Ava James ~ Romance To Last A Lifetime

Kingdom Of Arnhem Book I: Woman of Honor

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-22/Nicole-Zoltack-Woman-of/Detail.bok


Blurb:

Aislinn of Bairbhe dreams of becoming a lady knight to honor the death of her fallen brother. To her mother's horror, King Patrick grants Aislinn's wish and she begins her long years of training.
Despite the mockery of the other pages, and the disdain of Prince Caelan who also trains to be a knight, Aislinn commits herself to her dreams and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and bravery. Through the years, Aislinn and Caelan grow from sparing classmates to good friends. They both know that someday Caelan will marry for the sake of the kingdom, but even that cannot keep them from falling in love.

The threat of war with the Speicans is a constant threat, and one that grows more frightening as she and Caelan train toward their eventual knighthood. Aislinn has committed herself to serving Arnhem, and has promised herself as King's Champion when Caelan claims the throne. She is willing to give up everything... her childhood, her life, even her heart for Arnhem. No matter the pain it brings.

Excerpt:

Caelan looked down at their hands, turning hers over so his fingertips could brush her palm. A shiver ran down Aislinn’s spine and her cheeks bloomed hot. She knew the effect of his touch had to be evident to him, but felt no embarrassment because it was clear that he was not unaffected. Caelan drew in a long, deep breath and folded his hand over hers.

“I have been trying to save myself.”

“From what?” Aislinn bit her lower lip to stop herself from speaking further. All she’d done was ask him questions.

“Aislinn,” he said softly, and his eyes slid for a moment to look at the bookshelf where they had kissed. “Do you remember our kiss?”

She blushed. “Yes. Of course.”

“I wanted you very badly then. But you weren’t ready to be with me or anyone else.”

“Then…”

He leaned a little closer so their faces were only inches apart. In this part of the library, the way they sat, no one would see them unless they intentionally approached the table. It was late and the library was nearly empty, so Aislinn doubted they would need to explain to anyone why the crown prince and would-be lady knight sat so close together.

“Are you ready now, Aislinn?”

Aislinn closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. She thought about Catherina, about how much she loved the little girl, about how cruel the world had been to the child. She thought about her parents, about how happy they were, about the love they shared. And she thought about all the times she’d spent with Caelan since coming to the castle. She’d despised him once, but now she couldn’t picture her days without him. She smiled when he came into a room, and she looked forward to dinner just so they could talk. Her heart nearly broke whenever she thought of all the times he’d been hurt, or could have died. Not because he was the prince and would someday rule the kingdom, but because he was Caelan.

She opened her eyes to find him still watching her, waiting for her answer.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Caelan smiled, but the smile didn’t quite reach his sapphire eyes. He raised his hand and laid the back of his fingers against her cheek. His skin was warm and Aislinn leaned into the touch. Caelan turned his hand and laid his palm against her cheek, his thumb brushing her lip. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the soft, gentle touch.

“Nothing will save me now,” he said softly — so softly she almost didn’t hear him — before he moved closer and touched his lips to hers.

Nicole Zoltack
www.nicolezoltack.com

Okay, I have been very lax in my posting b/c my muse has had me writing on this new Western set in Dawson City Alaska c. 1899. See what you think of their first kiss.

Unedited Excerpt:

“Good Evening, Mr. Duke.” Reginald Everett replied when Carolina should have.
Speak up, woman!

“I’m sorry Mr. Duke, evening.” Her gaze fixed on the handsome man beside her.

“I thought I’d join the two of you.” He pulled a chair from the table behind him and scooted it in with a loud screech.

What was he doing here?

“Mr. Duke, I—”

“Now Carolina, we are business partners, call me Clayton.” He smiled and she caught the undercurrent of anger in his voice.

“Clayton, I am not sure that Mr. Everett and I would like you here.”

“Nonsense,” He patted Reginald hard on the shoulder, causing the man to lean forward with the force. “You don’t mind, do you Reggie?” The tense set of his lips and the near growl that came across proved all the more that Clayton was mad.

“No—no, you are welcome to stay Mr. Duke.” Reginald wiped his mouth with his napkin and brought a shaky hand to his wine glass.

“See Carolina, I am more than welcome.” He turned to her and smirked.

He grabbed her glass and took a sip of the rich red wine. A single drop of the liquor hung on his lip and glistened before his tongue swept out to catch it. His gaze fixed on her and her entire body flushed with the heat of him.

Clayton looked around the room and snapped his fingers, “Can I get an extra glass and a plate over here.” He motioned with his hand to signal to their table. Oh, these were the Alaskan manners she was used to.

“On second thought, could you please bring him a trough?” Two could play at his game.

“Carolina, thank you for thinking of my needs, but a plate will serve me well enough.” His smile widened and she wanted to slap him. Clayton leaned close to her and reached for a napkin. “Nice dress.” He commented and proceeded to place the cloth in his lap. Someone brought a plate and glass to the table, and Clayton thanked the unknown man.

“Don’t you think you’d be happier at Juniper Sky?” She asked.

“Funny you should mention our little saloon. I stopped by there with the intent of asking you to dinner, and now here I am. You know, the other night, after I rang Mr. Rich Piss’s bell, no offense,” He turned to Mr. Everett, who sat wide eyed. “We had such an amorous discussion that I thought we could finish it tonight. That is, if you are well enough.”

Carolina rose from her chair and slapped him. She snatched her shawl up in a flourish and stomped out of the stunned silent room.

How could he have said that!

There was no way that she could stay in the room for one more moment. Clayton Duke was the most vile man of her acquaintance! He was a toad, a slimy swamp toad, a wolf in a handsome man’s clothing! “Men!” She grumbled and stomped down the wooden planked walkway.

“Carolina.” Clayton called from behind her.

“Leave me alone Clayton Duke!” She screamed and glared at him from over her shoulder. She pulled her shawl tight around her shoulder when a lone snowflake feel onto her exposed skin. How could it be snowing? This was May! Did nothing make sense in this damned state?
More flakes fell before her, but she ignored them.

“Carolina, wait, I—”

She’d had enough, and it was high time someone knew it. She stopped dead and wheeled around to unleash her venom. “You what, Clayton? You’re sorry? Right! That’s like saying you are a gentleman. No, you come in all ‘piss and pomp’ ready to ruin everything I have. Can’t you leave me be?” She stomped closer to him and poked her index finger at his chest. “Why can’t you and Big Beth be happy in your pig-headed behavior picking on someone else, hum?” She leaned up into his face and bit her lip. The scent of his cologne caught her attention. He smelled of fresh linens, leather, and sage. Why did he have to smell soo good? “I hate you!” She muttered and her gaze fixed on his parted lips.

Then, he did the unexpected and long over due thing—he kissed her.

Clayton wrapped one strong arm around her tense body and took her lips in a passionate kiss that curled her toes. His warm lips massaged hers and she found herself opening to him. Her once accusing fingers slid up his shirt to twine into his hair.

He bent down and held her suspended in his arms, her knees wobbly from the rush of sensations that flooded her system. Cold snowflakes fell on her cheeks and his heated breath chased the chill away. His tongue thrust into her mouth and she pulled him tight to her. She was lost in beautiful hatred.

He pulled back and looked down into her face, his gaze hooded and hot. “I hate you too.”

Did you know that Ava is a qaurter century old today?

Well now you do, consider yourself warned!