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Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Unhinged Romance Book Series

The Unhinged Romance Series

These ladies will go to any lengths to get their man...


Book 1, Unhinged by his White Heat (Free book!)

He’s her first. She’s the one woman who’s making him rethink all his plans…

What if you finally meet the perfect guy who treats you the way you want to be treated but the catch is that he can leave town at any time, and even worse, he has a dark secret?



Thirty year old, honey-skinned Kema Ekwueme is a rebel with a cause, determined to find out the truth about a teenage student’s death and clear her school’s name. 
In the process, she meets Mr. Perfect, green-eyed Oliver Constantino, a sexy private security agent whose hungry stare is making her doubt her decision to remain a virgin until marriage. 
But she has no clue that Mr Perfect has a secret.
Purchase Links: 
https://www.books2read.com/u/478Y9a
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0737G6CRJ
https://okadabooks.com/book/about/unhinged_by_his_white_heat__adult_only_18/16164


Book 2, Unhinged by his Dark Fire

She's his teenage crush. He's her younger brother's best friend.

You're a young woman. Your younger brother is pissed with you because you're sleeping with his best friend and room-mate and your billionaire dad who controls your purse strings has given you an ultimatum to end the affair or else...



Former model, Wumi Osoba has always lived a nice, perfectly planned – and a teeny bit boring – life. She is engaged to a man chosen by good old dad. 
So when she bumps into Dare DaSilva, a swaggering, chocolate-eyed, soccer-loving hunk, she should ignore the incredible attraction between them. 
After all, he is her younger brother’s best friend and room-mate. She should do the right thing. 
Or should she? 
Before long, Wumi is surrendering to this feral hunger, saying no to daddy's choice of husband, and – OMG  punching her baby brother in the face.


Purchase Links:
https://www.books2read.com/u/bPJgPY
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0737FPSZQ
https://okadabooks.com/book/about/unhinged_by_his_dark_fire__adult_only_18/13620

Book 3, Unhinged by his Fiery Touch

He doesn't do relationships. She's not looking for love. All she wants is one kiss...

You know you shouldn't fall for him. He's a bad boy, maybe a killer, and he appears to have slept with every attractive woman in your city. But, gosh, he's so hot, you can't help yourself. 



All ambitious, commitment-phobe Tari Johnson wants is to be head of a media conglomerate. She's not in the market for a man. And anyway, there are always men courting her, men she can easily control and that's all she needs. 
Tawny-eyed Steven Braithwaite is dangerous and plays by nobody's rules except his own. Part owner of a security company, former marine and ex-mercenary, Steven does women. 
He doesn't do relationships and the women always take whatever he offers. 
For Tari, Steven is unlike any man she's ever known and every instinct is telling her to run away screaming. 
But she can't. 
He's the spider and for the first time in her life, she's become the fly.

Purchase Links:

https://www.books2read.com/u/b5MleO
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0737JBQKG
https://okadabooks.com/book/about/unhinged_by_his_fiery_touch__adult_only_18/13621


Book 4, Unhinged by Him

Three gorgeous couples. A fashion show. A suicide bomber. Lots of scorching sex scenes.

Welcome our sexy heroes and heroines from the Unhinged romance novels as they come together for the very first time in one novella for a heart-pounding and pulse-racing adventure that makes for one steamy, unmissable read. 


A one-of-a-kind fashion show in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja is targeted by suicide bombers and the elite agents of Olympus Security have only a few hours to save the day and foil the terrorists' dastardly plans. 
But this potentially explosive situation is eclipsed by the fiery heat our three passionate couples manage to generate all on their own.

Purchase Links:
https://www.books2read.com/u/mdN6ZW
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0737H2Y61
https://okadabooks.com/book/about/unhinged_by_him__adult_only_18/16171

Thursday, February 28, 2019

You know you shouldn't fall for him. #LAPLoveNotes #Erotic #Romance


Say hi to Steven and Tari ...

Without warning, Steven seized her waist, pulling her to his body so that her back was to his front.
She gasped. His warm breath tickled her ear.
“You want me, Tari.”
Sparks of electricity jumped from his hard body to her spine, skin and limbs. “No,” she lied.
His thumb stroked the inside of her wrist. “Liar …” His voice was a deep murmur. “I can’t see them clearly but I can bet your nipples are hard.”




UNHINGED BY HIS FIERY TOUCH, BOOK #3, THE UNHINGED ROMANCE SERIES


He doesn't do relationships. She's not looking for love. All she wants is one kiss ...

All ambitious, commitment-phobe Tari Johnson wants is to be head of a media conglomerate. She's not in the market for a man. And anyway, there are always men courting her, men she can easily control and that's all she needs. 

Tawny-eyed Steven Braithwaite is dangerous and plays by nobody's rules except his own. Part owner of a security company, former marine and ex-mercenary, Steven does women. He doesn't do relationships and the women always take whatever he offers. 

For Tari, Steven is unlike any man she's ever known and every instinct is telling her to run away screaming. But she can't. He's the spider and for the first time in her life, she's become the fly.

To buy your copy today, click any link: 

Check out more tasty snippets from other authors: https://www.loveafricapress.com/love-notes

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Excerpt: Meet Tari and Steven


Excerpt from Unhinged by his Fiery Touch, Book #3 in the Unhinged Romance Series

Tari entered the ice-cream shop an hour later, her gaze sweeping over the interior.  At the table in the center of the room, a mother inspected the menu. Her two sullen teenage daughters glared at nothing in particular. In the corner, a man and woman huddled together, gazing into each other’s eyes.
Moving further inside the air-conditioned room, Tari’s eyes met those of a man in his late twenties with a shaven head and dark chocolate eyes, sitting opposite an empty chair by the window. 
His glance met hers and he grinned. Rising to his feet, his lean torso covered in a pale yellow Polo T-shirt and his lightly-bowed legs in black jeans, he said, “Hello beautiful.”
Tari smiled. “Hello Hot Chocolate.”
He laughed and then wrapped his arms around her in a hug.  Despite the fact that they both worked in the same media company, Glow Force Media, it had been almost a month since they had last set eyes on each other, although they spoke on average two times a week on the phone. She was based in the Abuja office, and he in Lagos.
Mmm, you smell as great as ever.” Dare DaSilva said, his face in her curls.
“Thanks, but don’t ever let that paranoid fiancĂ©e of yours catch you smelling my hair. She’s unhinged.”
“Come on, Tari… Wumi’s the kindest person I know.”  Dare stepped out of Tari’s arms to draw the second chair out. He said, “Sit, sit. I’ve missed you.”
“And I you.” She slid into the chair, looking up into his face. “You’re the perfect gentleman, as always.”
He returned to his seat. Inclining his head toward the service people at the counter, he said, “I try. I’ve ordered for us. For you, Red Velvet Cheesecake… and for me, Coffee Addiction. It’ll be here soon.”
“Ah, you remembered that I love cheesecake.”
“Of course.”
Tari sank into the plush leather seat, shutting her eyes briefly. “It’s so easy with you. Why isn’t it this easy with Joe or even with Dubem?”
“Because we are just friends but Joe is your… what do I call him... your lover? And Dubem is… one of your numerous suitors.”
“Gosh, Dare, Joe was talking about marriage again. Very annoying.”
Dare shrugged. “You can’t blame him. Look at you… you’re one of the most beautiful women on this planet.” He cleared his throat, his glance flying around the room. “Of course my Wumi is also on that list.”
Tari rolled her eyes. She said, “Of course she is. You never know she may have bugged you and could be listening to our conversation at this very moment. I’m sure she still thinks that you and I are having an affair.”
“No, she doesn’t. She knows nothing happened between us.”
“Not for lack of you trying.” Tari quipped, lifting an eyebrow.
Dare grinned, his glance darting away to the waiter approaching their table with a tray.
The waiter, a dark man in his early twenties, smiled at Tari, his smile lingering for long seconds before he turned to Dare. He said, “Good day to you both. Here’s our Red Velvet Cheesecake for the pretty lady…”
Tari struggled to keep her eyes from rolling.
He continued, “…it’s a vanilla bean cheesecake sandwiched between layers of rich moist red velvet cake, topped with our signature cream cheese frosting and white chocolate shavings…”
Her mouth salivated. Gosh, it looked as delicious as it sounded.
“…and a Coffee Addiction for the gentleman.”
“Thanks.” Dare said.
The server nodded and departed.
Wielding her spoon, Tari said, “You notice he didn’t say much about yours.”
Dare said, “I noticed. So how was Friday lunch with Senior Pastor Joseph Etim and his ex-wife?”
Mhhmmm… this is phenomenal.” Tari murmured, through a mouth of cheesecake. After swallowing, she said, “The ex barely said a word to me. She stared at me like I was the snake in the Garden of Eden. But the children more than made up for her unfriendliness. They were great. But this morning, after sex, Joe launched into his marriage sermon for the umpteenth time. Can’t he get that I don’t want to marry him or anyone?”
Dare licked the ice-cream off his spoon. He said, “We men usually want what we can’t have. But Tari, you know you can’t keep playing Joe and Dubem against each other.”
“I’m not sleeping with Dubem, only Joe. For now.” She muttered darkly.
“Well… one day you’re going to meet the guy who’ll melt that heart of yours.”
Tari scoffed, “It’ll never happen. Anyway, I’m done talking about me. What’s the latest between you and your former model-slash-superstar fiancĂ©e?”
“We’re fine. As usual.”
“And she isn’t sending assassins to off your ex-girlfriend from Canada… Emem, is it? …who returned last year to woo you and is now your friend? I’m surprised and impressed.”
Dare glared at Tari. “Why should she? Wumi knows I love her and only her. Emem and I just hang out.”
“The girl that nearly broke you when she left to travel to Canada… that’s the one you’re hanging out with? Dare, she’s not your friend.”
Polishing off half of his Coffee Addiction, he didn’t meet her gaze. A minute later, he muttered, “We’re friends.”
“No. You and I are friends. You can’t be friends with a woman you’ve slept with, who you were in love with. I can’t imagine that Wumi is okay with this.”
He breathed in air, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “I-I haven’t told Wumi about that yet. But I will.”
“Dare, you better leave Emem alone.”
“Yes mother.”
“Gosh, I hate it when you say that.”
“I know.”
“I’m only six years older than you. And I’m not your mama.”
“Thank God.”
Their eyes met and they both guffawed.
Dare put down his spoon. His eyes narrowed. “How’s your campaign against Onyeka for the top job in the Abuja office progressing?”
“I think we’re neck and neck.”
“I hate that guy.” Dare blurted out, frown lines marring his smooth forehead.
“I hate him too.”
“He had me demoted and transferred from Lagos to Abuja.”
“Yes, but there’s a silver lining… because of your transfer, we met.”
Dare grinned at her. Stretching a hand across the tabletop, he grasped her right hand. “For that, I no longer hate him that much.” Releasing her hand, he pushed his face closer. “I heard that he’s probably going to be the one picked for the job.”
It was her turn to frown. “Really? Where did you hear that?”
“From here and there. I’ve been keeping my ears open and that’s what I heard. He has friends in high places. One of the owners of Glow Force Media. You need a bold, strong move to put your over the edge.”
“I know.” Tari nodded. But what could she do though? Onyeka was a greasy SOB but he had a lot of connections within the company. He had transferred from the Lagos branch office to Abuja late last year in preparation for his campaign for the job. Yes, he had built up a strong network of supporters. But she wanted the COO Job. Heck, she deserved it. She had worked hard for that position and nobody would take it from her. She would be the first female head in the history of Glow Force Media, Nigeria.
Dare muttered, “One of the owners, Onyeka’s supporter, our boss, Fela… I heard he’s not in favor of women holding top jobs.”
“Really?” Tari’s eyebrows lifted.
“Yes. Ever since his divorce from his wife, who heads a major conglomerate herself, by the way, he’s become tougher on women. I heard he wasn’t pleased with your application but couldn’t deny that you had the right credentials.”
“And it helps that the other owner, Remi, is on my side.”
Dare grinned. “Yes, that helps too.”
Tari sneered. “Fela’s just bitter because of his divorce. The rumor going around is that he dates only women fifteen to twenty years younger than him.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that too.” Dare shrugged. “I also heard about the attack.”
“Yes, five of our foreign visitors were assaulted by armed robbers on their way to a club last week in Abuja. The robbers stole three of Glow Force Media’s brand-new jeeps and killed nearly all the mobile policemen in the convoy. Management is frothing at the mouth about this incident.”
Eyes glinting, Dare said, “This could be it. The bold move you need. You could do a presentation as a motivation to hire better security people.”
She stared at him, the cheesecake forgotten. “That’s brilliant, Dare. But one problem; I have no clue about anything security-related.”
“Have you heard of Kema Constantino?”
“Yes. Everyone has heard of her. She’s the first female private investigator in Nigeria, probably in Africa.”
Dare looked very pleased with himself. “She’s married to one of the owners of an elite private security firm, Olympus Security. Oh—and she’s Wumi’s best friend. I know today is a Saturday and you’ll be returning to Abuja on Monday but if anyone can get an appointment with her today, my fiancĂ©e can. Hold on, I’ll call Wumi now and ask her.”
***
It had taken a tiny bit of cajoling on Dare’s part but eventually Wumi had agreed to help. She had sent Dare a text a few minutes later saying that Kema had consented to see Tari today at the Olympus Security main office in Victoria Island. Tari had up till one P.M. to arrive there.
Dare had urged Tari to leave for the office immediately to be able to catch up with Kema. He had promised to handle the bill. They had embraced and she had rushed out and into the Pastor Joseph’s silver Toyota jeep.
Now, at twelve-fifteen, the driver pulled the car up to massive, forbidding steel-gray gates, at the address Wumi had sent. Tari peered up through the window at the glass and concrete structure. The gates were high; she could see only three floors and the roofs. On either side of the gates, two cameras glared down at the car.
From the guardhouse built flush into the left wall by the gates, a young man in a white and dark purple uniform stepped out and approached them.
Tari wound down her window. He came up to her, all cold eyes and polite smiles.
“Good afternoon, ma’am. May I help you?”
“I’m Tari Johnson. I have an appointment with Kema Ekwueme.”
“Tari Johnson for Kema.” He called out to another guard inside the small house and then turned back to her.
“It’ll just take a minute. Meanwhile, may I search your vehicle?”
Like I have a choice. Tari nodded.
Quickly and efficiently, he scanned under the jeep and then looked through the back.
A second after he had completed his task, the gates drew apart, revealing a long driveway made of interlocking stones.
Flashing another polite smile, the guard said, “Go straight. To the end. Have a good day, ma’am.”
“You too.” Tari muttered as the driver started the car and drove in and up the road, flanked on either side by narrow, grass-lined pavements. In the distance, on the right, two bungalows stood side by side. On the left of the pavement were rows and rows of parked black SUVs.
They moved on to the top of the road. Another guard in white and purple waited there, positioned in front of a tall building. He waved at the driver.
The car stopped. Another polite smile. “Please come down, ma’am.” He pulled her door open. Tari climbed down.
“Go inside, ma’am.”
As she mounted the short flight of stairs leading to a set of glass double doors, she heard the jeep drive off, probably to park somewhere in this vast compound.
Her wedges hit the mat in front of the doors and they slid open. A rush of almost freezing air welcomed Tari into the foyer. On the left, one guard perched behind a long desk and in front of some monitors. Directly opposite the doors was a group of security turnstiles and beyond them, a bank of elevators.
Another guard met her. “Sign in, please.” He gestured to an open notebook on the desk with a pen lying beside it.  She wrote down her name, her address, her phone number, the reason for her visit—personal—and the time. He passed her a temporary ID.
“She’ll be here shortly.” He said.
Tari nodded, moving to a collection of silver-grey metal chairs on the right of the glass doors. Sinking down onto one of them, she straightened the hem of her dress over her knees.
The chime of an elevator bell. Someone came out; a small woman in black. Using a security card, she passed through a turnstile and came forward.
Tari stared up at her. This was Kema. She had seen photos of her but—Gosh—in the flesh; she was tiny, maybe five-two or three, a UK size eight—and young. Probably early thirties.
Kema wore a fitted black silk shirt over her small torso and black jeans over very wide hips. On her feet were black ankle boots. Her hair was cut Mohawk-style and dyed honey-blond. Three diamond studs per ear, a Pierre Cardin watch plus a solitaire diamond ring above a platinum wedding band on the third finger on her left hand made up her jewelry.
The men stiffened, murmuring, “Ma’am.”
Kema nodded at them and stuck out a hand to Tari. With eyes as cold as the guards, and a smile almost as polite, she said, “Tari Johnson.”
“Yes.” Tari rose. What’s it with this place? The cold eyes; the fake smiles. Arghh.
Gripping Kema’s hand, she shook it.
“You’re Dare’s best friend, right? Nothing more?”
What the hell? Tari’s eyes constricted but she replied, “We’re just friends. I have never had anything more with Dare and I never will.”
For a moment longer, the two women stood there, hands clasped, staring into each other’s eyes. Suddenly, Kema grinned. A grin that reached her eyes and warmed her up.
“That’s wonderful. His fiancĂ©e, Wumi Osoba is my best friend and I get a little over-protective sometimes. Welcome to Olympus Security.”
Tari dropped her hand.  Wow. What a change.
Kema smiled again and said, “Wumi explained to me what you need. I’ll be happy to help. But, I’m flying out to New York tonight to join my husband, Oliver… he’s one of the owners of the company… and I won’t be around to follow up with you. But not to worry, I reached out to the other owner, Steven. He’ll be here in a minute.”
A dull roar reached Tari’s ears through the glass doors. She glanced outside.
The roar appeared to have come from a fancy motorbike parking in front of the building. A cherry-red and white Ducati. Hmm, impressive. The man astride it had a red helmet with a black visor on his head. He clambered off the bike with a fluid grace.
Tari raised her head, eyes glued to him. Who was he?
He was tall, broad-shouldered, slim-waisted, wearing a light blue shirt, arms rolled up to his elbows over blue jeans and chestnut-brown suede ankle desert boots on his feet.
“Ah, Steven’s here.” Kema murmured.
That’s one of the owners? Tari stared.
He dragged his helmet off and handed it to the guard outside and then glided into the lobby like a sleek panther.
Up close, he was beautiful, more beautiful than any man should be. He was mixed-race, with brown, almost reddish curly hair, tawny eyes flecked with gold and lips that were pink and ripe. He beamed at Kema and dimples creased his cheeks and white, white teeth gleamed.
The guards inside straightened even more. Almost simultaneously, they called out, “Good afternoon, sir.”
“Good afternoon.” He responded, nodding at each man, one after the other. He had an American accent.
Gazing at him, Tari’s pulse began to skip. What? What was happening to her? He was handsome, yes, but she had known lots of handsome men. Her eyes zoomed in on his fingers. Only one ring, a gold band with an emerald stone, on his right hand. Not a wedding ring. Not that she cared whether he was married or not, of course.
“Kema, darling.” He bent down to kiss Kema’s cheek.
“Steven, thanks for coming in. This is Tari Johnson. I told you about her.”
Those eyes glanced at her, cool and blank. “Welcome, Tari.” And then, he returned to Kema.
What? Tari couldn’t believe it. For most of her life, men meeting her for the first time stared at her, eyes wide or they did a double-take. But this, this blank one-second glance was… was galling. It was like he had sucker-punched her ego. Who the hell did he think he was?
“Tari, meet Steven Braithwaite, CEO of Olympus Security.”
Tari nodded. He made no effort to catch her eyes. Grrr.
Kema glanced at Tari. She said, “Did you sign in?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, we can go up.”
Steven led the way, followed by Kema and Tari, through the turnstiles, into the elevator to the third floor. Pushing open a wooden door adjacent to the elevator, Steven stepped into a mid-sized room containing wine-red chairs and couches and a chocolate-brown coffee table.
Waving Tari to an armchair, Kema settled into the couch opposite. Steven sat beside her, legs splayed, one hand on his thigh and the other on the seat.
Tari tried to keep her eyes from training on the spot between his legs. She sank into the chair, focusing on Kema.
“Do you want something to drink? There’s juice, wine, tea, coffee, water…”
“No thanks, Kema. I’m fine.”
“Do you have your business card?”
“Yes.” Tari dug into her nude-colored bag and extricated one card. Only for Kema. Kema took it, scanned it and then passed it over to Steven.
Come on, Tari groaned inwardly.
He didn’t glance at it. Pulling out his phone from his jeans pocket with the other hand, he eyed his Breitling watch.
Who the hell did he think he was? There was nothing special about him. Yes, he was rich, powerful, and overwhelmingly good-looking but everything about him screamed BAD BOY, including his occupation. The owner of a security company. Didn’t that mean he was dangerous? No, no, no. Not her type.
“The way I think we should play it is that we send you information about us, about what we do to your email address and then you can compile the data and make your presentation to your bosses. And then, maybe next week…” Kema paused to glance at Steven, “He’ll come to your office and talk to them and answer any questions.”
He was coming to Abuja! No, why him?
Raising his head from his iPhone, he whispered to Kema, “You know how busy we are. Are you sure we should handle this?”
“Yes. For Dare.”
“That kid? Come on, Kema.”
Tari couldn’t help herself. “Excuse me?”
Kema smiled at her. “Don’t mind us.” She whispered to Steven. “We’re doing it.” Facing Tari, Kema continued, “I’m sorry but I have to leave now. I haven’t packed and there are lots I need to finish before my flight. Steven will take care of you.”
Kema jumped up. Steven automatically did the same.
Rising to her feet, Tari bit her lip trying to hide a grin. This bad boy was a gentleman.
Kema and Tari shook hands once more.  “Thank you, Kema.” Tari said.
“No big deal. Take care, Tari.” Kema ambled toward the door, muttering to Steven, “Be good now.”
Leaving him alone with her. Arghh. Tari’s palms moistened.
For the first time since she had met him, Steven stared down at her, straight in her face. And then he smiled.  His dimples flashed, his tawny-gold eyes softened.
In her core, Tari felt an answering tug. Body, behave yourself. This one’s not for you.
Replacing his phone in his front pocket and the card in the back, he said, “I’ll send you the email on Monday and then after you can get back to me on when you need me in Abuja. But for now, let’s have lunch.”
What? Frowning, she muttered, “Lunch? To discuss my presentation?”
He grinned. Said, “No.”
“As… a date?”
He laughed and said. “Not quite. You’re here via Kema so I’ve got to be on my best behavior and also… you are a potential client.”
She shouldn’t ask this but she just had to know. He had been ignoring her for the past half-hour. Was it because she was a potential client and also because of Kema’s presence? “So… if I wasn’t a client… and if I didn’t come here through Kema…”
His smile disappeared but his eyes glowed. Inching closer, he whispered, “I would have taken you to dinner and after, we would go to my place and fuck.”
Tari’s eyes rounded. Did he just say what she heard? She glowered into his face. He was trying to shock her. She could see the beginnings of laughter on those perfect pink lips. Living up to his bad boy image. Well, she wouldn’t play into his hands. After all they were both adults.
Shrugging, she murmured, “Well, unfortunately for you, we won’t fuck. I’m a client. I’m returning to Abuja in a day or two. And I have a boyfriend.”
His gaze on her lips, he whispered, “I like how you mentioned your boyfriend last.”
Damn. Tari bit her lip.
Steven smiled. Her reaction sparked his interest. Other women would have feigned shock and horror at his words, even while their eyes gleamed with desire. But she didn’t. Nice. He peeked at her body. Damn, he yearned to explore with his mouth those parts of her well-proportioned body wrapped by her blue dress. He had had loads of skinny, model-type girls but he also enjoyed a woman with some meat on her bones. And also, the bronze color of her skin meshed very nicely with the afro of brown curls that framed her heart-shaped face. That face, with the high cheekbones and the mole by the right side of her nose. Stunning. He couldn’t wait to meet up with her in Abuja.
“If we’re done, I’ll like to leave now.” She stated, mouth pursed.
“Okay. I’ll walk you to the lobby.”
“No, I can manage.” Being closeted with him in the elevator? No thanks.
Steven wagged his head, chuckling. He said, “It’s company policy.”
“Alright.”
Side by side, they left the room and entered the lift, Tari ensuring a decent distance between their bodies. She didn’t want to spontaneously combust. This guy was affecting her in ways she hadn’t expected.
Staring straight ahead as the elevator descended, she took in short, sharp breaths of air. Was air leaking out somewhere? How come she was finding it so hard to breathe? Hurry up, lift. How long did it take to go down four floors?
Without warning, he leaned over. His heated breath fanned her neck. Her nipples stirred. “You smell divine.” He drawled.
Before she could say anything, the doors opened and Tari sprang out, sucking air into her lungs. Hallelujah, saved by the door. With him behind her, she raced through the turnstile and halted at the desk.
“Sign out, please, ma’am.” The guard said, aware that his boss was standing right beside him.
She did so, keeping her eyes on the book.
“You’ll let me know when I can come over?” Steven asked, his voice all professional and calm.
“Yes, of course.” She didn’t look at him. “Thanks for your help.”
Keeping her gaze forward, Tari staggered out of the building and to her car, legs quivering. What the heck was going on? Body, behave! Note to self: never, ever be alone with Steven Braithwaite.

Excerpt: Meet Wumi and Dare


Excerpt from Unhinged by his Dark Fire, Book #2 in the Unhinged Romance Series

 


“You did a great job.”

“Wonderful!”

“I can see that you’re used to being in front of the camera.”

Wumi Jackie Osoba surveyed the faces of the three all-male associate producers crowding over her. She squirmed in the uncomfortable office chair, and gulped in a deep breatha tad freaked out by the forty-minute interview that had just ended.

She did okay… at least, she hoped so. She should be used to being in front of the cameras by nowshe had been a runway model for over ten years.

Tell that to the giant butterflies in her stomach.

Well, at least it was over. Until the next one.

Promoting a new business was hard work. That was the reason she had come hereto promote Jackie’s Models.

“Over fifteen people called and they all said something positive about your new company.” One of the associate producers, a coal-black complexioned man with off-white teeth beamed down at her.

“You’ll get lots of new business contacts from this program,” Said the man who had been the anchor of the show and who was now leering at her breasts.

Wumi squeezed the straps of her magenta Miu Miu bag. She should be grateful. She was fortunate to have loads of influential contacts in the entertainment industry that could give her business a much-needed boost.

Her younger brother, Jasper had also been supportive. He was responsible for engineering this TV interview with Glow Force Media. His best friend and new room-mate was a senior producer in this company.

 Someone she barely remembered… her memories of Jasper’s best friend was a dark boy that followed Jasper around like a shadow… oh, and he had a good singing voice. That much she could remember.  He had been in their church choir. His father had been the reverend.

Unfortunately, this Jasper’s friend had been out of the office during her visit but at least, he was kind enough to get one of his associate producers to organize Wumi’s phone-in interview.

Wumi eyed her wristwatch. She had less than two hours to drive through crazy Lagos traffic to the cinema where she would be catching a girly movie with her best friend, Kema.

She jumped to her feet. With her five feet, nine inches height elevated even more by her three-inch magenta heels, she was taller than all the men in this office.

“You’re welcome to come back anytime” One of them was saying.

“Thank you.” Wumi said, smiling only with her lips as she backed out the door.

“Hey, watch it.”

Warm, strong hands grasped her naked upper arms. Heat pulsed through her skin and into her belly.

She attempted to face this newcomer but tripped over her feet. Yikes!

She pitched forward

Straight into his chest.

My word, despite her heels, he was at least three inches taller…

She glanced upward and sighted deep chocolate eyes and a shaven head. Instinctively, she breathed in his scent… something alluring and masculine. He smelt fresh despite the fact that he had only come in from outsidewhere the harsh sunrays had the ability to penetrate every pore in the skin and squeeze out every last drop of sweat. Automatically, her eyes swept over his trim frame in a grey, v-necked T-shirt and fitted black jacket.

Wumi gulped.

“Wumi… careful,” He said.

That woke her from the spell. How did he know her name? Who was he?

She spoke out loud, “Who are you?”

He laughed softly and replied, “Don’t you remember me? I’m Dare… Jasper’s friend.”

Her eyes swelled. “What? You’re…. Dare?”

“Have I changed that much?”

Yes, she wanted to scream, I don’t remember you being this hot!

Dare was shaken to his very core. The woman who had been the subject of many of his wet dreams ever since he was fifteen years old, stood before him. Wumi Osoba…

She must be twenty-eight years old now, at the most. His friend, Jasper was three years younger.

Her mocha skin glowed. Her erect, full breasts perked through her pink short-sleeved T-shirt and her long, long legs were encased in white jeans. Legs that could wrap themselves easily around his waist…

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be here for the taping of your interview. I had an emergency meeting with my bosses.”

Wumi pulled away from him, struggling to control herself. She said, “It’s okay. They took care of me.”

“That’s good. Come, let me escort you out.” He waved her forward.

Wumi stepped outside, through the door.

Dare led her out, placing his right hand, palm out, on her back. Warmth sizzled through the material of her top into her bones.

In the car park, Wumi swung to face him.

She clutched her handbag to her breasts. She had seen him checking her out. Maybe she should do the same to him. God knows she hungered to.

She already noticed some things… stuff  like his gently bowed legs, the way he walked with his head thrust forward, his feet apart… and she definitely noticed that he filled out his black jeans pretty well.

What was happening to her?

He was her baby brother’s friendand room-mate. What a recipe for a gargantuan mess.

Anyway, she preferred older men. Didn’t she?

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes… over ten years.”

She smiled. “You’ve been in contact with Jasper the whole time?”

“Yes.” And then, his daze drifted to the side. He ran his left hand over his head. “Y-you’ve been on my mind.”

A jolt of pleasure rushed up her spine. “I have?”

“You may not know this… but for years, I had a huge…” He spread his hands wide, indicating the size, “… crush on you.”

Wumi trembled. She gaped at him, unable to form any words.

His eyes met hers… probing…

Then he grinned. He had seen something in there. She was attracted to him.

He drawled, “May I have your phone number?”

Was there any use pretending to think about it? She thought not.

She gave him the number.

“I have a meeting with my associate producers in the next five minutes so I’ll have to leave you. Are you heading home?”

“No,” Wumi replied, “I am heading to see a movie with my best friend, Kema.”

“Okay then, take care. I will call you.”

“Great.”

He grinned again and then swerved around and headed back into the office.

***

Wumi folded her arms and mock-glared at Kema who was zipping towards her, dodging between cars driving in and out of The Palms Mall Car Park.

Kema reached Wumi and threw her arms around her.

Wumi said, “You’re late… as usual…”

“Not really…”

“Yes, really. I’ve been here for like ten minutes.”

Thankfully, the sun was winding down. The air blowing through Wumi’s hair had lost its warm bite.

Kema pulled away from her friend. She glanced up and asked, “When is our movie?”

“In the next thirty minutes or so. Let’s head inside.”

Wumi and Kema strolled side-by-side toward the massive complex. Passing cars zipped by. Horns blared. A few of the male drivers threw admiring glances at the two women.

Kema slid a glance up at her friend. “Why do you constantly tower over everyone?”

“You mean, tower over you…” Wumi ruffled her friend’s Mohawk. “That’s because you love wearing only flatsand black. What’s with that?”

Kema jerked her head away. “I am comfortable in flats… and,” she tugged at her dark-blue top, “… this isn’t black.”

“It’s dark.”

“Yeah, whatever. Oliver doesn’t mind.”

“True. He allows you to be yourself. I love that. You’re lucky.”

Kema beamed. Even the mere mention of her husband’s name was enough to evoke wide, glowing smiles.

As they approached the entrance, Kema exclaimed, “You forgot to tell me when your interview will air.”

“Tomorrow, four P.M.”

“Super. I’ll keep my eyes peeled.”

Now that they were on the subject of the interview, Wumi cleared her throat and then muttered, “I-I met someone.”

Kema screeched to a stop. She eyed her friend. Something was up. She could hear excitement and desire in her best friend’s voice.

“Who? Tell me all.”

“You remember Jasper’s friend?”

“Yeah… so?”

“Kema, he’s hot… very hot. He had a strange effect on me… I can’t explain it fully. You know me… everything must happen in order, no spur-of-the-moment actions for me… and yet, when I saw him, I wanted to be with him. I wanted

Kema raised her hands, palms outward. “Stop, stop… Wumi, we are talking about your brother’s friendand room-mate. How feasible is that? Think of this: you and him hanging out at his place, just chilling… until Jasper walks in.”

“I’m not saying I want to date him.”

“You wanted to shag him.”

Kema!” Wumi exclaimed. Kema could be a tad abrupt.

“You just met him today, Wumi. I don’t understand why you’re thinking of wanting to be with him.”

Wumi shook her head. “I know. I can’t explain it.” Kema was wrong. She didn’t want to shag him. Yes, the instant attraction she felt for him seared her insides but was it all about sex? She had ever only had sex with one other person in her life—Idris—and they had dated for three years.

She didn’t engage in casual affairs. “I don’t

Kema put her hands on her hips, and gazed at Wumi through narrowed eyes. “And anyway, you have Barrister Gbenga who you might end up marrying.”

“If my dad has anything to do with it…”

***

“Have you and Gbenga set a date yet?”

Wumi’s spoonful of cream chowder froze on its way to her mouth. She glared over the table at her father, Tunji Osoba.

Noticing her expression, his grey-tinged brows merged in a frown. His eyes narrowed over the gold rims of his glasses.

Wumi slammed the spoon back into her bowl, spilling cream chowder on the formerly pristine ruby-lined bright yellow tablecloth.

Next to her father, her stepmother, Lola kept her eyes down and picked at her grilled fish like it was suddenly disgorging golden eggs. Her Elegance clearly did not wish to be involved in this conversation.

“Daddy…” Wumi mumbled, her fingers tracing the rim of the bowl of soup… round and round and round…

“Has he proposed?” Her father insisted.

Wumi hissed through her teeth. Her eyes flailed around the restaurant, scarcely noticing the medium-sized watercolors that dotted the beige walls, and the steady, almost indiscernible hum of the air-conditioners that simulated an almost arctic atmosphere inside which contrasted sharply with the middle afternoon scorching heat outside.

“Yes…” She finally managed.

“And you said yes, I assume?”

Lola decided it was time to say something. “Sweetheart, I’m sure she appreciates that Gbenga is a great catch.”

Wumi flicked a glance at Lola. Her Elegance wore her sleek, full hair in a ponytail and her slim figure was covered by a lace and African Print outfit. As usual, she had very little makeup on.

Gbenga, a great catch? I suppose one could say so… He was older…like seven years older and rich… quite good-looking too… although a bit robust in his cheeks and belly but what did that matter?

So why hadn’t she yet accepted his proposal? And why was she in such an awful mood today? Maybe it had to do with this family lunch date she was mandated to attend every Saturday afternoon.

Or maybe it had to do with the fact that it had been two whole days and Dare had not called.

No-ooo… of course not… what did she care?

She definitely didn’t care if he already had a girlfriend.

Her stomach growled. She eyed her bowl of creamy soup that was admittedly delicious but to the bottomless pit of her stomach, was like tiny drops of water.

But she needed to keep any extra weight off her bum and her already gigantic boobs.  So… no to…

She cut her eyes to her younger brother, Jasper, stout-chested, mustached and smooth-faced, stuffing his face with chicken, rice and oh-my-goodness golden-brown plump yummy-looking fried plantains.

But her father was still grumbling. “I don’t know why you’re not eager to get married. Your mates are married, with kids…”

“Daddy, please.”

Tunji sank back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. “Gbenga is a good man. Any woman with half a brain would want him.” He shook his head. “I don’t understand you these days. You depleted your fund to get a house

I didn’t deplete my fund.” Wumi snapped. Jasper snickered.

Her father plodded on, “you moved out and now you’re starting a new business. It’s that girl, your friend…,” He waved his hand as if pushing something away, “…Kema, she’s a bad influence.”

“Daddy! It’s not Kema. You’re always going off on her! I want this life. I want to do this. It’s my dream.”

Jasper echoed, “It’s my d-r-eam.”

“Shut up.” Wumi yelled.

“You, keep quiet.” Tunji whipped his head to his left to stare down his son. “At least she’s doing something with her life. You just waste money on your many girlfriends and flashy toys.”

Jasper muttered, “I just have one girlfriend.”

But his father was no longer listening. He was struggling to slice through his chunk of steak. “This is a little tough. I don’t want it to soil my white shirt.”

With a swiftness born of years of catering to him, Lola patted his hand. He put down the cutlery. She picked them up and proceeded to effortlessly chop his meat into bite-sized pieces.

Wumi rolled her eyes. Her stepmother had been her father’s PA for many years, even while he was still married to their mom. Her father liked to boast to everyone that he had waited five long, long years after their mother died to marry Lola. Whether he had waited to have sex with her was another matter. Eeuuww. Gross.

“Daddy, don’t worry. I’m meeting Gbenga this evening. I’m sure we’ll revisit the marriage thing again.” Wumi wanted an end to this conversation.

Her father sniffed.

Wumi enjoyed being with Gbenga. He was easy to be with. He was… nice.

And only two days ago, she had been planning to spend the rest of her life with him.

Until she met Dare.

Wumi tasted her soup. It was nearly gone and she was as hungry as she was when she first stepped into the restaurant.

She drained the last of the soup and slammed the spoon on the saucer.

Lola jumped, throwing her an inquiring glance.

Wumi looked away. Who was she fooling? It was eating at her. She had to know. But how could she find out without making it apparent?

How? Okay…maybe, this could work…

She swept her hand behind her right ear. “Umm… Jasper, I want to thank you for helping me get that interview.”

Jasper raised his eyes to his sister’s. “You’ve already thanked me. It’s Dare you should thank.”

Wumi leaped at that. “Yes, Dare… that’s his name?”

“Yes. You remember him, don’t you?”

“Of course. He’s changed a bit, hasn’t he?”

Jasper grinned. “He grew up, sis.”

From the other side of the table, Tunji asked, “That’s Reverend DaSilva’s son?”

Jasper nodded.

“I spoke to the Reverend only last month. He’s a good man.”

I don’t care about all that! Wumi’s mind screamed.

She told Jasper, “Maybe one day I’ll come over and say thanks. I just need to know when… Is he a stay-at-home guy or like you, Jasper… always out partying with his girlfriends?”

Jasper sat back, throwing up both his hands. “Hey, everyone! I don’t have girlfriends. I have a girlfriend.”

His father fought back a smile. Lola patted her stepson’s hand.

Jasper continued, “And sis, Dare doesn’t have a girlfriend. Give me a call when you’re ready. I’ll let you know when to visit, ok?”

Wumi stopped listening after “he doesn’t have a girlfriend”.

She couldn’t control the grin that spread all over face. Adrenaline swooshed into her heart.

Lola flashed a suspicious stare. Wumi ignored it.

As Jasper stuck his fork into a juicy plantain, Wumi decided that today was a good day after all. Today, she would dare to have whatever she desired.
She reached out and grabbed his plate of half-eaten food.