Kristen Ashley

“You gonna jump on-line and tell your geek squad you landed me?”

“Then Miah whispered, "Your hair."Chace opened his eyes. "What buddy?"Miah leaned back but didn't let go, looked up at Chace with his red eyes and kept whispering, "Your hair. Lion's hair."Chace didn't get it but forced his own smile and replied quietly, "Okay."Miah let him go, Chace's arms dropped away, Miah's chin quivered but his eyes didn't waver from Chace's when he whispered, "You're my Aslan."Aslan.The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.Holy fuck.”

“You in my life, me livin' in hell, feels like I've been touched by an angel.”

“Forgot about carin’ about someone so much you would do everything in your power to stop them having’ pain.”…“And how fuckin’ shitty it feels then there’s nothin’ you can do to stop it”

“"What you got to give, Faye, here," his hips pressed into mine, "clean, pure, all fuckin' mine and that's beautiful right there. But the rest, how wet you get, how tight you are, you goin' wild for me like you did just now, baby. Fuck. You gotta know, coupled with the other, that's beauty that's off the charts."Hmm. I liked that.A frak of a lot.”

“The eyes of a man who was all man.And they were wet.Oh my fraking God.His hand came to my jaw, cupping it, his thumb sweeping across my cheekbone but he didn't watch his thumb. His eyes never left mine and he didn't hide it, he didn't fight it.I gave him my virginity.He gave that to me.It was the most beautiful gift I'd ever received.Then he whispered, "I wanna see to you. Will you let me do that, Faye?"I'd let him do anything.Anything.Even though I had no idea what he was talking about."Yes," I answered.His head dropped and, his lips on mine, he whispered, "Thank you."Then he touched his mouth to mine, gently, slowly slid out and he saw to me.”

“"Baby, you gave that to someone else, it wouldn't be mine. Now it's mine. No one can ever have it. It'll always be mine. I love it. I think it's beautiful. So I absolutely do not think the town's sweet, cute, pretty, shy librarian who held onto that for as long as you did then gave it to me is anything but really fuckin' good."”

“"Faye, darlin', I want you to hear this and get it, what you just gave me was the most beautiful thing I've ever been given in...my...life. What you'll give me later I know from what I've already had, not just now but since I've known you, will be even more beautiful. With me, anytime, anywhere, you're safe. But of the anytime and anyplace you're with me, the place you're safest is right here, in my bed. You never have to be embarrassed. You can ask questions. You can react how you want. You can be who you are. If I'm doin' something you don't like, you can stop me. Nothin' will ever happen in this bed that you'll be uncomfortable with. I swear to you, baby. You're safe here and you always will be."”

“Faye, honey, breathe."”

“"Um, so, how do I work in the panties and toothbrush? I mean, it's not something you share over dinner," I pointed out, trying not to blush but feeling the heat."He's got his tongue in your mouth," Krys began, "and he'll have his tongue in your mouth. You're on the couch, and you'll be on the couch. When he takes his tongue out of your mouth, find a way to whisper it in his ear. That'll speed things up.""Real quick," Twyla agreed on a short nod.”

“It was wild. Abandoned. Rough. Wet. Intense. Fiery. Thorough. Exquisite. Heart-pounding. Blood-singing. Soul-rocking. Life-altering.Luscious.”

“I'll be at your place tonight, seven thirty.""Does seven thirty mean our reservation is at eight?""Eight fifteen, in case we hit traffic or weather.""Will this mean you'll turn into a pumpkin on the way back, considering we'll probably get home past your bedtime?"Silence then, "Now she gives me smartass and it's still fuckin' cute."”

“"Heard you choking, are you all right?""You're beautiful, a good kisser, this is our first date, my bed is in the room, I'm nervous as all heck and I just thought I was going to die choking after spitting out gum so no, I'm not all right."Yes, that's what I blurted, word for word.Chace stared at me.I stared back both wondering if I could will myself to melt like the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz and if that was what Laurie meant by honesty or if it was a tad over the top.(...)Then his tongue was in my mouth.(...)"Still nervous?""No," I whispered."Good," he muttered.”

“"Baby," he whispered. "Before I go, I want your mouth."”

“"Christ, here we go. Backbone."”

“Tell me you love me.”

“Told you, something’s good, it’s worth fightin’ for but not if you’re the only one fightin’.Then he opened the door, slamming it behind him and stalked out.”

“Bottom line, you didn’t take care of what was yours. Now, as Nina has explained, you’ve lost it, I found it and it’s mine.”

“In my life, I’ve learned when to let shit go and when to fight. This, babe, what we got, I’ll fight for.”

“You’re being domineering again,” I informed him.I felt his mouth grin under mine and watched his eyes do it. “Yeah, baby, fair warnin’, when we’re naked, you better get used to that.”I gasped at his words then he kissed me.”

“You’re pissed I laid it out and you’re gonna go nurse your snit”

“Shut it, Duchess”

“Yes. He. Was. Just. Here. Spreading his goodwill and love all around Max’s entryway. It’s a wonder there aren’t cherubs flying around sprinkling rose petals and rainbows erupting through the windows, an aftermath of his delightful visit.”

“Learned some things in my life, Duchess, one of the most important, you find a good woman, you take care of her.” “Please”“This happens between us, Duchess, I’d take care of you.”“Don’t”“Die doin’ it,” he vowed.”

“See, that's the beauty of books. We get to take what we want out of them and it can be different for everyone.”

“Don’t ignore me while I’m trying to breakup with you!”

“You can love someone a lot and treat them nice and do everything for them and then they just go. It happens.”

“Chiquita, women spend a lot of time sittin’ around bitchin’ that there are no good men out there.I hate to tell you this, but there aren’t a lot of good women either.The difference is, when a man sees one, he knows it.Then, he goes after her and wears her down until she’s his.Then, if he’s any man at all, he won’t let her go.”

“We’re takin’ Faye home.”“Got that.”“Son, I need to know which home we’re takin’ her to.”Jesus.Was the church deacon Dad of the virgin girlfriend he’d deflowered asking him which bed he wanted to sleep in with his daughter that night?“Yours or hers?” Silas continued.Fucking hell, he was.”

“Tack didn’t grin. He tugged on my arm and dragged me down the hall to his bedroom. Dinner was chips and dip, beer and tequila and good company. Dessert was Cool Whip and Tack. In other words, dessert was the bomb!”

“Our relationship wasn’t easy. It wasn’t mellow. It wasn’t comfortable and sedate. He was too bossy and I was too much of a smartass. We bantered and sometimes we fought. But I’d learned I was completely unable to endure Hawk being mad at me and then I’d noticed that Hawk felt the same. No grudges were ever held. We created sparks but those sparks never caught the kind of fire that could do damage. Instead, we got over it and moved on.”

“There was something very sexy about Mace going commando. Very sexy. Down Mace Slut! My brain commanded”

“Bitch your tee is the shit.”“Don't call Mace's Mom a bitch.”

“There it is! Done! And you didn't even have to fuck me.”He stared at me.“But you can still fuck me if you want to,” I offered.He kept staring at me.“Like now. Fucking me now would be good,” I prompted.He kept staring at me.“Hello?...Calling Kai Mason, girlfriend needs a good fucking, right...about...now.”That's when he spoke.And this is what he said.“God, I love you.”

“You're their fucking daughter! Do they not know how precious you are?”

“I fucked up and hurt you. It won't happen again.” His fingers tensed around my head and his deep voice dropped low. “I promise you, Kitten, it won't happen again.”

“You told me you’d never let me go,” shewhispered but it was an accusation.His eyes closed and the pain in them sweptover his entire face and settled there like it wouldnever, ever leave.Then he shocked her again. He dropped hisforehead to hers and kept his hands on her.Something out of her control made her continue.“You told me,” she said in a shaky voice,“you’d always take care of me.”He opened his eyes and stared into hers. Hewas so close that if she moved the lower half ofher face forward, less than an inch, she wouldhave been kissing him.“You didn’t take care of me,” she murmured,stating the obvious.”

“After that, Lily was recuperating and thendealing with significant financial hardships. Thebirth was described to me by Lily and also byher obstetrician, who I spoke to myself yesterday.The doctor, in his own words, remembers whathe describes as that ‘hideous day’ like it was yesterday.The labour, intense and excruciating, lastedfor days. In the end, in extreme distress atthe length of the labour, the baby nearly died.Lily did die. She was flatline for two minutes andthirty-eight –”Alistair didn’t get the opportunity to finish hisgrand statement because Nate surged out of hischair so fast, it flew on its wheels and shot acrossthe room, slamming into the wall.“Mr. McAllister…” Alistair said warninglybut Nate was coming swiftly around the table,coming at her.At this sight, Lily, too, jumped out of her chairin a panic, her numbness not that complete, andbacked away in self-defence as Nate came at her,came at her with purposeful, long strides. Shebacked up jerkily, one hand behind her, one handin front, retreating until she hit the wall. Beforeshe knew what he was about, his hard chest cameup against her hand, pushing it back and his bodypressed against hers.Terrified and confused at this sudden change,she looked to the right and to the left, anywherefor escape, anywhere but at Nate.And to her shock, his hands caught her face,resting one on either side, gently trying to forceher to look into his impossibly dark eyes.“I didn’t know,” he whispered and the absoluteache dripping from his first words said to hersince she found out he was alive cut through herthin shield of numbness like a razor.She attempted to pull her face free but hishands tightened.“Lily, I didn’t know,” he repeated, and shecaught his eyes and they were glittering dark withsomething that she couldn’t read, somethinghideously painful and she had to get away fromit. Was desperate to get away from it. She neededto flee.She tried to look over his shoulder but he wastoo tall, too close. Things were happening in theroom, there was urgent talk, maybe even a tussle.But all she could see was Nate.”

“Our story begins eight years ago when Ms.Jacobs was living in London with Mr. McAllister.However, she had to leave the country urgentlydue to a family emergency.”“Considering the ‘he-was-dead’ defence, I’msure this will be hugely entertaining.” Lily didn’tsee it but she heard the scoffing behind Nate’s attorney’stone, that would be attorney number twoor Sarcastic Attorney. Her startled eyes moved tothe man who, she noted distractedly, was staringat her with extreme distaste.“Well, I’m not sure one would describe losingboth of one’s parents in a plane crash as ‘entertaining’,”Alistair noted blandly.”

“Take my advice,” Victor said and Nate’s eyesshifted to him again, “get the girl pregnant. Itworked for me with Laura.” After saying this, hegrinned cheekily.”

“One day, I wish to find a man like in mybooks. He has to be just like in one of my books.And he has to love me, love me more than anythingin the world. Most important of all, he hasto think I’m beautiful.”“Lily, I need to tell you something.” Fazirewas going to tell her about Becky’s wish and hismistake and let her look forward to something, lether look forward to the incomparable beauty shewas going to be.Most of all, he had to stop her wish now. Hedidn’t want her wasting it on some fool idea. Hewanted it to be special, perfect, to make her worldbetter like she had made Becky and Will’s and,indeed, his.But again she didn’t hear him. Her eyes werebright and they were steady on his.“He has to be tall, very tall and dark andbroad-shouldered and narrow-hipped.”Fazire stared. He didn’t even know what“narrow-hipped” meant.“And he has to be handsome, unbelievablyhandsome, impossibly handsome with a strong,square jaw and powerful cheekbones and tannedskin and beautiful eyes with lush, thick lashes.He has to be clever and very wealthy but hardworking.He has to be virile, fierce, ruthless andrugged.”Now she was getting over his head. He didn’tthink there was such a thing as impossibly handsome.How cheekbones could be powerful,Fazire didn’t know. He was even thinking hemight have to look up “virile” in the dictionarySarah had given him.“And he has to be hard and cold and maybe alittle bit forbidding, a little bit bad with a brokenheart I have to mend or one encased in ice I haveto melt or better yet… both!”Fazire thought this was getting a bit ridiculous.It was the most complicated wish he’d everheard.But she wasn’t yet finished.“We have to go through some trials and tribulations.Something to test our love, make it strongand worthy. And… and… he has to be daring andvery masculine. Powerful. People must respecthim, maybe even fear him. Graceful too and lithe,like a… like a cat! Or a lion. Or something likethat.”She was losing steam and Fazire had to admithe was grateful for it.“And he has to be a good lover.” Lily shockedFazire by saying. “The best, so good, he could almostmake love to me just by using his eyes.”Fazire felt himself blush. Perhaps he shouldhave a look at these books she was reading andshow them to Becky. Lily was a very sharp girl,sharp as a tack (another one of Sarah’s sayings,although Fazire couldn’t imagine a tack ever beingas clever as Lily) but she was too young tobe reading about any man making love to herwith his eyes. Fazire had never made love, neverwould, genies just didn’t. But he was pretty certainfourteen year old girls shouldn’t be thinkingabout it.Though, he was wrong about that, or at leastBecky would tell him that later.Then Fazire realised she’d stopped talking.“Is that it?” he asked.She thought for a bit, clearly not wanting toleave anything out.Then she nodded.”

“But Fazire didn’t do exactly what she said.He did make her perfect.He made her bright and funny and very, verytalented.He made her sweet and thoughtful and very,very caring.He made her generous and kind and very, verylovingHe decided not to make her beautiful, at leastnot at first, because she should know humilityand not grow up with conceit.Though, she would become a beauty, a splendidbeauty beyond compare.Just… later.”

“Tex (wearing a tux, and not happy about it) boomed from across the room, “Roxanne Giselle Lo… I mean, Nightingale! When are those fuckin’ harpists gonna shut the fuck up and so we can get some rock ‘n’ roll?”

“Lee nodded, his smile somehow bigger like he was trying not to laugh then his eyes moved to Hector and he said, “I tried to stop it.”Hector looked at Lee then looked at me then he muttered, “Oh fuck.”“It was Ally’s idea,” Lee told Hector.“What was Ally’s idea?” Hector asked Lee.“It was not Ally’s idea!” I cried.“It wasn’t!” super-power-eared Ally yelled from the open back window of Lee’s Explorer. “It was Sadie’s idea. I just was offering moral support.”“Shut up, Ally!” Indy shouted out the open passenger side window.“I will not shut up! I’m not taking the fall for this one!” Ally shouted back.”

“You live in your head too much, you curl up and shut shit out and spend so much time doing it, you forget to live your life. You can’t live your life in your head. That isn’t living.”

“When we faced Mom, we saw she was addressing Max. "We get to know each other I'll get to hug you." "Mom!" I snapped and Mom turned to me. "I get to do it when he doesn't have a shirt on too. I'm calling it now," Mom declared.”

“i was made to protect you and you were made in a wa that it would always be worth the effort.”

“straight up mara, I want you in my bed, And when you're in my bed, I'm gonna be inside you. and while I'm movin inside you I'm gonna make you come with your long fuckin legs wrapped around my back”

“You have the best wild west rancher cowboy name in history”

“I love you, Ivey, and you got a name you gave yourself that means somethin’ to you but I still want you to take mine.”