Sunday Snippet: Hush

Another crazy week with record low temperatures for August. I'm talking wear a jacket because it dipped into the low forties at night. This week we're supposed to be back up in the mid to high nineties. Weather is wild.

 

Seriously jammed with work projects right now and I love being busy. I'm at the point where I'd love to have another four hours added to each day, so I don't feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. Also had to figure out a few things for my daughter's grad school, like how to drop a class and add a new one before the semester starts, which is Monday. As mentioned last week, she was in Ontario Canada for a theater festival and didn't have a lot of downtime. The good news is, she's set to go. Yay!

 

I didn't have a lot of viewing time this week. The verdict on my car is still out and that's been hovering in the back of my mind and distracting me. My work projects also need my full attention.

 

I did get to watch an episode of Elementary and ended up enjoying it. I skipped the one that I struggled to get through. I'd rather have forward momentum than get stuck and drop the show.

 

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Hush, a novella where a hex makes it impossible for a couple to speak without wanting to inflict harm on each other.

 

Here's the miniblurb:

 

Kia Bleu and Chip Strachey have a powerful connection and finally give in to their attraction. When Chip's former flame hexes the couple, they have to learn to communicate without words.

 

And a preview snippet…

Kia reviewed Chip's written scrawl and paced the floor in her apartment. Chip's plan bordered on genius. They would be using Sadie's hex in the upper room sports arena at The Cave. If Mario agreed—and he would—he'd put the word out she and Chip had entered into a blood match, their sudden intense and rabid dislike of each other spurring them to invoke a battle of wills and first blood won the pot.

Kia's lips curved. "Sadie won't be able to resist coming, even though she loathes The Cave." And she would suffer for the effort.

Kia and Chip would build up a good dose of rage then create a feedback loop with an incantation that sent the hex back to its maker, strengthening the bond and increasing the outcome.

Kia rocked back on her heels. "And it'll be a bitch when it hits." A karma spell intensified by not having a specific object or person to bind the hex with.

Any man Sadie decided she wanted would automatically despise her and seek to get away from her presence as quickly as possible.

Kia snorted. "Karma sucks, babe." But it would be a fitting result for her treachery.

Sadie would suffer the consequences of her brazen disregard for the ban on using magick against fellow students. Kia and Chip would sidestep any repercussions. They'd done their due diligence. The law of the mage allowed the injured party or parties to seek retribution. And the focus of their spell would go directly to the source, offering the burden of proof.

Kia's phone pinged. "Mario put the word out. Tonight at seven." She smiled.

The past week had brought them closer than ever. Learning to communicate—and have sex—without words somehow gave her a deeper understanding of Chip. She'd bet Sadie didn't factor that little side effect into the grand scheme of things when she'd placed her hex. Kia could almost feel sorry for the sultry beauty—if Kia hadn't been on the receiving end of the spell.

Then again, she could see how Chip's reputation as a great guy and general attractiveness might inspire a desperate measure. No, actually, Kia didn't really get it. Sadie should think better of herself. Maybe Kia would get a chance to share that idea once the big blood match did its work.

If nothing else, she wanted Sadie to realize mages should work to build each other up instead of trying to trash their lives.

I'm having a lot of fun with this story. Kia and Chip are an amazing couple to write.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hush

Ugh. My daughter had her first fender bender already. I haven't even made the first car payment yet. LOL

She's fine, which is all that truly matters. The car isn't completely wrecked and that's also a good thing. Whew.

Needless to say, I had a lot of distractions this past week. That said, I did get a few good viewing sessions in.

I started Luke Cage's second season and liked the first episode. I'm very interested in seeing what happens with everyone. Also caught two episodes of Killjoys and one of Wynonna Earp. Still behind, but I'll get caught up eventually.

Started the limited series Driven from Passionflix. So far… definitely so good. I'm so happy to be a founding member of this venture.

I ended up getting an episode of The Dresden Files in along with the tenth episode of Canal Road.

On DVD this week, I caught Batman: Assault on Arkham and the Veronica Mars movie. Enjoyed both!

Also did my usual marathon viewings of Murder, She Wrote and In the Heat of the Night. Got in an episode of Peter Gunn, too.

And that's pretty much it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Hush, a novella that started with a word prompt of "hand over mouth".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kia Bleu and Chip Strachey have a powerful connection and finally give in to their attraction. When Chip's former flame hexes the couple, they have to learn to communicate without words.

And a preview snippet…

Sadie Garrish melted into the shadows, avoiding the crowd surrounding Chip Strachey and Kia Blue.

The duo accepted accolades, laughing and giddy. And why not? They'd wowed the elders with their display of controlled chaos during the collegiate semester finals for the mage academy.

Sadie narrowed her eyes. "I should've been Chip's partner." She'd worked her ass off to catch his attention.

And she'd held it for six months. A guy like Chip attracted people, especially females, like magnets. He garnered respect and Sadie wanted what he had. Why shouldn't she protect what belonged to her? Fight to keep him occupied and under her influence?

But he'd kicked her to the curb—all because she didn't like other women encroaching on her territory. So what if she got angry when he got a new spell partner? Or when he studied more than catering to her whims? She made herself available, kept herself ready, and inserted herself into his life so they could be the perfect couple.

Chip and Kia basked in the congratulatory crowd's energy.

Sadie rolled her eyes. "Look at her grabbing his shirt and batting her eyelashes." Her hands balled into fists. "And Chip… I'll bet he's harder than a rock." She growled when Chip brought his hands up and cupped Kia's face. "Yep. There he goes, leaning in for a kiss." Sadie blew out a harsh breath. "That's okay, Chipper. You go right ahead and dip your wick somewhere else. Just this once." Her eyes narrowed. "But don't even think about falling for Kia Blue. Or I'll make you regret it."

Turning from the hurtful sight, Sadie walked away from the crowded quad.

She had resources no one knew about and she'd use them to keep Chip under her thumb.

Chip would be back in her life and her bed, no matter what.

A small smile curved her lips. "No doubt about it."

I like where this one will end up going. Sadie's got issues but she's not a standard mustache-twirling antagonist.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hush

December 6, 2015

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Even if you don't celebrate anything holiday related, I hope the festive nature rubs off and make December terrific.

So… Gotham. Interesting stuff building in this season. I'm truly loving all the potential and the twists and turns. I'm very curious about how they'll deal with Gordon's actions. I love how he's not afraid to get messy, but there has to be some kind of line he won't cross.

The Flash and Arrow crossover event ended up being pretty decent, especially since it bridges the setup of a new show. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But I think it accomplished a ton of stuff and stayed true to the characters.

The Walking Dead finale seemed a little flat, but I'll give the showrunners this one. The rest of the season has been so top notch; I'm willing to wait for a bigger payoff. In all honesty, I'm not super excited about adding the uber-villain into the mix just yet, even if the actor they cast is incredible. I'll reserve judgment until I see the new episodes.

Haven inches ever closer to the end and I'm on the fence about the stunt casting of Shatner. I love the man as an actor, but I hope the payoff is worth using him. I do have a ton of joy over the fact they're addressing Duke and Audrey's somewhat tumultuous relationship. It's my fondest hope the combined effort of Duke, Audrey, and Nathan will be what it takes to rid Haven of Croatoan and keep the town safe. We'll see if I'm on track very soon.

The Librarians and Agent X are still enjoyable. I like the slow reveal of John's background in Agent X and love the dropped hint in the most recent episode. Won't say more to keep the post spoiler free for now.

Last but not least, Agents of SHIELD and Doctor Who. I'm kind of excited to see where AoS ends up. I like seeing a darker Coulson, but I'm not sure I buy him getting all bent over the death of a woman he pretty much just met. Eh… we'll see what happens. And Doctor Who… well, I honestly don't have a lot to say. Or maybe I've got so much to say I can't possibly put it all in one post. Still hugely disappointed and, quite frankly, too stupid to really understand what the big freaking deal is with the hybrid crap. At least the Xmas episode looks pretty fun.

And that's it for television this week. I hope to start Daredevil and Jessica Jones over the holiday hiatus. YAY!

Tonight's post is from Hush, a novella where my main characters are hexed and have to communicate without words.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Kia Bleu and Chip Strachey have a powerful connection and finally give in to their attraction. When Chip's former flame hexes the couple, they have to learn to communicate without words.

And a preview snippet…

Chip took a moment, standing outside the bathroom. He hoped he exuded annoyance and anger. Adrenaline pumped through his veins—the zing of magic energy from Kia's exit thrummed along his skin. He'd been standing a little too close to miss the contact burn.

A cool hand settled on his forearm. "Chip, sweetie, what was that nasty exchange all about?" Sadie's too innocent gaze locked onto his.

Chip shrugged. "No idea. Kia just lost her shit and almost blasted me with a ball of anger." He nudged the door open and nodded toward the singed wall.

Sadie's eyes grew wider. "Oh, my. She's really gotta learn how to control her attributes." She sidled up close to him. "I did warn you about her, Chip."

He held her gaze for a long moment. "You might have been right." He let the door swing shut. "But it doesn't mean I want to jump back into couple status with you." Walking toward the exit, he glanced back over his shoulder. "I think I need some time alone, Sadie."

Her mouth dropped open and she made a sputter of disbelief. Ignoring the spiteful woman, he tossed off a wave and pushed through the crowd. He made his way outside and resisted the urge to spit the bitter aftertaste out of his mouth.

Sadie's display of feigned caring boiled in his gut. He wanted to hash out a plan for retaliation with Kia and set Sadie firmly in her place—very far away from him.

And Kia.

He strolled up the block, pondering how to remove the hex. Or better yet, turn it back on Sadie. A better of poetic retribution would be hard to come up with.

Making the turn toward The Cave, he figured Sadie would keep her distance and he and Kia could plan, plot, and possibly keep their passionate connection strong and hot. Whatever happened, the basement room should keep them protected and he could add an extra ward or two to make sure they weren't disturbed.

Ducking inside, he waved to Mario, who sat behind a counter taking wagers for the various magic sports going on in the main level.

Mario gave Chip a two-fingered salute. "You going up or down?" He accepted a wad of bills and ticked a box on the betting sheet.

Chip pointed to the floor and Mario rolled his eyes, but stayed quiet. Chip appreciated the reprieve, but fully expected a major ribbing in the near future. Mario liked using Chip as a draw for the upper levels, where the magic got darker and sport more dangerous.

Chip's participated waned over the last three years, but the requests for his presence hadn't slowed down. If he got the hex situation sorted, he'd offer a big event for Mario, one where they'd both make a healthy windfall.

He started down the steps but paused midway. Holy shit. Reversing the hex couldn't be so easy, could it? Taking the last few stairs at a job, he burst through the doorway and quickly rapped on the metal door of the second studio apartment. He couldn't wait to run his idea past Kia.

The heavy steel slowly creaked open and Kia peeked out. She flung the door open and hauled him inside, pushing him up against the wall and clamping her mouth on his. Her tongue slid past his lips and rational thought dissolved into a heady combination of lust and hunger. He had her shirt up and bra undone before the reason they'd met at The Cave came crashing back.

Making a low growl, he tore his mouth from hers and met her angry gaze. Holding up a finger, he tapped his temple, showing her he needed to share something. She heaved a sigh and stripped her bra off without removing her shirt. Shooting him a look to indicate they'd pick up where they left off, she stalked over to the table and pointed to a notepad and several pens.

He flashed a smile, crossed the floor and pulled a chair out. She sat, folded her arms around her waist, pushing her breasts upward, her nipples pebbled and taut under the fabric. He groaned low in his throat and she smirked.

Grabbing a pen, he started jotting down the basic premise of his plan.

I'm loving how this one is coming together. Fingers crossed the sages keep the words flowing.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Hush

December 22, 2013

Happy Almost Holidays!

The family and I are thisclose to being ready for the merry season. We always wait and decorate the tree a day or two before December 25 so the lights are strung, but nothing else until tomorrow. :D

I'm watching holiday episodes of my favorite TV shows. Warehouse 13, Eureka, Doctor Who, and last year's Arrow episode, Year's End. Up next is Leverage with the Ho, Ho, Ho Job. :D

Tonight's post is from Hush, a magical erotic fantasy where the main characters gets hexed by a former flame.

Here's the tagline:

Kia Bleu and Chip Strachey have a powerful connection and finally give in to their attraction. When Chip's former flame hexes the couple, they have to learn to communicate without words.

And the preview snippet…

Chip followed Kia into the bathroom.

She whirled around. "What in the flaming hell do you think you're doing?" She paced back and forth, fighting the urge to punch him.

Which in and of itself had her questioning her sanity. Thirty seconds ago, they'd been ready to tear out of the lounge and find the nearest dark corner to make out.

Chip grasped her arm and swung her around. "I'm trying to figure out what the fuck went wrong?"

She jerked free, the touch of his hand sending nervous jolts along her skin. Which, again, did not make sense. She wanted the guy… like right now, get naked so they could set the building on fire, craved him.

He huffed out a breath. "Seriously, Kia. What happened? One moment your tongue's down my throat… I open my mouth to suggest we head someplace more private… and you tell me to fuck off and shut up?" He shook his head. "I know you're not a cock tease, so please, explain this shit to me."

Kia closed her eyes for a five count, and then spun back to face him. "I can't!"

The door burst open and she snarled the same time Chip barked.

"Get out!"

The poor, petite red-head, wearing wobbly heels, turned and nearly twisted her ankle trying to flee. Kia glanced up, catching sight of Sadie hovering close to the exit across the bar. A light bulb went off and Kia wanted to kick herself for being so stupid.

Chip's former flame had hexed them. A curse could be the only explanation for the bizarre reactions they were having to each other.

Chip waited for the door to close then blasted her again. "Can't or won't, Kia? You're so damned stubb—"

Kia clamped her hand over his mouth and pushed him back against the wall by the sinks. An angry glare filled his gaze and she quickly held up one finger, indicating he needed to wait and shut the hell up.

Lifting a brow, she silently asked him to give her a chance by jerking her head towards the door. He inclined his head and she lowered her hand, reaching down to grasp his fingers. No itchy or nervous feeling. As long as they didn't speak… the crawly, scratchy feeling didn't seem to exist.

What a marvelously devious hex.

Kia tugged Chip away from the wall and led him to the door. She made sure he stuck close behind her then cracked the heavy steel open less than an inch. With a quick, stabbing motion she pointed straight ahead. Sadie lingered by the exit, chatting quietly with the bartender.

Chip tensed. His body coiled tightly, ready to spring forward. Kia pushed back, letting the door snick shut. Chip tried to sidestep around her, but she blocked his path, giving her head a violent shake.

Sadie didn't need to know anything just yet. If the woman wanted to play hard ball, Kia would give the evil wench one hell of a game. But she had to have Chip on board.

The big problem? How to pull everything together without uttering a word.

Chip solved the dilemma. He dragged his phone from his back pocket and handed it to her. A slow smile curved her lips and she typed her number into his contact list. She grabbed her cell and held it out. Chip keyed his information, saved it, and returned the device.

Kia quickly tapped out a message. [Operation Hush is now under way. Are you in?] She pressed send.

Chip scanned the note, nodded, and replied. [Tell me to fuck off, storm out of here, then meet me at The Cave. Basement. #2.]

Kia quirked a brow, but lifted her chin in agreement. Another message pinged directly after.

[Give me twenty minutes. Sadie has to think she's winning.]

Kia didn't like it, but couldn't argue the logic. She gave a thumbs up and turned towards the door. She stepped forward then angled back around, grabbing hold of Chip's shirt to haul him close before planting a hot kiss on his lips.

He deepened the embrace and grasped her hips, his hands sliding around to cup her ass. Her brain spun a little out of control and his mouth made her breathless, but no twitchy feeling. Easing back, Kia grinned when she caught the raw desire on Chip's face. She cupped his cheek then trailed her fingers suggestively along his jawline, hoping he'd get the hint of a promise for later she wanted to convey.

He shot her a wink and grabbed her fingers, giving them a squeeze.

Satisfied, Kia blew out a hard breath, then let the small ball of fury catch hold and radiate outward. The crackle of energy had Chip stepping backwards, but not too far.

Kia whirled around and yanked the door open. "Fuck off, Chip. Stay the hell away from me." She stalked across the bar floor and hit the exit, pretending not to notice Sadie's big, fat smirk. Once outside, she allowed the cool, crisp air calm the churning anger burning in her gut and leaned against the rough surface of the brick storefront. Letting her rage spark sometimes caused unforeseen consequences and she didn't want anything getting in the way of her later rendezvous with Chip.

Expelling a heavy, cleansing sigh, she muttered, "This damn plan better work."

Pushing away from the wall, she walked up the block, and made the turn towards The Cave.

So far, this has been tons of fun to write. It's a challenge, but an exciting one.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye