Whet Wednesday - Diamonds And Deceit

I hope everyone is enjoying warm spring weather like we are here in TN. I have the windows open, letting in some fresh air. But tomorrow it's going to turn cold again, I'll have the heat on. Gotto love Tennessee and it's manic ways. 

Today we're looking at the middle of Chapter 10 in Diamonds and Deceit. 
Here are a few links to previous posts to get you caught up. 

wewriwa3-22
wewriwa3-15
whetwednesday3-11

Go back and check older posts. 

In this excerpt, the gang's all here. So let me give you the cast: Enrique aka Diamond Malloy, Amalia Gilbrad Malloy, Arabella Gilbrad, Peyton Gilbrad Boudreaux, and her husbands Sebastian and Thierry Boudreaux. 
Of course Shelbie and Dagan/Hunter are here, and Dagan's friend and low and behold, Arabella's ex Ian. 
I had so much trouble finding just the right excerpt. There's so much going on in this chapter that it was difficult to choose. 
Happy Wednesday all. 

Diamonds And Deceit
Excerpt

“Please don’t make me whistle again. It’s murder on the hearing.” She laughed. “Your support and acceptance mean the world to me.” Shelbie brushed back a lock off Peyton’s forehead and squeezed Amalia’s hand.

She took a deep breath, turning to Diamond, showing him just how much his care of and for them meant to her. “I have to do this alone.”

“No.”

“We’ll get…”

“Shelbie won’t be alone. I’ll be by her side the entire time.”

Shelbie watched in horror as two meaty hands gripped Dagan’s arms, hauling him back, a fist slamming into his stomach. “No.” She lunged, only to be trapped within the circle of her family.

She craned her neck around Diamond’s shoulder trying to get a good look at the scene across the room. Ian grappled with Thierry trying to stop another blow while Dagan struggled in Sebastian’s Iron grip. Peyton’s husbands spouted off, ‘take that, and this is for,’ between blows.  

“Stop. Stop it this instant.” Shelbie pushed against the arms enveloping her. She wasn’t sure if it was the tone of her voice or her struggle to get to Dagan or the tears running down her face that caught everyone’s attention.

Pushing through lax arms, she hurried toward the men. She tried to ignore Dagan, but it was a losing battle. Laying her hands on her brothers-in-law, she swallowed around the lump in her throat. How was she to make them understand? “Guys. I get it. Well, I don’t because I don’t know what happened…” she cut accusing eyes over at Diamond, “And I know you’re protecting Peyton, but,” She disengaged their hands from Dagan, pulling him to her side, “Hunter isn’t here to take us down.” She squeezed him hard, hoping he got the message.

“Shelbie.”

“You’re out of your mind.” Sebastian lunged. “I told you what I would do if I ever saw you again.” Dagan futilely fought to push Shelbie behind him.

“That’s enough.” Ian and Diamond’s word cut through the arguments, pulling them apart in the process.  

“Let me…” 

Diamonds And Deceit

Book Blurb:

Necessity made Shelbie Gilbrad a prostitute and thief, the thrill kept her in the business. But now she’s in trouble and doesn’t see it coming, which is odd because Shelbie’s been plagued by visions her entire life.

As a self-made billionaire bent on revenge, Dagan Hunter Caulfield has resigned himself of never recovering the rare green, teardrop diamond necklace. He’s moved on. His plan to surprise the woman he’s falling for, gets him the shock of his life. 

Shelbie and Dagan’s worlds collide and neither will ever be the same. Yet outside forces pit them against one another, putting their lives in danger. Can he forgive her past? Can she save the man she loves? 

Weekend Writing Warriors - #8Snippet Sunday

Welcome to #8Snippet Sunday. WEWRIWA is a blog hop of talented authors promoting one another's works. Stop by and see your favorites and check out those new to circuit.
Always thanks for stopping by, leaving a comment, liking, and sharing.

I'm continuing with Diamonds and Deceit. It's book 2 in the Diamond Series. Here are a few links to previous posts to get you cauth up. 

March 15 Excerpt
March 8 Excerpt
March 1 Excerpt
February 22 Excerpt

This week we're beginning chapter 10. The opening scene is of Shelbie after she's back in Atlanta after being unable to do more than lust after one Hunter.

   Shelbie hummed off key and tapped her toes to Journey’s, Greatest Hits, CD as she plucked tequila and triple sec out of the liquor cabinet. Margaritas were in order. Not only were they the perfect drink for chips and salsa, fajitas and the trimmings, she’d picked up from Bella’s Bistro, but also for getting snockered.

   Popping a warm chip in her mouth, she grabbed a knife and cutting board, slicing and juicing limes. She wasn’t going to think about Hunter. A Margarita was just the thing to get him off her mind.  

   She had opted to stay at her condo in Atlanta instead of going home to McDonough. Well away from her prying family. So, not to be near Hunter.

Diamonds and Deceit 
Blurb

Necessity made Shelbie Gilbrad a prostitute and thief, the thrill kept her in the business. But now she’s in trouble and doesn’t see it coming, which is odd because Shelbie’s been plagued by visions her entire life.

As a self-made billionaire bent on revenge, Dagan Hunter Caulfield has resigned himself of never recovering the rare green, teardrop diamond necklace. He’s moved on. His plan to surprise the woman he’s falling for, gets him the shock of his life. 

Shelbie and Dagan’s worlds collide and neither will ever be the same. Yet outside forces pit them against one another, putting their lives in danger. Can he forgive her past? Can she save the man she loves? 

A Day with the Authors Reader Ticket Sale

Sandi Lee Sullivan
Randi Alexander
Sharon Hamilton
Deanndra Hall
J.M. Madden
Simon
Cooper McKenzie
Yours Truly and many more. 
What do we all have in common
A Day with the Author's Luncheon

Tuesday March 17 get your Reader ticket for half price. 

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Weekend Writing Warriors 8Snippet Sunday

Welcome to #8Snippet Sunday. WEWRIWA is a blog hop of talented authors promoting one another's works. Stop by and see your favorites and check out those new to circuit.
Always thanks for stopping by, leaving a comment, liking, and sharing.

I'm continuing with Diamonds and Deceit. It's book 2 in the Diamond Series. We're moving right along to chapter 9. Go back and see previous posts for more excerpts. 

This week Shelbie's regretting promisng Hunter she'd help find his late wife's necklace. That means she has to tell all her secrets to the man who betrayed her.  

Frozen. Inside and out. That was what Shelbie wanted to be. To numbly go through the next few weeks, working with Hunter without feeling a thing. What could she possibly have been thinking to agree to help him retrieve his property?

Oh, yeah. A little restitution. A lot in love.  

Diamonds and Deceit Blurb

Necessity made Shelbie Gilbrad a prostitute and thief, the thrill kept her in the business. But now she’s in trouble and doesn’t see it coming, which is odd because Shelbie’s been plagued by visions her entire life.

As a self-made billionaire bent on revenge, Dagan Hunter Caulfield has resigned himself of never recovering the rare green, teardrop diamond necklace. He’s moved on. His plan to surprise the woman he’s falling for, gets him the shock of his life. 

Shelbie and Dagan’s worlds collide and neither will ever be the same. Yet outside forces pit them against one another, putting their lives in danger. Can he forgive her past? Can she save the man she loves? 

Whet Wednesday

Happy Wednesday. It's nice and warm here after spending a month holed up inside with ice and snow and below zero temperatures here in Tennessee. Still no sun, but I can walk around barefoot again. So that's a plus. Hope you're all doing well. 

I'm continuing with Diamonds and Deceit. It's book 2 in the Diamond Series.  Sunday I introduced you to chapter 8. We learned Shelbie found out Hunter/Dagan's identity and he'd known hers all along, well at least since Aprit. And as of Sunday they still hadn't realized it. But today. Well. Read on and find out.

Dagan’s mind splintered. She knew. He tightened his hold, reveling in the fact he didn’t have to hide any longer. “Baby,” he wanted to explain, but mostly he was glad he didn’t have to hide any longer.

It took several moments for Shelbie’s struggling to get free to reach his brain. His arms dropped to his side, stepping back. “How did you find out?” His eyes searched her face.

“It doesn’t matter. What does is I know. I want you out of here, Dagan.”

He flinched at Shelbie’s use of his first name. “No.” He had to defuse the situation.

She shot him a credulous look. “No?” She slapped a hand against his chest, but cool air hit her body as the towel slipped. She grabbed the edges. “Can you give me a minute, Dagan?”

“No.” Normally, he would work damage control right about now, but his mind went blank as he took in her hurt stare. He crossed his arms over his chest to keep from reaching for her. He should be explaining, making her see his side, but for once in his life; he was at a loss as to what to say.

He couldn’t help the smirk when Shelbie’s jaw dropped and her face heated under his singular stare. “I’ve seen everything you got. Tasted every delectable inch.” His heated gaze roamed over her exposed skin from her lilac painted toes to the top of her damp hair. “You’ll just have to dress in front of me.” 

Diamonds and Deceit Blurb

Necessity made Shelbie Gilbrad a prostitute and thief, the thrill kept her in the business. But now she’s in trouble and doesn’t see it coming, which is odd because Shelbie’s been plagued by visions her entire life.

As a self-made billionaire bent on revenge, Dagan Hunter Caulfield has resigned himself of never recovering the rare green, teardrop diamond necklace. He’s moved on. His plan to surprise the woman he’s falling for, gets him the shock of his life. 

Shelbie and Dagan’s worlds collide and neither will ever be the same. Yet outside forces pit them against one another, putting their lives in danger. Can he forgive her past? Can she save the man she loves?   

Weekend Writing Warriors - 8Snippet Sunday

Welcome to #8Snippet Sunday. WEWRIWA is a blog hop of talented authors promoting one another's works. Stop by and see your favorites and check out those new to circuit.
Always thanks for stopping by, leaving a comment, liking, and sharing.

I'm continuing with Diamonds and Deceit. It's book 2 in the Diamond Series.  Last week I introduced Arabella at the beginning of Chapter 7. 

We begin chapter 8. Here Shelbie knows who Hunter/Dagan is. And Dagan knows who Shelbie is, but Both are in the dark that they've discovered who each other is. 

Shelbie bolted upright out of a troubled sleep. Her heart pounded against her chest, trying to break free. Her eyes flitted to the bed, empty. Her body sagged, but then instantly went rigid; worrying Hunter might be in danger.

Hunter. She’d been dreaming of him, and… Taking deep breaths, she tried to calm her racing pulse that ratcheted up once more. Hunter was in danger.

Why should she care?

Diamonds and Deceit Blurb

Necessity made Shelbie Gilbrad a prostitute and thief, the thrill kept her in the business. But now she’s in trouble and doesn’t see it coming, which is odd because Shelbie’s been plagued by visions her entire life.

As a self-made billionaire bent on revenge, Dagan Hunter Caulfield has resigned himself of never recovering the rare green, teardrop diamond necklace. He’s moved on. His plan to surprise the woman he’s falling for, gets him the shock of his life. 

Shelbie and Dagan’s worlds collide and neither will ever be the same. Yet outside forces pit them against one another, putting their lives in danger. Can he forgive her past? Can she save the man she loves? 

Whet Wednesday

Dagan sealed his fate when he made love to Shelbie. Here is an excerpt of the actual thieves. Oh, and Shelbie's still in the dark. Find out the whole story in Diamonds and Deceit.

Chapter 7 Excerpt:

“Where have you been?” the woman shrieked. She didn’t give the other person a chance to explain. “I’ve been calling you for weeks. We have a problem. Dagan found out. He’s been seeing her, and now they’ve left Atlanta. I need you to find him, keep tabs on them both.”

Silence met her tirade.

“Did you hear me?”

After a long pause, the bored, deep voice responded. “I did. You, my dear are the one with the problem.”

“If they find out about me…”

“You’ll what. Tell on me.” He mocked. “I made sure nothing traces back to me. The only reason I took the job was because Malloy wouldn’t touch it. And,” triumph filled his voice, “I beat my rival. He may not know it, but it’s my own satisfaction.”

Weekend Writing Warriors - 8Snippet Sunday

Welcome to #8Snippet Sunday. WEWRIWA is a blog hop of talented authors promoting one another's works. Stop by and see your favorites and check out those new to circuit.
Always thanks for stopping by, leaving a comment, liking, and sharing.

I'm continuing with Diamonds and Deceit. It's book 2 in the Diamond Series. Shelbie and Dagan will be put to the test in this chapter. Suspicion abounds on Dagan's side, and Shelbie is still clueless of Dagan's identity.

Chapter 7 Intro. Arabella is introduced in this section.

Arabella pulled the phone from the back pocket of her jeans and hit home. She wavered for a moment wondering if she should send another text message. 
Her mind made up, Bella pulled up her contacts, touching Shelbie’s name. Putting the phone to her ear, she listened to it ring. “Pick up, pick up.” 

Worry constricted her chest. The phone continued ringing, and ringing and ringing before finally going to voicemail. “Shelbie I hope you’re all right.” 

Whet Wednesday - Diamonds And Deceit Excerpt

Diamonds And Deceit

Weekend Writing Warriors - 8Snippet Sunday

Welcome to #8Snippet Sunday. WEWRIWA is a blog hop of talented authors promoting one another's works. Stop by and see your favorites and check out those new to circuit.
Always thanks for stopping by, leaving a comment, liking and sharing.

I'm continuing with Diamonds and Deceit. It's book 2 in the Diamond Series. Shelbie and Dagan will be put to the test in this chapter. Suspicion abounds on Dagan's side, and Shelbie is still clueless of Dagan's identity.

Enjoy the opening of Chapter 6.

     Shelbie suppressed an excited shudder as Hunter stalked up the walkway after her. Only moments ago, he’d set her aside after hauling into his lap growling about indecent exposure and only so much a guy could take before closing his mouth over hers in a ravishing kiss.

     After possessing her with his mouth, they finally came up for air. Shelbie invited him in. He turned down her suggestion of a nightcap, aka, sex. Though disappointed, she knew it was for the best. Pecking him on the cheek, she said, goodnight, not a see ya around sometime. She was no longer optimistic, slid from the truck, and had made it halfway to the porch when the sound of the a slamming door echoed through the empty street.  

Blurb

Necessity made Shelbie Gilbrad a prostitute and thief, the thrill kept her in the business. But now she’s in trouble and doesn’t see it coming, which is odd because Shelbie’s been plagued by visions her entire life.

As a self-made billionaire bent on revenge, Dagan Hunter Caulfield has resigned himself of never recovering the rare green, teardrop diamond necklace. He’s moved on. His plan to surprise the woman he’s falling for, gets him the shock of his life. 

Shelbie and Dagan’s worlds collide and neither will ever be the same. Yet outside forces pit them against one another, putting their lives in danger. Can he forgive her past? Can she save the man she loves? 

Diamonds Aren't Forever Promo begins 2/22. Free for 5 days only. 

Whet Wednesday

I'm sitting in my living room enjoying seeing the sun streaming through the oversized double window. It is rare for winter in Tennessee to have a cloudless day. And today is one of them.

The wind whips through the porch rails on the north side of the house, around the corner of the house,  and with its ferocity makes the front porch swing dance and sway in the gusts.

The tinkling of the wind chimes  lulls and increases to a frantic beat with each strong gust, but never ceases it's song. While all of this is enjoyable, what this means is that it's below freezing outside. Not just below freezing for the temperatures this week haven't risen above 29. It's in the single digits in actual temperature right now, and with the wind chill it's below 0. A rarity in our parts.

But, hopefully this scene will warm you up.

I left you Sunday with the beginning of chapter 5. This is somewhere near the end of that chapter.

Casting a glance sideways, Insane. He was certifiably insane. He’d lost his ever-loving mind. Did insanity run in his family? Rumors of an aunt or uncle on his father’s side a hundred years or so back, but were there any recent?

That was the only explanation he had for spending the day at the beach.

He knew he was in trouble when she’d walked out of her bedroom in a sheer blue shirt that didn’t leave any part of her body to his imagination, and barely hit below her hips. Did he mention sheer?

The bikini beneath, if a few scraps of material could be called a bathing suit, in the same light blue served to zero his eyes in on every part of her body, he’d dreamed of touching. The order to march back into the bedroom and put some clothes on, preferably a parka hovered on his lips.

Anger and jealousy, where the hell did that emotion come from, held him in its grip as they walked in the sand, weaving around beachgoers, finding an empty spot. Every male from the age of twelve to seventy fell over their feet at the sight of Shelbie. He wanted Shelbie all to himself.

As the day wore on, he’d growled at more than a few guys who’d thrown a Frisbee their way. At one point, Dagan thought he would have to pull a young man, who almost drowned, from the ocean when Shelbie bent over to pick up a seashell.

He couldn’t tell her what she did to him. The sight of her lying on the beach in the barely there bikini shot straight to his groin. Or her laughter piercing his chest like cupids arrow. And he wasn’t about to recall the texture of her silky skin beneath his hands as he rubbed sunscreen on her back or when she pointed at a toddler, chasing hid dad, on stubby legs,  making him ache for one of their own.

By that time they’d been there for hours, suggesting a walk and eating at the beachside restaurant edge had been a good idea. Until Shelbie, flashing him a dreamy look. Her sexy voice drifting toward him, saying the only thing she was hungry for was him almost had him lifting her over his shoulder, carrying her to the truck and tearing for her house. 

Diamonds And Deceit

DIAMONDS AND DECEIT WORD SEARCH PUZZLE

T M A G M M Z F L L Y A E B W H L G R L I C O I P D E X R L V I S I O N S N B T E O V V S L V A E L W H A Y I Y E I B L E H S N I R F R R E H F N O T Y E P A N V A M A L I A Y T A F B L G P B E L L A S B I S T R O T P J    I P Y D S A V A N N A H U Z S H N N T N X E D C G T H I E V E S O Q A E Y A E B I L L I O N A I R E L C C I D D S A K A B H M N T K R T E T H K D O I A A L B S C D N H Y G G A F A E T H A W C T B I D F E J E T J N S A B

ATLANTA

THIERRY

BELLASBISTRO

BILLIONAIRE

PEYTON

DAGAN

IAN

MALLOY

VISIONS

NECKLACE

SHELBIE

THIEVES

AMALIA

SAVANNAH

ARABELLA

SEBASTIAN

DECEIT