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Ulterior Motives by Chandra Ryan
Universal Defiance Book One

On a rural settler planet, Kat must resort to putting out an ad to find a husband. She doesn’t expect to find love—that’s a dream in these parts—just a partner to help work her ranch. Then the devastatingly handsome Jasper answers her ad and turns her on in ways she never dreamed possible. Too bad he’s not who he says he is.

Jasper doesn’t know what he’s getting into when he ventures undercover to investigate a legal claim against Kat’s ranch. But after a toe-curling night under her roof and in her bed, he’s willing to do anything to stay there. He can’t say no to the tough-as-nails businesswoman who makes his body come alive.

When people start getting hurt, though, both Kat and Jasper have to decide how valuable one piece of land is. And the ranch that brought them together might be the very thing standing between them.

Genre: Erotic Sci Fi Romance
Release Date: July 3, 2013
Publisher: Ellora's Cave
Excerpt & More

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Excerpt:
He planned on making his way to the guestroom, but she stopped him by wrapping her arm around his waist and then directing him toward her room. His pulse picked up at the possibility of being invited to spend the night with her but he quickly dismissed the idea. Although it held a lot of appeal for him, she hadn’t so much as flirted with him. The notion that she’d proposition him seemed a bit far-fetched. Her hip brushed against his as they walked, sending a delightful tingle up his spine.

Then again, maybe the idea wouldn’t be so far-fetched if he gave it a little nudge. A couple of kisses, maybe a strategic caress or two and they’d be on the same page.
When she sniffed quietly and buried her face into his side, though, he quickly shut down the train of thought. Yes, he wanted her. But he was leaving in a couple of days and she’d just been through a traumatic experience. He refused to take advantage of her.

“You seem like an honorable kind of guy,” she said as if reading his thoughts. “For the most part.”

He didn’t try to stop his laugh. After the night they’d had, they needed some humor. It dulled the ache not kissing her created. “Thanks. That’s a lofty compliment coming from you.”

She elbowed him in the ribs. “You laugh, but it’s a big improvement from how I felt about you earlier this evening.”

“Of that I have no doubt.”

At her door, she turned and looked up at him. “I know you’re not looking for a wife but I do think you’ll make a good husband someday.” Her shoulders were drooped in fatigue and probably a little defeat. It made her seem somehow vulnerable.

“And you’ll make an excellent wife and partner to whomever answers your next ad.” Was he imagining it or did his chest just tighten with that thought?

“That may be, but for tonight I’m no one’s wife and you’re not a husband.” She reached up and ran a fingertip down the side of his face. “I know why you’re here. I understand why you lied to me. But it still hurts.”

The tightening in his chest had just become painful. “I am sorry that I hurt you.”

She placed her fingers on his lips to silence him. “The thing is, that fire near tore my heart out. After that, one little lie doesn’t sting so bad.” She paused as if working up the courage to finish her thought. “I love this life, but it does get kind of lonely and I really don’t want to be alone right now.”

His heart stopped. He wouldn’t take advantage of her or seduce her, but if she wanted his company as much as he wanted hers, that was something else completely. “Are you sure?”

She went up on her tiptoes to kiss him. Her lips were firm and hungry against his, awakening a raw need deep inside him. “I’m sure.”

He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him. Her warm breath caressed his neck as he leaned over to nibble on her earlobe and he reveled in the sensation. She was so tiny next to him. She had to be a full six inches shorter than his six-three but he hadn’t realized it until just now. Her personality made her seem larger—tougher. And, though he really liked her strength, he found he craved her vulnerability .

He ran a hand down her hip to pull her closer to him. His cock was already hard and he needed her as close as possible. She arched her back and rested her head against the door as she tugged her shirt off. He couldn’t ignore that invitation. His hand glided over skin so smooth that it left him with the craving to feel and taste every inch of her body. She seemed to have the same thought as she leaned forward to lick the sensitive spot behind his earlobe.

He cupped one of her breasts in his hand and she whimpered softly. The sound made a shiver race down his spine and caused his skin to break out in goose bumps. He dropped his head so he could take one of her nipples into his mouth and she rewarded him by wrapping a leg around his so she could grind against him. Without releasing her breast, he moved his hands to her waist and lifted her so she could straddle him. It didn’t hurt that that position also made it easier for him to have access to her lush breasts. He was content to kiss, lick and nip at the creamy mounds while she moaned and rocked against him for a few moments, but then he needed more.

“My room,” she suggested, her voice husky with desire.

He opened the door without any hesitation and carried her into the room. After he pushed the door closed with his foot, he crossed the room and then laid her gently on the bed. He wanted to stare at her for hours but her jeans blocked his full view. Thankfully that problem had an easy solution. After taking off her shoes, he quickly stripped her of the piece of clothing and then he could admire her lovely body.
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Purchase links: Ellora's Cave Amazon B&N ARe
Other titles by Chandra Ryan:
Reluctant
Mate