Anya Bast

Okay, okay, so this isn’t technically the first kiss scene of Witch Fury. I guess you’ll have to read the book for that one. ;-p This is more of a teaser scene that may (or may not) lead to the first kiss scene. Call the Snippet Saturday police on me. G’wan.

Excerpt from WITCH FURY (June 2, Berkley Sensation) © 2009 Anya Bast

She reached out and traced a long white scar running from his shoulder down over his pectorals. His flesh shivered under her touch and his breath caught almost too softly to hear. She flattened her palm against his warm flesh and savored the steady, strong beat of his heart thrumming under her hand.

“What you’ve done with these scars–you’ve made them magnificent. You’ve transformed them into something your own, art of your own. Taken your wounds and made something beautiful out of them.”

He caught her hand in his so fast it made her gasp. Theo stared down at her. “Don’t push me.” He stood and walked toward the hallway.

“Push you? What are you talking about?” She rose from the couch.

Theo turned and stalked toward her. “You know what I mean. I’m attracted to you and you know it. Don’t push me. This isn’t a game.”

“What?” Honestly, when she traced the scar on his chest the last thing she’d been thinking about was sex. She’d simply been moved by his experience and the marks he’d always wear to remind him. “Theo, I wasn’t trying to push you, but if I overstepped our boundaries. I’m sorry.”

“I can’t be around you without wanting you.” He turned away from her, once again walking toward the hallway. He meant to escape into his bedroom. Run away.

Sarafina followed him. “Theo, wait. We need to talk this through.”

Theo whirled and crowded her against the wall of the hallway.

Her breath left her in a rush of surprise and a spike of fear. She had to quickly remind herself that she trusted Theo and he meant her no harm.

His arms pinned her on either side of her body and his head dipped, his warm breath teasing the fine hair at the edges of her face. “The last thing I want to do with you is talk, Sarafina.”

Her stomach muscles tightened and her breath caught. “I didn’t know you were attracted to me,” she whispered. “You gave me no reason to think so.”

“I’m giving you reason now.” His voice was low and melodic in a raw, masculine way. He spoke right next to her ear, sending shivers through her body.

Her breathing hitched. Yes, yes he was giving her a reason now, ample. So much it was making her head spin.

His hand dropped an inch, toyed with the button of her jeans. “And if I can’t make myself walk away right now, I’ll give you even more reason.”

Want to read more snippets? Here’s a list of all of today’s participating authors. Enjoy!

Lauren Dane
Cynthia Eden
Vivi Anna
Sylvia Day
Moira Rogers
Mandy Roth
Viv Arend
Beth Williamson
Elisabeth Naughton
Michelle Pillow
Jaci Burton
Taige Crenshaw
McKenna Jeffries
Victoria Janssen
Shelli Stevens
Maggie Robinson
Juliana Stone
Sasha White
Maura Anderson
Shelley Munro
Jody Wallace
Eliza Gayle
Kelly Maher

Oh, and, hey, you all, join me at Writerspace tomorrow at 9pm ET for a chat about Witch Fury. I’d love to see you there and I’ll be giving away a prize of some kind.