Excerpt Monday: Take 14

Once a month, Bria Quinlan and Alexia Reed host a bunch of authors who get together and post excerpts from published books, contracted work or works in progress, and link to each other. You don’t have to be published to participate–just be a writer with an excerpt you’d like to share. For more info on how to participate, head over to the Excerpt Monday site or click on the banner above!

This month’s excerpt is drawn from early on in The Flower Queen’s Daughter.

As always, any comments or criticisms are welcome.

The sight of Miss Penrose’s innocent disrobing nearly undid his composure. When she paused before the window and peered at the garden below, Alex froze on the trellis, praying no one else ventured outside tonight.

His foot cramped in protest of the awkward way he held it against the crossed pieces of wood as he leaned as far as possible into the shadows. He waited a few moments after she turned away and pulled her cotton gown over her head before he eased back to a more comfortable position.

The candlelight cast her form into soft silhouette beneath her nightgown and he enjoyed the view as she approached the bed. A bit too much. The trellis creaked under his shifting weight as he leaned closer.

As her room plunged into darkness, Alex’s breath rushed out in a sigh of relief. He must speak with her in private, but honor demanded the preservation of her reputation. He hoped his friends below concentrated on ensuring their privacy.

Might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb. He hooked his leg over the balcony railing and hauled himself over. The French window swung open easily at his touch and he stepped through. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the darkness of the room, but the shapely form under the white coverlet was unmistakable.

He admired the way her dark hair splayed across the pillow and her chest rose and fell with each even breath. What he did not notice until he stood beside her was the pistol she aimed at his heart.

“Easy, Miss. Put that away before someone gets hurt. Namely me.” He spoke with the calm, gentle voice he used around horses. He didn’t wish to spook her. His efforts to preserve her reputation would come to naught if she fired.

“I think not.” She cocked her head to the side as she pulled back the hammer. “What do you want?”

“To talk. Nothing more.” He spread his palms up before him and waited but the pistol never even twitched. He’d witnessed less steady hands on the dueling field.

“Why now? What could possibly be so important that necessitated your climbing to my balcony–” She waved the weapon toward the French door and swung back to level it at his chest once more. “—and disturbing my slumber?”

“You weren’t asleep.” He grinned at her sharp intake of breath. “Besides, I find conversation much more satisfying when both parties are awake.”

“True.” She shrugged. “So, talk.”

“Is aught amiss?” Did he just say that? He sounded like a fool. She might as well shoot him and relieve his misery.

“A strange man steals into my chamber in the middle of the night. Is that not enough to be considered ‘amiss’?”

“I give you my word as a gentleman. I mean you no harm. Please, put down the weapon so we may discuss this in a civilized manner.” He moved slowly toward her, he didn’t want to spook her.

She rolled her eyes. “Shall I ring for tea as well?”

To Alex’s relief, she released the hammer and tucked the pistol back beneath her pillow. Still within reach, but a far less immediate threat.

“Quite unnecessary.” He took a step closer to the bed. “I merely wish to inquire after your stay here at Rylestone Manor.”

“I see.” She assumed a pose of exaggerated concentration, her left hand cradled her other elbow and she tapped her right index finger against her temple. “I find my accommodations a bit crowded, but I assume that shall be a temporary inconvenience?” Her gaze traveled from his head to his toes and her frown deepened.

“No, no. What I mean to say are you enjoying your time with the other guests.” He stepped back, not wanting to frighten or annoy her into picking up the weapon again.

“Present company excluded, of course?” She stood and paced the length of the room, heading for the door to the balcony.

“Of course.” He grinned even though she probably couldn’t see his expression in the shadows.

Reaching the open doorway, she turned and faced him. “I can’t say I care much for their high in the instep ways.”

“Are you planning to return to your home then?” He strode across the room to her side.

“Would, that I could.” She sighed and shook her head.

“I see. Very well.” Alex offered Miss Penrose his arm as if he were her escort, not her rescuer. “If you will accompany me to the balcony, we shall be on our way.”

“Have you gone mad?” She balled her fists and stood with her arms rigid at her sides.

“No. I assume you wish to change? To pack? How quickly can you be ready?” Alex was confused by her reluctance. If she were being held contrary to her wishes, wouldn’t she wish to escape? He’d never understand women. Such contradictory creatures.

She returned to the bed and scrambled to put her back against the pillows at the headboard and yanked the covers up to her chin. She looked adorable even though she wasted valuable time.

“We must hurry, Miss Penrose, else we will be discovered here together.”

A knock sounded at her door, startling them both.

If you enjoyed this, you might enjoy some of my other Excerpt Monday offerings.

Links to other Excerpt Monday writers
Note: I have not personally screened these excerpts. Please heed the ratings and be aware that the links may contain material that is not typical of my site.

As always, our hostesses Bria Quinlan (PG13), Alexia Reed (R), Rachel Jameson (PG13) and Kendal Corbitt (R) thank you for stopping by!

Justina Ireland, Urban Fantasy (PG13)

Dara Young, Historical Romance (R)

Sorcha Mowbray, Erotic Steampunk Romance (NC17)

Don’t forget: In addition to the standard New Release and mid-month Excerpt Monday days, October is a FULL FREE READ MONTH! Do you have Halloween or Fall full read you’d like to share? Let us know.