Beyond Romance: His presence is like a drug … #MFRWHooks #RivalsToLovers #BDSMRomance #MulticulturalRomance

For today’s MFRW Book Hooks, I have a bit from my BDSM erotic romance The Heart of the Deal. Like many of my novels, it doesn’t fit neatly into a specific sub-genre and it breaks some of the “rules” of romance. For one thing, though the primary pairing is MF, there’s a lesbian subplot involving some secondary characters. In addition, both the male and female protagonists have sexual interactions with other people as they try to work out the prickly aspects of their own relationship.

I didn’t know about tropes when I wrote this book. (The first edition was released in 2003!) Now I realize that it’s a classic rivals-to-lovers story. And the main characters do eventually find their way to a happy ending!

Blurb

All's fair in lust and business

Ruby Maxwell Chen, lovely and ruthless CEO of a huge British business empire, has no qualms about playing dirty – very dirty. She’s happy to use sex to help her close a deal, especially when she’s the one on top. Ruby loves the game, and she expects to win. When she encounters the oddly charismatic American entrepreneur Rick Martell, though, she wonders if she hasn't met her match.

The Hook

He saunters over to the bookcase, pulls out one of the sailing books, and leafs through it. His movements are fluid and full of energy. I burn, wanting to reach for him, to feel those wiry arms around me, to feel that energy surge through me.

“We’re at a critical phase in our design work,” he says finally. “I have little time for anything else. For instance, I never get a chance to sail anymore.”

“You sail?” I ask, and cringe inwardly at the inanity of this response. Of course I knew about that, and his other hobbies, from his dossier as well as his bookshelves. Then I forgive myself. At the moment, it takes all my will to remain coherent.

“Oh yes!” His face floods with joy. He looks younger. “I’ve got a thirty-six foot Eastern Star sailing yacht, sloop-rigged, down in Marina del Rey. She’s a sweet craft, let me tell you. But I haven’t had her out for more than six months.”

“That’s a pity,” I murmur, desperately trying to hold up my end of the conversation.

“Do you enjoy sailing?” Rick asks suddenly. “I’d expect that you’d love it. The speed bubbling through your blood like champagne. The wind tearing at your clothes. Maybe you’re just the excuse I need. If you’re interested, we could take her out on Saturday and make a run over to Catalina Island.”

“I don’t know if I’ll still be here on Saturday.”

“Oh?” He shoots a sharp look in my direction. “You expect to have Baktar in your pocket by then?”

“Perhaps. In any case, I have meetings in Geneva in the middle of next week that I have to prepare for. You’re not my only business, you know. In fact, you’re just a minor distraction.”

I sound testy and annoyed. Rick laughs. “Lighten up, Ruby. You’re much less attractive when you’re bitchy.” A blush races across my cheeks. There’s nothing I can say.

“Anyway, we can see about the sailing trip. The reason I’m came down was to ask if you wanted to come with me to Burbank, to my plant, this afternoon. I thought that you might find it interesting to see our operation.”

I’m both terrified and drawn to the notion: sitting beside him in the car, spending the afternoon together. “I had suggested to Margaret that she and I go walking on the beach this afternoon.” My voice has the tiniest quaver at the mention of my assistant.

Rick’s grin grows broader. “I’m sure that Margaret can amuse herself while we’re gone. Besides, we’ll probably be back well before sundown. You can take your walk then.”

I am tempted to take him up on his offer. I am curious about his company, naturally. After all, he might become a client if I succeed in buying the fab. And though it is agony to be in his presence, it’s a rather pleasant agony.

“If I go with you, do you promise not to try any of your tricks?”

He looks at me with well-feigned innocence. “Tricks? What do you mean?”

“You know very well what I mean. This is a business trip and you are a business associate. That’s all. That’s the way I want it.”

He searches my face, thoughtfully. “Is that really what you want, Ruby? Well, whatever you say. But if I make this promise, you have to promise something in return.”

My heart is pounding. What will he ask of me? “Yes, what is that?”

“Promise me you’ll stop being so suspicious. That you’ll trust me, or at least give me the benefit of the doubt.”

I laugh at his earnestness. “I’ll give it a try. But you’ll have to prove yourself worthy of my trust.”

“It’s a deal,” he says with a smile. “Let’s shake on it.” When his palm presses mine, the flames rise again. My vision blurs, my head swims. His presence is like a drug. I wonder, for the millionth time, what are the real terms of my bargain with Rick Martell.

Buy Links (Ebook)

Kinky Literature

https://www.kinkyliterature.com/book/6188-the-heart-of-the-deal-business-bondage-discipline-and-desire/

Amazon US

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SJY8PTC

Amazon UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07SJY8PTC

Smashwords

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/942426

Barnes and Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-heart-of-the-deal-lisabet-sarai/1131920310?ean=2940163239221

Kobo