A Snippet…

Here’s a teaser…this scene is from a dream I had two nights ago. (Yes, I get many of my story ideas from my dreams. Why I love to sleep.)

Anyway, this scene may become my next book. It may become a novella. It may become a short story. But I really like where it’s heading and it feels steam-punk-ish to me. I’ve never written a steam-punk novel.  Could be tons-o-fun.

Disclaimer– VERY ROUGH UNEDITED STUFF…

HERE GOES>>>>

“How do you want to play this,” she hissed, her eyes flashing.

He blinked. It still felt like her voice was a million miles away. It still felt like he was in a fog. It still felt like the humiliation was absolute.

He buried his face in his big hand to massage the temples at his brow-line, willing himself to think, willing the fog to clear.

“Gareth.” Her voice held a sense of quiet command. “We’re losing our opportunity. How.Do.You.Want.To.Play.This?”

Gareth dropped his hand and looked down into her deep grey eyes. A storm was brewing there.  “I must have been drugged,” he said, keeping his voice low. “I-I’m so sorry, Cat.”

“Of course you were drugged,” she snapped. “We can talk about this later. Now, we must act.” She glanced behind her at the group of people, all focused on them, ears straining to pick up their conversation. Of course they couldn’t hear them. She had made sure of that. They weren’t the only ones who kept secrets. Cat turned back to Gareth, gave his arm a little shake.

He glanced at her and she was relieved to see the last traces of the drug dissolving from his gaze.

His handsome mouth quirked. “I think,” he said slowly, calculatingly,” You should slap me and walk away. It will give me time to read their expressions.” He scowled. “One or more is attempting to sabotage this mission. I will come to your rooms when it quiets down and we can reason this out together.”

“Perfect.” Her eyes narrowed. The storm broke. “But take a shower first. You stink of Olivia,” she said as she struck him, close-fisted.

Gareth grunted with the impact, his neck snapping back. Rubbing his jaw, he watched Cat stride away, her skirts swishing with her movements, drawing the scrutiny of the onlookers. She paused to look at each of the others, keeping their focus directed away from him.

Damn she was good.

“Excuse me,” she said, head held high set on ridged shoulders. “The hour is late, I do believe I shall withdraw until morning. Come, Abby.”

As Cat held the room’s attention, Gareth scanned its occupants. Olivia, of course, was smiling like the proverbial Cheshire Cat. With narrowed eyes, Gareth watched as her gaze flicked toward Travis, his second and oldest friend. He saw Travis nod, almost like a salute.  As Olivia sat back with an air of satisfaction, his stomach dropped, almost as if Cat had punched him there instead. A wave of sadness washed through him.

Oh Travis. Why did it have to be you?”

He cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to himself as Cat and Abby disappeared from view. “I believe I shall take my leave as well,” he said. “Good night,” he added with a short bow.  He knew he looked as stricken as he felt, but not for the reason those in the room believed. He moved toward the exit opposite from where Cat had vanished.

“Would you like company?” Travis asked, half-rising from his chair, his face a mask of concern.

“Not necessary,” Gareth said over his shoulder.