Firebird- Part Fifteen

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA Chase

Part Fifteen-

Rue’s eyebrow rose. “So Iceman, who’s Stargazer?”

“A colleague. He supplies me with items I can’t get here on planet.” Vlatko smiled at him and headed towards one of the computers. “Stargazer. Ready as always. Be advised I have a visitor.”

“Is he pretty?” A harsh chuckle came over the speaker.

Goose bumps rose on Rue’s skin. He didn’t know if they were from unease or interest in the rough masculine voice talking to Vlatko.

“As pretty as the firebird.” Vlatko’s dark eyes ran over Rue, making the thief feel as if the man had stripped him naked.

“Can’t wait to see for myself. That bird of yours burns brightly. Meet me at the landing strip.” The intercom went silent.

Vlatko headed to a door opposite the computer wall. He opened it and took a step inside, pausing to look back over his shoulder at Rue. “Aren’t you coming?”

Rue was surprised. He’d figured Vlatko wouldn’t want him to know where the landing strip was. “You want me to go with you?”

A puzzled frown marred Vlatko’s forehead. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“When I find the filed, I’ll be able to contact I.U.M. to pick me up and having a landing strip would make it easier. They’ll be able to get at you when ever they wanted.” He joined Vlatko in the narrow hallway.

“True, but since you’re not going to find my files, I’m not worried about what other knowledge you gain. You might want to reconsider contacting the I.U.M. when you’re ready to leave. They did set you up after all.”

Vlatko lead the way down the dark corridor. The lights were motion operated, turning on when they approached and going dark after they passed.

“I thought you said there wouldn’t be a transport for another month,” Rue accused.

“I lied in a way. There won’t be another commercial transport for a month. Stargazer’s ship isn’t commercial and he wouldn’t take you. No matter how pretty you are.” Vlatko stopped at the base of a steel ladder. “I’ll go first.” He started to climb.

“Why wouldn’t he take me?” Rue followed.

“He’s trying to stay under the I.U.M.’s radar.” Vlatko’s voice drifted down to him.

“Yet he’s helping you.” Rue blinked in the burst of light created when Vlatko opened a hatch at the top of the ladder. “It doesn’t seem very ‘under the radar’ to me.”

“It is when you find out that Stargazer is the oath-brother to the last man I killed.”

Vlatko reached down and pulled a stunned Rue up through the hatch. Rue found himself standing in the corner of a enormous cave whose mouth was wide enough for a small ship to fit through. A rather non-descript ship rested on the landing pad all ready.

A pale man walked towards them. He was an inch or two shorter than Rue, but the confident way he walked and met Rue’s gaze made him seem larger.

“Why” was all Rue could think of to say.

Gone for the weekend

Hey everyone...I'm leaving this morning for a weekend away and I won't get back until Monday afternoon. Try not to have too much fun without me. :)

Aw...all right...don't do anything I wouldn't do. (how's that?) That leaves endless possibilities for you...lol

Firebird-Part Fourteen

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA Chase

Part Fourteen-

Vlatko tasted the fresh tang of the apple from Rue’s lips. He licked along the plump bottom lip and then sank his tongue in the slender man’s mouth. Keeping the kiss gentle and not letting it get out of hand was tough, but Vlatko wanted to do more than just fuck Rue. Though they would be doing more of that. For the first time in his life, Vlatko wanted to get to know someone just for the sake of knowing them. He had no other reason for it.

Rue’s arms wrapped around his neck and that lean body pushed tighter to him. Vlatko’s hands reached down, cupping his firm ass and lifting to create a better angle for the kiss. When their breath ran out, they pulled apart and stood staring at each other.

“We should head back and grab some lunch. I think we both worked up an appetite.” He grinned at Rue.

“You’re right.” They laughed as Rue’s stomach growled. “So what do you do on this planet?”

Vlatko wasn’t about to tell Rue what he was really doing on this unnamed planet. “I made arrangements with the king. I provided protection for his hunting parties and he leaves me alone.”

“You have to be bored out of your fucking mind.” Rue glanced around as they made their way back to the hut.

“Maybe I like the solitude. It might be a great place for me to contemplate my guilt.”
Vlatko bit back a smile when Rue stared at him in astonishment and then doubled over in laughter.

“I can almost believe the solitude part since you don’t strike me as an extrovert, but don’t try to convince me the guilty conscience bullshit is true.” Rue chuckled.

“Okay, so I don’t wallow in the ‘I’m a horrible person’ pit.” Vlatko opened the hut door and ushered Rue in. He studied the thin man.

He’d given Rue a month to find the files. In his searching, it would only be a matter of time before he found the trap door. Might as well let Rue in on that part of the secret.

“When I’m not doing escort duty, I’m usually down here.’

Pushing the bed out of the way, Vlatko revealed a trap door. He unsealed it and hauled the door up, gesturing for Rue to climb down. He followed.

“Holy shit.”

They stood in a large chamber equipped with every thing a modern house would have on another planet. A kitchen, bathroom and bedroom branched off the main room. Vlatko’s computers lined the far wall.

“Would you like something to eat?” Vlatko reached for the refrigerator door.

“Shouldn’t you bandage that?” Rue gestured to the burn marks on Vlatko’s wrist.

“I’m immune to every known infection and disease. My healing rate is faster than a normal human’s.” He pulled out the fixings for sandwiches.

“Pretty handy.” Rue settled on a chair at the table.

“The I.U.M. spent a lot of money and time on making me into the perfect killer.” He poured glasses of water.

“They must have thrown fits when their million credit machine walked out on them.” Rue took a sip.

Vlatko knew the thief was trying to scope the place out without letting Vlatko know about it. He could see those amber eyes drat from one corner to the other. He wasn’t worried about it. There wasn’t anything Rue would be able to find. “You can throw all the money in the universe into creating a person like me, but all that same money couldn’t get me to stay.” He sat the plate on the table between them.

“True, but what’s to stop them from making another just like you?” Rue grabbed a sandwich and took a bite.

“I’m sure they would but it seems that all their research has disappeared.” He winked at Rue.
A ringing sound came from one of the computers and then a voice blared into the room.

“Hey Iceman, this is Stargazer. You ready for me to land?”

Something about This Movie

There's just something about this movie that I adore. :) Maybe it's big blonde men killing things with large swords. ;) I don't know. But I might just have every line of this movie memorized.

I tried to read the book it was based on, but couldn't make it out of the first chapter.

The movie is mysterious, epic and in it's own way, romantic.

What movie could you watch over and over without getting tired of? Do you have any favorite quotes from the movie?

"Fear profits a man nothing." is one of my favorite quotes from the movie.

Firebird-Part Thirteen

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Thirteen-

The first thing Rue saw when he opened his eyes was the firebird glaring down at him from her perch. A voice in the back of his head yelled for him to run. To get away while he still could. He couldn’t remember why and since Vlatko seemed to have sucked his brain out through his cock, he didn’t have the intelligence to figure out where to run.

“You’re awake and trying to remember why every instinct you have is screaming for you to run.” Vlatko sat down next to him and ran a hand over his hair.

“How did you know?” Rue rested his head on Vlatko’s thigh, staring up at the man.

“You had a dazed ‘what the hell do I do now’ look.” Vlatko chuckled.

“If you’re right, why did the I.U.M. choose me to steal the files from you?” He opened his mouth and nibbled on the piece of apple Vlatko sliced for him.

“Not sure how they did it, but the guys in the Secrets branch of the military must have figured out my weakness.” Vlatko’s rough hands handled the sharp steel blade deftly.

Rue knew he should be worried that the knife would slip and he’d find himself dead. Yet he believed Vlatko wasn’t going to kill him. Of course that could be wishful thinking. “Your weakness?”

“Slender pretty men with bad attitudes.” Vlatko winked at him.

“Strange. Large dark men were never my thing.” Rue rubbed his cheek against the front of Vlatko’s pants.

“There’s always a first time, love. You came here for the challenge. They used your ego against you. You had to prove how good you are by stealing something from one of the I.U.M.’s trained killers.” Vlatko shook his head. “I always knew egos could get people into trouble.”

“You don’t have an ego?” Rue took another piece of apple.

“No. I know I’m good, but I don’t have to prove it to everyone who questions me.”

Rue threw a quick glance over the muscular body close to him. “Who would question you? Even I would think twice about it.”

“There’s been one or two.”

“Why didn’t you kill me?” Rue hated coming back to that question, but his mind wouldn’t let go of it.

“I don’t kill anymore.” The knife got tucked away in the fabric of Vlatko’s clothes.

“But why? I can’t believe you woke up one morning and said ‘I’m done.’ Did you kill someone you didn’t think should die?”

Vlatko’s smile sent a lustful heat racing to Rue’s groin and a cold shiver down his spine.

“None of the people I killed deserved to die, but I killed them anyway, Rue. I didn’t suddenly grow a conscience.” Vlatko’s hand rested on Rue’s throat and stroked. “You’ll probably think I’m a monster, but I liked killing. I liked the power and the thrill of the hunt.”

“Then why walk away and make yourself a marked man?” Rue could understand the thrill and the seduction of power, but he didn’t understand walking away from what made the man happy, even if it was killing others.

“I got tired of being used. The men who run the I.U.M. don’t want to get their own hands dirty, so they turn other men into hunters and executioners. I believe they need to take responsibility for their own actions. They need to be the ones pulling the trigger or holding the knife.” Vlatko’s gaze stared off over the clearing. “The thing they didn’t imagine was that their created killer would start thinking for himself. Their overwhelming problem is they think they’re far more intelligent than every other person in the universe.”

“It must have shocked them when you told them no and then let them know you had proof of what they did.” Rue’s muscles were relaxing under Vlatko’s touch. He squashed the stray thought that with one squeeze of those fingers, his throat could be crushed.

“Their faces turned red and then white. I walked out of the room with them staring daggers at my back.” Vlatko shrugged. “It didn’t bother me. They’ve feared me since the day they made me.”

“If I were smart, I’d fear you too.” Rue grinned.

“You are smart and you are afraid of me, but your instincts are starting to kick in and tell you that I won’t hurt you. I really have nothing to gain by killing you.”

Vlatko reached down and pulled him up, so he was kneeling and facing the man. A rough thumb stroked over the tender spot behind his ear. He moaned.

“I get the feeling that I’d lose more than I ever thought possible if I killed you.”

Vlatko’s words and warm breath settling over his lips caused another shiver to race down Rue’s spine, but this one wasn’t caused by fear. It was caused from the gossamer touch of fate.

Come and SEx with me

Sorry everyone for being missing in action over the last two days. Friday was so busy I was lucky I could remember where I lived at the end of the day. And yesterday was the same thing.

Today I have to work for most of the day, but I posted a story on Liquid Silver's blog, SEx. It has to do with the pic I posted here. Please stop by and read it. If you feel like it, leave a comment there or come back here and tell me what you thought. :)

I hope you all have a great day.

Firebird-Part Twelve

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Twelve-

Vlatko nibbled on Rue’s lips. Maybe it was crazy not to kill the thief right then, but he didn’t care. His files were hidden in the one place Rue would never find them. He placed kisses along Rue’s chin heading to the sensitive spot behind the slender man’s ear. Scrapping his teeth over skin, he chuckled when Rue shivered and pressed closer to him. His hands slid down to cup Rue’s firm ass. Vlatko picked Rue up and carried him to the nearest tree.

Vlatko set the man down and pushed him until Rue was leaning back against the tree. He grasped those bony wrists, lifting them above Rue’s blonde head. “Keep them up. No touching.”

Rue whimpered, small perfect white teeth biting that swollen bottom lip. “All right.”

He placed a gentle kiss on Rue’s nose. “I won’t hurt you. Trust me.”

Those strange amber eyes rolled and Vlatko realized how stupid the request sounded. “Come on, Rue. I haven’t hurt you yet. I’ve only brought you pleasure and I plan on doing that again.”
He palmed Rue’s cock through the man’s pants and squeezed. Rue’s eyes closed. His head feel back, a groan being issued from Rue’s bared throat.

Vlatko teased Rue, fondling and rubbing the man’s shaft. He leaned down, taking a nip at the point where the neck and collarbone met.

“Again. More. Harder.” Rue seemed to be reduced to single word sentences. His bony hips rolled into each touch. “Please.”

“Please what?” Vlatko breathed in to Rue’s ear, licking the outside edge.

“Touch me.” Begging looked nice on the thief.

“I am touching you.” He moved his other hand back to mold and knead Rue’s ass.

“Skin. Skin on skin. Yours on mine.”

“Rather pushy, aren’t you?” But Vlatko was willing to do as Rue demanded.

He managed to unbutton Rue’s pants with one hand, keeping the other playing with Rue’s backside. He didn’t want the man to start thinking and decide this wasn’t a good idea. Though the way Rue was moaning and shivering, Vlatko didn’t think the man could form a rational thought at the moment.

Their groans joined together as Vlatko’s hand engulfed the hot velvety hard shaft that Rue’s pants revealed. He gripped it firmly and stroked down, then up. Rue’s body moved with his strokes. Vlatko sucked up a spot on Rue’s neck, worrying it with teeth and tongue.

“Please.” Rue’s hands scrabbled against the tree bark, trying to grab onto something.

Vlatko pushed his other hand down the back of Rue’s pants to play with the top of the man’s crease.

“Oh gods,” Rue cried out.

Vlatko reached down and rolled Rue’s balls in his hand. They were tight and he knew he could make the man come with just his hands, but he had the sudden urge to taste the thief. Sucking cock wasn’t something he liked to do. Maybe it was just too intimate a thing. Yet there was a need in him to take Rue’s shaft in his mouth and drink from him.

He knelt before Rue. His hand wrapped around the base of Rue’s long slender cock and he licked the flared head. Rue almost levitated. His wild cry echoed through the clearing. Vlatko smiled. At least the thief liked that. He set to work. His tongue traced the large throbbing vein along the underside of Rue’s shaft. He took the head into his mouth and swirled his tongue over it, tasting the bitter saltiness of Rue’s pre-cum. Pulling off, he looked up to see Rue staring down at him, need and pleasure mixed in the man’s eyes, making them look as if they were made of flames.

“Ready?” He didn’t wait for Rue to answer. He swallowed the man down while at the same time, he pressed his finger into Rue’s ass.

Rue came undone, thrusting and crying out. The man starting fucking Vlatko’s face while Vlatko finger-fucked him.

“Gonna,” Rue warned.

Vlatko hummed around the shaft in his mouth. He really did want to taste Rue. The vibration from his hum must have been too much. Rue came with a shout, his cum flooding Vlatko’s mouth. Vlatko swallowed as much as he could, but a little found freedom at the corner of his lips. He licked and sucked until Rue stood quiet before him. With one last swipe to make sure the man’s shaft was clean, he climbed to his feet.

Rue’s eyes were stunned. The slender man reached up and wiped the drop of his cum off Vlatko’s chin. Vlatko watched Rue suck it from his finger. Two thin arms wrapped around his neck and pulled him into a kiss that said thank you and more please. There was another emotion in the kiss, but he didn’t recognize it and didn’t care. He encircled the thief’s waist and let Rue rest on him.

“What about you?” Rue’s hand wandered down and patted his cock.

“I’m fine.” It was the truth. He didn’t ache or need at the moment. At least not for sex.

“Okay.” Rue’s eyes closed and his head came to rest on Vlatko’s shoulder.

Vlatko lowered them to the ground under the oak tree. He maneuvered so that Rue was using him for a mattress. He didn’t want Rue to be stiff when he woke up from his nap. Running his hand through Rue’s blonde curls, he laughed at himself. Maybe it wasn’t boredom that made him keep the thief alive. Maybe something else was at work here. He glanced up at the firebird that was peering down from her perch. He swore the old biddy winked at him.

Happy Hunk Day

Happy Wednesday, everyone. Only two more days to the weekend. Yay!

Didn't get any writing done last night. I was reading. (Not something I do a lot of these days) I finally got Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsey yesterday, so I spent my evening devouring it. lol. Very interesting story, I must say and just different enough from the tv show that I don't feeling once I read the book, I don't need to see the show. :)

Though I did get an idea for another historical yesterday. This one is a western. Wrote it down, but don't know if anything will come of the story line. Have to wait and see. Not that I'll be working on it anytime soon.

Have a great day, everyone.

Firebird-Part Eleven

Firebird copyright (c)2006 T.A. Chase

Part Eleven-

Rue couldn’t believe it. He’d never been found out before. He smiled to himself. Of course, he’d never gone up against a stone-cold killer like Vlatko. Glancing around the clearing, he wondered if Vlatko was telling the truth. His eyes settled on the dark man and the flaming bird her held.

“That has to hurt, man.” It wasn’t what he wanted to say but his tongue-brain connection had been interrupted by shock.

Those dark eyes watched him, ignoring the striking beak of the bird. “Not really with all the bonus the body armor gives me, the drawback is loss of nerve-endings I don’t feel pain.”

“Don’t feel pain? That’s seriously fucked up.” Rue shook his head.

“Makes sense, doesn’t it? If you want to make a ruthless killer, you’ve got to make him pain free. Deaden his nerve endings certain places. Bingo. Got a killer.” Vlatko lifted his arm, forcing the firebird to step off onto a branch.

Rue tensed. Here was when Vlatko grabbed him and killed him. The thief hoped Sysu enjoyed all of Rue’s money. He figured his friend wouldn’t waste time emptying out the back accounts when Rue didn’t return.

Vlatko moved back in the direction of the hut.

“Wait. Aren’t you going to kill me?” Rue snapped his mouth shut. Damn. No need to give the man suggestions.

Vlatko grinned over a broad shoulder at him. “Rue, I knew before you woke up this morning why you were really here. I could have killed you without any trouble then. I prefer not to kill anymore.”

Rue was dumb founded. He hadn’t thought about that. Vlatko could have easily broken his neck with those big hands. “Why?”

The man shrugged. “Boredom, I think. You’ve been the most fun I’ve had since I landed on this planet. Listen, I don’t plan on killing you, so relax. I’ll give you a couple weeks to try and find the information. Afterwards, if you haven’t found them, I’ll let you contact whenever you want.”

“Even if it’s the I.U.M.?”

“The I.U.M. will be sending a unit in to find you. Stealing the President’s Heart is a big deal.” Vlatko held the ruby up.

“It’s not the President’s Heart. The agent I met who gave me the details for this job said that jewel I’d be stealing was a plant. It’s all part of the cover story.” A sick feeling rolled over him when Vlatko shook his head.

“Never trust the I.U.M. They’ll screw you over as soon as they can. There’s a reason why they wanted the Heart stolen. A combination of reasons. Gives them a chance to catch you. Matchov is an independent planet. Without the Heart, they’ll get into trouble and the I.U.M. can move in to save them. Last, it gives you a reason to end up on my planet. Maybe the universally famous Rue can find the files when no one else can.” Vlatko strolled over to him and cupped his face.

He swallowed. It wasn’t a good idea, but hell, he’d never been good. Rising up on his toes, he pressed his lips against Vlatko’s.

JERR review for Here Be Dragons

Michelle at JERR gave Here Be Dragons 5 stars and here's a little of what she has to say:

"Here Be Dragons is a title that immediately drew my attention. Would this be a fantasy set in a mythical world? As it turn out, the answer is no, as Mr. Chase held me spellbound by combining myth and legend in a contemporary setting....This was a book that surpassed all my expectations. All I can say is “More please!”

I've been overwhelmed by the response I've gotten to my geeky scientist and his handsome boss. :) it makes me smile to know that everyone loves them as much as I do. Or at least I haven't heard anything bad about the book yet.

Busy at work all day today, but I hope you all have a great day. Would anyone like to give this guy a hug, so he doesn't have to hug himself? lol

*Update* I got the link to Elisa's post at her blog, Isn't It Romantic?. She's posted an excerpt from Angel's Evolution plus a little introduction from me about the story. It's in English and in Italian. Now I have to go and get the comments translated into English, so I know what wonderful things they're saying about my books. :) She's done a great job promoting m/m romances to her Italian friends.

The Nymphs have Spoken

Water Nymph at Literary Nymphs gave Here Be Dragons 4.5 nymphs. ;) (Which is kind of fitting, don't you think since I have mythological creatures in this story?) Here's a little bite of what she had to say:

"Here Be Dragons is truly a first-rate read that contains all of the elements that make a sizzling romance, as well as adding a large dose of fantasy that keeps the reader wondering what might be appearing next."


Click here to read the rest of the review. Also, I'm waiting for the new issue of the JERR newsletter. HBD got reviewed in that as well. Yikes! (Celia, you didn't happen to review it for JERR as well? lol *just kidding*)


Well, I'm planning on doing some writing today. Not sure how far I'll get on that, but at least a goal has been set. Though I have finished the first set of edits for Angel's Evolution. Oh and the lovely Elisa has translated an excerpt of AE into Italian for all her friends and fellow romance readers. As soon as she sends me the link to her blog where it'll be posted, I'll put it up. See, romance truly is an international emotion and there is an interest in m/m romances as well. :)

Have a great day, everyone.

Working Saturday

Have to go into work today. woo-hoo! I'm so excited...lol. Actually it won't be bad. I might even be able to sneak in a few minutes of writing.

But while I'm toiling away at my job, I hope you all enjoy this gentleman who gets to sleep in on Saturday. :)

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Firebird-Part Ten

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Ten-

Vlatko didn’t know if the shocked look on Rue’s face was because he’d been found out or that Vlatko had figured it out so soon.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not here to steal anything from you.” Rue struggled in his arms.

“Excuse me if I don’t believe that.” He gestured to where a bag sat just at the edge of the clearing. “I left the hut while you were sleeping and looked around. Found your bag in the bushes there. Clothes, credits and a pretty little red stone. The President’s Heart is beautiful. If you were tied up here by a disgruntled transport captain, he wouldn’t have left you anything. But all your stuff is right there.”

He pushed Rue towards the bag. The thief stumbled across the hard ground and Valtko fought the urge to help him. Shaking his head, he moved towards the tree where the firebird still perched. The closer he got, the more agitated the bird became until sparks rained down like a little meteor shower. He felt the embers sting his skin, but didn’t move away.

“I figured they would send someone. The information I have could topple a few governments if the universe found out the truth. It’s dangerous for me to still be alive.” He turned to see Rue pulling on some pants and a dark green chest-hugging shirt. He continued in a thoughtful tone. “If I had friends, I’d be led to believe that I.U.M. talked to them about the best way to get me to lower my guard.”

Rue started to say something, but Vlatko held up his hand. “Don’t get me wrong. I never wanted friends. Life is far easier without worrying about other people. Friends can be used against you. But so can your own nature.”

Vlatko lifted his hand higher, bringing it within reach of the shrieking bird. She struck out with her beak, but he didn’t move. He kept his eyes on Rue, ignoring the danger above him. One foot gripped his wrist and he grimaced at the smell of burning flesh.

“Wait. Don’t let that thing touch you. You’ll get fried.” Rue stood up, holding out his hand as if wanting to stop Vlatko.

“There are benefits to being a trained killer, Rue. One is liquid body armor that they inject under your skin. It makes you impervious to fire, guns and anything short of a nuclear explosion.” The second claw closed around his wrist and he brought the bird down. “The only discomfort I have is from the smell. The top layer of my flesh will grow back.”

Rue’s eyes were glancing wildly around the clearing. He watched the lean muscles tense and he knew Rue was planning on running. He hid a smile. The I.U.M. hadn’t briefed the thief very well if the guy thought he could survive on the planet long enough for someone to rescue him.

“Don’t run, Rue. I was telling the truth. There’s only the primitive people of the planet and they give me a wide berth.” He worked the transmitter out of his pocket with his free hand. “And I took the liberty to steal your transmitter. The I.U.M. won’t send anyone in to save you either. You should have done more research before you accepted this job, Rue.”

Movie- The Lakehouse

I was going to show the poster for The Lakehouse. It's a chick flick and I'm not big on those. C watches a ton more of them then I do. :) But this one is pretty good. Now, I know some of you are saying Keanu Reeves can't really act. He's certainly not going to win any awards, but I think he's cute in a goofy sort of way.

I got the next scene for Firebird written last night. Must say I'm a little surprised at the way it's turning out. The characters aren't doing what I thought they'd be doing and the plot itself is taking odd little turns. It'll be interesting to see where we all end up with this story.

Sorry about no pic. :(

Hope you all have a great day.

Firebird-Part Nine

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Nine-

Rue felt his mouth drop open. Shit. Vlatko was an assassin. This changed everything. “So did you find the fugitive and kill him?” He wasn’t sure about what he was expecting to hear, but it certainly wasn’t what Vlatko said.

“Yes.” Vlatko gathered the empty plates and set them in the sink.

“If you did what they asked you to do, why are you a deserter?” Rue frowned.

Vlatko moved to stand in the doorway, staring out into the forest. “I learned too much. I saw too much.” The big man looked down at his hand. “When your hands are stained red by all the blood spilt, you began to question everything.”

“And the I.U.M. doesn’t like questions.” Rue climbed to his feet and went to join Vlatko at the door.

Vlatko shook his head. “It wasn’t the I.U.M. I was questioning. I knew they were wrong before I even volunteered to be their trained killer.”

Fuck. Rue’s head was starting to hurt. “If you weren’t doubting them, what the hell were you doubting?”

Vlatko sighed. “It doesn’t make sense, I know, but I doubted everything. Why do we fight so hard to live?”

Rue followed Vlatko as the man wandered back towards the clearing where Rue had been tied the day before. “We fight because the only other option is lying down and dying.” Rue reached out and took Vlatko’s hand.

Vlatko glanced over at him, but didn’t pull his hand away. “Why? Why are we living? Are we supposed to learn something?”

Rue started laughing. “The I.U.M. must have freaked out when their trained assassin turned into a philosopher.”

Vlatko smiled. “I.U.M. freaked because I told them I had files and information, not only on the most recent mission, but on all the people sent me to kill.”

They walked into the clearing and stopped in front of the firebird’s tree. The creature screeched at them as sparks rained down from her feathers. The bird’s plumage was brilliant red and orange as if the creature were on fire. Another ear-piercing screech ricocheted through the clearing.

“Hush, you old biddy,” Vlatko called out to her.

Rue found himself jerked up against Vlatko’s body. He stared up into Vlatko’s black eyes. “You’re covering your ass by blackmailing them into letting you go.” He reached up and rubbed a thumb over Vlatko’s bottom lip.

“Yeah and I never thought they’d send such a sexy thief to steal them from me.”Rue felt his heart stop.

New Show- Dexter

Have any of you watched the new ShowTime show, Dexter? It's pretty creepy, but awesome. It's about a serial killer who works for the Miami Police Department as a blood spatter expert. He has his own twisted code where he only kills other serial killers or bad guys. He doesn't hurt women or children (or innocent people either). At times I wish I had thought up the idea for it. It's interesting to see how he reacts in a normal setting to people since he's a sociopath, he has no real emotions. :) The show is based on this book by Jeff Lindsay. I'm planning on going out and picking it up soon.

Got some writing done over the weekend. Next installment of Firebird and started working on Dining With Alexander which is my story that will going along with Paige's Hot in the Kitchen for our Recipes for Seduction book. :)

Hope everyone has a great day.

New Review!

I got a wonderful new review from Frost at Two Lips Review. :) Frost gave Here Be Dragons 5 kisses and had this to say about it:

"I often felt as if I was reading a chapter from my own life, or from that of people I knew, and I consider that the hallmark of a really excellent novel. I can’t recommend this story highly enough. I’ll be watching for further entries from T. A. Chase!"

Click here to read the entire review. I'm so glad that Frost loved the story and found the reactions of Kael after being abused realistic. When I first wrote HBD, that's something I worried about since I hadn't read too many stories where domestic violence between gay couples was even hinted at. I wondered how readers would react to it, but so far the response has been great.

Today's a sunny day here, so I'm going to go golfing. Trying to get in some final rounds before it gets too cold to play. :) I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Firebird- Part Eight

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Eight-

Vlatko shook his head. “You’re persistent.”

“That’s why I’m so good at what I do.” Rue gave him a wink.

“Let’s go get dressed.” Vlatko headed back to his hut after gathering up the towels and soap.

“Then you’ll tell me why you’re here and not in some I.U.M. prison.” The thief walked beside him with a loose stride.

“Maybe.” Vlatko didn’t want to go into the whole reason why he chose to desert. He didn’t really want to relive that life-changing moment when he realized he couldn’t be a solider anymore.

“Maybe? Hey, I told you the truth about stealing the President’s Heart. Give and take here. I give you something. You give me something in return.” Rue glanced at him. “What’s for breakfast?”

“You already had your breakfast.” He leered at the man. Opening the hut’s door, he gestured for Rue to go in ahead of him. He reached out and pinched the guy’s ass as he went by.

“You know I shouldn’t let you get away with that. You shouldn’t be able to touch me without giving me something in return.” Rue frowned.

Vlatko laughed. “So now you want to negotiate. We’re bartering sex for my secrets.” He stopped to think about it for a second. “Not sure it’d be worth it from my point of view.”

“Not worth it? I fucking blew your mind out there.” Rue’s outrage was cute.

He rubbed a thumb over the frown between Rue’s eyes. “Yes, you did, little thief, but I have a problem sharing my secrets with a man I’ve just met.”

“But no problem with sharing your body?” Rue threw himself down on the cot, crossed his arms and glared at Vlatko.

Vlatko had been in the middle of pulling out plates and pots to make breakfast. He turned to stare at Rue. “Did I miss something? When did you turn into a woman?”

“What the hell?” Rue looked offended.

“We had sex, but we didn’t declare our undying love for each other. Why this need to know my deepest darkest secrets? You don’t see me pushing you to tell me your life story.” Vlatko cracked a couple of eggs into the frying pan.

Rue sighed. “You’re right. I tend to get this way after I’ve gotten close to getting caught and maybe dying.” The thief stood behind him and wrapped those skinny arms around his waist. “You don’t have to tell me anything, Vlatko. I do know how to just fuck.”

He scrambled the eggs and slid them on some plates while he thought about his past. He’d never wanted to tell anyone why he chose the path he took.

“Go sit down.” He waved towards his small table with two chairs. “Would you like water or something stronger to drink? I don’t have visitors very often so I don’t have much.”

Rue tugged on one of Vlatko’s shirts and went to sit. “Water’s fine.”

Vlatko set a plate and a glass in front of Rue and then joined the thief. “Do you pay attention to the news?” He pushed the eggs on his plate around with his fork.

Rue moaned around the first forkful of eggs. “Sure I do. I need to keep up with possible jobs and to see if someone might be talking about me.” Rue shoveled another mouthful. “Where the hell did you get real eggs?”

Vlatko chuckled. “I told you this was a primitive planet. They grow most of their food.”

“No wonder you stay here.” Rue’s glance shot over to Vlatko’s plate.

“Here. I’m not hungry.” He shoved his plate across the table. Leaning back, he played with his glass while watching Rue eat. “About four years ago, there was a big dust-up in the news about a high-level I.U.M. officer being shot in cold blood by one of his subordinates.”

Rue stopped chewing for a second, staring at him. “I remember. It was around the same time I boosted the Rouge diamond from the museum on Ecofo.”

“So that was you. I always wondered.” He added ‘ballsy’ to his mental list of traits Rue had.

“Yep. Got a pretty penny for the bauble when I sold it. So were you the subordinate who pulled the trigger?” There didn’t seem to be any worry on Rue’s face or in his voice.

“No. I’m the assassin the I.U.M. sent after the subordinate to kill him. The official word was dead or alive, but unofficial, I had to kill him.” Vlatko’s words were flat and cold.

Angel's Cover

Here's the awesome cover Anne Cain did for Angel's Evolution. I love it. I think she did a wonderful job capturing Greyson. Such a elegant feel to it as well. I don't think I can wait until January for it to come out...lol.

Oh my blog is going to be featured in Silver Threads, Liquid Silver's newsletter. If anyone would like to sign up for it, click here. It comes out twice a month I believe and gives you updates on upcoming books. Also it features LSB authors. :)

Celia Kyle, under one of her pen names Caye Kim, wrote a two-part article on M/M romances and why women love them. The first part came out over the weekend in Just Erotic Romance Reviews. :) Yours truly was quoted in it. I think she did a great job.

Over the weekend, I did some writing on Tony's story. Got further along on my secret project. :) I feel like Ty Pennington on Extreme Home Makeover with my secret project.

It's been storming and raining all morning. I hope wherever you are, it's sunny and beautiful out.

Firebird-Part Seven

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Seven-

“A deserter?” Rue was surprised. “If you’re a deserter, why does the security force at the Way Station know where you are? Moreover, if they know, the I.U.M. knows. Why haven’t they come after you?”

Anger and an odd sadness warred in Vlatko’s eyes. “I think they would prefer I cease to exist, but they won’t waste their time or men coming after me.”

“Not to offend you or anything, but you’re only one guy. I would think if they really wanted you, they’d send a unit after you.” Rue climbed out of the pool and dried off with one of the towels Vlatko brought with them.

Vlatko followed him. Rue’s gaze traced over the chiseled abs to where Vlatko’s cock nestled among black curls. No doubt about it. The man was hung. A large hand grasped the shaft, stroking it. Rue whimpered. Pre-cum glistened on the glared head of Vlatko’s cock. Rue wanted to taste it.

Vlatko laid a towel on the ground at his feet. “Come here.”

Rue’s brain wanted to protest the order, but his mouth and body wanted to feel Vlatko again. He knelt in front of the man. Vlatko kept stroking himself while cradling Rue’s chin and lifting his gaze from the treat in front of him.

“Do you want to taste me?” Vlatko’s voice was harsh and laced with passion.

Rue couldn’t get his mouth to work. All it wanted to do was suck and all his tongue wanted to do was lick.

“Then enjoy breakfast.” Vlatko directed his mouth to the slick head.

Rue licked the pearly drops from Vlatko’s cock. Bitter and salty, it was the best thing he’d ever tasted. He sucked the tip in, teasing it with his teeth.

Vlatko growled. “Be careful.”

Rue chuckled and the vibration made Vlatko growl. Rue enjoyed sucking cock. Well, he enjoyed it when he wasn’t being paid to do it. Nothing killed joy more than being made to do something. Relaxing his throat, he swallowed Vlatko down until his nose was buried in the curls at the base of Vlatko’s shaft.

“Shit.” Vlatko’s hand combed through Rue’s hair.

Rue appreciated the fact that the big man didn’t force him. Rue liked commanding men who understood the difference between being forceful and forcing. Vlatko’s hand cradled the back of Rue’s head. The other hand traced the hollows in his cheeks as he moved up and down on the rod filling his mouth.

He looked up to see Vlatko’s dark eyes staring down at him. There was a question in that gaze. He reached out, bracing his hands on Vlatko’s hips and then he nodded. Vlatko’s fingers gripped his head while the man’s cock started to slide in and out of Rue’s mouth.

Rue relaxed, shut his eyes, and allowed Vlatko to fuck his mouth. He loved the velvet skin stroking his tongue. The taste of Vlatko’s cum danced in his mouth. He was afraid he could get addicted to the taste. Each time the head of Vlatko’s cock hit the back of his throat, he swallowed.

“Gods, your mouth,” Vlatko moaned while those hips started snapping.

Rue slipped his hand around to cup the flexing muscles of Vlatko’s ass. He stroked his fingers over the patch of skin right above Vlatko’s crease.

“Rue, gonna…” Vlatko didn’t seem interested in talking.

He hummed encouragement. He wanted to drink down Vlatko’s cum. He wanted to suck this man dry.

The first spurt accompanied a low cry from Vlatko. Rue glanced up to see Vlatko’s head was thrown back and a grimace of passion marred the man’s face. Rue closed his eyes and drank down the seed. When he’d sucked Vlatko dry, he licked the man’s shaft clean and rested his head against the muscular thigh in front of him. He was so hard, he knew one touch would make him come.

“Come here.” Vlatko reached down, grabbed Rue under the arms and lifted him until they were face-to-face, allowing him to kiss Vlatko.

Their lips met in a fierce kiss. Rue moaned as his cock rubbed against Vlatko’s hard stomach. He painted a wet trail over the man’s dark skin.

“Do you want my hand or my body?” Vlatko’s warm breath danced on his swollen lips.

He rocked his hips, thrusting his shaft over the ridged abs. Once. Twice. His balls tightened and he knew it’d be soon.

Vlatko’s finger brushed Rue’s opening and the thief exploded. His cum covered both their chests and stomachs.

“Fuck.” Rue’s knees went weak. He rested his head on Vlatko’s shoulder, trusting the other man to support him.

“My thoughts exactly.” Vlatko chuckled and carried him back into the pool to clean off.

As he let the big man take care of him, Rue wondered what was going to happen once the shine of good sex wore off. Would Vlatko turn him in? He looked at Vlatko and asked, “Why did you run away?”