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* Comment today to win a download of UNCOVERING NAVARRO.
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KNIGHT OF MY DREAMS the night before it releases!

Quick NaNoWriMo update: I hit 16156 words on Friday!

The Maumelle conference yesterday was fun, and I met some interesting people. One was a ghosthunter, so guess what I’ve got on my mind? Field trip! Here’s his website if you want to take a look: The Spirit Seekers

The fifth book in the series, Uncovering Navarro, released in April 2005 and picks up with the Master Vampire Navarro and his adventure with a pesky reporter.

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From Vampire-Erotica.net: “…UNCOVERING NAVARRO is an action packed, fast paced, scorching, erotic thriller. With delicious love scenes, wry humor and non-stop thrills, UNCOVERING NAVARRO is a guaranteed page turner that’ll delight the reader.”

From Coffee Time Romance: ”…I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories of vampires and things that go bump in the night. UNCOVERING NAVARRO is an extraordinary read by an extraordinary author.”

Sidney Coffey, Seattle ’s “News at Nine” girl, uncovers the scoop of a lifetime and her ticket into “serious journalism”. The only problem is — without proof, no one’s going to believe the victims of recent gang killings are in fact “undead” and vampires!

With her gut telling her there’s an even bigger story lurking beneath the surface, she decides to beard a reclusive vampire master in his den for an interview. But meeting the master only complicates things. For a woman with a voracious sexual appetite, the tall, dark and gloomy vamp proves an irresistible challenge.

When a reporter trespasses on his estate, Navarro is at first amused, then annoyed that the little baggage is close to putting together the pieces of a dangerous plot involving an old enemy and a group of murdered geneticists. To keep her safe, Navarro issues an invitation he won’t let her refuse.

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Note for Readers: You must be of legal age in your country of origin to read this excerpt.

“I can’t stay here,” Sidney sputtered, dismayed at his suggestion.

“But you will.” Navarro took another lazy sip of brandy.

He sat so calm she wanted to kick him in the shins. “I will not!”

“As I said before, I am investigating this new…circumstance.” However nonchalant his actions were, his expression remained watchful—his gaze piercing. “I want no interference from you.”

Sidney shivered, and her nipples tightened. Nothing like a little threat of danger to remind her how vulnerable she really was—and just how much she liked that feeling. Especially in the presence of a drop-dead gorgeous man.

“Until I’ve satisfied my curiosity, you will remain my guest.” His gaze dipped to her chest and his nostrils flared.

What had that look meant? Could he smell her arousal? She pushed off the chair, afraid she’d leave a puddle of evidence if she sat a moment longer. “We’ll just see about that,” she said, not trying to disguise her snarl. She bent to scoop up her jeans.

A booted foot stepped on a pant leg, and Sidney’s heart lurched. When had he moved? How had he gotten to her side so fast? She dropped the denims and jerked upward. He stood so close her breasts dragged along his white shirt.

Sidney backed away a step, unnerved by his proximity and his dark stare. His expression gave away nothing about his thoughts. While she feared hers told him exactly what was on her mind. Half of her wanted to run screaming from the house—the other half wanted to test forbidden waters.

“Do you really think you’d like to know my bite?” he murmured, his gaze dropping to her lips.

Her eyes widened at the accuracy of his guess and the white-tipped incisors peeking from beneath his upper lip.

She shook her head even as her body released a trickle of creamy excitement. “I can’t stay,” she repeated. “I’ll be missed. I have a job.” She continued backing toward the door.

“It’s Saturday morning. You won’t be missed until Monday.” He took a step closer—so slowly, she knew he was taunting her.

Sidney lifted her chin. “People know I’m here.”

He gave her a long, intense stare. Then his eyes narrowed. “You’re lying.”

Damn him! She stomped her foot before she remembered he could see everything jiggle. “What if you don’t find what you need by Monday?”

“Then we’ll have to send out for clean underwear and a toothbrush.”

“I’ll need them before that!” Realization finally hit Sidney he was serious about her staying. How the hell was she supposed to investigate the story of a lifetime if he kept her prisoner? “I can’t stay here indefinitely. People really will get concerned.”

“I’ll give your station manager a call—we’re old friends.”

“You wouldn’t dare—”

“And I’ll let our friend Moses know you’re in good hands.”

She stilled. “You know Moses?” She shook her head—here was a little fact Moses hadn’t bothered to pass along. “How do you know Moses and I are friends?”

He leaned close and inhaled deeply. “I’d say you’re considerably more than friends. I smell him all over you.”

She jerked back her head and glared. “That was really crude.”

He shrugged as though her opinion didn’t matter one bit.

The action only managed to raise her ire another notch.

“You’re safe—for now,” he said, his glance raking over her. “I never take another man’s leavings.”

“Leavings? I don’t belong to any man to be his leavings. And if anyone’s leaving, it’s me!”

With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he bent and picked up her clothing from the floor.

“Wait a second,” she said, alarmed by the smirk quirking one side of his lips. “I need those.”

Her jaw dropped open when he tossed them into the fireplace. When he folded his arms over his chest, she gave him the meanest look she had in her limited arsenal. “You hardly think that will stop me from leaving.” She stalked to the door and reached down for the blanket.

His foot landed in the middle of the bundle. His hand settled on her bottom.

She didn’t even wonder at how he’d managed to cross the room so quickly. “Fine! Keep the goddamn blanket.” She straightened, but was unwilling to turn and look him in the eye. One glance and he’d know exactly what his broad hand was doing to her. “Don’t think I won’t walk out of here naked as the day I was born.”

“It’s cold outside—getting more so by the minute, my dear. You’ll think twice before you head down the drive.” He leaned close, his breath ruffling the curls next to her ear. “I’m really not that interested, my dear. I can wait until the smell of him no longer clings to your skin.”

“Not interested? Then why are you squeezing my ass?”

“I’m testing to see whether there’s even a meaty rump steak to be had. I’ll have to get Inigo to fatten you up a bit—you’re too scrawny.”

Sidney gasped in outrage and pushed away his hand. “I’m not on the menu, you jerk.”

“I agree.” His other hand reached around and cupped her breast. “You’re not even a late-night snack.”

Her cheeks burning from his insults, Sidney flung open the door and stormed into the hallway, heedless of her nudity.

She came up hard against the servant’s shoulder as he stood, straightening his tie. The man had been eavesdropping!

“Miss, may I show you to your room?” His gaze remained fixed on her forehead.

Sidney knew he’d already gotten an eyeful and flushed hotly. “Well, hell!” Soft laughter sounded behind her, and she rounded on the master vampire. “What the hell am I supposed to do with myself for the next couple of days?”

He gave her a rapacious smile—showing his lovely white fangs for the first time. “You’re a resourceful girl. I’m sure you can find endless ways to entertain yourself.”

“What makes you think I’ll just sit here twiddling my thumbs all weekend long?”

“If thumbs give you pleasure…” he drawled.

Sidney felt warmth wash her chest and cheeks.

“Your curiosity will keep your active little mind occupied. I know you’re dying to know what secrets my desk will give up. And can you really pass up the opportunity to learn more about a vampire’s special kiss?”

Christ! Did he have to remind her hormones just how attractive his mouth was?

His eyes glittered, and his lips drew apart.

Her breath hitched, and she leaned toward him, feeling inexplicably drawn into his dark gaze.

His mouth curved mirthlessly.

Son of a bitch! Sidney straightened, realizing he was toying with her once again. She glared at him. “You have to sleep sometime.”

He closed the door in her face.

Sidney wondered how difficult outrunning the old man waiting at her side would be.

“Beware the dogs in the yard,” Master Navarro’s voice sounded from the other side of the door. “Inigo let them out shortly after you entered my library.”

* * * * *

“Who the fuck does he think he is? Keep me prisoner, will he?”

Navarro raised a brow at the loud mutterings of his houseguest as she paced the length of her room. Inigo had given her the guest bedroom with the hidden cameras and listening devices.

Although the sun would soon rise, Navarro felt no fatigue. The woman had invigorated his blood as no one else had in quite a long while—perhaps in the last century.

“I don’t take another man’s leavings,” she mimicked, her mouth curling in disgust. “Well, I don’t take cold leftovers—that’s what you are, Navarro!” she shouted through the locked door of her bedroom.

Still naked, she flounced onto the bed, beating her heels and hands against the mattress.

Navarro studied her attributes. Alone, each was unremarkable. Her bottom was rounded, firm. Her breasts a scant mouthful, tipped with small cherry nipples. Her body was trim, athletic, but not overly so.

No, her curves and pretty face weren’t what held his interest. It was her courage, the surprising twists her mind took, and the sensuality that plumped her lips and kept her nipples tight and hard, even now when only anger fired her passion.

No one had stirred his cock into any semblance of an erection in too many years to count. But here he was, his flesh pressing against the placket of his trousers while she threw endless insults at his head. Delightful!

Why this woman after so long? He’d had offers and opportunities too plentiful to count over the centuries. He’d never been a hedonist—never reveled in the sensual side of his vampire nature. It couldn’t be that this slim girl reminded him of another slender waif with more guts than gray matter—the only woman to ever own his heart. His soul had learned a painful lesson when he’d lost his only love. One he’d never repeat.

But taking this woman would only be a delicious conquest. A long drink to savor. He would torture her with her own flagrant desire, withholding deeper pleasure to tease her curiosity about the nature of his true kiss. He’d draw out the pleasure-pain so long she’d scream—no, beg. He wanted her to beg for release, her body trembling with need, her eyes moist, her mouth swollen with his kisses.

That image gave him great satisfaction, even as he watched her strip the sheets from the bed and twist them into long ropes, tying them end-to-end. He’d denied himself passion for so long his body was rigid as a steel pole at the thought of sinking teeth and cock into her tender flesh. He would control their dance, set the pace. He was older, centuries-skilled. He could control his passion while he raised hers and subdued her reckless spirit with unfulfilled lust.

He would have her, but keep his heart distant. Not let her open that part of him that needed to stay hidden, secret. Never would he let the madness of emotions command him again. He was the master of the beast.

“Master, have you eaten?” Inigo asked quietly.

Navarro reduced the volume, but left the monitor open. “She’s lovely, no?” He turned to Inigo, catching him as he glanced away quickly from the screen.

“A pretty little thing. Does she know the windows are barred?”

“Naturally she hasn’t thought that far ahead.” He gave his servant a hard-eyed glare. “You disobeyed me tonight.”

Inigo drew in a sharp breath and straightened his shoulders. “Yes, sir, I did.”

“May I ask why? You’ve worked for me for over fifty years. I can’t recall your ever violating my command.”

Inigo flushed and cleared his throat. “I did it for you actually, sir.”

“For me?”

“You’ve been long without a companion. She seemed…durable.”

Navarro glanced back at the slender girl who’d just demolished the delicate vanity bench. He must have missed her trying to raise the window. Ah well, that was what the rewind function was for—savoring the moment in privacy. “Durable,” he murmured. “That’s an interesting observation given that she appears no bigger than a child.”

“I meant her soul, sir. She’ll have no expectations.”

“No expectations,” he murmured. “Couldn’t I get that from a paid companion?”

“But where would be the challenge?”

He acknowledged the point with a nod. “Indeed. Inigo?”

“Yes, sir.”

“In the future, leave off the matchmaking,” he said, never taking his eyes from the screen as the door closed quietly behind him.

Navarro picked up the phone on the console and hit the automatic dial.

“Master Navarro, what can I do for you?” came the deep, amused voice.

“Ah, Sergeant Brown, now why aren’t you surprised to hear from me?”

“Sid giving you fits yet?”

“Did you send her my way?”

“Not directly, sir, but I know how her mind works. She couldn’t keep her pretty nose out of our business.”

“I’m afraid she’ll be staying for the duration.”

“What’d she do now? I warned her you’d be a hard nut to crack.”

“Seems she took that as a challenge,” Navarro murmured absently

“Sorry ‘bout that.” Moses Brown didn’t sound the least bit apologetic. “Just as well you keep her out of trouble.”

Preferring not to dwell on how well the sergeant knew his prisoner, Navarro changed the subject. “So do you have the morgue under surveillance?”

“Yeah. We’ll see whether any of those techno-geeks rise from the dead tomorrow.”

“Be careful. Their first hunger may rule their actions.”

“Just make sure your people are in place to see who else might be interested in them.”

“Sergeant Brown, about the girl…”

The man at the end of the line chuckled—a sound that didn’t really spell amusement. “You wanna know if there’s anything between us? Ask Sid—she’ll tell you straight up. That lady doesn’t mince words. Just make sure you spit her out all in one piece when you’re done.”

“You make her sound like an indigestible meal.”

“Hard on the stomach? Nah? She’s sweet all the way down.” He chuckled again.

Navarro bristled. “Let me know about the morgue.”

“If you decide to set foot outside that mansion…”

“We’ll see. Let’s solve this mystery first.” Navarro replaced the receiver and turned up the volume on the monitor.

Sidney Coffey sat on the edge of the bed, her feet dangling toward the floor. Then she flopped back on the mattress. “What the hell am I supposed to do now?” She yawned and stretched her arms above her head. “Twiddle my thumbs, my ass. Damn him!”

One hand moved absently over her stomach and upward to her breast, gliding over a soft mound. The movement seemed to soothe her, and her eyelids drooped to half-mast. Her hand smoothed down and upward again, and she snuggled her shoulders into the tangled bedding, sighing. “Master Navarro,” she murmured.

He stilled. Was she imagining his hands caressing her? Wishing the monitor had better resolution and was closer to the bed, he leaned forward. He wouldn’t stretch his other sense to learn her true thoughts. Somehow that would feel like cheating. Besides, her thoughts would likely be very noisy.

His breath caught when her fingers pinched a nipple, and her eyes squeezed shut. She twisted the tip, and then touched it with one digit. It stood erect in the center of her small breast.

He imagined how his tongue would drag across it.

Her hand slid to the other breast, and she tugged the flowering nipple to full arousal.

His tongue touched his upper lip, and he envisioned closing his lips around a turgid peak and suckling while she writhed beneath him.

Her knees spread apart. The angle of the lens denied him a view of the tender flesh between her legs, but her expression enraptured him. Her eyelids fluttered, and her teeth worried her lower lip.

Then her other hand glided down, rubbing over the pale fur covering her sex.

Navarro spread his legs beneath the console trying to ease the ache building in his loins.

Her hand dipped between her legs and her shoulders lifted off the bed before she settled deeper into the covers. Then she raised her knees until her heels dug into the edge of the mattress.

He could only imagine how open and accessible her sweet cunt would be if he were standing in front of her. Would she reach to guide his cock inside her?

Her hips pulsed upward, and her back arched as the pace of her hand’s rhythmic movements increased. “Thumbs, toes, cocks…” she moaned as her breath grew faster, harsher.

Suddenly, she pulled her hand away and closed her legs. “Seriously, could a girl go to bed with a man who might take it literally if a girl said, ‘Eat me’?” Her closed fist pounded the mattress beside her. “Navarro!” she howled.

Turning off the monitor, he was stunned to find his mouth stretched wide in a grin. His cock was fully erect and aching. His body and mind hummed with heat and…anticipation.

He, Navarro, who hadn’t been excited by anything in more years than the woman could probably count.

Despite his body’s readiness, he remained seated. It was too soon to approach her. Too soon to see to her release. She needed to learn who was master.

Let her stew for now—alone on her bed with only her…thumbs to appease her appetite. Let her desire grow until she’d drench at the mere sound of his voice. Then he might give her a taste of his kiss.

For now he’d wait and use the time to plan his seduction. Not that he didn’t know the outcome—Sidney Coffey was a ripe plum ready to pick. Practically begging for his cock and bite. But she’d want to call the shots—be the seducer. So while the investigation continued without her interference, he’d amuse himself and teach her to follow his lead.

“Sir? What shall I do with the girl during the day?” Inigo asked.

Navarro started. He hadn’t heard the old man return. That had never happened. “Give her food and drink, and make sure she sleeps most of the day. She’ll need her rest.”

Friday’s winner is…Cathy M!