Sunday Snippet: Fancy Meeting You Here

Had a super emotional day yesterday with my daughter graduating from college with a bachelor's in media production and theater. She starts grad school in the fall for arts administration. I'm so proud of her! And … considering she had a drive-through high school graduation, getting to see her walk for her bachelor's made me very happy.

Had another good week of work and writing. I finished up two manuscript edits and a proofread on the work front and wrote several scenes in three or four of my WIPs. I'm not quite where I want to be on my writing, but I'm getting back to form.

Actually had a solid week of viewing also. Maybe the planets are aligned where I need them to be right now. Who knows?

Watched two episodes of Elementary and, wow, I rather like what they did with the Moriarity thing. Looking forward to seeing how that ends up. I think I have one more episode of the first season.

Started season three of The Batman and watched two episodes. I remembered both and enjoyed each one.

Caught two episodes of Classic Rugrats. I think I'm at the end of season seven where the two vignettes are actually one episode. Kind of liked that format. I think the new theme starts with season eight. I'll find out this week I think.

Started a new season of Suspects. Loved the opening episode. It did not go where I thought it would and I love that.

Watched another episode of Madame Blanc Mysteries. Broken-hearted for Gloria. I kind of hope there's more to the story about Cooper. I kind of want to find out what his whole deal was with Gloria.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. I don't remember this one at all and actually loved it. Definitely a twisty one.

Caught the first part of Silent Witness. I'm excited to see where this one goes. There's definitely more than meets the eye for this case. I'm not thrilled with the new addition to Jack's life. I love his niece, but the mom is a piece of work and I don't like her at all.

Started a new episode of Peak Practice. I'll try to finish it up this week. Not sure what's up with Sam but I assume the seeds are being planted for his departure and that's why he's being such a prat right now.

Last but not least, I started a documentary called Broken Horses, mainly because it features the author of one of the books I've been working on and his stance that the drugging of horses needs to stop. I can honestly say it's a hard watch and my personal thought there might be a trainer who should never, ever be allowed to participate in the sport ever again. But that's just me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Fancy Meeting You Here, a novella that brings a couple together under fraught circumstances.

Here's the miniblurb:

Jonni Mars and Val Janison are enforcers for two opposing mage families and have a friendly rivalry. When Val, a member of the ruling house, shows up at Jonni's favorite underground dive, she's both infuriated and intrigued, and more than a little surprised to meet him under almost normal circumstances.

And a preview snippet…

Dammit. She hated being called on her bullshit.

Taking a deep, cleansing breath, she listed her issues with black and white. "That's an encapsulated version." She flung out a hand. "But you've got a point. I don't disrespect you. The snark and biting comments are my defense." Pacing back and forth, she muttered. "I'm trying to stay out of you head the only way I know how." But she didn't have to be a complete bitch.

Val lifted his chin. "I get it." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "But … can we call a truce? The whole reason we came to the Warwick is to unravel the connection, figure out how and why it's happening." Leaning against the wall, he crossed one booted foot over the other.

Jonni calmed down. "Okay. Yeah. We should get on the same page." She huffed out a frustrated breath. "But I have no idea how to even start." Or where.

Val pushed away from the plastered surface and made his way to the couch. "I suggest we walk back to the night we fought Philan. That started this." He slouched down, kicking his feet out.

She reluctantly agreed. "Yeah, okay. But I still don't know what happened or how it did." She'd never had a slip like that, not even with Rochelle and they'd been like sisters.

Val rolled a shoulder. "Look, I'll own having an instant attraction to you. Maybe that's at play?" His lips turned down, which showed his discomfort with the idea.

Jonni admitted the same. "Yeah, there's a spark there. Like I've known you for years … which I sort of do." She planted herself in the chair opposite the sofa. "Everyone knows the major players in the three clans." At least everyone that worked with or for ruling families.

Val grunted. "Yeah, but it's more than that. I've got a reputation for being very cool under pressure, but I've been on edge since you invaded my mind." He shook his head.

Jonni got defensive. "Not like I tried to do it." The reply sounded lame, but she really didn't have a clue how she'd mindslipped into his consciousness.

Val met her gaze. "Okay. I believe that." He straightened and leaned forward, placing his forearms on his knees. "Maybe see if you can do it now."

What did they have to lose?

Jonni probed but couldn't get through. "I've got nothing." Hope filled her. "Progress?" Gah, she hoped so.

Val gave a shrug. "Possibly. Let's wait a while and see what happens." He leaned back against the cushions again.

Jonni arched her brows. "Seriously? I've got things to do." Like figure out why she kept hitting dead ends.

Val folded his arms over his chest. "Tell me about them." He gave her a look that dared her to deny his request.

Jonni sighed and explained about her false leads and frustration. They talked a little more and she got comfortable. Val had some solid ideas about picking up the cold trail. And he didn't appear to find her lack of progress overly concerning. It took time to run down leads and false starts were part of the job.

She started to comment but got a very vivid image of being sprawled naked on a featherbed, her legs splayed wide and Val's head between them. His hands grasped her hips and he drew her closer to his delving tongue. A hot flush washed over her, and she gasped.

Pissed off, her gaze flew to his. "What the hell, Val?" She shot up off the chair and ran a hand through her hair.

Val gave a grunt. "See … you're still doing it." He smirked, an unrepentant look on his face.

She whirled to face him. "Dammit! Why? I do not want to be in your head." Huffing out a harsh breath, she made a hard admission. "It's distracting—even when I'm not traipsing through your thoughts. The fact I can constantly buzzes around in my brain." Why did this happen now?

Val gave a slow nod. "I agree. And we need to figure this out." He leaned forward again. "I say we either order something in or get takeout. Because it's gonna be a long night."

Jonni grabbed her jacket. "I need some air." The whole mindslip thing had her twitchy. "I'll get the food." She didn't wait for a response, heading out and dashing down the stairs.

She didn't think twice about what she ordered. Not until she headed out of the restaurant.

She had no doubt she had exactly what Val wanted.

I love how this story is coming together. Jonni and Val are a fun couple to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Fancy Meeting You Here

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. We're having some unseasonably chilly and rainy weather but it's nice to have my youngest home for the weekend.

Had a weird mix of editing work and a bunch of stuff I needed to catch up on this week. I did manage to get some solid writing time in also, which makes me very happy. I finished up a manuscript I've been working on for a long time and got it ready for some beta readers! I also finished a sexy short and have it ready for some critique as well.

Not a bad week for television. I started a new to me show on Hulu with The Hardy Boys. The first episode had a lot going on but I enjoyed it. My brother highly recommended the series because he liked it a lot. We remember the original Hardy Boys from way back in the day so I'll go with his recommendation.

I started a Master Class series on graphic design. I'm not going to win any awards, but I have an interest in the topic and I like to know what goes into making things like book covers and media for marketing purposes. I have several more classes to watch and I'm looking forward to them.

Caught the second episode of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. So far, I'm still in. I like looking at the world through Sabrina's eyes and watching how everyone reacts with her. I'm split down the middle with the aunts and I love her cousin. Harvey and Sabrina's friends are fun also. The jury is out on the teacher. I have a bit of a hang up about the actress because she played a character I really didn't like on Doctor Who. That's not her fault, it's part of the Moffet era that I didn't enjoy.

Watched another episode of Peak Practice and it was a tough one, but I enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to seeing the next one even though Beth and Jack are kind of going through the wringer right now.

Started a new episode of Blue Heelers. It's interesting to see how witness protection works in another country. I also love to see how the small-town heelers have a better grasp on how things work than the big city guys.

I finished the first season of Picard and, wow, I did not expect to be a sobbing mess. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It took me some time to really get into the series, but I ended up getting pretty invested in the core group. I am left with a couple of questions, which isn't a bad thing. I'll look forward to seeing if those get answered in the second season.

Caught another episode of Chicago Med and it's part of a crossover event I remember watching. I'm ready for the next episode, hopefully this week.

Last but not least, I caught another Passionflix holiday Quickie with Just Say When. It was on the shorter side but didn't suffer for it. A nice little bit of angsty merriment.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Fancy Meeting You Here, a novella that features two characters on opposing sides trying to navigate a relationship.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jonni Mars and Val Janison are enforcers for two opposing mage families and have a friendly rivalry. When Val, a member of the ruling house, shows up at Jonni's favorite underground dive, she's both infuriated and intrigued, and more than a little surprised to meet him under almost normal circumstances.

And a preview snippet…

Val crouched against the warehouse wall, listening carefully to the man inside. Philan belched orders into the phone. So far, he'd arranged a meet-up with the human trafficking arm of his empire and scheduled a shipment of drugs to move out in two days.

"He won't see the rewards from either venture."

Val's senses kicked in and he skimmed the side of the building, instincts on high alert. Someone else is here. Reaching the end of bricks, he stayed back, merged with the shadows. He's used a cloaking spell to remain out of sight, but he didn't add a noise dampening cue.

He waited until the person emerged from the darkness of the alley. Female, well-versed in fighting techniques based on her confident stride and wary countenance. She looks familiar.

She paused, her gaze scanning side to side then quietly ordered. "You might as well show yourself. I don't care how many of you assholes I have to go through to get inside." Her arms crossed in front of her waist and readied to withdraw weapons.

Val let go of his shadow mantle and appeared before her. No use hiding, especially if he didn't want to draw undue attention out here. And, dammit, where did he know her from.

She snorted. "Nice trick." Then she got a look at him. "Great balls. Fucking Janis clan royalty." She tilted her head. "No way you went black. Why are you here?" Her arms relaxed but her shoulders remained tense and rigid.

Ah, Jonni Mars. A Marsoni enforcer. Interesting.

But he didn't like her snotty tone, like he'd ruined her day. Then he remembered. Rochelle. Best friend. Shit.

Had they come for the same thing then?

He lifted his chin. "Probably the same reason you are." His mind spun with potential pros and cons.

She rocked back on her heels. "I doubt that." Her gaze landed anywhere but on him.

Liar. She'd come for the same purpose.

Val got up close and in her face. "You shouldn't. I'm calling bullshit here. You're here for the same reason I am … and I think we're going to help each other." A bold statement, but not a huge leap of logic.

She arched a brow. "Is that right? And what is it we're going to do?"

He held her gaze. "Put Philan down."

Her gaze went flat and she shook her head. "Screw that. There's no way."

I'm excited about this story, which has ended up being morphing into another book, and possibly a third.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fancy Meeting You Here

A great week with a busy schedule. The end of the school year is always jammed up with concerts, graduation parties, and last-minute final projects. Never boring.

Good week in television. Watched a little more Classic Who with The Daleks: The Dead Planet and The Survivors. Also caught another episode of Midsomer Murders. Watched the second episode of Constantine and, honestly, I'm enjoying the show. Definitely a good thing to get a better feel for the character since he'll be on Legends this fall.

Gotham continues to be a super-great pleasure to watch. I'm almost caught up and can't wait to see how this season ends. I'm a little on the fence about R'as, but we'll see what happens.

Watched Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. I'm still loving Chicago Fire. Chicago PD not so much. The whole Woods going after Hank thing is too contrived and using one of Hank's people as a mole has been done. Also, the never heard of before sister is too damned convenient. Right now… I'm done. I'll catch up on marathons later. Blindspot, however, is holding my interest. Even if I'm kind of "meh" on Roman being the new instigator, I love the team's new interactions.

The Flash is almost over for the season and I'm ready. DeVoe is becoming my least favorite villain of all time. I'm ready for them to move on and get someone new to be the bad guy. In contrast, Arrow's season finale ended up being one of my favorite episodes. I'm a little bummed Diaz got away. Seriously, I wanted him to either die in a fire or end up behind bars.

Started a new-to-me show on Netflix with Sense8. I'd started this a long time ago and finally finished watching the first episode. I'm now hooked and can't wait to follow the series. I also caught the next to last episode of Riverdale's second season. The reveal of the Black Hood was incredible. Cheryl and Betty teaming up made me happy. I'm ready for Hiram to get what's coming to him in a big way. I'm curious about who the hell attacked Archie and Fred and have a sneaking suspicion Hiram's dirty handprints will be all over that deal. FP carrying Jughead broke my heart. I'm so ready to watch the finale now!!

Caught another episode of Krypton and, holy hell, the maneuvering and shifting allegiances is kind of fun to watch. I'm excited to see how the rest of the season goes.

Started The Batman season three and thoroughly enjoyed the show. Also caught another episode of Ghost Squad and still enjoy how fine a line Amy has to walk to get to the truth of corruption. Her interaction with Pete is also a lot of fun to watch. On tap for today is another episode of Endeavor and probably some additional Classic Who.

Whew! That wraps up television for this week. Tonight's post is from Fancy Meeting You Here, a novella that started with a writing community prompt of write a scene or story where the main characters end up in the same bar looking for hookups and find each other instead.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jonni Mars and Val Janison are enforcers for two opposing mage families and have a friendly rivalry. When Val, a member of the ruling house, shows up at Jonni's favorite underground dive, she's both infuriated and intrigued, and more than a little surprised to meet him under almost normal circumstances.

And a preview snippet…

Jonni Mars balled her hands into fists. "Philan Vellas needs to die." She stood over her best friend's body, Rochelle's neck twisted at an odd angle. "I know that bastard killed her."

And Jonni shouldered the blame. Rochelle called and begged Jonni to meet her at the waterfront. Rochelle wanted to come home, return to the gray way of living.

Jonni almost refused. Rochelle chose to go and embrace the black. The Vellas clan practiced the dark ways and ruthlessly policed their members. They also recruited heavily from the gray, the fringe dwellers that didn't have a chosen preference for either the white or the black.

Jonni bent down, careful to avoid moving her friend. "I should've been here." Instead, Jonni decided to let Rochelle wait it out a little.

And it cost Rochelle her life.

So what if Rochelle let a guy come between their friendship? Yeah, but the guy in question leads the Vellas clan. Big deal. True friends watched out for each other, even when they made shitty decisions. Not that Rochelle stood much of a chance once Philan set his sights on her. Rochelle succumbing to the black had everything to do with Philan's seductive ability, both physically and mentally.

Jonni sighed. "Look where it got you." Sprawled on a dock, pale and lifeless.

Rochelle couldn't or refused to do the things Philan requested of her. I can't do what he asks me to do. And he's angry all the time. Jonnie had tried to tell Rochelle. Philan burned through companions on a regular basis. None lasted long and if they didn't prove useful, he cut ties.

Or throats.

Jonni made a quick call to her handler, Butch Nelson, and explained what happened. He reacted pretty much as expected, only slightly more violently because of who it involved. Rochelle had blood ties to the second son of the ruling Marsoni family, illegitimate though they might be. The Marsoni clan claimed relatives from both the black and white factions, but always maintained their powerbase on the fringe, firmly in the gray.

Butch growled. "I'll send a cleanup crew. Don't even think about leaving until they get there." As if.

Jonni snorted. "You know I won't." She had enough rage to keep anyone at bay.

Butch lowered his voice. "Keep your schedule clear. I'll find out where the bastard is and give you free rein."

Jonnie like the sound of Butch's plan. She didn't have a lot of use for dark arts practitioners. Hell, she didn't care for the do-no-harm crowd either. Jonni's healthy dislike for both sides made her popular as an enforcer for the gray's ruling family. Her loyalty stayed with them. But taking out a clan leader would need a sanctioned warrant from the Marsonis.

Considering the blood tie, Jonni didn't doubt Butch would get one.

Jonni shook her head. "Daddy's not going to be happy, Rochelle." Mario Marsoni would want someone's head on a pike for the death of his daughter.

Jonni intended to deliver Philan Vellas's to him.

I'm excited to see where this one goes. The sages have a fairly clear idea of what's going to happen, but they sometimes decide to veer off into the unknown. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fancy Meeting You Here

Happy October!

So, after going off on a tangent last week about my 'blah' feeling for the new season of Doctor Who, I can't say my impression has changed, but I did enjoy this week's episode better. So there's that. *grin*

Gotham is kicking some big time butt so far. I like the rather darker edge it opened with and actually can't wait to see this week's episode. I missed the Sleepy Hollow premiere, so I need to catch up on that one ASAP.

And the best news! The Flash and Arrow are back this week!! And I truly hope nothing tries to get in the way of me and my TV those two night. LOL

So… probably a long ramble about television next week. But on to tonight's post.

Fancy Meeting You Here is a novella where my hero and heroine are like oil and water, they should mix.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Jonni Mars and Val Janison are enforcers for two opposing mage families and have a friendly rivalry. When Val, a member of the ruling house, shows up at Jonni's favorite underground dive, she's both infuriated and intrigued, and more than a little surprised to meet him under almost normal circumstances.

And a preview snippet…

Val Janison stood outside the stately study his grandfather held all important meetings in. When Wallace Janison summoned someone, the unwritten rule would inevitably lead them to the huge estate, through the main house, and down the hallway to the double teak doors, inlaid with cork and bamboo. Val ran a hand over the polished surface, remembering a time when he played in the traditionally furnished room filled with gleaming wood, burnished leather, and richly woven tapestries. He'd wanted to sit behind the huge mahogany desk and dispatch members of the Janis clan to do his bidding.

Just like his grandfather.

Now… he'd much rather be anywhere but standing outside, waiting on whatever command request the old man would make. The doors opened and Anton Benoit, his grandfather's manservant, gestured for Val to enter. When Val stepped into the room, Anton exited and quietly closed the doors.

Val strode to the desk and waited, keeping his stance relaxed. The chair Val used to sit in as a child faced away from him, the black leather still supple and smooth. He didn't address Wallace. The old man spoke when he wanted and not before.

After several long moments, the elder Janison swiveled around and placed his hands on the desk, folding one palm over the other. "Valero." He always used Val's full name when opening a conversation.

Because Val hated the reminder of his father, who had used the full pronunciation before his death ten years ago.

Val nodded. "Grandfather. You summoned me?" He'd skip any form of small talk and hope the old man got right to the point.

Wallace narrowed his eyes, just a touch. "I asked to see you, yes. I have a delicate matter I need handled and you're the only person I trust to see it through." His shoulders squared and he sat up straighter.

Val quirked an eyebrow. "Your use of a vague pronoun already makes me want to say no. Spit out the task, old man, or be ready to test the bonds on trust you like to bind me with." Val lamented the bitterness residing in his heart, but Wallace would consider either feeling weak.

A bony finger pointed in Val's direction. "The Vellas clan is trying to tip the scales toward the black and the ruling families have decided Philan has to go." Wallace glanced away. "I want you to take care of this concern." His grandfather met Val's gaze again. "It's the last thing I'll ever ask of you."

A huge concession, but Val didn't give two shits about a promise that wouldn't be kept.

He folded his arms across his chest. "By take care of the concern, you mean eliminate Philan, the head of the Vellas clan. You'll never be able to ask anything else of me, Grandfather, because the blowback from this will be the end of your line." He waited a beat. "Because if they don't retaliate and kill me, I'll be cutting myself loose and laying low for about the next three decades." Which might not be a bad thing.

Wallace gave a terse nod. "There's a way to do this so it's not traceable back to you. But I figured you'd sever ties regardless. You've made your feelings perfectly clear. The family connection means nothing to you."

Val fought the urge to roll his eyes. "You're wrong, Grandfather. The politics mean nothing, you'll always be family." Why couldn't Wallace wrap his head around a simple concept?

His grandfather stood up and motioned Val forward. "Here's how you can take Philan out without making a big ruckus." He pointed to the seat opposite the desk.

Val settled in and listened, the constant struggle to live up to the Janis clan standards and his big desire to be a normal guy kicking into high gear.

As usual.

Val's family drama takes a backseat when he runs into Jonni, but it'll kick into high gear again not long after. Fun times.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Fancy Meeting You Here

December 1, 2013

Hi!

Not much new in TV this week, so finishing up from last week's new episodes. The Walking Dead is my on the fence show. Some weeks I love it, some weeks I'm very 'meh'. Last week was definitely a 'meh' week, but the new episode tonight is pretty good, but the Governor just doesn't excite me all that much.

Sleepy Hollow continues to make me happy. It's so crazy insane I can't not like it. This week's Arrow and Sons of Anarchy have me ready to get through Monday so I can watch new stuff. J I also quite enjoyed Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D. I'm not nearly as disappointed as a lot of fans are, but I'm a long time believer in setting up story arcs for bigger payoffs later.

That's it for this week. Should have some great reactions for my next post.

Tonight's snippet is from Fancy Meeting You Here. The world building is a lot of fun and this couple who is not a couple have a hard time fighting their attraction and they discover that maybe they shouldn't. Fun!!

Here's the tagline:

Jonni Mars and Val Janison are enforcers for two opposing mage families and have a friendly rivalry. When Val, a member of the ruling house, shows up at Jonni's favorite underground dive, she's both infuriated and intrigued, and more than a little surprised to meet him under almost normal circumstances.  

And a preview snippet…

Jonni turned when the door burst open and round of greetings went up throughout the bar.

"Val!!"

Val strode in and kicked the heavy oak shut, blocking the cold blast of wind trying to get in from outside. A shiver skittered down her spine, but not from the chill. Nope. She had no idea Val frequented her place. And from the looks of it, often enough to be known by name. He shook hands with Harv, who poured him a draft—on the house.

Tilting her head sideways, she observed the exchange of pleasantries while Val shrugged out of his long coat and tossed it on the banister leading upstairs. She hadn't been gone that long, had she? Thinking back, maybe she had. A series of false leads had her traipsing all over the damned city in search of Phelan's number two and several nasty run-ins with the Vellas Clan made a low profile absolutely necessary. She did the math—seven months since she'd last parked her ass in an Anvil booth.

Shit. More than enough time for Val to get a foothold in her chosen spot for R&R. A wave of jealousy smacked her in the face. She'd had to work a good two years before the staff, namely Harv, accepted her as one of the regulars. She picked up her shot and tossed it back, turning the glass upside down on the table, ready to take her leave.

Jonni reached for her leather trench, draped over a neighboring chair, but another glass appeared in front of her and she glanced up to meet the cool, blue gaze of Val.

He raised a brow. "Leaving so soon, Jonni?"

She dropped the jacket on the arm of the chair, deciding to play the scene cool. "Val." She settled back in the seat. "Fancy meeting you here. When did you start slumming it with the fringes?"

He dropped down across from her and kicked his feet out—blocking any chance she had to make a quick exit. Fine with her, she had a strong yen to see what the hell he had going on.

He produced a bottle of black label and filled his empty glass. "About ten seconds after we took Phelan out and you disappeared." He met her gaze. "Where've you been, Jonni?"

She hedged. "Around." She pushed back a little. "I'm not that hard to find."

He snorted. "You haven't been here. That means you've been working." He drained his glass and poured another. "Anything interesting?"

How the hell should she answer? Jonni bought time by drinking the alcohol he so kindly provided. She opted to go for turning the tables.

Grabbing the bottle, she refilled her glass. "Why would I share my comings and goings? You've invaded my space here. Everyone knows why I head for this crapshoot of a dive bar. I'm right at home here." She pinned him with her gaze. "The big question is… what's a member of the ruling house of Janis doing here? And don't even put it on trying to find me."

His lips twitched. "Touche. You're only part of the reason I started frequented the Anvil." He toyed with the shot glass, his eyes going hard and angry. "After the showdown with Phelan, I had a lot of aggression to work through." He looked away.

Jonni could just imagine the deep, dark place Val went to after doing battle with Phelan. Didn't explain why he chose this particular spot to work out his issues. Unless… no, she wouldn't, couldn't let her brain go there. The spark of whatever arced between them during the clusterfuck fiasco with Phelan had long since dissipated.

Val's voice sucked her back to the present. "Not for me, it hasn’t."

Jonni narrowed her eyes. "Get out of my head, asshole. I really don't like it when people invade my privacy."

Val leaned forward, placing his forearms on the table. "Duly noted. But here's the thing." He inched closer, keeping his voice low. "I'm not in your head, Jonni, you're in mine."

Her eyes widened and she gasped. No way. She threw up a mental block and quickly retreated. Her face flamed hot. Only novices did involuntary mind slips. Jonni had a decade of experience under her belt, had fought more than one powerful foe and never had she crossed the line into invasive territory on a subconscious level.

Until now.

She worried her lower lip, embarrassment and concern warring for dominance in her head. She had to flee, escape the suddenly claustrophobic confines of the bar, and get as far away from Val Janison as possible. She flicked her gaze in his direction and started to bolt, swinging her feet over his legs.

His hand shot out, grabbing hers. "Uh uh. Don't even think about leaving. Not yet." He kept hold of her fingers when she tried to jerk away from his grasp.

She slumped back, barely resisting the urge to kick him under the table. "Why the hell not? Do you want an apology?" She owed him one, even if it galled her. "Fine. I'm sorry. You can be certain I'll never let it happen again." Just as soon as she figured out why it happened in the first place.

His loosened his grip, but laced their fingers together. "Don't make promises you might not keep." He held up a finger when she opened her mouth to protest. "Let me finish before you blast me with attitude, dammit."

She snapped her mouth shut and clenched her teeth.

His thumb traced a circle on her skin and a slow, tingling sensation traveled up her arm. She'd give her last buck to know why she reacted to him the way she did.

Val frowned. "No one, and I mean not one single soul, has ever managed to get inside my head without me knowing it." He held her gaze several longs moments. "You've done it twice, and I don't like it any more than you do."

Twice. When the hell else had she—ah, right—

He nodded. "The night we took Phelan down." He heaved a sigh. "And make that three times."

She growled. "Dammit!" She jerked her hand away from his. "This does not happen to me. What's going on here?"

He shook his head. "I don't know. But we better figure it out."

She snorted. "You think? Any bright ideas for how?" She could walk in front of a bus. That should do the trick.

He narrowed his eyes and she wondered if she'd slipped into his head again. She breathed a sigh of relief when his tongue shot out to wet his lower lip and he shifted position in the booth. The uncomfortable gesture made her feel more at ease.

He met her gaze again. "You're not gonna like it, but here's my idea." He huffed out a breath. "You. Me. And a suite at the Warwick. Right now."

Jonni's mouth dropped open. "Are you bat shit?" She barked out a laugh. "I'm having a crisis of epic proportions and you want to what? Fuck it out of me?"

He rolled his eyes. "Did I say anything about sex? Not that I'd turn it down, but the idea is a safe place to work out what our weird connection is. The Warwick is warded against outside magic, remember?"

Her face flamed again. Of course she'd jumped to the wrong conclusion. The man made her completely stupid.

She jerked her head towards the exit. "Yes. Fine. Let's go. The last place I wanna be is inside your head."

Gotta say I had a lot of fun writing her mortification at slipping into Val's head. Is that mean of me? LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye