I survived my virgin Flash and returned with my other extraordinary Silver Flashers! This week’s prompt to include from our fearless leader: “You know what, there’s no point to this.”

At the bottom are the links to my other fellow flashers. I hope you enjoy my engoing story, The Captain of the Manor. Here’s the second chapter called ‘Stay or Go’:

“Ghost? What ghost on what ledge?” Morris demanded in a hot voice. “You said it was a damn bird up there. Boys, get out the blasted gear. We’re going hunting.”

The rest of the crew cried out, dropped the containers, and started to unlock them.

“Like hell you are.”

“You can’t stop us,” Morris said.

“Try me, Mr Jarrett. This is my home, my business. You and your crew are no longer welcome on these grounds. Your deposits refunded. Close the containers. Pick them up. Turn around and leave. Now,” Edmund Carslyle said, shoving forward into Morris’ face. Hands clenched at his thighs.

Above the manor, lightning flashed, thunder rumbled across the skies.

“You’ll hear from my lawyers,” Morris threatened.

“You’ll get nowhere other than lose money and face within your community. I wouldn’t even bother. Leave.”

“Aiden, move, we’ll go to the next project,” Morris snapped to him.

Aiden managed to remove his attention from Edmund’s chiseled body to Morris’ furious expression. He knew this expression well. “You know what, there’s no point to this.”

“To what?”

Adjusting his glasses, Aiden straightened his back at Morris’ harsh glance. He heard the doubt in his boss’ voice. “To keep doing this with you. Ghost hunting.”

“What the hell are you going to do? Back to teaching?”

“Perhaps. I need to consider my options, but I no longer include your team as one of them. I wish you luck in your further endeavors, Morris,” Aiden said, holding out a hand.

“You’re quitting on me? Just like that?”

“Yes. Yes, I am. I will not require a reference or anything.”

“We’re your ride home.”

“I believe I can manage something. I’m quite capable of looking after myself,” Aiden said, adjusting his glasses.

“Truly, Aiden? You’re quite naïve about the outside world. You still prefer the world inside a classroom or your computers,” Morris sneered.

“I will figure out my own way. Thank you, Morris,” Aiden said in a distinctive tone.

“Making a big mistake, Aiden. A big one.” Morris shook his head.

“I believe he is making the smartest decision since joining your ridiculous ragtag operation,” Edmund said, stepping behind Aiden. “I asked you to leave. Please comply.”

“You’ll regret this, Carslyle,” Morris threatened under his breath, grabbing his bag, shoving the front door open, leaving the manor. His crew followed, grumbling under their breaths.

Aiden looked out the front doors and watched the van leave. His career as an analyst for the ghost hunting team ended with the turning of those wheels.

“Shall we get you signed and settled in? I would be delighted to have you as a guest.”

Straightening his glasses, Aiden swung around to face the gorgeous man, feeling the lust slingshot through his body. “Pardon?”

Edmund went behind the front desk, taking over the duties from the manager with a wave of a hand. “You still wish to stay at the manor?”

“Ahh, yes, but after what…” Aiden glanced over his shoulder at the doors, then back to Edmund, the possible…ghost?

“I can tell you aren’t a ghost hunter, not at all like the others. You don’t have their annoying drive.”

“No, no, I’m not. I’m a professor, a doctor really, of quantum mechanics, mathematical theorems, chemistry, physics, and combinatorialist. I taught quantum, mathematics, and physics in a small college.”

“You’re a genius. You went to MIT?”

Aiden shrugged, fixed his glasses, then nodded. “I tested high on that so called genius group.”

“The Mensa International Group?”

“That’s the one. I belong to them, but don’t participate. Don’t particularly like crowds and much attention.”

“Yet, you teach.”

“Small graduate classes. Less than a dozen students.” Aiden pulled a wallet from his jacket and opened it. Everything inside precisely lined the same direction, spaced perfect, and in alphabet order. Even the cash was creased and in numerical order. He slid out his driver’s license and the credit card. He then slid a slender tablet from another pocket, used the stylus to open various applications, and made notes or deletions.

“How long would you like to stay with me at the manor?”

The stylus paused at the question. Adjusting the glasses, Aiden regarded Edmund. “With you?”

Edmund chuckled. “Pardon, excuse my wording. How long would you like to stay here at the manor?”

“The pre-determined length with an open ended time. If you don’t have a booking.”

“I don’t have an overlap for the suite if you wish to stay.” Edmund pointed to the small screen. “Please use the stylus to sign and date for the contract.”

Setting down his tablet, he picked the tablet with his left hand, scrawled his signature across the screen, and dated. He accepted everything, and returned the stylus to the holder.

“Thank you, ahh, Dr Joseph,” Edmund said, smiling, sliding Aiden’s cards across the desk.

“Aiden, please. Vacation.” Aiden replaced the cards back in the same perfection as before.

“You’re in Suite 304. I’ll take you upstairs. It’s the third floor, next to the family wing.”

“Family wing?”

“My wing and quarters.” Edmund unlocked a drawer, pulled a white card, tapped keys, and ran the card through the machine. He hit keys, zapped the card, and nodded at double green lights. Choosing a small folder, he added a pair of brochures on one side, a list of numbers in front, and the access card. “This is your key card. It deactivates if not used within twenty-four hours. I can reset it. It lets you in the gym and pool after hours, which is eight PM.” He slid the folder across the desk.

“Thank you.”

“Welcome. Let me show you to your room. Need help with your bags.”

“No, this is it.” Aiden gathered his things, shouldered his bags, and followed the other man.

Alone in the third upstairs hall, Edmund glanced at him. “What did you mean by you saw a ghost on the outside ledge?”

Links to My Fellow Flashers:

Julie Hayes (m/m)
http://julielynnhayes.blogspot.com

Heather Lin (m/f)
http://heatherlin88.blogspot.com/

L. M. Brown (m/m)
http://lmbrownauthor.blogspot.com/

Lindsay Klug (m/f)
www.ichbineinteufel.blogspot.com
 
Sui Lynn (m/m)
http://suidlynn.blogspot.com/?zx=57a5d3d27a15dbfa
 
Lily Sawyer (m/m)
http://lilysawyerbooks.blogspot.com/
 
Pia Valeno (m/m)
http://piavaleno.com

RJ Scott (m/m)
http://www.rjscott.co.uk
 
Ryssa Edwards (m/m)
http://ryssaedwards.blogspot.com/

Sooo…..Here I am.. A virgin Flasher with other glorious Silver Author Flashers. This week’s prompt to include from our fearless leader: “Wouldn’t that be romantic?”

At the bottom are the links to my other fellow flashers. I hope you enjoy my engoing story, The Captain of the Manor. Here’s the first chapter.

On the balcony overlooking the manor’s entrance, Captain Edmund Carslyle stared with revulsion at the men emptying luggage and containers from a dark van. With his gifts, he knew damn well what those containers held. It wasn’t materials for a quantum conference.

These were ghost hunters. Something he forbid from entering his home.

Hands gripped the railing until his knuckles went white. His image altered from corporeal to his ghostly pirate with anger. A flicker of lightning raged over the manor, lighting the skies, revealing one face peering. Behind glasses, bright eyes widened when he caught sight of his image.

Cussing, Edmund disappeared into the manor. Retaking his corporeal image, dressing in slim Armani trousers, a white silk button-down shirt, and grey knitwear V-neck sweater. Shoving a hand through his golden brown hair, he moved through the manor’s family wing and down the stairs.

In spite of tales, rumors, and gossip, he kept ghost hunters away from his lands for over five hundred years. From scouring old stories and hurts hidden in the walls of the manor and lighthouse. His hands clenched while he rounded the final bend.

Outside, gazing upon the elegant southern manor spread over the point finished with a towering lighthouse to warn all sea captains, Aiden Joseph could understand why the first Carslyle wanted to put roots here in the rich sandy soil, nestled against the dangerous North Carolina stretch of the Atlantic Ocean.  Fixing his glasses, he moved his gaze up the three stories, timing his movements with the sudden fix of lightning, to see a figure standing on the ledge of the tower.

A gasp escaped when he caught sight of a ghost. A figure of a pirate.

“What? What did you see?” Morris, the leader of the group, asked, turning to stare at Aiden.

“Nothing. I saw nothing.” Aiden cleared his throat. “A hawk flying over caused a shadow.”

“Damn, don’t spook on us. We’re not even in the door with the gear.”

“You think we’re gonna get in, boss? Word is the owner doesn’t let in hunters,” George, one of the cameramen, said, hefting one of the bags on his shoulder.

“We’re signed in for a weekend as a quantum conference and not hunters. Aiden here gives us some credence as experts with his brain.” Morris thumped a hand to Aiden’s shoulder.

“Yes, excellent for everyone,” Aiden answered, shouldering his laptop bag and weekend case. He went up the front steps and across the wide front veranda, admiring the glorious craftsmanship of the woodwork.

Pressing a hand on the brass handle, he opened one of the double glass front doors and opened it, stepping into the huge front room. His heels clicking onto the welcoming green and black marbled patterned floor. The doubled staircase curved a full three flights, taking guests across the entire three floors of the manor. He read on the manor’s website, there was a two-story library, an old-fashioned parlor, a ballroom, a sitting room for a ladies’ afternoon tea, a smoking room for the gentlemen, and a large dining room off the well-equipped kitchen. Then there were all the suites.

He heard Morris, George, and the other two men grump and groan as they dragged in their gear. The various trunks thumped and dropped on the floor. Aiden winced at their carelessness with the beautiful floor.

“Well, now. Wouldn’t that be romantic?” Morris said, nudging George, pointing off to one of the rooms. “We can swoon some ladies down here, get them in the beds.”

Aiden rolled his eyes at their crass attitude over this beautiful manor.

“Unless you’re not able to check into a suite,” a man called out, his tone powerful and clipped.

Turning, fixing his glasses, his eyes widened at the sight of the six-two male stepping down the last of the winding stairs. Aiden looked at the ceiling and then around the front area. This man looked the same as… It couldn’t be the same…

“Ahh, sir, this is the Quantum Theorem Group here for the weekend,” the desk manager said.

“A disguise for another group of ghost hunters trying to get in under my nose. Gentleman, you may stay within the walls of my ancestors’ homes, but all of your gear forbidden. I know those containers don’t have conference pamphlets. Return everything to your van if you wish to stay. If anything paranormal happens, it will not be recorded in any fashion,” the man said as he strode across the marble floor. “I know of your reputation, Morris Jarrett, as I keep track of all professional and amateur ghost hunters.”

“We have a right to conduct our…” Morris tried to speak.

The man raised a hand. “This is my home and land. I have the right to refuse a room. It’s a known fact, all ghost hunters aren’t welcome.” He rested his gaze upon Aiden.

Aiden swallowed at the curl of lust low in his belly at the sight of those feline green eyes peering at him. He could swoon at those powerful shoulders and lean height. Such a gorgeous man stood in front of him. Still, the ghostly image he saw on the ledge under the lightning haunted him.

“Well, shit…What the hell are we supposed to do now?” Morris interrupted.

The man glared at Morris. “Shove your gear in the van and leave with it or stay without it. Either way, your gear doesn’t enter my doors.”

“My laptop?” Aiden inquired.

The man returned his gaze to Aiden. “Can stay with you. If used for something other than ghost hunting.”

“It will. I promise.”

“Then sign in for your room, Mr…”

“Joseph. Aiden Joseph. You?”

“Edmund. I’m Edmund Carslyle.”

“Like the Captain who was murdered,” Aiden whispered. “Like the ghost. The ghost on the ledge.”

Links to My Fellow Flashers:

Julie Hayes (m/m)
http://julielynnhayes.blogspot.com

Heather Lin (m/f)
http://heatherlin88.blogspot.com/

L. M. Brown (m/m)
http://lmbrownauthor.blogspot.com/

Victoria Blisse (m/f)
http://www.victoriablisse.co.uk

Lindsay Klug (m/f)
www.ichbineinteufel.blogspot.com
 
Sui Lynn (m/m)
http://suidlynn.blogspot.com/?zx=57a5d3d27a15dbfa
 
Lily Sawyer (m/m)
http://lilysawyerbooks.blogspot.com/
 
Pender Mackie (m/m)
http://pendermackie.blogspot.com

RJ Scott (m/m)
http://www.rjscott.co.uk
 
Ryssa Edwards (m/m)
http://ryssaedwards.blogspot.com/

Hey everyone

Join me and the other fabulous authors of Silver Publishing at LRC on March 4th for eBook Week! There will be a crazy chat, fantastic excerpts, and amazing contests!!

Link:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LoveRomancesCafe

We’ll be there from 12pm to 5pm!! See you there!

Here’s a wonderful review from Whipped Cream Erotic Romance Reviews!

Reviewer Verbana gave it 4.5 Cherries!! Isn’t that fantastic??

Here’s the full review: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/2011/02/unholy-angel-by-nicole-dennis.html

My M/F Dark Erotica Paranormal story with Siren BookStrand is up for sale!

 

Will a Guardian archangel risk his freedom for a taste of forbidden love? Cassiel Shepherd watches over prisoners before the Council of Angels and Demons judges them. It’s the same way he observes the thoughts, beliefs, and actions of mortals and paranormals; never able to interact. Then he sees the newest prisoner dangling over the pit of hell and he begins to question his eternal mission.

Can a dark virgin beauty condemned to die find the way to break through preconceived notions to give a Guardian the taste of an incubus’s kiss? Keiranna Knight has spent her whole life running. Part incubus, she seduces her ‘victims’ with a venom elixir to draw them into an erotic dream of sex while she absorbs their energy. But she’s also part angel and only the sexual energy of an archangel can fully satisfy her. How can she find an archangel to become her life-mate without being captured?

Purchase a copy here: http://www.bookstrand.com/unholy-angel

Hey everyone

Come and visit me at Marie Sexton’s internet home. Comment for a chance to WIN a pdf copy of Cruising Adventures.

Here’s the link: http://mariesexton.net/

Gifted a cruise package, Dr Connor MacKenzie didn’t expect an erotic shipboard fling with sexy ex-Olympic cyclist, Nathaniel Grant. Promises of no past or future, they enjoy their time the duration of the cruise. Can an onboard romance become something more as reality looms closer?

Find out in my new M/M Contemporary Romance from Silver Publishing out today!! Here’s the link: http://silverpublishing.info/product_book_info/new-release-c-1/cruising-adventures-p-159

Gifted a cruise by his office partners, Doctor Connor MacKenzie didn’t expect to be propositioned and seduced while steaming away from the Florida coastline. Only that is exactly what happens when he meets gorgeous cyclist Nathaniel Grant.

Agreeing to an erotic fling for the duration of the cruise, with no mention of last names or pasts, they enjoy one another. From Connor’s lavish suite, throughout the GLBT festivities, when Connor becomes a drag queen’s pageant escort, a foray in the gambling hall, and the elegant Captain’s dinner.

Still, reality whittles its ugly way into their bliss. Nathan goes astray to see how strong the fragile bond can withstand. Can there be a life for them beyond the ship?

Can an overwork chef find peace and love during Christmas?

Find out in A Christmas Eve Wish! Available now as part of Silver Publishing’s 25 Days of Christmas. A beautiful, romantic, MM Contemporary to warm you during the cold season.

Here is the link: http://silverpublishing.info/product_book_info/a-christmas-eve-wish-p-144

Escaping complications, hotshot gay chef Logan McNair rides his motorcycle into the middle of a blizzard and a cabin ruin by his younger brother’s partying. At his wit’s end, he sees the lights of a snowmobile come to his rescue. It’s a neighbor, gorgeous carpenter Joel Oliver, down the lake with more bad news, the road is close and he is stuck.

With the cabin uninhabitable, Joel offers him a place to stay for the Christmas holiday since the local inn is book solid. Making him at home, Logan creates meals for them, helps decorate Joel’s home, and agrees to a delicious Christmas fling as a present to each other.

Finding a lover who accepts him as plain Logan and not chef Logan is wonderful and thrilling. Could this only add to his complications? Or could loving Joel be finding the way back to himself?

Hey everyone

Come and visit me, Constance & Aramir at Selena Illyria’s blog for a week of Breathless Press authors!

Here’s the link: http://selenaillyria.com/blog/

Leave a comment and you can WIN a free copy of Demon Heart!!

This review is from The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews!

Reviewer Gabrielle gives Demon Heart 4 Tarot Cards! Here’s the review: http://thepaganandthepenbookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/12/demon-heart-by-nicole-dennis.html?zx=4408fc66354fe98b