Sunday Snippet

 

My snippet this week is from my latest release, Torn.  You can purchase a copy of the novel at AMAZON or read for free with a KU subscription. This is the first book in a new series featuring a bisexual protagonist on a journey of self-discovery. His loyal friend and love interest, Henri, is never far from his side. This snippet takes place shortly after a nasty public breakup. 

Torn, En Pointe, Book One.                                                                                           Mickie B. Ashling, Copyright 2022                                                                                         

Previous to this reunion, Henri and I had never had the opportunity to sleep in and explore our bodies at leisure. At the academy, every hour of the day was accounted for, from the moment our alarm rang at six thirty in the morning, until we fell exhausted into bed each night. Our sexual exploits were usually furtive and over in a few seconds.

Waking with Henri’s naked body pressed against mine was a treat in and of itself. Knowing we didn’t have to be at a designated spot, primed and ready to leap into action, was like winning the lottery. I was happy that Onu had put aside any preconceived notions he might have had about our relationship and given us the privacy we needed. It was the first of many necessary steps to navigate our new understanding without any pressure from outside sources.

When Henri had left St. Petersburg in a rush, neither of us had any expectations. I was still surprised that he’d taken me back, but I should have had more faith in him. From our first sexual encounter five years ago, and every single one after that, he’d never wavered. There was nothing wishy-washy about this gorgeous man. I was the one who hadn’t known up from down for the longest time, and I had to stop projecting my fears. He wasn’t going to change his mind or abandon me.

We took a shower together, relishing the hot water that never seemed to run out like it did in the communal bathrooms back home. The towels were extra-large and fluffy, the room service was punctual, the food hot and delicious. Henri and I devoured our breakfast, which consisted of steaks and eggs, a small stack of pancakes, maple syrup, three types of jam, fresh fruit, muesli, yoghurt cups, two rashers of bacon, heaps of buttered toast, smoked salmon, cream cheese, and bagels. The selection was phenomenal, and we tried every single item on the table. Just because we were on vacation didn’t mean our metabolism ground to a halt. Dancers usually ate like hungry bears, and we didn’t disappoint.

For some reason, Henri asked again about Talia. I suppose there was a part of him that worried I might go back to her. I’d been her willing acolyte for years, and it was a surprise to everyone, myself included, that I was able to turn my back on her. Perhaps he would have stopped fretting if he’d been a fly on the wall the night her true colors had emerged with shocking clarity. I was nothing but a convenient stepping stone on her path to fame, the biddable fool who would have followed her off a cliff if she’d asked. Talia would have never sacrificed any of her dreams for the sake of love, whereas Henri was willing to step aside when his hopes and dreams collided with mine. He was an intoxicating amalgam of loyalty and kindness I didn’t deserve, and I was eager to prove I was worthy of his love.

A part of that was easing his mind when it came to Talia. I shared what little I knew, which wasn’t much.

“After our breakup, she froze me out, and decided Kirill—Grigori—was the better option. How he managed to get back into her good graces is a mystery, but he’s now her unofficial boyfriend. Onu says they’re a match made in hell.”

“Is she sleeping with him?”

“I honestly don’t know.”

“Does the idea bother you after she put you off for so long?”

“No, but I wish she’d chosen someone less toxic.”

He looked relieved. I asked about his new roommates. “Is there anyone I should consider a rival?”

“No,” he assured me.

“Are you certain?”

“I already told you there’s been no one else.”

“It’s just that you’ve acquired some new skills,” I said, feeling my cheeks flush.

“We have access to better porn on this side of the world,” Henri deadpanned.

“So I won’t have to slay any dragons to fight for your attention?”

“Some people don’t need to kiss a bunch of frogs until they find their true love.”

I would have scoffed if anyone else had thrown me this line, but Henri was so transparent, I didn’t doubt him for one second.

“I love you, babe.”

Henri smiled sweetly. “Can we make this official?”

“In what way?”

“When people ask about our status, can I say you’re my boyfriend?”

“Of course.”

“Come back to bed, chéri. We’ll seal the deal with a delightful new diversion.”