Sunday Snippet: Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, mentors, and mother figures out there! Enjoy the day, and if it's a hard day to celebrate, take care of you.

Another wildly busy work week but a lot of projects moved ahead and some were completed. One contrary work thing took an unexpected turn and I'll be trying to figure that one out later today.

Had a decent week of viewing despite the busy schedule. I made it through a full round of my shows, minus one—Dark Winds—because it's not on the streaming service I have anymore. I think it's on another one, but I've been too busy to track it down.

Started the week off with Brokenwood Mysteries. This one ended up being a lot of fun with a couple of interesting secrets being revealed. Truly hope to see more of Trudy and Ray's mom.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed the mystery. Really not sure what Neville's DI friend is doing on the island but have a feeling it's not going to mean anything good.

Loved the Beyond Paradise holiday special for this past Christmas. I'm looking forward to diving into the rest of the season when it's available in the US.

Enjoyed another episode of Elementary. Interesting to get some backstory of Sherlock's time under the influence. Also intriguing that he stayed somewhat in the background. I like that kind of character progress.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond and didn't really have any recollection about this one. I did enjoy seeing Terry use his Batman moves while out of the costume.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and enjoyed both vignettes. I didn't remember either of them so more new-to-me stuff.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm, a novella that explores what happens when long-held secrets come to light.

Here's the miniblurb:

Bentley Briggs is snarky on a good day, but when she becomes mocking and throws out a side of sarcasm, Vasek Barrett wants to know why. He discovers a secret Bentley doesn't want him to know and she'll elevate her vitriol to an art form, but it won't keep Vasek from lending a hand.

And a preview snippet…

Bentley entered her parents'—no … her mom and Baron's—house and purposefully let the door slam shut.

Took less than five seconds for her mother to come bustling in. "For goodness' sake. What is your problem, Bentley? You know I don't appreciate it when you shake the house to the rafters when you come in." Exasperation oozed from Mariana's pores.

Bently cut right to the chase. "Why didn't you fight for Teague?" She shrugged out of her jacket and tossed it on the back of the chair, something else her mother hated.

Mariana blinked, opened her mouth then shut it again. She shook her head and turned back toward the study.

Bentley called her mom out. "You don't get to ignore me this time, Mom. Why didn't you fight for the man you loved?" A whole lot rode on her mom's answer.

Mariana whirled around. "Because I didn't love him!" She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. "More like I couldn't be sure of what I felt for him. And he left before I could figure it out." Moving forward, her shoulder slumped in resignation, she took a seat on the edge of one of her slipper chairs.

Bentley grunted. "Can you blame him?" Defending Teague didn't set completely well with her, but she understood a lot more now than she did before.

Mariana sighed. "It was a confusing time and so long ago. I didn't know how I felt after I found out … well, after I discovered his latent ability. I was angry with him for not telling me." She straightened her shoulders. "He left. At first to give me space. Then I met Baron, and I did fall in love with him. By the time Teague returned, I was planning a wedding." Her face grew wistful.

A fresh splash of rage washed over Bentley. "And let Teague suffer in silence? Way to go, Mom." She paced back and forth. "You get him to sign his parental rights away, have Baron adopt me, then keep everything, everything, from me when you knew all along what might happen." She stopped and flung her hand out. "No wonder I'm so messed up. I can't turn around without smacking into another secret." Probably why she'd become so good at keeping them herself.

Mariana tilted her head and pinned Bentley with a hard glare. "Kind of like you not telling Vasek how you really feel about him?" Her lips curved in a knowing smirk.

Dammit, Baron. I trusted you.

Bentley didn't like the twist. "Gee, Mom, I don't know. Guess I got the worst of my parents instead of the best. Lucky me." The chasm grew even wider between her and her mother.

Mariana clicked her tongue against her teeth. "You know what? Stop it. You've had a very privileged upbringing, and I didn't raise you to act like a spoiled child."

Bentley snorted then went for blood. "You didn't raise me at all. Baron did. The man I thought was my father." She started pacing again. "And it makes so much sense now. You couldn't bear to be around me, because I reminded you of your worst transgression … getting knocked up by someone you considered to be untrustworthy." She stopped mid-step. "Well, guess what, Mom? You won't have to suffer through that anymore. I'm going to fix it for you." She grabbed her coat and headed for the foyer.

Mariana reached out and clasped Bentley's shoulder. "And just how do you plan to do that?" Her fingers dug into Bentley's skin.

Bentley shrugged away from her mother. "Easily. By walking out the door and not letting it hit me in the ass on the way out. Your biggest problem—which has always been me—solved just like that." She snapped her fingers, gave her mother a mocking salute then pulled the door open and strode through, leaving her gaping mother behind.

I love writing Bentley's confrontations. She's a force to be reckoned with and her life is falling apart, but she'll get things back on track.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

 

Sunday Snippet: Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm

We're supposed to get dumped on by winter storm Izzy. I don't know, six to eleven inches doesn't seem like getting hammered by snow, but it'll make driving very not fun.

Had a great work week and started a new project. Also got another haul of books that I've already cracked open and started reading. I'm gonna need another bookcase in the near future.

Decent week of television also. Caught two episodes of Snoopy in Space: The Search for Life and kind of enjoyed them. They're super short and rather fun.

Finished up an episode of Silent Witness and started a new two-parter. This show continues to make me happy. Although Leo is being a bit of a shit and that disappoints me.

Caught two more episodes of Classic Who. The Master returned, which is kind of meh for me. I'm not a fan of his weirdness or one-note return to evil.

Watched two more episodes of The Alaska Triangle. Both focused on hauntings and one featured giants and the other had a creature called the kushtaka. I found everything fascinating. Gotta watch more shows about Alaskan lore.

Finished out season five of The Muppet Show. Johnny Cash, Buddy Rich, Linda Ronstadt, and Roger Moore were the guest stars. I'll probably start a new muppet series this week.

Caught two more episodes of Fosse Verdon. I feel like I missed out on so much by not really following this as it all happened. I didn't really get into Broadway shows until my late twenties, which is almost a decade after Fosse died.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Peak Practice. I'm nearing the end of season six and they've tackled a lot this season. Kind of looking forward to Claire having the baby to see where things go from there.

I finished up the first season of The Madame Blanc Mysteries. Only slightly surprised by who the villain turned out to be and I'm looking forward to seeing if this thread is picked back up if there's a second season.

Watched two more MasterClass lessons with Bill Nye. I truly enjoy how he presents information. I think I have about four more classes with him and I'm looking forward to more.

Caught two episodes of The Witcher. Man, the second episode almost did me in. Never thought I'd be so damned bummed about a horse. And, wow, the storm brewing around Ciri is getting intense. I only have two episodes left and I'm not sure I'm ready for them.

Enjoyed two more episodes of Classic Rugrats. This show makes me happy. The first two seasons are filled with so much tongue in cheek, yet very spot-on mayhem.

Watched two episodes of Chicago Med. I have a sad feeling Sarah is headed for lots of trouble. Really not sure about the whole Conor Beckett hookup. I mean, I know what happens but the way they get started is kind of bleh.

Started season seven of The Brokenwood Mysteries. I really hope there's more to come from this series. I have a lot of fun watching this group solve crime.

Also caught another episode of Star Trek: Discovery. Suru and Michael have come such a long way and I love their storyline. This show really makes me happy.

That's pretty much it for this week's television update. Tonight's post is from Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm, a novella where the characters butt heads in a great way.

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bentley Briggs is snarky on a good day, but when she becomes mocking and throws out a side of sarcasm, Vasek Barrett wants to know why. He discovers a secret Bentley doesn't want him to know and she'll elevate her vitriol to an art form, but it won't keep Vasek from lending a hand.

And a preview snippet…

What the hell have I walked in on?

Two men pacing back and forth never amounted to anything good. And their stricken and, yeah, guilty looks only added to her discomfort. Each man looked like an animal caught in the crosshairs.

Shit. "Aw, fuck. You told him." If she could get away with murder, she'd kill Teague right now. "You had no right to share that information. It's not your secret to tell." Okay, not entirely true but, dammit, she should've been able to tell Vasek. In her own time and her own way.

Now she wouldn't have the chance.

Teague moved forward. "He needed to know. If he doesn't give the hounds a heads-up, you run the risk of, at the very least, being tracked and tagged when they're on patrol." He snarled the words.

She hand-waved his concern. "So what? I've gone toe-to-toe with them before. It's not like they don't know me." Why all the drama?

Vasek stepped in. "Dammit, Bentley. Think about it. Do you know what they'll do to you if they get a bead on you?"

Her eyes narrowed. "Obviously I've missed something. What, exactly, is the problem?" Could she get any deeper in the shit pile?

Teague's lips flattened and his face went stony. Great. He blabbed to Vasek without any trouble but he wouldn't inform her? What happened to his all-consuming need to be parental?

Vas gave a sound of disgust. "If you don't tell her, I will. She needs to know, dammit."

A ball of dread spooled in her stomach. What the hell is going on?

Teague made a reluctant noise. "There are certain times of the month where your ability might manifest itself in ways that will be dangerous for you." He paced back and forth again. "Similar to when female animals go in heat. Unless you learn control, you could change without warning, give off a heightened scent, and-or draw potential mates to you without realizing it and they wouldn't be able to resist." He stopped walking. "Basically, the hounds wouldn't just track and tag, they'd track, tag, and fight to the death to take."

Bentley absorbed his words, letting the ramifications wash over her then completely lost her shit. "Well, that's just fucking awesome. Yet another way you've managed to screw everything up in my life." Balling her fists, she fought the urge to punch something. "Thanks for that, oh great sperm donor." She clicked her tongue against her teeth. "And thanks for the need to put the information out there. I'll bet Vasek can't wait to explain this to his faction." At least he'd take care to minimize the details and the damage.

Teague flung a hand out. "If you won't let me train you to mask the potential pitfalls, I have to be responsible and make sure we're not wasting time and resources on erroneous sightings or start a war during the patrols."

Bentley rolled her eyes. "Right. Just dandy you choose to take responsibility for this but couldn't be bothered after you dicked my mom. That's just perfect." She hated being such a bitch, especially with an audience that didn't deserve to have the sordid details of her parentage strewn out for his listening pleasure.

Teague sighed. "You know what? I'm only going to say this once. What I had with your mother went beyond wanting a good fuck. I loved her."

Bentley tsked. "Right, so much so, you left as soon as you found out you knocked her up. What about that responsibility?" Hurt and pain filled her voice and she hated both.

Teague closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. "It's a two-way street, Bentley. I'm willing to accept what I owe you, but you have to be ready to learn and focus. Until that happens, we're done here. Which means you're on short notice. You can't be running around out there until you can control the ability. It's not safe for you or anyone else." He sent an SOS glance in Vasek's direction.

Vas, to his credit, held up both hands. "You have a valid point, Teague, but it's her call. My guys will get the heads-up and do everything they can to manage the situation." He directed his gaze to Bentley. "Until we know more about how your ability will function, you might want to at least get a handle on the basic methods he wants to teach you."

Ugh. Of course, he'd go diplomatic on her. Not that she blamed him. He'd be in a really tough spot, thanks to her paternal nightmare.

Bentley growled. "Fine." She sent a scathing glance toward Teague. "I'll think about working with you on this, but it'll be on my terms. I'll let you know when I'm ready." Which would not be tonight.

Teague grunted. "That's a start."

She turned to leave. "By the way, I'm in for the night. You can call off the watchdogs. And I don't mean the hounds." She'd be damned if he would have her followed twenty-four seven.

Teague frowned. "I didn't have anyone else out there."

Bentley cocked her head. Interesting. And probably not good.

She hedged a little. "Hmm. I was tailed the moment I left the bar." A creepy feeling entered her brain. "Gave whoever the hell it was a show." She'd figured it would piss Teague off.

Teague's brows furrowed. "You went skinny dipping in Havers Lake, didn't you?"

Damn. Scary how well he knew her. Even without the parental connection.

She shrugged. "Maybe. None of your damned business." She started for the door again.

Teague blocked her path. "It is if you're being followed."

Bentley sidestepped around him. "No, it's not. You're not putting me on a leash. I'm not in the field right now, which you know makes me crazy. If you think you're going to keep me prisoner in the manor, you're dead-ass wrong." She held up a hand when he started to argue. "I won't go out alone anymore. That's all I'm willing to concede."

His mouth thinned to a slash across his face but he gave her a terse nod.

To play nice, she met Vasek's gaze. "Wanna walk me out?"

He fell into step beside her and they exited the room.

Thankfully, he said nothing on the way to her place, giving her time to ponder how much she didn't want to be spending quality time with her dear, old dad.

I love having a character that has to deal with a big reveal, especially when they don't want to deal with the fallout from it.

 

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mocking With a Side of Sarcasm

As usual, the weather in Ohio is crazy. Snow and cold to start and last most of the week and a semi-thaw today with a ton of rain and wind. It's supposed to get cold again by next weekend. Sigh.

Kind of a slow week for television. I had several work deadlines that needed a lot of my attention and focus. I did get some viewing in though.

Finished up the Killjoys season and, holy crap, I'm truly ready for next season already. Where they left things? Yeah, I need to know what happens.

Caught another episode of Painkiller Jane and it was another one I didn't remember for the original airing. A pretty good one, too.

I watched an episode of Underbelly: Razor and I gotta say I'm really mad at Kate. That's the whole point but the whole deal with Bruce just burns my chaps. Tillie and Nellie are ripe for a downfall and I'll be interested in seeing how that comes about.

Caught the third episode of Endeavour and really enjoyed the case and hints dropped about the robberies. I like that there's something of a through line into the next episode. At least I hope that's what will happen. The robbery guys are total doltheads, just saying.

Watched one of my favorite episodes of The Sarah Conner Chronicles and I’m almost at the end of the road for the series. I really forgot how terrific and ahead of its time the show is.

Caught the third episode of Roswell, New Mexico. I'm truly loving this show and have become quite a fan. Here's hoping it gets a second season.

I'm two episodes from the end of Birds of Prey. Watched "Reunion" this week and enjoyed how Barbara and Helena discovered some internal truths. Also caught the first episode of Pensacola Wings of Gold season two. Not sure about continuing but I did like how they transitioned from the previous season.

Started episode four of Strike Back. Got distracted by work so I'll have to finish it up in the near future. Hopefully the very near future.

That's it for television this week. Tonight's post is from Mocking With a Side of Sarcasm, a novella that got a start with the two-word prompt of "yes, sir".

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bentley Briggs is snarky on a good day, but when she becomes mocking and throws out a side of sarcasm, Vasek Barrett wants to know why. He discovers a secret Bentley doesn't want him to know and she'll elevate her vitriol to an art form, but it won't keep Vasek from lending a hand.

And a preview snippet…

Vasek entered the armory and found Teague in the alcove he used for an office. "Wanna tell me what's going on? Or why you think you can use my men to make Bentley heel." The man better have a good answer or he and Vasek would be exchanging blows.

Teague didn't turn around, intent on the paperwork in front of him. "Yeah, about that. I overstepped there and it won't happen again." He folded up the documents and stuffed them back inside an envelope.

Vasek relaxed a little but had to make a point. "Look, I appreciate that—" He broke off when Teague held up a hand.

He turned and shoved the envelope into Vasek's chest. "Before you go any further, read the contents. Then we'll talk." He didn't wait for a reply, moving past Vasek to head back into the main armory.

Vasek frowned. "What the hell is going on?" Removing the papers, realization slammed into him when he reviewed the birth certificate and adoption papers. "Well, that explains a lot." Chip off the old block took on a new meaning.

Teague Mallick had fathered Bentley Briggs then signed away his parental rights when her mom married Baron Briggs. Pieces Vasek didn't know were missing clicked into place. Bentley's coloring so differed from Mariana and Baron's. Her temperament also didn't match either of her parents'. But Teague's snarky and irascible demeanor? Well… Bentley had that in spades. She also lacked patience but, like Teague, managed to get past her frustration when things didn't move as quickly as she'd like.

Vasek carefully returned the pages to the envelope and placed it on Teague's desk. Mind spinning with information, one piece fought its way to the forefront in Vasek's head. With Teague as her birth father, Bentley could have—

"Damn." Vasek nearly ran into the main armory and skidded to a halt when he bypassed Teague who stood just outside the walled-off area.

Vasek turned to face Teague. "She's got your genes. That means—"

Teague's nod cut Vasek off. "She does. Yes." He wouldn't meet Vasek's gaze.

Vasek fisted his hand in Teague's shirt. "Do not ever threaten to use my hounds again. You know what they'd do to her if the caught her." Turn her into mincemeat and it wouldn't be on them if they did.

They'd get a taste of her and wouldn't be able to stop.

Teague's gaze clashed with Vasek's for a brief moment. "Yes, I do know. I already told you I overstepped and it won't happen again." His tone and the fact he hadn't shoved Vasek away indicated Teague held something back.

Vasek's eyes went wide. "Aw, fuck." He pushed the older man harder into the wall. "She doesn't know, does she?" He let go of Teague and backed away before his fist found its way to Teague's face.

Teague shook his head. "Not yet, no. She's been a tad resistant to learning and training to control her new ability. That's why I've been in her face and worried about her." He moved away from the wall and paced the floor.

"Well, hell, yeah." Vasek started walking back and forth in the opposite direction. "You can't let it slide, Teague. She has to know." The sooner the better, because if word got out— "You have to tell her." The repercussions didn't bear thinking about.

"Tell me what?" Bentley breezed into the room, her hair damp and her shirt clinging to her skin.

Son of a bitch. As usual, Vasek's body reacted to her but the new knowledge tamped his libido down.

Teague definitely had a reason to be worried about her.

I'm still figuring out where this story is going but I love the dynamic between Vasek and Teague in this scene.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye

Sunday Snippet: Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm

Memorial Day weekend, which doubles as graduation weekend in my little burg, is my signal that summer will be arriving soon. Looking forward to outside activities and longer nights.

Watched some great season finales this week. Gotham pulled out all the stops and I'm really looking forward to seeing what next season has in store for the characters.

The Flash kind of left me reeling. I'm really not sure how I feel about Barry's final move or how it's going to impact the upcoming season. With Supergirl moving to the CW in the fall, it'll be interesting to see what kind of crossover action is in store for the DC shows.

Arrow did not disappoint. This is probably my favorite season finale to date. I'm definitely interested in seeing the next season and hope to touch on Oliver's time in Russia for the flashbacks. Absolutely looking forward to what I hope won't be the final season for Arrow, but who knows.

Orphan Black's episode came across as very chaotic and I kind of loved it. It reminded me of someone shaking a bottle of something fizzy then letting go to watch the contents spill out all over the place. I love how gray and blurry all the lines are and how dark the layers get with this show.

Wynonna Earp continues to make me happy. Need to watch this week's episode but I've been distracted by marathons of NCIS: LA and The X-Files this weekend.

Banshee's series finale actually turned out to be exactly what I hoped for. I mean exactly what I hoped for. I had a gut feeling about who killed Rebecca and the writers did not disappoint me in the least with how that aspect turned out. I'm also completely down with how Proctor's story ended, letting viewers kind of imagine his fate. I loved Kurt's resolution with Calvin and, honestly, for being such a late arrival as a character, I fell in love with his story. Brock's new attitude about being sheriff is awesome and, of course, Sugar's retirement is well-earned and thanks to Job. And speaking of the sassy transvestite, his sunset strut ended up being perfect and spot on. And I'm thrilled with where things are left with Hood and Carrie. Seriously, I loved, loved, loved the ending. A satisfying four seasons of a kick ass show.

And that's it for television this week.

Tonight's post is from Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm, a novella started with the two word prompt of "Yes, sir."

Here's the mini-blurb:

Bentley Briggs is snarky on a good day, but when she becomes mocking and throws out a side of sarcasm, Vasek Barrett wants to know why. He discovers a secret Bentley doesn't want him to know and she'll elevate her vitriol to an art form, but it won't keep Vasek from lending a hand.

And a preview snippet…

Bentley didn't wait for an affirmative answer when the waitress brought four glasses to the table. She picked one up, downed it, and quickly chased it with the second one. Rolling her shoulders, she welcomed the slide of liquid hitting her stomach. She'd be right as rain as soon as it hit her bloodstream.

Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, she nodded in Vasek's direction. "Thanks." Cuing up the balls, she broke and landed stripes.

Vasek stepped in front of her before she could take the next shot. "Wanna tell me what's going on?" He braced his palm on the side of the table and downed one of his drinks.

Bentley planted the cue on the floor. "Not really. But I won't be making the meeting with Teague." She moved in close to him. "And if you even think about sending out your pack of hounds, you'll be calling up a buttload of new recruits." She let the threat hang in the air, mainly to see how he'd react.

Vasek frowned. "I doubt that. They're well-trained." He drank his final shot and turned the glass upside down.

Bentley smirked. "Ah… but you forget, I know every single one of your patented moves." Setting the pool stick aside, she held his gaze. "Don't test me on this, Vas." Drawing in a deep breath, she patted him on the chest and started for the exit.

No need to stick around and get into drama with him. She wanted to keep her rage and anger directed at Teague, but Vasek would make himself an easy target if she stayed within his vicinity.

The man never left well enough alone.

Pushing the door open, she welcomed the blast of humidity hitting her in the face, even at this time of night. She made a left and paused at the end of the block. Maybe a nice midnight swim in Havers Lake would clear her head. If she didn't get a handle on the situation with Teague, one of them would end up in a world of hurt.

And it probably wouldn't be her.

Teague might bluster and blow, but he'd never do her harm. He had too much control. She, on the other hand, did not. She didn't trust herself and hated that she couldn't. And she truly loathed the reason why.

Familial connections sucked balls.

I'm having a great time figuring out how this world operates and working on the connection between Bentley and Teague and having Vasek slowly piece everything together.

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye 

Sunday Snippet: Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm

Whew. How great did Arrow's episode seventeen turn out? Birds of Prey surpassed my expectations and blew my mind. Always love it when shows do that to me. J

Walking Dead also delivered a solid episode. I'm so ready for the finale tonight and crossing my fingers the group will all be together by the end of the episode… even though Terminus can't be a the refuge it's touted as being. Too easy, right? LOL

Bitten has one more episode and I'm dying to know if the show will be renewed. Still reading the books and there's a lot the producers can mine from the various storylines. I'll cross my fingers and hope for a green light on season two in the near future.

Tonight's post is from Mocking with a Side of Sarcasm, a novella where my heroine's world sort of falls apart.

Here's the tagline:

Bentley Briggs is snarky on a good day, but when she becomes mocking and throws out a side of sarcasm, Vasek Barrett wants to know why. He discovers a secret Bentley doesn't want him to know and she'll elevate her vitriol to an art form, but it won't keep Vasek from lending a hand.

And a preview snippet…

Vasek entered the Lamplighter, intent on finding a shot—no, several shots—of quality vodka to soothe away the stench of the day. He started toward the bar, but a ruckus near the pool tables caught his attention.

"You'd damned well better get your ass back to the Manor, Bentley."

At the mention of her name, Vasek's feet changed direction and he paused, propping a shoulder against the wooden jamb separating the area from the main bar. Teague stood across from her, the felted green top of the table acting as a buffer.

Not much of one. Vasek didn't need to see Bentley's face to know she'd leveled a death glare on Teague. The woman did not like to be ordered about. When she casually twirled the pool cue in her hand, Vasek braced for a brawl, but Bentley surprised him.

She planted the stick on the floor by her foot. "My ass doesn't feel like going back to the Manor, Teague. I think I'll stay." She grasped the cue firmly, angling it back and forth, drawing it close then pushing it away.

Teague crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Do you really wanna play the mocking game right now?"

Bentley shrugged. "I really want to play pool, Teague, and you're harshing my concentration." She tucked the cue under her shoulder. "There's nothing you need me for at the Manor tonight, so back off and leave me alone."

Teague's face went red. "You're pushing things a little too far, Bentley. You're pushing me a little too far."

Vasek had no idea what the hell he'd walked in on between the Master of Arms and his protégé, but something had to have gone down. Vasek focused on Bentley. Her rigid posture screamed tension and her coiled movements threatened to come unstrung at the slightest provocation. Vasek wondered which of the two would back down first.

Teague dropped his arms, his fingers flexing several times. "Bentley, you've got one hour to cool your temper and lose the attitude. If you're not in my office in sixty minutes, I'll send the hounds." Teague shot a look in Vasek's direction.

Vasek wisely kept his mouth shut, but he controlled the group of trackers they referred to as the hounds. Teague couldn't order them to do shit.

Bentley smirked, then lifted two finger to her forehead, giving Teague a mocking salute. "Yes, Sir." She spoke the words with a sneer.

Vasek widened his eyes. The undertone of anger and biting sarcasm piqued his curiosity. What had he missed?

Teague heaved a sigh and made his way around the pool table.

He paused at Bentley's side. "Don't be late, Bentley. I mean it."

She rolled her eyes and he shook his head, muttering under his breath when he stalked away.

Vasek waved a server over and ordered four shots of his favorite vodka.

Bentley lined up a shot on the table. "Are two of those for me?" She angled her head around to meet his gaze. "Because I could really use a double right now."

This is one of those 'start in the middle' WIPs. I had this scene in my head and it would not go away until I typed it out. LOL Took me a while, but I finally think I've got the beginning and the end to wrap around the middle. :D

That's it for this week.

Cheers!

Skye