The Ripple Effect Excerpt

Today I'm doing the first round of my own edits on The Ripple Effect, and I figured I might as well share a snippet. To set up the scene: Disco and Paine's maker has arrived in New York. Since Rhiannon is marked by both vampires, there is the expectation she will serve each equally. Failure to pull off the ruse will result in dire consequences.

All set? Okay, here you go. I only ask that you not copy and/or redistribute the excerpt. If anyone would like to read it send them here. Thanks!

The Ripple Effect Excerpt:

Paine moved into my personal space, wrapped his arms around me, and whispered, “Don’t fight me, Rhiannon. Marius is watching.”

Then, he kissed me.

It was a good thing he warned me. Otherwise, I would have fought him.

At least, I think I would have.

Paine’s lips were plush and cool, feathering over mine, just before he opened his mouth and his tongued snaked out. I wasn’t sure how to respond. Fortunately, he didn’t seem to have the same problem. His tongue teased mine, inviting me to play. I followed his lead, kissing him back. The closeness between us brought back memories I wanted to forget, of a different time and place.

He pulled away, and the heat in his gaze made my toes curl. “I’d almost forgotten,” he murmured, licking his lower lip.

“Forgotten?” I asked breathlessly.

“What a woman tastes like.”

More memories arose. He’d said something similar in the future, something that swept aside my reservations. It was impossible not to ache for him—to love him—when I remembered how alone he truly was. That was the reason I didn’t move away from him, why I lifted my hands and placed one on his chest and the other against his face. He closed his eyes and exhaled in bliss, making me feel even worse.

“This isn’t fair to you.”

“Life isn’t fair.” He opened his eyes and looked at me. “We take what we’re given because there isn’t any alternative. Small moments like these can last an eternity.”

He moved away, taking a large step back. I was going to ask him why when I glanced at the door. Disco stood in the entranceway with Marius at his side. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking, since his maker undoubtedly had him on his best behavior. Still, I did notice the way his lips thinned and his jaw ticced as he regarded us.

“Marius and I are meeting with the leaders of the other families.” Disco took slow, deliberate steps in my direction. “I wanted to see you before we left.”

This time, Disco was the one invading my personal space, wrapping his arms so tightly around me I held my breath, bringing me toward his chest. One large hand cradled the back of my head, arching my neck so he had access to my lips. His kiss was harsher than Paine’s, more demanding. He didn’t ask for control, he took it, dominating my mouth with swirls and plunges of his tongue. Unable to do anything else, I let him do as he wanted. He lowered his hand and cupped my ass.

This kiss was different—one I ached for, one I dreamed about. Delicious and wild, sending me spiraling out of control. I latched onto his arms, holding him close, breathing him in as he ravaged my lips. The scent of cinnamon and cloves was like coming home, sweet yet earthy, everything I’d missed. The world seemed to settle into place when I was in his arms, coming together as though we’d never been apart. I knew we had an audience, but I didn’t care, riding waves of untainted and pure emotion.

Disco didn’t lift his head as Paine had, shifting a fraction of an inch so I could feel his breath on my face. He gazed into my eyes, the heat from one simple look powerful enough to make my knees weak.

“I’ll be back soon,” he said softly and leaned in, nipping my bottom lip playfully, causing me to shudder.

When he let me go, I stayed in exactly the same place, arms loose at my sides.

It wasn’t the words spoken aloud that had me gasping for air, or the kiss that had scattered my thoughts. It was the words he’d spoken in my mind that echoed over and over in my head, a warning if ever I’d heard one.

“You belong to me, Rhiannon. You belong to me.”

(c) 2012 J.A. Saare