Sunday Snippet: Hot Target

Whew! What a week. It's been something of a wild ride. My daughter starts graduate school in Athens the week of August 25, and we're still trying to figure out her financial aid. She's headed to Ontario Canada this week for a theater festival, which is what she'll be getting her master's degree in. My work inbox is overflowing! I'm so grateful for all the new projects but also a little daunted by how much I have stacked up and waiting for me to get to. My car also has an issue that we're hoping is not the computer. I'll know more on Monday. Ugh!

I didn't get much done on the viewing front. Too many things needed my focus elsewhere. Between the phone calls for school and car problems, my brain turned to mush. Bleh.

I did get an episode of Best in Paradise in. I enjoyed it again. It's fun to have the introductions from the cast members.

I also got to watch the closing episode of Death in Paradise season eight. A very interesting and twisty episode with a really cool gesture at the end from the commissioner.

And I also finished up the main draft of a holiday manuscript I've been working on for, geez, almost a year. The sages finally cooperated and threw a bunch of ideas out. I'm so happy about that.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Target, a novella that puts a couple in the line of fire.

Here's the miniblurb:

Yates and Baylor work undercover for the mage council. They make a great team, but rarely see eye to eye. When their magical brethren start dropping like flies, one of them must become a hot target. Yates decides he'll do it … Baylor's a better shot.

And a preview snippet…

Yates expected the face-first shove against the wall when they got to their place. Baylor needed to work off some aggression and he didn't mind rough sex. Her hands were all over him. She pulled his jacket down and spun him around then ripped his shirt open.

She sucked on his skin, leaving marks, branding him as hers. His head fell back, and he gave her full rein. Welcomed the harsh breath and the sting of her teeth against his flesh. He didn't help when she struggled to get his jeans down past his hips. His hands weren't free to assist anyway.

Hissed air escaped between his teeth when her hot mouth surrounded his dick, and she engulfed his shaft until she gagged. Easing back, her tongue swirled and flicked over the tip and down the length. She got up, yanked her shirt off, unclasped her bra, and shrugged it off, letting her breasts hang free. She pushed him down a little and leaned in. He latched on to a pebbled tip, and her guttural moan sent more blood flowing to his cock.

She worked her pants down and off then nudged him down to a crouch on the floor. With his arms behind him, she had to do all the maneuvering. He braced his shoulders and lifted his hips, offering his shaft to use however she wanted.

Climbing over his thighs, she used one hand to stroke over her folds. Wet and ready, she brought her fingers to his mouth, and he sucked them clean. Sliding over his erection, she furiously rocked her hips, the heated silk of her essence surrounding every inch.

Her mouth covered his and her tongue delved between his teeth. The relentless embrace lasted until she needed air. He dragged gulps of air into his lungs and readied for more.

Her lips grazed along his jawline to his ear. "Make me come, Yates." She nipped at his lobe, a hot breath fanning along his skin.

He thrust upward, nudging her back to trail open-mouthed kisses over her shoulder and down to her breast. He sucked the skin beside her nipple, marking her, before his lips drew the taut peak inside his mouth. He worried his teeth over the nub, biting gently.

Baylor groaned low in her throat. "Yeah, Yates. That's it." Her hands held his head and directed it back and forth between her breasts. She bucked hard against him, a shudder tearing through her. "Gah, yes. Come with me, Yates." She arched her back, reaching down to fondle his balls.

He tensed and came hard, gasping her name. Baylor hauled him close and helped him get his jacket off. His fingers were numb, but the rest of his body thrummed with life.

Her hands cupped his face. "Thank you. I needed that." She brushed her lips over his.

Yates rested his forehead on hers. "Anytime." Any place. Any way.

Without speaking, she untangled their limbs then offered him a hand up. She led the way to the shower and pulled him in with her. Yates wrapped his arms around her, letting the water cascade over their bodies. Spent and sated, she'd finally be ready to buckle down and talk facts.

This one is coming together in the best way. I'm very excited to see it completed!

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hot Target

So … I can't believe it's already August. I'm kind of not ready for the summer to be waning down and fall to gear up. Because once fall hits, the holidays are around the corner and I'm not quite ready for that yet. LOL

Had a decent week of watching television again. I finished up the last two episodes of Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries. They were set around the holidays but the Christmas one only hinted about the season. The finale took place on New Year's Eve and I loved it. LOVED IT!! Even Percy the Putz didn't annoy me overmuch. And Peregrine and James are kind of back on track and that makes me very happy. I'm very much looking forward to a third series and crossing my fingers that it happens.

Caught both episodes of Silent Witness's season twelve opener. I should have remembered these but I didn't. Enjoyed the cases and look forward to more. Twelve is a little longer than usual so there's that, too.

Finished up season seventeen of Classic Who and started season eighteen. I'd forgotten Four got a different scarf but rediscovered that fact in the first arc of eighteen. I like the first one the best.

Watched two more episodes of UFO Witness. These episodes feel a little staged but they're interesting. I'll finish out and see where it ends up.

Started season three of The Muppet Show and got four episodes watched. The guest stars were Rita Coolidge and Kris Kristofferson, Leo Sayer, Roy Clark, and Gilda Radner. I like the small changes to the opening and the show set-up. Looking forward to more.

Began a new documentary series with McCartney 3, 2, 1. I watched two episodes and loved both of them. I'm excited to see the rest because it's not focused only on the Beatles. It looks like we'll see a full scope of McCartney's music.

Caught two more Peak Practice episodes. So far, season four is pretty solid. I'll look forward to seeing the rest of the season.

Was able to catch two more Master Class lessons with LeVar Burton. He spoke about authentic storytelling and connecting with your audience. I got some good information from both lessons. I also enjoy listening to him speak; he's very eloquent without being stuffy.

Ended up watching two episodes of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. I thoroughly loved the Doctor Cerebus episode and I'm going to keep all the scenarios in mind for later seasons. I have a feeling several easter eggs were dropped in that one. Not as much of a fan of the dark wedding episode. I absolutely loathe Blackwood and I'm hoping it's not going to become a case where my dislike of him ruins the show like it did with Hiram and Riverdale. I literally can't watch any scene he's in without hating it.

Watched two episodes of The Brokenwood Mysteries. Finished up the first season and started the second. Nice to see and learn a little more about Breen. This show is just quirky enough to really hold my interest. I got annoyed with one of the detectives in the finale, but I'll reserve judgment because I love her otherwise.

Caught the second episode of Star Trek: Discovery. It went in a direction I totally didn't expect but I'm down for being surprised. So far, I'm enjoying the show and look forward to a redemption arc for Michael.

Finished up season one of Chicago Med and truly enjoyed the finale. Colin Donnell continues to be amazing to watch. I loved him in Arrow and really enjoy him in Med. The opening episode of season two is very entertaining.

Loved Passionflix's season two episode of Driven. I'm thrilled there are two more eps to watch and another season to follow.

Last but not least, I got another episode of New Rugrats watched and I have to admit I love the new version. Definitely not the same as the classic version but the updates are spot on and fun to watch.

That's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hot Target, a novella where the characters have to snare a killer before they lose more of their friends.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Yates and Baylor work undercover for the mage council. They make a great team, but rarely see eye to eye. When their magical brethren start dropping like flies, one of them must become a hot target. Yates decides he'll do it … Baylor's a better shot.

And a preview snippet…

Baylor sat nursing a drink—she'd just made last call. Not that Deuce would kick her out. He'd keep pouring until she said stop.

"Good to have friends in low places."

Deuce slanted her a sideways glance. "I heard that."

She lifted her tumbler and gave him a mock toast.

Yates came in, flanked by Mills and Tango. At least the council gave them competent help. Not that she really wanted assistance, which kept her butt parked on the stool and her eyes straight ahead.

Yates jerked his thumb toward the rear hallway. "Backroom free?"

Deuce lifted his chin. "For as long you guys need it." He wiped down the bar and announced five minutes to close.

Baylor's gaze tracked the trio until they entered the dingy space Deuce used for storage—and who knew what else. Baylor stayed put. Her willingness to cooperate teetered on the brink.

Deuce tapped the bar in front of her. "Bay, get your ass in there and play nice." He lowered his voice. "They came to you. That's a point in your column."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I'll do my best." She got up and took her drink with her. "Don't wait up. We'll make sure to lock up when we leave."

Deuce snorted. "As if anyone would fuck with this place. I picked this spot for a reason." And he enforced his rule of law with big, meaty fists if necessary.

Baylor walked in to the backroom to face a wall of defeat, depicting the victims of Wiley's carnage. Yates had a makeshift planning center ready, using a white menu board that probably hadn't been used in a decade. Mills and Tango each had a spot by the doors, just in case.

Baylor dropped down on a leather sofa and kicked her feet out. She didn't speak, just waited for Yates to work the plan. She gave him credit—he didn't show an ounce of frustration with her. By now, she'd be pissed off if he pulled the lack of cooperation she used at the moment.

Tango and Mills offered up suggestions. Some good. Some not. They weren't heavy into research like she and Yates had to be.

Yates finally paused and gave her a level look. "What's your assessment of Wiley's habits. Would they have changed?"

Why the hell did it matter? He'd gone completely off book with his revenge plot. Then again, she didn't think Wiley would alter much, yet she hesitated to share her thoughts. Yates only blinked when she shrugged and opened the floor to Mills and Tango, who basically threw shit out until Baylor finally got up and cut them off.

"Look, you're all overthinking this now." She laid everything out. "Wiley struck hard and fast to get our attention. Now he'll probably toy with us a little. He wants me worried and off my game." She paced back and forth, sinking deep into Ledbetter's mindset. "I'll admit I'm getting into conjecture here, but I think Wiley will keep going after people close to me or who he associates with me and his dismissal from the apprentice program." She paused a moment. "Or … he'll come after me directly. He's not patient by nature." But her gut said Wiley would string things out a little more.

Tango grunted. "We need to give him a hot target."

Mills gave a nod. "Yeah, put someone out there he won't be able to resist."

Yates put the marker he'd been using down and lifted his hand. "That would be me."

Baylor went ape, stalking over and jabbing her finger into his shoulder. "No way." I'm not okay with him being in harm's way. "You're not going to play bait."

Yates cut off more protests. "By association, I already am." He held her gaze and all but dared her to argue.

She couldn't. Because, yeah, just by being with her he'd already be on Wiley's list.

Yates grabbed his jacket and shrugged into it. "Look, we've got a little time. Let's sleep on what we have so far and pick back up in the morning."

Baylor agreed—reluctantly. "Yeah, fine. Let's go." She followed Tango out through the bar and waited for Yates and Mills to lock up. Tango rode with her and stayed blessedly quiet on the way to the duplex she shared with Yates.

Good thing Tango had the good sense to leave her alone. I'm pissed off. Keyed up. And very unhappy.

And Yates would bear the brunt of that when he got home.

I'm having fun with this story. I love writing an established couple that has to face an obstacle. Baylor and Yates definitely have a big hurdle to get over.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hot Target

Yeesh, another crazy-busy week. And it's allergy season for me, so… yay. Not.

I had a particularly lengthy manuscript with formatting issues so my viewing schedule dwindled again this week. As usual, I caught marathons of Murder, She Wrote and In the Heat of the Night as background for much of the week.

I caught a CW Seed pilot called Cupid's Match. Gotta say that one looked kind of interesting. Also watched Pensacola: Wings of Gold and another episode of Lexx.

I ended up starting and not finishing another Hallmark Movie. I apparently like the mysteries way better than the meet-cutesy ones. Still… I'll keep sampling.

On DVD, I caught two Batman movies. Bad Blood and The Killing Joke. Both were pretty decent and I enjoyed the more adult-oriented storyline.

Finished season four of Strike Back and I'm geared up for season five. Looking forward to seeing if I like the new cast as much as I loved the previous one.

I'm almost finished with season six of Chicago Fire. I truly love where the cast is right now. Of course, there's a major shake-up for season seven so I'm not sure how I'll like that.

Caught a sci-fi marathon of original series Battlestar Galactica, Kolchak, the Night Stalker, Lost in Space, and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea last night. I love revisiting some of those classic shows.

And that's it for television this week. I'm behind on Wynonna and Killjoys, but should catch up this week. Fingers crossed. Tonight's post is from Hot Target, a novella that got a start with a sci-fi prompt but the sages wanted to go fae / fantasy on this one. Who am I to argue?

Here's the mini-blurb:

Yates and Baylor work undercover for the mage council. They make a great team, but rarely see eye to eye. When their magical brethren start dropping like flies, one of them must become a hot target. Yates decides he'll do it… Baylor's a better shot.

And a preview snippet…

Yates kept a watchful eye on Baylor when they hit one of their usual haunts, a bar called Guppy's in the center of downtown. "You're quiet." He pulled the door open and had her precede him inside.

Baylor sent him a sideways glance. "I'm focused. There's a difference." She made a left, sticking to the perimeter of the dim and smoky interior.

Yates didn't counter her excuse. She walked the razor's edge of keeping it together and she could think what she wanted.

As for him? He believed her to be about one step away from unleashing vengeance on anyone who pissed her off. And that wouldn't be him.

Taking the opposite direction, he made his way along the right rear wall. He'd hit the corner when he spotted Drake Unger, low man on the totem pole for a black market dealer—one who kept his ear to the ground for useful tidbits of information. Drake pulled in a hefty sum with his side business of selling said intelligence.

Making his way over, Yates stopped at the table and jerked his head toward the rear exit. Drake inclined his chin and Yates moved forward, heading for the back corridor to wait. Unger didn't dawdle, arriving within a few moments.

"Bannerson, what can I do for you?" Drake's gaze scanned the confined space, a safety precaution for a guy in his line of work.

Yates got the point. "Give me anything you have on the death of Margo Penschot."

Unger's eyes went wide. "Why do you think I know anything about it?" The way his gaze shifted sideways gave him away.

Yates propped a shoulder on the wall. "Come on, Unger. You've got your finger on the pulse of the city. If nothing else, you've heard a whisper or two about her death." Probably more, but Yates wouldn't push hard.

Yet.

Drake shrugged. "Okay, I might have heard a rumor, nothing substantiated, but there's a new player in town." He leaned in close and lowered his voice. "And he's got a hard-on for someone. Not sure if Margo's death is connected and no one knows this guy's name yet." Straightening, Drake rubbed his fingers together, indicating he wanted payment.

Yates pulled a twenty from his wallet. "Consider this a down payment. If you hear anything else, contact me directly."

Drake frowned. "Are you kidding? That's a fifth of what I expected."

Yates quirked a brow. "You'd rather I bring Baylor, Margo's best friend, over and let her explain how things are going to work?"

Drake blanched and snagged the twenty. "Uh, no. I'd rather not tangle with her right now." Stuffing the money in his pocket, he shuffled around Yates and made a retreat to his table.

Yates snorted. "Thought you'd see things my way." He reentered the main bar and looked around for Baylor.

She had her back to him, talking with the bartender. Her agitated movements indicated a heated discussion. When she drew her fist back, Yates hurried over and caught her before she could let it fly.

He wrapped an arm around her and nudged her toward the door. "Time to go, Bay. I've got some news."

I'm excited about seeing where this one goes. I love characters in peril and outsmarting their adversary.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hot Target

November 29, 2015

I hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving had a terrific one. I spent mine with some extended family and had a lovely time.

Slower than normal week in television, which was rather nice. Gotham turned in a great episode. I have much love for Alfred and this episode made me love him all the more. Haven continues to impress me. I really will hate to see the show end.

The Walking Dead fall finale is tonight, right? I'll miss having my Sunday night viewing staple, but with the holidays coming up, the time should fly. I'll have to see if The Librarians and Agent X are taking a break, too.

Last but not least, Doctor Who. I'm truly saddened I just can't seem to get into the new season. This year's Christmas special may be my last episode. I'll have to do some Whovian soul searching over the next few weeks.

Tonight's post is from Hot Target, a novella where my main characters have to put their lives on the line to catch a rogue mage.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Yates and Baylor work undercover for the mage council. They make a great team, but rarely see eye to eye. When their magical brethren start dropping like flies, one of them must become a hot target. Yates decides he'll do it… Baylor's a better shot.

And a preview snippet…

Baylor Fisk stood outside the double doors of the mage council chamber. She'd been out working a misuse of power case when a call came through, asking her to immediately report to the manor house. Her frequent undercover partner and current lover made his way down the long hallway to stand beside her.

Yates Bannerson hadn't changed from his underground fight club garb, meaning he'd probably received the same cryptic message she had.

He slid his gaze sideways. "Know what's going on?"

Baylor shook her head. "Nope. Might as well find out." She raised a hand and knocked on the heavy oak door.

Yates followed her inside the chamber and took up a relaxed stance when they faced the five person board of elders.

The chairman didn't waste time with pleasantries. "I'm sorry to pull you two away from your current cases, but we have grim news and you need to be brought up to speed."

The lights dimmed and the huge plasma screen flashed with a grisly image of Baylor's best friend, Margo Penschot, displayed in a body bag. Baylor watched with horror as other pictures of the surrounding area melted on and off the screen.

The chairman gave the known details, but Baylor only heard the roar of pain and anger. Margo had been her oldest friend. They'd grown up together, hitting each and every rite of passage from discovering their magical abilities to honing their skills and finally graduating from the apprentice program at the same time. Baylor tried to hang on to her professional detachment, but failed. She collapsed, only Yates' quick thinking stopping her from hitting the floor.

Yates held her cradled in his arms. "Give us a moment."

The council shrouded them with a shield and Baylor let out the howl of rage and hurt she couldn't contain.

Yates hauled her closer. "Let it out, Baylor."

He didn't draw away or flinch when she did, patiently waiting for her to expel the emotion churning through her. Her mind didn't want to accept the loss or acknowledge Margo's death had been a deliberate act, but her practical side already sought a reason. The shift in focus gave her a center of calm and she sought Yates' gaze.

He cupped her face. "We'll find out who killed Margo and make them pay. You have my word." His lips brushed over her forehead.

Baylor exhaled and nodded. "Thank you." Composed, she slowly got to her feet.

Yates muttered the incantation to release the shield.

Staying in his embrace, Baylor faced the council. "What do you need from us?"

The chairman met her gaze. "Watch and listen. All of your other cases are suspended." He nodded toward the screen. "Our priority is to discover who killed Margo and bring them to justice."

Baylor gave the man a grim smile. "I can work with that." She turned to head out of the chamber.

The chairman called out. "Baylor, we're terribly sorry for your loss."

Her throat closed up but Baylor lifted a hand in acknowledgment.

Yates fell into step beside her. "They're not the only ones who'll be sorry."

Baylor's heartache eased a little and she laced her fingers with Yates'. Losing Margo hurt and left a gaping hole in Baylor's life, but Yates wouldn't rest until they caught the person responsible.

Baylor couldn't ask for more.

So far, this one is coming in bits and pieces. I can't wait to see the finished product. LOL

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hot Target

Hiya!

Imagine my embarrassment when I realized the Arrow midseason finale actually happened this past Wednesday instead of last week? LOL Oh well, one great thing came out of it…I got a new ep of Arrow and it was AWESOME!! And if the CW doesn't make Flash (or whatever they end up calling it) a series in the very near future, I'm gonna wonder where their brains are. LOL

Shifting gears (pun intended), Sons of Anarchy completely messed with my head. As mentioned, Kurt Sutter rarely goes where I think he will, and he had me going right until the last act of the episode. I pretty much stood up and yelled at the TV, then prayed for someone else's death… which didn't happen, dammit. But in retrospect, I'm actually sort of glad. I now know exactly how I want the final scene of SOA to play out… and if I don't get it, well, Sutter certainly won't give a hang, but I'll be sorely disappointed. I'm at a place with the show where retribution HAS to happen or I'll pretty much feel like it wasn't work seven years of my life. :D

Okay, enough about television this week, more to come about Sleepy Hollow and other shows soon. Tonight's post is from Hot Target, a novella with a wicked mesmer mage wreaking havoc on the hero and heroine.

Here's the tagline:

Yates and Baylor work undercover for the fae council. They make a great team, but rarely see eye to eye. When their magical brethren start dropping like flies, one of them must become a hot target. Yates decides he'll do it… Baylor's a better shot.

And a preview snippet…

"Look, Bay, I'm the logical choice." Yates rolled over and propped his head on his hand.

Baylor shook her head. "No deal, Yates. This mesmer mage has it out for me. I should be the target." She faced him, frustrated he wouldn't see her point. "Hell, I am the target. Why not make myself available and draw him out?"

Yates gave her a grim smile. "Because he doesn't want you yet." He draped his free arm over her waist. "Think about it. He killed two of your closest friends. If I put myself in his line of sight, he won't be able to resist coming after me."

Baylor closed her eyes and counted to five, resisting the urge to shout and yell. Yates very effectively countered her biggest argument. She could dance naked on Wiley's bed and he'd probably laugh instead of trying to kill her. But he had the arrogance to make an attempt to hurt her where she'd feel it the most. By taking out the one guy who actually got her.

"Because it'll hit me where I live if he gets to you." Her eyes narrowed. "But he won't succeed."

Yates leaned in, brushing his lips over hers. "No, he won't. We bait the trap and keep the op team small—maybe Snipe and Richcreek—then bag the bastard."

Baylor nudged Yates backwards then angled around, lifting her leg up and over his torso to straddle his hips. "And put an end to the carnage once and for all." She scooched down a little, wiggling her butt, a wide smile crossing her face when Yates responded by getting hard.

He grasped her thighs. "Bay, you might just be the death of me." His hands skimmed up her sides then over the cup her breasts.

She rose up and sank down over his length. "Maybe, but better me than Wiley Ledbetter."

Nothing like great sex before heading out to plan mayhem, right?

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye