"Ms. Lanel conveys such depth of emotion and a realistic turn of events in Enlightened Love that I didn’t want to put this book down till I had finished reading the last page. Kerry is ... a heroine in the truest sense of the word, discovering hidden reserves leading from the events she’s forced into.
"Rick can only be described as honorable, thoughtful, gentle and a truly sexy and incredible man; a real SNAG (Sensitive New Age Guy) ... There are some extremely wonderful moments in this story that is layered in textures and subtle nuances that I absolutely and thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing love story. Enlightened Love concludes on a very uplifting note and will leave you feeling extremely satisfied."
♥
Excerpt from Chapter Three
In the kitchen, Kerry tried to clear her head. She dumped the rinds in the trash and ran water to rinse the plates. The way Rick had been looking at her, hot enough to smolder the air between them, had caused steam to float off her body. Even now she felt overheated, flushed. She sprinkled some water on her face and took a deep breath.
Be honest with yourself, Kerry. You wouldn’t mind a repeat of last night. Last night had been so surreal; it seemed like a dream now. A good dream even if the ending was strange.
Well, Kerry, you know this is the price of dinner and bed. You can’t say no when he’s been so kind. And you don’t really want to anyway.
Yes, that was the truth. Kerry lifted her head and marched from the kitchen as if into battle, but when she reached the living room she realized they were no longer alone. Evan stood just inside the door with Rick blocking the pathway to the living room. He seemed to be trying to get rid of his cousin, but when Kerry came into view their conversation ceased.
“What is she doing here?” Evan brushed past Rick. “I told you he couldn’t get your car back. What is your game, lady?”
Kerry had nothing to say. She did play a “game,” the prize being a place to spend the night.
“Evan,” Rick said in a low voice, “I think it’s time for you to leave.”
“Me? She needs to leave. Can’t you see she’s using you? She could rob you blind, and you’re so gullible you would let her.” He stalked closer to Kerry, using his size to intimidate, just as her fiancé had done. She refused to step back, though inside the shame burned.
“My cousin,” Rick said in the same low tone of voice as he took Evan’s arm, “it is time for you to go.”
“No way. I look out for my own.” He glowered at Kerry and she felt her cheeks burn red. Then his expression changed, contorted, and he looked to his cousin. “Dammit, Rick, let go of my arm!”
Kerry focused on Rick. He stood with his left leg back, his right leg slightly forward. His hand gripped Evan’s bicep and his eyes were intense.
Evan brought his left fist up as if to strike. “That hurts. Let go of my arm.”
“My cousin, I have asked you to leave. Will you do so?” Other than his eyes and his hand, Rick’s body seemed relaxed, lithe.
Evan looked as if he still planned to throw a punch, but then he shook his head. “Have it your way, Cuz. Just don’t come crying to me after she steals all of Auntie’s silver.”
Rick released Evan’s arm and escorted him to the door. “I did not know our aunt had silver.”
Evan grimaced. “You really should do an inventory, for insurance purposes at least.” He rubbed his arm. “How do you do that?”
“Training,” Rick said, shutting the door behind his cousin.
Kerry stared at the floor. She noted the warm colors and the intricate weave. She willed the tears away. She had learned not to cry in front of Jason, she’d not cried at all when he’d brought that woman, the prostitute, to their home or when he’d killed her in his rage. Nor when she huddled in the shadows and listened to her father agree that yes, they must avoid a scandal, and of course he would take care of it. She’d not even cried when the bullet from Jason’s gun had grazed her cheek. She’d just kept running, wiping the blood off her face as she went.
No, she had not cried. Not once, and she wouldn’t do it now.
“Kerry?” Rick put his hands lightly on her shoulders. “I’m sorry for my cousin’s words. He’s trying to protect me, when I am capable of protecting myself.” With his finger, he lifted her chin so that she had to look him in the eye. “I know what he says is not true.”
Against her vow not to let them fall, tears slid down Kerry’s cheeks. It’s true. I am using you. But, in return, I will let you use me.
Sniffing back her emotions, she lifted a hand to his chest and unbuttoned his shirt. His breath caught as she stroked her hand downward and popped another button and another. She looked down at her hands now, instead of meeting his eyes. His thumb wiped the tears from her cheeks, then his fingers combed through her hair. She leaned forward and kissed the skin and matted hairs on his chest. She expected to feel revulsion for the position she was forced into, but she didn’t. Her tears dried. She reached her hands to his strong shoulders to push the fabric away. She wanted him. Her heart raced and the blood seemed to zing through her body. Her hands roamed downward and her tongue followed. She would go down on him right here in the living room. She loosed the button and lowered the zipper on his khakis. She would lick his balls and suck the head of his cock until his hot come shot into her mouth, and she wouldn’t think. She wouldn’t think at all.
“Kerry, this is not necessary.” His breath came faster. Kerry’s hands slipped to his waistband and began to push the fabric from his hips. “Stop, Kerry. Please look at me.”
Kerry didn't want to look up. She didn’t want to consider the ramifications. She just wanted to do and feel.
“Look at me.” He stroked hair from her forehead. “You do not have to do this.”
Kerry looked into Rick’s passionate blue eyes. “I want to.”
She pulled him to her and sealed that vow with a kiss.
ENLIGHTENED LOVE is available now at Liquid Silver Books.
