A One-Click Addict's Book Blog: Blog Tour for Hot Summer Nights by Various Authors

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Title: Hot Summer Nights

Series: Hot Summer Nights # 1

Author: Alicia Michaels, Carly Fall, Casse Narome, C.J. Baty, Elise Marion, Kacey Hammell, Peggy Martinez, R.K. Ryals

Audience: NA/Adult

Genre: Romance (Contemporary, some Time Travel and Paranormal)

Formats: E- book

Publisher: Indy Author Co., LLC

Cover by: PJ Friel

Editor: http://www.amberstar.net/

Pages: 402 pages

ASIN: B00M6GH4DC

Date Published: 7/30/2014

Welcome to the paradise of Dasia Island. In the Elysium Resort, nestled among the lush beauty of the rainforest, adventure and romance await.

Contains 9 short stories, from New Adult to Erotic Romance!

Beauty and the Brain-Alicia Michaels

She’s a rich, spoiled brat. He’s a smarmy know-it-all. Chloe Sanders came to Dasia Island to lie on the beach and go to the spa. Chase Watkins is roughing in the rainforest with a research group, studying wildlife. The two couldn’t be more different, but in the swelter and mystery of the island, opposites just might attract.

The Laws of Attraction-Carly Fall

Criminal attorney Jared Greer cares about one thing: the next big case. He doesn’t think about right and wrong when taking on a client; he thinks of the paycheck and lives lavishly.

A potential client brings him to Dasia Island where he teams up with Monica, an island local. As they organize the case documents and explore the resort, their passion makes Jared reconsider his life, especially if he wants Monica in it.

The Art of Losing Inhibition-Casse NaRome

One man's trash is another woman's treasure.

Reeling from the loss of her husband to a carefree socialite, uptight Kennedy retreats to Dasia island for a little bit of R and R. Will she learn to let loose in the arms of Basil, the wild-child trust-fund baby with a silver tongue?

His Island Paradise-C.J. Baty

Gar Lancaster wasn't depressed, no matter what his sister said. He didn't need a trip to a tropical island to meet some guy for a vacation romance. But when Mike Peters kissed him on the balcony under a sea of stars with the pounding waves hitting the shore below them, things changed.

Maybe, he didn't need a happily ever after. Maybe happily for right now would be okay. Whatever happened, Gar was pretty sure he was in way over his head.

Life After Death-Elise Marion

The loss of their son in a tragic accident left Jameson and Victoria Blake’s marriage in tatters. Together they were never able to move past it, and they parted ways after a painful divorce. But in the wilds of the rainforest, the realization that love has never died between them will rise to the surface.

Layover-Kacey Hammell

Hand's off. That's Gemma Sands' cardinal rule when it comes to dating co-workers. But she'd like to get her hands on Michael Harmon.

Michael has his own idea about where he'd like to put his hands. But Gemma's steadfast rule means Michael simply admires from afar.

But when an unexpected layover on Dasia Island forces them to share tight quarters, they are unable to resist their passion, and finally surrender to every touch they desperately need.

Woman in the Mist-Natalie G. Owens

Garrick Kaili ‘Kai’ Langston, heir to the 5-star Euthykhia Hotel, remains on Dasia Island out of loyalty to his family. But this building harbors some dark secrets—unsolved mysteries that haunt one of its oldest residents.

Some say Poppy Drummond had been swallowed by the deadly mist near the Dasia ruins. Others claim such notions are merely the product of a crazy mind…

But Kai is just about to find out—the truth is never what it seems when the walls between fantasy and reality crumble down.

Guide me Gently-Peggy Martinez

Alyssa Monroe always dreamed of escaping to exotic locales as a photographer. Unfortunately, she’s spent the last four years capturing a truly frightening species with her camera instead. Celebrities. When the opportunity presents itself to visit the exotic Dasia Island, Alyssa is thrilled. Now if she can just deal with the only guide willing to take her deep into a forbidden forest. A sexy, tattooed local who sets her blood on fire and gets her camera finger itching

City of Sin-R.K. Ryals

On Dasia Island, there’s a legend about a city of sin, a tragic story that ended in a mist of death. Haven Ambrose is a Journalism major on a mission. River Brayden is a meteorologist with a tropical system to follow. Their love is strong, but is it strong enough to survive a storm that leaves them stranded with an ancient evil?

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Beauty and the Brain by Alicia Michaels

“What are we doing here, Chloe?” He came closer to me, his hands finding my waist and pulling me close. “You’re exactly the kind of complication I don’t need in my life right now.”
My hands found his belt buckle, using it to pull him even closer to me until our hips met. “Yeah, well I don’t need you either,” I answered, standing on tiptoe to reach his lips. I bit down on his lower lip playfully and tugged. “But I want you. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”
His hands slid down to grip my ass and he ground his hips against mine suggestively. “Want is instinctive, it’s something that can’t be helped. Why fight it?”
Slowly, deliberately, I slid his belt through the loop and reached for the button of his shorts. “I won’t fight it if you don’t,” I whispered, my fingers skimming the fine hairs running down his abdomen, and the bulging ripples of his muscles. His stomach clenched in response, the muscles in his neck and chest tensing.
Wordlessly, Chase reached up to the straps holding my bikini in place at the back of my neck. With a swift tug, he loosened it, causing the black triangles to fall away. His eyes fixated on my breasts, going wide as his tongue swept out to wet his lips. Another tug, and he had the strings at my back undone, letting the top fall away. His hands came up to touch me and I moaned, my back arching in invitation, begging for more. He kissed me again, his tongue invading my mouth this time, as he reached down to grasp my hips, lifting me until my legs were wrapped around his hips.
My fingers tangled in his hair as I kissed him back hungrily, my body surging with heat and lust so strong I couldn’t deny it any more. What did it matter that nothing could ever come of this? Hell, neither of us was ready for another relationship, anyway. It just felt so good to surrender, to lose myself in this guy who made me feel things no other guy ever had.
He sank to the ground, laying me back, his fingers running through my damp waves. One of his hands found my face, his thumb caressing my cheek. “What if I told you all of your makeup had washed off?” he asked with a smirk.
I scowled at him. “I’d say you were rude for pointing that out.”
He leaned close, his tongue finding my ear in a spine-tingling stroke. “And what if I told you that I thought you were beautiful just like this?” he whispered, his breath tickling my neck.

Laws of Attraction by Carly Fall

“I want you,” he whispered into her ear as he gently sucked her earlobe. “Now. I want to taste you, to touch you, to make you come. I want to be inside of you.”
She gasped, her eyes dancing as he met her gaze. “You sound so certain of yourself,” she teased.
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life, Monica. You set my blood on fire.”
He brought her closer so that his rigid length pressed into her stomach.
“Do you always get what you want, Jared?” she asked, moving her hips and causing friction against his cock.
He let out a soft moan, and ran his thumb over her bottom lip. “Not always.”
“And what makes you think you’re going to get what you want tonight?”
Glancing around, he found a dark corner. Unable to believe what he was going to do, he led her over there and gently pushed her up against the wall, his body shielding her from anyone who may look their way. “I’m going to get what I want, because you want it, too, Monica,” he murmured. He’d never performed a sexual act in public, but never before had he desired a woman the way he wanted her. His hand trailed up her thigh, under her dress to her bikini bottom. She didn’t stop him.

The Art of Losing Inhibition by Casse NaRome

“What are you looking for?” I began walking around the room and picked up miscellaneous clothes and made a neat pile.
“I think a woman about your size left a suit here one night. We had bought it from one of the shops because I was going to take her out on the water. She had curves for days.” She laughed at the memory. “Yeah, we never made it out the door.”
“So you are a lesbian?” My heart pounded in my chest.
“Yep. Is that gonna be an issue for you?” She didn’t sound too concerned.
“No, I just—”
“Found it!” she exclaimed, and jumped down from her perch. “Here, look. It is green and matches your eyes perfectly. Try it on.” She tossed it to me.
I held them up. What the fuck? How was this even considered clothing? This was the skimpiest thing I had ever seen.
“I could turn around if you are worried about it.” Basil rolled her eyes and turned her back. “I won’t even peek.”
But what if I want you to? What? No.
“I am worried … about how little fabric there is,” I admitted.
“Well, that is the best part. I may have overstated the board shorts description.” Basil turned around and made her way to me. Placing her hands on my shoulders, she spun me until I faced the wall.
I imagined her pushing me against it; pressing her body against mine while she took me with her fingers. I swallowed hard when I felt her fingers against my skin as she unzipped my black dress. Her fingertips grazed across the top of my ass before they fell away.
“What are you doing?” My voice was a whisper and I couldn’t catch my breath.
Basil leaned into me, putting her mouth to my ear. She smelled amazing. I wanted to drown in her fragrance. The crispness of fresh apples, pears, and the heat of nutmeg.
“You are going to look amazing, trust me.”
I shivered. Her hands gathered my hair and began to French braid it back from my face. All too soon, I felt her back away from me.
“I will wait outside for you to change. That way you’ll feel more comfortable. No snooping.” She laughed and sauntered out the door.
I finally exhaled. Holy shit, I was in trouble.

His Island Paradise by C.J. Baty

It was the same as the night before on his balcony, when we kissed for the first time. Fire igniting low in my belly then traveling north, south, east and west, everywhere all over me. Even if the water had been like ice, it wouldn't have mattered. I was burning up with a need and it was clear, only Mike could quench it.
"Gar, God I want you," Mike barely breathed the words against my lips. His voice rough and as needy as I felt.
"Fuck, yes!" I moaned in return.
"We'll get to that but for now," he unlocked our bodies. Taking my hand he led me to a large smooth flat boulder along the bank of the pool. Some crazy wild flower was blooming beside it. Fleetingly, I remembered it was called a Bird of Paradise. It seemed fitting.
Tapping my hips with his strong fingers, he said, "Up." He helped me to sit on the rock. "Lay back," he demanded. He stood in the water between my wide spread legs.
The rock was as smooth as it had looked and hot to the touch. It felt like those warm stones they place on your back during a massage. The heat relaxed me and let me drift into the sensations I was feeling. I closed my eyes against the sun's blinding rays.
"God you are beautiful." Mike's words reached a place deep inside me. They soothed away the last of the hurt and insecurity Bill had left me with.
"And this," he said, taking my aching hard length in his hand, "is perfect."
I had no time for a snarky comeback because my cock was suddenly encased in the wet heat of Mike's mouth.
"Shit!" I heard myself scream.
My hips thrust up and a contented groan left my body. So long. Too long. Much too long since anyone had lathed this kind of sweet torture on me. It was paradise.
He was good. This was not going to take very long. I should have been embarrassed but I didn't give a shit. I was too wrapped up in the drag and pull of his tongue across overly sensitive skin. The strong suck as he moved up and the soft flicks of his tongue as he went down were driving me closer and closer to an edge I was ready to fall off of. Yes, he was damn good.
I felt the burn start in my balls. Rising up on my elbows as it moved up my body, I looked at him. I had to see, had to watch, him work his magic over me. I tried to say the words, warn him before the eruption but he lifted those steel gray eyes, now nearly black, stared at me and I lost it. Long streams jetted from my body into his. The orgasm that rocked through me, shook my body violently and somewhere in the distance I heard someone shouting. It was me.
Mike's cool wet body lowered over mine. His lips searched until they found mine. This kiss was sweeter. I could still taste the fruit we had shared but now my own taste was mingled in when our tongues began to dance again. The feel of Mike's still hard erection pressed against my hip and the kiss became more demanding. It brought me alive again.
I reached for him, gripping his length tightly. He was long and hot in my hand. He humped my fist urgently. I had no qualms about returning the blow job and truth be known I wanted to taste him. I moved to reposition myself and he stopped me.
"Another time," he panted. "For now this," he bucked his hips and grabbed my hand to grip him harder, "is enough...too much...won't last!" And he didn't.

Life After Death by Elise Marion

“I just want to talk, Vickie. I haven’t seen you since we signed the papers, and I … can’t we just talk? That’s all I want.”
Victoria hesitated. Her hand wrapped tightly around the doorknob. “What is there to talk about?”
Jameson’s brow furrowed as he leaned in close. His breath tickled her cheek when he whispered, “Everything.”
“Won’t the woman you came with start to wonder where you are?” She felt petty for even broaching the subject, but she had to know.
He laughed. “Come on, Vic, you know me better than that. I’m here with Travis and Sean, guys only. Did you honestly think I’d want to experience this place with any woman but you?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you going to stand there and tell me you’ve been celibate for an entire year?” She had him there. The guilt on his face told her everything she needed to know. For some reason, the thought of him with another woman made her angry. “Good-bye, Jameson,” she snapped, going to slam the door in his face.
He blocked it with his foot, shoving his body halfway into the room. He reached for her, his fingers wrapping around her arm. “There have been two,” he admitted. “And I hated every second of it. I couldn’t enjoy it because neither of them were you.”
“You’re the only man I’ve ever given my body to,” she pointed out. That confession seemed to please him. His eyes grew heavy-lidded as he leaned toward her, his lips brushing her hairline as he leaned close. “I just want to talk, Vickie. I haven’t seen you since we signed the papers, and I … can’t we just talk? That’s all I want.”
Victoria hesitated. Her hand wrapped tightly around the doorknob. “What is there to talk about?”
Jameson’s brow furrowed as he leaned in close. His breath tickled her cheek when he whispered, “Everything.”
“Won’t the woman you came with start to wonder where you are?” She felt petty for even broaching the subject, but she had to know.
He laughed. “Come on, Vic, you know me better than that. I’m here with Travis and Sean, guys only. Did you honestly think I’d want to experience this place with any woman but you?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you going to stand there and tell me you’ve been celibate for an entire year?” She had him there. The guilt on his face told her everything she needed to know. For some reason, the thought of him with another woman made her angry. “Good-bye, Jameson,” she snapped, going to slam the door in his face.
He blocked it with his foot, shoving his body halfway into the room. He reached for her, his fingers wrapping around her arm. “There have been two,” he admitted. “And I hated every second of it. I couldn’t enjoy it because neither of them were you.”
“You’re the only man I’ve ever given my body to,” she pointed out. That confession seemed to please him. His eyes grew heavy-lidded as he leaned toward her, his lips brushing her hairline as he leaned close.
“You’re the only woman I’ve ever given my heart to,” he whispered.
Victoria swayed toward him, losing her grip on the blanket. It fell to her feet, revealing the nightshirt she wore. Jameson sucked in a sharp breath—the T-shirt was his, an old ratty thing he used to wear while tinkering beneath the hood of his truck. For weeks after he’d moved out, the shirt still held his scent. At the time, she wore it to cling to the last part of him that was left with her, but now the scent was gone. Now, she wore it simply because it was his.
“Let me in, Vickie,” he said, his eyes coming back up to hers. “I’m not asking anymore.”
“You’re the only woman I’ve ever given my heart to,” he whispered.
Victoria swayed toward him, losing her grip on the blanket. It fell to her feet, revealing the nightshirt she wore. Jameson sucked in a sharp breath—the T-shirt was his, an old ratty thing he used to wear while tinkering beneath the hood of his truck. For weeks after he’d moved out, the shirt still held his scent. At the time, she wore it to cling to the last part of him that was left with her, but now the scent was gone. Now, she wore it simply because it was his.
“Let me in, Vickie,” he said, his eyes coming back up to hers. “I’m not asking anymore.”

Layover by Kacey Hammell

“Problem, Gemma?”
Surprised by the rough voice behind her, she spun around quickly. Her heart jumped at the sight of Michael Harmon.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.”
She waved him off. “No worries. Just jumpy today I guess. And there are no rooms available for me.”
“Shit, that’s rough. I think I got the last room.”
“Gemma, I’m sorry,” Crystal returned to the counter, “our sister resort is full as well.” She pleaded with her eyes for Gemma to understand. “I can call around to a few others. See what I can find.”
Gemma shook her head. “No, that’s okay. I’ll grab a seat in the restaurant, get a bite to eat, and make some calls. Can I get that list of hotels in the area? I’ll bring it back once I’ve reached them all.”
Crystal handed her the phone listings. “I’m very sorry.”
“Gemma, you can have my room. I’ll find somewhere else.” Michael sidled closer. “Crystal, change my booking to hers, please.”
“No. Thank you, Michael, that’s very kind of you, but I’ll be fine.”
“Nonsense. I insist.”
“Of course, Michael.” Crystal grinned and looked from one to the other. “Although, what I could do, since you both work together, is put you in the same room. There is a guestroom one of you could use, and you can share the common areas.”
Gemma stared at the other woman, wondering if she’d gone crazy. Share a room with
Michael? That was Crystal’s solution?
“No, umm, that’s okay. Honestly, it’s not the end of the world.” The last of her sentence came out on a yawn. Embarrassed, she covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry. I’ll see you both later, I have things to do.”
Michael put a hand on her arm, halting her when she made a grab for her suitcase.
“That’s a great idea, Crystal. Do that, and we’ll head to the room now. Thanks for your help.”
“Of course. If you need anything from room service or anything, the extensions are on
the table beside the phone.” She picked up the phone and punched in a few keys. “I’ll have extra towels delivered there right now.”
Gemma gawked at him. “Michael, really … you don’t have to do this. I’m sure I’ll find
something.”
He grabbed her suitcase, and his, and rolled them both behind him. “Come on, Gem, let’s get some shut eye. I’m exhausted.”
Gemma rushed along behind him, wishing her legs were a bit longer to keep up.
Breathing heavy, she caught him at the corner to the west wing hallway. “I never thought of you as so difficult before. And bossy.”
Michael laughed and strode on. At least she’d be near the library. However, she wasn’t sure a book would keep her attention. Not with the hunky Michael Harmon bunking with her. It was difficult enough to keep her ogling of him to a minimum when they were at work or on a job, but to see him in such a domestic and relaxed manner ... her steadfast rule against getting involved with co-workers might fly out the window.
Every time he was around her, she wanted to jump his bones, easing the ache inside.
Since meeting Michael, all other men paled in comparison, and she hadn’t been with a man in over two years. Admittedly, she was very fussy about the men she dated, even more so about whom she took to her bed. All she could think about these days was Michael.
Regardless, she didn’t want to mix business and pleasure.
Sometimes she hated herself for making the self-imposed rule.

Woman in the Mist by Natalie G. Owens

She bit into her BLT as he deftly picked up a piece of sushi with chopsticks and popped it into his mouth. The sight of raw fish on the huge, eighteen-piece platter made her gag. Big didn’t only describe him physically … he put that extra something in everything he did, too. An all-or-nothing kind of guy, she figured.
She wondered if he’d also prove that way between the sheets.
Shaking the lurid thoughts away, she focused on eating—and watching him eat. He picked up a piece with a slice of what looked like raw salmon on top. The disgust must have shown on her face because his lips curved in his trademark crooked smile that gave him a roguish air. The dimples made a prompt appearance, creating a major meltdown of her insides.
“These are prime grade fish cuts,” he said. “But I also have teriyaki chicken pieces and tempura shrimp. They’re cooked. You like shrimp?”
She nodded as she suspiciously eyed a piece he hooked with his chopsticks and raised it to her mouth.
“Open up ... there.” He slid it between her lips, slowly, carefully, as though performing a sensitive operation.
As her mouth closed over the food, their eyes held for a couple of seconds, then he gingerly removed the chopsticks and watched her chew. The seaweed wrap didn’t taste as foul as she thought—fresh, more like—and the crispy part of the tempura toned down the taste of the spice.
She finally issued her verdict, “Not bad.”
They finished their meals, stealing glances at each other. Kai kept one of his hands dangerously close to hers. If he moved a finger, he’d touch hers, which she kept on the table, just in case ... I want to feel your hand on mine again.
Unfortunately, he removed the hand to check his watch. “Best get a move on. I sent a text to Mr. Crawley, and expect him to contact me early morning. I’ll be bringing him over. You’ll probably have to come back to the bank with him to complete some paperwork. Don’t worry, I’ll be there in case you need me,” he added at the end, seeing her worried frown.
“I can take care of myself, but—”
He held a hand up. “Please, I get it. This is a different world, but things will work out. You’re a sharp cookie.”
“And how do you know?”
“Trust me,” he said, his eyes narrowed on her, “I know.”
Her cheeks heated at his regard. “Thank you for today. I’ll pay you back.”
A pause. “No need. Consider it a ‘welcome back’ gift from me.”
Somehow, his words caused a lump of emotion in her throat. This man cared so much for her mother—and also for her. She bit her lip as she dealt with the flash flood that drowned her senses. She quickly got a hold of herself. “I suppose we should go.”
And so they went, back home to her mother. They stood facing each other by the cottage door. Her neck hurt with the strain of looking up at him.
“How tall are you?” she blurted out.
“Six foot six.”
“Taller than—”
“Yes,” he said curtly. “Taller.” Clearly, he didn’t appreciate being compared to another man.
“Sorry,” she felt compelled to say, her gaze never leaving his. He had to see she was sincere.
“It’s okay, just ... I’m a lot like my great-uncle, much more than I’m like Granddad, but we’re not the same man, okay?”
She nodded. “I know. You’ve been amazing.” She swallowed hard when he bent down a little, bringing his lips a few inches from hers. “I really appreciate—”
Closing the distance between them, he kissed her on the cheek, close to the side of her mouth. His lips felt incredibly warm on her skin. She smelled the breath mint he’d just had, as well as the musky cologne on his neck, and the essence of pure male that sent her head spinning. Oh sweet God above. Oh man ... so much man. Kiss me, Kai ...

Guide me Gently by Peggy Martinez

I met the man’s stare, trying to look as haughty as I could. However, his eyes were the color of the ocean that we had both just fallen into—blue and clear, with the stars twinkling in their reflection—and his face was tan, which I could easily tell even in the semidarkness. He worked in the sun, or at the very least spent a lot of time enjoying it. His mouth was full and beyond kissable. The man was altogether one of the most attractive men I’d ever seen. His nose appeared to have been broken once or twice, but that only added to his fiercely good looks. His eyes narrowed as I gaped at him, still sprawled on top of him like an idiot. I felt my face blush in mortification, and scrambled to get off of him, unwinding my legs from his. I mumbled curses beneath my breath as I tried to pull down the fabric of my dress—that had adhered to my upper thighs and stomach—and to cover my lacey panties, which were showing for all of the world to see.
The man, still on the ground, chuckled deeply, the sound raising goose bumps along my wet skin. I scowled down at him. He was leaning back on his arms, half reclining and gazing at me with a crooked grin.
“What are you staring at?” I snapped, as I peeled the fabric down, trying to reclaim at least a tiny bit of my dignity. “This is all your fault.” His brow rose at that, but I was too embarrassed and enraged to care.
“I was minding my own business, enjoying the water and the moonlight, and then you ruined it.” He smiled widely now, making my anger reach new heights and causing my temper, which I usually held under tight control, to flare. “What the hell were you doing anyway? Planning on drowning an innocent woman tonight, hmm?” I threw at him. His smile vanished, and he quickly moved to his knees, grabbing my thighs in his hands tightly and holding me in place. My nostrils flared and I struggled for a second before giving up, not wanting to give myself bruises while trying to escape his grip.
“Sweetheart, if I’d wanted you or anyone else dead, you’d never have known it was coming,” he whispered harshly. His grip loosened, and he put a hand out to tug the fabric of my dress down over my butt, his knuckles skimming the lace there as he did. I sucked in a breath and waited to see what he planned. My eyes widened as his gaze held mine and he continued to put my dress to rights. When he was finished, he stood up and I realized just how large he was. He towered over me by a good four inches. His shoulders were broad, his white T-shirt plastered to his muscular chest, and dark tattoos that I couldn’t make out in the darkness covering both of his arms. I could also see one peeking out from the collar of his shirt as well, and couldn’t help but wonder what it was and where it led to.

City of Sin by R.K. Ryals

“A city of sin,” she said suggestively, as if her hips weren’t invitation enough.
The rainforest surrounding us was full of noise, chattering birds, buzzing insects, and enough humidity to match any day back home. A mosquito nipped me on the neck, and I quickly slapped at it.
“How much sin are we talking about?” I asked.
Haven hiked through the foliage, her eyes on the trees above us. A macaw was perched on a limb, its plumage bright and colorful, and its gaze on Haven. Her eyes were riveted on the bird, and I realized suddenly that this was the first time Haven had ever been out of our small hometown. Life hadn’t been kind to her, but she’d survived it with a kind heart and a brilliant spirit.
I almost let it slip then, the words I’d been fighting all day not to say. It wasn’t time yet.
“Hamartia,” Haven said thoughtfully. “A village that simply disappeared.”
I scanned the forest. “They probably got eaten by a wild beast.”
It was not the best idea being in the rainforest alone without a guide. Haven was an adventurer. She saw something, and she went after it.
I saw the sign before she did.
Enter at your own risk.
“Should this be comforting?” I asked.
The sign was the first thing either of us had seen in miles. There had only been close forest, and the uncomfortable realization that there was wildlife here a lot more vicious than the wildlife back home.
Haven’s excitement lit up her face. She grabbed my arm, her fingers digging into my damp flesh.
“This has to be it,” she exclaimed.
Haven was beautiful, and she didn’t even know it. It was part of what made her so unique.
My hand pushed at a large leaf over the sign. “We can’t explore it standing here.”
She laughed, the sound filling the forest. A startled macaw launched into the air, its colorful wings shuddering. Beneath the foliage, an iguana skittered deeper into the forest debris.
Ducking, Haven entered the area first, her sudden silence enough to rush me.
The sight that met my eyes was as breathtaking as the woman next to me.
“The city of sin,” Haven whispered.
A city of sin indeed.