For those who loved At the Billionaire's Pleasure, this is my gift to you my readers.

As promised, here is the little surprise I've been talking about. For those of you who loved At the Billionaire's Pleasure this should please you. I've taken a scene that occurs in one of the books and I've written about it. Can you guess which book and scene? It involves some old familiar characters and some new ones too. David is not the only one with a love story ;) and Aaron his brother has some pretty interesting secrets not too mention a pretty interesting job. This is something that occurs before the beginning of what will be a new series of books involving these characters. It helps explain some of what will be going on not to mention raising some new questions. I'm really excited about this new book and I'm completely in love with the characters. I hope you will fall in love with them too...

So without further ado I give you:

A Touch of Love

Sitting at the bar, Heather's hands trembled. Why was she here? It seemed like such a good idea at the time but now that she was actually here... Well all of her foolish courage had fled.

She glanced around once more at her surroundings, careful to ensure that her flame coloured hair obscured most of her face. The last thing she wanted was for one of his men to recognise her. If they did then it was game over.

The music pulsed across her skin and gave rise to the beginning of a thumping headache. She remembered the first time she had seen him here. So tall and handsome. The perfect epitome of sex on legs. He was everything she had ever wanted and so much more... Well until everything changed.

Heather scrubbed her hand across her eyes and gestured to the bar man to refill her glass. If there was no sign of him in the next half hour then she was leaving. There was no way she would hang around and get caught. She had evaded them for two years... It would be unfair if they caught up to her now.

The barman sat the drink down on the counter and stared hard at her for a few minutes. Heather's stomach did a small flip but she tried to hide the fear from her face. Perhaps if she acted casual, as though there was nothing wrong then maybe he would think nothing more of her.

She saw it in his face the moment it clicked. Bile rose up her throat as she watched him give her a small sly smile before he moved off into the back room. She grabbed the glass of wine in front of her and downed it in one. Now she regretted not getting whiskey, at least that way it would have worked faster into her system.

Standing she wobbled, a little unsteady on her feet. It seemed the wine had gotten to her after all. Heather let out a frustrated sigh and dropped her money down on the counter. Perhaps she could get out of here before Jude's men arrived.

Turning she caught sight of someone that made relief wash over. After everything would he be willing to help her? She watched him for a few minutes more. His attention caught by someone else. Normally David Ashcroft was the one scanning the room. Searching for dangers that mere mortals wouldn't see coming. But not tonight. Tonight his gaze was firmly fixed on one person.

Heather watched the small smile play around his lips. She turned to scan the room, perhaps she could catch sight of the vixen that had ensnared David so completely. But try as she might Heather's view was obscured by the crush of bodies in the club. If she was taller she might have been able to see over everyone's heads but she wasn't.

Squaring her shoulders she started to move through the crowd to where David stood. If she could talk to him, maybe he would help and she wouldn't need to get anyone else involved. Her stomach flipped with giddy little summersaults as she reached David's side.

For a moment she caught sight of a woman across the room. She looked a little frightened and completely bewildered by what was going on around her. But she was very beautiful. Her body curved in all the right places and Heather knew instantly that she was the one David was staring at. Only he would chose the most gorgeous and yet completely out of place woman in the room to set his sights on. He had always enjoyed a challenge and now Heather knew he hadn't changed one bit.

Touching his arm with a little more than a feather light stroke, David's attention instantly snapped away. He masked his surprise well but Heather caught a glimpse of it before he could make it disappear completely.

"Heather?" He queried.

She smiled and nodded. Her stomach still in knots of nervousness as she glanced around at her surroundings. If she could help it no one would sneak up on her.

"Long time no see, David. How have you been?"

He shot her a disapproving look before answering. "I don't think you're here for idle chit chat, so get to the point."

Heather took a step back straight into the arms of one of Jude's tall and muscular body guards. "Miss Sampson would you like to come with us."

Panic pounded through her body. Her heart sped up and one bead of sweat trickled down her cold spine.

"No, I don't want to..." She answered, her voice hiding her fear perfectly.

"I think you'll find it's not a request." The man gripped her elbow, his hand closing around her arm. He tugged her sharply back towards him causing her to stumble.

"David, please." She pleaded her panic finally beginning to show.

David looked confused for just a moment before regaining his composure. He glanced over his shoulder to where the other woman stood before turning back to Heather.

"She's here with me." David's deep voice gave Heather shivers. In some ways he reminded her of Aaron. They were brothers but there was something far more approachable in David. He was easier to talk to or at least she had always thought so. Aaron was hard and cold. He covered it up with his sense of humour but he was far too tough to break down. She supposed it was probably what made him so good at his job.

David wrapped his arm around her waist and manoeuvred her out of the other man's grip. She glanced back at the tall body guard and did her best to hide her pleasure. She followed David back through the club. He led her to the door leading out of the back of the club. It swung outwards and Heather hurried into the corridor beyond. David closed the door and silently led her to another one of the rooms. She had been back here once before... The memory of it sent icy shivers across her skin. That was one night she hoped to never repeat.

David opened the door to an empty room and indicated for her to enter. "Right, are you going to tell me what is going on?" He asked his voice filled with impatience.

"She's very pretty..." Heather added trying to do anything to change the subject.

"Carrie is more than pretty, she's stunning but she hasn't realised it. Who were the goons back there, Heather? Either you tell me or I leave and tell them where you are..."

Heather's face grew pale under her tan. "You wouldn't..."

"Look I don't have time for this. I have a beautiful woman waiting out there for me. Tell me what is going on..."

"I'm in trouble, David. I know he doesn't want to ever see me again... But I don't know who else to turn to..."

David's face was filled with sympathy. "You hurt him."

Heather shook her head. "I couldn't hurt him. No one could."

David half smiled but his face was still sad. "I know that he pretends to be tough. But you really did hurt him. I don't think he ever got over you."

Heather shook her head again. "I find that hard to believe." Before David could open his mouth to speak again she raised her hand. "Look, I'm not here to argue whether he was hurt or not. What's done is done. I had to do it... But I really need his help David... I thought he would be here tonight but... well..." She gestured and shrugged. "I guess I was wrong."

She brushed her hands across her face, the pain in her head reaching a point of critical mass. The heat in the room was too much to bear and the thought of going back out into the crowded club was making her feel sick.

"I'm going to go... This was a mistake. I'm not even sure why I thought it would be a good idea."

David pulled his phone from his pocket and pressed a button. She watched as he turned his back from her and moved into the corner of the room. She tried to listen in but all she heard was the mention of her name and then David turned back to her.

"He's coming."

Heather looked shocked for a moment. She opened her mouth before closing it again. She wasn't even sure what she was supposed to say. The last thing she had expected was for Aaron to come the minute he knew she was there. A thought hit her then.

"He does know it's about me doesn't he?"

David grinned. "Yes he does. I wouldn't have told him to come down here without telling him why..."

A small knock on the door made them both jump. Heather turned panicked eyes on David. She didn't want it to be the bodyguards from before. If they had gone looking for her then it was on Jude's insistence...

He moved to the door and opened it. A tall bald man stood on the other side. Heather could tell from the way he looked that he was a bodyguard but not anyone that she recognised from Jude's usual crew.

David turned back to her. "I have to go. But wait here and Aaron will come and get you... If you're worried lock the door behind me when I leave."

Heather swallowed hard. She didn't know how to thank him for what he had done. Words seemed so inadequate but it was all she had.

"Thank you..." The words came out half whispered.

David smiled once more. "It was good seeing you again. Don't hurt him this time..." Then he was gone out the door.

Heather hesitated for a second before heading to the door and sliding the bolt into place. She was worried but it wasn't all entirely to do with Jude's guards hanging around in the club. What would she say to Aaron? Two years was a long time. He wouldn't understand that she needed to do what she had done. All he would understand is that she hurt him. Hurt him in a way that she had never intended to do. How did you apologise for something like that?

She sat on the edge of the leather bench in the room. The shackles on the top end made her shiver with fear. The scars across her lower back and thighs tingled softly. As though simply by seeing the whips and chains in the room they could hurt her. One small tear trickled down her cheek. Never again. She would never let Jude touch her again. Not for anyone...

It was a lie she told to comfort herself. If he threatened the people she loved well then all bets were off...

The minutes seemed to drag by. David had promised her that Aaron would come, but what if he didn't? What if she was waiting here and Jude's guards were using this time to prepare and set a trap... What if Jude himself were to come here...

Panic crawled up the back of her throat. It was like a small animal that wanted out of her body. She was choked on it. Her vision was blurred with tears as she hopped off the bench and ran for the door. There was still time to escape... There had to still be time to escape. She wouldn't be cornered like an animal.

She flung open the metal door the weight of it driving it back into the red plaster wall on the other side with a resounding crack. She hesitated, she had never wanted to damage anything but she certainly couldn't afford to pay for repairs. The sound of someone moving down the hall lifted the hairs on the back of Heather's neck. She could see the tall shadow stretch out in front of the person and panic made her run. Propelling herself down the hall she crashed through the exit doors at the end. The alarm nothing more than a dull thud in the back of her mind.

All she knew in that moment was that she needed to get away. Escape.

She didn't register the sound of his voice calling her. All she heard was the sound of running. Heavy footsteps that quickly gained on her shorter panic fuelled stride.

"No, no, no, no, not again..." She mumbled the words to herself as she dashed out of the alley at the back of the Dom's club. Her fear addled mind didn't register the headlights of the car until it was much too late. She gasped as she prepared for the impact but it never came. Instead, strong arms wrapped around her waist dragging her back out of the road and onto the safety of the pavement.

He smelled the same. The same muted aftershave that he always wore. It reminded her of the forest. The first rain in a lush green forest, one that would coat your skin in its warm scent.

Heather opened her eyes and stared up at Aaron. He hadn't changed in the two years since she had last seen him. His hair was still the dark brown but it had gone a little grey at the temples. Rather than detract from his good looks it seemed to add an extra layer of sophistication to him. His eyes were still the cold steel they had always been. But the spark that she had come to know him for was still there.

He held her in his arms for a few moments more before releasing her. Heather ached to feel his touch again. It was something she had never forgotten. His smell, his touch. It was all so familiar and it brought back painful memories that she had tried to bury long before.

"Why did you run?" His voice sent shivers of desire through her body. He really hadn't changed. He was still the same Aaron she had known... And dare she admit it, loved way back then.

"I didn't know it was you..."

He frowned for a minute before gesturing for her to follow him.

"I don't want to go back in..." She stuttered as Aaron stopped beside a sleek black sports car.

"I'm not taking you in there. I'm taking you home." He pulled the door open and waited for her to climb into the passenger seat. Once settled he slammed the door making Heather jump.

He was so angry, she could feel it rolling off his body in waves. Clicking her belt into place she folded her hands on her lap afraid that if she didn't stop them they might reach out to him. He climbed into the car and gunned the engine. The headlights flooded the alley and Heather caught sight of Jude's goons wandering just outside the clubs exits doors. As Aaron passed them she ducked her head so as to keep out of sight but she knew it would only be a matter of time before they knew where she was.

They passed the journey in silence, Heather only speaking in order to give Aaron directions to her apartment. Once they pulled up outside it she climbed out of the car and Aaron followed. Silently he shadowed her across the parking lot to the apartment reception. She didn't ask him if he wanted to come up, she already knew the answer and she was glad in a way. As painful as it was to spend time with him it was a beautiful type of pain. She had missed him. She had tried to deny herself but now that he was standing beside her in the lift she knew it was true.

The doors clicked open on the third floor and Heather led the way down to her door. Pushing the key in the lock she pressed the door open and let Aaron follow her inside.

"Why are you back?" The moment the door was shut he spoke and Heather jumped. He was still as abrupt and to the point as he had always been.

"I... I..." She couldn't find the answers to tell him. How could she explain what was going on? Would he understand or think she simply deserved it?

He moved towards her faster than she had expected and grabbed her arms. He pulled her body tight against his and lowered his face to hers. The kiss was both explosive and punishing. It reignited the spark within Heather for the man before her. She wanted him, she had always wanted him but now it was much more than that. His lips bruised hers his tongue demanding entry and Heather succumbed. She wanted him to take her. To own her body and soul. His hands fumbled with her dress, pushing the zipper down and exposing her back.

When his fingers brushed against her scars, Heather froze. Her mind going into overdrive. Placing her hands on his chest she pushed hard. He barely budged but it was enough to bring the kiss to a halt.

Aaron stared down into her face. His dark eyes the colour of molten silver. She could see the desire there and she longed to let him have her. But how could she? She was damaged beyond repair. Jude had left his mark upon her and there was no way she could let Aaron know that.

"I came back because I needed your help but I see now it's not going to work..."

The words hung there between them. Aaron's eyes slowly hardening as he accepted what she was saying. He released her. His hands automatically going to his hair to push it back out of his face.

Heather longed to touch his face. To run her fingers along the side of his jaw and follow it with kisses. But it could never be. She wouldn't drag him into this mess. He deserved better. He deserved someone who could give him the perfection he deserved. Not someone like her.

"What sort of help? Is it to do with the reason you ran in the first place?"

Heather nodded but kept her mouth shut.

"Tell me. I can help but you need to trust me..."

"I can't. It was a mistake to get you involved..."

He turned from her and moved towards the door.

"I'm sorry, Aaron... I never meant to hurt you..."

He didn't answer her as he opened the door and left.

Heather followed him to the door and watched his back as he retreated down the stairs and out of her life... "I love you..." She whispered the words through her tears. She had lost him again. Seeking him out had been a mistake. If she had just left it alone then he wouldn't be any the wiser about her being back in town and there wouldn't be such a gaping hole in her chest...

Closing the door she let out a frustrated sigh. She still had the problem of Jude and his men. Saving her sister from him the first time. It had cost her everything. And now this time she had no doubt would be no different... Except maybe this time it wouldn't just be scars she would end up with... Jude had made her promise not to run and given half an opportunity that is exactly what she had done...

No this time she would be lucky to escape with her life... And the only man who might have saved her had just walked out of her life...

Heather curled up on the couch and buried her face in her hands. Everything was a mess and she had a feeling it was about to get a hell of a lot worse.

...

Plus Size Model 4: Love Revealed has landed

Well some of you will be glad to know that the final and concluding part to the Plus Size Model series has just been published. It's now live on Amazon so feel free to go pick up your copy. It's also available on Smashwords. It will at some point make it to Barnes and Noble but as I've said before I have no control over when it will get there. I haven't forgotten the surprise either. It's coming. And for those of you who like firemen, well you might just find a nice new series winging its way to you all. Each installment will be longer than previous series and will read more like novellas than short stories :)

Blurb:

When Erica is taken hostage she is lucky to escape with her life. She considers herself even luckier finding her way back to Jared. However, happiness seems to be short lived.

Jared's father is putting pressure on his son to chose the beautiful and very slim Jessica. Distraught Erica finds herself doubting Jared's feelings for her and her own position in his life. Surely a man as rich and handsome as Jared couldn't possibly fall for a plus size woman.

Rick has waited for the perfect opportunity and sensing Erica's insecurities he pounces. Will she fall victim to his lies? Or will Jared prove that she is the one for him?

Lost love, and hurt feelings is not the biggest price they might pay. When your life hangs in the balance can love truly conquer all?







I haven't forgotten the surprise either. It's coming. And for those of you who like firemen, well you might just find a nice new series winging its way to you all. Each installment will be longer than previous series and will read more like novellas than short stories :)

Music for At the Billionaire's Pleasure: Music that Inspired It.

So today I thought I'd post the song and video of the songs I thought were most apt for At the Billionaire's Pleasure. Music is hugely important to me. I can't write without it. So when I was writing the series these were the two songs I was listening to on repeat.

No. 1. I think this is a David song for me. I don't know why, it's just that when I hear it I automatically think of him.
Lana Del Rey, Born to Die












And No. 2. For me this song evokes more of the characters, Carrie and David. Probably Carrie more than David but it still counts ;)
Florence + the Machine, Cosmic Love

However, this third and final song that I've linked to is the epitome of what the big surprise is all about. I've mentioned this surprise on twitter and on Facebook and now I'm saying it here. I have a big surprise for all of you who enjoyed At the Billionaire's Pleasure. I'm hoping to get it up on the blog early next week or sooner if I can. But it's going to be a little work on my behalf but it's totally worth it. I'm so excited about it! So I will leave you  with the song that inspires the surprise :)
P.S. This song doesn't remind me of either David or Carrie but someone else ;)

Florence + the Machine, No light, No Light

                                                                         







                                                            

50 Shades of Grey, Me and Romance

So it's the one book everyone is talking about... 50 Shades of Grey. I don't particularly have an opinion on the books. I haven't read them yet. I have the first one it's sitting on my desk looking at me right now as I type this...

I know nearly everyone in the world now has an opinion on the books. It's turned into "Marmite" you love it or you hate it. I know a lot of writers enjoy bashing it and I find that to be a little disappointing. Yes everyone is entitled to an opinion but when you're a writer I think a little tact is called for before you call out another writer and tell them how terrible their work is.

But all of that is really beside the point. I admire E.L. James for what she has created. She has certainly done something right in my book to have legions of fans hanging on her every word and dying to know if she will write another book, or who will star in the movie.

For me I want to write love stories that people can fall in love with. I'm a huge fan of romance. I adore the Twilight books even though they have been slated too. But for me it is the love story. The can't eat, can't sleep without having him near feeling. It's about the "need" you feel deep in your soul that if this person went away you'd simply cease to exist. And I know how cliched it sounds but the feeling of complete and perfect happiness you have when he slips his hand into yours and squeezes it gently. That for me is what I love about these types of romances and books. It's the feelings I want to evoke in mine. That beautiful feeling of falling in love. The fear and excitement as you take that final step over the edge hoping and praying that he is there to catch you when you fall...

*Sigh* I'm having a ramble now :) I get a little lost sometimes in my own thoughts.

But coming back to my original idea. Love them or hate them 50 Shades has created something and the romantic in me is dying to find out what it is. On my search through the internet I came across a fan made trailer. I have developed a slight obsession with it now and I've watched it quite a bit. But I really like it. It gives me tingles when I watch it and I don't know why. So I want to share it with you...

Have a wonderful day,

Millie

Excerpt: Plus Size Model 4: Love Revealed

Just a quick taster of the beginning of Plus Size Model 4: Love Revealed to whet the appetite before I release it :) I'm hoping to have it out by the end of this week...

Plus Size Model 4: Love Revealed

The smell of sweat and blood mingling together drifted up Erica's nose. She coughed and a metallic taste flooded her mouth making her cringe. Slowly she opened her eyes and squinted hard at her surroundings. Wherever she was she certainly didn't recognise it.

She closed her eyes again and tried to reign in the pain that throbbed inside her head. To her it felt as though someone had hit her with a brick. Slowly a memory came back to her, the man on the path who had slapped her. His hand had certainly been large enough to qualify to be a brick.

She whimpered as she moved her head forward as she tried to pull her body into an upright position. Being slumped on the small chair was far from comfortable. She quickly realised that she was tied to the chair, the ropes were rough and bit into her soft skin with each wriggle she made.

"Jared..." She whimpered his name. Another memory slapped her in the face. The sight of him on the ground bleeding and unmoving as she screamed his name. Jared was strong but he was no match for a surprise attack from several burly guys intent on doing him harm.

Tears trailed down Erica's cheeks as her mind filled with panicked thoughts. What if she never saw him again? What if he was still lying there on the ground right now, hurt or bleeding... Or worse... The thought popped into her head and Erica immediately tried to dismiss it. He couldn't be dead. She would feel it... Or was that something that only happened in the movies?

Opening her eyes once more she stared at her surroundings. The dirty cement floor felt cold beneath her feet. And the smell of chemicals and dirt made her want to gag. If she was right then she guessed that she was in the back office of some sort of warehouse. The desk in the corner piled high with grubby stacks of paper confirmed her thoughts. That and the hammering coming from the main warehouse area...

The door opened and a tall man stepped through the opening. His face was covered in dirt and Erica could see the trails of sweat that glistened on his skin. He seemed surprised to see her awake and hurried over to her. He held a clear glass of water in his hand and Erica longed to taste it. Her mouth felt as though a family of furry animals had taken up residence in there.

"Please let me go." Erica pleaded, her voice was hoarse and cracked and made her cough.

The man crouched down beside her, the look he gave her seemed to be filled with pity but it was also quickly swallowed by something else. Fear trembled in Erica's gut making her shake. She had seen that look once before. It was the look Rick had given her before he had pounced on her...

He trailed one grubby finger down along her neck to where the strap of her dress hung broken and useless. "Pretty lady..." His voice was low as he uttered the words and slowly began to move his hand lower.

"Please don't." Erica pleaded as she wriggled in the chair to move away from him.

"If you want the water you'll stay quiet and let me play..." He taunted her by holding the glass up to her face and letting a few small drops trickle down onto her chin.

Although she was thirsty there was no way Erica was going to willingly allow this monster to touch her. Pulling away from him she turned her face and shrugged away his touch on her shoulder.

With a growl he grabbed her chin roughly and tilted her head back to look at him. "I can make things very difficult for you here or I can make them nice. It's your choice but I'll do what I want whether you agree or not..." He lowered his face towards Erica's and she spat at him.

He recoiled away from her and a look of pure anger crossed his grubby features. "You'll be sorry for that bitch. I hope you're a screamer." He drew back with his hand and slapped Erica full into the face.

Her head snapped back and pain exploded inside her cheek. The metallic taste flooded her mouth once more and she let out a strangled cry as the man grabbed at her.

The door burst open and another man exploded into the room. "The police are coming! The boss said the police are coming! We have to clear out."

The man who had hit Erica stood back from her and turned to the newcomer. "Are they here, or how far off are they?"

Erica let her head loll forward in an attempt to stop the pain from increasing. Even the light in the room was making her eyes ache. The new pain that was slowly spreading a burning pain down across her jaw and neck wasn't helping.

The sound of sirens filled the air and Erica's abuser turned his greedy eyes to her. "Help me get her up, we need to go."

The new guy shook his head and looked at Erica with sorrow. "No time. Boss said to kill her and get out."

The sound of sirens drew closer and Erica's heart thundered in her chest. How could she be so close to salvation and yet so far? It didn't make sense and it wasn't fair.

"What?" The other man sounded incredulous and shot Erica a look of desperation. "But it's a waste. Couldn't he have left her to us if that was the case?" With an angry sigh he stormed from the room. "Kill her." He threw his orders back over his shoulder to the other man still standing in the room.

A look of panic and fear crossed the newcomers face. "This isn't what I signed up for..." He grabbed a knife from the top of a barrel and slowly crossed the floor to where Erica sat. Pain was making her brain hazy and the more she tried to focus on the man approaching her the harder it became.

Bright flashes of orange exploded beyond the glass of the office window and Erica winced. She didn't want to die and she struggled against her bonds but it was useless, she was tied tight and there was no escaping them.

Her captor stood before her as the heat of the fire outside in the main warehouse began to filter into the small office. It made the beads of sweat on his face stand out even more.

"Please don't..." Erica pleaded. He eyes were beginning to sting with the smoke that drifted through the air.

"The smoke will get you anyway... I didn't sign up to kill people..." The look of fear on his face gave Erica hope. He flung the knife on the ground and ran from the room. His feet pounding over the hard cement.

At the Billionaire's Pleasure 5: Anything for Love is now LIVE!

I'm thrilled to announce that finally book 5 is Live and for sale on Amazon and Smashwords.

Carrie wakes to find herself in the hospital. Robert's attack failed but it has left her weakened. David has remained by her side throughout and it gives Carrie hope that his feelings might be as strong as her own.

When Robert pays her a surprise visit in the hospital, he promises to exact his revenge but this time it will be even more warped and twisted than before. Robert vows to take Carrie from David forever. He wants David to feel the crushing guilt of failure and loss. He wants David to know that there is nothing he can do to save his beloved.

David is distraught but Carrie refuses to believe that Robert will succeed. When David whisks her away to his parents' estate, she discovers that David has scars that run deep enough to score his very soul.

Will they be able to declare their love for one another? Or will Robert's twisted plan to take the one person that David truly loves come full circle? 

If you held the one you love in your arms, would you do anything to keep them safe? Would you do anything for love?

The climactic finale to the bestselling series.

Adult 18+

Excerpt: At the Billionaire's Pleasure 5: Anything for Love

I know many of you have been anxiously awaiting part 5 in At the Billionaire's Pleasure series. Well I can tell you that I will be releasing it the end of this week. For some reason writing this part of the story has been really hard. I think I'm reluctant to let the characters go. Carrie and David have meant a great deal to me. I've loved writing about them, I'll be honest and say that I have on occasion dreamt about them. Maybe that sounds silly but it's true. They are very real to me. I think I've probably put parts of myself into the character of Carrie as I was writing her. So that now when it comes to writing difficult things I feel for her, I want to protect her. But the one thing that has made it easy is knowing deep down the characters are made for each other. And that no matter how difficult things might get or how much time passes they will find a way back to each other... And that is what I'm giving you here in this excerpt. Many worried I had killed Carrie. But I honestly couldn't break David's heart like that, I don't think it is something he could recover from. The guilt alone would be crippling.

So without further ado I present to you the opening scene from book 5 in which Carrie finds her way back to David.

At the Billionaire's Pleasure 5: Anything for Love

The sound of beeping slowly roused me. My eyes felt heavy as though they were weighed down with lead. The second I opened my eyes I instantly regretted it. Everything about the room was far too bright. The white walls and bedsheets seemed to create a glare that made the pounding in my head so much more pronounced.

Someone groaned. It wasn't until I felt a hand grip mine tightly that I realised it was me making the small, groaning, whimpering noises. I sounded pathetic, like a wounded animal.

I opened my eyes again and this time I tried to keep them open. I wanted to be awake... It was the reason I had fought so hard to survive in the first place. I wanted to be awake for the person gripping my hand so tightly I was sure it would be covered in bruises.

"David..." The word came out on a half choked hoarse sob.

His face came into view above me. The concern and anguish that filled his eyes hurt my heart. I didn't want to see him so upset. He shouldn't have been so worried... Part of me wondered why he would be so worried... It didn't make any sense...

He ran his free hand down against the side of my face, cupping my cheek. It was such a tender gesture that I couldn't stop the tears from trickling from my eyes. I opened my mouth again but my throat ached and the words refused to form properly. I was so confused...

I tried to sit up and the world spun in sickening circles. Bright white lights exploded behind my eyes making me wince and forcing me to give up my attempt to sit up straight.

"Don't move, I'll get a nurse." He moved to release his grip on my hand. Panic flooded through me. I wasn't sure why but the last thing I wanted was for David to leave my side.

With a strangled sob of fear I grabbed at his arm and jacket. My fingers digging into his hard forearm leaving me feeling reassured. He was real. He wasn't just one of my dreams. I'd had plenty of them. Terrifying dark dreams filled with terror and pain. David had been my anchor but he had always disappeared just when I needed him most. He couldn't save me if he was a dream. But here in the white room he was very real.

"It's alright, Carrie, I'm just going to get a nurse to look at you. You've been out for three days. They were worried about your head trauma."

"Don't leave me, please..." The words finally left my tongue. The feel of the scalding tears running down my face made me feel alive. Everything did. Pain was both a blessing and a curse.

The door opened up and David turned relieved eyes to whoever had entered. "Aaron, she's awake. Can you get the nurse?"

"Of course." Aaron's tired voice met my ears. I tried again to sit up. The pain this time was a little less and I managed to push my body into an upright position. David spent his time moving the pillows around trying to find an optimum position for them. Even though I was weak I could tell he was nervous about something... But what it was I didn't know.

"What happened?" I asked when he had finally finished fixing the pillows behind me. My voice sounded coarse, as though I had spent days singing and shouting at the top of my lungs.

"You were attacked..." David's voice trailed off as he caught sight of my confused expression.

Attacked. It didn't sound familiar. I knew something had happened. David's mention of the word nurse and the injury he had spoken of let me know I was in hospital. But why? I had no idea. All I was certain of was that I didn't want to be left on my own. And I certainly didn't want David to leave my side.

"You don't remember?" He asked, his expression once again filled with concern. I wanted to brush the look from his face and tell him that everything would be alright. But I didn't know how. If I couldn't remember being attacked then how could I reassure him that everything would be fine?

The door banged open and I jumped, it made my head ache even more. Sudden movements were no good.

"You shouldn't be sitting up, Miss Grant." The nurse's business-like tone made me smile. She turned on David. "How long has she been awake?"

"Just a few minutes. She has just woken up. She doesn't remember anything."

The nurse turned back to me. "Where do you have pain?"

"My head and my throat and neck." I tried to lift my hand but my body felt tired as though I had run a marathon.

"That's to be expected. I'll get you some more pain relief and then I need you to get some rest." She checked the machine beside the bed before once more leaving.

"You gave us all quite a scare, Carrie." Aaron's voice broke through my thoughts and I turned to look at him.

"I didn't mean to..."

He grinned and sat in the chair near the bed. "This one hasn't slept since it happened. I've been trying to tell him that he needs to rest but he wouldn't listen."

I glanced over at David as Aaron spoke. For the first time I noticed that it wasn't just concern that was etched into his features. He looked exhausted. Where normally his clothes were immaculate the ones he wore were crumpled and ruined. They looked as though he had slept in them and judging from the tiredness on his face he probably had.

"Where have you been sleeping?" I asked him.

"It doesn't matter..."

Aaron's voice cut across David's dismissal. "He's been sleeping here. On the sofa under the window. Refused to leave your side."

David shot Aaron a dirty look shutting him up. The other man shrugged and closed his eyes, settling back against the chair he sat in.

"Take no notice of Aaron. I just did what I had to do... This is my fault..."

"David, I'm a little hazy on what actually happened, but what I am sure of is that none of this was your fault. You didn't do this to me."

"I may as well have..."

I tried to shake my head but the movement caused me to whimper and close my eyes until the pain subsided. The nurse hurried back into the room, she pushed a small trolley in front of her. On it I could see several vials and small sealed packages. Seeing the look of pain on my face she began immediately ripping open little packages and pulled a small vial from the collection. I watched through a fog of pain as she prepped the needle and injected the clear fluid into the saline drip that was suspended above me.

"You need to rest."

"I don't really, I'm fine..." The moment the clear fluid passed down the line and into my arm I felt its effects. It washed over me, chasing the pain away in front of it like the crashing wave on the shore. Something tugged at my memory. Something about the beach and the water.

Without thinking I reached up and took David's hand. He jumped and looked at me startled. He was used to initiating the contact. The fact that I had took his hand in mine spoke volumes. It was like a reassurance, he knew I didn't blame him. I never could. This wasn't his fault...

The nurse watched me for a few minutes more. She checked the machines beside the bed before turning back to me. "Does that feel better?" She asked.

"Yeah..." My voice was groggy and drugged. "I don't want to sleep though... I want to be awake..." Panic threatened to grip me and I held onto David's hand a little tighter.

He pressed his hand to my forehead and smoothed my hair back. "Sssh, I'll still be here when you wake..."

I smiled weakly and nodded before closing my eyes and letting myself drift away on the haze of drugs. The sound of David's voice tugged at me, I tried to stay awake to hear what he had to say but it was coming from very far away.

"They haven't picked him up yet."

"They will, David. Relax. He won't be back. What he did to Carrie was the last ditch attempt of a very desperate man."

"But I'd feel so much better if they had him in custody... Not knowing where he is, Aaron... What if..."

"He won't. stop thinking like that. She's safe. Just be glad you got there on time..."

"Aaron, if he had succeeded I don't think I could ever forgive myself... It's made me wonder if Carrie wouldn't be better off without me in her life. If I had left her alone none of this would have happened. Life would be normal..."

I stirred then. David's words penetrating the haze that filled my head with cotton wool. I wanted him to know that I was glad he hadn't left me alone. That without him in my life I would be a shell.

"We shouldn't be discussing this in here. We should take it out into the hall..."

I tried to open my mouth to call David back. I didn't want to be left on my own. The sound of the door closing let me know I was alone. With a sigh I let the medication take me. Rest was the only way to get back on my feet. I needed to be better so I could show David just how much he meant to me. There was no way I was letting him go now that I had found him.

***