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Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Perhaps we can start over – #EnemiesToLovers #SteamyRomance #MFRWHooks

The Heart of the Deal cover

I have another Asian heroine for you for today’s MFRW Book Hooks – well, half Asian. Ruby Maxwell Chen’s father was a Chinese-Malaysian tycoon, her mother an English scientist. She has inherited the Maxwell Corporation business empire and she rules it with an iron hand. There’s no room in her life for romance.

Blurb

Ruby Maxwell Chen, the lovely and ruthless CEO of a sprawling 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 inexplicably charismatic American entrepreneur Rick Martell, though, she wonders if she hasn't finally met her match.

From
the trendy clubs of London to the Hollywood Hills, Ruby and Rick compete for ownership of a strategic factory in Malaysia. As their struggle for dominance escalates and their mutual lust flares, they draw their employees and associates into their outrageous power games. The stakes could scarcely be higher, as Ruby and Rick play for the ultimate prize: a night of total physical surrender.

The Hook (Adult)

He kisses with his whole body. His hands are everywhere, stroking my arse, teasing my nipples. His knee finds its way into my crotch and sets up a rhythmic pressure that soon has me swollen and dripping. He is swollen, too. Brazenly, he rubs his rigid cock against my thigh, as he plunges his tongue more deeply into my mouth.

Ruby,” he murmurs, alternating words with nibbles and licks. “I want you so badly. I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”

I don’t reply. This is hardly news to me, but my confidence and my lust both surge, to hear him admit it. I reach down and give his balls a moderately vicious squeeze. He moans and grinds himself harder against me.

I need to escape this embrace in order to gain the upper hand. I need to take advantage of his moment of weakness. But his carnal attentions are intoxicating. It’s difficult for me to break away. I’m like an alcoholic, wanting just one more drink, one more kiss, one more of his lewd caresses.

It might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I finally manage to gather my strength and push him backward. He doesn’t resist, just stands there looking at me. His clothes are wrinkled. One shirt tail is hanging out of his pants. His longish hair is tangled around his ears. In objective terms, he looks a bit pathetic. Certainly not what one would call sexy.

Yet my heart is slamming away like a jackhammer in my chest. I’m panting as though I’ve just done fifty sit ups, and damp—all over. His cherry pipe tobacco flavor lingers in my mouth. The echoes of his questing hands linger on my skin. The lack of his touch is a physical ache. I need those hands, those lips, that brash cock, need the relief that it seems only he can provide.

Be strong. Be ice. “What would you do?” I hold his eyes. “What would you give, to have me? Would you give up the foundry if I gave my body to you?”

I could swear that something like shame clouds his features briefly, then his eyes flash. “You can have the damned foundry, Ruby. I won’t stand in your way. I won’t fight you anymore. Regardless.” Before I can stop him, he reaches out his hand and strokes my cheek. “In any case, Ruby, I want more than just your body.”

His voice is barely audible, but something leaps up inside me in answer. Excitement, fear, anger? I’m not sure what it is. I only know that it races through my body and turns me to liquid weakness. It’s a long moment before I can frame a scornful reply.

What do you want, American devil? My soul?”

He laughs, sheepishly. “How about your friendship? Your honesty?”

You’re a fine one to talk about honesty!”

Yes, I know, you’re right. But we got off to a bad start, with our plots and counter plots. Perhaps we can start over.”

He sounds sincere. There’s no trace of that sardonic smile. But he’s broadcasting those weird sexual signals of his, loud and clear. I don’t trust him.

We’re born to be rivals, Rick. Opponents, competitors, on opposite teams. We each have too strong a desire to win to give up our victory to the other. My father saw this. That’s why he never told me about you.”

But I’m conceding defeat. The foundry is yours.”

I know. But that’s not enough. That doesn’t compensate me for the humiliation you’ve caused me. Not to mention Margaret.”

He winces visibly at the mention of Margaret’s name. Pangs of conscience? Then he shrugs his shoulders.

I’m sorry to have humiliated you. I’ve apologized to Margaret already. Now—can we be friends?”

I pull myself to my full five foot two inches of height. His magnetism is overwhelming. I need to end this conversation soon, before I surrender to that carnal attraction once again.

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

https://www.kobo.com/th/en/ebook/the-heart-of-the-deal-business-bondage-discipline-and-desire

Apple Books

https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1466637147

Add on Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46258845-the-heart-of-the-deal

Audio Book

https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Deal-Business-Bondage-Discipline/dp/B08RLY6YBN

https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Heart-of-the-Deal-Audiobook/B08RLT7GQK

Be sure to visit the other authors participating in today’s Book Hooks!


1 comment:

James DiBenedetto said...

Great excerpt - very intense! Ruby definitely is conflicted…

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