Her eyes blinked as they watered. Nostrils flaring, she released a shaky breath. 

“I’ll get forever… with Diesel.” She snapped her hand over her mouth, but it was too late. 

“Diesel!” Onju shrieked before covering her own mouth. “Diesel?” she repeated. 

“Yes, and stop saying my man’s name like that.”

Rasha chuckled. “She’s definitely half vamp now.” Turning to Onju she said, “You make sure you keep an eye on her. Summon me if you need me. I’m only a whisper away.”

As soon as Syena closed her eyes to blink, Rasha was gone. 

“Did this happen the day he saved you?” Onju wondered.

Her head shook. “No. When I went to find him and thank him, we ended up talking and connecting. He made me feel like he saw me and understood me in a way that no one ever had before. I mentioned to him that I was kind of down about the end of my life cycle, and he asked me what I would do if I would have more time. I told him, we made magical love, and he bit me so I could live forever.” She chuckled softly before coughing and groaning as her stomach pain increased.

“Okay, okay. As much as I would love to hear more, you need to rest. Has the sunlight been bothering you through the tent?”

“No, thankfully. I’ve just been really hot, but that probably could be because of him.”

“Yeah. Your insides are basically replaced with his, so you’ll need to get used to the heat. I have to go before the girls notice I left, but I’m going to check on you tonight before I go home, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you, Onju. For everything.”

They shared a brief hug before Onju left and Syena tried to go to sleep, but the pain made that almost impossible. She tried to convince herself that staying away from Diesel was for the best and they could be together forever when she turned… but Syena was starting to crave him more and more.

Bloody Fairy - Sneak Peek!

Hey, book bae!

Here’s the first full chapter for Diesel. Bloody Fairy goes live tomorrow! I’m dropping the link as soon as I wake up in the AM, so I highly recommend you sign up for my mailing list if you haven’t already by texting BLOVE to 42828 and confirming via email. Please note: Bloody Fairy will ONLY be available as a paperback in the holiday novella set!

Diesel —

Diesel’s cloudy-gray eyes roamed the crowded bar they were in. Something was off, and as one of the leaders in his crew, it was his responsibility to find out what. They were in Hulel, known as the Thin Line neighborhood of Ettez-Nav. In Hulel, you were more likely to find all forms of supernaturals coexisting. Sometimes it ended in peace, and others, it ended with bloodshed. That was the risk you took when you visited Hulel, but most times, it was worth it. 

Standing, Diesel looked around the bar in search of what had his senses heightened. His eyes landed on the crowd of people outside the doors. Sniffing the air, his jaw clenched. Though he smelled death… he also smelled salt. Sweetness. Sea.

She was here. 

Making his way through the crowd, Diesel opened the door and spread the small group of people with his arms. Sure enough, Syena was huddled inside, shivering. Her body may have shown her fear, but her face did not. She looked up at him, bright-blue eyes shining. 

“She’s mine,” he claimed, pushing the red-eyed vampires away from her. Their eyes and protruding fangs were all the proof he needed that they were just seconds away from feasting on her. Had Diesel been anyone else, they probably would have tried to jump him for her. But luckily for her, he wasn’t a vampire that could easily be messed with. 

With a foot of space between them, they walked away from the bar. Diesel went to the right, heading toward Fiezel—fairy territory. She didn’t live directly in the neighborhood but right in front of it. He’d be safer around them than she would be around his people. Though there had been a longstanding hatred of fairies from vampires because of the goodness they represented, Diesel always had a thing for them. Maybe it was forbidden desire or him being attracted to their sweetness, softness, and light. Whatever the case… defiling a precious fairy had always been on his to-do list, but he had yet to get around to it. 

Honestly, the reward didn’t seem worth the risk. If anyone found out that he’d been with a fairy or even befriended one, he risked banishment from his neighborhood, Vulderward, or being staked. Still… when he saw Syena trapped this morning… he had to save her. Diesel still hadn’t figured out why. 

“You shouldn’t be here,” Diesel scolded, voice low. “Especially alone. Where are the rest of your friends?”

“They wouldn’t come when I told them I wanted to find you.”

He looked down at her. There was about a difference of two feet between them. She was so short and tiny… yet beautiful. Those piercing blue eyes, sculpted bones and pointy nose. Full, curvy lips. 

“Why are you looking for me?”

“I wanted to thank you. You saved my life.” Syena paused, determination covering her face. “I also wanted to ask why.” She looked up at him briefly, pulling her hands behind her back. The blue, thin dress she had on was spaghetti strapped and flowy at the bottom, stopping just above her knees. Its hue looked beautiful against her walnut-brown skin. Her blue hair was wet and slicked back, stopping at her underarms. “We all know vamps hate fairies, so why did you save me?”

Diesel sighed and looked straight ahead. He placed his hands in the pockets of his cargo pants. “I don’t know.” He paused for a beat. “And vamps didn’t start out hating fairies. In the beginning, we were extremely attracted to and lured toward fairies. Your blood was intoxicating to us.”

Syena smiled as she looked up at him. “I know. Not sure how that love turned into hate, but I’m sure that’s how things always happen.” Diesel nodded. “Did you want to kill me yourself? Is that why you’re taking me home now?”

The left side of Diesel’s mouth lifted into a smile as he looked down at her. When he realized she was already looking at him, he smiled fully. 

“If I wanted to kill you, I would have done so this morning instead of putting you back in the water.” Syena sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. As onlookers stared at them, she stepped closer to him. “You stink.”

Her head jerked in his direction, mouth wide. “Hey, that’s not nice.”

“Well… it’s the truth. That might be why people are looking at you.”

She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “They are looking at me because I’m walking with you… not because I stink.”

“So you know you stink?”

Diesel held back his smile as Syena’s brows wrinkled. She was clearly flustered, but in her true nature, she couldn’t get angry with him and actually disrespect him or be mean. 

“I can’t help it,” she muttered. “I’ve been washing all day, but it won’t come off.”

“Why not?”

With a huff, Syena ran her fingers down her hair. “It’s a long story.”

Diesel shrugged. “I got time.”

“Okay,” Syena agreed quietly. “I’ll tell you when we get to the sea.”

They continued their walk in silence. Diesel often wondered why she chose the sea as her dwelling place. It was by the woods with only a small patch of white sand versus the ocean, which was closer to Fiezel, where she would have been around more fairies. Diesel could only assume it was because she was a loner, but he didn’t know for sure. It also made Syena more susceptible to encountering danger… like she was earlier. 

When they arrived, Syena led him to a hidden oasis she’d built for herself on land. She pulled a small wicker basket from inside a hole she’d dug. Inside was a blanket, a few flashlights and snacks, and a couple of books. As she grabbed the blanket, Diesel did too. Before their fingers could touch, Syena pulled her hand away quickly.

“I-I could hurt you,” she whispered. 

“What makes you think that?”

“I’m not like most fairies. My touch is extremely cold. I will freeze wherever I touch, and you’ll never feel warmth there again.”

A few seconds passed before Diesel said, “That must be lonely.”

She chuckled as she placed the blanket on the small patch of grass. It was perfectly sectioned in the center of the trees just before the small patch of sand and sea. The location shielded her from onlookers while still giving her an amazing view. 

“You have no idea. I can only touch other fairies, which is fine, but…” She shrugged. “I’m still a loner because there aren’t a lot of aquatic fairies around here.”

“Why won’t you go to Fiezel? I’m sure there are more there.”

Her head shook. “Not my age. I prefer my space here anyway. My parents settled here right after I was born and made their own little world together. I haven’t had it in me to leave.”

Before Syena sat on the blanket, Diesel grabbed her hand. She gasped, eyes widening as she looked down at their connection. Her touch did immediately cool his hand. Ice patches seeped through his skin, but they instantly closed because of the warm fire inside of him. Syena stared at their connection in awe, making him smile. Diesel couldn’t remember the last time he’d smiled from such small things.

“You can’t hurt me, Syena,” he vocalized, though that was clear. “And… you’re safe with me too.”

Not only did he have instant healing capabilities, but his naturally warm immune system counteracted her cool one. 

Her throat cleared quietly. “I see.” Syena gently pulled her hand from his and sat down. 

Sitting next to her, Diesel stared at the side of her face. She avoided his eyes as she blushed. Unfortunately, his body was reacting to her beauty and shyness. His dick was getting hard, and he had to remind himself this night wouldn’t end in sex. It was risky enough to be seen walking with her. 

“So… Why does someone as beautiful as you smell like literal shit?”

Syena giggled. “I’m in my last life cycle, Diesel.”

This was the first time she’d ever said his name, and it made his heart skip a beat. 

“So you know who I am?”

“Of course. You’re very popular. Not only do you run with a tough crowd, but you do a lot of stuff with the council. I’m surprised you know me.”

“You’re the most-beautiful being in Ettez-Nav.” He paused, waiting for her eyes to find his. “Of course I know who you are.”

Syena smiled and licked her lips. “That was very sweet. I didn’t know vampires were capable of saying such things.”

“I’m not the average vampire, but shit, your beauty is no secret… evident by the group of vamps that were ready to devour you at the bar.”

Her hand slid down her silky hair. “You’re… very handsome too. I know we’re supposed to stay away from each other, but I’ve always wanted to talk to you.”

“Here’s your chance.”

Her head shook as she looked toward the stars. “I can’t even take advantage. All I can think about is dying.”

“You haven’t prepared?”

As she released a long, slow breath, her head lowered. “No. I haven’t done nearly enough for my life to be over soon.” With a pout, she placed her elbows on her knees. “I just wish I had more time.”

“What would you do if you had more time?”

Their eyes locked. “I would definitely go above. Experience life among humans. Face my fears and go to the underworld.”

“Fears?” Diesel chuckled. “What are you afraid of?”

“Aren’t there actual monsters down there? Like… not the shape-shifting kind, but real monsters.”

He laughed harder. “I mean… yeah. But that’s not all, and as long as you don’t go in their domain and bother them, they won’t bother you. But the underworld is amazing.”

“You’ve been?” she asked, sitting up straighter with a wide smile. 

“A few times.”

“What’s it like?”

“I can’t really explain it. It’s something you have to encounter. Everything is just… better. The bright is brighter, darkness is darker. The fruit and vegetables are amazing. There isn’t any technology or anything like that, so it’s peaceful. Real connection. You should definitely check it out.”

Scratching the back of her neck, Syena sighed as she stared into the distance. “That sounds wonderful.”

“What else would you do?”

“Hmm… travel. I want to get a map and fly nightly since I can’t be in the sun. Try different oceans and seas. New fruit. Meet new people and actually connect. I want to have sex.”

The last part caught Diesel so off guard he snapped his mouth shut when it fell open. “You’re a virgin?”

She chuckled and shook her head. “No, but I just didn’t have a lot of sex. I waited until I was about to get married, but he really just wanted some magical pussy.” They shared a soft laugh. “After we did it for a few months, he ghosted me, and I didn’t really try to be with another fairy since.” Syena shrugged and locked eyes with him briefly. “There’s no match for me here anyway. Maybe he’s above.”

“Or maybe he is here and he’s just not a fairy.”

Her smile dropped. “Then what would he be?”

Diesel’s hand slid down her hair. Her eyes fluttered when it lowered to her neck. Diesel gently pulled her closer. The moment their lips connected, the spark that zapped them caused him to pull away. She whimpered as he quickly stood. 

At the sight of her touching her lips, he mumbled, “I gotta go.”

As Diesel charged out of the woods, he scolded himself. He should have just made sure she got back safely and left it at that. Talking to her only made him want her more. And that kiss… That kiss opened a portal in his heart that wouldn’t close until her love was there. 

Not only was she forbidden… She was dying. He’d be a fool to let himself get close to her. Even with that truth, Diesel found himself thinking of ways he could help her enjoy her life before it was over—if it had to be over at all. 

Her Gangster, The Gentleman + The Influence Of Love

Hey, book bae!

Here’s a look into my next release - Her Gangster, The Gentleman - which releases October 5th! A little further down is the preorder link to my contemporary release - The Influence Of Love!

Synopsis:

Kahreem “Caliber” Lou has one goal—leave the streets before his thirtieth birthday. He has one job left, then his debts will be paid, and his loyalty will only be to himself. When he gets to his last job and finds a damsel in distress, he chooses to prioritize her life over his freedom… and only time will tell if it costs him his life.

 In the streets of Memphis, Joy Dixon is known as Trouble. Trouble has seemed to follow her and her mother all the days of her life. The night Joy thinks her life is about to end, she’s rescued by Caliber. Used to men expecting a lot of something for nothing, Joy expects Caliber to demand the world. It catches her by surprise when he doesn’t ask for anything in return. In fact, he only offers to keep her safe. When she finds out exactly who he is, Joy embarks upon the hard journey of trusting and finding solace in her gangster… the gentleman.   

Unedited***

Kahreem “Caliber” Lou 

Friday Evening

Pop’s Diner

There wasn’t too much that Caliber would miss about Memphis, but he would miss Pops and his diner. This wasn’t just the place he came for a good meal. Pops had become Caliber’s voice of reason. The man he went to for guidance. The angel on his shoulder and in his ear when his boss, Ben, had him wreaking havoc like the devil. 

It had never been Caliber’s intention to get caught up in this street shit, but when your father, who never even fucking claimed you, was serving a life sentence and every woman you got attached to left, died, or was taken away… there weren’t too many options to choose from. 

“You good, baby boy?” Savannah checked, squeezing his shoulder. 

Caliber looked up and gave her a smile. She was too damn pretty to spend her nights waitressing at Pop’s Diner, but her loyalty to her father wouldn’t have her anywhere else. His eyes lowered to her breasts. They were pushed up and exposed through the unbuttoned buttons of her tight fitting white shirt. Placing her hands on her hips, Savannah smiled, giving him the grace to give his eyes a proper fill of her. Caliber’s eyes dropped to the red apron around her waist as he nodded. 

“Yeah. How much longer on my food? I got some moves to make tonight.”

“I’m trying to hold you here for as long as I can in case I don’t see you before you go.”

Caliber’s head tilted as he smiled. Resting his hands on top of the table, he licked his lips, bobbing his head and motioning for her to sit down. Though Pops had taken Caliber under his wing like a son, Caliber always had a thing for Savannah. They’d fucked around over the years… even had a baby that Savannah aborted… but things would never be on some forever shit with them. Caliber had gone against the man that had chosen to love and care for him to be with Savannah, and when she ended their baby’s life, he cut off all the love in his heart for her. 

“Pops told you about that? Or the streets?”

Savannah shrugged, smiling softly. “Pops has been walking around pouting all week. He finally told me why this morning. You staying away for good?”

Caliber released a lazy exhale, slumping his body further down in the booth. “That’s the plan. Ain’t shit left for me here.”

Her smile fell, teasing eyes replaced with sadness. “What about Pops?”

“He can come and visit me anytime.”

“And me?”

Caliber looked away, unable to grow weak from looking into her hazel eyes. “Go check on my food, Savannah. I got some shit to do.”

Even though her eyes rolled, they were playful, and that was one of the things Caliber loved and hated about Savannah at the same time. He could never really tell when she was serious about him. About them. At this point, it didn’t even matter anymore. 

He’d promised his mother that he would get out the streets by his thirtieth birthday, and he planned to do just that. If things hadn’t changed between them by now, it wasn’t going to happen over the next couple of days. 

With Savannah out of his view, Caliber’s eyes scanned the crowded diner. It was small, always packed. No matter how much business Pops brought in, he never expanded. The only reason Caliber was able to get a booth whenever he slid through was because of his connection to Pops. Otherwise, he’d be waiting just like everyone else. 

Against the bright lights and red and white décor, the caramel hued woman dressed in all black gained his attention. She made her way past the hostess, looking around the crowded diner in disbelief. Head flung back, she muttered to herself before turning slightly and looking around again. When her eyes landed on Caliber’s booth, she smiled. 

As she made her way over to him, Caliber allowed himself to take in her beauty. Her short, layered hair came down to her chin. Its big curls rounded her face, covering her eyes with a bang. The second she stood by his table, his nostrils inhaled a deep whiff of her intoxicating, sensual scent. 

“Are you going to be a gentleman and offer me this seat since it’s the only one available, or do I have to take this shit?” 

Her voice, low and sultry, made his hardened dick throb. His eyes zeroed in on her mouth, and Caliber tugged his bottom lip between his teeth at the sight of hers. It was slightly bigger than the top one, and he wanted to suck it into his mouth before swirling his tongue around hers. 

“You can be a lady and ask for it, otherwise you can wait like everybody else.”

She smirked and sat across from him, pushing her bang to the right slightly. Her slanted eyes were lazy, like she’d smoked a few minutes before coming in, but she didn’t smell like weed. 

Savannah set his plate in front of him, as she greeted his dinner guest with, “What’s up, Trouble? I didn’t know you two knew each other.”

“We don’t,” Trouble denied.

“Trouble?” Caliber repeated. “Fuck kinda name is that?”

She chuckled, leaning forward. “It’s not a name; it’s what I am.”

“What makes you trouble?”

Trouble licked her lips as her eyes lowered down his body. “Talk to me nice and you might find out.”

As much as Caliber didn’t want to admit it, his interest had been piqued. Seeing as he was leaving soon, he wasn’t in the market for anything serious, but he wouldn’t turn down some goodbye pussy from her fine ass if she threw it his way.

“Are you getting your usual, Trouble?” Savannah asked, inserting herself back into the conversation with a stern tone. 

Caliber smirked, refusing to believe her ass was jealous. She was the reason they hadn’t been together in all these years.

“I wanted it, but I don’t know if I’ll have time to wait for it and eat. I need to get to the club in fifteen minutes. Do you think it’ll be out by then?”

Savannah checked the time on her watch. “Honestly, babe, I don’t think so. It’ll probably be twenty to thirty minutes because the kitchen is slammed.”

Her shoulders caved and she pouted. 

“What do you want?” Caliber asked, regaining Trouble’s attention.

She pointed at his plate. “That. That’s what I usually get.”

Caliber looked down at the medium well done beef tips covered with mushroom gravy with mashed potatoes and sour cream. 

“Put in another order for this,” Caliber ordered, sliding his plate over to Trouble.

“I can’t take your food,” she rejected, trying to slide it back.

“You in a rush ain’t you? Eat this shit and go.”

Trouble thought it over for a few seconds before pulling it toward her, making him smile when she grabbed his Iced Tea too. 

“I thought you were in a rush?” Savannah reminded, but now… all Caliber wanted to do was watch the beauty across from him eat.

“I can wait.”

Savannah gave him a curt nod before walking away. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, Caliber checked the time. He was still doing good, so he wasn’t pressed by Trouble’s presence creating a slight inconvenience to his otherwise perfect plans. 

They didn’t make any small talk as she ate, and Caliber was cool with that. Not even seven minutes had passed before she was wiping her mouth and sliding the almost empty plate into the middle of the table. 

“Thank you,” she muttered as she stood. “I’ve been craving that all day and really didn’t have time to wait.”

“It’s cool. By the looks of it you were hungry as hell.”

Trouble chuckled. “That’s not the only thing I’m hungry for.” She winked, looking him over again without shame. After pulling a twenty-dollar bill out of her pocket she tried to hand it to him, but he shook his head. “Take it.”

“Don’t insult me. Put that shit up.”

“Fine. I owe you next time I see you.” She placed a kiss on his cheek and thanked him again before briskly walking away. On the way out, she stopped Savannah and gave her the twenty as a tip, impressing Caliber even more…

Synopsis:

As a well-known social media Influencer, Arya Ingram has created a lifestyle for herself outside of her family that she never thought was possible. When her boyfriend, Zion, proposes, Arya believes she has everything she will ever need in life—until a scandal erupts on social media… threating to taint not just her character but destroy her career as well. 

Sir’Kenya Mills had a plan for his life right after graduating high school. Now that he’s become CFO, he can finally start considering marriage and starting a family. Before he can choose a wife of his own, his grandmother’s failing health and last wish speeds up the process… forcing him to take a shortcut to love. Or, at least, pretend to. 

Arya needs to save face if she wants her career to survive this scandal. Sir’Kenya needs to give his grandmother the only thing she’s ever asked of him. A fake engagement between childhood friends seems like the perfect solution for both. Will they part ways with just their friendship intact… or will they succumb to the influence of love? 

Sneak peek available on my blog! Check out the previous post…

The Influence Of Love - Next Up!

Hey, Book Bae!

Here is an unedited sample of my next release - The Influence of Love! No release date yet, but stick close! Sign up for my mailing list by texting BLOVE to 42828 and make sure you confirm by email or follow my Like Page on Facebook here.

Synopsis

As a well-known social media Influencer, Arya Ingram has created a lifestyle for herself outside of her family that she never thought was possible. When her boyfriend, Zion, proposes, Arya believes she has everything she will ever need in life—until a scandal erupts on social media… threating to taint not just her character but destroy her career as well. 

Sir’Kenya Mills had a plan for his life right after graduating high school. Now that he’s become CFO, he can finally start considering marriage and starting a family. Before he can choose a wife of his own, his grandmother’s failing health and last wish speeds up the process… forcing him to take a shortcut to love. Or, at least, pretend to. 

Arya needs to save face if she wants her career to survive this scandal. Sir’Kenya needs to give his grandmother the only thing she’s ever asked of him. A fake engagement between childhood friends seems like the perfect solution for both. Will they part ways with just their friendship intact… or will they succumb to the influence of love? 

Unedited Sample

Arya

When her eyes landed on Kenya and the champagne he carried, she smiled. Friends or not, Arya would never be able to deny her attraction to Kenya. Even when he was dressed simply in loose fitting sweatpants and a black t-shirt, Sir’Kenya Mills was fine as fuck. And his slow saunter proved that he knew it too. Her eyes lowered down his tall, wide, muscular frame.

Inhaling a deep, shaky breath, Arya sat up in her seat. As he neared, her heartbeat increased. This wasn’t the first time days had passed and they hadn’t seen each other, so Arya was unsure why she was having this reaction to him. 

“Get up and give me a hug,” were the first words out of his mouth, and the sound of his honeyed, deep voice was the sweetest melody she’d ever heard. Like a song from her youth that hadn’t played in a while. Her grin spread and body swayed softly from its cadence. 

Standing, Arya opened her arms, and Kenya wasted no time pulling her into his embrace.

This was the solace Arya found herself craving more often than she probably should. In his arms, at his chest… on his heart. She’d hold him and listen until the beating of his heart ran down her ear and aligned with her own. As soon as their heartbeats synced, she pulled away… like always.

Releasing him and a shaky breath, Arya turned and grabbed the gift box and bouquet of red roses. 

“Congratulations, Ken.”

Kenya clenched his jaw, eyes lowering to the items in her hands. “I told you not to get me anything.”

“Since when do I listen to you?”

The left side of his mouth lifted into a small smile. “You didn’t have to get me anything, Arya.”

Pressing both into his chest, Arya’s head tilted. “Just take them and say thank you.”

Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds before he chuckled and shook his head, accepting both gifts. 

“Thank you, ReRe.” Kenya lifted the roses to his nose and inhaled. “They’re beautiful, just like you.”

Blushing, she took the flowers of love from his hand and set them on the couch so he could open the gift box. “You’re welcome. Open it!” Rocking from her heels to her toes, Arya cupped her hands together to keep from snatching the box and opening it for him. 

As he took his time opening the box, Arya looked his features over intently. She didn’t realize how much she missed him until just now. How much she missed his spicy, woody scent. How his scruffy beard enveloped his pink and brown lips. The hoop ring in his nostril. His sandy brown skin. Those decadent, shiny, dark eyes. How they were under-turned and intoxicating because of his long lashes. 

Kenya licked his lips before they spread into a smile. “I know you didn’t.”

She watched him twirl the black and gold Montblanc Meisterstuck Classique ballpoint pen between his fingers. 

“You’ll need a new pen to sign those deals and checks.”

Kenya chuckled and bit down on his bottom lip, staring at her for a while. “Not one that costs damn near five hundred dollars.”

“Do you like it?”

His head tilted and he sighed. “Of course I like it. I just don’t want you spending this kind of money on me. I already can’t keep you from doing it for my birthday and Christmas.”

“Well get over it. I like gifts and I like spending money. Oh well.”

“It’s hopeless going back and forth with your stubborn ass.”

“So don’t.”

Kenya’s arm wrapped around her, pulling Arya into his personal space. “Thank you,” he muttered. “This means a lot to me.” 

The moment he placed a kiss to the center of her forehead, Arya froze. Her nipples hardened and chills covered her skin. Crossing her arms, she cleared her throat as she sat down. 

“What did I tell you about kissing me on my forehead? Zion doesn’t like that.”

“And I told you I don’t give a fuck what he likes.”

Arya’s eyes rolled as he popped the champagne. “He’s going to be my husband, Sir’Kenya. Y’all have to get along.”

“I ain’t got to do shit but stay black and die.”

Growling, Arya pulled her legs up and sat Indian style. Neither Kenya nor Shakur cared for Zion or Jeremy. Now that she and Zion were engaged, they had been applying more pressure and letting Carter off easy. At first, it was the typical brother and friend being protective spiel. Eventually, it turned into something deeper. While Arya had no idea what Zion said or did to not gain her brother and Kenya’s approval, he had her fathers’ approval, and she kept telling herself that was all that mattered. 

Absently twirling the engagement ring on her finger, Arya sighed. “He’s not comfortable with you doing that.”

“I don’t care. I was here first, and until you sign that marriage license, you’re single. I’ve been kissing you on your forehead since we were thirteen. That shit will not change. I don’t give a fuck who your husband is.” Kenya extended his arm, handing her a glass of champagne. “Here. I’m done talking about this shit.”

“Wow.” Arya laughed quietly as she accepted the glass of champagne. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”

“Let me know when you figure it out.”

“Shut up, Kenya!” His smile made her heart skip a beat. Lifting his champagne glass, Kenya tilted it in her direction. “So I’m supposed to do the toast, right?” she confirmed softly, making him chuckle.

“Yeah, unless you want me to.”

“You’re arrogant enough to toast yourself.”

Though she was serious, they both shared a soft laugh. “I can toast us. The amazing deals that are coming your way and my promotion.”

“Okay.” Arya nodded. “Let’s do that.”

He nibbled his bottom lip, staring into her eyes for a few seconds. As he considered the perfect words, her heart slowed down as she waited with bated breath. 

“To us. May we get everything we deserve… and desire.”

“To us.”

Their glasses clinked and eyes remained locked as they slowly sipped their drinks. 

Final Sneak Peek - Her Heart, His Hood Armor

Book Baeeee! Her Heart, His Hood Armor goes live on my site in ebook and paperback form tomorrow! Make sure you are subscribed to my mailing list (text BLOVE to 42828 and confirm your subscription via email) or Like my page on Facebook (Author B. Love) to be notified as soon as the store goes live! Here’s the link to watch my latest YouTube upload where I talk about the book and main characters.

Here’s the final sneak peek…

Katia

Warmth spread through my core. I felt pressure on my bladder. Thinking I had to release liquor from my drunken fit, I groggily shifted in bed. At the feel of hands wrapping around my thighs, my eyes popped open. The room I shared with Tweed was pitch black, but I knew my man’s touch and that it was him who was feasting on my pussy. Relaxing against the mattress, I gripped the patch of braids that were on the top of his head. As his tongue swirled against my clit, he sucked it. 

“Tweed,” I moaned, pulling his braids. “Lick it.”

Granting my request, Tweed licked my clit until I came. When I did, he lifted himself and hovered atop me. 

“Why you been showing out?” he pressed, breath smelling like me and mint as his mouth brushed against mine. 

“I missed you and wanted you to come home,” I confessed, wrapping my arms around him. “Why weren’t you answering my calls? I haven’t seen you in three days.”

“I’m here now,” was all he offered, trying to slip inside of me, but I pushed him out.

“You need to wear a condom.”

Tweed chuckled. “Fuck you just say to me?”

“I said you need to wear a condom.”

“Do you want this dick or not?”

“Of course, but I don’t know who else you’ve been giving it to. So put on a fucking condom.”

Tweed sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. I had been needing and missing him like crazy. Sex was the last thing I wanted from him, but I would take it. More than that, I needed his time and affection. His attention and his interest. My heart was so sore, and I needed my baby’s love to soothe it. 

“I ain’t wearing no condom to fuck my bitch.”

Twiddling my thumbs, I considered if this was a battle I wanted to start. It was pitch black, and the small inch of light shining through the window from the streetlights really didn’t provide enough for me to see his face. I could, however, tell by his calm tone that he was serious. 

“Well, we need to go and get tested together before we have sex.”

Tweed chuckled. “I ain’t got time for this shit,” he grumbled, standing from the bed.

“Where are you going?”

“Out.”

“Out? Out where?” I questioned, standing. “You just got here.”

Tweed cut the lights on and it took my eyes time to adjust. My head and stomach were killing me. All that Tequila had the room spinning. I knew it was silly as hell to drink so much without food, but I hadn’t had an appetite for days. Now, I was paying for that shit. As nauseous as I was, I tried to will myself not to get sick. 

“Tweed, you hear me,” I continued, following him to our closet. 

My side was clean, with everything on hangers in its place. His was junky with clothes tossed everywhere. It was the perfect visual of us and how different we were. 

“I hear you but you ain’t talking about shit. You throw a tantrum tryna make a nigga come home and when I do it’s to some bullshit.”

I scoffed, leaning against the doorframe of the closet as he searched for something to wear.

“How is it bullshit? Because I don’t want your community dick inside of me raw? If you want to fuck raw, you need to stop cheating on me!”

My sadness was quickly turning into anger, and I had not one fuck to give. 

“You don’t get it, do you?” Tweed stepped into my space, looking down at me. “I don’t like being in this house, and I can’t stand being around you.”

Fire burned within my heart. Swallowing hard, I blinked as my eyes watered. 

“Why not?” I whispered, unable to fully process what he’d just said to me. We’d been together since I was fourteen. Now sixteen years later, I couldn’t recall a time he’d ever spoken to me so coldly.

“My baby died in your womb. I had to watch you push him out, and he was gone. I can’t look at you and not think about him.”

The tears that I’d been holding in began to fall. Giving birth to our stillborn son three months ago started the darkest part of my life. Things hadn’t been right between me and Tweed since. We had our bad days in the past, but nothing compared to how things had been recently. I felt like Tweed blamed me, but I couldn’t be sure. And when I talked to my mom and friends about it, they told me I was being paranoid. That he was just grieving in his own way and to give him space. Well now, there was no way I could deny Tweed’s resentment toward me. 

“How do you think I feel?” My voice shook as my fists balled. Heart beating rapidly, my entire body trembled. “I carried him for seven months. I had to push him out of me. I’m the one who buried him.” The more I spoke, the harder it was for me to remain composed. I practically roared, “Alone!” 

Unable to stop myself, I punched him. He stumbled back slightly, grabbing his jaw.

“I’ve had to grieve our son by my fucking self while you’ve been out in these streets and fucking other bitches! And you have the nerve to come in here and say you can’t stand the sight of me?”

Pushing him back, I grabbed his clothes off the floor, not giving a damn if they were dirty or clean. 

“I didn’t ask your ass for shit but you! I begged you to be here with me when I needed you most! So you wanna go? Go!” I stormed to the kitchen, snatching black garbage bags. “But if you leave this house, we’re over, because I’m not putting up with this shit, Tweed. I deserve better.”

He stood there, watching me shove his clothes into the bags. Before I could get the last shirt that was on the floor inside, he was taking the bag from me and calmly filling it with the rest of his things. It was as if he didn’t have any fight left in him. No anger. Nothing for me. For us. I would have felt better if he’d yelled at me or something, but the calmness he possessed made me feel even worse. Like he had already left me mentally and emotionally and was finally able to do so physically. 

Her heart, his hood armor — first sneak peek

Hey, book bae! On September 7th, my paperback store reopens. This month’s exclusive paperback (and ebook) is Her Heart, His Hood Armor. Check out the synopsis & sample below ✨

Synopsis:

Katia has spent the past 16 years being her boyfriend Tweed’s all and all. After their son’s stillborn delivery, their relationship takes its final hit. Katia finds herself starting life all over again with a new home and the space to decide what she now wants to do with her life. 

Argent, an old friend turned enemy, is willing to help in any way he can. The more Katia pushes him away, the harder he fights for her. When she finally learns the truth and gives him a chance, all hell breaks loose. 

Real love leads to real problems—including betrayal, violence, and murder. Will Katia finally get the life and love she deserves, or will her life end before it truly begins?  

Please note: This is a 27,000-word urban romance novella. 

Argent 

I wasn’t on Facebook like that. Beyond giving my brand manager access to my Like page, I didn’t use my personal page for shit but connecting with family and old friends from time to time. When my best friend, Heather, tagged me in Katia’s live video, I didn’t even get the notification. She called me a few minutes later, demanding I log in and watch. Heather wouldn’t go into detail about why, so when I disconnected the call, I immediately logged into my Facebook account to find out what the fuck was going on. 

As soon as I joined the live, my heart dropped at the sight of Katia. Her eyes were glossy and low and she had a bottle of 1800 in her hand. Normally, her hair was pulled into a low wavy bun; this evening, it was flowing in waves, almost concealing her beautiful face. She grinned before taking a long swig of the Tequila.

“Tag that motherfucker in my shit,” she slurred with a grin. “He won’t answer my phone calls. He with one of you hoes?”

She released a short cackle before standing. My head tilted and shook. Katia was too fucking beautiful to be acting a damn fool on social media over any nigga… especially one that was as toxic as Tweed’s ass. For as long as I could remember, I’d wanted to secure and protect her heart, but for some reason, she always chose to give it to nigga’s who would destroy it—like him. 

Her body rocked and I sat up in my seat. I could tell that she was on the roof of their beatdown duplex in the heart of my hood. Since I lived in the gentrified part a few blocks up, I made my way to my car. A sinking feeling filled the pit of my stomach as my body heated. Something wasn’t right. 

“Tweed!” She yelled, stepping closer to the edge of the roof. “You promised me you’d take me high and give me a life in the stars.” Katia looked up into the setting sun. “You told me we would fly. But all your ass do is keep me on the motherfucking ground.” Her head tilted back and arms stretched. “I wanna fly.”

“Fuck,” I groaned as comments taunting her to jump began to flood the chat. 

Picking up speed, I exited the live to call Tweed. We weren’t friends anymore and hadn’t been for years, but he needed to get his ass home to see about his woman. When he sent my call to voicemail, I resisted the urge to curse him out and disconnected the call. 

Turning onto their street, I got back on Facebook as she said, “Y’all would love it if I jumped, huh? Give y’all nosey asses something to talk about. None of y’all give a fuck about me. Hell, he don’t either.” Her chin trembled before she dropped her phone onto the ground. 

Swerving into their driveway, I put my car in park and cut it off quickly before I was jumping out. By now, a small crowd had gathered around the duplex, yet it appeared nobody had thought to reach out to her parents or call the police. After kicking down the front door, I headed up the wooden, cracked stairs toward the roof. 

Since Katia was close to the edge, I didn’t want to startle her. I opened the door quietly and stepped onto the roof. Her feet hung halfway off the edge of the building. As wind ripped through her, her hair blew. It would have almost been a beautiful sight against the setting sun. Her shoulders trembled as she cried, and that shit broke my heart even more. 

“Tweed,” she begged softly, so caught up in her pain that she didn’t hear or feel me until my arms were wrapping around her waist and lifting her into the air. 

“Ah,” Katia screamed, fighting against me. 

“Chill the fuck out,” I gritted, snatching her phone up and ending the live.

“Argent?” she called softly. “What the hell is wrong with you? You could have killed me.”

I smirked, as I carried her down the stairs. “Ain’t that what you wanted anyway?”

Katia sucked her teeth and crossed her arms over her chest. “You can let me down.”

“Nah. Quite frankly, I’on trust your ass not to run back out to the roof.” When I made it to their front door I told her, “Open this fucking door.”

Katia groaned softly before going into the pocket of her loose-fitting sweatpants and handing me a key. It could have been her coming down from her high or the pressure I was putting on her stomach that was making her woozy. Either way, I could tell by her groans and consistent swallowing that she was about to be sick. 

“Argent,” she whispered before clutching her throat. “I’m about to throw up.”

“I know.”

Rushing down the slim hallway, I headed toward the bathroom as she covered her mouth. Thankfully, we made it in time for her to hover over the toilet before her stomach erupted. Sitting on the tub that was less than a foot away from the toilet, I held her hair as she continued to heave the contents of her stomach. 

When she gagged a few times and nothing else would come out, Katia wiped her mouth and plopped down on the floor. As I looked down at her, I couldn’t do shit but shake my head. The day I first laid eyes on her in sixth grade, I knew she was the best. Period. From the way she walked and talked to the way she carried herself. And she was so fucking smart. I’d fallen in love with her before I even knew what that shit was…

Final Sneak Peek - In The Lonely Hour

Hey, book bae!

Here’s one final sneak peek for In The Lonely Hour before it goes live tomorrow! If you’d like to do so, you can preorder it here.

Layla 

Dior’s eyes lit up at the sight of the gift basket Andres had waiting for her. It was her first evening at the center working with his team and they had welcomed them both in with warm, open arms. 

“This is what I asked for!” Dior rocked back and forth before jumping up and down as she hugged the large stuffed turtle he’d gotten her. There was also a single yellow rose in her basket, and he’d gotten Layla a bouquet of red roses. 

“What do you say, Dior?” Layla guided with a smile. 

“Thank you?” She looked from one to the other to make sure she was correct, making Layla chuckle. 

“Yes, that’s right.”

“You’re welcome, Dior,” Andres replied. “I want you to have a good time, okay? If anyone or anything makes you uncomfortable what are you supposed to do?”

“Call you or mom.”

“Right.”

He lifted his hand and she gave him a high five before hugging Layla and following behind his team without any further guidance needed. 

“Whew.” Layla released a long breath, eyes never leaving Dior until the door closed behind them. “What am I supposed to do now?”

Andres chuckled. “You have three hours to yourself and you didn’t make any plans?” 

Her head shook. “Well, I planned to sit outside the door, but I figured you wouldn’t let me do that.”

His laugh was a little louder this time. “You damn right.” After looking around, Andres added, “Come with me.”

Placing her hand inside of his, Layla followed his lead. It was always naturally easy to do that. Standing next to him, she brushed her arm against his, inhaling a deep whiff of his scent. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, Layla had been thoroughly enjoying their time together. There was something about the effortless calm of his presence that was a welcomed relief from what she was used to with Carlos. 

“Are you hungry?” he checked as they headed outside of the center.

“Not just yet. We ate about an hour ago. I’m sure we’ll grab something on the way in when we head out.”

“Cool.”

Once they were at his sand colored Land Rover Discovery, Andres opened the door for her and helped her inside. 

“Are you kidnapping me, sir?” she asked before he could close the door, getting a smile out of him. 

“It appears so.” Andres winked and closed the door, making her heart skip a beat. 

As they headed out of the parking lot, Andres gave her permission to link her phone to the car so she could play what she wanted to listen to. She began her Samoht playlist but lowered the volume, wanting some adult conversation more than anything else. 

“So tell me about yourself,” she requested, taking in his handsome side profile. Honestly, Layla didn’t know what part of his face and skin she liked most. There was so much to take pleasure in. From the shade of his skin to his freckles and how his round glasses drew attention to them and his curly, long lashes. 

“What would you like to know?”

“Everything.” 

Andres’ low, deep chuckle made Layla clench her thighs. “Everything?” he repeated, looking over at her briefly. 

“Everything.”

“I’m thirty-five. You know what I do for a living. My parents are still alive and married. They are the founders of the Martin Community Center and Foundation. That’s my last name.”

“Wait. Your family created the center and foundation?” He nodded. “That’s amazing, Andres. Do you mind me asking if there was a reason behind it?”

“My sister was autistic.” He cleared his throat. “There weren’t really any resources or any kind of help in our community when my siblings and I were growing up. They offered to enroll her in some fucking special ed classes, but she was smart as hell. That had never been her struggle. She used to get bullied for her differences, and it didn’t matter how many kids I beat up, I could only protect her from so much, you know?” Andres paused. Swallowed hard. “Emily ended up becoming friends with Zasha and she was troubled in her own ways. She convinced Emily to join a suicide pact with her. It was about ten girls total. They all were supposed to drown themselves in a river in our old neighborhood.”

Layla’s eyes watered as she covered her opened mouth. 

“One of them recorded it and it was clear she didn’t want to do it, but they ended up convincing her to anyway. Out of the ten of them, only four actually killed themselves, Emily included.”

“I’m so, so sorry, Andres. Jesus. What happened with the other girls? Did they face any kind of charges?”

Andres released a shaky breath as Layla held his free hand. “Yeah, we were able to have Zasha and the girl who was recording charged with second degree involuntary manslaughter because they were the ones forcing her to stay under the water even though she was crying to get out.” His head shook and he pulled his hand from hers to brush his nose and wipe his eye quickly. 

“They were sentenced to ten years, so they should be out by now.”

“Teenagers can be so fucking cruel. I guess that’s another reason I’ve sheltered Dior so much. I know she’s capable of more and I’ve babied her, but I’m just… so scared of this hateful world. If something like that were to happen to her…”

“It won’t,” Andres assured quickly. “That’s why me and my brother came up with the idea for the foundation. When my parents came on board, it took off from there. I know we can’t keep every child with Autism from being bullied, neglected, abused, or taken advantage of, but we’re damn sure going to try. Trevor, my brother, mostly works with kids who suffer from those things though. It’s best for me to work with those who want to develop more socially because it keeps me from living in the moment of losing Emily.”

“I hate I even asked.”

“It’s cool. It helps to talk about her sometimes, and I know people often wonder how I started with this. It’s just the idea of dealing with that on a daily basis… it would be too triggering.”

“I understand. Are you and Trevor close?”

“Yeah. We’re all pretty close. I think if we didn’t have the foundation, we probably wouldn’t spend as much time together as we do, though. It’s what keeps us together.”

“I feel you. When’s your birthday?” Andres looked over at her for a few seconds with a smile. “What?” 

“Is this how you usually have conversations?”

“What do you mean?”

“Asking questions and not giving any details in return. That might be why your daughter converses the way she does too.”

Layla laughed softly as she looked out of the window. It was beautiful out even though the sun hadn’t begun to set, which was her favorite time of day. 

“I think I talk like this now because of her. If I don’t ask her stuff, she won’t want to talk about anything except what she wants to talk about. It’s a hard habit to break.”

“February twentieth. I’m a Pisces if you’re into that shit.”

“I’m a Cancer, which is funny because based on our birthdays we would definitely be a good fit.”

“Aw yeah?” She nodded. “How so?”

“Well… I’m emotional, big hearted, and sensitive, and I think Pisces are too. We’re usually the strong ones and nurturers in our relationships. Selfless. We could bring out the best in one another and finally be with someone who can give the energy they receive from us.”

Andres nodded. “I can agree with all of that.”

Silence found them for a while, and Layla grinned the entire time she looked out of the window. Andres shifted the conversation, asking her about herself and her past. She told him the basics about her… that she was thirty-four and the oldest of two daughters. She went to school for hospital administration but dropped out to have Dior. Her parents too were still alive and married. 

As they talked about their hobbies and interests, they realized they had a couple in common. They both loved to read… just different genres… and they both loved comfort food. While Layla was into gardening and old TV shows, Andres preferred action movies, any kind of sport, and spending time with family. Admittedly, Layla couldn’t remember the last time she’d spent time with her family outside of the holidays. Her separation had her hiding from her loved ones out of shame. Now that they were working with Andres, Layla wanted to fix her relationship with her family as well. 

When they arrived at the botanic garden, Layla’s eyes lit up just like Dior’s did at the sight of the turtle. It was funny because she’d lived in Memphis all her life, loved flowers, and had never gone to the botanic garden before. For some reason, she never had the courage to go alone, even though she knew it would be an amazing experience. 

“Is this cool?” Andres checked, cutting his SUV off. 

“It’s… perfect. Can you believe I’ve never been here before?”

His head tilted as his eyes widened slightly while he smiled. “No, I can’t believe that at all. I’m honored to be the one you experience this with for the first time, though.”

“I am too.”

Their eyes remained locked for a few seconds more before he got out and opened the door for her. After Andres purchased their tickets, they looked over the map to see what garden they wanted to start with first. Layla couldn’t resist wanting to go to the rose garden, so they started there. She could practically contain herself, feeling her frequency rise the more time they spent around the flower of love. Roses were said to have the highest vibration of all, and Layla definitely felt her spirit lift the longer she was in their presence. 

“You should take a picture here,” Andres suggested as they rounded the largest part of the garden by the fountain.

“I don’t know…” Her head shook softly as she looked down at the red maxi dress she was wearing. 

“You’re a beautiful woman in a beautiful environment. You should capture this.”

“Okay, but you have to take one with me too.”

“Aight, I will.” Layla tried to hand him her phone but he declined. “Nah. I want to take it on my phone so I can have it. I’ll text it to you.”

As she blushed, he snapped. “Wait! I wasn’t ready.”

Andres smiled with a shake of his head. “That’s what made it perfect.”

He walked over to her and showed her the three pictures he took, and Layla had to admit that they came out really good. Standing next to each other, she also had to admit how her body reacted to him—hardened nipples, palpitating heart, goosebumps over her arms. Andres looked down at her for a few seconds, mouth just a couple of inches away from hers. 

“You ready?”

Unable to speak, she nodded. 

Layla looked at the camera and smiled, but he continued to look at her. And that was what their first picture was composed of. The second was of her looking back at him. And the third… was of their lips pressed together. 

Powerless to resist, Layla returned Andres’ kiss. Raw, wild need passed between them with each peck of their lips. He kissed her slowly, drugingly, with an intensity that was nothing like she’d ever experienced before. His tongue warred with hers, invading her mouth and keeping her captive so passionately she didn’t want to be free.

But… As much as Layla enjoyed the feel of his lips against hers, she pulled away. A sinking feeling filled the pit of her stomach as she ran her hands through her hair. Technically, she was separated, but her vows still felt permanent—no matter what Carlos was doing. It felt like she was cheating, and Layla had never been a cheater. Stepping away from him, she turned and began to pace. 

“My fault,” Andres muttered. “I didn’t mean to get that deep. Just… can’t seem to stop wanting you.”

A small smile lifted the corners of her mouth before she confessed quietly, “I want you too.” Layla sniffled quickly. “But my situation… it’s messy. Carlos and I… we’re still technically married. Separated and soon to be divorced but… it hasn’t been finalized.”

“How fucked up is it that that’s the least of my concerns?” Layla turned to face him. “I don’t have to know the details of your marriage to know he doesn’t deserve you. Or Dior.” He took a step in her direction. “If I felt like you wanted me to… I swear to God I’d take you.” He took another step, causing Layla to inhale a sharp breath. “But if you want me to fall back, I can do that too.”

“Honestly… I don’t know what I want you to do.”

“Then I’ll fall back until you figure it out. Promise me you’ll let me know when you do.”

Layla smiled as she nodded. After placing a kiss to his cheek, she assured him, “I will. I promise.”

In The Lonely Hour + More!

Hey, book bae!

A few things:

The Black Mayhem Mafia Saga is available on Kindle Unlimited for the rest of the month! Click here for the links to each book.

Listen to the soundbite for details on my first traditional full length contemporary standalone novel all year - In The Lonely Hour. It comes out 9/1 and is available for preorder here.

Last, help me choose when, where, and how I release my next urban romance novel! Details are on the soundbite. Cast your view here as a comment!

FINAL SNEAK PEEK - SEDUCING A SAVAGE

Tomorrow! The final standalone novella in the boss babe series drops! Read the sneak peek below and let me know if you are ready for more of Toussaint and Vanessa!

Vulgar, Explicit, Nasty, Rated R

Vanessa

Toussaint had been back home for all of two days, and he’d spent both pretty much with me. I had been enjoying his companionship, but I also didn’t want to feel like I was hogging him and keeping him from his family and old friends. Even with that, there was no part of me that wanted to end our day together. I’d taken him to the warehouse earlier to give him a tour then we had lunch and went to an adult arcade for a few hours. 

Now, we were laying on a thick blanket watching the sun set at one of my favorite hideaway spots. Like I’d told his mother, there were a lot of secret gems that people didn’t know about, and I liked it like that because I was able to keep them to myself. It was nice sharing my space with Toussaint though. He thought I was playing when I told him we had a small beach here, but his eyes lit up when I showed him exactly where it was. 

“You mind if I come back here?” he requested, voice lazy and relaxed.

He’d fallen asleep when we first got here, and I just laughed and let him rest. Toussaint hated sleeping though so it didn’t last long. 

“Not at all. I’m happy to share things like this with you. I know Memphis seems boring as hell, so I love showing things like this off.”

Toussaint sighed. “Had I known we had shit like this, I might not have been in a rush to leave.”

“Do you regret it?”

“Nah, I think everyone should leave home even if for a little while. I think I probably would have just traveled for a while after college and made Memphis home. Built my firm here. That way I could have had a life I didn’t need to vacation from to get peace, you know?”

“I feel you. That’s where I am now.” And I guess that’s why his mother wanted me to talk to him. Maybe she was right after all. “Even if all I do is come here, take a food tour, go to a Grizzlies game or treat myself to a spa day, I do something to give myself pleasure in Memphis twice a week so I won’t feel like I have to leave to have fun. Traveling is cool but I don’t want to feel like that’s the only way I can enjoy myself and my money.”

“I don’t even do that consistently anymore.” He sighed. “I really did just… become consumed with work without realizing it. When I finally did, it was a habit that I didn’t see the point in breaking.”

“You’ve become a major success and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. I just want you to balance that with play and rest. What good is it to have money if you don’t have the time to really enjoy it? From what we’ve talked about so far, you just spend it on women or traveling with women. What do you actually do for yourself?”

He scoffed. “When do you enjoy yours?”

“Hey! I spend money,” I countered loudly with a smile. 

“Yeah on little shit. That’s why you need a man that’s going to spoil you and give you what you deserve. Ain’t no way you could be mine and live such a basic life.” He paused but quickly added, “Don’t get me wrong, you’re smart with your money and I’m sure it’ll run through your bloodline for generations to come… but you deserve a more extravagant life and I want to give it to you. You want Italian? I’ll fly you to Italy. You want to shop? Let’s go to Paris. You want a real spa day? I’ll take you to Greece. That’s the kind of shit I’m on.”

“If it were you that I was experiencing those things with… I probably would be too.”

We both sighed softly and let silence find us for a moment. 

“You were my best friend.” Toussaint chuckled softly. “I felt square as hell having a thirteen-year-old girl for my best friend, but you were. I fucked that up in the past trying get what I thought I was supposed to have. No woman has ever meshed with me like you though. Shit would have been so different if I would have stayed in touch.”

“Well… we’re together now, and I’m not letting you slip away again. That’s all that matters.”

Hand in hand, we stared out into the distance in silence. I couldn’t resist looking over at the side of his handsome face. Toussaint looked over at me and smiled. He was so fucking beautiful. His deeply wavy hair was tapered on the sides, connecting with his short beard. I loved his smooth skin… it was a weakness for me naturally. There was a small difference in our height when we were younger, but now, it seemed magnified. He wasn’t just taller than me; he was broad and buff too. Not in an excessive way, though. His body was perfect.

And so were those chocolate eyes. 

And pointy pierced ears.

And juicy pomegranate lips. 

Shit.

“What’s on your mind?” He licked his lips, looking at mine. 

“Tell me what you like,” I requested, needing a distraction to keep me from straddling him. 

Toussaint smiled. “Is that really what’s on your mind?”

“No, but it’s what I’m trying to use to release what’s on my mind.”

He chuckled. “Aight. I like making money, traveling and spending that money, sports of course, spoiling black women, eating a good meal, a good massage…”

“You’re very sensuous,” I couldn’t help but blurt as his eyes scanned my face. 

“Yeah, I am. I love hearing, seeing, smelling, touching, tasting… anything good.” Well, that wasn’t helping me to stop lusting after him. Swallowing, I inhaled a deep breath. “I’m sensual too,” he added, allowing his finger to trail down my arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake. 

“So it’s not just the mental and emotional stimulation of things that you enjoy?”

He grinned. “Nah. I’m very physical.”

“I take it you have a healthy sexual appetite?” I asked softly. 

“That shit’s big as hell. I love sex… lots of sex. I love eating pussy, fucking pussy, smelling pussy, teasing pussy, playing with pussy… I love pussy.” I released a shaky breath, feeling my pussy pulse. “You know how you like to start and end your day in your man’s arms?” I nodded, blinking slowly. “I love starting and ending my day in fat, warm, wet pussy.” His eyes closed. “Something about the grip, the warmth, the pleasure… it’s the ultimate peace for me.” When his eyes opened, mine were fluttering. “What about you, Nessa? What do you like?”

Did he seriously expect me to have a normal conversation after that?

For seconds on end, all I did was stare at him until he laughed.

“Vanessa?”

“Hmm?”

“I asked what do you like?”

“Oh. Um…” Clearing my throat, I looked toward the sky. “I love watching movies. Specifically, romance movies. Hallmark and Lifetime are my favorite channels, and I love Christmas romance movies. I start watching them right after Thanksgiving and barely look at anything else.” I smiled. “And I love pink and yellow. And food. Weird but I like eating one thing at a time. I might eat one full meal a day and and then large portions of one thing for the rest of the day. Broccoli salad is probably my favorite side to turn into a full meal. I like silence and space to myself but also spending time and creating memories with family and friends. Honestly, no judgment, I don’t see how you’ve gone so long without doing so.”

I looked back over at him. “I’ve created memories, just not with them. It’s a different source of joy but joy, nonetheless. I can’t, however, deny the sense of emptiness that often fills me when I hear about the great things happening back home that I’m not a part of. How my younger siblings have spouses and growing families, and I don’t. But it’s never felt like reason enough for me to want to change my way of living.”

“What about now? Do you still feel the same way now that you’ve finally come home?”

He released a heavy breath. This time, he was the one looking away. “It is good to be back. I’ve missed my family so much. I wanna take Dalia and mama to Paris for a shopping spree after my week here, and I want to get Pops a new car or something. King has been talking about the business he wants to start because he’s been thinking about his legacy now that his wife is pregnant, so I want to give him the startup money for that. I don’t know. A part of me feels like I’m trying to buy my way back into their lives because that’s all I have to offer.”

“That’s definitely what it sounds like, and even though I’m sure they would enjoy all of those things… nothing compares to actually being able to spend time with you. I think you should spend tomorrow with your family. That’s what you’re here for anyway, right? To rest and spend time with them.”

His eyes returned to mine. “That was the original plan, yes.” Toussaint caressed my cheek with his thumb. “Now… I just want to spend every minute I’m here with you.”

“Saint,” I whispered, inhaling a sharp breath when he scooted closer to me.

“I need to know what kind of sex you like, Vanessa, so I can give it to you.”

I moaned softly, feeling my pulse quicken. “I need lots of foreplay,” I confessed. “In and out of the bedroom. I like intimacy and romance. Sentiments. Experiences. I’m not materialistic at all, but I’m sure you’ve noticed that by now.” He smiled and nodded but remained silent, so I continued. “I’m very passionate and sensual too, so I love for sex to be layered. Even if it’s nasty as hell or straight up fucking, I still want my man to touch me and kiss me and stay in the present moment with me, you know?”

“I know that you are easy to please, but I also want you to know you can come to me for anything. I know you have your own money, and you don’t need mine, but I want you to know you can have it. You can have me. And whatever else you want and need. The more I get to know this version of you, the more I will be able to actively do things for you without having to be asked, but until we get to that point, I want you to always be vocal with me.”

“For a week?” I confirmed, too shy to admit I was already wanting more. 

“What I just say?”

I giggled. “What do you mean?”

“I said be vocal about what you want. You don’t want to ask me if I mean for just a week. Ask exactly what the fuck you want in order to get the response you want.”

My voice was just above a whisper when I confessed, “I don’t want to be disappointed by your answer.”

A few seconds passed before he said, “…You won’t be. Trust me.”

“By saying we’re going to get to know each other more and that you always want me to be vocal with you, are you suggesting this continue even after you’ve left? Beyond friendship?”

“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting, however, I know you don’t do long distance relationships.”

“True.”

“So what if I came home once a month?”

My smile spread so wide my cheeks almost touched my eyes. “You’d do that for me?”

“For us. Yeah.”

“We’ve only been at this for two days. Not even a full two days. Your career is everything to you. Are you really willing to switch that up for me?”

“My career is everything to me because I haven’t tried to have anything else. I want to change that with you.” He paused. “I’m home physically in Memphis, but my heart feels at home with you. That’s why I’ve been spending all my time with you. So to answer your question simply, yes. I am willing to switch that up for you.”

I wanted to tell him that I would do the same. That I appreciated the commitment and effort. That he wouldn’t regret sharing his time. None of those words came out. My hand wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer. Toussaint released a guttural groan before kissing me with the same fervent need that I’d used to pull him in. I hungrily welcomed his tongue in as he squeezed my ass and tossed my thigh over him. This was one of the times I loved wearing loose fitting clothing and no underwear. 

Upon realizing I had on no panties, he groaned as he pulled away. “You’re not wearing any panties,” he announced, as if I didn’t know.

“I don’t really like those,” I confessed, lifting my leg a little higher and wider when his hand shifted to the front of me.

“Good. Don’t ever wear them around me.”

His lips returned to mine, and I melted against him, sighing softly at the feel of his hand around my neck gently. Not choking or applying pressure, more like holding me in place. As if I’d try to get away. His hand lowered, tweaking my nipples gently before heading between my thighs. As soon as his thumb began to circle my clit, my breathing began to change. Toussaint slipped a finger inside of my already slick opening, tongue teasing still in full effect. 

After gauging my wetness, he slipped a second finger inside, and that’s when I broke our kiss. I loved dick, but I also loved a man who knew how to play with my pussy. Fingers were able to hit spots dicks simply weren’t. While his palm brushed against my swollen clit, his bent fingers didn’t just enter and exit my pussy. Toussaint’s movements were precise. Each time he pressed into the pit of me, he hit my G-spot and something deep as hell that I didn’t even know was there. 

“Ah,” I moaned, flinging my head back. The pressure and movement had me circling my hips against his hand… needing to feel even more. I could hear my wetness dripping into his palm as if it were its bowl. The more it leaked, the more he moaned and coaxed my pleasure. “That feels so good, Saint.”

“You like having this pussy played with?”

“Yesss,” I moaned, pulling my hair as he kissed and licked down my chin and neck. “Please don’t stop.”

I’d never felt so full from a man’s fingers before. The shit felt so good I was drenching his hand. All I could do was whimper and moan yes. Repeatedly. Like it was a mantra. A mantra that fueled his movements and kept him under my control. Cursing under my breath as my eyes squeezed shut, I pulled at my hair, pussy pulsing as I came. 

Toussaint made his way down my frame, between my legs. Turning me to the side slightly, he inhaled my pussy and bit down on his bottom lip before allowing his tongue to slide between my folds. Each slow stroke of his thick tongue was dizzying. He tossed my thigh over his shoulder, holding it and keeping me in place. The more he moaned into my pussy as he devoured it, the more ragged my breathing grew and pleasure increased. Holding onto the back of his head, I rocked my hips slowly and fed him my pussy. When I felt those beginning ripples of pleasure shoot through me, I told him to look me in my eyes as he made me cum. He did, and I was the one shutting mine when those tremors began to shoot through me. 

A Heart's Rejection - Sound Bite

Hey, book bae!

Here’s one last soundbite for A Heart’s Rejection before it goes live tomorrow!

If you’re not already, make sure you’re subscribed to my mailing list for a sneak peek tonight at 7pm CST by texting BLOVE to 42828. Make sure you confirm your subscription via email!

Oh, and don’t forget, you can preorder A Heart’s Rejection here to have it wirelessly downloaded to your Kindle when it goes live!

Characters Intro For A Heart's Rejection!

Hey, book bae!

Have a listen below for details on the characters featured in A Heart’s Rejection! It comes out 8/3 and is available for preorder here. Meet me back on the blog tomorrow for a sneak peek!

Hungry for Her - Sample

Hey, book bae! Here’s a sample of Hungry for Her. It comes out on the 16th and is available for preorder here. Also, I have a very limited stock of B. Love merch being created and prepped for shipment. If you’d like to preorder something, you can do so here. If you miss out, don’t worry, I will restock next month and will have unlimited stock and sizes.

Chanel

Unedited

“Let me guess; men have been trying to holla at you all night huh?”

“Hell yeah,” I agreed, making the both of us laugh.

After letting the bartender know he’d have an Old Fashioned and asking that he refresh what I was drinking, which was an Amaretto Sour with Tequila added, Lorenzo said, “I can’t blame them. This is the land of decadence. As many beautiful women as there are around here, you’re definitely looking good enough to be at the top of every man’s desire list.”

With a smile, I swirled my straw around my watered-down drink, keeping his intense gaze.

“Is that the case for you too? Or are you interested in indulging in someone else?”

Lorenzo’s smile was replaced with him licking his lips as he seductively looked my frame over. 

“I’ve always been hungry for you.”

I definitely wasn’t expecting that to be his response, so it caught me a little off guard. Clearing my throat, I looked away briefly, pulling my hair behind my ear. 

“You don’t strike me as the type to need help securing pussy,” I deflected, my delivery making him chuckle. “I’m surprised to see you at a place like this.”

He shrugged, mumbling a quick thanks to the bartender as he set our drinks in front of us. 

The moment his skin colored lips wrapped around his straw, I licked mine. Lorenzo was fine back in the day, but he was grown man handsome today. I loved how thick he’d gotten, and I couldn’t lie, I wouldn’t mind seeing his cinnamon colored skin bare. Or my juices soaking his Garibaldi beard. 

“Getting pussy has never been a problem for me; finding a woman who doesn’t want more than my dick is.”

I nodded. “Is that the case? Or do you treat her so well and fuck her so good that she ends up wanting more?”

Our eyes remained locked for a few seconds, and I couldn’t help but get lost in the darkness of his. I didn’t even realize he hadn’t answered me until he said, “Keep talking slick and I’ma let you find out for yourself.”

I scoff before laughing softly and taking a sip of my fresh drink. “I’m not talking slick. Just making conversation.”

“If you say so.” I was glad he didn’t press the issue because I really was just talking shit. “What are you doing here, though? I could say the exact same for you.”

“I’m actually here for work. One of my clients was interested in the hotel and wanted to make sure it was worth her time and money.”

“What do you do?”

“I’m a luxury travel advisor.”

With a soft smile, Lorenzo leaned forward. Taking in more of his clean, crisp scent, I had to squeeze my legs shut and resist the urge to close my eyes. A good smelling man had always been my weakness—and one who looked as good and dressed as well as Lorenzo did was definitely icing on the cake. 

“How is that different from a travel agent?”

“Well, I don’t just book their trips. I only recommend places that will give them a four- or five-star experience that I’ve gone to. If I haven’t, they either pay for me to visit or the place gives me comp rooms, food, or services for free so that I can recommend them to my clients.”

“Damn. So basically, you get paid to live a lavish ass life of traveling?”

I giggled as I nodded and leaned forward. “Pretty much. I’ve started to work with stores and brands as well, so it’s definitely an amazing way to make money.”

“Is that something you’ve always wanted to do, or did you just fall into it?”

I felt myself starting to shut down. As toxic as it sounds, his interest was triggering me. There weren’t too many men who ever expressed interest in what I did, and I couldn’t help but question if Lorenzo’s motives were sincere. Even though I knew that was my issue instead of his, I couldn’t stop myself from asking, “Do you really care? Or are you just making conversation? Because if you are…”

“If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t have asked,” he clarified quickly. “I want to know all about you, Chanel.”

This was the first time I’d heard him say my name in years… and he said it like it was his. Like I was his. Like even after all of this time… I belonged to him. As good as it felt to hear it, it must have felt just as good to say it, because Lorenzo licked his lips. I had to nibble on my bottom one to keep from sucking his. 

—

Let me know if you want more of their story in a comment below!

Her Deep Reverence - Preface + Character Introductions

Hey, book bae! In this soundbite, I talk about Hassan and Vanna and what you can expect from their book. Her Deep Reverence comes out July 7th, and it’s available for preorder here. Please note: This book will not be available under Kindle Unlimited.

Synopsis:

Hassan Black, money man for the Black Mayhem Mafia, is known for his wild and reckless behavior. Out of his brothers, Hassan is the one that often finds himself bringing the most trouble to the family. Even though he has his vices and demons, like all men, Hassan has positive qualities that make him an asset not only to the family business but women as well. The playboy, Hassan has more women than he can juggle… but he’s willing to discard of them all if it means securing the love of Vanna Lewis.

Vanna has never valued the love of a man. If anything, she’s seen men as a way to elevate to the next phase of her life. Used to using her charm, beauty, and appeal to get whatever she wants, Vanna meets her match with Hassan. She can’t deny the instant attraction they share and must completely switch up how she typically handles men.

The two fight against their brewing love for as long as they can, but because of his brother and her best friend’s relationship, they find themselves together often. One night of intimacy leads to the conception of their first child. Unfortunately, having a baby on the way doesn’t make settling down as easy as Hassan thought it would be, and he learns the hard lesson Vanna lives by – she doesn’t get mad; she gets even…

Are you ready for these two? Let me know in a comment!