Sunday Snog #157: Rajasthani Moon

First of all, congratulations to Gayle, who was the winner in last Sunday's giveaway. She'll get her choice of several of my BDSM titles. Thanks to everyone who participated!

This Sunday I'm treating you to a new excerpt from what may be my very favorite book - Rajasthani Moon. Why is it my favorite? Well, first of all, I let my imagination run wild in writing this novel - and the results show it. Secondly, it's one of the hottest things I've written, with two gorgeous, dominant heroes. Finally, it's a delicious love story, in which a stubborn and independent woman is tamed by her lover who's quite literally a beast.

Oh - and I adore the cover too. It captures Cecily perfectly.

After you've read my excerpt, head back to Victoria's for more sexy Sunday Snogs.

Neither kink nor curse can stop a woman with a mission.

Cecily Harrowsmith, secret agent extraordinaire, is a woman on a mission. When the remote Indian kingdom of Rajasthan refused to remit its taxes to the Empire, Her Majesty imposed an embargo. Deprived of the energy-rich mineral viridium, essential for modern technology and development, Rajasthan was expected to quickly give in and resume its payments. Yet after three years, the rebellious principality still has not knuckled under. Cecily undertakes the difficult journey to that rugged, arid land in order to determine just how it has managed to survive, and if possible to convince the country to return to the Empire’s embrace. Instead, she’s taken captive by a brigand, who turns out to be the ruler’s half-brother Pratan, and delivered into the hands of the sexy but sadistic Rajah Amir, who expertly mingles torture and delight in his interrogation of the voluptuous interloper.

Cursed before birth by Amir’s jealous mother, Pratan changes to a ravening wolf whenever the moon is full. Cecily uncovers the counter-spell that can reverse the effects of the former queen’s hex and tries to trade that information for her freedom. Drawn to the fierce wolf-man and sympathising with his suffering, she volunteers to serve as the sacrifice required by the ritual—offering her body to the beast. In return, the Rajah reveal Rajasthan’s amazing secret source of energy. In the face of almost impossible odds, Cecily has accomplished the task entrusted to her by the Empire. But can she really bear to leave the virile half-brothers and their colourful land behind and return to the constraints of her life in England?

*****

The Rajah’s brother perched on the corner of the bed, looking more royal than usual. He wore flowing trousers of midnight-blue silk, and an embroidered kurta in a lighter shade, set with pearls. He had combed his moustache and brushed his long hair. It hung in a gleaming plait over one broad shoulder. Despite her earlier resolution, Cecily felt herself moisten at the delicious sight.

“My apologies, lady. I came to inquire after your health.”

Cecily glanced around the room, seeking some sort of clothing. She didn’t want to converse with Pratan naked, if she could help it. She knew he could read the signs of arousal in her body. Whatever had happened to her luggage from the expropriated coach? It certainly didn’t seem to be anywhere in this room.

Finally, she grabbed the sheet off the bed and wrapped it around her ample curves, then seated herself in a chair across from the bed. Given the small size of the chamber, this didn’t put much distance between them.

Pratan raised an eyebrow in amusement at her modesty, but said nothing.

“My health is fine. Why do you ask?”

“Well, we used you rather hard last night.”

Now it was Cecily’s turn to cock a silent eyebrow.

“You swooned senseless toward the end. My brother and I were worried.”

“Why should you care about the well-being of a prisoner? A sex slave?”

“Be honest, Cecily. We didn’t exactly compel you last night.”

“Of course you did.” Cecily shook her head in mock exasperation. In fact she was intrigued by his apparent concern. “I had no choice in the matter.”

“You could have refused.”

“I did refuse, multiple times, if you recall. To no avail.”

“Well, you seemed to enjoy our attentions so much…”The uncertainty on Pratan’s face made him look younger. “We assumed you weren’t serious. You were obviously aroused, even by the flogging. If you’d really hated it, we would have stopped. Or at least I would have.”

“No means no. My level of excitement is irrelevant. In any case, I suspect that the Rajah would have continued regardless. He has a cruel streak, I’ve been told.”

Pratan’s eyebrows twisted into a scowl. Cecily pressed her advantage.

“In any case, I seem to be perfectly healthy, aside from the expected effects from being beaten and then fucked senseless.”

“You asked me to fuck you.” His black eyes flashed. “That at least you can’t deny.”

“You’re quite right.” Cecily shook her head wearily. “The flesh is weak, as we all know. It shan’t happen again.”

Pratan was on his feet in an instant. He dragged her out of her chair and pulled her to his chest. “I hope that’s not true,” he murmured, nuzzling her ear. “Because I most certainly would like a repeat engagement.” His strength, his now-familiar scent—Cecily fought her instinctive reaction, her urge to melt into his arms and offer him her body. She might have succeeded, had he not fastened his mouth on hers in a firm but unexpectedly chaste kiss.

This morning he tasted of oranges and black tea. She opened, almost automatically, silently inviting his tongue to enter. When he did not respond, she ran her own tongue along the seam of his closed lips, seeking access. Her nipples peaked under the sheet. Moisture pooled between her thighs.

He broke the kiss to lick her earlobe. She squirmed as though he’d flicked his tongue across her taut clit.

His breath was hot against her neck. “Do you want something, Miss Harrowsmith?” He gave her full bottom a brief squeeze. “All you have to do is ask. But if you don’t ask…” He released her, allowing her to sink back into her chair. His mocking smile made her fume.

With a Herculean effort, Cecily subdued her burgeoning lust.