A Little Harmless Gift

A Harmless Short

Melissa Schroeder

eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

A Little Harmless Gift, A Harmless Short

Copyright © 2011 by Melissa Schroeder

Edited by Chloe Vale

Cover by Kendra Egert

Formatting by April Martinez

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First electronic publication: December 2011

Dedication

To the Addicts who love Micah as much as I do.

“Spread those legs and show me that pretty little pussy of yours,” Micah said.

Even after more than a year of marriage, his commanding voice sent shivers of lust racing through Dee’s blood. He didn’t even have to say a word. Just seeing him completely nude was enough for that. He stood at the foot of their bed, his golden skin shimmering in the candlelight. Her gaze traveled down his body to his cock. He was fully erect, the head wet just a bit from pre-come. She licked her lips.

“Dee, you better do as I ordered. Now.” He hadn’t raised his voice. He didn’t have to. There was enough dominant control in his voice to get her to do what he wanted.

She did as ordered, but she took her time about it. His nostrils flared as if he could smell her arousal. Maybe he could. She was so damned turned on she wouldn’t doubt it. His eyes narrowed, then he reached out to her pussy. He slid his index finger along her slit. The simple touch had her body reacting. Just that simple little touch had her shivering.

“You’re being especially bad tonight, Dee.”

She smiled at him, and she could tell he was trying to keep from returning one. Micah loved being tested, and after a year together, she knew what he needed, what he wanted from her in bed. Although each time they did come together, it wasn’t boring. Her love for him grew stronger, their passion higher.

She sucked in a quick breath when he spread her pussy lips and slipped the tip of his finger inside her. He had just shaved her, and she was extremely sensitive at the moment. He moved his digit back and forth, then over her clit. She moaned and closed her eyes. While he continued to tease her, he bent his head and took a sensitive nipple into his mouth. The feel of his tongue against her nipple shot straight to her pussy. Soon he moved on to her other breast, giving it the same treatment.

“I would really like to punish you tonight.” The tone of his voice made her open her eyes. The intensity of his stare had her curling her toes into the covers. “And I will. But...being that it’s my birthday, I think you need to start behaving.”

She laughed. “What fun would that be?”

“I did not ask you a question. You aren’t supposed to respond.”

He slapped her pussy, and her eyes almost crossed. Whenever he did that to her, she wanted to come. It was such a wonderful combination of domination and sexiness that she couldn’t resist opening her mouth again. She knew what would happen. He slapped her pussy again.

Then, without a word, he dipped his head and slid his tongue over her labia. God. She closed her eyes and felt her legs quiver. The man was a demon with that damned tongue of his. After he teased her for a few more moments, he slipped his tongue into her. Her stomach muscles tightened, her whole body readying for her orgasm as he shifted away. He grinned up at her.

She frowned and then he laughed. He leaned forward, and without breaking eye contact, he pulled her clit between his lips. Lordy, the man was going to be the death of her. He grazed his teeth over the tiny bundle of nerves, and she moaned as another gush of liquid filled her pussy. She was so damp. If she had been standing, she knew the tops of her thighs would have been wet with her arousal.

Over and over he licked her clit, and just when she thought she couldn’t hold back her orgasm any more, he stopped. He moved away from her and grabbed the vibrator sitting on the bedside table. He turned it on and pressed it against her clit, then moved it away. Over and over he pushed, prodded, and teased her to the limit. By the time he pulled away, she was almost ready to beg for her release. Almost, but not quite.

“Up on your knees. Put that pretty ass of yours in the air.”

It took her a few seconds to respond because she was so aroused. She was shaking with her need to come, but apparently he didn’t care.

“Get up on your knees now, Dee.”

His voice was a bit harsher, but she heard the arousal. He was just as turned on, and it was taking a lot of work for him to control himself. She finally got into position. He moved behind her. “Spread your legs wider.”

She did, but again she took her time. It earned her a slap on her ass, his flat palm against her sensitive flesh. He took the vibrator and eased it into her, then turned it on a slow hum.

“You know the rules. I am in control of everything, so no coming until I give you permission.”

She said nothing. She couldn’t. To keep from coming, she was using every bit of her control.

“Naughty girls have to be punished.”

It was all he said before he pulled back and smacked her. The sharp sting of the slap turned into more as it filtered over her skin. The pain combined with the low hum of the vibrator in her pussy had her barely holding her own. Over and over he smacked her. The pain twisted through her, turning into the same overwhelming arousal he could build in her each time. When he stopped, her ass was stinging, and she was sure she was red from the smacks. She didn’t care. The combination of arousal and pain had her pussy dripping with need. She was just proud of the fact that she hadn’t come. She was close, and it had taken all her effort to stay in position, but she had kept control of that.

He spread his hand over her ass, the light touch of his cool hand easing some of the sting and adding another level of arousal to her out-of-control libido.

When he moved off the bed, he reached for the lube. She closed her eyes, trying to fight the need to come. The vibrator was still humming in her pussy, and knowing he was going to fuck her ass had her barely holding on. She curled her fingers into the duvet of their bed.

He climbed behind her.

“I guess I could say this is punishment, of course, I know how much you like having my cock up your ass.”

She shuddered at the dark words, the lust that deepened his voice. Over a year together and he could still get to her.

He reached between her legs and increased the speed of the vibrator. It rocketed through her system, pushing her that much closer to her release. Next, he settled between her legs, his fingers skimming over her flesh. She felt his cock at her back entrance. Even though she knew it was killing him, he eased his way in slowly. With the vibrator going and his cock up her ass, she almost lost her mind. Once he was deeply seated in her, he started to move. With each thrust she climbed closer and closer, her body barely holding back from the release it needed so badly.

His fingers bit into her skin as he held onto her hips, thrusting harder and harder.

“Come for me, Dee.”

She was already coming, unable to hold back any longer. It only took two more thrusts and Micah joined her.

Long moments later, they collapsed. Micah removed the vibrator, switched it off, and set it on the table. Pulling her into his arms, he settled back against the pillows.

“That was a pretty fine gift, Mrs. Ross,” he said as he kissed the top of her head.

She smiled and sighed with contentment. “And the best kind because I got to share in it.”

He laughed, and the sound of it rumbled against her ear. The sound of rain pattered on the roof, and she sighed again. Life was just about as good as it could get in her opinion.

· · · · ·

Micah woke a short time later and found himself alone in bed. For a moment, he laid there content to hear the rain. It wasn’t one of the big thunderstorms he had hated in Georgia. It was soft and musical. It always relaxed him.

He stretched and moaned. His muscles were sore, and not just from their lovemaking. He was getting old. He would never admit it to anyone else, but working three days straight of twelve-hour shifts had done him in. He was glad that they were shut down for the holidays for the next few days.

He sat up and then stood. The smoky scent of the Kalua pork Dee had made for his birthday dinner filled the air. He knew she was in the kitchen, puttering around, getting things ready. He smiled. A man couldn’t ask for much more than having someone to look out for him the way Dee did—or to be able to return the caregiving. It was one of the greatest joys of his life to have someone to take care of.

After cleaning up and pulling on a pair of shorts, he walked to the kitchen. He stood in the doorway and watched her. God, she was a beauty. All tough exterior and soft gooey center. He knew she could dropkick him without much effort, but he also knew she had a thing for puppies. His lips twitched when he heard her singing “Happy Birthday” in Hawaiian. The one thing she could not do well was sing.

“Smells good.”

She jumped and turned around. “I told you to stop doing that ‘sneaking up on me’ thing.”

He chuckled as he walked over to her. “Sorry, babe. Old habits of very old bounty hunters die hard.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re not old.”

He pulled her into his arms and sighed. “I feel like it. Rough ‘n Ready was crazy this month.”

She slipped her arms around his waist and settled her head against his chest. It was always odd to remember how tiny she actually was. Dee projected herself as someone so much bigger.

“We might need to hire a third key. You know someone past you and Wesley? I can’t function that way because we always want to be off together.”

He nodded, knowing she was right. The club he and his best friend, Evan Chambers, had started several years ago now had two locations and a waiting list for membership. She gave him a squeeze, then stepped back.

“Everything is on the table. Why don’t we go sit down?” she asked, smiling up at him as if she had a secret.

He followed her into the dining area. Next to the bay window sat their first Christmas tree. Dee had taken such delight in getting the house ready for Christmas. As they sat down, he noticed a small box on his plate. It had a bow but no wrapping paper.

“Ah, Dee, I told you not to worry about a gift.”

She smiled. “But it’s your birthday. We have Christmas tomorrow, but I wanted something special for tonight.”

He looked up at her. How did a man get so lucky? He grew up on the streets and was a self-made man, but it still amazed him every day that he had the love of his life to cherish every day. Considering that he had almost lost her, he knew how lucky he was. He leaned over and gave her a kiss. When he pulled back, her eyes were misting.

He cupped her face. “Don’t cry, baby.”

She sniffed. “When you look at me like that, it’s hard not to.”

And he knew how much she hated showing that. Even now, even knowing she trusted him, Micah knew showing any kind of vulnerability was hard for her. That she allowed him to see it meant the world to him.

“Open your present.”

She was still sniffing and grabbed a tissue as she watched him. He untied the bow slowly, and she sighed.

“You always take too long,” she said with a smile. He knew she wasn’t really complaining. Dee knew what his childhood was like and the fact that he rarely had birthday gifts. She made a big deal out of every holiday mainly for him.

When he opened the box, he found tissue paper. He frowned as he lifted it away and found a pair of little white baby socks. He lifted them out and studied them, then he looked at her. Tears were streaming down her face, but she was smiling. His heart clutched as he held them in his hands.

“Does this mean what I think it does?”

She nodded. “What do you think about that, Daddy?”

Micah tried to swallow the lump in his throat as he set the socks back down. Without a word, he grabbed her and pulled her onto his lap.

“How do I feel?” He cupped her face and wiped away the tears with his thumbs. “I can’t say. No one has ever loved me the way you do. Thank you.”

He kissed her, brushing his lips over hers softly before pressing his open mouth against hers. Dee hummed against his tongue, and he smiled as he pulled back. “No wonder you’ve been so tired. I couldn’t figure out just what the hell was going on. I was kind of worried you might be coming down with something.”

She snorted. “Coming down with something, that’s for sure. And in about thirty-three more weeks, you’ll get to help with that something.”

He settled his hand against her stomach. “Thirty-three weeks? You’ve known how long?”

“Just a little over a week. We’ve been so busy that I didn’t even notice I missed my period. But, I woke up about a week ago and thought I was going to die.”

Then it hit him what they did earlier. “You should have told me before tonight. I could have hurt you.”

She rolled her eyes and slipped her hands behind his neck. “I talked to my OB about that. She said we’ll just have to be careful. And most play will have to be toned down. We’ll talk about that later. Don’t worry so much, Daddy.”

He smiled at the name. “I like hearing you call me that. I like it a lot.”

She sniffed, and he worried she was going to start crying again. Dee must have seen the look of panic in his eyes, and she sighed. “Better get used to the emotions, babe. We have a long haul in front of us.”

He gave her a hug. “We need to call the family.”

She smiled. “Let’s do that, and first on the list needs to be my brother.”

He grunted, but she ignored him. Her brother and Micah had finally come to an understanding, but neither of them really trusted the other. The only thing that kept them civil was their love for Dee.

“Then we’ll call Evan and May.”

She nodded, her eyes still brimming with tears as she pulled out her phone.

“Devon. Yes, I know what time it is, but I have no idea where you’re at.”

There was silence.

“Well, I was just calling to tell you that I’m pregnant.” Silence again. “Of course Micah’s the father. If you’re not nice, I’m going to hang up on you.”

Micah chuckled. Even though Devon was a pain in the ass, putting up with him was worth it. He got Dee in the bargain. He sat back and listened to the love of his life yell at her brother.

· · · · ·

Dee hung up the phone with a frown.

“What’s up?” Micah asked as he slipped his arms around her waist. “What did Dillon have to say?”

“I didn’t talk to him. I talked to his sister, Moira. Apparently, he was rushed to the hospital today.”

And she couldn’t forget the fear she heard in the younger woman’s voice. Dee could understand it. Conner Dillon was Moira’s only family.

When she turned to face Micah, he was frowning. “Something happen on the job?”

It was a logical question because former FBI agent Conner ran a security agency. “No. That’s the odd thing. Moira said he had chest pains. It turned out to be nothing, but they kept him overnight.”

“I’m sure he’s getting good care. Remember, he is in Miami. They’ve got to have some good heart doctors there with all the retirees.”

She smiled. “That’s true. He apparently was stressed out.”

Micah raised his eyebrows. “Interesting. Of course, he is kind of uptight.”

“I’ll call back in a couple of days.” She stood on her tiptoes. “So, still feeling good?”

He smiled at her, and she felt as if she owned the world. She did, in her opinion. “Yeah. In fact, I think I need to show you how good I feel.”

“Yeah?”

He bent down and lifted her into his arms. “Yeah. Let’s go back to the bedroom and I’ll demonstrate.”

She sighed and settled her head against his shoulder. He took her to their bedroom and laid her on the bed. She smiled at him.

“You don’t have to be so gentle.”

“But I want to show you just how I feel,” he said as he inched her shirt off.

As he joined her on the bed, she felt tears well up in her eyes again. He leaned down to kiss her.

“I love you.” He slipped his hand down to her stomach. “Both of you.”

She smiled as her heart burst full of love. As he kissed his way down her body, gently loving her, she realized that now everything in their world was perfect.

It was her last coherent thought for hours.

You can read how Micah and Dee first fell in love in their book now out in print and digital from Samhain Publishing.

A Little Harmless Lie

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Falling for her might be easy, seducing her may be damned hard, but keeping her alive might just be deadly.

A Little Harmless Lie

Harmless Series Book 4

Coming from nothing, Micah Ross now has more than he knows what to do with. His Hawai’i BDSM club is flourishing, and he has his pick of women. Except one. Dee Sumners is cute, sexy, feisty…and, since she’s on his payroll, off-limits. Plus, she insists she isn’t into the life. Until one heated kiss hints that his head bartender secretly hungers to be his sub.

Life on the run doesn’t allow Dee to indulge in long-term relationships. Still, Micah manages to work his way through her tough armor and under her skin. Yet even as she succumbs to his skilled seduction, her survival instinct forms a plan to leave the island she has grown to love—and the man she’s in danger of loving.

When Dee disappears, Micah’s anger turns to fear when he realizes she didn’t leave willingly. Calling on his skills as a former bounty hunter, he tracks her to the mainland only to discover she is entangled in a web of lies and deceit that not only threatens their love, but her life.

Warning: The book contains more Hawaiian settings, a Native American Dom who always thinks he’s right, a woman on the run, sexy kisses, murderous relatives, a trip to Sin City, and a seduction that is sweet and hot and everything in between. Ice water and a towel are recommended while reading.

And coming in late February, Conner Dillon, the FBI agent who helped Dee, will have his own story in A Little Harmless Fascination.

Wanting her is to be expected, but falling in love with her could prove to be deadly for both of them.

A Little Harmless Fascination

Book 7

Conner Dillon is in a world of trouble. Or, at least that is what his doctor says. After a near miss on a particularly stressful day, Conner is ordered to take off a month from work. His sister has the perfect solution: Hawaii. Her old college roommate lives there and has a guesthouse that would be perfect for Conner. His only problem is Conner’s unbelievable attraction to a woman who is completely wrong for him.

Romance author Jax Bentley doesn’t normally go for the “always in control” type. In fact, she despises them. Still, there is something so appealing about a man who likes to take control, in and out of the bedroom. After one particularly steamy kiss, they dive headfirst into an affair that is more than either of them expected.

When a series of accidents turn almost deadly, they realize protecting their hearts is now secondary to staying alive.

WARNING: This book contains an Alpha male with control issues, a heroine who knows just how to push all his buttons, a trip or two to our favorite Honolulu BDSM club, old enemies, one crazy family, and more scenes which will require ice water and towels. Yes, it is explicit, and yes, it could melt your computer, but I promise, it’s worth it. It’s a HARMLESS book, so you know your favorite characters will appear and we all know, it isn’t all that harmless.

About Melissa Schroeder

Born to an Air Force family at an Army hospital Melissa has always been a little bit screwy. She was further warped by her years of watching Monty Python and her strange family. Her love of romance novels developed after accidentally picking up a Linda Howard book. After becoming hooked, she read close to 300 novels in one year, deciding that romance was her true calling instead of the literary short stories and suspenses she had been writing. Since her first release in 2004, Melissa has had over 30 short stories, novellas and novels released with multiple publishers in a variety of genres and time periods. Those releases include the Harmless series, a best-selling erotic romance series set in Hawaii. A Little Harmless Sex, book 1, was one of the top 100 bestselling Nook Books of 2010.

Since she was a military brat, she vowed never to marry military. Alas, fate always has her way with mortals. Her husband is an Air Force major, and together they have their own military brats, two girls, and two adopted dog daughters, and they live wherever the military sticks them. Which she is sure, will always involve heat and bugs only seen on the Animal Discovery Channel. In her spare time, she reads, complains about bugs, travels, cooks, reads some more, watches her DVD collections of Arrested Development and Seinfeld, and tries to convince her family that she truly is a delicate genius. She has yet to achieve her last goal.

You can connect with Mel all over the web:

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

HARMLESS ADDICTS

NEWSLETTER

Or email her at: Contact@MelissaSchroeder.net

Other Books by Melissa Schroeder

Harmless

A Little Harmless Sex

A Little Harmless Pleasure

A Little Harmless Obsession

A Little Harmless Lie

A Little Harmless Addiction

A Little Harmless Submission

A Little Harmless Military Romance

Infatuation

The Harmless Shorts

A Little Harmless Fling

Free on Website

A Little Harmless Kalikimaka

Free on Website

A Little Harmless Surprise

A Little Harmless Gift

Once Upon An Accident

The Accidental Countess

Lessons in Seduction

The Spy Who Loved Me

Leather and Lace

The Seduction of Widow McEwan

Leather and Lace

Print anthology

Texas Temptations

Conquering India

Delilah's Downfall

Hawaiian Holidays

Mele Kalikimaka, Baby

Sex on the Beach

Bounty Hunters, Inc

For Love or Honor

Sinner's Delight

The Sweet Shoppe

Tempting Prudence

free on website

Her Wicked Warrior

Connected Books

Seducing the Saint

Hunting Mila

Saints and Sinners

print of both books

The Hired Hand

Hands on Training

Cancer Anthology

Water

print

Stand Alone Books

Grace Under Pressure

The Last Detail

Her Mother's Killer

A Calculated Seduction

Telepathic Cravings

Coming Soon

Getting Lei'd

Hawaiian Holidays

The Cursed Clan: Callum

Falling in Love Again

A Little Harmless Fascination

A Little Harmless Fantasy

A Lethal Woman

Going for Eight

Writing as Kiera West
exclusively for Siren Publishing

The Great Wolves of Passion, Alaska

Seducing Their Mate

The Alpha's Fall

Convincing Ethan

Shane's Need

Rand's Craving

Coming soon

Jason's Salvation

Max's Need

Claiming Their Mate

Now Available from Melissa Schroeder

To prove her love and save her man, she has to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Infatuation

A Little Harmless Military Romance 1

Francis McKade is a man in lust. He’s had a crush on his best friend’s little sister for years but he has never acted on it. Besides that fact that she’s Malachi’s sister, he’s a Seal and he learned his lesson with his ex-fiancé. Women do not like being left alone for long months at a time. Still, at a wedding in Hawaii anything can happen—and does. Unfortunately, after the best night of his life, he and Mal are called away to one of their most dangerous missions.

Shannon is blown over by Kade. She’s always had a crush on him and after their night together, it starts to feel a little like love. But, after the mission, Kade never calls or writes and she starts to wonder if it was all a dream. Until one night, her brother Mal drags him into her bar and grill and Shannon gets the shock of her life.

Kade isn’t the man Shannon knew in Hawaii, or even the last few years. Twelve hours of torture changes a man, especially one who had never felt so vulnerable. He still can’t shake the terror that keeps him up at night. Worse, he is realizing that the career he loves just might be over.

Shannon is still mad, but she can’t help but hurt for the man she loves. He is darker, a bit more dangerous, but beneath that, he is the Kade she’s known for so many years. When he pushes her to her limits in the bedroom, Shannon refuses to back down. One way or another, this military man is going to learn there is no walking away from love—not while she still has breath in her body.

Warning: This book contains two infatuated lovers, a hard-headed military man, a determined woman, some old friends, and a little taste of New Orleans. Of course, there is a Dom who wants to be in a charge and a sub who wants to challenge him. As always, ice water is suggested while reading. It might be the first military Harmless book, but the only thing that has changed is how hot our hero looks in his uniform—not to mention out of it.

· · · · ·

Kade’s heart jumped into his throat when he saw Shannon walking determinedly in his direction. She wore her hair up to show off her slender neck and the diamond earrings he knew Mal had bought her. God, she was gorgeous. He liked strong women, and that was definitely Shannon. All the feminine strength in that sexy package, he was having a hard time resisting her. Everything in his body, especially one particular body part, told him to go after her. But his brain wouldn’t let him. He couldn’t act on his attraction. Mal was his best friend, and one of the things he’d always believed in was you didn’t fuck around with your buddy’s sister. Since Kade knew he wasn’t cut out to be involved for the long haul, he had to ignore the lust that was circling his gut right now.

Damn, as she neared, he saw she was coming after him for something. What had he done? With Shannon, you never knew what would happen. The woman ran a tight ship at work, and no one, not even her trained-to-kill Navy Seal brother, got away with jack shit with her.

“Hey, Kade,” she said just as the band started up with a slow country song. Even with the music playing, he could hear her accent. “Do you think you could dance a little two-step with me? I know you have to be one of the only guys here who knows how to do it right.”

The way she said it made him think of sex. Who was he fooling? Everything she said made him think of sex. But now, she was smiling, those green eyes sparkling up at him, and he couldn’t think again.

“What?”

She laughed. The sound of it sunk into his blood and made his pulse do its own two-step. “Dance. You, me. Two-step. You haven’t forgotten how to do it, have you?”

The memory of her teaching him to two-step filtered through his mind. It had felt like purgatory, stuck between heaven and hell. Her body had moved against his, her soft breasts pressed against his chest…he’d almost lost it. The only thing that had saved him was that Mal was on that very same dance floor and probably would have beaten the hell out of him if he had known what Kade was thinking.

“Uh...yeah, I remember.”

She didn’t wait for a yes or no. She just grabbed his hand and dragged him behind her to the dance floor. She stopped then waited for him to step closer. Kade hesitated, trying to get his brain back into the game. Of course, his little brain wanted to do most of the thinking. His cock twitched as he drew her into his arms. They started to dance, and he tried to keep her further away. She slipped closer.

Oh, shit. Just the little brush of her body against his had his cock hardening. He just hoped she didn’t notice.

“I thought you and Mal would be off having a good old time.”

He glanced down at her, wondering about the tone. There was a thread of irritation in it. She was smiling up at him as if there was nothing wrong, but he knew there was something she wasn’t telling him.

“Apparently your brother had a woman picked out already.”

She nodded. “He’s a slut.”

Kade couldn’t help it. He threw back his head and laughed. Shannon had a way of talking about her brothers, especially Mal, that Kade knew was to remind them they were still just her brothers.

“What about you?” she asked.

“I’m not a slut.”

She chuckled. “The jury’s still out on that one.”

“Your brother needs to learn how to be a little more picky.”

Her lips curved up at that comment, and he felt the moisture dry up in his mouth. God, he wanted to kiss that smile off her face—then move down her body, exploring every delicious inch of her. He knew her flesh would be sweet.

“I noticed you’re pretty picky.”

He nodded as he worked her around the dance floor. “I don’t fall for every pretty face that comes along.”

She said nothing. Instead she laid her head on his shoulder. The gesture was so natural it was as if she did it every day. He knew he should tell her not to. His brain said he should do it. But he couldn’t. It was too close to what he wanted, what he yearned for. For five long years he had wanted her, wanted to feel this way with her, her head on his shoulder, her soft, warm body in his arms. He had wanted that for so long, he just couldn’t bring himself to stop her.

It was bad enough he would probably have to take a five-hour cold shower when he got back to the room. Sweat slid down his back, and he had to fight the urge to lean down and brush his lips over her forehead.

He had talked himself into not doing more when she sighed and relaxed even more against him. Her breasts were pressed against his chest, and with every breath he drew in that sultry scent that was so unique to her. His head started to spin. His body started to duel with his mind. His brain was starting to lose when the music ended. The band swung into a fast-paced Hawaiian tune. His body protested when he had to pull back.

“Shannon?”

Even to his own ears, his voice sounded gruff. She raised her head and blinked as if coming out of some kind of daze. Her breathing hitched, and her breasts rose above the neckline of her dress. His gaze slipped down, he could see her hardened nipples through the delicate red fabric. He curled his fingers into his palms and counted backwards from ten. If he didn’t get away from her soon, he would definitely lose control. There would be nothing to stop him from tearing off her clothes and bending her over a banquet table.

The wind shifted, pulling a few strands of her hair loose from the complicated style.

He cleared his throat. “Well, that was...nice.”

Fuck. How lame could he get? She studied him for a second, her expression serious, thoughtful. Then in the next moment, her lips curved.

“You know where my room is, doncha?”

Lust soared. His body reacted at the direct question. Any doubts he had about her interest in him vaporized. She apparently thought there was no reason to hide her attraction to him anymore.

He nodded, unable to form a word.

“Well, then you know where to find me later.”

For a tough as nails Dom hunting a sadistic serial killer is nothing compared to losing his heart.

A Little Harmless Submission

Harmless 6

Rome Carino is hunting a predator. One who likes to hurt submissives and the most popular BDSM club’s patrons are being targeted. With each fresh kill, he gets more brazen. Rome knows he just needs one little break, but before he can make headway, the FBI shows up. Worse, the uptight, buttoned-down Special Agent Maria Callahan suggests a plan that is dangerous, but worth it because it might just catch the killer. If Rome can keep his mind on the case and off the beautiful FBI agent, he’ll be just fine.

Maria is still trying to step out of her legendary father’s shadow and knows just how to do it. Luring the killer by posing as Rome’s new sub seems like a good idea. That is, until undercover becomes real life and she finds herself tangled up with a man who amazes and scares her at the same time. Her growing attraction to the Honolulu Police Detective is a little too much to handle. Even knowing that, she can’t help falling in love with the tough Dom and losing herself in the games they play in the bedroom.

Rome is overwhelmed by his need for Maria. He has never had a sub respond to him the way she does and no matter what he does, he feels himself slipping off that cliff into love. As their relationship starts to unfold, he realizes that he will do anything to win her heart, to convince her to become his sub for a lifetime. But before he can do anything, the killer turns his attention on Rome and the one thing he holds dear: Maria.

WARNING: The following book contains: A Dom who thinks he can do no wrong, a new sub who is about to teach him he can, palm trees, a trip or two to Rough ‘n Ready, a flirty Aussie Dom with questionable motives, old friends, and a new enemy. Yeah, it might be called Harmless, but you Addicts know it’s anything but.

· · · · ·

“You didn’t have to do that. I understand what’s expected of me.”

“Really?”

She fought back the irritation. “I’ve researched it. I would never suggest this if I didn’t know what I had to do.”

He nodded but still looked skeptical.

“I can play the role. You didn’t have to pull that stunt.”

He studied her for a moment, no expression on his face. Then, he placed his hand on the wall next to her head and leaned closer, as he did in the elevator. Gawd, he smelled good. Earthy and sensual, and all wrapped up in a dominant package of a man. She shouldn’t want to attract him, but everything in her being was telling her to do anything to get him in her bed.

“What stunt are you talking about?”

For a moment, all she could do was look at his mouth as he spoke. His lips were full, sensual, and utterly irresistible.

“Callahan.”

She shook herself and tried to remember what they had been talking about. Great, now she had to embarrass herself with an explanation. She didn’t want to do this. She understood she wasn’t attractive to men like Rome. That she could live with. Having to admit it to him out loud was more than a little awkward. Talk about humiliating.

“I understand that a woman like me would never attract you—“

“What do you mean by that?”

She glanced up and realized he looked genuinely surprised.

“Nothing. Just understand I can play a role, and I won’t get all sappy on you. I want this guy as much as you do.”

Again he was silent. She hated that, hated the way he looked at her. It was as if he was completely perplexed by her. “Play a role?”

She rolled her eyes and pulled her keycard out, not able to look at him anymore. She was damned tired and ready to collapse. Add this embarrassment to the mix, and she just wanted to crawl under the covers and forget most of the day.

“When we’re out of the public eye, I understand. You don’t have to play the role of my lover behind the scenes. It’ll be easier if we have parameters.”

“Callahan.” His voice was quiet nevertheless commanding.

“What?”

“Look at me.” The order was soft but definitely not to be ignored. She couldn’t if she’d wanted to. His deep, resonate voice wrapped around her senses and forced her to do his bidding.

When she finally made eye contact, her whole body went hot again. The intense look had her trying to swallow, but she found her mouth dry. He slipped his free hand up to cup her jaw. Without saying a word, he bent his head down and brushed his mouth against hers. She could feel the heat of him through their layers of clothing.

He leaned even closer, and she could feel his erection. There was no mistaking that. Just feeling the hot, long length of him had every hormone in her body jumping to attention, ready to serve. When he pulled back, it took a few moments for her to open her eyes again.

The fire in his eyes was still there. His cheeks were flushed, and she could tell there was a little more than just playacting involved.

“Just so you know. Guys like me can be attracted to women like you.”

Coming January 17th in digital from Melissa Schroeder

The first of a five book paranormal series.

The Cursed Clan: Callum

Will desire be the answer or the ruin of an entire clan?

As Laird, Callum Lennon has always felt he failed to protect his cousins. Callum’s impulsiveness caused him the loss of his family and the experience has scarred not only his body, but also his soul. When Angus finds clues that might help break the curse, Callum begrudgingly allows them to hire Phoebe Chilton to investigate. Callum doesn’t like bringing outsiders into family affairs, especially when he is so attracted to them, but she might be their last hope.

An expert in the field of archeology, Phoebe has always been dwarfed by her parents’ shadow. They have high standards that had her in college by thirteen and earning a second PhD by twenty-two. But her career and her former marriage have left needing something more. She wants to prove her interest in legends, especially Celtic legends, is as important as her parents’ work. When the Lennon family contacts her, she sees the opportunity to win a massive research grant. With a long-time breathing down her back, she jumps at the chance the Lennons offer her, with hopes of using it to win the grant. But uncovering the Lennon family secrets, and her attraction to Callum, could prove more than she can handle.

Forces outside the family are determined to ensure that they not succeed. When an old enemy threatens both the well being of the clan and the fragile new relationship, Callum will have to choose between believing his mind or his heart.

Enjoy this unedited excerpt:

“I protect what is mine. I’ll not allow you to use Angus.”

She moved away from the counter, her body tense with anger. “I have never used another person, especially in that way. You’ve convinced yourself that I decided to somehow use my considerable wiles on your cousin to somehow gain who knows what.”

When she said it like that, he felt juvenile and petty.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Lennon. I’ll avoid your cousins from now on.”

Which is what he wanted, but at the same time he felt like the lowest form of scum even if it was the best choice. The diary could hold their secrets, and the less she connected to them, the better. They just needed it translated, and for her to leave. As soon as that happened, he would be free of this affliction, he was sure.

“I’ll do my work and take my meals in my room.”

He heard the hurt in her voice. His need to banish Phoebe was as unexplainable as the need to ease her pain.

She attempted to brush past him, but he stepped in front of her, blocking her one exit. “I didn’t say you needed to avoid my cousins.” It was what he wanted, needed, but here he was contradicting his own thoughts, again.

When she looked at him, there was no humor in her gaze, no studied interest as he’d seen before. Now, all he saw was loneliness and he ached.

“No. I’ll finish my task and leave. I know you must have a very good reason, although I can’t understand what it could be. I will respect your wishes.”

Again, she tried to move past him, but he refused to budge. That same fresh scent of her reached his senses, seducing him. Even as he was reaching for her, his mind was screaming stop. He ignored it, and every other protective instinct. The only thing roaring through his head was to take, to claim.

“It isna my family that has me worried, lass.” The moment he wrapped his hand around her upper arm, her head shot up, surprise lighting her eyes her mouth falling open in surprise. “It seems being around you is no’ good for my peace of mind.”

He jerked her against him. She gasped, the sound filled with both fear and excitement. Arousal spiked and his body craved—demanded—more intimate contact. Knowing it was wrong, even knowing it was dangerous, he bent his head and took possession of her luscious mouth.

Make sure to stop by The Cursed Clan website to learn more.

Table of Contents

A Little Harmless Gift

Dedication

A Little Harmless Lie

A Little Harmless Lie

A Little Harmless Fascination

Other Books by Melissa Schroeder

Writing as Kiera West exclusively for Siren Publishing

Infatuation

A Little Harmless Submission

The Cursed Clan: Callum