| Sample
Chapter For RELENTLESS DESIRE by Bonnie Clarke
A bead of sweat slid down the tanned cheek
of the young lad. The back of his hand automatically wiped it away. Almond-shaped
sea-green eyes with long, dark lashes stared out across the vast body
of water. The water was so clear, one could almost see the bottom. Over
a dozen mountains towered around the lake, closing in like a trap. Although
far from home, well over a hundred miles, he couldn’t help but wonder
if it was far enough.
A gust of wind caught the sombrero and it flew off and
away, landing on the wheat colored sand behind him. Raven hair spilled
out in subtle waves to his waist. It almost looked blue at different angles.
He reached back and scooped the hat, placing the torn heap back in its
rightful spot, and gazed back at the towering mountains. A grunt from
behind reminded him of reality and he turned to smile at Rogue, whose
hooves were sinking in the sand. His teasing laughs agitated the stallion,
so he jumped up and gently ran his hand over the horse’s nose, speaking
quietly into his ear. Their unbreakable bond got them this far already,
there was no turning back now.
Rogue grunted again, and pointed his ears back in warning.
The young lad tilted his head at that moment, hearing something like thunder
coming towards the beach. No sooner had he grabbed the reins, looking
back at the trail, than his heart skipped a beat in response. The chase
wasn’t over yet.
Four men on horses suddenly appeared along the shoreline.
They wore the navy blue and orange of the Randall guards. A short curse
escaped as he contemplated a way of outrunning them. Even though Rogue
was the fastest horse he had ever seen, he knew his luck had a limit.
One by one they lined up and trotted toward him. In his mind, he knew
that the disguise wasn’t enough, but there was no way in hell he
would go down without a fight. The cold metal of the gun tucked into his
belt eased some of his fears, though it would take a miracle to take them
all down without being injured or killed himself. He stood so still that
time didn’t dare move. Memories of the past nagged at him like a
dagger cutting flesh. Escaping the great Vincent Randall was much harder
than expected.
“Well, well! What do we have here? The little lass
is dressed in men’s clothing!” The man with the curly black
beard and mustache sneered through hidden lips. Beady brown eyes stared
at the troublesome girl. “Did you really think you’d get away
with it?” He stood a breath away, reeking of whiskey and sweat and
wet horse. “You’ll be whipped when you get home, skipping
out on your wedding.”
“I don’t care! I’ll never marry a man
like him.” Brenna Summers looked right at him with all the mettle
she had, visibly placing her hand over her gun. She wasn’t afraid
to use it. The defiance in her startling green eyes could not be mistaken;
she wasn’t going down easy. Black Beard snarled at her disobedience.
If he had his way, he’d bury her in the sand and tell Randall she
killed herself rather than return with him.
He noticed what she did and began laughing, loud and hearty.
The rest of the men did the same as though it was their duty to follow.
Suddenly he swung his arm back, catching her completely off guard, and
his fist connected with her jaw. She flew back and landed by the water,
gulping for air. A mass of black hair tumbled over her eyes, and she struggled
to wipe it away. She steadied herself and ran her tongue over the cut
in her lip, tasting blood. Her vision blurred just a little, but anger
took over completely. She closed her eyes tightly, fighting back at the
surging rush of dizziness.
Brenna looked up a second later and saw him coming toward
her. His gait had a purpose. Without any reason or thought of the consequences,
she pulled out her gun, cocked it, aiming right at his shocked eyes and
pulled the trigger. He was dead before he hit the ground. The other three,
somewhat surprised by the woman’s careless act, wasted no time jumping
down and darting toward her. Each man felt their own burning desire for
this hot little number in front of them. Two of them grabbed her, hauling
her down to the ground, kicking and screaming. She spit at the man kneeling
down in front of her; he slapped her hard across the face. He looped his
dirty fingers around her belt and ripped it away in one hard motion. The
greed and lust in their eyes made her cry out for any kind of help, but
there was nobody around to protect her virtue. There was nobody around
to hear her screams.
“I don’t give a damn what Vincent says. It’s
been months since I took a woman, and I don’t much care if you’re
willing. Hold her tight,” he commanded. They eagerly complied, both
excited, knowing they would get a turn. They pulled her legs apart, giving
the other man freedom to remove her pants. She kicked her legs and struggled
against their strong arms, but to Brenna’s dismay, the pants were
removed quite easily.
“Look at that black velvet nest, boys!”
It was at that moment that a shot came whizzing from the
tree line. The three men jumped up, suddenly realizing they were open,
easy targets, and ran behind a row of bushes, pulling their pistols out
of their waistbands. They left the girl to fend for herself. Brenna stumbled
as she picked herself up, clad only in the ripped work shirt, and whistled
for Rogue. She felt almost delirious, trancelike, as she fought for control
of her emotions. She had almost been raped. Rogue barreled towards her
at an alarming speed, and Brenna mounted the big stallion in one quick
leap over his backside and headed for the cover of the tree line. Tears
of fear and relief blurred her vision as she dug her heels into Rogue’s
flanks, pushing him harder. But just as she thought to get the hell out
of there, she knew that going anywhere dressed in just a shirt was looking
for trouble.
She ignored the firing of guns behind her, and headed
for the abandoned cabin, hidden in the bushes past the beach. She would
wait until it was safe before returning for her pants and boots. She hoped
she had a chance to thank her rescuer. After she was dressed, of course.
* * * *
Jake Hudson halted in his boots when the young boy laughed
innocently at his horse. At first it was the prime horseflesh that caught
his attention. The boy was in rags, but the horse should belong to a king,
or the general of an army. Probably stolen, but that was none of Jake’s
business. When the hat blew off the lad’s head, Jake was stunned,
speechless. How could a man have such beautiful, lustrous hair? It looked
like black silk. Sexy black silk that made a man fumble for words. He
watched from the bushes a short distance from the beach, squinting his
eyes for a better look, but the boy put the hat back on his head.
Jake couldn’t make out a face, but when the riders
came, the boy visibly shook. Angry words wafted up. Jake slid off his
saddle and eased his rifle up to his shoulder.
Any thought of being nosy quickly turned into the need
to offer protection. Jake had never viewed himself as a hero, but the
thought of those thugs touching that hair toughened his resolve to help.
The horse probably belonged to them, or whomever they worked for.
It took every bit of willpower not to crash through the
trees to the rescue. Three to one wasn’t good odds, and it could
easily be four to one if the young lad misinterpreted his intent to help.
So he waited, watching, until the situation became fatal. The kid was
just a boy, but obviously these men didn’t give a damn. Another
day, another death. Jake felt the rush of excitement, that fear and adrenaline
pumping through him like a lion, when the first man went down. He couldn’t
believe how the boy handled the situation. But when the other men began
ripping his clothes off, bile stuck in his throat at the thought of what
they were doing. And then it hit him like a slap in the face, when he
realized they weren’t trying to rape a boy, but a young woman. That’s
when the wave of raw power ripped through him to do something. He fired
his gun at the men in a fit of rage worthy of a warrior, keeping his aim
far from her. Each bullet cut flesh as he listened to the screams of agony
and cursing. He continued firing. There was no mercy; in Jake’s
eyes, any man who could rape a girl deserved to die.
Most women would cry and beg for mercy in a situation
like this, but she didn’t. In one exquisitely perfect jump, she
mounted the stallion and commanded him to listen. She was in total control
of the black beast. Her silky hair whipped around her waist, tangled over
her shoulders as she jerked the reins to steady the stallion’s movements.
Jake imagined that she probably couldn’t stand her hair always getting
in the way. He would love it to be in his way, draping across his naked
chest. Tickling his shoulders as she kissed him. Oh yes. Her magnificent
thighs held on for dear life, as she maneuvered the tall steed through
the commotion. The simple work shirt clung to a body he knew was athletic,
powerful. The tomboy didn’t even look back to see who had helped
her. She didn’t even stick around to retrieve her jeans or boots,
but he knew exactly where she was headed. Jake watched, completely distracted
and stunned as her glorious black hair whipped in the wind, riding away.
He whistled out loud. Now why couldn’t more women be like that?
Women. Most were dainty as a lamb and needed to be showered
with gifts until a man went broke and insane. He grabbed the boots and
jeans and walked his mare, thinking about all that heavenly blue-black
hair.
He wondered if a woman like that, one who killed a man
to keep her freedom, could be tamed.
Jake approached the old barn, walked through the door,
keeping his gate slow and steady so as not to alarm her too much. He waited
a moment for his eyes to adjust in the darkness, and he scanned the room.
There she was, in the corner, with her shapely legs tight to her chest,
her arms wrapped around her knees. She was crying with silent tears as
she stared at him. Her body was shaking, and her disheveled hair made
her look like a wounded cat. He didn’t want to scare her, so before
he got too close, he held out the pants and boots. Besides, he had seen
the lengths she was willing to go not to be touched.
“I’m not going to hurt you. But I thought
you might want these,” he said softly.
A teary-eyed smile was his reward, and Jake couldn’t
help but smile back. She had to be the most beautiful woman he ever had
the pleasure of laying eyes on, and he had seen plenty.
“Thank you,” she whispered, reaching out to
take her things. He tried to get a better look at her, but the shadows
hooded her eyes, and the sweep of her thick, long lashes hid their depths.
He would bet a pan of gold that a woman like this could easily trap him;
she was just too interesting to ignore. She had a small oval face with
delicate, high cheekbones, and a golden complexion similar to a native
woman. And all that gorgeous black hair held his gaze, and he realized
once again he wasn’t breathing. She stood there waiting, her face
angled to the side. He realized that she wanted to dress, so he turned
his back, apologizing for being so rude.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what were those
men doing chasing after you?” he questioned thoughtfully.
“Mm, I don’t know.” As much as she would
like to tell this man the truth, considering he saved her life, she couldn’t
afford to have anyone know who she was.
“You can turn around now. I’m done.”
This man didn’t scare her, even when his eyes changed with a heated
gaze; like he was undressing her again in his mind. She blushed when his
crooked smile sent a ripple of anticipation through her lower extremities.
This stranger saved her life. He had beautiful light blue eyes and sandy
blond hair that hung to his wide shoulders. His fine, sharp nose was a
perfect accent to the hard, square line of his jaw. And he was so damn
tall, she felt like a mouse in front of him.
“Every woman should have a handsome man like you
for a savior.” She said the words so innocently, that Jake chuckled.
“I wouldn’t call me a savior. Many would argue
that point with you. How did you learn to use a gun?”
“I taught myself so I could protect my horse!”
His throaty laugh was quite amusing, and she had to admit
that the sound was adorable. It flowed from his fine mouth like a warm
summer breeze. It was enlightening for somebody like her, who hadn’t
heard a laugh for many years.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue. How can I ever
repay you?”
Her eyes caught his, and she blushed again at his raised
eyebrow. God, she felt like an idiot, an adolescent girl who had never
seen a man before. To her relief and disappointment, he didn’t charge
forth and demand what she was afraid of. Steely blue eyes never left hers
as he reached out, gently grabbing her chin. She didn’t shy away,
although her mind was screaming to get a grip, thank him nicely and tell
him to be on his merry way. He lowered his head with a smile on his wicked
lips. Her heart raced with the speed of wild horses when his lips brushed
hers. They were so soft and full, that she easily slipped into another
world where his mouth was the only thing that existed. A feather couldn’t
have been softer, and she moaned against his sweet kiss. His other arm
went around her, steadying her trembling body. Hard muscles flexed around
her, holding her so close that it was almost impossible to breathe. His
body was so warm against the coolness of her own. She could have been
in his arms forever; a feeling of safety is what his embrace promised.
Her lips parted, and he slipped his hot tongue inside, exploring every
recess of the hidden Eden behind those lips. A groan vibrated from mouth
to mouth. He couldn’t tell if it was her or himself, but he knew
he had to keep things together, especially knowing that she might change
her mind and shoot him between the eyes. Regrettably, Jake pulled away,
looking into those seductive green eyes that seemed to shine even more
as she smiled up at him. Vixen!
“If I continue, I’m afraid I wouldn’t
be any better than those men. What are you doing in this town? Where are
you from?” He felt like a lovesick jackass. Jake rolled his eyes,
unimpressed with himself. He shouldn’t be prodding this girl for
anything. She obviously wasn’t the type to reveal a thing. That
kiss spoke volumes, but he grinned at her innocent shrug.
“If I tell you, I’d have to kill you!”
she teased, her face suddenly sobering. “Thank you again, but I
must leave. I’m afraid that I’m late for an engagement.”
Her eyes changed then, causing him to doubt she was late for anything.
Well, it wasn’t his business. But as she walked away from him, and
his eyes followed that exquisite body and gorgeous hair, he felt a stab
of something in his stomach. She mounted her horse and waved back to him.
Her horse trotted about as she steadied him with the strength of her thighs
and hard grip on the reins. Full, lovely breasts bounced in that damn
work shirt that made him long to rip it off and struggle with her in a
game of cat and mouse. He imagined how feisty she would be, how intense
her passion would feel, and he found himself wondering if she loved as
well as she fought for control. She smiled back at him, and when she rode
away, he wished he had asked if he could see her again. He didn’t
even know her name.
* * * *
The music and laughter erupted through the big double
doors as Jake made his way into The Velvet Lounge late that afternoon.
He needed a stiff drink. This afternoon had been quite exciting, to say
the least. A thrilling rush swept through him, remembering the tomboy
high on her horse, smiling down at him. She could have been a damn dream
for all that he knew. The way those strong thighs clung to her mount made
him wonder how tight they could wrap around his waist. The way she fit
so snugly in those revealing jeans, made him think how warm and tight
she would mold around his throbbing dick. Damn it all to hell! What was
wrong with him? Women never affected him like that before, and especially
from such a slip of a thing!
“Darling! You made it. I’m so happy that you’re
home safely!” Lita Carlisle, owner and madam of the hotel, rushed
over to wrap her arms around his neck. One might think they had something
going, but in fact, she was like a mother to him. She was there when he
lost his family, and the only one he could admit at a drop of his hat
that he trusted.
“It’s good to see you too, Lita. I need a
drink.” He hugged her back with equal force.
“Of course. Harry!” she yelled with a squealing
pitch, startling Jake. “Jake is home. You know what he wants!”
“It’s great to be home,” he managed
to say as Lita led him to the counter. He looked around, hoping there
were still some half decent, eager women in this town. Eight months in
the wilderness carved a needy man out of him. He wished he could taste
that tomboy again, and he felt like a bloody idiot for being rattled over
one simple kiss. Maybe it was best if he didn’t run into her again.
Jake knew he was a good-looking man. All of the women
told him so. He loved hearing their sweet voices, moaning and crying out
his name as they clawed his naked back. All women were the same. They
all wanted to feel sexy, needed, loved. But Jake didn’t know how
to love. Physically, hell yeah...emotionally, he felt empty.
A flash of black caught his attention and he turned to
see a young woman appear beside him, as if a gust of wind flew her in
by its wings. Her unusual green eyes and shiny black hair instantly attracted
him. She was breathtaking. The woman smiled up at him, and then he realized
that it was the tomboy! She looked so different. His eyes took in every
little new detail about her. The loveliness a dress could do for a woman
like her was amazing. Her eyes glowed brightly, with proud determination.
He couldn’t help but remember that she killed a man that very afternoon.
Her shot got him right between the eyes, and Jake was still smiling in
admiration. The scarlet-red dress shimmered in the light, making her hair
seem even blacker, if that was possible. The form fitting garment hugged
her slim curves and pushed up her breasts in a way that made him long
to cup them in his hands and pull her body into his. He couldn’t
help but flash a wicked grin, showing his white, even teeth. Where the
hell did this girl come from?
Clearwater Bay was a bustling little town, but women were
few and far between. Mostly whores, or happily married women. Oh sure,
there were a few whose name held scandal. But that was none of his business,
not anymore. Jake was trying hard to stay out of trouble. Jumping out
of a man’s kitchen window, buck naked, was hard on the knees. He
definitely wasn’t going to repeat that again. Tipping his hat, reckless
blue eyes searched her innocent gaze as he suddenly felt a slap on his
ass.
“Hey, honey! Did you come here to see me? I’m
free for a little while!” Noela teased, wanting badly for Jake to
avert his gaze to her. His first night back in town and the little black
haired bitch was stealing the only man who knew how to please her feisty
appetite. Jake Hudson fucked like a wild mustang! And he didn’t
stop until a woman was completely, utterly satisfied, and breathless in
his arms. But this girl caught his attention, and it was bad for business.
Lita treated her as if she was her own daughter. Some of the girls were
already jealous over the affection she gave the girl. It seemed odd that
she appeared out of nowhere, all alone. Noela glared at her, making it
overly obvious what she felt.
“Excuse me, ladies.” Jake looked directly
into the tomboy’s eyes and winked. He wanted so badly to tell Noela
to shut the hell up and leave him alone, but his manners got the best
of him. So he simply took her arm and jerked her away. There was no doubt
in his mind that he would be meeting the new girl very soon. If he would
have known she was headed here, he could have brought her himself. He
would have paid to have her the entire night, and if luck would have it,
maybe she was still available!
He looked so intimidating with his dusty cowboy hat sitting
low over his brow, shading most of his face. He looked taller, somehow,
but then again, she hadn’t paid much attention earlier. He was a
Roman God, and Brenna was eager to know what other godly features he possessed.
A tall stance and broad shoulders made her feel so vulnerable, so tiny
next to him. But she would never forget how sweetly and gently he had
treated her. He walked slowly, and she held her breath as he approached
her. She felt as if time stood still and they were the only two people
in the world. Wood smoke and pine lingered around him, forcing her imagination
into a sexual escapade in the deep wilderness. On a rock, or even against
a stump—she was sure the devil would move with ease in any situation.
That lopsided grin only heightened the gorgeous dimples at each corner
of his mouth. Funny that she hadn’t noticed the dimples before.
But it was those eyes that she couldn’t tear her gaze from. Intense
clear blue eyes searched right through her, and Brenna could sense an
overwhelming desire to know this man. He was a man to reckon with. A man
who was powerful enough to win any battle, and protect his woman. She
wanted a man like him.
“I see that you noticed Jake’s rugged good
looks,” Lita murmured behind Brenna. She smiled at her niece lovingly.
Jake was a charmer all right, but Lita felt uneasy about Brenna’s
obvious interest in him. When Brenna had appeared out of nowhere, scratches
on her face and bruises on her arms, looking like she was beaten, Lita
couldn’t help but feel overprotective. While Brenna took a bath
and put on a dress Lita found for her, she gave her aunt the highlights
of how Vincent Randall had treated her, and how she had escaped.
Brenna was just a baby when Lita left. Knowing now that
the girl’s mother had passed, there was no way in hell Lita would
allow her to return home. She remembered what it was like. Vincent was
a cold-hearted bastard, and family didn’t mean shit to him. Lita
wondered if Brenna told her everything, but she doubted it. She had already
discovered the stubborn streak Brenna had, just like her mother. Brenna
needed a husband to take care of her, to keep her away from the Randalls.
A man like Jake would only break her heart with his animal lusts. Jake
did not fall in love, and although Lita loved him like a son, she knew
how he treated women.
“Don’t pay him too much attention, dear. Jake
can be a very dangerous man, and he isn’t the kind I want you being
compromised with.”
Brenna shifted her attention back to Jake, with Noela’s
arm wrapped possessively around his. She watched his broad form tower
over many of the men around him, and she found she didn’t care what
Lita said. Those wide shoulders tapered to a hard, slender waist, and
she couldn’t help but notice how perfect his ass molded into those
pants. It was an ass meant for squeezing and biting! A smirk curved Brenna’s
lips as she secretly decided that she wanted to know more about this handsome
stranger, dangerous or not. The funny thing about this particular situation
was that Brenna knew her innocence wouldn’t last long. Vincent always
said she was a little devil, and lived by nobody’s rules. That was
true, thank you very much. Brenna had a mind of her own and didn’t
plan on changing anytime soon, if at all. A man like Jake would be an
exciting challenge, and what better way to be introduced to womanhood
than with such a gorgeous man.
“I think I’ll take a drink up to my room,
Lita. I’m quite tired.” Faking the best yawn possible, she
smiled at Lita’s chin, avoiding her prying eyes, and ordered a drink.
As long as Brenna was here, and under Lita’s protection, she could
do as she pleased. Her beautiful aunt turned out to be quite the eccentric!
She didn’t care what anyone thought of her, and didn’t follow
rules. Lita Carlisle did as she pleased and let it be known. Brenna decided
that she liked the way her aunt lived her life. For once in her life,
Brenna felt in control, although the thought of it happening so soon made
her nervous all over again.
She walked up the stairs, exploring each hallway inside
the large hotel. Lita did very well for herself, for a woman in this day
and age where men were in control of everything. She wondered how Lita
managed to escape the curse of the family, but assumed she had run away,
as Brenna had. She made a mental note to ask her.
Beautiful erotic paintings, displayed with sconces on
each side, glowed along the halls as she walked. Lush red carpeting stretched
down the halls, and the dark stain on the paneling enhanced her erotic
senses. She couldn’t help but feel sensual and empowered. A rush
of excitement swept through her, remembering the devil’s arms around
her, his steel blue gaze making her drunk with anticipation. Just knowing
that guns were tucked into his belt, knives hidden in his pockets, and
the power within that hard body, sent shivers down the back of her neck.
Being held by him was like watching a flower grow in the middle of a war.
Deadly and beautiful rolled into one adventurous picture. She paused.
One painting in particular caught her attention near the
end of a hallway. It was a woman and a young boy posed together in a field
surrounded by colorful flowers. The woman was Lita, but who was the boy?
She lit a thin cigar, tracing her fingers across the painting’s
rough surface. It was quite a magnificent piece. A circle of smoke drifted
around her, causing her to exhale with a slight moan.
“He has your eyes.”
Brenna spun around with a choking cough, surprised by
the low sensual voice murmuring over her ear. There he was, the devil
himself, standing above her like a magnificent stud, his hot breath fanning
her cheek. His dimpled grin caused a stir in her blood, while his blue
eyes held her gaze without distraction. She knew that he was aware that
his presence was making her nervous but she refused to allow her emotions
to show.
“I suppose you’re shocked.” She turned
to put out the cigar, but his fingers caught her hand, holding her still.
Brenna was sweetly surprised that hands so hard and calloused could touch
her so softly, so delicately. His pointer finger traced a hot line across
her knuckles, then along her wrist.
“No. I don’t mind at all. I find it very amusing,
actually!”
“Thank you. Not many people appreciate a fine cigar.
I enjoy them.” Brenna smiled shyly, feeling very nervous beside
his sensuously male body. She beamed at the thought of this gorgeous hunk
of a man touching her, holding her, loving her. Clad all in black and
tailored to perfection, he could have been the devil, but he was too cute
to resist.
“A beautiful woman shouldn’t be alone in a
dark hallway. It’s a good thing your savior has arrived!”
His devil-may-care grin forced her own to appear, but she pretended to
be casual with his close proximity.
“You didn’t tell me your name,” he murmured.
His eyes raked over her thoroughly.
“Bobby Richards. Jake...”
“Hudson, ma’am. I take it our mutual friend
informed you? May I be bold and ask if you are already spoken for tonight?”
“Yes. I mean, no,” she blurted out. Brenna
found herself at a loss of words. What did he mean by, tonight? Did he
think she was a prostitute?
“You look beautiful in a dress, love. But I must
say, you could wear just about anything and make it the height of fashion!
Tell me, what do you prefer, pants or skirts?” She chuckled sweetly,
and his eyes took in the lushness of her lips.
Women must throw themselves at this man. Even a nun would
be tempted to throw away a lifetime of celibacy. “You’re too
kind. You look pretty damn good yourself. Almost edible, in fact!”
“Almost? You break my heart!” He tapped his
chest playfully. “Would you care to join me for a drink, Bobby Richards?”
“Thank you, but I must decline. I have a very busy
day ahead of me tomorrow.” She didn’t want him to know that
she was just a young woman, barely twenty, with absolutely no experience
with men like him. But at the same time, Brenna didn’t want to be
a little girl any longer. For years, she had naughty visions, and often
masturbated to curb her unrequited desire. She was tired of having to
please herself. “Maybe we will meet again soon. I might decide to
stay in this lovely town.”
That coy look on her face made Jake not want to let her
just walk away. “Then you must allow me to walk you to your room,
ma’am. For your safety, of course!” His eyes locked with hers,
stirring the pot. He knew just how to tease women, but Miss Richards seemed
smarter than most. A breath of fresh air compared to what he was used
to. He liked the blondes, all nice and round and plump, full of energy
and eager to please. She was different. He could sense in the pit of his
stomach that she was the kind of woman who didn’t bend for anyone,
but the thought of her bending in all sorts of sexy positions caused his
cock to twitch in excitement.
“Well if it’s for safety purposes, it would
be rude of me to refuse!”
She smiled, and Jake thought he noticed a spark of something
hot in her eyes, like she wasn’t convinced herself that she wanted
to leave. There was definitely something wild within her from the kiss
they had shared only hours before.
They walked in silence to her room, neither one short
in thought. He was so close, she could feel his hand graze her skirts
ever so lightly; Brenna wished she was wearing pants to feel his hand
touch her thigh directly. His eyes reflected a darker, more sensual appeal,
and then he winked again. “Is there something in your eye, Jake,
or do you always wink at the ladies?” Suddenly they were at her
door.
Jake took her hand gently and kissed it, still chuckling
from her comment. He pushed her against the wall, not even realizing his
actions, being too caught up in wanting to kiss her haughty mouth. She
didn’t fight him, but the look in her eyes showed surprise, and
if he thought correctly, wanting. The lovely full peaks of her breasts
pushed against the material of her dress, quivering with her hard breathing.
Why did he lose control with her? Why could he not feel this delirious
over Noela or somebody else? She glanced to the side, worried somebody
would find them, and before she could stop him, he took the opportunity
to dip to kiss her neck. She wanted it, that much he could tell.
His tongue darted out, lapping the soft silk of her skin;
he was getting harder by the minute. God, how he wanted to have her! He
never wanted a woman so fiercely that it drove him mad. He continued caressing
her neck, moving over to the tiny lobe of her ear, forcing himself to
be gentle although inside, he was raging to bring it on full tilt. The
last thing he wanted was to scare her with his growing need for release.
Jake cupped her breasts, tweaking her puckered nipples
with his thumb and middle finger. The material of her dress was soft and
thin, and he was delighted she wasn’t wearing undergarments. Her
body, so curvy and lush, heightened his arousal. The strength of her feminine
muscles against his raw power was a heady mixture. She was meant for a
man’s eager hands. He groaned against her midnight hair, lifting
his face to capture her mouth. The sweet scent of her perfume rose and
lingered around them as her body heated. Her response to his ardor was
surprising, so he continued, believing his gentle invasion won her over.
His tongue touched the spot where a tiny rip scarred her slightly swollen
bottom lip. When he caressed it, she stiffened under the pressure where
that man had hit her. Jake was so gentle, he surprised himself. Slowly
he drew back to peer into her incredible green eyes. She looked smug.
“Remind me why you’re here again," he murmured.
“I didn’t say why I was here, you just assumed,”
she murmered, still ablaze from his hot kisses.
He took his index finger and traced it along her jaw,
and then her lips. His cock throbbed in his pants just from the sweet
torture of her soft skin. He wanted to kiss her again, take her in her
room and spread her legs, but he pushed that thought aside. This woman
was Lita’s friend, dammit! Between these two women, he’d be
lucky to live through the night. Bobby and her lush body tormenting his
dreams, and Lita with her glaring eyes and dollar signs over this stunning
woman. He’d be lucky to get her for a reasonable price.
He lingered in front of her face for a moment, just staring
at her. The butterflies in her stomach hadn’t settled yet, and she
drew in a shallow breath. Jake kissed her again. This time it was rough
and demanding, bruising her with his raping lips. Then it was over again
so quickly, leaving her breathless and confused. Before Brenna realized
his intentions, he pulled back, tipped his hat and strolled away. She
was stunned by his sudden departure, but before he disappeared around
the corner, Jake turned, capturing her full attention with his meaningful
gaze.
Her eyes lingered over his warrior’s body. She wouldn’t
have said no if he wanted to go into her room, but then again, throwing
herself at a man who was used to easy women wasn’t her cup of tea.
He must have read her eyes because a lopsided grin widened his face. She
blushed and licked her lips. “About your question earlier. The answer
is pants.”
Jake chuckled, revealing those dimples again. He already
knew the answer, but to hear the words come from that lovely mouth made
him decide quite quickly that they would be out riding together very soon.
Then he could fulfill his wish and remove those sexy pants himself!
“Until we meet again, Bobby.” He tipped his
hat and walked away, leaving her thinking about his mouth, and other hard,
provocative things. When he turned the corner, she sighed in tortured
surprise, tracing a finger along her bottom lip, feeling the wetness leaking
down her thighs.
Reviews For
RELENTLESS DESIRE by Bonnie Clarke
"Bonnie Clarke's is a skillful verbal massage, one
which arouses in both a charming and pleasurable manner. Surely worth
a read." C Martin, TCM Reviews
"Intelligently crafted storyline and characters with
likeable personality add depth that makes for an enjoyable read."
Barbara Balmer, Writer's Block Magazine
4 stars
"There was gun slinging galore and evil villains a plenty. I felt
that Ms. Clarke set herself a high standard with this novel, as the plot
contained several intriguing twists and turns, yet she dealt with them
swiftly and methodically." Deborah Kimpton, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
4 angels
"Relentless Desire is aptly titled as Brenna and Jake begin a tumultuous
story. They take the reader on a roller coaster ride. It is an action
filled plot line and doesn't seem to stop until the end." Susan T,
Fallen Angel Reviews
4 Stars from Just Erotic Romance Reviews!!!
"Relentless Desire was my first foray into the world
of westerns and it held all the ingredients that I would have readily
associated with that genre. There was gun slinging galore and evil villains
a plenty. I felt that Ms Clark set herself a high standard with this novel,
as the plot contained several intriguing twists and turns, yet she dealt
with them swiftly and methodically."
Reviewed by Deborah Kimpton
4 Angels Fallen Angel Reviews
"Relentless Desire is aptly titled as Brenna and Jake begins a tumultuous
story. They take the reader on a roller coaster ride. It is an action
filled plot line and doesn’t seem to stop until the end. The erotic
action is in keeping with the story and isn’t overdone especially
since one of the main locations is a brothel. Although this reader is
not a big fan of Western romances, Relentless Desire is a great romp set
in the wild, wild west!!!"
Reviewed by: Susan T
Relentless Desire was my first foray into the world of
westerns and it held all the ingredients that I would have readily associated
with that genre. There was gun slinging galore and evil villains a plenty.
I felt that Ms. Clark set herself a high standard with this novel, as
the plot contained several intriguing twists and turns, yet she dealt
with them swiftly and methodically."
Deborah Kimpton, Just Erotic Romance Reviews
"Relentless Desire is aptly titled as Brenna and Jake begins a tumultuous
story. They take the reader on a roller coaster ride. It is an action
filled plot line and doesn't seem to stop until the end."
Susan T, Fallen Angel Reviews
"Intelligently crafted storyline and characters with likable personality
add depth that makes for an enjoyable read. The erotic scenes are written
with strong modern language that is in keeping with the voice used throughout
the book. For fans of erotica, this is one you're sure to enjoy."
Barbara Balmer, Writer's Block Magazine
"Writer Bonnie Clarke indeed knows how to tell a story. She builds
up expectation, and anticipation. Her words flow beautifully. Hers is
a powerfully-narrated erotic story, one which could attract a wide range
of adult readers. Bonnie Clarke's is a skillful verbal massage, one which
arouses in both a charming and pleasurable manner. Surely worth a read."
C Martin, TCM Reviews
"There were plenty of surprises in this book to keep you guessing
what would happen next. Secrets, great couple and steamy sex; what more
could a reader ask for?"
Christy, MayReviews
5 Hearts
"Relentless Desire by Bonnie Clarke is a creatively written erotic
adventure filled with exciting action." Anita, The Romance Studio
5 Roses!
"This is a highly sensual, compelling love story. Erotic yes, but
written in such a beautiful strong style that it makes you believe in
the story and the characters. Bonnie Clarke is an excellent, talented
writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Five red roses." Morna, Red
Roses For Authors
|
