Title: Consequences
Series: Consequences Series
Author: Aleatha Romig
Release Date: August 5, 2011
Book #1 of the
Bestselling Consequences series:
From New York Times
and USA Today bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a suspenseful thriller
about secrets and deception, passion and love, choices and consequences.
Every action has
consequences.
Waking in an
unfamiliar bedroom in a luxurious mansion, Claire Nichols is terrified to
discover that a chance encounter led her into the cruel hands of her abductor,
Anthony Rawlings. Claire has no understanding of why she’s there, but it’s been
made abundantly clear—she is now his acquisition and every action has
consequences.
Learn the rules to
survive.
Facing
incomprehensible circumstances, Claire must learn to survive her new
reality—every aspect of her livelihood depends upon the tall, dark-eyed tycoon
who is a true master of deception. Driven by unknown demons, he has no
tolerance for imperfection, in any aspect of his life, including his recent
acquisition. Anthony may appear to the world as a handsome, benevolent
businessman, but in reality Claire knows firsthand that he’s a menacing,
controlling captor with very strict rules: do as you’re told, public failure is
not an option, and appearances are of the utmost importance.
Captivate the
captor.
To fit together the
pieces of the puzzle, Claire must follow his rules. Will her plan work, or will
Anthony become enthralled by Claire’s beauty, resilience, and determination,
changing the game forever? If that happens, will either of them survive the
consequences?
Nobody ever did or
ever will escape the consequences of his choices.—Alfred A. Montaper
Upon opening the door, she wasn’t disappointed, and his
presence didn’t startle her. He was seated at the table with the gift in his hand.
“You haven’t opened your present.”
“I knew it was from you and thought you might want to see me
open it,” she lied.
He set the gift on the table and walked toward her. Although
his height dominated her small frame, she held her ground and looked up at him
as their bodies touched. He pulled her close and held her there with his
strong, solid arms. She knew her emerald eyes appeared weary as he examined her
face. His soft brown eyes gleamed while his musky fragrance overwhelmed her
senses. She wasn’t afraid, only tired. Silently she prayed: Dear God, if he
wants me to do something, I hope it’s over soon.
In one swift yet gentle motion he lifted her and carried her
to the bed. Although he had a trip to take, he didn’t seem rushed. Instead, he
laid her on the bed and leisurely untied her robe. Claire remained still as he
stood and looked at her body—completely nude—pink from the warm bath—and
smelling of bath beads. Neither one spoke. There were no instructions, no
insults, and no rules. Attempting to conceal his burning carnal desire,
Anthony’s fingers moved slowly as his light touch traced over her breasts, down
her stomach, and over her hips.
The heat intensified as his touch turned to caresses. She
didn’t want to respond. Wanting to remain unfazed by his actions, she reminded
herself, this is the man that hurt me; however, when his lips contacted her
soft skin, beginning at her neck, nuzzling her collar, and suckling the flesh
of her breasts—her body stirred deep inside. Fighting the sensations, she remained
stoic until his tongue tenderly teased her nipples and his fingers explored new
depths. Unconsciously, she pushed away the absurdity of the situation, as well
as the abrasiveness of his five o’clock shadow. Her nipples hardened while her
back arched, pushing her breasts upward.
The open drapes filled the room with natural light. As his
mouth tantalized her skin, she sat forward allowing him to gently remove her
robe. It was then, Anthony gasped.
Claire froze—unsure why he made such a sound, and turned to
see his face. His features were softer and more concerned than she’d ever
witnessed. He didn’t say a word but tenderly caressed her neck and back. His
actions were sensual, careful, and tender.
Slowly, he joined her on the bed, and only after ensuring that
she was moist and ready did he enter her body. He’d been there before, but this
was different. The only sounds from his mouth were incomprehensible noises that
made their meaning clear. Soon, she responded in the same language. This time
he wasn’t the only one to experience fulfillment—Claire did too.
After they were both satisfied, she rested on the satin
sheets while he walked to the table, completely nude. From her vantage point
she saw his muscles defined from exertion, and firm skin glistening with
perspiration, as he picked up the gift and turned back toward her. Lifting her
head from the pillow, her long damp brown hair cascaded in waves around her
face. Anthony handed Claire the gift and watched as she removed the wrapping
from the black velvet box. Inside was a Swarovski wristwatch. She smiled.
“It’s meant as a way to avoid glitches in the future,” he
said softly.
“Thank you. I would really like to avoid those.”
She handed him the box and lowered her head to the pillow.
Completely drained of energy, she closed her eyes and felt the soft warmth as
Anthony lifted the covers over her body. She could still smell his musky scent
as she drifted into unconsciousness. She didn’t wake until Monday morning.
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Together with her high-school sweetheart and husband of twenty-eight years, they've raised three children. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her family and friends. Her pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!
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