Saturday, August 11, 2012

Cliff Hanger Saturday--Just Like The Matinees of Old


Cliff Hanger Saturday is a place where you can post your favorite "cliff hangers" of all time or just good writing at the end of the scene. (if not your own work, please give credit to the author and the book.) We all know, a scene should not end with anyone going to sleep. YAWN. But sometimes we see this. If the characters go to sleep, so do we.

So share favorites or write one here.

I have been posting excerpts for advertising and Rogue Phoenix Press. If you are writing an excerpt for something make sure that excerpt ends making the reader turn the page and read on. Do we want the reader up all night? Of course we do!

Excerpt:

She sought to deny the mercuric emotions he evoked, and yet at the same time she reminded herself, she must convince these men she loved Hawke.

His was a demanding kiss, a searing kiss, and she found that liquid fire surged inside. She felt raw, nearly torn apart by the simmering emotions and the confusion his kiss summoned.

She heard herself sigh, and he once again deepened the kiss, his hand on her back, his fingers running the length, up then down. The inferno followed each searing caress, every bold move. She no longer questioned his actions, no longer cared. Lost in a sea of new sensations she gave in to his every demand. "Good lass," he said quietly then to the few spectators left in the hall. "If you will excuse us..." He turned her and with his hand at the small of her back, urged her to move quickly toward his solar.

"Hawke," she tried to question him, so confused by his actions.

"Hurry, do not doubt they follow and will find some excuse to gain entrance to my chambers. I hope Lachlan will guard the door well, but do not tarry here. We will have only a short time before I am sure they will knock on our door or barge in without an invitation."

Ian stepped in front of Huntington's men. Two more of Hawke's men flanked them, cutting off access to the rooms above. Callie heard Ian's command. She breathed a bit more easily now. Hawke's brother had stood against Huntington's men and protected his back and her own.

A few minutes later, they were in Hawke's room. Lachlan had followed them and stood guard. Callie stood beside the fire, watching, waiting for what she wasn't at all sure.

Quickly, Hawke stripped off his shirt and his hose. He turned back the covering on the bed then strode to the door, listening for several heart-thundering minutes.

"Undress and get into bed," Hawke bade her harshly, never looking her way. His earlier gentleness had vanished.

She didn't move, could only stand and stare at his back, wondering at his words. He'd told her he would not defile his hands by making love to her.

When he'd spoken those words, she'd believed him.

And yet...

Looking to the bed, then to Hawke's broad back, she shuddered, fear racing through her. Her hand rose to her throat as if the gesture would help her breathe. Nothing helped. Gasping short little breaths of air, Callie nearly fainted.

"Do as I say." Hawke turned from the door, his hands resting on the handle of his claymore.

"Ye would not--" She nearly cried out, afraid he meant to kill her.

"Nay," he waved one hand in the air.

A scuffle in the hall, loud banging on the door and Lachlan's shout of warning mobilized Hawke. In two strides he stood beside Callie, his fingers winding into the neck of her gown. Fabric ripped.

"Nay," Callie cried out, trembling with fright. Yet before she could protest again, Hawke's lips closed over hers, one hand rapidly uncoiling her long hair. In disarray, the strands tumbled around her shoulders.

Cold air swept across her naked back then his calloused hands caressed and pulled her tightly to him until she stood between his massive thighs and pressed against his hard, muscled length.

"Hawke!" Lachlan cried out.

The door thundered against the wall. Huntington's retainers stood silhouetted in the doorframe. Quickly, Hawke turned to face the intruders, pushing Callie behind, shielding her from them. 

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