Sunday Snippet: While We Still Can

May the Fourth be with anyone who celebrates! And, wow, a shiny new month that's off to a wild start so far. Our weather has been crazy intense with loads of rain. My daughter graduated with a master's in arts administration, and I unfortunately had to miss due to being under the weather. But I'm so proud of her!

Work projects kept me very busy. I'm getting to a finishing point on one that's been difficult to get through and I have a new one getting ready to start. The weather has been wreaking havoc on productivity because the possibility of losing power is a constant concern.

I did have a decent week of viewing and made a full run through my regular slate of shows. I started a movie but didn't have time to finish it.

I caught an episode of Dark Winds and I'm still intrigued by everything that's happening in this show. I love that the FBI agent's cover is blown by episode two and I can't wait to see what happens with the fallout from that.

Also watched another episode of Brokenwood Mysteries. This is truly one of my happy place shows. I'm rather curious about whether Gina is still rooming with Kristin or not and if not, what happened there.

Enjoyed another episode of Death in Paradise. Very curious where things might go with the Sophie and Neville thing and also where the whole last prepper standing thing will end up going since he's watching Neville.

Loved the season two finale of Beyond Paradise. Humphrey and Martha are so much fun, and the surrounding cast of characters is so good. I'm not always sure about Anne, but she's growing on me.

Caught another episode of Elementary and rather enjoyed Sherlock's attempt at taking care of Joan. And her solution to having her own space is genius.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond with the beginning of season two. Ended up remembering most of this one. This is such a good follow up to the original series.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I have some vague memories of both vignettes, which is so weird because most of the ninth season is new to me.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from While We Still Can, a sexy short that brings a couple together during a tense situation.

Here's the miniblurb:

Maura Sells and Cobb Kinkleman are fighting in a long and bloody war. During a rare moment of downtime, Cobb decides they need to get what they can, while they can and quickly convinces Maura with a heated kiss. They face a bleak future and stealing a night of hot passion may be their only reprieve.

And a sneaky peek…

Maura brought her bird in for rough landing. "At least she's still flying." Damage to the tailfin made getting back to the hangar deck a bit tricky.

But she made it back.

Holy shit. They made it back.

The trap caught her landing struts and locked on to start the smooth glide to the main hangar deck. Maura's head spun with the realization … she'd live to see another day. The entire slow trip down to the lower level one thought kept running through her mind—if she'd been with anyone else out there, the operation would've ended a lot differently.

Pulling off the impossible? Only with Cobb Kinkleman.

If she'd flown with anyone else, she'd be dead right now.

The hydraulic hiss of her canopy releasing then sliding back startled her and she quickly removed her helmet.

A deck hand grinned when Maura exited the craft and headed down the stairs. "Good to see you, sir. Nice flying out there." She took Maura's gloves and cover and headed for her workstation.

Maura stood at her bird for a suspended moment, the noise and commotion on the deck fading into the background. Her mind filled with Cobb, and she thought about a possible future for once. Because she loved him.

More than she feared losing him.

Movement from the other side of the hangar drew her attention and her gaze clashed with Cobb's. His eyes filled with everything he couldn't say earlier. But … he felt the same.

Slowly—with purpose—they walked across the hangar deck and met halfway. Cobb cupped her face and leaned in. Her lips met his and they kissed passionately for any and all to see.

After all, they'd beaten the odds. If anyone tried to take issue with their public display, they could go out in the black and do the impossible … then get back with Maura and Cobb on appropriate behavior.

When a round of applause started, Maura eased away from Cobb, glancing around at the happy faces of the deck crew. A round of cheers went up and Maura gave Cobb a sheepish smile before she grabbed his hand to lead him out of the hangar and down one deck to the alert pilot quarters. They had some celebrating to do.

Privately.

Really like how this one is coming together. Maura and Cobb have some facts to face in the near future.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: We Have a Winner

This is going to be a super busy week. The best part is my daughter is graduating from grad school on Friday. I'm so excited for her. And very proud of her accomplishments!

Our weather did the warm up then plummet back down thing this week. Gorgeous, though. Everything is turning green and blooming. I love those first signs of new growth.

Got a lot finished up with work projects. I think I'm getting closer to having a work-life balance again. I hope so because I have a busy May and June coming up and need to get some things done around my house.

Pretty decent week of viewing. I ended up keeping Dark Winds on the back burner because one of my faves dropped new episodes.

I finished up the run of London Kills. I'm quite happy with where things ended up on the chance there won't be any new episodes. I will say I'm not keen on the other DI so I'm hoping that's not going to be a thing if there is more to this series.

Brokenwood Mysteries is back! Watched the premiere episode and it didn't disappoint. Kind of twisty and turny and a little bit bonkers, which is perfect. Also rather nice to see Mike's house again. It's been missing the last few seasons.

Enjoyed an episode of Death in Paradise. I'd seen most of this one and liked it. I'm interested in how things with Selwyn's daughter will end up playing out.

Caught another episode of Beyond Paradise. I'm almost finished with the second season and hope the third will be available soon. Really liked the episode. I loved the interactions with Esther and Zoe. And really loved watching Anne deal with the letdown of finding out her new man is married.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. I have vague memories of this one but don't remember enough to know if Blight will end up making a return. My money is on yes.

Finished out the week with an episode of Classic Rugrats and, again, both were new to me. Actually loved the crawl space one. And, weirdly, I really enjoy Taffy.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from We Have a Winner, a fun story about a betting pool of a when will they get caught couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Kella Yates and Weston Grogan can't fight their attraction and everyone knows it. The entire crew of their ship waits in anticipation for their inevitable hook-up. When they finally cave in to their lust, the winner of the when will it happen pool can be declared.

And a sneaky peek…

Kella should've figured Weston would be on the same wavelength with her. After the interlude on the observation deck, the craving for more kicked in. Someday—hopefully soon—they wouldn't have to have stolen moments at random locations. They'd have the same bunk assignment.

But not tonight.

At least they didn't have to worry about being interrupted. Finally, they could have their sexy way with each other. As much as she wanted to go slow, she doubted they'd be able to. But … they would get fully naked.

After checking to make sure they had a clear path, Kella darted to the small arms locker and keyed in the access code. Weston followed and undogged the hatch. Kella's blood heated when Weston entered and tugged her in behind him.

Weston pushed Kella against the bulkhead and worked the zipper of her sweatshirt down. His mouth burned a trail from the column of her throat, down over her shoulder and lower, lower, until his lips closed over the taut nipple he'd exposed. His hands shoved Kella's pants past her hips and she stepped out, twisting around to grab hold of Weston's tanks, hauling him close to mesh her lips with his. Using both hands, she backed him against the bulkhead and repeated his movements. Tanks up and off, pants undone and shoved down. She went one step further, sinking to her knees and enveloping his hard length between her lips, going deep.

Weston moaned, his fingers tangling in her hair. "Damn, Kella. Give a guy warning next time."

She grinned around his cock, drawing back, but grasping the girth in her hands. "Now where's the fun in that?" Her tongue swirled around the tip, flicking back and forth. "Besides, you didn't give me any the last time."

Weston's lips quirked. "I didn't, did I?" He reached down and hooked his hands under her shoulders. "As much as I'd love to keep your lips around my dick, I gotta have more." His fingers delved between her thighs and found her wet and ready.

Kella bit back a moan. "Yeah, I get it. I'm so ready." She hitched her leg around his waist and sank over his hard length.

Weston groaned. "Ah, yeah. I've missed you…"

This story is going in a direction I didn't anticipate, which is always interesting to me.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wasted Credits

Very long week. Once again, the weather is all over the map, but spring might be peeking around the corner. Or, well, possibly summer. We could see eighty degrees (F) this week.

I might be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on numerous work projects. I'm kind of excited about a couple of them being closer to the author's publication date. I have several nonfiction projects that have been super challenging but they're great books.

Had a decent viewing week. I did skip my new show this week. Didn't have the mindset to watch. Dark Winds will hopefully return during this upcoming week.

I'm almost finished with London Kills and it's such a good show. I've really enjoyed the way the weekly cases weave in and out of the overall story arc. And the character growth has been well done.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise with the season twelve holiday episode. Really good storyline! It's fun to get Selwyn backstory.

Watched another episode of Beyond Paradise. Sad to see Anne get caught up in a not-so-great situation. Loved the way Martha handled Zoe's mistake. Also fun to have Humphrey and Martha approved for fostering.

Got blown away by another episode of Elementary. The case ended up being intriguing and the end? Wow. Did not expect that to happen.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond and enjoyed it. I remember this one from my original run through and loved the call back to Batman: The Animated Series.

Enjoyed another episode of Classic Rugrats. I don't remember either of the vignettes and particularly liked the video game one.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wasted Credits, a novella that pulls a couple together while they're stationed at a mining colony.

Here's the miniblurb:

Valora Prime can't figure out why a smart, attractive man like Hackett Barnes pays for sex. When she corners him to find the answer, his response catches her off guard and she has to make a quick decision. Let him in or let him go.

And a sneaky peek…

Damn. He couldn't make it any more obvious that he wanted to spend time with her. Or admit how deep his feelings for her ran. Not without making her bolt for the door.

He shrugged. "Look, if you don't want me to waste the credits, why not spend time with me? It's a simple request." That had a lot riding on it. Mainly his sanity.

Val opened her mouth. Closed it. Frowned.

Then shook her head. "No. No way. Never work." She made a hand-wave motion. "Uh-uh."

And maybe protested a little too strongly.

So he pushed. "Why?"

Her brow furrowed. "Did you miss the first part of this conversation?"

He shook his head. "No. But I'm asking for one week. No more. No less."

She huffed out a breath. "You're serious."

He gave a nod. "I am." He leaned back and folded his arms across his chest.

She got up and paced. "No." She paused, her feet sinking into the plush carpet. "No. Uh-uh." Her head tilted to one side. "No. Can't." She waffled back and forth for several more moments.

Hack got up and walked toward the bar. "Sounds to me like you're the one with the problem, Val." One he finally understood.

She couldn't handle it when he caved and tried things her way.

She backpedaled. "No, I've just known you a long time. This isn't you."

He splashed some liquid in a tumbler. "And I'm finally on board with your way of doing things and you're the one backing out." He gave her a moment to respond and when she didn't, he jerked his head toward the door. "Fine. I'll see you when I get back to the colony." He turned away from her and picked up the glass.

He waited until the door slid open and shut before downing the contents.

He'd laid everything out and she walked away. "Didn't really expect anything else."

But damn if I'm not disappointed.

I like how this one is coming together. I had a small wobble but it worked itself out.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Wait No More

Geez, halfway through the month already and I feel like I'm stuck in reverse. Not to say I'm not getting anything done. I am. Most of it is work related, which I'm not complaining about. But … I do need to do a better work-life balance. Even my daily oracle card draw is pointing me in that direction.

I'm still buried under multiple projects, and all are making solid progress. I've never had so many nonfiction manuscripts and I'm actually enjoying being able to switch back and forth between the variety of genres there and with my fiction manuscripts. I have a holiday horror story, a romance, and a mystery in fictional work.

Not a bad viewing week. I made it through my usual round of shows did get to add the new show. I enjoyed it and will add it to my current roster. There's one additional show I'd like to work in, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to.

Caught another episode of London Kills and, yep, the beginning of the showdown with David and Vivienne started. Can't wait to see what happens next. Rob and Billie should probably brace for impact.

The new show I started is Dark Winds. So far, really enjoy the premise and the pacing. The acting is top-notch also. I had a sneaking suspicion the new deputy would end up being more than met the eye. Glad I was right about that.

Watched another episode of Death in Paradise and enjoyed it. I'd seen most of this one at some point on Ovation and I liked having the full episode from beginning to end. I'm also enjoying Darlene a lot. Glad they added her to the team.

Enjoyed another episode of Beyond Paradise. It's so much fun watching Martha's mom going on dates. I'm also interested in how things shake out with the fostering situation. Very cool to have some Margo backstory also.

Caught an episode of Elementary and I'm kind of sad Kitty is headed for parts unknown for now. I do love that her story had a satisfying resolution. Also so happy we got to see how she kind of saved Sherlock from himself.

Watched another episode of Batman Beyond. Inque made another appearance and that was fun. Also kind of cool to see Bruce back in the field and how much Terry tried to protect him.

Finished up with an episode of Classic Rugrats. Enjoyed both vignettes and also discovered I have more episodes than I thought I had left. This isn't bad news.

And that's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Wait No More, a novella that explores a reunion for a couple.

Here's the miniblurb:

Zoey Blythe pushes Cash Mateson out of her life when she sees how much good he can do as an elected official. Ten years later, their paths cross again and Zoey realizes she should have fought a little harder to stay by Cash's side. Heading up the security detail for Cash's campaign, Zoey feels the spark again, but marriages and careers are on the line, even if she doesn't want to wait anymore.

And a sneaky peek…

Cash woke up alone and frowned. "What the hell?" He'd bared his soul last night and Zoey couldn't even wake him up before she left?

After grabbing a quick shower, he gathered his gear and coffee and headed out, determined to find Zoey. He made it as far as her unit house, only to find her missing. Where else would she be?

He bumped into her CO. "I'm looking for Zoey, er, Constable Blythe." He juggled his satchel and tucked his ever-present clipboard under his arm.

The commander schooled his features. "Did you want to file a complaint about Constable Blythe? Did she cause problems on the last leg of the campaign?" His face shifted into stern countenance.

Cash blinked in surprise. "What? No, nothing like that. Just wanted to check in with her." He paused, searching for a good reason. "Wrap up some final notes on the campaign." He took a big sip of his coffee to keep from blurting anything stupid out.

The commander relaxed the tense set of his shoulder. "Oh. Good, good. But you'll have to wait a few days … she's on her honeymoon." He rocked back on his heels and grinned.

Honeymoon?

Cash almost choked on his coffee. "I'm sorry, did you say honeymoon?" No way.

She can't be married.

The commander gave a nod. "Yeah. She got herself hitched bright and early the morning after the election. Some guy she dated the first year at the academy." He leaned in a little. "He washed out, but they kept in touch. Decided to tie the knot and she took her saved leave."

Cash pasted on a wide smile. "Well … good for her. When she returns, please wish the happy couple luck with the new marriage." He made a hasty exit, muttering under his breath. "Think they're gonna need a lot of luck." Especially if Zoey could marry a guy less than four hours after the wild romp in Cash's bed.

He blindly made the walk to the campaign headquarters, which would now become the precinct office. One thought ran rampant through his mind. "I'll never, ever fall in love again." Dumping his now-cold coffee, he slowly made his way to the office of their newly elected delegate.

Stram Barton welcomed Cash with a hearty handshake. "Cash, my boy, glad you're here." He stepped aside, revealing a lovely woman with pristine features and a cool demeanor. "Want to introduce you to someone. Delia Morgan." Sweeping his hand toward the woman, he added. "She's a mover and shaker, very politically connected, and quite possibly perfect wife material … for someone like you." He waggled his eyebrows.

Delia rolled her eyes. "Stram, I'll thank you to stop matchmaking. I'm sure Cash and I can get acquainted without any assistance." She stuck her hand out.

Cash took her palm. "Hello. It's nice to meet you…" Her firm no-nonsense grasp and direct gaze became the beginning of a lovely arrangement.

I love writing this one, but the sages are shifting back and forth on the timeline. Here's hoping they'll figure it out and settle on something soon.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Victory Is Hollow

April is off to a weird start. We had a tornado warning in the wee hours of Thursday morning. That was fun. The temperature warmed up then dropped back down with a chance of snow tomorrow or Tuesday. But, sure, we aren't having any climate issues.

Still plugging along on multiple work projects. I did finish up two and added another new one to my pile. I'm very happy to be busy!

Had a decent viewing week. Ended up making it through my full slate of shows and I think I know which new program I'm adding to the lot. I'll give it a view and report back.

Actually realized I did finish up London Kills last week, so I ended up watching another full episode. Things are headed for a showdown with David and Vivienne and I'm here for that.

Watched Death in Paradise and enjoyed the episode. Discovered Izzy is still around and, well, still not a fan. If she returns, maybe she'll grow on me.

Caught Beyond Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed it. So nice to have a little backstory for Esther. And, if rumors prove true, a potential love interest in season three. That'll be fun.

Enjoyed an episode of Elementary. I'm definitely interested in how things will play out with Kitty's attacker. I can't wait to see if it gets resolved in the next installment.

Watched an episode of Batman Beyond. This is one I remembered from my original run through. Quite liked seeing it again.

Caught another episode of Classic Rugrats and it's one I don't remember so a new-to-me episode. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Only a few more left before I move on to the reboot again.

That's pretty much it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from Victory is Hollow, a novella that brings a couple together after a huge mistake.

Here's the miniblurb:

Patience Clew and Del Mindhapel are elite arms instructors for their training academy and have a lot of tension bouncing back and forth. When two of their cadets go head to head in an illegal duel and one ends up with an almost mortal wound, the top teachers are confined to quarters and that's when the tension really goes out of control.

And a sneaky peek…

I'm not looking for compromise.

Del gnashed his teeth. "So it's your way or no way?" She'd never accomplish what she wanted that way.

Patience shrugged. "Pretty much." She went back to reading her book.

Del shook his head. "Then your victory is hollow. Because if cadets lose their lives to prove your point, it means nothing. The price is too high." Then again, maybe it wouldn't matter.

If they couldn't come to an understanding, this discussion would be moot.

She frowned and met his gaze. "What are you talking about? Our cadets didn't die." She went back to her book.

He snorted. "This time." He paced back and forth. "What happens when one does?" He stopped and glared at her.

She rolled her eyes. "You're making more of this than you need to." Her focus went back to the page, but her knee bobbed up and down.

Del resisted the urge to punch something. "Live ammo, Patience. The duel aside, we train with live ammo. You're insane if you don't think it can happen. Because it could." And definitely would if she refused to consider any kind of compromise. "Especially if you're not willing to bend a little and come at this topic from a different angle." He bit back a sigh. "All I'm saying is you better be prepared to face a tribunal when the worst finally happens." Out of steam, he sat at the table and pulled out his paintbrushes. "Do you really want that?" Uncapping the paint, he dipped the tip into the vibrant red.

She stayed silent, but her leg bobbed nonstop.

But … he didn't push for an answer. Because, honestly, he didn't have the desire to argue about something that should be simple to understand. Working on the model ship, he hoped like hell he'd given her an idea to chew on.

This story is bouncing all over the place, but I think I've finally got the main beats down.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: Victory

Even though March is my birth month and the birth month of my mom and one of my best friends, I'm kind of glad to kick it to the curb. It's been a wild ride this month. That said, it's also been intensely productive, so I'm really not complaining.

The weather is still drunk, wildly surging one direction then lurching back only to zing forward again. My sinuses hate me right now. And my throat has that I just swallowed glass with a gravel chaser sound at the moment.

Still buried with work but I'm making great progress on all fronts. I added another new hourly project to the pile and made a big dent in that one yesterday.

Not a bad week for viewing. I got through my usual slate and did a marathon watch to finish out the week.

Ended up watching two episodes of Elementary and both were actually terrific. I'm very interested in seeing how things with Kitty play out in the next few installments.

Caught two episodes of Batman Beyond. Always happy to see the Royal Flush show up and I liked the throwback to Bane.

Also enjoyed two Classic Rugrats episodes. I'm about halfway through the final season and I think I'll pick back up with the new reboot once I'm finished up.

Caught another episode of Death in Paradise and I'm enjoying having Darlene working with the team. She's a great addition. Also glad to see Neville's sister exit. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I didn't enjoy her at all.

Watched the first official episode of season two Beyond Paradise. Really enjoyed the way the mystery unfolded. Also loved the resolution.

I ended up not quite finishing the episode of London Kills but I should have that one completed this week.

That's it for the life update. Tonight's post is from Victory, a novella that sees a couple make a wager about public displays of affection.

Here's the miniblurb:

Nevin Fram and Chase Barlow put everything on the line when they wager who can get the drop on the other first with a hot kiss. Nevin executes a plan to catch Chase during a sparring match, but he turns the tables on her and wins. Nevin wants to go double or nothing, but first her brain has to start functioning again.

And a sneaky peek…

"Damn. You two should find an empty causeway and get it out of your systems."

Nevin Fram glanced up at the rude statement then discovered what set the commentary off. Two newer crewmates were getting rather hot and heavy in a corner booth in the mess hall.

Nevin snorted. "Newbs always have to stake a claim within the first week of arrival." Usually in public, which they'd learn didn't have to happen.

With a roster ranging from a hundred to a hundred and fifty, sooner or later everyone knew everything about everybody. Whether anyone wanted to or not. Transport ships—even ones with paramilitary ranking—were notorious for scuttlebutt and shenanigans.

Nevin kicked back and put her feet up on an empty chair. "Too bad I don't have any cheese corn." From the running observations and ribald comments, the show would get good in the near future.

A tray slid in front of her with a bowl of cheese corn and two drinks on it.

Chase Barlow—her partner in and out of bed—dropped down on the seat next to her. "Newbs strike again." His lips twisted in a smirk.

Nevin nudged his shoulder. "You always know exactly what I want." Pulling the bowl close, she grabbed a handful of the fluffy, savory snack.

Chase propped a leg beside hers on the makeshift footrest. "You make it easy. I love knowing what you like and don't like." He folded his arms over his chest and scooted down to a comfortable position.

Rogee Blatten called out. "Yo, Barlow. How long have you and Fram been a thing?" He rocked back on the stool to reveal four curious people at his table.

Chase pondered a moment. "About five years." He slid Nevin a sideways glance. "Sound about right?"

She gave a nod. "Pretty much." Resisting the urge to squirm under the scrutiny, she shot a narrow-eyed gaze toward Rogee. "You planning on throwing us a party or something?"

Rogee held up his hands. "Nothing like that. Just asking." He leaned against the table. "Like, everyone knows you're together, but no one really knows how it happened."

Heads bobbed up and down. Not just at Rog's table, but elsewhere in the mess hall … even the newbs came up for air to listen.

Chase grunted. "You been inhaling the cannon oil again? How doesn't matter." He met Nevin's gaze. "Does it?" He arched one brow.

Nevin shrugged. "Not to me." And not an interesting story.

Well, not to anyone but her and Chase. She'd never gone for guys who made big exhibitions about their feelings. Chase didn't wear his heart on his sleeve, but he made subtle gestures—like the cheese corn—that showed her she meant something. Why the curiosity now? After they'd been together for so long?

Maybe Rogee had been spending too much time in the armory with the ammo and lubricant.

Rog tsked. "Come on. You never do the usual couple thing. No lip-locks in the corridor or holding hands on movie night." He flung a hand out. "You have something against public displays of affection?"

Nevin blinked. "Guess I'm not really into the whole sharing with the universe deal." She didn't the point as long as Chase understood how she felt.

Chase snorted. "Yeah, I don't see the need. Kind of like staking a claim." He paused a moment. "Why is it necessary? Almost reeks of being desperate." He rolled a shoulder. "But each to their own, right?"

Nevin tensed up a little. The staking a claim comment hit sideways. Probably because she'd had the thought earlier. Did she need Chase to make it clear—to everyone—how he felt about her? Not really. But … did he take her for granted? Maybe they'd become a little too comfortable together. Or maybe she just wanted to push a self-imposed boundary.

Rog rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay. I can see this conversation is going nowhere." He looked at his group. "Let's hit the rec hall. It'll be more interesting than watching the newbs get hot and heavy or prying any kind of dirt from the old hands." He slid off his stool and clomped toward the hatch.

The rest of his group followed suit, shuffling out behind him, and the two new crewmen sheepishly straightened their clothes and made tracks also.

Chase shifted around to face her. "You got quiet. What's going through your mind right now?" His eyes narrowed and his head tilted to one side.

Great question. She had no idea why she got salty about Rog's prodding and the way Chase responded. But she did.

She took a moment before answering. "I don't know why, but I'm thinking we need a wager to give Rog a hard kick in the mind his own business section of his ass." And maybe see what the next step would be for her and Chase.

Chase straightened and blinked in surprise. "Where's this coming from? Since when does his opinion matter to us?" He leaned forward and propped his forearms on the table.

Nevin lifted a shoulder. "Not saying it does … and here's the completely wrong part…" An imaginary line appeared in her mind, and she hesitated to step over it. "When you said public displays were kind of like staking a claim, I'd had that thought when I first noticed Brant and Gemma making out. Yet … when you added the bit about it reeking of desperation, I don't know. It hit weird." And she made zero sense right now.

Chase frowned. "Weird bad or weird good?"

Nevin lifted her chin. "Bit of both."

I'm enjoying how this story is coming together. Nevin and Chase are fun to write, and I can't wait to see where they go next.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

ML Skye

Sunday Snippet: V Is for Victory

Geez, I can't believe we're almost through March. This has been such a busy month and it's flying by. A few outside distractions added to the mix this week and were something of a big time suck.

My work projects are still chugging along and I'm making progress on my side gig I hope to launch soon. Technically it's already out in the world but I'm adding a big layer to the whole thing. Of course, I pick a moment in time when I'm crazy busy. But I love a good challenge.

As usual, the weather is all over the map. We've had a lot of wind rolling through, stirring up dust and who knows what else. And the temps are doing the back-and-forth dance. I'm looking forward to having some even, leveled-out days … whenever that might be.

Slow viewing week again. Partly due to work stuff and I'm also in a bit of a slump. I might be edging toward a binge-watching phase, which I haven't really done for a long while.

I got most of the way through the episode of London Kills I started last week. It's the opening ep of the fourth season so I kind of want to pay attention and I keep missing key things, so I'll finish it when I have more brain power.

Watched an episode of Death in Paradise and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd seen bits and pieces of this one so kind of knew what to expect. I very much remember absolutely disliking Neville's sister with an intense passion and that didn't change. Maybe she'll grow on me, but I doubt it.

Also caught the holiday episode of Beyond Paradise and totally loved it! Christmas shows make me happy and this episode seemed to pull the periphery cast into each other's orbits and I loved that. Looking forward to diving into the rest of season two. And, oddly, the timing ended up being perfect for the crossover last week when Humph returned to the beach. Not sure how I did that.

I did another binge marathon of Peter Gunn also. I'm loving some of the live channels on Plex.

That's it for the life update this week. Tonight's post is from V Is for Victory, a novella set in the V-World universe.

Here's the miniblurb:

When Ric Biden is kidnapped by Nemesis to further his hold on V-World, Deandra Wilder vows to help Mallory and Surge bring Ric back in one piece. After all, she's the reason Nemesis found their headquarters. And she's willing to do anything to get Ric back … even if it means entering the VZ and ghosting herself to keep Ric from succumbing to Nemesis's mind games.

And a sneaky peek…

Deandra Wilder drummed her fingers on the metal table. "So, we agree? I'm going in to find Ric." The idea made her queasy, but she'd do whatever it took to save him.

Even if she ghosted herself or ended up shredded.

But Surge and Mallory wouldn't let that happen. Would they?

No, her gut said they'd have her back. Surge wanted to take Nemesis down once and for all. And Mallory wanted her brother home in one piece … hopefully with his incredible brain intact. If Deandra ended up not making it … it would be her choice and done to save Ric.

Man, if anyone would've told her she'd be ass over tits for a giant brainiac, she'd have laughed them off the planet. Yet here she sat, gearing up for battle because she'd fallen truly, madly, deeply for one. And, dammit, they'd only had like five fucking minutes to get started.

Surge nudged her wrist. "Dea? You get that, right?" He wore his serious Surge face, so whatever he'd said must've been important.

She shook her head. "Sorry. What am I getting?" Exhaling slowly, she focused on the two people at the table.

She couldn't fuck this up.

Mallory's eyes flashed with impatience, but she spoke calmly. "Nemesis knows where the ranch is. We have to go mobile before you go in." Her gaze drifted around the room. "That means making some arrangements to cover the day-to-day operations, get set up at a new location, and finding some way to get you inside without drawing a lot of attention to ourselves." A sigh escaped her, and her shoulders slumped.

Surge grunted. "Actually, I've got just the thing we need." He frowned. "But it'll take a couple of days to get it outfitted." He whipped out his started swiping through screens.

Deandra balled her hands into fists. "A couple of days? Surge, you know what Nemesis can do to someone in less than twenty-four hours." She got up and paced back and forth. "We don't have a couple of days." Dammit, maybe she should do this alone.

Mallory snorted. "Don't even think about trying to sneak off on your own. Ric will buy us the time we need." Her voice held conviction.

Deandra sat back down. "Fine. But if anything happens to him…" She huffed out a breath and rolled her eyes. "Right. What the hell am I saying? If anything happens to him it's on me." For the millionth time, she wished she'd never met Nemesis.

Mallory leaned forward. "Look, it would be easy to let you shoulder all the blame. But it wouldn't be fair." She held Deandra's gaze. "This team, which includes Ric, is my responsibility. Security is never completely foolproof. That's why I have Surge. To test the limits and use that knowledge to shore up our defenses." A shoulder lifted. "There aren't a lot of people who can do what we do, so we all have to dig in and do the work. You're part of that now. And we need you. Maybe more than you need us, especially since you didn't sign up to be a team player…"

Surge cut into the conversation. "There're perks to having a team." He shifted his gaze to Mallory. "Ask me how I know…" He turned his attention to Deandra. "We'll be with you every step of the way. You're not alone anymore."

Deandra gave a jerky nod. "I know. I do." She sighed, folded her arms on the table, and rested her head against them.

She might not be alone. She appreciated having people in her corner now. But…

I won't be complete without Ric.

I literally just started this one and I'm so excited to see where things go with this universe. Pretty sure one of the other side characters is pushing to have their story told also.

 

That's it for this week. Catch everyone on the flipside.

 

ML Skye