DAZED SYNOPSIS:
Jagger Kennedy never went looking for fame, he just fell into it. After scoring a major modeling contract, his clean-cut good looks and charm catapulted his career. But when his actress girlfriend breaks his heart, he moves to L.A. to try his hand at acting. He’s not looking for love—he just needs to make a change.
Aerie Daniels is a woman in control … until she meets Jagger. Her surprising connection with him leaves her dazed and it’s unlike anything she’s ever felt. But just when she lets her walls fall, she makes a startling discovery about Jagger that breaks her fragile heart into a million pieces.
To keep from losing the woman who’s changing his world, Jagger is willing to give up anything—including his career. But even that might not be enough to regain Aerie’s shattered trust…
DAZED IN GENERAL:
Dazed is a Connections Series Novella but it not necessary to read Connected and Torn prior to reading this. Also it has a beginning, a middle, and an end :)
DAZED PURCHASE LINKS & OTHER:
✿ AMAZON preorder - http://amzn.to/1hwLS9g
✿ B&N preorder - http://bit.ly/1cOoxeO
✿ iTUNES preorder - http://bit.ly/1a4JC3T
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kim Karr
- Website: http://www.authorkimkarr.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKimKarr
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkimkarr
- Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6644044.Kim_Karr
Excerpt from Dazed
Connections #2.5 by Kim Karr
© 2014 by Kim Karr
Published by the Penguin Group
Release date: April 1, 2014
Aerie Daniels
There’s something deliciously perverse about staring through the clear glass. All of
my senses engage as I wait in line—the fragrance that fills the air as the fire crackles
beneath the foil wrapped treats wafts under my nose, the beauty in each and every small
package as they line the shelves with tiny dots and colored sprinkles mesmerizes me, the
sound made as the silver sheet is peeled back to reveal the magnificence it holds
captivates me, and the anticipation of the taste makes my mouth water. Ummm… just
thinking of the first bite into the moist brown exterior with its bittersweet Belgian
chocolate complimenting the flavor of the Madagascar bourbon vanilla that oozes from
its inside has me trembling. The black and white cupcake—it’s simply perfection.
Amidst the skyscrapers in Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood, Sprinkles is a
gem tucked away for those of us who seek out a small piece of heaven. I don’t come here
often, but when I do it’s for that one special treat. The menu describes it as, “Yin and
Yang.” An ancient proverb that says, “Complementary opposites, such as light and dark,
day and night, and masculine and feminine, seemingly may exist as contrary forces, but
are actually interconnected.” Simply put, it says one gives rise to the other and it’s true—
opposites attract. Without the vanilla inside, one could not possibly crave the chocolate
outside—looking at the two parts united has me drooling.
“You know what they say about staring through the glass,” a deep husky voice says
from behind me.
His words tingle my skin and my gaze snaps up. “Excuse me?” I stop short, in a
daze, not even sure what he just said I was so lost in my thoughts.
He chuckles. “You know what they say about staring through the glass,” he repeats.
My eyes blink and come into focus on the upward tilt of his full lips. Then my eyes
move to his smooth pale skin flecked with a light stubble, his nose seemingly sculpted
even with a slight imperfection in its slope, large eyes with the most unusual gray color
swirling from within, and chocolate brown colored hair framing his face in pieces—I’m
not sure if he has just rolled out of bed or if product molds it just so. Either way, he is
utterly beautiful.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Just be careful so you don’t fall in like Alice.” He smiles, displaying his bright
white teeth.
“Again, I’m sorry but I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I notice his eyes
sweep over me and my heart starts pounding.
“Through the Looking Glass,” he responds in a dangerously husky voice.
This time when he speaks I catch an accent, ever so slight but extremely sexy.
It reminds me of how Robert De Nero talks, just not as loud or fast. I continue to stare,
unable to respond. I notice that his physique is long and lean. He’s dressed in worn jeans
that fit him perfectly. His orange laced hiking boots scream I don’t conform. A pair of
tortoiseshell sunglasses hang from the V of his gray sweater, which clings to his body
perfectly. And an outdoor vest tops the outfit. It throws me off. It makes him look more
like an Abercrombie model than a James Dean type. It’s a navy blue down and quilted
one with a silver zipper. I don’t know why, but something about his outfit, about this
man, captivates me.
“Number 98,” calls the girl from behind the counter.
He steps closer. His warm breath whispers across my neck. “Through the Looking
Glass is the sequel to Alice in Wonderland. When Alice gets too close to the glass, she
falls in and starts on a crazy journey,” he tells me as his arm waves in the air with a green
ticket on display. Stepping closer, his gaze cuts from mine to the glass case as he hands
his number to the clerk whose wearing a cute brown apron with the word Sprinkles
scripted across it.
“Can I have a dozen of the black and white cupcakes?” he asks.
Suddenly alarmed, my eyes dart to the case as I watch the single remaining row of
beautifully crafted cupcakes diminish until there are none left. My irritation flares as I
glance at my number—97.
The beautiful stranger hands the clerk his credit card and waits to sign the slip.
“I was number 97, my number was before yours,” I say as he’s handed the bag that
holds his treasure.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Here let me get the sales clerk’s attention so you don’t have to take
another number,” he says.
I want to stomp my feet. I want to scream. I don’t want her attention. I don’t want
another number. I want the cupcakes that he stole from me.
“Miss,” he calls draping his perfectly fit body over the case. She looks his way and
with a charming grin he says, “Can you help this lovely lady? She missed her number
being called.”
“Of course, I’m so sorry. How can I help you?” the girl asks averting her eyes from
the man who looks like he should be on the cover of GQ magazine, over to me.
He smiles at me with a face that belongs on a billboard. “Don’t fall in.”
I swear he’s goading me. But then he tips his chin and a sexy, smoldering grin passes
over his lips and I’m not so sure anymore. He turns to look at me one more time before
he exits, and excitement flushes over my face. I nod a slight cursory acknowledgement,
then he disappears and disappointment washes over me—he’s gone. Crap. The cupcakes
are also gone. Double crap. And now I’m left wondering if he saw me staring at that
flavor? Did he distract me on purpose so he could purchase them first? Urrr…I’m so
angry right now I consider walking out, but when the clerk asks me what I’d like I settle
for the Vanilla Milk Chocolate cakes—they are the mirror reflection of the black and
whites, with vanilla cake and chocolate frosting, but they are not nearly as good.
Torn Epilogue
Until the End of Time
Connections #2 by Kim Karr
© 2014 by Kim Karr
Dahlia Wilde
The sleek metal bars crisscross in front of me with openings large enough to slide my
wrists through. The fabric of my nightgown ruffles as the cool air cascades under it and
wraps around my naked body. The sight before me is magnificent—tall, sleek, and
glorious. I hold my thumb and forefinger up and pinch the image. River is standing
beside me and I catch his gaze just as he looks over at me. I smile. He lifts his hand to
mimic mine. The Eiffel Tower looms impressively before us and we both pretend to grab
it.
Without missing a beat, I lift my camera. “Smile.”
“I am,” he says through gritted teeth.
I can’t help but laugh. I may have asked my new husband to pose a few too many
times during our honeymoon—but I can’t help myself. His sexy sweet grin combined
with the Parisian surroundings is just so picturesque—almost hypnotic. The view from
this spot must have been built in anticipation of the beautiful pictures one could capture
while standing here.
“I think I’ve had enough of the posing for one morning,” he mutters.
He takes my camera and sets it on the chair behind him before prowling toward me.
There is a chill in the air but when his warm hard body presses up against mine, I no
longer feel it. I toss my head back as his mouth drops to my throat and his lips glide down
my neck.
“We have to get ready to go,” I manage to say. My voice cracking as arousal
overtakes me.
His mouth makes its way down to the silk garment that covers my breasts at the
same time his hand slides underneath the hem.
“We can be a few minutes late,” he growls.
2
The thin spaghetti strap over my shoulder falls to the side, allowing him to easily
suck on one of my nipples. I lean against the railing of the balcony as his mouth and his
touch all make me forget we have someplace to be.
My heart flutters at the sight of River standing in the hotel suite door waiting for me
to join him. With his emerald green eyes boring into me, and his mop of shaggy light
brown hair, he is utterly breathtaking. Add to the picture low riding jeans, black boots,
and the new leather jacket that his aunt gave him, and he is nothing if not perfection.
Looking at him now makes me wish today was one of those days we could just lock
ourselves away in this room.
“You look edible,” I purr as I put on my boots.
He winks and smiles a devilish grin at me. “I like the sound of that.”
I circle my lips with my tongue and stand to zip my jacket.
He groans at my gesture before casually swinging my camera bag over his shoulder
and extending his hand. “Come on, beautiful, let’s go before I change my mind.”
Walking hand in hand he turns around to face me as we stand in our own private
foyer. He reaches to grasp my left hand with his left hand and our rings collide. He loves
doing this. He does it all the time.
“Mine,” he whispers as he lifts our interlaced fingers to his mouth and kisses my
pearl encrusted wedding band.
I bow my head to kiss his plain platinum ring and then our mouths meet. The ring
looks so sexy on him. I never realized how turned on I could be by a simple piece of
jewelry. But knowing it means he belongs to me does crazy things to me. After a few
minutes of gazing at each other he hits the down button for the elevator.
Both of us seem lost in our own thoughts as we descend the fifty floors. My mind
replays the fun we’ve had while in Paris. Last night we went to the famous George’s and
enjoyed its sweeping views of the city over a bottle of champagne. We even ventured
outside our comfort zones and tried their world famous duck foie gras. I wasn’t a fan and
River disliked it even more than I did, but at least we sampled it. Afterward we stopped
3
in Andy Warhol’s cocktail bar for a drink and to see the magnificent art. Two nights ago,
we dined at the Ritz Side Car. And the night before that, we hit Club Queen because I
was dying to see the world famed disco ball. Everyone dancing there was uninhibited and
it was beyond wild. Everything we’ve done here has been electric, exciting, and dare I
say: erotic.
“What are you thinking about?” I ask as the elevator reaches the bottom floor.
A wicked smile crosses his face. “I’ll never tell.”
I laugh. “Okay we’ll see.”
We exit the elevator and bundle up for the cool weather before hitting the streets of
Paris. This city is both beautiful and intimidating. Even the well-dressed woman sitting
on a bench outside our hotel exudes sophistication. She holds a cigarette so seductively
she almost makes me consider asking for a little puff. And all the people bustling about
on this small narrow road look like they just stepped off the runway.
River and I have spent the last ten days not only exploring the city, but each other.
Our sex life has always been fulfilling, but being here, being together, somehow it’s
heightened our passion and encouraged us to push our limits. Maybe it’s because we
know we belong to each other now, maybe it’s because we have no barriers left between
us—whatever the reason, I never want this feeling to end. It’s a trip I won’t ever forget.
I’ve loved every minute of it—the people we’ve met, the places we’ve gone, the food
we’ve eaten, and of course the man beside me.
Hands clasped together, we walk at lightning speed. When we reach the corner, the
Arc de Triomphe stands in front of us and we stop to wait for the light to turn. I feel a
slight chill and shiver. He moves behind me and wraps his arms around my waist,
rubbing his legs against mine.
“You should have dressed warmer,” he murmurs in my ear. His warm breath tickles
my neck.
“I wanted to wear the outfit your aunt gave me.” I turn to rub my cheek against his.
“It looks incredibly sexy on you,” he whispers.
“I wondered if you’d noticed.”
“Oh I noticed. I noticed the minute you slipped it on and I can’t wait for you to show
me what you are wearing underneath it.”
4
I twist around to face him. “Tell me what you were thinking back there and you just
might get a chance sooner rather than later.”
His eyes assess me and he leans in to kiss me. His lips find mine for just the briefest
of moments but he pulls back when people start rushing by us.
“Are you suggesting a little game of show and tell?” he asks.
I nip his lip before he can pull away.
“I just might be,” I say over my shoulder as I start to move forward.
I start walking ahead of him thinking about how much he’s going to like what’s
underneath. His aunt is a designer for Hermès and she gave me a few pieces of their new
line. The black sheer chiffon blouse is sensual and seductive and I love it. The snakeskin
leather skirt is short and form fitting—a bit on the wild side. And the silky stockings are
absolutely the finest I’ve ever worn. But I know that what River will really want to see is
the leather lace-up corset I’m wearing underneath, complete with matching garters. I
can’t wait to show him.
I hear him groan as he catches up to me. He slings his arm around me and I do the
same as we make our way down the row of neatly trimmed trees to the Rodin Museum.
We enter our first-ever Paris fashion show with minutes to spare and rush to our seats. I
sit in awe as I take in my surroundings. When I was a child I went to some shows in L.A.
with my mother, but they were nothing compared to this. Hermès kitted out an enormous
tent on the grounds and the stage resembles what I can only imagine to be the boudoir of
the once lavish mansion that is now the museum. Celebrities and fashion magazine
editors sit all around us, while models sashay through the room. Some stare at River in
such an obvious way, I’m embarrassed for them.
Just as the music cues the start of the show, Celeste, River’s aunt, and Jagger, his
cousin, take a seat on either side of us.
Celeste’s hand goes to my knee. “Dahlia, you look beautiful darling.”
I glance over to her. She looks so much like River’s mother, just a slightly aged
version. Celeste is ten years older than her sister and has lived in Paris for the last thirty
years.
“Thank you. I love this line. Is the whole collection like these pieces?” I ask.
She nods and twists her fingers over her lips. “Shh…don’t tell,” she winks.
5
I inwardly smile thinking my wardrobe is definitely going to get much sexier after
today. Then I turn to say hi to Jagger who is already talking with River.
Jagger’s hands are moving up his body in a mimicking way as he says, “Picture
Steve Carell in pleated khakis.”
“You’re shitting me,” River laughs.
“I’m serious as fuck,” Jagger answers with a sexy, smoldering grin on his face that
must send women into a frenzy.
He’s a model and it’s easy to see why—he’s very attractive. He’s slightly taller than
River, maybe a little leaner as well. He has gray eyes and dark hair that’s cut to frame his
face. I’ve learned that he grew up in New York City with his father and is staying in Paris
after a recent breakup with his girlfriend. River and I both met Jagger for the first time
seven days ago and it’s hard to believe that he and River haven’t known each other their
whole lives. They hit it off from the minute they met, and River can’t wait for Xander
and Bell to meet their cousin as well. The two of them get so caught up in conversations
and easily lost in time that on occasion I have had to remind River that I’m sitting next to
him.
I bump River’s shoulder and both men look over at me.
“Hi Jagger.”
He smiles. “Hey Dahlia. Are you ready for this?” he asks.
Jagger knows how excited I am to be here. I laugh. “You know I am.”
River squeezes my hand and brings it to his lips, kissing it. Every time he touches me
it sends my libido into overdrive. Today is our last day in Paris. We were actually
supposed to go home yesterday but River knew how much I wanted to see a fashion show
and when his aunt told us she was able to get us seats, he extended our trip two extra
days.
The music changes to a slow, seductive tempo and two women grace the runway
looking like reverse mirror images of each other in a mixed palette of black, white, and
nude. One wears black over-the-knee boots and a completely sheer white blouse with a
checkered skirt. The other wears white knee boots, a black lace top, and beige shorts. I
don’t think either is wearing anything under their top. They whip their heavily sprayed
blowouts back and forth and strike a pose on the catwalk with well-honed attitudes.
6
River’s hand is clutching mine, resting on my leg. When he moves his fingers in
small circles over the silk of my hose, it not only serves to heighten my awareness as to
how close he is but also just how very far away he is. I sit up straight and breathe in
before focusing my attention back to the show.
The looks coming down the runway are light, airy, and uncomplicated. Dresses in
satin and silk are loose and cinched with skinny belts or ribbons. Most of them fall to
mid-calf or slightly higher. Slim skirts have leather panels at the waist and are worn with
elegant blouses. One wrap skirt is shown in a variety of textures and a touch of lace
serves to remind us of the boudoir theme.
Celeste leans over. “These are clothes that go from boardroom to the bedroom.”
“I love them all,” I tell her.
“Whatever you want, it’s yours. Just tell me and I’ll have it sent.”
“I will. Thank you so much.” I would argue with her but we already went that route
when she gave River and me the things we are wearing today, so I know better.
River’s hand inches up my thigh, drawing my attention back to him. I clutch his
creeping fingers with my other hand stopping him just before he reaches his surprise—
my garter belt. After a few moments he leans toward me and whispers, “Is this almost
over? Because I can’t wait for my own private show.”
I smile at him and squeeze his hand then once again refocus my attention to the
fashions being shown to us. The music changes and model after model, look after look,
the show moves faster and faster. I get lost in the blur of clothing, as each ensemble
seems more incredible than the last. The show comes to an end with all the models
prancing out together. The music gets louder as each girl turns and twists along the
catwalk one final time. I glance over at River and see that he and Jagger aren’t even
paying attention. They are once again deep in conversation. I kiss his cheek and he slides
his mouth to catch the corner of my lips.
“Thank you for coming with me,” I whisper to him. “It was really something I’ll
never forget.”
His breathing picks up speed and he kisses me again. “I’d do anything for you.”
And I know he would. His words only serve to bring that butterfly sensation in my
stomach back. God I love him.
7
The music ends and Celeste moves to take the microphone. “Thank you for coming,
everyone. Here at Hermès, timelessness is valued and this collection is one of my very
favorites. It is a reminder that a woman can have a sense of grace, elegance, and ease,
whether it be day or night. Enjoy! And again thank you all.”
Applause fills the room as we stand and Jagger’s orange shoelaces capture my
attention. I wonder if his mother bestowed those upon him—classic Hermès all the way.
River grabs my hand and the three of us make our way outside. We stand near one of the
statues in the garden to wait for Celeste.
“I love your boots,” I say to Jagger.
“Thanks. I’ve had these for years.” He looks at River’s boots, black with black laces.
“I didn’t want to be a conformist,” he says kicking River’s toe.
River dips his chin toward Jagger’s boots. “So you decided to be a pansy ass
instead?” he jokes.
Jagger tries to pull River’s head into a vice grip and I shake mine at their antics.
They’ve been doing this for days, but as soon as the sound of Celeste clearing her throat
fills the air they both straighten. Her eyes shift in amusement from Jagger and River to
me. “I really hope you enjoyed the show.”
“Very much. I loved it in fact,” I answer and River agrees. I stifle a giggle because
I’m not sure he even paid attention.
“I’m so glad and there’s more. After you tour the mansion, there is a celebration in
honor of the launch the three of you must attend.” Celeste reaches in her purse and hands
Jagger an orange ticket and River two. “Really, it’s not to be missed. The parties after a
show are always fabulous.”
Jagger looks at his mother. “Aren’t you coming with us?”
“Oh I am so exhausted. I need to go home. But I beg of you to go. Please go and
have fun.”
River looks over to me. I know his aunt really wants us to go, so I nod yes even
though I’d rather spend our last night in Paris alone. We say our goodbyes to Celeste and
take the tour of the mansion. The master bedroom is remarkable—so remarkable that
River comments about getting me into the bed. I have to laugh because those were my
thoughts exactly.
8
Once the tour is over Jagger takes us to a private supper club for dinner. The
restaurant is amazing and the food is delicious. We drink champagne and talk and before
I know it we are in a chauffeured car being whisked off through the streets of Paris to the
after-party.
Walking through the front door of Chez Raspoutine gives me a feeling of being
transported to another time. Jagger leads the way as we move across the space that was
once a bordello. Jagger, seeming to know something about almost everything, told us the
history behind this place at dinner, which is now the most popular nightclub among the
fashion world elite. It seems, in his time, Prince Edward VII frequented this brothel. He
even had his very own room with his coat of arms above the bed. The Prince would bathe
with Parisian prostitutes in a giant copper bath filled with champagne and enjoy
threesomes in a lavish chair he called his loveseat. Jagger had heard rumors that the seat
is still stored somewhere in the building. I’d love to take a photo of it…I’d love to throw
River down on it.
As River crosses the room with Jagger in the lead, I trail close behind him clutching
his hand tightly. After a few moments River stops and turns to place a kiss on my lips
before switching places with me, sandwiching me between him and Jagger. When I reach
my hand back to grab his he opts to clasp his hands on my hips instead, splaying his
fingers in a way that makes my blood rush quickly through every vein in my body.
I follow Jagger through the crowd. And as we make our way deeper inside the club, I
look around. The swanky interior is unlike anything I have ever seen. I can almost picture
what it was like in here so many years ago…clusters of partially dressed harlots
clamoring over their visiting gentlemen among curved sofas and cocktail tables. With
each step, I become more mesmerized by my surroundings. I imagine sordid secrets
being whispered as the lustful past of the architecture comes alive. Dark nooks to my
right house booths and a small platform behind each one looks like the perfect place for a
private show. I wonder if the curtains close and think that I wouldn’t mind being alone in
one with my husband.
9
Just outside the sitting area is another room. Stained glass panels light the dark
ambiance and a red glow blankets everything. This place exudes seduction. The music is
a mix of rock and hip-hop and it beats all around us hypnotically. Jagger pauses to allow
a group of women to pass and when I lean back against River, I hear him groan. Jagger
turns and says he wants to introduce us to his mother’s team. I nod and when he stops
again to ask one of the waitresses a question, I reach behind me with both arms and find
the pockets of River’s jeans. With my hands inside them, I pull him closer to me.
He nips at my ear and I can feel his warm breath along my neck. “What are you
doing?” he asks in a ragged voice.
Turning my head, I whisper over his lips. “The same thing you are.”
He chuckles. “Game on.”
We start moving again. The deeper into the crowd we venture, the louder the music
grows. It makes the already lively place seem even more alive. Women wearing the
sheerest pieces of clothing from the fashion show serve glasses of champagne on trays
and just like the show, it appears that is all they are wearing. When Jagger stops again to
talk to one of them, River urges me to keep walking. He adjusts his hold and wraps his
arms around my waist, searing my skin with his touch. I’m breathing heavily by the time
I reach the center of the room. There’s an effervescent red glow coming from the floor.
River moves to stand beside me and we survey the space in front of us where a long
rectangular dance floor graces the middle of the room and is lit from underneath. A
stunning girl stops directly in front of us but only looks at River. He takes two glasses
from her tray and hands me one. I think I’ve had enough to drink already but I decide
another glass won’t hurt.
With his hand on my ass, he urges me to turn and face him. When I do he says, “To
my beautiful wife. This may be the end of our time in Paris, but it’s not the end of our
honeymoon by any means.” He raises his glass.
“To my smoldering hot husband, may the rest of our lives be an everlasting
honeymoon full of fun and games.” I toast him and clink his glass with a grin that mimics
his.
We both take a sip and he quickly removes my glass from my hand, setting both of
ours on a nearby table. And in the next moment, his lips find mine. When we break apart
10
he leads me to the center of the dance floor. We begin to move. I thread my fingers in his
hair and he runs his hands up, down, and across my body. Lost in each other, we dance,
we kiss, and we touch for the longest time.
“Dahlia,” he whispers with his mouth hovering just over my ear. “Do you have any
idea how much I want you?”
He presses into me and the moment I feel his arousal, my eyes snap to his. We stare
at each other, both of our chests rising and falling rapidly as the music pulses all around
us. This silent exchange of words is a declaration of love that sets my blood on fire.
When I feel I can finally speak, I manage to say with a ragged breath, “I think I do.”
Within moments his hand is clutching the back of my head and my body is flush to
his. He crashes his lips to mine and when our mouths connect the passion that is always
there between us explodes. His tongue finds mine and I chase his, stroke for stroke. I can
hear his groans and it only further serves to excite me. Time suspends, for how long I
don’t know as we lose ourselves in each other. When the song changes, I tear my lips
from his. Breathless and shaky I lean back and look at him. My pulse is beating wildly.
And this time when our eyes lock, I cave. I give in and say it. “Can we go back to the
hotel? Now!”
He lets out a low, throaty chuckle, and with a devilish grin, he nods. This has always
been our game—who can hold out the longest. We test each other’s limits. I’m usually
pretty good at it. But here in the city of love I don’t care if I win or lose, as long as I get
him. Lacing his fingers in mine, we quickly walk off the dance floor, but just as we cross
the threshold Jagger taps River on the shoulder.
“River, Dahlia, I’d like you to meet Matthew. He is responsible for all the
choreographing of my mother’s shows and is always looking for the latest music. I told
him to talk to you. He was hoping you could hook him up.”
The corners of River’s mouth drop, but he quickly recovers. Letting go of my hand,
he extends his and I do the same. I watch as River discusses the bands we’ve signed. All
the while his arm grasps me tightly and as he draws small circles over the chiffon of my
blouse, all I can think about is the fact that just a few short minutes ago we were so close
to being alone.
During a pause in the conversation, I lean over. “I have to use the restroom. I’ll be
11
right back.”
He looks around at the chaos and then his eyes cut to Matthew and Jagger. “Excuse
us a moment.”
He takes my hand. “Come on. I’ll take you.”
“Okay,” I grin and squeeze his fingers.
Again, I don’t argue. A few nights ago we were out at a fashion party at the Louvre
and I stepped away from a conversation with Celeste to use the restroom. I had gotten
caught up in the maze of rooms and before I knew it, River came looking for me.
“Don’t disappear like that again,” he told me sternly.
I’d bit back any laughter from the tone of his order because I could clearly see worry
in his eyes. “I won’t,” I’d assured him kissing away his apprehension. Then I had tugged
his hand and we ambled about, stealing kisses in the dark and holding hands, acting like
the love-stricken honeymooners we were.
We approach the sign that reads salle de bain and see there’s a line around the
corner.
I stop in my tracks when I see it. “Oh shit. That’s a long line.”
“Can you wait until we get back to the hotel?”
“No. I drank way too much champagne.”
A server crosses our path and River bends to ask her a question that I can’t hear over
the music. She smiles and stands on her toes to answer him. He replies. Again I can’t hear
anything. He pulls some money out of his wallet and closes it into the palm of her hand.
She tucks it into her blouse and points to the large room at the opposite end of the
hallway marked vestiaire room. She nods her chin to the burlesque-clad woman behind
the desk and we are all greeted with her big smile.
“Where are we going? What did she say?”
“She said there’s a private bathroom behind the coatroom that you could use.”
“That was nice of her.”
I have to wonder what else she said to him, but honestly, I really don’t care because I
really have to use the bathroom. He shakes his head and grins at me before turning to lead
the way. We pass the coatroom and River tips his chin at the heavily made up woman that
now looks more like a man up close and he or she smiles at him. We turn the corner onto
12
a long, narrow, darkened hallway. River guides us down it and I stay close, not out of
nervousness, but because I want to be close to him. I wrap my arms around his waist and
kiss his neck. Then I smile when I see the door that reads toilettes.
Twisting around, he crushes me to the wall and my heart beats wildly beyond
control. But his kiss is quick, and before I know it, he’s pulling away.
He bends at the waist and whispers, “Mon amour.”
My stomach flutters at his words. I put my hand on my heart. “Mon chéri.”
He pulls me back to him and runs his hands down the sides of my body. “I love
you.”
I nip his bottom lip. “I love you more,” I whisper before entering the bathroom.
The room is dark until I flick the light on. My body vibrates from our contact and I
lean back against the door remembering our encounter this morning. How he pushed me
back against the balcony of the penthouse suite and lifted my nightgown. The air was
cold but his mouth was so warm against my core, and it felt so good. He flicked his
tongue over me, licked me, he slid his fingers deep inside me, and then licked me some
more. He brought me to the brink over and over until I begged him to let me come, and
only then did he give me relief.
I look around me. The bathroom is beautifully decorated in an old Parisian theme. It
complements the decor of the club perfectly. And then as I wash my hands, I see it… in
the corner. No it couldn’t be…could it? An idea comes to mind and my pulse races from
the thought. I quickly prepare myself. Then flicking the light off, I open the door and
extend my arm. I curl my finger and invite him in.
He enters. “Dahlia, are you okay? Why are the lights off?”
“I thought we’d play that little game now.”
When I turn the lights on, his mouth drops and he draws in a deep breath at the sight
of me. I click the lock and move to stand in front of the loveseat. His lips part as he stares
at me standing before him in just my leather corset, garter belts, and boots.
“Fuck,” he roars.
He moves closer and caresses my breasts, pushed up by the underwire of the cinched
corset. I shove him down onto the loveseat with my boot and hover over him. “I don’t
really like having my husband surrounded by beautiful women who keep staring at him.”
13
He cups my sex and I shudder. “You know I couldn’t even tell you what one of them
looked like.”
Resting my hands on his thighs, I slide my palms up between his legs and feel him
twitch. “I know.”
He turns to look at what he is sitting on. “Is this…?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure, but I really want to try it out.”
He clamps his hands to my cheeks and a look of utter seriousness crosses his face.
“I’m not sharing you.”
I try not to laugh. “I don’t mean the threesome part silly.” My fingers move to the
button of his pants. “Do I have to spell it out for you?”
A full smile crosses his lips and reveals his dimples. “As a matter of fact there are a
few things I wouldn’t mind spelling out for you.” He leans back. “But first let me look at
you.” His eyes sweep over me and I watch him closely as he swallows and then licks his
lips. My throat suddenly becomes very dry. He trails his fingers up my legs to my core.
My heart pounds when he draws the letter o around my slick flesh. “I think I will start
here.”
As his fingers move over my body, my skin starts to tingle. Suddenly I remember I
want to be the seducer, not the seduced. I step back but he reaches out to grab me.
“Where are you going?” he says under hooded lids.
“Nowhere. But right now it’s your turn.”
He chuckles. “My turn?”
“Yes. Just relax, I say with a wicked grin.
My hands move fast and his zipper is down before the words are even out of my
mouth. Shoving his pants down, he springs free. I stare at him, my chest heaving
rapidly—and I take a moment just to appreciate the sight before me. Our eyes lock and a
silent exchange takes over. I push him back against the cushioned seat and his legs
widen. I notice his chest is now moving as fast as mine. I lean down to wrap my hands
around him and in the next instant my mouth is on him as well.
I position him right where I want him and cage his body.
“Fuck,” he groans as his cock hits the back of my throat.
I love it when he groans like that. I drop to my knees and my hands move to his
14
thighs and then to his shaft. I alternate stroking and sucking. His hands are in my hair and
I know he’s watching me. I can feel it. I draw back to look at his face—a vision of love
and lust—and then I take him back in my mouth. When I know he’s close to the brink, I
stop and then start again. I bob my head up and down faster and faster. I slide my lips
down and allow my teeth to barely scrape his shaft on the way up. My tongue circles his
tip and my hands stroke him in the opposite direction of my mouth. He groans so loud
when I do that; I do it over and over. I tug his pants all the way down and continue
stroking him.
Through gritted teeth he manages, “Dahlia, come here.”
But I don’t stop until he pulls me to his lap. Grabbing my breasts, he pinches my
nipples through the leather and I have to remember I have plans of my own.
I stand up. “Lie back.”
That grin he gets when I take control crosses his lips, causing the butterflies in my
stomach to flutter. He removes his boots and pants and does as I say. When I sit down, I
carefully lower myself on top of him, but instead of facing him, I face the opposite
direction. He grabs my hips the minute his cock enters me and guides me in a thrusting
motion. When I grind into him, he groans louder than I’ve ever heard him. A surge of
euphoria builds within me and I throw my head back and moan as ecstasy takes over. He
urges a faster pace and I have to brace my hands on his thighs to keep my balance.
Before we left California Bell had slipped a few books into my bag as reading
material for the plane ride. After I read a few pages of one of the steamy novels, I thought
I might erupt and considered joining the mile high club. But when River pulled one of the
self-help books out, he cocked a brow at me. Together we flipped through the pages of
The Position Sex Bible. I believe it referred to this position as reverse cowgirl. I laughed
when I read about it, but now I think I should read the rest of the book on the plane ride
home.
“That’s it,” he says to me.
I try to keep it up. Try to maintain the pace. But when he reaches around and starts to
circle my clit, I’m not sure I can. But then he stops.
“Turn around Dahlia. I want to see your face when you come,” he exclaims.
15
I carefully lift myself off of him and before I can even stand up, I’m on my back with
him hovering over me. I wrap my legs around his waist and as soon as he thrusts into me
my muscles clench.
“Oh God River,” I scream.
“Let’s do this together,” he says locking his eyes on mine.
The sound of his raspy voice radiates through me and I arch my back and just let go.
I feel his muscles tense as he does the same and in unison we both shout, “I love you.”
In a beat he collapses on top of me. Then after a few moments he cups my cheeks
and kisses me over and over. “That was incredible.”
I nod. It was. Then I suddenly remember something. Nipping at his lip, I slip out
from under him and reach for my purse that I’d set on the sink vanity. Opening it up, I
dangle a pair of soft leather cuffs before him.
His mouth drops. “Where did you get those?”
I shrug. “In one of the boutiques we were shopping in earlier.”
With a glimmer in his eye, he dresses and I do the same.
“Come on. What do you say we slip out of here and spend the rest of the night back
in the hotel room?”
I wink at him in complete agreement. Then I remember our game. “Wait. I ‘showed’,
now you have to ‘tell’. What were you thinking about near the elevator this morning?”
He pulls me to him. “Do you really want to know?”
I look at him quizzically. “Yes. Why is it bad?”
He snorts. “No. It’s just not as exciting as your ‘show’.”
I shrug. “Spill it.”
He takes my hand and kisses my wedding ring and says, “That I’ve never seen
anything sexier than you wearing my ring on your finger.”
I smile and kiss his band in turn. I know exactly what he means, because I feel the
same about him. He takes my hand and leads us toward the exit. And as we make our
way out of what used to be Prince Edward’s bordello on our last night in Paris, I look
over at my very own prince and know our life together will be filled with infinite
possibilities. How could it not be? After all, I have a partner I respect and love, and
together we will conquer the world.
Nikki's Review
5 stars!!
Another 5 star read from Kim Karr! This is only a novella but its fun, flirty, and moving. The author never ceases to amaze me how she can bring out so many emotions in me in such few words. It doesn't take half of a book for me to connect with her characters and I love that.
In Dazed, we get to see a whole new side to Aerie. We already knew she is best friends with Dahlia and very loyal and kind of a prude. But in Dazed, we get to see what made Aerie that way. What happened that she felt the need to have total control of everything in her life. There is a whole side to her that we knew nothing about it and I, for one, am glad to learn more about her. I knew when reading Connected and Torn, that she had a story to tell. We also get to see Aerie break out of the shell that she built around herself, thanks to one deliciously sexy, funny, smart, Jagger Kennedy. Ladies, if you loved River, then you are going to also love his cousin, Jagger. They are alike in so many ways but still are their own separate person. I didn't feel like they were the same character but with different names like you see in some book series. There is a playfulness to River that cannot be duplicated. Speaking of River, fans of Dahlia and his will not be disappointed. They pop up plenty in the story, so if you've missed them, prepare to get a little fix. Now, back to Jagger. He is described as having a long, lean body with stormy gray eyes, smooth, pale skin flecked with stubble, and chocolate colored hair. I'll give you a minute to swoon.
. . . . . . . . .
Ok, done? Well, get used to it. Jagger will make you swoon through this entire book. He's funny, sweet, caring, and full of random facts, which you will understand when you read it. He is the Yin to Aerie's Yang, just like her favorite cupcake which you will learn in the first couple of pages. To me, those cupcakes have a very significant meaning in the book. While Aerie is in a sense a control freak, Jagger is referred to as a free spirit. They balance each other and its written to perfection.
There are also things in the book that are set up to lead into the next book so if something is left unexplained, my best guess is it will be revealed in the next. So don't worry. :)
This a story filled with a whirlwind romance, self discovery, steamy sex scenes, and love. You will be hooked from the very first page and be prepared to do nothing but read until its finished. I applaud the author. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment in the series.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
