Deacon
Starkis Family
Book 1
Cheryl Douglas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Date of Publication: June 15th, 2015
ISBN:
ASIN:
Number of pages: 158
Word Count: 74k
Cover Artist: Fantasia Frog Designs
Book Description:
When Deacon Sarkis sets his sights on the gorgeous young model gracing the pages of his glossy catalogue, he knows he has to have her. One problem. She’s not available. But that won’t stop Deacon. He’s a man used to getting what he wants and he wants Mia.
Mia is stunned when she receives an email from the elusive billionaire who owns the lingerie company she models for. He tells her he’s intrigued. He’s not the only one. But she knows she’d be a fool to throw away an eight year relationship for a brief affair with the head honcho. He doesn’t do relationships and she doesn’t do casual sex. It seems they’re at an impasse.
Who will come out on top in this battle of wills? The dominant one or the woman intent on teaching him the meaning of submission?
Deacon (Starkis Family #1)
By Cheryl Douglas
Excerpt 1:
With the launch party at the forefront of my mind, I made my way downstairs to wardrobe.
Half a dozen women turned, gaping at me. I rarely made personal selections for my models, but I
didn’t think my presence warranted such stunned silence.
“Good afternoon, ladies,” I said, trying to hide my amusement.
“Hello, Mr. Starkis,” one of the women stammered. “How can we help you?”
“I’m here about the fashion show this weekend.”
She gestured toward several hanging racks. “Everything’s taken care of, sir. You’re
welcome to have a look at the samples. They’re right over there.”
“I’d like to see what Mia Barnes will be wearing.”
Two women exchanged curious glances before one said, “Of course, Mr. Starkis. I’ll get
those selections right away.”
I barely noticed the gorgeous models milling about half-naked, being fitted for the upcoming
show. Many were trying to get my attention, smiling or giving me sultry looks as they met my
eyes in the full-length mirror. They had been hand-selected for their talent and beauty, but none
were Mia, therefore none held my attention for long.
“Here they are,” the harried, middle-aged woman with the blond bob and pixie skirt said. “I
think these will look fabulous on Mia.” She laughed. “I’ve worked in this business a long time, and I can tell you it’s rare to find a model who looks amazing in everything she tries on. Most
have some flaw they wish to hide, but not our Mia.”
I smiled tightly. Our Mia? Wrong. She was my Mia. “I’m sure you’re right, but that one
won’t work,” I said, pointing at the lavender silk bra and matching panties on the white satin
hanger. “Next.”
Looking stricken, the woman said, “But—”
“It’s lovely…?”
“Barbara.”
“It’s lovely, Barbara. Just not what I have in mind for Mia. May I see the next one?”
She held up a black lace bustier with a matching thong, looking apprehensive. She had every
reason to be nervous. The only time I expected to see Mia parading around wearing that was
when she was modeling it for me.
“I want her to model the bridal collection.” I knew that was sexy yet demure.
“The bridal collection?” Barbara seemed stunned by my request.
“Is there a problem?”
“Um, no, but with Eleni’s darker coloring, I thought she would be perfect for the bridal
collection.”
“You thought wrong,” I said, pinning her with a stare that brooked no argument. “Switch
them. Eleni can wear these.” I gestured toward the pieces Mia had been slotted to wear. “Mia
will model the bridal collection.”
“Of course, Mr. Starkis. Anything you say, sir.”
Excerpt 2:
I stared at my reflection. “I don’t understand, Barbara. I thought Eleni was supposed to be
modeling the bridal collection.”
She pinned the white bustier until my full breasts spilled over the top. Then she artfully
arranged the white sheer robe so it revealed just enough of her handiwork to be enticing without
looking trashy. “What the boss wants, the boss gets. Even if it means we have to lose sleep to get
these damn alterations done on time.”
“Remind me to give you a raise, Barbara.”
I turned so fast that the pin Barbara was holding jabbed me in the thigh, but I barely noticed.
It was him. Oh God. I couldn’t breathe. I was going to pass out right there.
“Mr. Starkis,” Barbara said, a blush stealing over her cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t hear you
come in.”
“I’d like a moment alone with Miss Barnes, Barbara.” He gave her a pointed stare before he
said, “I’ll try not to keep her too long. I understand you’re on a tight schedule.”
She lowered her head before gathering her measuring tape and pins. “No problem, take all
the time you need.”
He waited until Barbara had closed the door and we were alone before he whispered, “Theia,
you look breathtaking.”
I still didn’t know what theia meant, and I was beyond irritated to be meeting him under
these circumstances, especially armed with the knowledge about his penchant for young models.
Closing the gap in the sheer robe, I tried to stare him down, but it wasn’t easy. Even
standing on a pedestal and wearing four-inch heels, I was still slightly shorter than he was.
“We meet at last.” He stepped closer and ran a fingertip over my cheek. “You’re even more
beautiful in person than I imagined you would be.”
His accent was more pronounced than it had been over the phone and sent delicious chills up
my spine in spite of my annoyance at my body’s betrayal.
His bright blue eyes flashed with irritation. “You are annoyed with me. Again?”
“I’m not having this conversation here.” I looked around, wondering if he’d seduced other
women in that very room. “I’m working. Kindly leave.”
His irritation blossomed into anger. “I own this goddamn building. No one tells me when to
leave.”
Oh. Feeling properly chastised, I did the only thing I could. I turned away from him and
fixed all my attention on the mirror in front of me.
He walked around me in a slow circle, his hand rubbing the dark stubble on his square jaw.
“Mmmm, this looks even better than I imagined it would. It’s so easy to imagine unwrapping
you on our wedding night.”
About the Author:
When one door closes, another one opens. I closed the door to my business for the last time in 2011, which left me with a decision. What now? Find another location and move my nutrition business, go to work for someone else, or take a chance on my dream? I chose the latter and I’ve never looked back!
I’ve always loved reading and writing, but it wasn’t until I jumped in with both feet and decided writing would be my career, instead of just a hobby, that my muse woke up from her deep slumber.
It was like someone flipped a switch inside my head and stories just came pouring out. At the end of the day, I would often look at the keyboard and wonder, ‘Who the heck wrote that? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me!’
I don’t write books. I tell stories, or rather, I allow my characters to tell their stories through me. I’m not a plotter, never have been, never will be. Why? Because I have no idea how the story will evolve and it’s not my place to manipulate it. My job is to get to know these characters, figure out what makes them tick, then follow their journey wherever it takes me.
When I’m not writing, I’m daydreaming. Thankfully, I have an understanding husband and son who know I’ll re-join the land of the living just as soon as my muse decides it’s quitting time. I don’t work for myself. I work for her. She’s the boss. And I’m okay with that.
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