Abra cadabra...
My name is Margaux Asher--and I'm in love.
Crazy, right? Me, the girl who grew up in the lap of luxury and the shadow of cynicism, is now head-over-heels for an apple farmer's son who rocks my world and steals my breath. He's seen the woman beneath the princess, and loves me--for me. Trouble is...he wants all of me. But how can I commit that to him if I don't know what "me" is?
There are pieces missing--and not just mine. Until Michael opens up and shares all of himself, we're a great opening explosion, but not a lasting magic tale.
Don't look at the man behind the curtain...
My name is Michael Pearson--and I'm in love.
Margaux is the fire of my dreams, the fulfillment of my fantasies, and the woman who's asked the impossible. When your past has been hell, how is it possible to walk through it again? But fighting it isn't an option--especially when the ghosts rise up and battle back.
Especially when fate issues an ultimatum: battle back, or lose her forever.
Can I do it? Is love enough to change a person's soul, or will our magic become a forgotten moment for us both?
*NO MAGIC MOMENT*
I did take a couple of sharpened pencils—brand new number twos—and lay them end-to-end in the well on the desk’s top. Like any good student, I sat up straight with my hands folded in front of me. The only thing out of place was my exaggerated gum chewing. It lent to the bit but also helped with my nervousness.
Keys jangled in the hall.
My heartbeat skidded in my chest.
Show time.
I tried to call the circus in my stomach to rest. Would he play along with me? I was almost certain he would…but how far? In what direction?
Uncertainty assaulted me.
A simple question had never turned me on more.
The door swung open. I looked up, brandishing a cheeky grin. Blew a big pink bubble out of my mouth with a long hiss.
Pop.
I sucked the gum back in and kept chewing, adding a little wink. Getting deeper into character helped keep the circus under control—especially after I took in my man from head to toe. He’d worn one of his sharpest suits today, nearly-black navy that was perfectly fitted to every lean, muscled inch of him. Finishing the look was a burgundy tie, a color he turned into a power look with the force of his presence alone.
I really loved that suit on him.
Inside ten seconds, I squirmed in the seat. Wet for him. Wanting him.
“Well, what do we have here?” His sensual growl moved through me while he shucked his jacket and slid his briefcase onto the island in the kitchen, right next to the wooden ruler. Though I had a blind spot due to my lower level at the desk, I sensed he stashed the ruler in his back pocket. I’d find out for sure if I pushed him far enough…and earned a punishment.
Oh, it was on.
“Hi there.” I blew another bubble. Smaller this time. Popped it with my teeth and sucked it back in. Michael watched every movement with darkening eyes—and, I observed as he walked out from the kitchen, a hardening crotch. Oh, yes. I grinned a little wider.
“Hello there.” He started unbuttoning his sleeves. Rolled them both to his elbows. Oh hell, yes. “What’s going on?”
“I’ve come for detention—just like the slip said, Headmaster.” I chewed loudly but added in a mumble, “Although I didn’t expect the proctor to be late.”
He lifted both hands to his waist. “What did you just say, Miss Asher?”
His snarl was terrifying—and so fucking hot. He’d taken the bait and jumped right into character—as I’d known he would, deep in my heart. Never letting me down.
I loved this man so much.
“Nothing.” I snapped it breezily, diving deeper into my own persona. “Nothing at all.”
“Perhaps you meant ‘nothing, Sir’?”
I gave him an exaggerated blink through my heavily coated lashes. “Of course. Nothing, Sir.”
He prowled closer. I smiled bigger. Holy crap, he was good. So damn good.
“Miss Asher, I’ve been seeing a lot of you lately. Your behavior is getting out of hand. It’s possible some corrective action is necessary at this point.”
I gasped and worried my lips together. “No! Please, Headmaster. I promise, I promise I’ll be good.”
“That’s what you said last time, young lady.”
“But I mean it this time. I do. Really.”
“So tell me, why were you sent to my office? Exactly?” He eyed me carefully. I picked up the vibe instantly. He played along while trying to understand what I wanted out of all this. While we’d talked about the fantasy, we hadn’t exactly discussed a line-by-line. Really, I could never let this man go. He was clever enough and brave enough to go toe-to-toe with me on every level.
I blew another bubble for dramatic effect. Michael sighed, giving it equal weight. “Give me the gum, Miss Asher. You know it’s against school policy, and it’s unladylike to be chewing it in front of me.”
I slid another glance up at him. “You gonna make me?”
He walked back to the counter, grabbed a tissue from the box on it, then paced back over to cup it in front of my mouth.
“Spit it out.”
“No.”
“Do not defy me. It will only make things worse for you. It’s a disgusting habit anyway.” He pressed his other hand against the side of my face. “There are much better uses for that pretty little mouth.”
SECRETS OF STONE SERIES
*NO PRINCE CHARMING (SECRETS OF STONE, BOOK 1)
NO MORE MASQUERADE (SECRETS OF STONE, BOOK 2)
NO PERFECT PRINCESS (SECRETS OF STONE, BOOK 3)
Angel Payne
Hi there. I'm Angel: book lover, writing addict, hopeless romantic, pop culture geek and avid shoe lover. **I have a monthly newsletter now! Sign up for it right here: http://eepurl.com/LoNkz. It's a cool way to get exclusive info, talk hot heroes, learn about new items in the Angel Payne store, talk hot heroes, further the pie or cake debate...and oh yeah, did I mention talking hot heroes? A bit about me... I've been hooked on books since I was a kid but it got worse in my twenties, when I discovered romances--the hotter, the better. Growing up in Southern California, with lots of surfer manliness surrounded me, was certainly a good boost for reading about delicious alpha guys and the women who adore them. When I learned I had a knack for telling these stories too, I guess you could say I was doomed--though my path toward romance novelist took a few detours via a concert-reviewing gig for my college newspaper (free show tickets...backstage passes...that was a no-brainer), artist interviews for a Beverly Hills dance music mag, personal assistant work for a record producer, dance club disc jockey, and a lot of fun in the hospitality industry. These days, I still live in California, and have found an amazing alpha guy of my own who was brave enough to marry me. We live on a street that looks like Brigadoon, with our beautiful daughter. I have the best life ever, and never forget to thank the Big Guy Upstairs for it, either.Victoria Blue
Victoria Blue lives in her own portion of the galaxy known as Southern California. There she finds the love and life sustaining power of one amazing sun, two unique and awe inspiring planets and three indifferent, yet comforting moons. Life is fantastic and challenging and everyday brings new adventures to be discovered. She looks forward to seeing what's next!
Thank you SO MUCH for the shout-out for Michael and Margaux! A lot of love went into this book, and we really hope everyone enjoys it!
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