Hustle Into Love - Chapter Ten, Part Four

Hey all,

Well, do you think Chantal wishes she'd kept her mouth shut?  Is this the end of a beautiful relationship...or the beginning?  Let's find out.  And enjoy!!!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~

If the roof had fallen in right at that moment, Chantal would have been overjoyed. Ecstatic. She couldn’t believe she’d told him. Said the one thing she’d sworn never to say. And one look at his blank eyes and shocked face told her she’d been right on the money with his reaction. Next thing she’d expect was—

“I beg your pardon?”

There it was…the over-the-top polite tone he always used when he didn’t know what else to say. She closed her eyes, even more humiliated now than she’d been when he’d manhandled her earlier. Shock or anger would have been bad enough, but she couldn’t bear it if he felt sorry for her. Numbly she wondered if there was another bomb. If it went off now, she wouldn’t have to look him in the face again.

“Damn it, Chantal.” He gave her a shake that had her eyes popping open. “I want to know what you said. Say it again.”

She felt the heat of her blush as her face went red. Determinedly, she gathered the shredded threads of her dignity around her. It was all she could do. “Y-You heard me and obviously, you wished you hadn’t. So now I’ll do us both a favor and leave.”

“The hell you will,” he said as he shook her again. “I don’t care if the whole building comes down on top of us. You are going to say those words.”

Why would he want her to embarrass them both a second time? Frowning, she risked meeting his gaze and what she saw there made her mouth go dry. Emotion, strong and fierce made his ebony eyes dance with light. “Mace?”

“Please, Chantal.” She trembled at the wealth of feeling in his voice. “Don’t play with me. I need to hear you say it again.”

Could it be…hope she was seeing? She shook her head, immediately dismissing the idea. She wouldn’t believe it. There’d be no reason for him to feel that emotion. Her maybe, she was the one who’d stupidly blurted out her feelings for an entire room to hear. Again, she wanted to disappear. How could she have been so foolish? Glancing around wildly, she thought about running. She wondered briefly if Mace was as fast as Eric.

But her heart nearly stopped when Mace’s strong hand cupped her cheek and made her look back at him. “Chantal? Honey? I’m waiting.”

What she saw in his face—desire, fear and another emotion she couldn’t pin down—had her gasping in surprise. She fought with herself for another long moment, fear strangling her voice. Then, his thumb gently traced her lower lip, and unable to do anything else, she surrendered to a will as strong as her own.

“I’m in love with you,” she said simply. “Head over heels, dance until you drop, stand up and applaud, in love with you.”

He just stared at her, his gorgeous face smeared with dirt and dust, blood trickling down his cheek in a steady stream. There was no other sound in the casino other than a soft moan that came from one of the unconscious police officers. Chantal blinked back tears and wondered if exiting stage left would be considered an ignominious retreat. This was not how she’d wanted this dance to end. 

And then Mace grinned.

Maybe the hit on the head had done more damage than she’d thought. She stared at him in sudden concern. Maybe she should call an emergency worker…take him right to the hospital. But the thought was whirled away when Mace snatched her up and into his arms. His shout was loud enough to shake the remaining chandeliers. 

“Leave it to you to tell me the thing I most want to hear in such a damnable dramatic way. And stealing my thunder.” He cradled her face in his filthy hands and brushed a kiss over her shocked lips. “I had it all planned out, you know. Candles, romantic music, your favorite beer since you hate champagne. Even chocolate covered strawberries.”

She gazed at him warily. “Huh?”

He laughed and whirled her around in a circle until she squealed, more worried about his blood loss than getting dizzy. But again her thought was stolen away when Mace’s lips came down on hers. 

They were hot, hard and demanding, exactly what she’d come to expect and need from him. But this time, woven into the desire she always tasted was something else…something so sweet, tears came to her eyes. Her heart stuttered to a full stop as he lifted his head and looked down at her. 

“Mace?” she whispered. “I—” She stopped when he put a gentle finger to her lips.

“No, baby, it’s my turn.” His warm ebony gaze seemed to penetrate all the way to her soul. “And I’ve been waiting it seems like half a lifetime to say this.” He brushed his mouth over hers.

“I love you, Chantal. I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember.” 

Now it was she who stood and stared. She almost said, I beg your pardon, back to him, but she knew there was no way she could make it as snotty sounding as he did. That was an inborn art. A trickle of joy ran through her as she gazed up into his face. Into those dark eyes filled with an emotion she was just now beginning to recognize.

“You…love me?” she whispered, not even aware of those who watched the two of them. “Truly?” She bit her lip, suddenly worried. “You’re not just saying that to be kind, are you?"

Mace chuckled richly. “I don’t lie and I’m not in the habit of telling a woman I love her just to be kind.” He kissed her again, this time even harder. “Don’t you get it, woman? I fell for you so hard I’m still reeling. I haven’t been able to get my breath since you got off that plane.”

She melted. Right at his feet. “Oh, Mace. It was the same for me. I saw you standing there, and I just wanted to eat you up. I didn’t expect it…wasn’t sure I wanted it, but there you were all dark and dangerous and—” she sighed, “—I was a goner.”

He pulled her closer. “It may have taken me ten long years to admit it, but I knew it was you I wanted. And there was no way I was going to lose you once I found you. You belong to me.” 

Her heart fluttered in delight. She had to admit she loved his possessiveness. “I said it twice, so you have to, too.”

Mace blinked in confusion then his face cleared and he laughed again. “That won’t be a problem. I’ll say it more than twice, Chantal. You’ll be sick of it, I’ll say it so much. I love you. I love you. I love you.” He tossed her a grin. “There.  I’m one up on you now.”

“You can be on me any time you want,” she whispered, her belly curling with desire when his eyes flared hot. “I love you, Mace. I didn’t think I’d ever feel like this, but I do. More than anything in this world, I love you.”

“Excuse me, sir?”

Chantal’s face flooded with color at the interruption. She’d totally forgotten they were standing in a bombed out room surrounded by emergency workers and security. This, she would never live down. Another tidbit to add to the legend of the Amber Princess. As she and Mace turned to look at Bruce, it wasn’t clear who was more embarrassed, them or the other man.

“I’m sorry, Mr. D’Avranches.” The security guard shuffled his feet back and forth. “The emergency crews are saying we need to get out of here. They need to inspect and make sure everything is—”

“Of course, Bruce. Thank you.” Mace interrupted the spate of words, changing from lover to boss in the blink of an eye. He glanced around the room. “I want you, Chin and Dae to get checked out at the hospital. Make sure you’re all right.”

Bruce nodded. “You’ll need to do the same, sir. That cut looks nasty.”

“He will,” Chantal put in, earning her a lifted brow from Mace. She only shook her head. “I love you. I need to know you’re okay.”

“God, I love hearing you say that.” Mace’s eyes glowed with pleasure. “All right. For you I’ll go to hospital.” He brushed his thumb over her cheek. “I got you all dirty.”

“I don’t care.” She went into his arms again. “You’re alive and safe. I love you. You love me. Everything is perfect.”

“Not everything.” A sigh rumbled up out of Mace’s chest. “The stage and bar are toast. The casino’s a mess. God knows how long it will take to fix. Damn it. How am I going to tell Lì?” 

“Put it away,” she ordered, giving him a tug towards the door where an emergency worker stood waiting. “Because of you, everyone got out safely. Your quick thinking saved lives. You’re a hero, Mace. You’re not responsible for any of this.”

Mace took her hand and led her out of the still dusty lobby and into the fresh clear air outside. Together they stood and looked at The Golden Tiger. “You’re right, honey. I didn’t do this. But I sure as hell want to know who did.”

~*~

I want to know, too!  You'd think, being the author I'd have a hint, but I haven't a clue.  Yet.  LOL

Anyway, I'll be back on Tuesday with another installment.  Can you hold out until then?  *VBG*

Hugs to all,

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Ten, Part Three

Hey all,

Let's take stock.  Mace is inside a blown up casino and Chantal has no idea what's happened to him.  Can you say scary?  Maybe today we'll get some answers!  Enjoy!!!!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~

Mace wasn’t sure how long he was out, but he came awake suddenly, his heart in his mouth, his ears still ringing. Shaking his head, spitting out dirt and dust, he crawled over to an upended table and painfully pulled himself upright. His whole body ached and throbbed, but he pushed past the discomfort, unconsciously wiping the blood from a gash on his forehead. He looked around, trying to take stock of the situation. What the hell had happened?

“Boss?”

Cursing, Mace staggered to where Bruce was half-covered in broken tables and splintered two-by-fours. “Bruce? Damn it, man. Are you hurt?”

“I am all right.” The older man coughed. “Just got the wind knocked out of me. Chin? Dae?”

Pushing a table off Bruce, Mace glanced over at the entrance to the kitchen. Both of the other security guards were slowly picking their way through the mayhem towards them. “Looks like they’re okay. They were farther away from the blast.”

“The bomb exploded.”

Mace nodded, though the movement made his head hurt worse. “You wait here. I’m going to see what happened.”

“Mr. D'Avranches, you shouldn’t go in there. It’s not your job.”

“You know—” Mace had to sigh, “—you’re not the first to tell me that tonight. And I have to say, I’m beginning to agree.”

Leaving the security chief to wait for his men, Mace moved carefully to the battered archway. The dust was still thick in the air, making it difficult to see inside. But what he could see sent fury spearing through him. The northeast corner of the room had been destroyed. 

It looked as if the stage had taken the brunt of the explosion. The long, sweeping red curtains Chantal had ordered were smoldering, the stage itself ripped to shreds, boards buckled and the steps caved in. Overhead lights swung wildly. Catwalks, backdrops and trusses were all tangled together, a smoking heap tipping drunkenly off what was left of the stage to crash into the floor beneath.

The bar connected to the stage—once a beautiful work of wood and glass art—was now a pile of shattered bottles, glasses and splintered timber. Lights sparked and flashed, and spilled red wine and liquor dripped onto the stools below like blood.

The rest of Lì’s beautiful casino was in shambles.

Sick at heart, Mace stared around him. It was horrible…unwarranted. Whoever did this would pay. If it were the last thing he did, Mace would see to that. No one was going to get away with destroying what he called his—even temporarily. 

Pushing through the debris, he made his way across the casino floor to the last place he’d seen the flashlights of the two bomb squad experts. They’d been on the far side of the room, by the cage, so he prayed the blast had spared them.

“Mr. D'Avranches!”

He heard someone call his name and turning, he saw Bruce, Chin and Dae, struggling towards him. “Bruce, you need to get outside. Have someone take a look at you.”

The older man snorted. “I am fine. I look better than you do. You’re bleeding pretty badly, sir.”

Frowning, Mace wiped again at his forehead. The  heavy smear of red that came away told him the wound he’d forgotten he had was still bleeding profusely. Pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket, he pressed it against his head. “I’m sure someone’s coming to see what happened, but the main doors are stuck tight. There are tables tossed against them. We can go around, but my bet is they will be coming in that way. Dae, Chin, start getting that opened up. Bruce and I will see if we can find any survivors.”

The men separated and it wasn’t long until you could hear the sound of tables scraping across the floor as the security guards cleared the way to the main doors. Muted sounds came from the other side as well as along the side corridors. It wouldn’t be long until rescue arrived.

“Here, sir.” 

Bruce had found the two police officers, and a quick check of their pulse had Mace sighing with relief. They were unconscious but alive. 

“They are very lucky,” Bruce observed quietly. “If they had been close to the stage…”

Mace nodded grimly. “They didn’t set it off. The bomb must have been on a timer.”

“Explosion occurred a little after eleven.” The security chief’s eyes narrowed. “We would have had an act on the stage if we hadn’t gotten the tip.”

The marrow in Mace’s bones went icy cold. He thought of Chantal, of little faerie-like Dié or even the sleek and smiling Bryan. If any of them had been on stage as usual, they would have surely died.

He could have lost Chantal forever.

As if to punctuate his thoughts, there was a crash onstage. The last truss of lights fell from the rafters, sending twisted metal and colored shards of glass flying. In his mind, he could see Chantal’s beautiful golden body sliced into pieces by the deadly missiles.

“Mace! Oh God, Mace!”

Blinking, wondering how his nightmare had suddenly come to life and spoken, he turned. But instead of seeing Chantal bleeding onstage, he saw her clambering over the ruined tables just inside the doors.

Joy and terror battled for dominance as he strode to meet her. A moment later she was in his arms, clinging like a limpet, tears a steady stream down her cheeks.

“I thought you were dead,” she wailed, clutching him so hard he knew he’d have bruises in the morning. “We heard the explosion and the whole casino shook. Oh God. I thought I’d lost you.”

Having his thoughts mirrored so closely startled him. “I’m all right. I was in the other room when it went off.”

“I told you—” she reared back and glared at him then clung tightly again, “—not to go in there. Damn it, Mace. You could have been killed.”

“Shhh,” he soothed, understanding more than she just how lucky they both were. “It’s all over with. And I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine,” she bit out. Wriggling out of his arms, she gently pulled the blood-soaked handkerchief away from his forehead. “You’re bleeding like a pig, and you’ll probably need stitches.”

“Wait a minute.” Mace ignored her threat about stitches as he realized she was alone. “Where the hell is Eric?” Awareness dawned and he grabbed her shoulders. “And what the hell are you doing here? I told him to take you to safety.”

“Don’t yell at me,” she shouted back at him. “I went outside like you told me, but I wasn’t about to leave, no matter how dangerous it was. My place is here…with you.”

“The hell it is,” he shouted back, adrenaline and fear a potent and explosive combination. “There was no reason for you to endanger yourself.”

“There was a perfect reason!”

“And just what,” he snarled, shaking her like a ragdoll, “was that?”

“Because I’m in love with you, you idiot!”  

~*~

WooHoo!!!  The cats out of the bag now.  How do you think Mace will react?  Let me know in the comments so you can be entered for our monthly contest.

And don't forget the newest story on the Truly Madly Deeply Romance Author Blog.  This time it's by Suzanne Rock  and is a romantic story called In Your Eyes. Remember to comment!  Like here, prizes are awarded every month.

Hugs to all, and I'll see you on Thursday! 

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
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Hustle Into Love - Chapter Ten, Part Two

Hey all,

So just where is Chantal while Mace is fighting for his life?  Let's find out.  Enjoy!!!!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~

* * * * *

First, she was going to strangle him. Then, she was going to rip off his arms and stuff them down his throat. And if he were still alive when she finished with those oh-so-satisfying actions, she would kick his ass from Macau all the way back to England.

Chantal was livid. Beyond furious. The fact that both Mace and Eric had ganged up on her just made it that much worse. She couldn’t believe they’d done it. Treated her like a child. Forced her to do what they wanted. By God, it would be the last time Mace ever did that again. If he thought he could make love with her and then treat her so shabbily, he had another thing coming. She gave a snarl that made one of the emergency workers glance at her worriedly before quickly tiptoeing away.

Her eyes flared again as she fought back remembered mortification. She’d fought like a tiger, screaming and cursing so loudly, Eric had been forced to toss her over his shoulder to keep her under control. As they’d made their way down to the lobby, she’d turned the air blue with her threats. But to no avail. They both ignored her. And to top it all off, when they got downstairs, just before they’d separated—Mace to go inside the casino, Chantal and Eric to head for safety—Mace had kissed her hard on the mouth, then patted her butt and told her to be a good girl.

He was a dead man.

Yet Mace hadn’t gotten it all his way. Once they were away from her lover’s commanding presence, Eric hadn’t been able to maintain his ridiculous tough guy attitude. She’d convinced him that she’d be safe outside, across the street with the emergency workers and the rest of the guests and staff. But no amount of threats—even firing him, had changed Eric’s mind completely. He wouldn’t let her go back inside, even going so far to toss her back over his shoulder again when she tried.

And, since he’d been fired at the time, he told her he didn’t have to take her orders anyway.

She’d fumed and shouted then begged and cajoled, but Eric only shook his head stubbornly. Chantal had thought seriously about kicking him and running, but she’d seen her bodyguard in action. 

He was faster than she was.

So, she used another weapon in her woman’s arsenal. The silent treatment. As she stomped around, demanding solutions from officials who didn’t have answers, he trailed behind her miserably, trying to explain how dangerous going after Mace was. But she ignored him, spending her time inwardly listing all the ways she was going to make them both pay for their dastardly treatment of her.

“Madam? Are you all right?”

Chantal forced back her bubbling temper as she turned to look at Cái. Her assistant stood with the rest of her dance troupe, his dark eyes filled with shock and fear. Her eyes narrowed when she saw he had tiny Dié’s hand in his. When had that happened, she wondered briefly. She shook it off. “I’m fine. And you all?”

She got nods and murmured, “I’m fines” in response. “Good.” She glanced back at the casino and tapped her foot. “I hope all of us are.”

“Where is Mr. D'Avranches?” Bryan wanted to know.

Her stomach clenched. “Inside. He’s doing a last walk through to make sure no one else is in there.”

“Inside?” Cái’s face went ashen. “But there is a bomb in there.”

“I know there’s a bomb,” she snarled, unable to keep her worries to herself. “Damn man thinks he’s a hero.”

“Do not worry, Madame,” Dié whispered, and to Chantal’s surprise, patted her hand. “Mr. D’Avranches is a good man. A smart man. He will be careful. Nothing will happen to him.”

“I hope not,” Chantal said fervently, “because I want him safe and alive when I kill him.”

Her troupe barely blinked at the threat. It was obvious they were used to her sudden flare ups.

“Only a few left inside.” Eric’s voice came from behind her and she stiffened. She still wasn’t talking to him. “Looks like they’re roping off the area in front of the casino. Reminds me of that time we were in New Dehli and you were performing for that Rana dude who thought he was still ruling the country. They had a bomb scare at the theater there, too. But it turned out to be a hoax.”

Dié wrinkled her nose. “What is this…hoax?”

Eric looked down at the small woman and blushed. Chantal rolled her eyes. It was like watching Beauty and the very irritating, soon to be dead if she had anything to do with it, Beast. When he cleared his throat, obviously tongue-tied over Dié’s petite loveliness, she sighed.

“It means it was fake, Dié. The threat turned out to be nothing. Just some kids making noise against an outsider dancing for an aging ex-royal.”

“It was scary, though.” Eric nodded. “Just like this is. And dangerous.”

“If it’s so dangerous—” she whirled on him, her hands on hips, “—why is Mace in there?”

“He’s the boss, Princess.” Her bodyguard looked uneasily between Chantal and the casino. “He’s responsible for the place and needs to know everyone is out. If someone got left behind, how do you think he’d feel?”

Chantal bit back more scathing words. It was hard to argue when she knew Eric was right. Mace felt too much…carried more responsibility than he needed to. The fact irritated her as much as she admired him for it.

“All we can do is wait,” she said instead, tamping the temper and fear down hard. “But maybe we can do some good while we’re waiting. Look around you. The guests are more scared than we are. Why don’t we all try to mingle a little? Give them the personal touch. Assure them The Golden Tiger will open back up as soon as everything is dealt with.” She gazed over at the casino and thought of the man who had her heart tied in knots. “We can’t help inside, but we can make a difference out here.”

It gave them all something to do and she knew it was better than standing around and waiting for whatever was going to happen. And as Chantal moved through the crowd, smiling and gently calming fears she was unaware of the murmurs and glances that followed her as closely as her faithful bodyguard.

But the Amber Princess was news no matter where she was and Chantal, in her well-worn jeans and T-shirt snug from too many washings didn’t disappoint. Her temper spent—for the moment—she did what she did best.

She entertained.

If she could have figure out how, she would have done an impromptu dance, just to keep everyone’s mind off the drama across the street. But not only wasn’t her heart in it, she didn’t think it appropriate when lives could still be in danger. So instead, she talked and made small jokes with everyone she came in contact with. She clucked babies on the chin, wondering briefly what a child of hers and Mace’s would look like? Would he have her golden eyes and Mace’s dark hair? Mace’s sexy smile and her stubborn chin? Her eyes moistened and she fought back tears. Why hadn’t he come out yet?

She turned back to Eric so fast, he retreated and then grinned ruefully. “Thought you were going to belt me.”

“I don’t want to scare the kids,” she retorted. She glanced over at The Golden Tiger. “How long has he been in there?”

“Don’t worry, Princess.” Eric tried to soothe. “It’s only been about forty-five minutes. He should be out any sec—”

The muffled boom sent car alarms shrieking and dogs howling. The whole outside of Lì’s complex shuddered as if it had taken a mighty blow. As everyone watched, a single tall palm tree shivered and toppled to the ground. Chantal’s blood went cold, and a scream welled up in her throat when she saw a plume of smoke drift lazily into the sky above the casino side of the hotel.

“Oh my, God,” she whispered, all her fears coming true, “Mace.”

~*~

Well, so now we know what Chantal's been up to.  And I hope she gets over her mad before too long, or Mace's demise might be two-fold.  

Anyway, it's time for February's Comment winner.  You all ready?  Short and sweet and to the point, here it is.  (scroll down)

<Ashley>

Congrats, Sweetie!  Send me an email with your full name and snail mail address and I'll send out your prize toot-sweet!  


Thanks to all of you for your continued commenting.  Don't stop now.  Remember, your comments all add up and will be used for the final prize when the story is done!!!

Hugs and I'll see you next week! 

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

 

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Ten, Part One

Hey all,

Shall we see just what happens downstairs?  I'm thinking both Chantal and Mace will be just as worried about each other as they will be about Li's casino.  Let's find out.  And enjoy!!!!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~
Chapter Ten

“A bomb?”

In any other situation the incredulousness in Chantal’s voice would have been amusing. But not this one. Grabbing up his pants, Mace pulled them on. “Yes. Richard, down at the desk, just got a phone call from someone claiming to have set a bomb on the main casino floor.”

“Oh God.” Running to her closet, Chantal snatched out a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. “Do they know where?”

Mace shook his head. “No. The caller wasn’t specific.”

“We have to get the guests out.”

He glanced at her impatiently as he strode from the room to pick up his shirt. He quickly shrugged it on…what was left of it. “It’s being handled. Security is escorting everyone out. We’re also evacuating the hotel, just in case.”

Chantal pushed back her hair as she followed him. “You think it could reach here? Take out the hotel?”

“That or there might be a second device planted in one of the rooms. I’m not taking any chances.” He looked around furiously. “Where the hell is my other shoe?”

“Under the bar.” She dropped to her knees and dragged it out from beneath. “Here.”

“Thanks. Are you ready?”

“Almost.” Quickly, she pulled her hair back into a ponytail and slipped on her flats. “What can I do?”

“Do?” Mace strode over and pounded on Eric’s door “Philips!” he shouted. “Get your ass out of bed. You’re needed.”

“Yes, do,” Chantal answered patiently. “Eric and I—” she motioned to him as a sleepy-eyed Eric came yawning to the door, “—we can help. What do you want us to do?”

Fear iced Mace’s veins at the thought of Chantal being anywhere near the bomb. “You’re going to go outside with your bodyguard. I don’t need you to do anything.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Are you nuts? You think I’m going to run away and be safe and let you walk back into the casino?”

Mace didn’t spare her a glance as he spoke to Eric. “Bomb. Downstairs in the casino. We’re evacuating. Get Chantal out and far, far away. Sit on her if you have to. Do you understand me?”

“Damn it, Mace—”

Eric’s eyes were no longer sleepy. “Son of a bitch. A bomb? Well, hell. Welcome to fuckin’ Macau.” With that pithy remark, he disappeared back into his room.

“Mace, listen to me—”

Turning, he grabbed her hands. “No. Damn it, Chantal. You listen to me. I want you out of The Golden Tiger and safe. I won’t be able to do my job if I have to worry about you. You’ll go with Eric if I have to tie you up with your bathrobe belt again.”

She gaped at him. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me.”

“You’re not being fair. This place is just as important to me as it is to you. Neither of us want to let Lì down, but—” fear and fury turned her eyes a deep gold, “your job isn’t to deal with bombs. Your brother wouldn’t expect that of you. Let the experts handle it.”

“I’m not going to disarm the bloody thing,” Mace retorted. “All I’m going to do is make sure all our people are out. That is my job.”

Her lips tightened. “Then it should be mine, too.”

He bit back a snarl at her stubbornness, but was relieved when Eric strode through the door. “Enough, Chantal. I want you out of here in the next five minutes. Get your purse and go.”

“Not without you.”

“God damn it!” he roared, his patience at an end. Grabbing her up, he tossed her, fighting and gasping into Eric’s burly arms. His eyes met the bodyguard’s. “I don’t care what she says. I don’t give a damn what she threatens you with. You get her out of her or I swear… I don’t give a fuck how big you are, I’ll take you apart piece by piece.”

* * * * *

At least one American had common sense, Mace thought sourly as he and a few of his security people made one last walk through the restaurants on the lower level of the casino. The small bomb squad unit—all two of them—were slowly going through the main floor looking for the explosive device. Eric hadn’t argued, he’d just tossed Chantal over his massive shoulder and carried her outside.

Mace grimaced as he thought of some of the truly inventive curses his lover had rained down on both men’s head. Obviously, she was not happy about being manhandled.

But he didn’t care. That coppery taste of fear when she’d announced she was staying had almost choked him. No way was he going to let the woman he loved lose her life over a few sic bo tables and roulette wheels. And if it was just a hoax, as the police commander had suggested, he still would rather know she was safe and mad than something he couldn’t bear contemplating.

The hotel was clear, only the security guards outside the lobby remained, watching the doors to prevent anyone from entering. Mace, and the three security men with him had cleared the rest of the casino, now all they needed to do was do this last walk through of the dining area and they could leave as well.

He glanced over at the arched doorway to the main casino. He could see flashlights as the two experts picked their way through the tables, machines and other furnishings. The slow burn of anger he’d felt from the beginning grew stronger. Who the bloody hell would do this? And why? Oh, he knew bomb threats weren’t new and many places had to deal with this type of insanity, but the thought someone might blow up Lì’s building on Mace’s watch made him furious. Knowing people could be hurt had his stomach rolling.

“That’s it, Mr. D'Avranches,” Bruce, the head of security shouted. Bruce was a native born Macanese, who’d been working at The Golden Tiger since it opened. He took it as a personal affront that someone could have gotten in and planted a bomb. “We should be clear. Once they finish on the main floor—”

The explosion happened so suddenly Mace didn’t even have time to blink. The floor rolled beneath his feet, sending him crashing to the floor. The arched doorway blew inward, showering him with cement dust and debris. He felt a stabbing pain above his eyes as the acrid smell of burning sulfur mixed with the scent of burning material and wood. The noise was deafening, making his ears wring and his head spin. At that moment he wondered if he shouldn’t have taken Chantal’s advice and let someone else handle everything. 

And then, everything went black. 

~*~

Wow!  I wasn't expecting that.  What will happen to our intrepid hero?  And what about Chantal?  Just where is she while this is going on?  Find out in the next installment of...  *drum roll please*... Hustle Into Love.  

And don't forget the newest story on the Truly Madly Deeply Romance Author Blog.  It's a wonderful Urban Fantasy by Liddy Midnight called Two Doors Down!  And remember to comment!  Like here, prizes are awarded every month.

Our February Comment Winner will be announced on Thursday, so don't forget to drop by and see if one of your comments was picked for that month's prize!!!!!

Hugs and I'll see you then! 

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

 

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Nine, Part Four

Hey all,

Are you enjoying yourselves?  *VBG*  I know I am and Jonathon is a happy man too!  LOL  Shall we see what else Mace has in store for Chantal.  Betcha it's smokin'!!!!  Enjoy!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~

Chantal’s breath clogged in her throat. Mace was so handsome, so gorgeously dangerous. He stood over her, hands on hips, like a debonair pirate claiming his precious treasure. His tuxedo was slightly mussed, his hair tousled and his usual shadowed chin was darker than normal—too busy putting together the evening’s festivities to do a last minute shave. He was everything she wanted and never expected to find. 

Mutely, she lifted her arms again.

The feel of his clothed body sliding over hers stole away what little breath she had left. It felt naughty…even wicked to be naked when he was still fully clothed. But those thoughts were whirled away when his mouth came down on hers one more time.

This kiss was desperate, as if he was holding onto his control by a thread. The familiar hands racing over her sent her desire spinning. He took her up and over the peak again, hard and fast, those clever fingers knowing exactly how to touch her.

Her scream of shock and surprise seemed to drive him mad. They rolled, bumping into furniture as he tried to shed his jacket and tie. Her blood as hot as his, she ripped his shirt open and sent buttons flying.

He said something she couldn’t hear. Something low and dark in a Chinese dialect she didn’t understand. He vibrated above her, his hands both rough and gentle at the same time as he cupped her, and sent her into yet another climax.

She felt as if her heart was going to explode. As if her bones had melted right into the floor. How, she wondered vaguely, could a body handle so much without just giving out? Desperate for his touch, wanting him more than ever, she tried to pull him on top of her, but all she got was a chuckle. 

Mace still wasn’t done. 

Before she could even blink, he had her up and sitting on top of the bar. The cool wood against her butt made her shiver, but the sight of Mace dropping to his knees between her thighs warmed her right up.

“God, Mace,” she croaked out as he pushed her legs apart. “I can’t. I mean…”

“Again,” he growled as he bent and nipped the soft flesh of her inner thigh. “Again and again and again.”

He blew gently on her quivering flesh then followed it up with a quick lick along the protective folds of her womanhood. She was so aroused, even that light touch made her shudder in desire, and when he used his fingers to open her fully, her eyes rolled back in her head. Unerringly, he traced his way along the soft moist flesh to the swollen bud of her clit. She whimpered as his tongue circled it, not quite touching, nudging her desires even higher. Over and over again he teased her. She wanted to grab his head and push him away. She wanted to pull him closer. And when he swept his tongue over her, deep into her, the orgasm hit her with all the speed of a bolt of lightning.

There were no words…nothing even left to scream. Her body jerked and thrashed, her nerves were racked with a desire she couldn’t even begin to express. Her skin sheened with perspiration…her hands knotted into fists at her side as wave after wave of pleasure rolled over her. And when it was over, all she could do was lay there, her eyes closed, gasping in air, her heart pounding so hard she was sure they could hear it in the casino below.

She almost flinched when his hand smoothed up over her trembling body to cup her breast. “You think we’re done?” Gently, he kissed first one side of her mouth then the other. “I don’t think so.”

“Mace,” she whispered. “Please. I want you inside me. Please.”

He shuddered hard, then without warning swept her up and into his arms. “Never let it be said I didn’t listen to my lady’s commands.” He tossed her on the bed and came down beside her. “But we’re going to do it my way.”

“You’re going to kill me,” she managed.

A chuckle escaped before he bent and kissed the tip of her breast. “I seem to remember saying the same thing to you.”

Remembering back to the time they’d almost lost control in the rehearsal hall, she had to grin. “So, I guess this is payback?”

“Payback,” he murmured as he bussed her lips, “of the best kind.”

She couldn’t help the sigh as his mouth moved over hers in a kiss that was as gentle as he’d been out of control earlier. She couldn’t keep up with him. She’d been ready for a race to the finish, and now it seemed as if he was back at the starting gate. Unable to do anything else, she just lay back and took the gift he offered. 

Lips to lips, warm and soft, a tender sliding of the tongue, a clever scrape of teeth. Her muscles trembled once then went lax.

“I want you.” His words were a caress in themselves. “I’ll never stop wanting you.”

Sudden tears threatened. “Mace.” Her shaky arms wrapped around him. “It’s never been like this before.”

His body shuddered and the kiss went deeper. “Chantal.” He whispered her name like a prayer. “Only you.”

The emotion that went through her at that simple statement was as wonderful and life giving as his lovemaking itself. Her surrender complete, she offered herself to him in the only way she knew how. Heart, mind, body and soul.

She reached for him, their mouths fusing together as he kicked off the rest of his clothes. The pleasure went deeper, grew edgier. She knew what it would be like now. Overwhelming, beyond glorious. She craved him…what he could give her, what she could give him. There was nothing she couldn’t imagine when they were in each other's arms.

Naked they came together, flesh finally against flesh. She kissed him again, eager for his taste, reveling in the feel of her blood heating as he stroked his hand up and over her breasts. She returned the favor, enjoying the ripple of muscle under her hands, the prickle of hair as his strong leg eased between hers. It was an erotic mix of textures, scents and tastes, and Chantal found she wasn’t just hungry…she was starved for all he could give her.

Their breaths mingled, began to quicken as need became a thunder in the blood. It flashed warm then hot as need gave way to howling desire.

“Now,” she said, her voice thick with passion. “Now, let me.”

He said nothing as she pushed him over on his back. His ebony eyes were darker than she’d ever seen, his face tight with suppressed passion. She rose over him, feeling the strength of his arms as he helped hold her aloft, but that sensation was chased away by the indescribable feeling of homecoming when she slowly lowered and took him in.

His fingers dug into her hips as she began to move, slowly rocking back and forth, hoping to drive him as crazy as he’d done her. His chest heaved…his body shuddered with each move of her body. Climax curled in her loins, sneaking closer and closer, but she fought it back. This time was for him, and she wanted him out of his mind with pleasure. 

The telltale throbbing of his cock within her told her he was close to exploding, but even then Mace still wouldn’t relinquish full control. His fingers slid down to where their bodies connected, and his thumb pressed against her clitoris. The sudden climax slashed through her without warning, and she cried out, a long throaty moan of greed and joy.

Her world spun as he reversed their positions, and drove into her, one wild thrust after another that ripped control out of her hands and put it back into his. He pounded into her, the sensations never-ending as he pushed her knees up and back so he could go even deeper.

A scream of mindless pleasure was torn from her, and in response, he captured her mouth with his and with one last driving plunge of his body, she felt him let go.

When she finally came back to herself, Mace was nibbling on her shoulder. She sighed and turned her face into his neck, enjoying the scent of his skin, knowing she could pick it out blindfolded in the midst of a hundred sweaty dancers. Her emotions wanted to spill out of her. How had she existed before she loved him? How would she go on if he left her?

“Hey,” he murmured, kissing the shoulder he’d been nipping. “What’s wrong? You just got tense.”

Chantal forced herself to relax. “Nothing. Just leftover nerves, I guess.”

“Hmmm.” Mace lifted himself up on his elbows and stared intently down at her rosy face. “Nerves?”

Sometimes he was like a hound with a bone. “Don’t worry.” She caressed his cheek with a shaky hand. “It’s a wonder I’m not a puddle on the floor after that.”

A flare of masculine satisfaction lit his eyes. “Told you I’d win the challenge.”

She had to giggle. “I think we both won.”

“Yes.” He brushed his mouth over hers. “It was incredible, Chantal. You were incredible.”

She softened even further. “Oh, Mace. I wish I could tell you how you make me feel.”

“Try,” he invited.

She wanted so badly to tell him she loved him. The words were right there on the tip of her tongue, just waiting to be voiced. But loving Mace was the scariest thing she’d ever done. Scarier than her first time dancing at Caesar’s or the time she’d been in the Philippians where rebels had kidnapped her entourage so she could dance for their leader. 

Both of those wound up ending all right, but she wasn’t sure her heart would recover if she told Mace how she felt and he got angry…or even worse—she shuddered—got all politely apologetic with her. That she knew she couldn’t bear.

“Chantal? Baby…what’s wrong? Tell—” The phone rang suddenly, making them both jump. 

Saved by the bell. 

Mace’s eyebrows came together in a fierce frown. “Damn it. I told them I was off for the rest of the night.” He glanced down at her apologetically. “I should probably get that.”

She nodded, inwardly thanking the unseen caller. “Sure. Go ahead.”

Rolling off her, he plucked the receiver out of the carriage. “D'Avranches.” 

As Chantal watched, he turned from a smug, satisfied lover to a furious and commanding CEO. “Are you sure?” Tossing back the covers, he swung his legs off the bed. “Where?” He listened for a moment before standing. “All right. Did you call the police? Good. Get everyone out of there. I’ll be right down.”

Chantal sat up as he slammed down the phone. “Mace? What is it?” 

“Get up, Chantal. Get dressed. Now.”

Unconsciously obeying the urgency in his voice, she scrambled out of the bed. “Why Mace? What’s going on?”

He turned, and his eyes, which just moments before she’d seen burning in passion, now flamed with fury.

“We just got a call. Someone has planted a bomb in the casino.”

~*~

Well...  SharonJM was waiting for a shoe to drop.  I'm thinking we just got a whole closet to fall on us!  Stay tuned on Tuesday to find out what happens next!!!!

BTW...still working on the FEEDBURNER problem.  Looks like I'm going to have to completely redo the thing.  *grumbles*  When I know it's burning properly, I'll send everyone a note to resubscribe.  Again, thanks for your patience. 

And don't forget to enter my PERFECT FIRST LINE Contest.  Find out all about it, HERE.

Hugs and I'll see you next week! 

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/

Hustle Into Love - Chapter Nine, Part Three

Hey all,

Looks like you'll need some fan and an ice water for today's installment.  Mace and Chantal are about to do a little loving!  Enjoy!!!

PS...Check after the post for a special new contest announcement for all my readers and fans!

 

Hustle Into Love

~*~

God. He needed her. The taste, the feel of her, even the way she angered him sent desire racing through Mace’s body. It was edgy, almost painful, but he’d have it no other way. And the adrenaline bubbling up in him from the confrontation with Eric only made his feelings stronger.


Without another word, he dragged her to the floor, his blood firing even hotter at her gasp of surprise. Jerking her robe apart, he stared down at her naked body. Then, even as she lifted her hands to bring him closer, he flipped her to her stomach and whipped the robe off her completely.

“Mace!” Chantal’s shocked tone made him hesitate, but after a moment, he shook his head. Just for this once he wanted to be in complete control. He needed to know she would give in to his desires.

“Quiet,” he ordered as he came down on top of her. He bit gently at the soft nape of her neck and she shivered beneath him. “I’m going to do this my way. And you’re going to take it. Take me.”

She stiffened, and for a moment he thought he’d overplayed his hand. But to his relief, a moment later she relaxed, and her butt wriggled against him. “Okay,” she whispered in a breathy tone that made him ache all over again, “I can take anything you have to give me.”

“A challenge, sweetheart?” He laughed, his voice dark and low. “You should be careful. I never lose.”

“Really?” Her butt wiggled again. “So far all I see is talk. I always thought you were a man of action.”

Lust shot though him. “You want action? I’ll give you action.”

So swiftly she didn’t have time to prevent it, Mace grabbed the belt from Chantal’s robe and bound her hands together. Her squeak of surprise made him chuckle, but when she tried to roll over, he held her down, his lips caressing her throat.

“I’m in charge now, honey, and I’m going to do things to you that will make you want to scream. I’m going to kiss you, starting with these beautiful lips—“ Mace put action to words, “—and the end up at your toes. And what I do to you in between you will never forget.

“M-Mace.” She trembled like a leaf, but it wasn’t fear he heard in her voice, it was passion. “Let me touch you.”

“Not this time, Princess,” he whispered, biting her earlobe then licking the mark he’d left. “I’m going to touch you.”

And he did.

He started, just as he’d promised, at her mouth. Teasing her, he nipped at her lower lip then nibbled his way into a full kiss. His tongue slid into her mouth to tangle with hers as he took the embrace deeper and deeper. She tasted delicious, like spice and the tart bite of kiwi, and he found he couldn’t get enough. And when her lips clung to his, seeking to be even closer, he thought he might die from the beauty of it.

His head spun and he abruptly realized he’d forgotten to breathe. Tearing his mouth from hers, he sucked in air, then bent and kissed her again. When his hand traced down her side, sneaking under her body to claim a rounded breast, she cried out and he swallowed the sound with a chuckle.

Letting her go, he kissed down the back of her neck, delighting in the shivers she couldn’t control. He tasted every inch of her, the scent…the very texture of her soft skin, imprinting itself on him in a way he knew he’d never forget. But he didn’t stop. The breathy little cries she uttered had him hard as a rock, and his underwear was already streaked with pre-come. 

But he fought back the need. By the time he finished with her, she would be the one out of control. Just like she’d made him so many times before.

He continued his foray down her slender back, his tongue licking down her spine as at the same time his hands moved to hold her hips still. Mace had the feeling when he finally got to where he was going, all hell would break loose.

And he was right. When his mouth caressed the cleft of Chantal’s beautiful ass, she bucked beneath him and cried out his name. Mace gave one single thought to the bodyguard next door before he put the man and the worry out of his mind. There was no way he was going to let Eric’s presence ruin the moment.

His tongue slid in carefully between her rounded cheeks, tracing downwards to tease the soft folds hidden below. Chantal gasped and whimpered, but instead of trying to get away, she arched closer, obviously appreciating his ministrations. It made his blood boil hotter, and he had to fight the overwhelming need to rip his pants open and stab deep between those quivering mounds.

To gain control, he nipped down her body, passing by the sultry cleft between her thighs and nibbling down the back of her legs. She moaned, and the air was suddenly filled with the sexy scent of her arousal. Mace again had to fight not to take her hard and fast. Everything in him shouted to do just that.

“Mace,” she whimpered, her legs shaking as he tickled them with his tongue. “You’re making me crazy. Please. I want you.”

He chuckled at the desperation he heard in her voice. “Not yet, love. We’ve still got a long way to go.”

Her muttered, “Oh, God!”, made him chuckled harder, but he didn’t stop what he was doing. Slowly, he kissed her ankles, holding onto her feet when they jerked in reaction. A quick kiss to the callused balls of her feet and then he was nibbling on her slender pink toes.

She gasped out his name and wriggled frantically, trying to get away. He knew she was ticklish, but he wanted her so sensitive, so stimulated that when he did what he was planning to do next, her passion and pleasure would be overwhelming.

“Stop. Mace. Stop.” She kicked out at him, but he held her easily. Ignoring her command, he moved to the other foot, licking and kissing her until she was almost weeping with a mixture of outrage and desire.

“Shhh, sweetheart,” he soothed as he kissed his way back up the other leg. “Admit it. It felt good.”

Before she could answer, he bit her ass, and she gave a little scream of surprise. But the spicy scent of her arousal grew stronger, and as his cock throbbed in response, Mace knew it was time for the next act of what he was hoping would be a stellar performance.

Easing his arm beneath her stomach, he lifted her so one shoulder was braced on the carpet. He kissed her beautiful ass, allowing his tongue to slip deep to tickle at the shadowed recess beneath.

Chantal trembled and wriggled, but he held her firmly. He licked up and down the quivering folds, enjoying both the sweet taste of her as well as the soft cries she made as she struggled. Carefully, he separated the lips of her womanhood and flicked his tongue across her swollen clitoris.

“Oh, God, Mace!” She screamed it as her body shuddered in reaction. She bucked against him again and suddenly his mouth was filled with her juices. Her climax took him by surprise—he hadn’t known she was so close, but it didn’t stop him. Triumphant, he continued licking and teasing until she was writhing so hard in his arms he could barely hold her. A second, even more powerful orgasm wrenched through her, and Mace gritted his teeth as he felt her shiver and sob out his name again.

Quickly, he unbound her hands and pushed her over onto her back. Her eyes, a misty, glowing gold stared up at him. “Please, Mace,” she whispered hoarsely as she lifted her arms to him. “Please, I need you inside me.”

He stared down at her, his body aching, his heart racing with passion and love. But he shook his head and forced down the howling lust that made him want to leap and ravage. “Not yet,” he murmured. “You think I’m done with you?” He shook his head and smiled.

“Sweetheart, I’m just getting started.”

~*~

Oh my!  *fans self*  I think I need to go find my sweet baboo.  LOL  And it doesn't sound like Mace is done yet.  I love a sexy hot hero don't you?  Don't forget to stop back on Thursday and see what else he has in mind!

Make sure you check out my newest fun contest on my website.   Give me your best Perfect First Line for an upcoming FREE READ and win a custom written story just for you.  See all the details here at http://cjengland.com/contests and win, win, win!!!!!

Hugs and I'll see you on Thursday! 

CJ England

Follow Your Dreams

http://cjengland.com/secondchances/lifesadance.htm
http://cjengland.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CJsaysFollowYourDreams/