There’s not a lot that scares me. Yeah, I know. That sounds a bit egotistical but believe me, it’s not. And I’ll tell you why.
Maybe it’s because I’ve seen too much or been involved with too much. I’m an ex-Marine that now works for a professional military corporation called PROs. And don’t bother to call me a merc. That’s not who I am. I’m just a guy who needs to make rights out of wrongs, and working for PROs is the best way I can do it. I command ops for a living. I’ve been airdropped into the middle of conflicts with no food or water. Just a rucksack on my back and a rifle on my arm, commanding a team of men full of ego and swagger who have to take down the enemy.
I’ve known a man, Galen, who’s been after the love of my life, Lottie, for longer than you can imagine. I’ve known him for over twelve thousand years. Yep. You read that right. It’s a long story, made longer by the fact that he’s as hungry for Lottie as I am. And because he and Lottie have a history that can’t easily be easily explained—or ignored—well, that makes things even harder.
And I have a boss that no one’s ever met. Rumor has it that if you do meet her, you end up dead. She’s a tough lady. Fair. Sometimes annoying because she’s always one step ahead of you, knowing exactly what you’re going to say or do before it’s even a full-formed thought in your head.
So you can see why I don’t scare easily. Except when it comes to one thing. And I’m going to face that one thing today.
Yesterday, I came home from commanding another op. I was exhausted and sporting a fresh wound on my shoulder. Lottie was waiting for me in some slinky black thing that left little to my imagination. Her eyes darkened when she saw me, then widened when she saw the days-old sutures. I hadn’t seen her in almost a month and I’d missed her like hell, and judging from the hunger in her mouth and the fever on her skin, she’d missed me just as much.
I should have known something was up when she mumbled stuff about what we were going to do that afternoon. But I was tired, and we were wrapped up in each other, and I wasn’t thinking straight. Lottie had a way of doing that to me.
See, here’s the thing. Lottie is my life. She’s in my blood and my soul. She keeps me grounded and she’s the only woman I’ve ever truly loved. I live and breathe for Lottie. Would do pretty much anything she asked without hesitation. Except for this one thing because this one thing often made me want to run in the other direction. Not because it was life threatening or sketchy or tedious. In fact, there was a lot of love involved with this one thing. It meant well but it had a way of embarrassing me sometimes, and not giving me enough personal space when I needed it. This one thing also kept trying to read my mind, and many times got it wrong.
So Lottie and I were nestled beneath a blanket while a fire roared and crackled beside us. Lottie stroked her fingers across my chest. Whispered things that were meant only for me. And just as my limbs grew heavy and sleep started moving in, she said the words that made my eyes fly open and my skin break out into a sweat.
“We’re going to your mother’s for dinner.”
Terri is giving away one (1) electronic copy of her book, COVET. Contest ends April 19. Leave a comment to be included in the giveaway. Book will be emailed directly from the author.
You can read more about David Bellotti in Covet and In This Life, the first two books in Terri’s “Past Life” Series – paranormal suspense stories published by Crimson Romance.
Meet the author
Terri Herman–Poncé looks for any opportunity to make stuff up. Born on Long Island, New York, she thinks anything that can’t so easily be explained is worth an extra look and often makes a great story. She loves red wine, sunrises, Ancient Egypt, and the New York Yankees. The youngest of five children, Terri lives with her husband and son on Long Island. In her next life, if she hasn’t moved on to somewhere else, Terri wants to be an astronomer. She’s fascinated with the night skies almost as much as she’s fascinated with Ancient Egypt.
Terri is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Romance Writers of America. You can read about Terri and her stories at terriponce.com and can find her on Twitter and Facebook.
Books are available at online booksellers.
Dru – thanks so much for having David and me here. It was a tremendous amount of fun!
This book sounds very interesting! Would love to win a copy!
You never know, Kathy. Fate just might step in and make your wish come true. 🙂 Thanks so much for swinging by to say hi.
would love to win!
Hi, Sarah! You never know… and if you win a copy I truly hope you enjoy Covet. I had so much fun writing it.
Oh, Terri, what a terrific teaser. Who wouldn’t want to read the book after reading this?!
Awww, Linda. What a great thing to say! Totally made me smile. And David, too. 😉
Funny ending of what scares him. Given that this is my 31st wedding anniversary today, I remember Tommy not even telling me we were going to his parents house to meet them.I was only given a minute to freak out! I laughed out loud with the last sentence you left. Furthest thing from my mind especially since it was HIS mother!
MaryBeth, what a funny story! I can’t remember meeting the parents way back when but I’ve heard some great stories over the years. And yeah, David loves his mom but she has a way of making him squirm. LOL
I stopped by to read about a day in David’s life–love it! I’m looking forward to this read eve more now, but please don’t enter me in the drawing. I already have my copy. 🙂
Yay, Susan! Love that you have a copy and I truly hope you enjoy the book. It’s always so nerve-wracking when someone tells you they’ve got the book and they’re going to open those pages someday. OMG. LOL
But I’m sure his mother has only his best interests at heart. Imagine *being* the mother of a pro soldier. She would have to be a strong woman to be able to sleep at night not knowing where her son is or what bad stuff might be happening to him while he’s ‘at work’.
Yeah, she’s got David’s best interests at heart. But she just can’t help but get in his way. It’s what makes her endearing.
I want to know more about Galen.
Ohhh, Lisa. Galen’s in Covet. And he’s really starting to push David’s buttons. Maybe I’ll focus on Galen for the next round. He’s a sizzling friend/enemy to David who needs more air time, definitely.
Nicely set up with great timing!
Thank you, Elizabeth! I appreciate the feedback and the visit.
Hi Dru, Hi Terri,
There’s something so intriguing about this story. They’ve been in love for so long – imagine the bond they must feel. Yet Lottie has met someone else along the way – that’s a tough call because, actually, life can be like that for some of us. You can have more than one love and sometimes you have to choose. What a writing challenge. Well done Terri.
Thank you, Maria. Yes, balancing David and Lottie as soul mates with Galen’s “intrusion” was a challenge to write. Sometimes even difficult, because that kind of stuff dredges up all kinds of tough emotions for people to face, including my characters. I didn’t make it easy on them. 🙂
I’m just here to say that this is a great book and even if you don’t win, I urge you, strongly urge you, to buy it yourself. You won’t be disappointed. I was fortunate to get an advance copy to review and I’m hooked. You will be too. Trust me. Good luck, everyone. 🙂
Tara – that was wonderfully sweet of you to say on my behalf and for Covet. It thrills me to no end when someone tells me they loved my story. 🙂
Contest is closed, but comments are always welcome
Thanks Terri for stopping by and telling us David’s story.