Title: Fated Bliss (The Bliss Series, #2)
Author: Cassie Strickland
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 15, 2016
Synopsis
Ben
Those gold eyes were the first thing I noticed. I wanted more than anything to get lost in them, drown in her, to let go of my fears and doubts my past had left behind.
But it wasn’t just me I had to consider.
My son came first.
She's a force to be reckoned with, though. She was everywhere, in my dreams even, tempting me to throw caution to the wind.
And I was weak.
I gave into my clawing desire and let myself enjoy one night with her, having no clue she’d change me forever.
Once wasn't enough. I became addicted. I craved her – her scent, her skin, her smile, her eyes…her love.
I need Samantha.
Samantha
My life was uncomplicated. It was free and easy.
Then I met him, the man with the blue-violet eyes that entranced me.
I had a feeling I was making a big mistake when agreeing to one night of carnal bliss, but I was unable to walk away. I just couldn’t have foreseen how big of one it was.
He turned my world upside-down, working his way into my heart until it beat only for him. Now everything is complex, and there are secrets he’s not telling me.
Will he ever let me in?
Time would tell, but one thing is sure – I’d walk through hell and back, feel the blistering lick of each flame against my flesh, for just the promise of Ben.
Not intended for anyone under the age of eighteen due to language and sexual content.
Note from the author:
Fated Bliss is the second book in The Bliss Series, and though it is recommended to read Finding Bliss first, it’s not needed. Fated Bliss is a standalone novel with an HEA.
Excerpt
Ben cleared his voice, breaking the silence. “Is this you?”
I hadn’t realized we’d stopped outside my door.
“Oh…yeah.” My hands shook as I slipped my keycard from my clutch. I smiled at him as I opened the door. “Come on in. There’s a fully stocked bar inside.”
I didn’t give him a chance to say anything and ambled inside, expecting him to follow. I threw my purse on the dresser and continued to the bar, turning on lights as I went.
“Nice place,” Ben remarked behind me, closing the door.
“I know. My brother hooked me up,” I replied, grabbing two beers and opening them.
With my heart in my throat, I discarded the caps and spun around. Ben was standing at the mouth of the hall leading into the room, his shoulder to the wall, seemingly unsure. I continued to him and passed him the beer.
“Why don’t we have a seat,” I suggested, waving to the couch in front of the floor to ceiling windows.
Why was I so nervous?
You already know why, Sam.
You. Do. Not. Do. This!
Before I could turn back around, Ben grabbed my hand and plucked my beer from my grip. He placed the beers on the dresser next to my clutch, slowly maneuvering me until my back was pressed against the wall. I swallowed thickly and peered up at him. With two hands next to my head, he caged me in and crowded me.
He sighed slowly and then played with a strand of my hair between two fingers. “Samantha…”
I felt like this needed to be said, so I blurted, “I don’t do this.”
He flashed me his pearly whites and replied, “I know. I can tell. But you’re not the only one out of your element here, sweetheart. This is the first time I’ve followed a woman back to her place.”
My forehead scrunched with shock and disbelief. “Really?”
His head descended, and though I expected him to kiss me, he merely rested his forehead against mine. I could detect a hint of beer on his breath, but surprisingly, it was tantalizing. I wanted to close the distance so badly that I'd sell my soul for just one sip from his lips.
Ben groaned, “You weren’t supposed to happen.”
“Why not?” I whispered, confused.
Talking was the last thing I wanted to do. Everything in me ached for him.
“When I came here…” He leaned closer and pressed his cheek to mine, inhaling deeply. My legs shook. “You weren’t in my plans. I couldn’t have foreseen such a stunning,” he placed his lips to the underside of my ear, “captivating,” his teeth nipped my jaw, “completely tempting woman.” His tongue snuck out as he nibbled down my neck, causing my knees to turn to rubber. “You’ve knocked me on my ass, Samantha. I don’t know what in the hell I’m doing.”
I shuddered, letting my head fall back, opening myself up for his exploration. “I wasn’t expecting you either, Ben. I’m in over my head, too.”
“We don’t have to do this,” he stated, his voice jagged, though his actions were contradictory. His hands traveled down to my waist, his fingers digging in deep to keep me anchored in place. “I can walk out of here. All you have to do is tell me.”
No chance in hell.
“Don’t you dare, Ben.”
“I want to make promises. I want to say I’ll see you tomorrow and the next day and the next. I want-”
“Shhh. Don’t, Ben. Don’t say those things to me.”
Promises were the last thing I needed. My heart couldn’t handle it once this was over if he made any.
“See… I know you’re not the type of girl that does this.” He drew the shell of my ear between his teeth and bit down lightly. I whimpered. “You’re sucking me in, sweetheart, just like I’m doing to you. Something’s bound to go wrong, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you.”
Shamelessly, not wanting him to move, I wrapped my arms around his neck and held tight. “Nothin’ needs to go wrong. I don’t expect anythin’ after tonight, so you can’t hurt me.”
I might be slightly sore once this was over, but he was worth it.
Just for the night…
“You’re lying, sweetheart.” He pulled back a little, taking his lips from my skin, and peered down at me, his eyes ravenous. “We’re both going to be bruised and bloody come tomorrow.”
“Why, Ben?” I questioned.
“Because, baby girl, I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.”
His words had power over me, and breathlessness left me lightheaded. “Ben…” I moaned, and my lids fluttered closed.
“Fuck it,” he growled, and then his lips crashed into mine.
About The Author
Cassie Strickland lives in East Texas with her husband, her daughter, and her Jack Russell terrier. With the support of her family and friends, she recently changed her career path to something new and exciting, something she loves to do - writing.
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