Once again I am stunned at how fast the days are passing. Probably because I’m juggling more things than normal with promoting the upcoming release of FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON on top of my deadlines. But, I’m excited about what I’m writing and I’m excited about readers finally getting to dive into Spade and Denise’s story, so it’s a good kind of busy. I will apologize to people who’ve sent me emails; I’m behind on answering them. Will try to get caught up as quickly as possible.
Yesterday, for some quick R&R, I picked up the DVD of Zombieland. If you like Shawn of the Dead, you’ll probably like Zombieland. It’s the same sort of irreverent, campy-but-funny horror movie, and Bill Murray’s cameo is hilarious.
But *grin* most of you probably aren’t reading this post to hear about my week, or what movie I saw last. So without further ado, here’s another snippet from FIRST DROP OF CRIMSON. The last snippet was in Denise’s point of view so I chose one from Spade’s this time to keep it even :). Hope you enjoy!
***
Spade couldn’t stop the memories from thickening his voice. The last time he’d seen his father was in the jailor’s cell, shortly before being sent off to the colonies. His father hadn’t said anything to him. He’d stood there, his once proud frame hunched, and cried. Not in shame at the fate of his only son being transported, but in guilt.
Denise was silent for another minute. Then she said, “I don’t want to know what that house looked like that you gave to Ian because of me. No wonder you keep telling me you won’t let me pay you back. I probably couldn’t, even if I gave you every cent I had.”
Spade jerked his memories back from the past. “Will you stop fretting about that? Ian will likely offer it to me in a wager over something in the next few years, then I’ll win it back. Or he’ll want a favor and he’ll swap it in return for my assistance. Its loss isn’t permanent.”
She gave him a watery smile. “You’d tell me that even if it wasn’t true, wouldn’t you?”
Yes, he would, not that he’d admit that. “Nonsense. That’s just how vampires are. If you want something, it has a price, but then it comes back ‘round again.”
Alten stopped the car at the front of the house, leaping out to get their bags from the boot. Denise looked away.
“You’ve never asked me to pay a price,” she almost whispered.
Spade felt something tighten in him as he stared at her profile. Oh, I want many things from you, Denise. Too many to tell you about right now.
“You’re not a vampire,” was all he said.
Alten opened his door. “If you will?”
Spade got out and extended his hand to Denise. She took it, then let go self-consciously once she was out of the car.
He walked her to the front door, which was opened by his smiling housekeeper, Emma. Then he let Denise know the last bit of the plan.
“I’m leaving now. Alten will stay with you for the next few days.”
Denise’s mouth dropped. “You’re leaving?” she repeated. “Where? Why?”
Spade leaned in, lowering his voice. “Don’t leave the house under any circumstances, and no matter what, do not invite anyone in.”
She still had that look of surprise on her face, but underneath that was something else. Hurt.
“Are you coming back?”
Frustration competed with another, deeper emotion in him. Did she really think he’d flown her all the way here just to abandon her? Didn’t she know him enough by now to realize he wouldn’t do that?
“Yes, I’m coming back,” he said, his voice rough.
Then he did what he’d wanted to do for longer than he’d admit. He pulled her close, tilting her head back and covering her mouth with his.
***
love it! Can’t wait for the book next week, I am counting down=)
After stalking your fan forum for the past 6 months (after reading your first 4 books) and reading your tortuous snippets I finally felt that I had to register to be able to leave a comment. Reading the daily quotes has become a daily ritual for me as important as morning coffee. I find myself checking your blog a couple of times a day for a new snippet. Thank you sooo much for this 4th snippet. It is nice to see the context of some of the quotes, being that I’m finding it so hard to wait until Tuesday.
6 more days!!!
yay. cant wait. 😀
Nice! Oh, I am counting the days til next week to get this book! I can’t wait to read it!
I am in love with your books =] cant wait get started on this one =]
I must confess I can’t bring myself to read the snippets! I fell in love with the Night Huntress books and characters right away. Once I start one, I can’t NOT read it during every break of the day! Needless to say I really get into the story and finish them quickly. I’m so excited for Spade & Denise’s story that I know if I read the snippets I will start to obsess and count the hours! I really love all of your characters, even the ones I love to hate. You have a wonderful writing style and exciting storylines. You fast became one of my favorite authors and I can’t wait to read this next book!
Thank you so much can’t wait
Zombieland was hilarious. It gave me a whole new perspective on irritable bowel symdrome in a post apocalyptic world and Bill Murray made me almost pee my pants.
Anyway… thanks for the snippet, now I’ll actually get some work done instead of checking your blog every 10 minutes for a new snippet, until tomorrow at least when I start craving the next snippet.
Can’t wait, so excited!! Tuesday isn’t coming fast enough.
Love the snippets!! Thanks so much for sharing, can’t wait for 2/9, not much longer.
These snippets are great…I must say I’m such a fan, I’m on my second read of Cat and Bones. I love the two of them such great books..
I have my advanced order of “First Drop Of Crimson” looking forward..The fun part, the snippets of up coming book..
Yeah that’s what I’m tliakng about baby–nice work!
Love the snippet’s can’t wait to read the book.Also can’t wait for Bone’s and Cat’s 5th book ,please hurry..
it’s so unfair! in germany I’ll get the book on Feb 13th… I’m searching everywhere but I cannot seem to find more infos about Eternal Kiss of Darkness. Where do I have to look?
greetings from germany
More info on Eternal Kiss of Darkness is now on my home page 🙂
i am also suffering from irritable bowel and this disease really pisses me off“-
i suffered from irritable bowel and that was a horrible experience'”*
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