Snippet Saturday: Gettin’ Emotional in Red Rock Pass

Happy snippet saturday! Not only do we have a contest, here’s one last pre-release peek at Sanctuary’s Price, which comes out the day after the day after tomorrow! (SOON!) Today’s theme is emotions, or rather…getting emotional. I love that theme.

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“That one.” Her legs were shaking, so she eased a box out of the way and sat on the corner of the desk. “I never got the chance to tell you why kissing you is a bad idea.”

Dylan froze with the book still held aloft, and a brittle wariness filled his eyes. “I don’t think kissing me is ever a bad idea, but I could be biased.”

Her stomach twisted at his expression. She wanted to change the subject, run, or maybe even kiss him anyway, but she needed to be honest with him. “I’m not staying in Red Rock, Dylan. As soon as I’m square with everyone, I’ll be leaving.”

“Square with everyone?” He set the book on the table and watched her. “Jesus Christ, Sasha. Do you think you owe someone in this town something?”

“Yes.” She rubbed her arms to dispel her goose bumps. “Gavin and Sam. Keith. A-and you.”

Pain flashed in his eyes. “You saved Brynn and Keith. We owe you.”

“I’m not explaining this very well.” Nerves always made her clumsy, even in her speech. “It’s the old tradition, the one Maritza was teaching me. Keith saved my life, and I did the same for him. That’s the way it goes. But if my debts are left open, if they’re not repaid, like with you…” She struggled for words that would make him understand. “It doesn’t matter if you expect it, or even if you want it. Until we’re even, my life is yours.”

“Why do you think you owe me, Sasha?” The words were compassionate. “Because of the spell? I did that to help Gavin and Sam as much as to keep you safe. It’s nothing.”

She blinked at him, confused. “You killed Alan Matthews. You kept him from dragging me back to Helena, from—from doing the things he said he was going to do to me. And I know you didn’t do it for me, but that doesn’t matter.”

Dylan moved around the table, every movement so careful he had to be trying not to startle her. He lifted his hands and cupped her cheeks. “You do not owe anyone for saving you from Alan Matthews. You were supposed to be safe here. You were supposed to be protected. He came here to hurt us, and you suffered for it. We owe you.”

His words relieved her of her debt, but Sasha had a hard time concentrating on them. His hands were warm on her skin, and he was so close… She laid her palm on his chest, and her own body responded to the strong, fast beating of his heart. “Dylan.”

“Shh.” His thumb swept over her lips. “Don’t go to Maine to pay off a debt. It could be dangerous, and you don’t need more danger. You deserve to be safe for a while.”

She couldn’t breathe, and her body throbbed. “Are you going?”

“If that’s what Gavin needs me to do.” His mouth was so close she could feel his breath. “He’s my alpha now.”

“Then quit trying to talk me out of it. I’m going too.” Sasha pulled him closer, her hands shaking. She didn’t mean to speak, but the words tumbled out anyway. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“Funny, I was thinking the same thing today.” His thumb drifted down to her chin, and he tilted her head back. “Can I kiss you? Even if it’s a bad idea?”

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Don’t stop now! More emotions await: Jaci Burton, Eliza Gayle, Michelle Pillow, Mandy Roth, Juliana Stone, Lacey Savage, McKenna Jeffries, Taige Crenshaw, Vivian Arend, Sasha White, Ashley Ladd, Victoria Janssen, Shelli Stevens, Shelley Munro, TJ Michaels, Lauren Dane, Beth Kery, Leah Braemel