1. Introduction

February Contest Winner

Congratulations to February's contest winner: rubeew ! You've just won a "Desire" Romance Kit, including an inspiring book, sexy dice game, two mood-enhancing candles, and sensual massage oil, PLUS a $10 gift certificate to Changeling Press from Siren Rachel Bo. She'll be contacting you shortly with information on how to receive all those great prizes.

March Contest

This month's prize from featured Siren Treva Harte will be: An autographed copy of WHY ME?, a box of nice stationery, a Loowis magnet, and some chocolates. Good luck, everyone!

2. Siren News

Rachel Bo
http://webpages.charter.net/rachelbo

PARANORMAL MATES SOCIETY: LONG TALL FURRY

5 Angels
"Paranormal Mates Society: Long Tall Furry is both humorous and heart-felt...Rachel Bo has done a tremendous job creating an imaginative, tantalizing, and rewarding story...5 Angels!"
~ Reviewed by: Shayley, FAR
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/February/Shayley-ParanormalMatesSociety_LongTallFurry.htm

5 Stars
"Ms. Bo has blended just the right amount of humor in with a pinch of domination and submission and loads of great sex...a great job..."
~ Reviewed by Oleta M. Blaylock for Just Erotic Romance Reviews http://groups.yahoo.com/group/justeroticromancereviewsnewsletter/

"Twice Blessed" from RATED: X-MAS
an anthology by Rachel Bo, Barbara Karmazin, Stephanie Vaughan

8 Gargoyles at In the Library Reviews!
"Twice Blessed is a wonderfully, sinful tale that will keep you fanning yourself. These guys generate intense heat and make you want more! LOL"
~ Lisa Lambrecht

"Into the Green" from MYTH-BEHAVIN'
by Rachel Bo, Shiloh Walker and Bonnie Hamre

"Myth-Behavin' is a wonderful anthology of very vivid stories...Into the Green by Rachel Bo, is by far my favorite in this collection...a gut-wrenching story that touched me so much I cried...I would recommend getting the anthology for this one alone."
~ Gene King for http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/MythBehavin.html


Treva Harte
http://www.trevaharte.com

Walk Away
www.loose-id.com

"WALK AWAY moves at a very fast pace and before you know it, it's over. Dek gives new meaning to being an alpha male; he likes to be in control and proves it at any given moment. Leila doesn't put up much of a fight where the hero is concerned and the sparks that fly during their interactions are intriguing. The love scenes are incredibly intense and totally steamy. Certainly not for the faint of heart, this book combines several sensual aspects that will knock readers' socks off. Treva Harte knows how to weave a spell in her stories that will be remembered long after they are finished."
~Angel, Romance Junkies
http://www.romancejunkies.com/artman/publish/article_5557.shtml

"Dek is responsible for his pack and his woman. Leila must find her place in the pack. Both of them have quite a lot of fun figuring out exactly where her place is. Walk Away has earned 4 Angels for its unique plot and a cast of characters that each brings something different to this erotic romance!"
~Shayley, Fallen Angel Reviews
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/February/Shayley-WalkAway.htm

"Walk Away by Treva Harte is a werewolf story with teeth. The sexual tension reverberates off the pages."
~Ophelia, Erotic Escapades
http://www.erotic-escapades.com/WalkAway.html

"Walk Away strikes me as having a more realistic view of werewolves, who are ruled by the moon and by their animals most of the time, not just humans who happen to be a little furry. The rules in this story are very well defined for a pack, and that got me very interested."
~LindseyAnn Denson, Ecataromance
http://www.ecataromance.com/reviews?type=&id=911


Beverly Havlir
http://www.beverlyhavlir.com

Jed's Revenge
www.ellorascave.com

"Karn'al: Jed's Revenge by Beverly Havlir is a sensuous delight. The characters are well thought out. I enjoyed reading Jed and Kate's story more than once, and will do so again. I have definitely added this Sci-Fi tale to my ever growing e-book library. Thank you, Ms. Havlir, Karn'al: Jed's Revenge is a delightful story!"
~ Gene King, Joyfully Reviewed
http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/JedsRevenge.html


Katherine Kingston
http://www.katherinekingston.com

GARGOYLE'S CHRISTMAS

4 Stars
"Katherine Kingston's Gargoyle's Christmas is a blend of creative storytelling and sensual indulgence. The author gives the reader a well-written look into the world of master/submissive. She shows the reader the gratification of the union of mind and body between two people who respect and love one another. Very few authors have taken the shape-shifter gargoyle to task, much less successfully. Ms. Kingston manages the feat and readers are glad of the fact. I know I am and I will be sure to read more from this talented author."
~ Reviewed by Rho for A Romance Review http://www.aromancereview.com/reviews/index.php?app_state=show_event&bookid=7840

4 Hearts
"I really liked the realistic touches Katherine Kingston added in this paranormal Christmas story. Averic and Tricia don't immediately fall into bed with each other, even though the their attraction is electrifying. And when they do fall into bed, Averic slowly introduces Tricia to BDSM, pushing her limits a little further each time they are together. I also felt that Tricia's reaction to Averic being a gargoyle was right on target: disbelief, denial, followed by a slow acceptance. The connection between Tricia and Averic comes through from their very first meeting and continues throughout the story and into the ending, while their sexual encounters only intensify it. While the sex scenes may be a little too dominant for some, I found them incredibly erotic. I would recommend Gargoyle's Christmas to anyone in need of a hot read and a little Christmas miracle."
~ Reviewed by Yesy Mazzulla for the Romance Studio http://www.theromancestudio.com/reviews/reviews/gargoyleschristmaskingston.htm

4 1/2 Stars
" Katherine Kingston gives us a different kind of paranormal universe. Could this be the beginning of a new series? Averic has more brothers waiting to meet a mate. I hope Ms. Kingston returns to these characters and tells their stories. This book has everything a romance lover wants: passion, complicated paths to love, and hot sex scenes. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Kingston's books in the future."
~ Reviewed by Candy for eCataRomance
http://www.ecataromance.com/reviews?type=&id=765

Titania Ladley
http://www.titanialadleyromance.com

MIDNIGHT HOUR

4 Hearts!
"…sooo romantic this tale is. Something for the reader who likes a bit 'out of the ordinary' in their plots, with a twist and a turn. Enjoyable reading!"
~Glenda K. Bauerle for The Romance Studio

BAT SCRATCH FEVER

4 ½ Hearts!
"Bat Scratch Fever is a sexy, hot read… The novel is jam-packed with red-hot lust, betrayal, sorrow and passion. I was instantly enticed into this juicy plot. The heat that sparked between Mikayla, Drake and Damon was blazing hot and extremely explosive. Readers, be warned that Bat Scratch Fever does contain a ménage scene that is sure to leave you breathless with strong, intense desire. Enjoy!"
~ Contessa for The Romance Studio

4 Hearts!
"Wow is all this reviewer can say… This is truly one of Ms. Ladley's best books to date and is hotter than hot!!! Her character development is phenomenal and quite descriptive… Two equally alpha males, these are truly two of Ms. Ladley's hottest characters… Ms. Ladley writes with flair and pure imagination…and delivers a wild edge of the seat ride to the readers."
~ Dawn for LoveRomances

ME TARZAN, YOU JEWEL

"The characters are well written and the dialogue between the hero and heroine is snappy, sexy and real… This is a very erotic story with a lot of sex in it. There is some light BDSM, voyeurism, a ménage and plenty of play to heat up the monitor."
~Valerie for LoveRomances

Samantha Winston
http://www.samanthawinston.com

RENEGADE AQUARIUS

"...Ms. Winston has written a beautiful saga of political intrigue, cold and deadly motives, and amazing imagery that left me spellbound."
~Francesca Hayne for Just Erotic Romances

"...Renegade Aquarius is a fast-paced journey with vivacious, unique characters, stunning and detailed imagery, shocking treachery and passionately heartfelt romance. Samantha Winston has done a beautiful job weaving this tale, and not reading it is losing out on something utterly extraordinary!"
~ LindseyAnn Denson for e-CataRomances

ANGELS ON CRUSADE

5 hearts!
"...ANGELS ON CRUSADE is a wonderfully written story, filled with all kinds of historical figures. The characters are richly embellished...If you like time travels and have an interest in French history, ANGELS ON CRUSADE is a book you must have!"
~ Reviewer: Chere for The Romance Studio

"...Samantha Winston's Angels on Crusade is historically accurate. The pageantry and political intrigue of the Crusades is dead on. I ached for Isobel and her possible punishment because I just knew she was destined to fail. The book held more surprises than I expected. At the end I found myself sighing with pleasure when, out of the depths of despair, love bloomed."
~ From Joyfully Reviewed

3. Presenting our featured author for this month - Treva Harte

Interviewed by Rachel Bo

Reading, Food & Inventive Fun
By Samantha Winston
http://www.samanthawinston.com

That's a Spicy Meatball!

My taste buds love a pizza. There is something decadent about pizza, like in this excerpt from a story I wrote:

" …The pizza tempted him with its anchovies shyly curled around tender artichoke hearts and thick chunks of mozzarella melting into the spicy tomato sauce. He lifted a piece and took a bite, humming with pleasure at the rich, velvety tomato sauce and spices. The anchovies' saltiness and the artichokes' sweetness teased his tongue while the crisp, olive-oil soaked crust crunched under his teeth. Melting cheese hung in slick streamers, and tomato paste dripped on his hands. But he wasn't about to put it down until he'd finished the whole, delicious slice."

Mmmmmm. Just makes you want to share, doesn't it? Making pizza can be fun. Here's a recipe for two - just make sure you put your apron on…Even if you're not wearing anything else.

Ingredients for one basic Pepperoni Pizza:
1 ready made pizza dough crust
Tomato Sauce
1 cup sliced mushrooms
½ lb. Pepperoni sausage, sliced
¼ lb. Mozzarella thinly sliced
1 tablespoon aniseed (optional)

Directions:
This is more fun with two people! Invite your sweetheart into the kitchen to help with the layering and sprinkling. Roll out the dough and spread on greased baking sheet. Push up the edges a bit. Spread tomato sauce over the pizza and then scatter on the mushrooms. Place the pepperoni slices on top. Layer the mozzarella over everything. Sprinkle with aniseed. Bake in pre-heated 400°F oven for 30 minutes.

In our house we like to crack an egg on the top of the pizza about five minutes before it's done, and we use anchovies, spicy meatballs, artichoke hearts, (you can get the canned ones, they're scrumptious on pizza) and it's fun to experiment with different cheeses and positions…I mean, toppings. Above all, have fun and enjoy the finished pizza!

5. Enticing Excerpts

   

Rachel Bo
http://webpages.charter.net/rachelbo

From WOLF-BOUND: BEASTS IN THE LABYRINTH
by Rachel Bo
Available now at Loose Id
http://www.loose-id.net/detail.aspx?ID=205

Copyright 2004 - all rights reserved.

Chapter One

Tara wandered the labyrinth, awed by the thought of the deft artistry required to shape greenery into forms exhibiting such delicate irreality, yet retaining an air of enduring impregnability. In the fading light, she ambled wistfully between tall, imposing green walls, grinning wryly at the imperturbable creations presiding over each unexpected dead end. Green and graceful, fanciful topiaries posed in their corners and crannies, chaotic yet meticulously constrained, seeming to regard Tara's attempts to find her way with enigmatic amusement.

Then she rounded a carefully trimmed hedge and she found it -- the heart of the labyrinth. Two heads turned with carnivorous haste, and Tara gazed into two sets of eyes richer than chocolate, and gasped. She knew immediately that they were beasts, despite the façade of darkly handsome bad boys they wore to hide their natures.

Their gazes, sharp and suspicious, took in every aspect of her shape and attire, nostrils quivering as they sniffed the air. Tension -- hair-trigger and pounce-ready -- vibrated in the dusky clearing. For a long moment, Tara was sure she would become one of those anecdotal mysteries on the evening news -- "Woman Mauled to Death by Unknown Animal at Local Tourist Attraction."

Then the one on the left relaxed, and smiled. Tara's heart started beating again. "You startled us. We thought the grounds had closed for the day."

"Th-They were about to." Tara's tongue tripped over itself as she stammered, relief trembling through her. "I-I talked them into letting me in at the last minute. My friend visited a couple of years ago, and was so impressed, and it's my first time here, and I thought I could find the center before dark, and..." She trailed off, sensing their amusement. Shook her head. "I'm sorry. I'm babbling. I didn't mean to interrupt anything." In the fading light, she could hardly make out their chiseled, handsome features any longer. Sighing, she turned back toward the maze. "I'd better go."

"We'll go with you." Abruptly, the speaker was beside her, and her hand tingled as he laced his fingers through hers. She looked up. "I'm Johnathan, by the way." He glanced back into the clearing. "Tall, dark, and silent over there is my brother, Jacob." His warm tone, liquid and luscious as caramel, melted away any objection she might have been considering. "How about it, Jake? Shall we show our Irish cousin a bit of the New Orleans nightlife?"

Good ears. Having never actually lived in Ireland, Tara retained only a faint hint of the Irish brogue she'd picked up from her parents. Were these guys Irish, too? If so, she couldn't hear it.

She didn't hear a reply, either, but a moment later Johnathan tugged her possessively along, finding his way unerringly in the dark, and she could feel Jacob's brooding presence trailing behind. Tara astonished herself by allowing it to happen -- letting two perfect strangers herd her along. But that was just it -- they were perfect, and she definitely wanted a chance to know them better.

Before she knew it, they were back at the starting point, where a quick rattle of the gate brought a caretaker out to unlock it, though he glowered at them in the yellow light of a couple of imitation carriage-house lanterns hung from the gate's finials.

On the street, Jake seemed to acquire some of his brother's good humor, draping his arm across Tara's shoulder as Johnathan guided them toward Bourbon Street. It wasn't until Johnathan began pushing into a crowd of revelers reluctant to relegate Mardi Gras to the past, and grateful for the excuse of an impending St. Patrick's Day to dye their hair green and bare breasts painted with four-leaf clovers, that Tara stood her ground, refusing to move any farther. "Where are we going?"

Johnathan glanced back with a puzzled expression. Warm breath on her ear sent a sultry heat racing through her veins, raising goosebumps in places she hadn't even known could goose. "What's your name?" Jake murmured.

Knowing it was probably a very bad idea, she told him. "Tara."

"Well, Tara, we're headed for a quiet place where we can get to know each other better." His lips brushed her earlobe. Fire kindled in her pussy, and Tara thought she would dissolve into a puddle of longing right there in the middle of downtown New Orleans. "Okay?"

Fierce desire licked through her veins, rendering her completely incapable of coherent speech for a long moment. They were strangers; she knew they could be dangerous, and also seemed slightly desperate, and yet... they were the ones she had looked for all her life. Wild ones. Wolves, like Damien and Devlin, whom she'd fantasized about through her teenage years. She'd never met anyone like them, couldn't let them get away. Throwing caution to the star-dappled sky, she tightened her grip on Johnathan's hand, looked up into Jake's eyes, and nodded.

 

Katherine Kingston
http://www.katherinekingston.com

SilverQuest
Now Available in Trade Paperback
Ellora's Cave


Stirring the pot of fruit preserves didn't require much of her attention, so Princess Riva found her mind wandering, as it so often had lately, to her favorite dreams and the man who came to her in them.

As usual, he wore a mask obscuring his features. Only his eyes, an unusual light brown color, almost gold, showed from the slits cut into the black fabric hiding his face.

Though the light was dim, she could discern the graceful outline of his body. Wide shoulders and strong chest narrowed to a slim waist. He moved with a supple precision that came from finely honed muscles.

From where she lay on the bed, she watched him approach. Fear warred with desire. She was a prisoner-his prisoner-but the emotion that made her stomach clench and her heartbeat race whenever he came close wasn't entirely fear. He reminded her of a tiger, large, beautiful, and dangerous.

"So, Princess," he said as he approached. "Have you thought about my proposal?" His voice sent shivers flying up and down her spine. It was rich, deep, smooth, and dark.

"There is naught to consider," she tossed back at him. "You've had my answer. It will not change."

"Nay?" He came closer, moving to the side of her bed. "I could claim by force what you refuse to give willingly."

Her breath caught in her throat. Something told her he wouldn't truly force her. But a sneaky, traitorous part of her almost wished he would.

Hoping to catch him unprepared, she jumped up off the bed, pushed him hard enough to make him stumble and fall on his rear, and ran for the door he'd left standing open. Her bare feet slid on the flagstone floors. She made it only a little way down the hall before a hand fell on her shoulder. She stumbled.

An arm circled her waist, supporting and trapping her. "Nay, Princess. I'll not force myself on you, yet neither will I allow this to go unanswered."

He lifted her easily into his arms and held her securely despite her struggles as he carried her back into the cell. He sat on the side of the bed, still cradling her in his arms. Against her will she leaned into his chest, thrilling to the solid muscles there and his male scent.

Her compliance didn't last long when he shifted his grip and flipped her over, landing her across his knees. She yelled and wriggled when his hand slapped down on her bottom. It burned where he smacked her. He ignored her struggles to get off his lap, just tightening an arm around her to hold her in place as he whacked her rear end steadily. Nor did he pay attention to her moans, cries, squeals, screams, or pleas for mercy.

It hurt, but beneath the pain, a tingling excitement spread out through her body, born in her stinging derriere.

He spanked her for a long time, until her bottom felt like a blazing inferno raged there, and her tears flowed freely. She wanted it to stop, but she thrilled to his strength and mastery. He halted abruptly and rolled her over, then pulled her back into his arms, holding her against his chest while she cried.

She should be fighting him, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. Though her derriere burned fiercely, another ache wound its way into her, an ache of need pressing in her loins. Her body burned with desire for him.

When she calmed a bit, he gently tipped her head back and looked at her. With his fingers, he brushed away the tears. Then he lowered his face and his lips skimmed tenderly along her temple, her cheek, across her mouth to her jaw, and down along her throat, leaving streaks of tingling skin wherever his mouth touched.

He drew back a moment, then slanted his mouth over hers and lingered there for a long, drugging kiss. Heat roused inside and poured along her veins. His tongue brushed against her lips and nudged them apart. Fire ignited in her and she strained toward him, seeking to deepen the kiss and press her body tighter to his.

His hands moved from their resting spot on her shoulders, brushing down along her arms and then across to her breasts…

"Your Highness!"

Riva was jerked abruptly out of the glorious daydream at the sound of the voice demanding her attention. It took a moment to reorient herself. Secretly mourning the interruption of the thrilling fantasy, she turned to the woman frowning at her. "Aye, Mariana. What is it?"

Titania Ladley
http://www.titanialadleyromance.com

YOU'VE GOT IRISH MALE!
Excerpt by Titania Ladley
In the Enchanted Rogues Anthology
Available now at Ellora's Cave!

The cursor moved over the E-mail line and she thought of Ouiji and how its little prop always scooted itself across the mystical wooden board awakening excitement in its players. Shivers stirred at her roots making her hair stand on end. Her heart did a pleasant flutter behind her breastbone. Mouth now dry as sand, she longed for another swallow of beer. But instead, she licked her lips and inhaled slowly.

And she clicked on the mail.

The music changed tunes. No longer did the jolly melody play over and over. A sensual song of flutes and soft wind poured from the speakers. The mail opened, revealing a page full of shamrocks. They weren't animated, but so real, she reached up to the screen to touch one.

"Ah, I see ye like me gifts."

She shrieked and snatched her hand from the screen just before making contact with it. Her back went ramrod straight.

The voice had come from behind her!

Whirling in her chair, she ignored the wave of dizziness that assailed her. Either she'd had too much beer, or she needed another one, she wasn't sure which. But what she was sure of was that the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen stood tall and proud in the middle of her warehouse apartment. The only light in the entire room was that of her computer monitor and the lunar beams seeping in. Clouds moved across the moon just then, and through the high windows of the building, the filtered moonlight cast him in a bluish glow. He wore a black, felt top hat tipped rakishly over one brow and adorned with a gold buckle. Thick midnight hair was drawn back and fastened away from his arresting face, and she wondered just how long the ponytail was, how far it trailed down that long back. She itched to rise and circle him, to examine every inch of him, but a mixture of fear and astonishment kept her rooted to her seat.

"Holy son of a bitch."

"Nay. Me ma was no bitch. Holy, perhaps, but nay…no' a bitch."
The voice no longer came through the computer speakers but from his vocal chords-vocal chords in a thick, muscular neck atop a broad, real man's body. At his words, her eyes riveted to the wide mouth with its full lips. And she determined she no longer thirsted for a beer, but for a kiss. In unison, her pussy and mouth watered, both craving the steely-soft invasion of manly parts.

With the brim of the hat obscuring his upper face in a faint shade, she couldn't discern the color of the irises from where she sat. But the dark, eerie tint of them shimmered diamond-like by the scattered beams of light around him. Her gaze scanned his costume-the only word she could think to describe his garb. It was old-fashioned, almost elf-like in style, yet he wore it well, all man. The deep, hunter green suit coat over a red and gold plaid vest emphasized broad, massive shoulders cut to a narrow waist and hips. And beneath that vest, beneath the crisp white ruffled shirt, she couldn't mistake the wide expanse of chest. Mischa flexed her hands. Oh, how she itched to run her palms over that sculpted wall. Her eyelids grew heavy. She imagined his chest would be hard and unyielding against her breasts. The tender flesh of her nipples would be brought to an instant state of tautness; he'd no doubt be solid and powerful enough to snatch her breath from her lungs.

Mischa slid her gaze slowly downward. His pants were of the same color as the coat, but they ran snug along well-muscled thighs…and cradled an impressive thickness in his crotch. Her breath quickened, as did the snake of desire that coiled between her legs. It seemed to wrap about her clit like a boa constrictor, and flick up and across her breasts bringing her nipples to tight, tingly knots. She forced herself to study every inch of him, coaching her stare away from that delectable bulge. The ankles of the pants were stuffed into the tops of high, black boots with gold buckles along the length of his shins. By the style of his clothes, she thought of an elf again, and yet…he was way too large for that.

Unable to remain in her seat, she rose slowly and approached him with her arms crossed over her rib cage. "My, but you weren't kidding, were you? You are quite the prize."

"Kiddin'?" Up into the brim of the hat, he arched both eyebrows, two slashes of midnight lightning above ominous, cloudy eyes. "Ye mean about no' regrettin' it? No, ma'am. I would no' do that to ye, that I wouldn't."

Mischa pursed her lips and blew out a long breath as she circled him. Yes, the ponytail was long, almost to the small of his back, just as she'd hoped. And mental images filled her mind of it falling over his thick shoulder onto her naked breast as he took her with animalistic passion. She could just feel it swishing over one nipple, sending a flood of heat to her already soaked pussy.

"Hmm." She raised a hand and tapped a finger on her chin. This was definitely a hallucination. "You're…you're a…?"

"Leprechaun," he supplied. But the flush of red to his cheeks and the way his shaded eyes darted away, didn't go unnoticed.

"And that embarrasses you?"

She stopped directly in front of him. His scent smelled so real, so potent. It engulfed her, rugged forest mixed with an ocean breeze. The aroma was pleasing, unique, and it sent her pulse into a new rhythm of need. Though she stood tall herself, she still had to tip her head back to look up into his face. And wow, what a face! Close up, it was even more striking than it had been from farther away. The strong bone structure and interesting planes and shadows beneath the rim of the hat made her think of a ruthless pirate. The clouds slid away from the moon at that very moment, pouring a flood of soft, blue-white light over him. And small, gold hoops glittered on each of his earlobes dazzling her with the roguish look it lent him.

Under scrutiny, he suddenly swiped the hat from his head, and she saw that those ears were slightly pointed at the top…almost like an elf.

The abrupt movement wiped the shadows from his face, submerging it in the mysterious glow of moonlight. Magnetically, her gaze shot to the eyes. Shamrock-green, they bore into her very soul. Mischa had never seen eyes quite that shade, quite so very stunning before now. It rendered her dizzy and giddy. Unable to remove her stare from his, she pressed her hands upon his chest to steady herself. Heat waves, slow and cozy, permeated her palms and entered her bloodstream. Just as she'd thought, the soft woolen fabric of his vest couldn't disguise the steely hardness of the man beneath it. And that knowledge sent a whiplash of fire to her womb.

He snaked out one arm and wrapped it around her waist to steady her. "Nay, no' embarrassed that I'm a leprechaun," he finally replied, though she'd already forgotten her question. "That I'm no' your typical elf, to be sure. A bloody mutant, as me people call it. Much, much taller, and me hair is no' as fiery as yours is, that's plain to see."

"To be sure." She swayed at the lilt to his voice, at the nearness of it as it filled her ears with its deep timbre. The hard length of him barely touched her from abdomen to knee, yet his warmth eased into her chilled bones. One of his hands came up to comb through her hair, and her eyelids grew heavy and lazy at the adoring touch. But he didn't pet her for long. His hand, large and hot, glided down over her torso and clasped with the other behind her waist.

"To be sure," she repeated, still unable to tear her eyes from his.

"Mischa…" He whispered it, but it came out more as a growl of restraint. "Ye feel so pliant in me arms, so very right. Just as I imagined, just as I knew 'twould be."

His gaze moved in a caress over her face and settled on her mouth, which she was sure had to be hanging open to her ribs. She licked her lips, again squelching the urge to kiss him.

"Well, I can't deny that."

She needed to breathe, to think. With great effort, she drew her hands from his chest and stepped out of the circle of his arms. Inhaling, she rolled her head around on her shoulders until she heard the satisfying crack of her neck. This was ridiculous. She had to get away, to reason out just what was happening to her. Crossing to her desk, she lowered herself very slowly into the seat. And her eyes returned to stake some sort of odd claim to this…this leprechaun?

He stood there, his arms out as if she'd stunned him with her retreat. "'Tis a mystery, then, ye know, that ye would walk away from me."

"I haven't decided yet how to handle you. It's called a woman's prerogative to make her own decisions."

"Even if…" he said cryptically as he sauntered toward her, "that decision has already been made for ye?"

YOU'VE GOT IRISH MALE!
By Titania Ladley
in the ENCHANTED ROGUES anthology
Available now at Ellora's Cave!