07.37: Run Posy Run by Cate C. Wells

Summary

Fated Mates - Episode 07.37: "Run Posey Run" by Cate C. Wells

Release Date: June 4, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People, co-hosts Sarah MacLean, a bestselling romance author, and Jen Prokop, a seasoned romance critic, delve deep into Cate C. Wells' compelling romance novel, Run Posey Run. The discussion navigates through the intricate plot, complex characters, and the underlying themes that make this book a standout in the contemporary romance genre.

Plot Overview

Run Posey Run centers around Posey Volpe, a woman deeply entrenched in the Mafia underworld. Her life takes a tumultuous turn when her uncle betrays the family, leading to Posey being ostracized and left with nothing by her lover, Dario Volpe, the Mafia's financial mastermind.

Jen Prokop (00:10): "Her whole family gets iced out, and all Posey has ever wanted is to get back into the fold."

Posey's subsequent actions to survive—such as opening an OnlyFans account under the alias "Posy Volpe"—set the stage for a gripping narrative of love, betrayal, and redemption. As Posey navigates her way through the challenges, Dario's desperate attempts to reclaim her add layers of tension and complexity to their relationship.

Character Analysis

1. Posey Volpe

   Posey is portrayed as a resilient and strategic heroine. Despite being thrown out and betrayed, she exhibits a relentless drive to survive and protect her autonomy.

   Sarah MacLean (21:11): "She is a survivor. There is no part of her that is like, I can stop and feel sorry for myself. She's just determined to live."

2. Dario Volpe

   Dario, the antagonist-turned-love interest, is a multifaceted character. Initially depicted as a ruthless Mafia financier, his journey throughout the novel showcases his internal struggle between his violent profession and his genuine feelings for Posey.

   Jen Prokop (32:53): "Dario is an instrument of violence from the very beginning... But when he realizes he's in love with Posey, all bets are off."

Themes

1. Redemption and Transformation

   The novel explores the possibility of change even within the darkest environments. Dario's character arc embodies the theme of redemption as he grapples with his violent past to protect Posey.

2. Power Dynamics and Control

   The intricate power play between Posey and Dario serves as a central motif. Their relationship, initially rife with control and manipulation, gradually evolves into a partnership based on mutual respect and understanding.

   Sarah MacLean (33:11): "They're chess players, always strategizing. But what's fascinating is how their games mirror their relationship dynamics."

3. Patriarchy and Feminism

   Run Posey Run positions romance novels as tools to combat patriarchal norms. Posey's assertiveness and independence challenge traditional gender roles, promoting a narrative of female empowerment.

   Jen Prokop (35:04): "Posey confronts the expectations placed upon her by both the Mafia and her upbringing, asserting her right to autonomy and love on her own terms."

Author's Style and Structure

Cate C. Wells employs a dual POV structure, alternating between Posey and Dario's perspectives. This approach provides readers with deep insights into both characters' psyches, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative.

Jen Prokop (57:11): "The book has a strong three-act structure, distinctly moving from Posey's escape to her confrontation with Dario, and finally to their resolution."

The author's seamless blending of high-stakes Mafia drama with intimate romantic developments creates a riveting reading experience. The strategic use of quotes and well-timed humor balances the novel's dark themes, making it both intense and engaging.

Notable Quotes

• Jen Prokop (28:02): "Run, Posey. Keep running. I love this for you, girl."

• Sarah MacLean (36:18): "She's absolutely capable of being loved without giving up everything."

• Jen Prokop (74:33): "Their arcs are so strong, showing a huge breach of trust and how they have to change in relation to it."

Conclusions

Run Posey Run stands out in the contemporary romance genre for its unapologetic exploration of dark romance elements intertwined with a powerful love story. The complex characters, coupled with Cate C. Wells' adept storytelling, offer readers a narrative that is both emotionally charged and thought-provoking.

Sarah MacLean (87:35): "This book is a great blend of the new and the old, feeling fresh yet familiar, making it a must-read for fans of intricate romance tales."

Jen Prokop (93:28): "Even if you're not typically a dark romance reader, the depth and development in Run Posey Run make it an extraordinary experience."

Final Thoughts

Run Posey Run is lauded for its nuanced portrayal of love amidst chaos and the transformative journey of its protagonists. Sarah and Jen's discussion highlights the novel's strengths in character development, thematic depth, and engaging narrative structure, recommending it as a top pick for romance enthusiasts seeking a blend of passion, strategy, and emotional resilience.

Recommendations

Listeners who enjoyed this episode will likely appreciate Run Posey Run for its compelling characters and intense plot. Sarah and Jen suggest readers who favor strong, independent heroines and complex romantic dynamics will find this book particularly satisfying.

Connect with Fated Mates

To engage further with discussions on Run Posey Run and other romance novels, listeners are encouraged to join the Fated Mates community through their Patreon and social platforms. Upcoming live events and book signings are also highlighted for fans to participate in.

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Note: The timestamps provided in the notable quotes correspond to their appearance within the transcript for easy reference.

Transcript

[Jennifer Prokop]

Is summertime in New York awesome? Because summertime in Chicago is awesome.

[Sarah MacLean]

Say more.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's just like, I think part of.

[Sarah MacLean]

It is I lived here for 25 years, so, you know, I don't know.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, like everybody's out at the bars and there's all these rooftop bars and everyone's on the lake running and on their bikes and wearing cute dresses and. You know what I mean? Like, there's like a summertime Chicago vibe that's very celebratory.

[Sarah MacLean]

I do think Chicago's probably like, on balance, 5 to 10 degrees cooler maybe than New York.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, it's been a brutal spring. It's been the worst.

[Sarah MacLean]

It's. New York is very hot. It gets gross and humid and hot and yucky. I mean, what I will say is all of those things are also true. Like, there are outdoor markets and like, I'm so excited the farmer's market is back this weekend. And like, there's, you know, all sorts of like, cool stuff related to. Yes. Outdoor seating, bars. All the gardens are open.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Listen, everyone certainly seemed to be outside to watch that boat run into the Brooklyn. Brooklyn Bridge.

[Sarah MacLean]

Listen. The Mexican Navy lost control of their great ship.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I know. Well, you sent me the video about the lady who explained if she thinks it got stuck in reverse or whatever.

[Sarah MacLean]

Great video by a lady who's a professional mariner. And I was like, you're a real.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Life romance heroine and I appreciate you, my friend.

[Sarah MacLean]

And she was like, listen, there's a lot of questions and I will say I was asking them.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You're like, what happened?

[Sarah MacLean]

I'm like, the Brooklyn Bridge has been there for like close to 150 years. So could somebody explain to me why the this ship thought that it could go under it? And she was like, dummies. The ship did not think it was going on under it. Her theory is that it was stuck in reverse.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, and it was really interesting to hear her like at one point, like, talk about how difficult is to navigate the east river or whatever. Which I would never.

[Sarah MacLean]

Because the tides are tides.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah MacLean]

So that's why you put your bodies in there. You gotta get rid of them. Right in the river, like the Thames. All great cities have a body disappearing river.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, can I tell you. Okay, you should introduce us. And then I'd like to talk to you about the Chicago river, which is a literal engineering marvel. Do you know this?

[Sarah MacLean]

Did you. Is it was it moved?

[Jennifer Prokop]

It was reversed. They reversed. Okay, introduce us. And let me tell you about the Chicago river after.

[Sarah MacLean]

Welcome everyone to Fated mates I'm Sarah MacLaine. I read romance novels and I write them.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And I'm Jennifer Prokop, a romance reader and Chicagoan. And when I moved here, right when, you know, you move to a new place and you're like, tell me your local lore. Chicagoans.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

This shit is fucking crazy and amazing. So back in the day, the Chicago river, of course, flowed into Lake Michigan, but, you know, it was the late 1800s, and it was, like, gross because.

[Sarah MacLean]

You know, because, listen, all water in the late 1800s was gross, disgusting.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So these idiots had the brilliant idea of reversing the flow of the Chicago river so that it would go out instead to the Mississippi and send that shit downstream. Exactly.

[Sarah MacLean]

Let the south deal with it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And the Army Corps of Engineers was like, sounds like a plan. I say yes. So they reversed the flow of the river. And the thing that is also now, like, really weird about it, they just.

[Sarah MacLean]

Like, built it up on one end.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So what they did is on the other end, locks at the end of the river to, like, the lake. And then I. I don't know how they did it. Like, that's the Army Corps of Engineers job. My business, not my business, but they did this. And then the thing that's, like, really intense about it is it. Is it changed. Like, okay, I'll put this. All this in here. Like, if you look at a map of the, like, Great Lakes Basin, Right. Like, essentially where everything drains into the Great Lakes, it's like, of course, pretty wide around the lakes. Excep by Chicago. It is literally so narrow because it's all going the other direction.

[Sarah MacLean]

That's amazing. Well, you know, I grew up in the great state of Rhode island, and when I was a child, the. So there was a river that ran through Providence? Well, no, it ran around Providence, basically. Like, Providence had been situated on one side of the river.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And we, as you may know, Jen, have one of our greatest city. The lore of Providence is the mafia. The mob is in charge. So.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So the Army Corps of Engineers did Chicago's river, but you're telling them. Me, the mob?

[Sarah MacLean]

In this case, it was the mob. The mayor, Buddy. Cnc. I'm not making this up. Decided that he was going to turn Providence into the Venice of the United States.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah MacLean]

And so he was like, well, in order for us to be Venice, we're going to need it to be a little more picturesque, because right now, this town was like a trash pile. So he was like, what if we took this river and we moved it and he went to his Buddies who were all in construction and other things. And he said, what if we took this river? How much would it cost? And they said 25 billion trillion dollars. But we know a guy will get it done.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It was the guy in Boston who did the big dig.

[Sarah MacLean]

Same day, Joey and Bobby and Nick all got together and they dug a Trent Vinnie and they moved the river. The Providence river now flows directly through the center of Providence. If you are ever in Providence, here's a fun thing. Providence is a fun city in the summer because every other or like every third weekend there's something called water fire where they actually like light these big cauldrons on the river.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Listen, I grew up in Cleveland. I know what water fire is.

[Sarah MacLean]

It's different than that. Okay, fine, this one's controlled. And then. And you can get in a gondola because it is the Venice of the United States and gondola your way through the river, down the river, past all these cauldrons of burning wood. It's pretty great. Eric and I were married on a waterfire night in a restaurant that was like right on the water. It was pretty fun.

[Jennifer Prokop]

That sounds nice.

[Sarah MacLean]

Hey, listen, my dad knew a guy and the. And that is the story of Providence. And this has been two bitches talking about water.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Listen, I love to talk about water. I, I do. I'm. I'm a former Great Lake State. Great Lakes, great times, right?

[Sarah MacLean]

Great Lakes, great times.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Now wait, you're from Cleveland is on Lake Erie. Chicago is on Lake Michigan.

[Sarah MacLean]

Right? So now is there like a lake competition? Like do people from Ohio, they're like Lake Michigan, Eerie's the best.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I will say on social media there is a very well regarded and very funny Lake Superior account that used to be on the bad Place, but now it's on Blue Sky. And like that Great Lakes account is always like shit talking.

[Sarah MacLean]

The other Great Lakes name is Destiny Superior.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. I don't know, I just think I would say to me, no, because like we are just proud of all of them together as Great Lakes. Like, I just love them all. I love them all equally.

[Sarah MacLean]

You're just happy for everyone.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm just happy for everyone. I'm just happy for everyone. So, yeah, anyway, it's a lot of water and it's nice. A lot of fresh water right there in my backyard.

[Sarah MacLean]

That's right. Which is why everybody should move to a lake. Great Lake.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Do you ever read the book? Did you ever read the book oh, by Emily's Mandel St. John or whatever?

[Sarah MacLean]

Yes. What?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes, right.

[Sarah MacLean]

The station 11 yes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And at some point, I was talking to somebody.

[Sarah MacLean]

It's a great book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It is a great book. It is actually a great book. But there's a whole point where they're like, all around Lake Michigan and someone was like, why are they, like, in a Great Lake State? And I. Or no, no, it was like, why are they in Michigan? And I was like, is it fresh water? Because it's the apocalypse. And someone was literally like, oh. They're like, it's so cold. And I was like, yes, but also.

[Sarah MacLean]

Also fresh water. I wanna. I have questions about Huron. You never hear about Huron.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, nobody really.

[Sarah MacLean]

Oh, no.

[Jennifer Prokop]

They're. You're like. He's like, I told him not to be boring.

[Sarah MacLean]

You don't. But, Eric, honestly, the truth is like, leave. Take it out or leave it in. But the reality is no one ever talks about Huron.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You know what?

[Sarah MacLean]

Where is it even? I don't even know.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I will say. Looking to bring it back to romance, those Jenny Holiday books that were set at, like, on like a. A Michigan. Like, we're set on Lake Huron.

[Sarah MacLean]

Oh, wait, yeah. You know what? You know why? Because Lake Huron's, like, way up in the.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

It's way up in the.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Way up there.

[Sarah MacLean]

Is it even in. In the United States? Who can say? Let's see. Yeah, they're in Michigan.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, Great Lakes. Great times. Were there any. You know what? There was a brief mention of a river in Run Posey Run.

[Sarah MacLean]

There was?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Because when Rhae drops her off, they're like, downtown and they're like, by the river.

[Sarah MacLean]

Oh, yeah. I will say, I'm not really clear on where this book is set.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I think it's supposed to be like, Pennsylvania. It's. She. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

She references down at the Jersey shore.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. No, so I think this is like.

[Sarah MacLean]

And so, like, I think it's like New Jersey. Like, I don't know. I. Okay, Phil. Philly Mob. It's fine. I. Listen, that's the only thing I really have to say that's like, what's the deal with this?

[Jennifer Prokop]

What's the deal with this?

[Sarah MacLean]

What's the deal with where this book is set? It should be set in New Jersey, though, because I just read this great article. God, I'm gonna have to find it, you guys. I'm not even sure where I read it, but if I do find it, I'll put it in show notes about how the New Jersey Mob, when the FBI was trying to get them in the 90s and early aughts, they were tapped. They had Wiretapped, like, a bunch of phones, and they had, like, they were listening in on a bunch of conversations. And the New Jersey Mafia, there's. There are all these conversations where mobsters are talking to each other, and they're like, hey, did you see the Sopranos last night? And then they're. And they're like, hey, you're. You were in last night's episode. And they're so flabbergasted and delighted because it's like, apparently every episode of the Sopranos, at some point, it started to feel like somebody on the inside was, like, feeding the writers, like, stories, and they were like, did you see, like, Jimmy was in the episode last week? And, like, it sounds. And there were links to the wiretaps. So now I'm going to try and figure out where all this is. I'm sure it's in, like, a big article besides the one that I read, but I do feel like that sort of culture. I feel like New Jersey is, like, culturally the Mafia.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I think I assumed it was essentially, like, Pile was essentially, like, a dupe of, like, kind of Philadelphia, which basically is New Jersey. Right. Only. And I can't remember why. I think I.

[Sarah MacLean]

You're gonna get. We're gonna get hate mail for. Philadelphia is essentially New Jersey. She means geographically everyone. Don't come.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, I mean, they're very close.

[Sarah MacLean]

Listen, you guys, Jen's never been in New Jersey. It's fine. She doesn't know the truth.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I went to school in Philadelphia, Sarah.

[Sarah MacLean]

I know, but.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And then I drove through New Jersey on my way to New York. It's. No, but I just meant, like, I. When I say Pennsylvania, I did not mean Pittsburgh. I meant more like that side, but, you know.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah. Eagles. Eagles. Country.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Jalen Hurts, baby. Okay. So, yeah, it is interesting, though. I am always really fascinated, like, by, like. Like Junior Ward. It's like, Caldwell, New Jersey. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

It's interesting, right? Because, like, it does feel like. I mean, we're nowhere. We're not even close to being about Run Posey Run at this point. But it does feel like Mafia romance, specifically. Although I suppose, like, I suppose a lot of, like, romance that's around organized crime kind of waves away geography.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, I agree.

[Sarah MacLean]

Like this. So, I mean, in any city, USA or New York. Yeah. Like, I always thought Caldwell from Black Dagger Brotherhood was, like, Albany. I always thought it was, like, way, like, a kind of small city.

[C]

Right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

But I was like, why would they all hang out there? I don't get it.

[Sarah MacLean]

Why are there a bunch of vampires in Albany when there. When New Orleans is right there summoning you.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, I mean, I do think that's true. Like, there's this series, this perfectly imperfect series I've mentioned a couple times. I kind of burned through this by Neva Altage. And a bunch of them take place in Chicago, but, like, it's not Chicago. It's like nowhere. I mean, at one point, like, they're going uphill and I was like, there are no hills in the city. There are no hills in this state.

[Sarah MacLean]

It's a great running town, Chicago, big.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It is so flat here. So, I mean, it just. It is really interesting.

[Sarah MacLean]

Well, because it's not important.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Like, the setting of the mafia is like, is the important part. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

That's part of the charm for those mill finale books for me, because they are set largely. They are, they are. Have a sense of place. Like they're set in New York or they're set in Italy, set in, you know, the Hudson Valley.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So, like, why make up a city, right? And then you just don't have. You can do whatever you want.

[Sarah MacLean]

I feel like contemporary romance is really split down the middle between, like, people who are like, I'm writing a book about this place.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

That, like, I know. And I like, the sense of place is very real. Like the place has a. Yeah. You know, lives and breathes on the page and people who are just like, yeah, city doesn't matter.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. I mean, I think that's reflected in pop culture at large though, too, in a lot of ways. I don't know. Like, don't you just feel like it's sit calm, it's suburbia.

[Sarah MacLean]

This week's episode of Faded Mates is sponsored by Underlined, a young adult community for book lovers and YA imprints.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So everybody, if you are looking down the barrel at summer reading for your kid, right. How do I get my kid to find books? How do I get my kid or help, you know, the young reader of my life find great books then Underlined is a place that you will definitely want to visit. Big name authors like Kathleen Glasgow, E. Lockhart, Holly Jackson and Katharine McGee can all be found at Underlined. So it publishes across YA genres, especially though thrillers, fantasy, and there's a special subsection of Underlined called Love Underlined. That is for all of your YA romance readers. So it has every genre and title. And I gave this website to a couple of my big readers at school and they just dove right in and then provided me with an entire list of books that they wanted to See, in my classroom.

[Sarah MacLean]

Exactly. We did the same thing. We handed it to our 11 year old in house and she spent 45 minutes just scrolling and picking books and taking quizzes. So this is the perfect thing for your young adult reader. And you can find books, giveaways, quizzes and more on get underlined.com podcast and follow get Underlined on your preferred social platforms. Again, that's get underlined.com/podcast to get to the Underlined community. And thanks to the team at Underlined for sponsoring this week's episode. So, all right, let's talk about this book, Run Posy Run, which we somehow have never done a deep dive on.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. We put it on the best of year, like the year it came out. And it's funny, it's always really interesting to Kate Wells. Yeah. Which it was not her first book, but it was the first book. No, it wasn't even the first book of hers. I'd read, like, you know how sometimes with like, indie authors, it just feels like all of a sudden everybody's reading somebody. That's what I kind of remember about the first time I Run Read Run Posey Run. I was actually reading her kind of this other, like, kind of, I guess, like motors. I don't even remember. She had like a series before and maybe a motorcycle club series. I don't remember. And then, like, this book came out and it just felt to me like one of those books where, like, everybody's reading it at the same time. And it really held up for me on the total reread. I've reread parts of it before, but I think this is the first time in a while that I've reread, like, from beginning to end. And in fact, I. It's like one of those books where I was like, I'm glad I put this on the best of the year list, because this book slaps.

[Sarah MacLean]

It is a great book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. And I think it's just doing a lot of really interesting things and. And it does them very, very well.

[Sarah MacLean]

And I think it's interesting because I think it is doing a number of things that that other dark romance has attempted to do and not. Which has not worked for me.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

And so I'm eager to talk about that because obviously, like, there are moments in this book where she, like, walks right up to a line and I think to myself, like, oof, I don't know if this is gonna go quite the way that I want it. Like, that I personally can tolerate. But then she sort of somehow does it in a. She's so deft.

[Jennifer Prokop]

When we have kind of done deep dives on books from the 90s. And I think for me, like a. Like it's like when we did Nobody's Baby But Mine, one of the things we said, like sort of over and over again is like, these characters are doing really reprehensible things. And the reason it works is because it's really clear that the author is in no way advocating for these rep. Like. Right. Like, correct. Like there's this like very clear, kind of like clear eyed distance between what the characters are doing and why they. It's working for them without trying to say something about, like, anybody else. Right. And I think, think part of the reason why Run Posey Run works so well is because I think whatever that alchemy is, it works. They really do put each other through the wringer.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah, they do.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And yet whatever it is is like they figured it out and they're perfect for each other. Right?

[Sarah MacLean]

Yes.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

So to answer your question about what order this went in, this is her fourth book. The first three were Steel Bones Motorcycle Club books. But Kate C. Wells writes in a really interesting way where she doesn't finish a series. She's writing inter. All. She's writing like all series at the same time. Let's get into it. Jen. This is. I read this book because of you back when. Whenever we put it on the list and a thousand percent agreed that it just from the very jump is terrific. And part of the reason why it is terrific from the very jump is because this story begins with the heroine being basically like, she's coming home. She. So we have a relationship that is already established. She is Dario Volpe. The. The. The hero of this book is the money guy of a mafia, you know, a house and the. He's extraordinarily wealthy. He's extremely good with money. He just like, he basically invests. He's like a day trader. He's. He runs all the. He washes all the money and he launders all the money and then he, you know, makes all the money.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right? Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And he makes, makes. He makes them all their. All their money. She and Dario have a relationship where she is basically Dario's woman.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And I use this in a very intentional way of describing her because she does in a lot of ways belong to him at the beginning of this book. Like, she's coming home and she's. She's like into him. She loves him.

[Jennifer Prokop]

She.

[Sarah MacLean]

She. Or she likes him a lot. Yeah, she's Sort of convinced herself that she loves him. He's sexy. He's mostly generous. He's bought her, like, nice jewelry, nice clothes. He, like, sold her car and bought her a good car. Like, he treats her right. She grew up in a mob, like, community, and so she's kind of, like, been around. Like, she's. Her father. Her father and her family weren't like, respected. They weren't, like, powerful members of the family.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, the reason why, though, everything was great for her until her boy uncle betrayed the mob. Right. And then because he was a rat, right. Her whole family gets. Is, like, on the outskirts, basically iced out. Yeah. And her dad still has a job, but it's a shitty job at, like, a laundromat or whatever. Right. Like, so it's like, essentially, they're all iced out, and all she has ever wanted is to, like, get back in.

[Sarah MacLean]

Because it feels like community.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Like, it's her only option. But she, like. So there's this really, like, deep in the book, there's this kind of, like, throwaway reference to another girl who, like, she used to have sleepovers with when she was young. And, like, now that girl, like, won't even. Doesn't respect her. Won't even look at her. Right. So she has also been in relationships with, like. And, like, I use relationships in a very vague term. Right, Right. Like, these are not decent men in any way with, like, I don't know, half a dozen of these other guys who all work with Dario. But now, for some reason, and it's not entirely articulated why she is with Dario.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. At the beginning, we don't know yet. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

We don't really know. But what we know is that she is happy. And we know that he has bought her a diamond ring.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

But there is a Tiffany box.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Sure.

[Sarah MacLean]

Tucked away in, like, a sock drawer.

[Jennifer Prokop]

She found it, Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

And she found it. And she knows that it wasn't there before. And he purchased this ring for her. So in she comes to the house and, like, boom. Talk about starting in the right place. Like, here we are. Everything's perfect. And Dario's, like, lieutenant grabs her by the arm and drags her to see him. And she. The moment she walks in the room and sees his face is like, oh, shit, something's happened. Now, it turns out that years ago, five or six years ago. Posey, run. Posey, run. Posey was videotaped, like, agreed. It's. I mean, it's really an uncomfortable situation. Like, she, like, says she agreed to be filmed while her headphones in Everybody, Yeah, we're gonna get into some stuff here. She agrees that she. She will be videotaped with having sex with her, you know, terrible boyfriend. And it's the first time that they've. She has ever had anal. And she is crying and miserable during this experience. The video is timestamped and date marked recently, within the last week or two. And it has been Dropbox, basically, to every person in this mafia organization. And Dario is furious because he believes she has cheated on him. And he takes. He basically says, like, you. If I see you again, I'm gonna kill you. Get out. And he takes her clothes, her jewelry, her car. He gives her. He leaves her with nothing.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, the suitcase and the duffel bag she came in with, right?

[Sarah MacLean]

Leaves her with nothing and basically, like, puts her in a car with his driver and says, like, take her somewhere.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, get rid of her, right? Go drop her off and get rid of her.

[Sarah MacLean]

And this is where Jen fell in love.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Well, you know what? Because I love heroin against a wall. And here she is, right? Like, yeah, it's all wall. And the thing that I think is then, like, you're kind of like, okay, well, what's gonna happen? Like, this all seems terrible, but I will tell you when I really became very invested in the story is when Rey, who's, you know, Dario's, like, most trusted lieutenant, drops her off at the, like, this hotel downtown, right? And she's like, kind of, like, see around, right? And she's, like, already thinking, like, okay, I have $200, but maybe he will not have turned off my credit cards yet, and I'll be able to get a cash advance. Already knows, like, essentially, like, what she has to do. And this is where we start to get a sense of she has been dumped or cast out many times before, right, in various ways. When Rey says, you know, you're essentially, like, you know, you're in danger, right? Because the head, like, Daario's boss, you're now a loosened, and he's going to come after you. And she is like, oh. And she goes into the hotel, right? Like, sails in, like, she's been there before and goes right to this bathroom, and, like, she'd, like, stopped to try and get money, and, like, it already was declined. So she throws the card in the garbage, right? Goes into the bathroom, like, realizes, like, really how desperately she is in trouble, and she just needs someone to help her figures out, like, essentially texts a friend for an address, and then, like, dumps her phone in the garbage and she's gone. And this is when I was like, run, Posey. Keep running. I love this for you, girl. Right. Because she is such a survivor. And you really see that, like, there is no part of her that is like, I can stop and feel sorry for myself or, like, it's. She's just like, I. I want to live, and so I have to get out of here.

[Sarah MacLean]

So she needs money, and she knows that she's, like, fucked. So she heads off and lands herself in a, like, tiny, small town where she works in, like, the gas station in the Kwik E Mart, like, in the, like, and under the table. And she is desperate for cash. And so she opens basically an only fans account.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. And calls herself Posy Volpe. Right? What?

[Sarah MacLean]

I know. Perfect.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And, like, just to fuck with. Daario sends him, like, the link. And of course, the thing that, like.

[Sarah MacLean]

Because she says in it that her interests are, like, anal.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes. Right. Just to fuck with him. The thing that's so amazing, though, is, like, at this point, what she doesn't know, but we do, is that Dario almost immediately was like, get her back. Get her back. Right? I mean, he calls Ray. I mean, it's like 30 minutes, I think, to the city. And he's like, ray, go to better back. When did you leave her? And Ray's like, like, 20 minutes ago.

[Sarah MacLean]

I mean, no, Ray's like, I'm still sitting here. I'm still sitting here. He doesn't even know, right?

[Jennifer Prokop]

And you know, he's like, why? You busted my balls? I'm reading the paper or whatever, right? And. And so it's. I mean, Dari immediately is like, get her back. And of course, she's already gone. And I All. I was like, listen, I love this. Yeah, right? I love it. I loved. And really, like, here's the part that's amazing. Like, she does not. He doesn't, like, find her. The first third of the book is her basically being on the run like this. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

With him.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

So basically she's like, yeah, there's so. Yes. And he learns pretty quickly. I mean, within the first 10% of the book, he figures out that she has misjudged the situation.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, someone manipulated him. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

This is not. The video is not recent. Like, like, what he. What has happened, like, now. But what I love about this is he's not like, I made a mistake.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, no.

[Sarah MacLean]

He's like, well, I hate her still, but I need her back now.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, I'm gonna make her pay for leaving me. What? I love that.

[Sarah MacLean]

So anyway, so she sets up her only Fans account. She makes it cost a fortune.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, yeah, like, $5,000aminute or whatever.

[Sarah MacLean]

The link. And instantly this man is like, like, salivating outside the door of her holy. Of her only fans room, right? Comes in, they have a conversation. It becomes clear that, like, Dario is obsessed with the games that Posey plays. And this is a motif that comes back again and again and again through the whole book. Like, these two, they. They're chess players. They are. They play, like, all sorts of strategy games together. They are really, it's. And Posey thinks, like, it's the only time that he ever, like, vaguely is interested in her, like, when they play these games. But he's. She's like. He basically just, like, all, like, he just wants to play the games, and I'm around. And of course, it turns out that, like, no, he wants to play the games with her because she's the only person who's, like, smart enough, savvy enough, clever enough to, like, strategic enough to beat him. And it becomes really clear, like. Like, right at the very beginning when he's searching for her, because now he knows she's out there, and he knows she has this only fans account, but she is really keeping it tight. He can't find her. And he is desperately worried that his. The capo, will find her, because if he does, there will be no savings.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, it's all of this stuff. Like, it's really fascinating to watch him, like, kind of start to put the pieces together, right? To realize she's in danger than to realize, like, wait, we're playing these games and I want to win them. And I think in some ways, the thing that's, like, really fascinating about this book is how the break, right? Like, this awful moment where he throws her out. They were both faking it before, right? She was like, it's my job to, like, prattle on and be happy and do certain things and, like, you know, be dressed at dinner and have my face on. Like, all I know how to do is to, like, act a certain way to, like, kind of catch you and, like, keep you happy. You can have sex with me wherever you want. I'm never going to say no. I'm like, right. Like, the way that she. And then, like, he's been faking it because he's basically like, I am broken inside. I'm like a psychopath. Literally. Like, whatever that empathy gene is, I don't have it. The only person I care about is you, right? And that's the thing. Like, he's like, so, you know, she. When they fight, when she. When he finally finds her and listen, he sticks her in a trunk. It's terrible, right? Like, drives her back. He. And it's really this moment where you're like, oh, he thought it was a game. And she was really like, no, I'm terrified. I think you're gonna try and kill me. And so there's like, a lot of them, like, really, like, figuring out what. Who they really are, not just to each other, but, like, who they really are. Right. Because now the masks are off.

[Sarah MacLean]

The strategy of it all becomes so fascinating. Right. Because Posey, yes, of course, thinks that Daario is gonna.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Fuck her up. Right. Like that. This is. I think he thinks it's a game. Haha. And she thinks it's a game. Parenthesis. Sadistic. Right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

And so I think. Think that what's really interesting, though, is he's like, she's hiding and it's strategy. Like, she's made this choice. She. For him, it feels like.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, joyful.

[Sarah MacLean]

Because, like, they. This is how they have always engaged.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

And then later, as the book progresses, it becomes really clear that Dario is playing like, 40 chess.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

With the organization, with Posey, with himself. Like, and always, always, always with this. In this. With this, like, kind of back story, this background of Posey is in charge. Like, but she doesn't realize it until really. And what's really fascinating is how Kate C. Wells threads the needle for the reader. Because we're not 100% sure Posey is in charge for a little while too. Except the threads are all there, right? Like, the moment this man is like, I'm obsessed with her. Like, she's perfect. She's smart, she's funny, she's clever. She, like. And the moment she comes back to the house and she's like, like, you. I'm not playing your stupid games.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Like.

[Sarah MacLean]

But, man, can we talk about how powerful the. Like, she thinks when she gets back to the house and he's like, you're. You need to wash up your.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Like, whatever. And she's like, he's gonna. He's gonna want to sleep together. Yeah, I just, Like, I don't want it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

And he is never. We're never. It's. The POV is really careful. We're not in his POV for any of those scenes. Although this is a dual POV book, Right? And, like, the first, we sort of. There's like, a couple of moments where they, like, flirt around. Like, foreplay. They flirt, but it feels like power.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And then there's a moment where he's like, you know, you can say no.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You're allowed to say no. And no one's ever said that to her before.

[Sarah MacLean]

And he clocks so early. And it's interesting because it's. It's like, it made me feel really uncomfortable and not. Not in a bad way, but, like.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

The, like, whole sense of, like, what he kept saying to her, how he kept describing her as like somebody who was, like, just desperate for love.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Like, you be what you're willing to do anything for anybody just in the hope that they might love you.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Which is such a brutal.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

I mean, he's like, analysis, right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And she is. She's so hurt by it.

[Sarah MacLean]

And she should be like, it's very uncomfortable, but it's also true. And he's like.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And that's why.

[Sarah MacLean]

She needs to learn is like, she's absolutely capable of being loved without giving up everything.

[Jennifer Prokop]

This week's episode of Fated Mates is brought to you by Patricia Gray hall, author of A Place for Us.

[Sarah MacLean]

So this is a really interesting structure. It's a historical romance told in two separate times. The early version of this book is 1981, and Jo, a driven environmental attorney based in Washington, D.C. is in England on a journey of self discovery. And she meets Lauren, this kind of passionate, vibrant personality in a London pub in 1981. And they have this incredible connection. It's brief but absolutely intense. Like, full of big emotions. But there's the Atlantic between them. Joe is busy being working girl back in Washington, and immigration is not possible at the time. And so they just sort of part ways, but they keep in touch. And fast forward 22 years to Jo and Lauren unhappy in their separate relationships on either sides of the Atlantic, which, you know, what else is there to do? Lauren and her partner decide they're gonna travel to visit Joe in San Francisco, which is a mess.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I love it already.

[Sarah MacLean]

The reunion is electric. Of course they are. All those big old feelings that they were feeling in the 80s are back full force in the early 2000s. And these to end up realizing against the kind of big backdrop of the Pacific Northwest during. During this reconnection, that they are it for each other. And they've made this kind of big tactical error over the last 20 years. So obviously they're drawn to each other. They. They know they are both in relationships that need to end in order for them to have happiness. But also, this is the early 2000s, and gay marriage isn't legal in either country. And the big Question is, how are these two going to make it work in spite of the world?

[Jennifer Prokop]

So, welcome to Pride Month, everybody. This might be a great book for you to discover if you're looking for second chance romance that crosses borders and explores all of the ways in which people have to be true to themselves, but also wanting to find love with someone who, like, truly understands you. It is available in print and ebook, and if your podcasting app supports it, you can click on the chapter title right now to be taken to buy the book. Thanks to Patricia Gray hall for sponsoring this week's episode. It's a real tour de force of, like, narration, right? I'm on the record a million times for saying I don't love, like, first present, but I think it's really well done here because I think there's so many ways in which, like, the things they're saying to themselves are, like, right? So, like, when she's still missing, like, he's constantly, like, once he figures out she's on OnlyFans, right? He's, like, sending her, like, requests. So, like, I sent her a request. I, like, wanted to see if she would answer it or whatever. And then when they finally talk again, she says, you've sent me 119 private meeting requests in the past six days, right? And it's just this moment where, like, there's so many things where you're. They're, like, kind of admitting one thing, but then the other one names it, right?

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And I think, like, this is the thing that she says, like, sort of over and over again is like, I think she accepts the idea that he really is like. And I mean, I'm using the word psychopath, like, literally the way it is used in the book, which is like. Like, I have. I don't care what other people think. I'm not invested in this. This is what he believes. And yet it's really clear to us from the jump that he does care about her, right? Like, the reason he throws her out of the house and loses his temper and he, like, throws his laptop against the wall is not. He's not playing games. He is just the idea that she cheated on him devastates him. And even though when he gets her back, he's like, I kind of figured out what was going on. I know. Faked. There are several more times in the book where she says, like, I would never cheat on you, right? Like, it's like this really interesting conversation where it's like, again, that, like, well, why did you. Why were you with me? Right? Like, like, right. Like, why were you with me? Why didn't you ever say no? Why didn't you. You don't have to always, like. I mean, at one point he's like, why would you. Why were you choking on my cockpit? Why were you so anxious to get on your knees and choke on it when I never asked you to do that? And this is, I think, the part about the book.

[Sarah MacLean]

And Happy. Like, you obviously hate anal, but, like, you were.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You never really said no for me to do it. And at one point, he jokes. He's like, you practically breathe like it's a maz when we do it. Right. And so. And she. It. And that's like, the journey for her is. Why was I like that? Why was interesting?

[Sarah MacLean]

Because. Because that scene, especially the scene where they talk about anal is another moment where, like, he's, like, borderline unlikable through a lot of this book. Like, yes. He's like, you never said no. Right, Right. And I'm like, yeah, but you clocked that she hated it. Right. So what we're actually seeing here, and it's this interesting moment, though, where what Kate Seawells is doing is she's having to turn his ship around, too.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah MacLean]

Right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Because. Yes. Yes, he did clock that she didn't like it. And, like, there was a part of him that noticed it and filed it away, but, like, he didn't stop. No, he didn't not do it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No.

[Sarah MacLean]

Because, like, this is the Dario show.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, and this is like, the agreement we've made. You got the watch and the car, and this is the.

[Sarah MacLean]

You know, listen, as you know, I have a lot of feelings about cunnilingus, and it is deployed very well in this book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

And the reason why. So listen, everybody, I don't have. I talked about this on Maine. I don't think so.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, I'm sure you have.

[Sarah MacLean]

Now is the time. Yeah, I think I said. I talked about it in Banter plus, FYI, everybody, if you join the Patreon, you get a one extra episode of this podcast every month, and Jen and I are a little bit less, like, cautious in the things that we say on that one. So I think we maybe talked about this in Banter plus, but I want to talk about it it here too, which is right now, in May of 2025. I have noticed a rash of recent books, and I would say recent is the last, like, two years of contemporary romance where the hero does not go down. And. And in many of these books, the hero comes first.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Which Is frankly unacceptable to me.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And that is their entire sex life until she comes back. Right? Is like.

[Sarah MacLean]

And here's what I'll say, everyone. I literally dnf those books, like, without hesitation. Like, if that's. If that happens, I'm out. And so I. And that is just my personal. Towards my bar.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Listen, we all have our standards, Sarah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And I think it's really. But I. I mean, I will say I have only recently started dnfing those books. I will also say I will not name the person. But I brought this up recently with a person who is extraordinarily well read in, like, a world of romance that I actually don't read very much of. And, like, in. In dark Rey. Everybody knows I'm not a huge dark romance reader. Like, she reads a lot of dark romance. She reads a lot of, like, dark contemporary or, like, these kind of, like, edgier, like, indie contemporaries. And I mentioned this to her, and she said, oh, yeah, you're 100, right? And so I have a lot of questions and concerns about the way that, like, we're presenting sex and, like, the female gaze and women's pleasure and, like, bodies with vulvas. But I am going to, like. So I'm gonna just lay that out for everybody. You all can, like, connect the dots yourselves. It's 2025. But in this particular book, what's interesting about it is Daario does not. Like, he.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You know, like, he's never done it before.

[Sarah MacLean]

He's not. Well, prior to that. Like, there are several moments where, like, he, like, gets her off in a different way. Or, like, there's. You know, Posey is enjoying the sex in this book, but there is a moment where he's basically like, you know, she is. You know, he. He, like, basically says, like, okay, lay down. Like, you know, put your. Put your foot on my leg.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

My shoulder. Right. Like. Or he. She's not laying down. I forget where they are, actually, but she's standing up. And. And then he's like, okay, I'm gonna. I'm gonna do this thing. And she says to him, have you ever done this before? And he's like, no. And, like. And she's like, do you want me to tell you how? And. And he's like, nope. And like, he basically. Then he, like, goes down on her in, like, a. Like a. With precision.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, well, because he watched her, aware.

[Sarah MacLean]

Of how to get her off.

[Jennifer Prokop]

He was like, I want. Make yourself come. And then he watched her, like, now, right. Now I know what to do.

[Sarah MacLean]

Right and listen, more men should do this in general is what I'm guessing is what I'm sensing from the fact that nobody goes down in romance novels anymore.

[Jennifer Prokop]

But the.

[Sarah MacLean]

But what I want to say about this is, like, this moment. The moment. And it's. It's something we've seen before. The hero of the Master also has never gone down on a woman.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I will admit one of my favorite tropes in there. Like, this the best thing I've ever done.

[Sarah MacLean]

A great trope, because it is the fastest way to ensuring the characterization of. I have never cared about another person's, like, happiness, but it matters to me that you come. And when you come, that makes me happy.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right, right. And that I think. Listen, I think the part that, like, in the. The way that sex is deployed, this book is really interesting. Of course, it's the thing that breaks them at the beginning, right? Like his. This video, right? And the thing that's really fascinating is there's a part where after he, like, gets her off in this limo and, like, comes all over her, and it's like, you're gonna walk into this dinner with all the other mafia guys and you're like, don't wash off. Like, that's what I want. She's like, okay. She is like. They're all, like, laughing at her and giggling. Everybody has seen this video, right? And Dario is completely unconcerned. She does not seem worried about it. And she's kind of horrified, almost like, why has he brought me here? Doesn't he realize that people are going to be treating me this way, like, whatever? And instead, and I remember thinking. I, like, found myself thinking, like, this is a room full of killers and criminals who've broken every law in the book. And what they're doing is shaming this woman for, like, having sex with a boyfriend when she was 18, right? These are men who have all, like, beaten up their wives and girlfriends. Like, you know what I mean? And I just found myself thinking, like, there's so many times where you really see. And like. Like, where Posey herself is wildly aware of just how unfair it is, right? Like, sort of like the literal patriarchy that is like. And. And she doesn't just think about it in terms of, like, the Mafia and its expectations for her, but also, like, who taught this to her? Her own mother, right? Like, and there's, like, lots of scenes where she thinks about her mom taking her down to, like, play chess against old guys in the park. But the minute was 4 o' clock. Even if they were in the middle of a. Of a game. It was really interesting. They'd get back on the bus and I thought that was really interesting. Right. Like, they weren't driving the car. Right. She was being.

[Sarah MacLean]

They were hiding.

[Jennifer Prokop]

They were hiding it. They go back home because her mom had to, like, put on her face and get dinner ready. And, and like Posey herself is like, really interrogating how did I get here? And I'm, I. And that, I think that kind of. Adrianna at one point called her clear eyed, like just really clear eyed about who she was and how she'd gotten there. And I think that is one of the things that I think makes this book probably like, one of the things I think makes this book extraordinary is how at this she really is truly questioning herself. It's not just like, okay, I, I'm gonna just go back to being the way it was. Like, it's like something broke when he tossed me out and I went on the run and we're not going back to that place. I can't. And it's partly because he's different, but because she's different too. Right. And I, I did. I find that I. Her, like, ability to, like, sort of like, really face these ugly truths about herself, why she acts a certain way, why she's so desperate for love, like, why she will do anything for it. Like, why what the crucible that formed her. Right. And all of the ways that this has, like, informed how she was with Dario before the breakup and how she doesn't want to do that anymore. It's really fascinating to me. And I think, honestly, you don't really see books that are quite as. It's not even introspective. It's just like cold, hard truth. This week's episode of Faded Mates is brought to you by Darcy St. John, author of Of Racing Heart, the second book in the Apex racing series.

[Sarah MacLean]

So this one is for our F1 girlies out there. Notoriously hotheaded race car driver Jordan Ruby is grappling with the aftermath of a potentially career ending crash. Which means I'm invested because I love it when they're broken. So he's had a disastrous few months. He's now trying to recuperate and, you know, heal some broken bones. And on a. He decides he's going to head to a seaside town in Wales to lie low until his twin sister Mia is married in Scotland. There he meets straight laced advice columnist Pearl Carrington, who is already off kilter because of something going on in her own life. She stumbles upon Jordan at the beach. Like a proper merman situation I'm hoping for. And after that, and they sort of have this like quick meet cute. He makes a spur of the moment decision to invite Pearl to be his plus one to his sister's wedding. And while she is notoriously risk averse, she decides she's going to take her own advice, the advice she would give a stranger as an advice columnist. And she says yes. Which leads to a road trip through idyllic English countryside and a few days in an actual cat with a virtual stranger. Though there is a fair amount of family drama here because no wedding is without that. And the two of them learn that they might just need each other to do the healing.

[C]

Amazing.

[Jennifer Prokop]

So if you would like to check out this racing romance where strangers go on a road trip, then you would love to read Racing Heart. It is available in print or with your monthly subscription to Kindle Unlimited. And if your podcasting app supports it, you can click on the chapter title right now to be taken to buy the book. Thanks to Darcy St John for sponsoring this week's episode.

[Sarah MacLean]

She's very uncommon as a heroine. It clocks similarly for me to Molly o' Keefe.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And I think another writer who you love, another series that you love. And I think it's because these heroines when, when you put a heroine up against the wall, right, and you strip everything her. And she really does strip Posey of everything. Not just like money. Like she doesn't like. It's really sad. Like her family, her like the idea. Like every, every possible friendship she's ever had over the course of her whole life is just a joke now. Like she is alone. And there is something very powerful about a heroine who is alone. And we have seen this over the last 50 years in romance, right? Like there's a reason why Julie Garwood heroines are great. And, and I. So I think, I think all of that is true. I do think that there are these really like beautiful moments though where Kate manipulates the reader with, with Posey's aloneness. And there were many moments in this book on the reread over the last couple of days that I kind of paused to think about the way the prose, the prose is really like thoughtful about how it deploys posies feelings. It doesn't. She doesn't deploy Daario's feelings in the same way. Like Daario feels very like an explosion. Right. Like he's just a ticking clock. Like you, you can hear the, the ticking from the, from the moment this book Begins with Daario, but with Posie. She's so, like, tight. She's so. She's so uncomfortable. She's so on edge. She's so uncertain that the.

[C]

The.

[Sarah MacLean]

But the writing feels uncertain. Like, the writing makes you feel like anything could go wrong at any moment. And it's really beautifully done in a. In a way that, like, there aren't that many romances where you feel the same feelings as a heroine who is feeling this kind of intensity.

[Jennifer Prokop]

There's a part where he says, she's a feast of feelings and I'm hungry, right? And she is like. She is just like. Like a complete. Like. And sometimes I also find myself feeling like, what world are you in? Right? Like, where, like, her feelings are, like, she can't. This is the only world she knows. And so, like, she found this place of safety in it, even though, like, it never really accepted her. But, like, it's what causes of these, like, sort of problems. And he's the one who's sort of like, why are you. Why are you doing this? But there's a part. It was. This is like. I don't know. I really thought this was funny. Like, there was this part where he throws her in the trunk. Everybody. It is terrible. He, like, tapes her up and throws her in the trunk, right? And he's so happy to have found her. She's like, this is happy, right? And she says, I actually highlighted it because it really made me laugh. Everyone's heard that if you're in a trunk, try to kick out the lights. And I was like, like, who's everyone? I was unaware that this is what you're supposed to do.

[Sarah MacLean]

It feels like something the mom would teach.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right?

[Sarah MacLean]

But, like, teach its youngins.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, but, like, it's young women, right? Like, what is your worth and what is your value? And then, like, what are the, like, warning things you need to know? And so it really helps explain, like, why she is the way she is in the world. Right? Like, I was sort of fascinated by, like, those moments almost more than anything else where I was like, wait, everyone knows.

[Sarah MacLean]

I mean, everyone knows. Jen, come on. I want to talk about the ending because I feel like there's something really interesting going on in the ending too, that I think Dark Romance has. This kind of got there. This. This book kind of got there before Dark romance was a big deal.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, I mean, I think the. Before we talk about the ending, I just want to say, like, one thing which is, like, I do think that this is a book that has, like, almost could have benefited from, like, part one, part two, part three. Right. Like, so, like, her being on the.

[Sarah MacLean]

Those are fighting words for me. I hate that structure.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, fair enough. But I will say, like, just write the book. Yeah, okay, fair. But what I mean by that is like, like, it. There's really clearly distinguished parts of this book, right? Like, so she's on the run, and then there's like, they're in the phone booth, but the phone booth is the house, right? Like, once she's there.

[Sarah MacLean]

And then the hits the fan, and.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Then it's the hits the fan. And it does feel like there are very distinct movements in this book. Let me just say it that way.

[Sarah MacLean]

I think that's true. It's a strong three act structure. How about that?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Very strong. Yeah, for sure.

[Sarah MacLean]

So I want. So.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And I don't.

[Sarah MacLean]

I don't want to necessarily. We don't have to end after we talk about the end, because I actually just want to talk about violence. Violence in this book. Right. Like, I think there is a lot of hands. There are. There's a lot of hands on. In this book. And we see Dario as an instrument of violence from the very beginning. Right? Like, he's terrifying. He terrifies Posey from the very first page.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Well, what's interesting is the other guys just think of him as like, the nerdy money man. They don't understand how dangerous he is. She does.

[Sarah MacLean]

There are. But, like, every. All the men. This, like, the masculine masculinity in this book is very violent. And it's an interesting look at how we think about, like, listen, you're talking to. To somebody who, like, I love a man who puts a fist into a face. I really do. I just think it's really. It's really different in this book. It feels heavy with violence, and the violence is in the hands of men here. And what's really interesting about it is it's having this kind of dialogue through the whole book about what kind of violence is acceptable and what kind of violence is necessary in order to kind of protect Posey, to evolve, like, patriarchal, terrifying, dominant culture to, like, I don't know. I mean, like, I don't think I was thinking about this when I first read this book, but, like, I think in 2025, reading this book, it feels like sometimes you have to fight fire with fire. And Daario at the end of this book, there is obviously, like, the baddie in this book is the capo of the organization. So, like, there's no way that this book ends without they're either. There are two ways. It either ends with them on the run or the capo is taken out. But in order to take out a capo, you have to take out all their lieutenants to.

[Jennifer Prokop]

To.

[Sarah MacLean]

And what's interesting is Dario wouldn't have ever dreamed of doing this. This is not in his cards. But the moment he realized he was in love with Posey, all bets were off. Anybody who ever harmed her, looked at her sideways, thought a bad thought about her, or threatened her was done. And so there is a very gruesome kind of climactic scene here where he takes out everyone. And it really feels like an indictment of certainly patriarchy, but also masculinity.

[Jennifer Prokop]

There's like a preview of this scene when. Right when he. When she first comes back, the boss, right, the capo or whatever hears about it. And Dario realizes there's a mole in the house. And he's like, it's not Rey, because Ray's my guy, I'm pretty sure. But it's Ivano, right? And he's like. And it's really fascinating because he is like, I'm gonna bring Posey down and I'm gonna kill this guy in front of her.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. I'm gonna show her that I can take care of her.

[Sarah MacLean]

And he thinks it's a gift to her.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. And she's like, he's trying to show me he'll kill me if I try. Right? Like, it's just like one of these moments where they really, like, men are from Mars, women are from Venus 100, right? Where she's like, throwing up on herself and he's like, I thought you would like this, right? Like, really, like, completely. And but then when. At the next. Right, the big scene when then, like, you know, 10 people are dead or whatever, right? Like, it's. Everybody's taken out and she doesn't know what's going on. It's clearly like, Dario and this other guy has made a plan and blah, blah, blah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Right?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. She's kind of like, I understand this needed to happen. And she's still really upset about it and she's scared, but it is. She, like, there's a point where she's like, I have to trust him, cuz he's like, posy, don't run. Right? Like, don't run.

[Sarah MacLean]

Right, Right. Yeah. He gives her the queen's gambit.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, right? And it is. It's really fascinating. And then at the end. End, right. Like, there's a part where, like, she has to do violence to save him.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yep. And that's where it's really interesting because Posey doesn't do violence at all. She never even comes for Daario. Like, there's never a moment in this book where she even thinks to do violence. And then at the end, like, she does. And it's interesting because I was thinking about how when we were talking, we. We did our dark romance episode, and over the course of the years, we've talked a lot about. About dark romance. Right. And about how there's something very different between morality chain and dark romance. And morality chain pulls in morality chain. Like love pulls a dark hero into light. And in dark romance, the hero pulls. This dark hero pulls the part pulls, like partner into darkness.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

And I think this book is really riding a fairy tale very thin line of, like, not doing that. Like, it is dark in the sense that, like, at the end of this, he is. He's not capo. He's second in command.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

Or ish. He's still the.

[Jennifer Prokop]

They call him like, Luke. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

But so he's not capo, but he's also not. He's. He has an immense amount of power. He's clearly not afraid to do violence if he needs to. But, like, there is sort of a sense that, like, Daario and will handle this in a better way versus and then Posey has to be violent right. In on her own terms. And so, interestingly, I, like, I was just having, like, some cognitive dissonance thinking about how, like, okay, this is a book where she is brought to violence. Right? She is. But, like, it doesn't feel like she's been brought down. No, it feels like they're both kind of moving.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

This feels like organized crime. Noble nobility.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Right.

[C]

Ish.

[Sarah MacLean]

I mean, like, guys, I like, this is tricky, right. I actually think organized crime in contemporary is incredible. Incredibly difficult.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Because I think, like, it's very difficult when I write it. Like, in Victorian England, you can Vaseline the lens and sort of say, like, these are noble criminals, as opposed to.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, they're running meth and destroying small towns across America or whatever. You know, I think part we don't.

[Sarah MacLean]

100 know what this mob is doing.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, we just know it doesn't really. In some ways, it doesn't matter. This is the brilliance of it. He's the money guy.

[Sarah MacLean]

He just launders the money, making money over and over and over.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. And it's at one point he sort of says to her, like, the first month you lived with me, I had lost $3 million. Adorable. I was Spending so much time, like, playing games with you. He's like, so then I just had to, like, pull back for a little bit and invent an entire new way of, like, doing this so that I didn't have to manage it anymore and I can spend this time with you.

[Sarah MacLean]

This week's episode of Faded Mates is sponsored by Avon Books, publishers of Alexis Daria's Along Came Amor, the final book in the Primas of Power series.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I'm so excited and you should be in this one. We get Ava Rodriguez. Okay, listen. Middle school teacher, very close to my heart. And her ex husband, essentially, she's now divorced, right? Ex husband declared he wanted to follow his dreams. And on the day that she essentially signs her divorce paper, she's at an Atlantic City hotel for a teaching conference. And she runs into a very handsome man at the bar, Roman Vasquez. And he, it turns out, is not just any handsome man. He owns the hotel. They have an epic one night stand. Ava is basically like, why not? And this really delicious night together kind of turns into a. A bit of a like, hidden affair. Ava is just really wary of, like, kind of getting involved with someone again and having her whole family know about it and weigh in on it. The public dissolution of her marriage just really sent her into a tailsp. So imagine her shock, surprise and dismay when at her cousin's engagement party, who is there as the groom's best man but Roman. And so all of a sudden, her boundaries have just been blown out of the water and Roman can't understand why she wants to keep him as a dirty little secret. He is a successful, amazing, handsome CEO. What is going on? All of the pressure on Ava to, like, figure this out. It is a terrific romance and a great end to a series I' know Fated Mates listeners have loved.

[Sarah MacLean]

Well, if you can't wait for the end of this series and you want to read about this dirty little secret, then you can read Along Came Amor right now in print or ebook if your podcasting app supports it. You can click on the chapter title right now to be taken to buy the book. And as a special treat for Fated Mates listeners, if you hang around after this week's episode, you'll get a a sneak peek at the audiobook of Along Came Amore. Thanks to Avon Books and Alexis Daria for sponsoring this week's episode.

[Jennifer Prokop]

This other thread about Daria is really interesting, which is, he's hot, he's handsome, he's rich. What she never understands is like, why didn't anybody ever. Why didn't Anybody else ever get with him? Right. Is it just that he's, like, so weird and loves playing games and that's what he. You know, she couldn't figure it out until she find. And it's really interesting, right? Like, the reveal to her and it's done in a really cool way, is like, essentially, like, nobody get. Nobody messes with Dario because he killed his stepmother, right?

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And everybody knows it. And even she's like, listen, this is the mob. They're violent, but nobody would do that.

[Sarah MacLean]

He killed his stepmother by way, because he was told to. Now he was instructed to.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. And.

[Sarah MacLean]

And, like, so we're. That's what we're told is like, it came.

[Jennifer Prokop]

The.

[Sarah MacLean]

The ruling came down because the woman had dementia and was talking.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And, like, there were secrets that she knew. And so, like, for his death. And Daario did it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. But what she finds out is that none of that's true. Like, that's all, like, flim flam and gossip. Right. That essentially he had a stepbrother who was essentially about the same age. Right. This was the stepmother's, like, son.

[Sarah MacLean]

Biological.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. Biological son. And he could see his mother, but knew she was miserable, knew she was in so much pain. But he didn't live in the home with her. Dario did, because he had sort of been cast out, like, Right. Like, all the. Whatever. And so. So essentially, Luca says, put my mother, like, out of her misery. Will you kill her? So she's not in pain anymore. She's, like, dying of cancer, and she's. Right. Like. And so Dario essentially agrees to do this because he, you know, he, like, dopes her up with morphine and breaks her neck. Right. And it's brutal. I'm like. And it's just like this moment where you're like, why did he do it? Like. Right. Why didn't you smother with her pillow? Like, I had so many questions, but he was a kid, and he was like. I think he really was like. Like, I just want to make sure. I mean, who knows? It's like a really fascinating moment where we then understand that, like, he was asked to do it, but by someone who loved her. Right. And it's just like, a really fascinating way in which Luke and these are.

[Sarah MacLean]

The two men who end up running.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Who end up, like. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

The organization, which I think makes. Listen.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Will it. Will it appease everyone? Maybe not, but I was like, all right. Where these two are going to do all right.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

I was killing old ladies.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, is really fascinating, too, because I Think it's the hidden like, undercut underneath. Underneath. Part of this is that she was so convinced the entire time that Daario, like, didn't listen to her and didn't care about her and didn't pay attention to her. And in fact, like, that's all he does, right? And that's like the part of the book that's like. Then speaking of him being really clear eyed as well, right? Like, like she comes back and there's a scene where he's like touching her all over and she's like, you never touched this touched me like this before. What are you doing? Like, she can't even quite of figure it out. And he's like, well, I thought you would figure. I thought you'd figure it out that I'm. That I'm wrong, right? Like, and so you understand, like, all of the bad sex they had was because he didn't. Right? Like he was, he was hiding the fact that he was like, I don't care about people the right way. There's something broken inside me.

[C]

Me.

[Jennifer Prokop]

But you I care about. And he describes the moment when it happened, right? They were playing chess and she beat him and she lets out some like, screech and he's like. And it's the first time I like, felt a feeling, literally. Like, we joke about men not feeling feelings in these books. Daria Volpe has literally never felt a feeling, but he can feel her feelings, right?

[Sarah MacLean]

There's a great moment where he's like, with the capo and the capo, like, kind of like, hey, you need to get your shit together. Like, this woman can't stick around.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like.

[Sarah MacLean]

And he's watching her about to jump into the pool and he's like, she. She never just like dives into the pool like a normal person. She like gears herself up and then shouts and jumps in and it's so joyful and I love it. Right? And I mean, I think there are some really classic moments in this book that feel old school. Like that's an old school hero looking at his like, perfect like grumpy sunshine vibe. You know, I. There are. This book is, I think so fascinating to me because is the mashup of what is new and what is old.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, I think so.

[Sarah MacLean]

And it feels fresh and familiar at the same time.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, maybe we should have said this like not an hour in. But like, you definitely have to check your content warnings to like, read this book, right? Like, I think there are a lot of ways in which it was a challenging read, like emotionally for Me, like. Right, agreed.

[Sarah MacLean]

And it is not an easy read.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No. But I think that there are ways in which, like, there are lots of, like you said, really classic ways that it breaks, like, the tension of, like, these most intense scenes or. Right. Like, there's a part where, like, it's the part, remember, where he's, like, gonna beat this guy to death in front of her to, like. Right. The rat in the house. And she's, you know, she's like, you know, don't kill him. And he looks down like he's not dead. You know what I mean? And it. But I found myself thinking, like, that's like, a classic thing. Like, here's been this horrifying moment. She is literally so horrified. And that, like, you know, break the tension with this joke. I mean, like, it felt in that way. Like, the pacing of it felt like, really. I don't know, like, it understood. I think a lot of really intuitive things about how, like, when something is so hard, how are you going to. Like, what is the resting place for your readers and what is the resting place for your characters? And I think what this book really understands is, like, the resting place has to come after moments of, like, real emotional intensity. Right. Like, it. The whole book can't be rest. Right. The whole book can't be rest. And so.

[Sarah MacLean]

Say it louder, Jen.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. And I think that that's the part that's, like, really fascinating about how he is, like, gonna change for her, too. Right. Like, I. I mean, at one point he says to her, like, I'm the same. I'm the same man. Like, you just know me better now. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

And that's true.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

He doesn't change.

[Jennifer Prokop]

No, he's the same.

[Sarah MacLean]

She changes. If anything, he gets sort of worse.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Because I think he thinks I. I don't. I don't have to hide from her anymore or I can't hide from her anymore. At one point, he's like, I put in all this work, and then I blew it. Right. I was. I had her on the hook. I almost had her, and then I fucking blew it because I lost my own mind.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And I was fascinated by that.

[Sarah MacLean]

I mean, when I say that he gets worse. I mean, he gets. Like I said, he gets really violent. He gets sort of willing to do whatever it takes, takes to protect her in a way that, like, he wasn't. That's not how he is at the beginning. You know, he. This also has your favorite trope in it or one of your favorite tropes, which is, what if the Baby comes out wrong.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, listen, I love that where he's like, I'm going to give you a baby.

[Sarah MacLean]

And she's like, that sounds like a terrible idea because she has a head on her shoulders.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Everyone. You know what though? The greatest journey of this book is her realizing though, like, I do have a head on my shoulders, but something about what he wants to give me is exactly what I want.

[Sarah MacLean]

Oh, she says it, she articulates it. I want a white picket fence and a dog.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And yeah, at some point, like again, in one of these fights where he is just like really says to her, right. Like, why are you like this? Or whatever, you know. And she's like, I don't throw your issues in your face. And he said, my issues aren't self destructive. And I was like, okay, kind of got you there, Posey. But I do, I think like that's the thing about this book that like really works is like they are not right for anybody else. And they are all like completely up in their own way. Like. Right. Both of these people. But they are perfect for each other. And when he is able to say to her, like, I think I was a psychopath, but now I think I'm a sociopath because I do care about people. But it's a person and it's you, right? I have, in fact, I have changed.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And she's like, wait, is that real? You know what I mean? It's great. It's a great moment. It really is.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah. I mean it really reads like a professional driver on a closed course. This book, I feel like, feels like she was just, she was holding on to the reigns of about a team of horses writing this. It's kind of incredible that it. She pulled it off.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I think it's really something else to like have started this book where it. You did, right? Which is like at the. I mean essentially the book starts at the third act breakup. Right. Of like some previous book where you're like these two really. I'm never gonna believe they're 18.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah. Like a not very good book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Right. And I do think that there is something really compelling about I. You know, again, it's like one of the things I think, okay, I'm gonna. This is maybe whatever. We're an hour deep. It's fine. I struggled a little bit with what I've seen happening lately in some contemporary romances, which is like, it's a pickleball romance. It's a wordle romance. It's a right, like, like almost like a shtick. And the Only thing I know how to compare it to is there's like a. Like a. Sometimes, like, there's like a string of songs that happen, right? And it's like there was one that was, like. I don't know, about, like, a payphone or something, right? Like, it's a song about a payphone, and the metaphor is the payphone. And, like, I'm like, okay, but it's a song. It's three minutes. Like, it's a pickleball romance. It's a wordle romance. Like, that's not enough to actually sustain a novel, Right? Like, to me, like, that. That could be something they do, but it can't be the book. And the thing that I think this book does really, really well is it shows their game playing as. Right. They play chess, they play Othello, they play Risk, they play Scrabble. They. Right. Like, you name it. If it's a strategy game, they played it. There's like. Right, right. But it is not about the game. It's about them. Right? It's about them. And it's fascinating because, like, Dario explains, like, the first night he went home with her, he's like, I picked her up. I went home with her. And he's like, it was mid, and I was ready to leave, but then I saw this cheap cardboard chess set, and we played three games, and she beat me at two of them. And I moved her into my house a week later. Right? And that's, like, one story he tells himself. But then as time goes on, there's all these other details that come to light about how he could tell that this boyfriend was beating her up. And she's like, you didn't even know me then. That he had been watching her. Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

In the climactic moment of the book. I mean, he tortures this man and remembers every mark that was on her.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. What did he do to you? Where did he hit you? Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

That's why you had a black eye. That's why you had a. Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

And so you're like, wait, so is that story you told yourself about how you're ready to walk away from her until you saw the chess set?

[Sarah MacLean]

The truth for Daario, the killing, this, the. The subtext of the killing of the stepmother does a lot of character work because it does tee us up to believe that Posey isn't the only one like his. There is something in him that is humane and beyond the two of them. And I think as I'm saying this, I'm realizing that I'm coming to Terms with my own sort of distaste for so many of these romances that are reverse morality chain. Right. And the reason why I have distaste for them is because I don't care for a character who is only.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Good.

[Sarah MacLean]

Because of the relationship that they are in. Right. And now it's interesting because I can hear people already being like, but what about Lothaire? And here's what I would say. Like, not Lothair, because, like, in all these care, if you name any morality chain hero, there is always like, something extra, something aside from the heroine.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, Right.

[Sarah MacLean]

Or the side from the. The partner, from the object of their love. And it's like a friend or a.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, sure.

[Sarah MacLean]

Or like this, like, act of, like, incredible kindness to.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Well, and he says something like, I would sit with her every day or whatever. Like. Right. Like, yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

His stepmother and his stepbrother. Right. Like. And so I think there is a part of me that feels like without that moment with the stepmother, I might not have.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Might not have. Yeah. Because I think it really calls into the question, like, the story these men are telling themselves. Right? Like, yeah, like, we get this amazing scene with Lothair where you realize, like, he and Nyx have been, like, best friends for thousands of years or whatever. Oh, my God.

[Sarah MacLean]

Lothaire loves everybody. He loves that child. He loves Valley. I mean, like, he loves everything.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Like, Dario and Rey. His guy Rey. Like. Right. He totally is.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I mean, so I think that it's very similar, right. As opposed to like, actually showing this guy who just is that, like, closed off or whatever and has nothing. If this book really. I will say I, I, I really enjoyed it on the reread so much. I highlighted a million things. Me too. Because I do think that this is such an amazing, like, the arcs for these characters are so strong. Right? Like, really showing, like, a huge breach of trust and how it completely breaks everything and how they have to change in relationship to it because they, I mean, they don't know how to not be together.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

One of the things that it's very easy to, like, overdo. I think that this book does an extraordinarily good job understanding the, like, physical tells that people have for their emotional states. Like, like, there'll be times where he's, like, rubbing his chest and, like, kind of being like, like, whatever I ate didn't. You know what I mean? And, like, we're like, no, you dummy. You're love sick. Right? You're literally love sick. And I think it's way more pronounced for him than it is for her. And it's such a smart way to give the reader insight into the character that the character does not have into themselves. Themselves.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yeah, right. Yeah.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You know, he talks about like, but like, you know, feeling like his head is rushing or roaring or buzzing. Feelings, right. Like, you know, his stomach hurts. He like, you know, I was just, you know, it's really fascinating to like kind of see that happen. And my memory of it is like, as he becomes more integrated, like his feelings become something he can face. There's less of that. It's like more pronounced at the beginning of the book than after.

[Sarah MacLean]

He also like comes online as a character, right? Like, he begins the book really like so tightly, like so tightly wound and like reserved. And then as of course, like all the emotion, all the whatever happens. Like there's that great moment at the very end after the sort of climactic moment where everybody dies. Like he kills everybody. He tortures a guy. And then she's like, I gotta get the fuck out. And she goes, she runs. Oh, there's a river. She runs the river. And he says, don't jump in the river. We'll all get tetanus.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You know?

[Sarah MacLean]

And it's like, very funny. Like there are moments of very like, clear humor in here. It's a great, really fun book. And happens in it. Like it's, it's. It moves this book.

[Jennifer Prokop]

One of my favorite lines in this book. And I, I don't know why. Right? And it's like, I think it's back to like the, the physical part. And I had highlighted it. And this is like pretty early. I can't remember if he even has her back yet. Or maybe they're just like talking, right? And it's. And I highlighted this, right? Like my fingers twitch. I want her closer. If she were in my arms, I wouldn't feel this empty handedness, right? And it's just like. I can't even say, right. Like empty handedness.

[Sarah MacLean]

There's that other moment where he's like, she gets out of the trunk. Trunk.

[C]

Okay.

[Sarah MacLean]

And it's like later. And there's like a bruise on her arm. And he's like, what the hell is this? I didn't even touch you. And she's like, you threw me in a trunk. And his response is, well, I don't like that.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And you're like, you did it.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Or like the part where he's like, draws her the bath and she's like, you're gonna kill me to death in there. It's like scalding and he's like, what are you talking about? And she's like, feel how hot it is. Is. He's like, why didn't you ever tell me? And she never thought of it as, like, her home. It was his. I'm gonna tell you.

[Sarah MacLean]

She's like, why didn't you notice? And he's like, I only take cold showers, of course.

[Jennifer Prokop]

It's so great, right? It really is. Like. Like. But you see, like, right. Oh, it's so. This book is really. It's a real tour de force.

[Sarah MacLean]

It's a great book. It's a great book. It really does the job. And it. I mean, I think even if you don't like this kind of book, obviously, I think you have to. You have to like this kind of book to love this book. But even if you don't like this kind of book, there is a lot to be learned from how this book comes together.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, it has a really. What I think of as being, like, a really brilliant ending, right? Which is like. And listen, I want to talk about it just because. Because it's not a baby log in the traditional sense, right? But he does get her pregnant, and then it, like, kind of skips forward until she's, like, six months pregnant, which is when, like, you know, she has to do some violence. And then was this is when we understand that, like, what he's really worried about is that, like, one. It's first, like, the baby will come out. Wrong, right? Well, you still love the baby if it's like, me. And then what we understand, of course, is, like, what he's really about is like, will you still. Still love me if I can't love the baby? Right? Like, what if I can't love the baby? And so then, like, right, there's this scene where at the end, it's like, she's giving birth and he's out in the hallway with Ray, and, you know, she's, like, kicked him out because it's great. Like, they're in, like, a nursing. A birthing center. It's a doula. And he's like, like, what the fuck? Like, why did I say yes to any of this? Clearly, she should be in a hospital. This is garbage. You want. And then there's this really funny line where he's like, she wanted to give birth in a pool, but there was no way I was gonna let that happen. And you're like, she totally played you. She didn't want to give birth in a fucking pool. This is posed Santoro. But she did Want to give birth in the birthing center, right? So this is how she got you to say yes to that. And the greatest part about it is, like, right? So then the baby's born, and. And he goes in, and he's only looking at Posey, right? And you're like, oh, shit, maybe he's not gonna love the baby. And. And then he, like, it's like, you realize, like, he's been, like, watching her all along, but, like, hasn't said anything. And then, you know, like, she grabs his finger and she. And he's like, it's. It is tight, but she's so little. It's real weak. I'm gonna have to be really strong for her. And I was, like, such a sucker, right? And he's like, I love her. I love her, right? It's really. It's great. But it really is, like, again, like, it's. It's doing this work. Like, I like, right? Like, I love Posey, and I love the baby, Mira. And we're a family. And it's not just like a cheap baby log. It's really doing a lot of really interesting work.

[Sarah MacLean]

Well, because also in that moment, like, he's still just Daario, right? He's still like, I have to be strong.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yes.

[Sarah MacLean]

Like, it's not love. I mean, it is love, but, like, in his head, right? Like, I'm still not sure. Like, I like love. I feel like he still is. He still dances around it in a, like, really great way. Like, he's still not sure he deserves it, not sure he's capable of it. Not sure he, like, for Dario, love is, like, really, really, really difficult to pin down. But, like, strength, right? Like, that sort of. I can. But I can protect. And from, like, the second he realizes he's wrong about Posey in chapter one.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

He is. Protect is the guiding light.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah. Well, then, like, the part where they finally figure it out, right? Like, she's run. They're in, like, you know, like, away from the bloodbath or whatever. And, you know, she says to him, sometimes, I guess love is more like the person is yours. No matter if they feel the same way or not, they belong to you. And that's that. And this is when he says, then I love you. Does that make you happy? Right. Because all he wants is for her to be happy.

[Sarah MacLean]

What do I need to do?

[Jennifer Prokop]

I love that.

[Sarah MacLean]

There's another mine. I'm. I'm looking.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, God. When he says mine a bunch of times, it's real hot. I feel bad for thinking that I'm garbage. Everybody, it's fine.

[Sarah MacLean]

No, you're not. That's very hot. I don't know what the problem is. It's fine. Hang on, wait. There's another line later, earlier. It's sort of, you know, just before the, like the chaotic scene with all the murder. And it's when they, like. So he's gone down on her and then they're cuddling.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Oh, yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And he. She's like. He's like, I watch television. I know women like this.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I know.

[Sarah MacLean]

And she's like, I think I just want to take a nap. Like, I don't. And then she's, like, falling asleep, and he, like, yanks her over to, like, lay on him. And he's like, we're cuddling because we're cuddling. And she's sort of delighted by it. And she thinks to herself, this isn't love, but how can you tell the difference?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

And, like, I think that that's fundamentally it. Right. Like, the word is irrelevant. Like, love is a vibe.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Love is state of mind.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Listen, it's great. Even when the baby. I'd sort of forgotten this. Like, right. The baby grabs his finger at the end. He doesn't think, like. I mean, yes, I want to protect her, but he's.

[Sarah MacLean]

He.

[Jennifer Prokop]

He thinks she'll need very close watching until she's big enough to defend herself. And I think a lot, like, back to, like, the way that he, like. Right. Like, watched out in a terrible way for his stepmother. Like. Like, this is a man who actually does believe in women, I think, in some sort of fundamental way. Even though, you know, listen, I'm not going to defend him throwing her in a trunk. But there is a way, I think, that. I don't know, it's. It's very interesting. Like, he does see them as distinct, separate people, not just like an extension of. Right. Like him. His household. Right. Like, he under. I think because of who he is, he understands him as fundamentally different.

[Sarah MacLean]

Yep. It's a great read. If you haven't gotten there yet, you absolutely should get there now. And what else, Jen? Anything else? I don't know.

[Jennifer Prokop]

I hope there's, you know, the promise of. There is a sequel, Nikki the Driver.

[Sarah MacLean]

Then it's just the second in the series. And then there are a bunch of these. She's done a bunch of shifter romances. She's done a bunch of motorcycle romances. There's lots of other KCLs for you to try there. I have one that's been on my Kindle for like two years. It's called after the Shut Up Ring that I. I think she.

[Jennifer Prokop]

You know what? This is an author who does, like a lot of. A lot of different things. Right. Like, I think. And I, I bet that keeps it fresh for her. And I think that's great. Right. There's a promise, I think, that like, Luca, who, like. Right. That there would potentially.

[Sarah MacLean]

That's who I wanted. Next. I haven't read the Nick Cookie book because I'm waiting for Luca.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Yeah.

[Sarah MacLean]

Anyway, I'm Sarah McLean. I'm here with my friend Jen Prokop, and we are Fated mates. You can listen to us every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts. And if you loved hearing this and you want to talk about more romances, you can come and join our Patreon, where every member of our Patreon gets access to an additional episode. Episode every month. And access to the Discord, where about a thousand other listeners are hanging out talking about romance novels all the time. Hi to everybody on our Patreon. Happy anniversary. And what else you can go to show notes. You'll see if this were a week where we recommended a bunch of books. You'll see a list of all the books we recommended. In this case, you'll see information about RunPozierun and all of the links that we promised we'd drop there. You can also find us online at Instagram, bluesky and Threads. But, you know, things are always changing, so who knows where we'll be. The fated mates Discord and the website will always be there. You can find Jen on June 30th in Chicago with Mia Sosa at Last Chapter Bookshop, talking about Mia's new book, when Javi Dumari. You can find us both at Faded mates live on July 8th in St. Louis. Tickets [e-mail] live. Listen, that is going to be a really fun time. A few hundred firebirds, Jen, me and Kate Claiborne. Stop it. It's going to be the best. That'll be with novel neighbor in St. Louis. If you can't make it there. July 8th is the release day for my. My new book this summer, these summer storms. So it'll be a big party, too. If you can't make it to the party, come and see me on tour. You'll see Jen at least in Chicago. You may see Jen in Indiana with me. If you visit me at any of the other tour stops, I'll have faded maid stickers, Fademaid's pins, and stories about Jen that I'll be happy to tell you you can find all of that information [e-mail] live. That'll take you directly to my course schedule, and you can see everything there. And don't forget to stay tuned. Right after the show, you'll be listening to a sneak peek of Alexis Daria's audiobook from Along Came Amor. Thanks again to Alexis and to Avon Books for sponsoring this week's episode.

[C]

Chapter 2 It was early evening and the restaurant in the Dulce Playa Hotel's lobby wasn't full. Only a few people sat in booths scattered around the open space. The dim lighting emphasized the tasteful deep blue and gold color scheme, and a classic rock song played low in the background. Ava perched her butt on one of the high chairs stationed at the bar. With her long legs, she was practically the same height as when she'd been standing. Standing. Old Ava would have been mortified to drink at a bar by herself, but new Ava had a book in her purse and she would survive this. Turning over the menu, a lovely piece of textured navy blue cardstock with gold foil lettering, she immediately spotted the option. She was tempted to order it anyway, regardless of Damaris's decree, but one glass cost more than an entire bottle did at Ava's local liquor store store. Besides, she was starting a new chapter, right? Might as well let the universe decide for her. Closing her eyes, Ava swirled her index finger for three seconds before jabbing it down on the signature cocktails menu. When she opened her eyes, she peered at the drink the universe had chosen. A Limon Dulce. Maybe that was like lemonade could be refreshing. Despite being October, it was a hot, humid day. Ava made eye contact with the bartender, a fresh faced young woman with a rosy complexion and dark hair slicked into a low ponytail. She wore the Dulce's uniform of a black vest over a dark blue button up with a name tag that read Luz. What can I get for you? Luz asked as she made her way over. Ava offered a polite smile. Aisle I'll have Limon Dulce, please. You got it. Lou set a square napkin, dark blue with the Dulce logo stamped in gold, in front of Ava and moved a few feet away to mix the drink in a cocktail shaker. As Lewis poured the liquid into a martini glass, she asked, you're here for the teachers conference? Ava nodded. How did you know? I didn't think it was the other one. With a grin, Luz set the pale yellow drink on the napkin. Enjoy. Other one. Before Ava could ask, Luce moved away to help another customer. Ava murmured her thanks anyway, then discreetly sniffed the drink. The color bore an alarming resemblance to urine, but the crisp citrus scent reminded her of baking lemon bars with her little sister, Willow in their father's kitchen.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Kitchen.

[C]

Ava lifted the glass to take a sip and nearly spit it back out. Forget lemonade. This was more like furniture polish. Strong and sour and nowhere close to the tangy sweetness she'd been expecting. Ava couldn't control her grimace as she swallowed. As the stinging in her mouth subsided, she set the glass back on the napkin and tried to school her features, hoping the bartender hadn't seen seem. So much for new experiences. She'd just go upstairs, order French fries, and watch Pride and Prejudice for the millionth time alone. The enormity of her loneliness hit her like a sledgehammer. She'd bottled things up during her marriage, acted like everything was fine throughout the divorce, but somehow this disappointing drink was the last straw. The need to talk to somebody, somebody, anybody, welled up in her like a tidal wave. But there was no one. Jasmine and Michelle were busy with their new lives. Damaris wouldn't be there until later that night. Ava's mother worked the night shift as a NICU nurse, and never mind her dad or stepmom. They tiptoed around the subject of divorce like it was a contagious sickness. And Ava's father was in remission. Eyes hot, she blinked hard and pushed her glass toward the other side of the bar. As she was opening her purse to pay, someone approached on her left. Wary, Ava glanced at the newcomer. A ton of empty seats stretched along the bar. So why was somebody trying to sit right next to Holy? Her thoughts stuttered to a halt as her gaze traveled over the man beside her, taking note of every handsome feature. Dark, wavy hair with hints of silver at the temples. Strong jaw, brown eyes. Impossibly long lashes and thick, straight brows. The faint lines at the corners of his eyes only added to his attractiveness, as if they were neon arrows, inviting her to drown in their depths. The word that came to mind was dreamboat. Old fashioned, but it fit him as perfectly as the dark blue silk suit that accentuated his broad chest and shoulder. On second thought, he could sit next to her anytime. With a friendly smile, he gestured at her glass. Something wrong with your drink? Shit. He must have seen her reaction. Embarrassment warmed her cheeks, but she tried to play it off like the smooth timbre of his voice wasn't doing dark and delicious things to her. Oh, no, the drink's fine. His expression turned skeptical. The face you made when you tasted it says otherwise. She waved a dismissive hand. I'm not really thirsty anyway. Eyes filled with amusement, he picked up the glass and sniffed. Then, to her surprise, he took a sip. Wow. With a slight raise of his brows, he set it back down and cleared his throat. Did you order that on purpose? I left it up to the universe, she grumbled. What was that? Nothing. I just wanted something strong. I guess she wasn't going to explain the concept of New Ava to him. This wasn't what you were expecting? Not exactly. When he smiled, soft laugh lines bracketed his mouth. Mouth. Let's get you something else that's not Wait. What are you doing? He rounded the end of the bar as if it were the most normal thing in the world. I'm going to make you a different drink. Ava stared at him, aghast, and darted a look at the bartender. Luce was helping someone else down at the other end and paying this attractive stranger no mind. You can't just go behind the bartender. Ava hissed at him. Across from her, he leaned his forearms on the polished wood surface. Why not? This man was handsome but clearly lacking in common sense. Still, instead of walking away, she found herself answering his rhetorical question. It's not allowed. Says who? She sputtered, trying to think of a response. The law. What law? I don't know, but I'm sure this violates the hotel's liquor license. At the very least. His smile became conspiratorial. I appreciate the concern, but I think they'll make an exception. She got the distinct impression that she was walking into a trap. And why is that? Because I'm the only owner. Roman Vasquez. He nodded to her purse. Look me up before you have me arrested for impersonating a bartender. Some part of her still felt like he was around, but his self assured expression had her pulling out her phone. She typed the name he'd given her into the search bar, and there he was. Roman Alejandro Vasquez, CEO of VQZ Limited. Ava did a quick scan of the results. First a list of Dulce Hotel locations around the country. Then a recent Forbes article about a real estate acquisition in Japan. Ava tried not to look at the headlines, speculating his net worth, but it was impossible to miss the word million at the end. She zoomed in on a picture of him in a hotel lobby very much like this one, where he posed casually with one hand in his pants pocket. Pocket. Then she glanced at the man leaning against the bar. Same broad shoulders, same easy smile. Same dreamy brown eyes. What the photo did not capture was the way his brow quirked with amusement, his playful tone of voice, or the simmering heat in her chest caused by his equally obvious perusal of her. Well, she said through a throat suddenly gone dry, I. That's you, all right. That's me. Roman's gaze flickered over her face. And you are. Now that she knew he wasn't some over entitled with no sense of propriety, she stuck her hand out for him to shake. Ava. I'm here for the education conference. Nice to meet you, Ava. He reached across the bar to shake her hand. His grip was firm and dry but warm. The lobby was well air conditioned and her imagination supplied a flash of those warm hands running down her cool arms. She fought off a shiver, then chided herself instead of picturing where else this stranger could touch her with those warm hands. She should have brought a sweater. Cold mischief glinted in his eyes. Ava's cheeks warmed. Was he flirting with her? She was saved from having to reply when the actual bartender hurried over. Do you need help with anything, Mr. Vasquez? He gave loose a pleasant smile. I'm good. Just getting back to my roots. Once Luce left to help another guest, Roman picked up the shaker and gave it a spin spin before setting it down on the bar. Ava raised her eyebrows. Are you trying to impress me? The look he gave her could melt a popsicle in winter. Is it working? Holy. He was flirting with her. She couldn't stop the smile that tugged at her lips a little. Only a little. I better step up my game. He grabbed a dark blue glass bottle out of the fridge behind the bar and rolled it down his arm to land in front of her. Start with this. Ava lifted it to look at the label. What is it? Sparkling water. Oh. She gave a little laugh and unscrewed the bottle before taking a sip to wash away the taste of the limon dulce. Roman gave the martini glass in front of her appointed look. What were you going to do? Pay for it and not drink it? Or drink it and suffer in silence? Ava sighed. Pay for it and not drink it. Well, we can't have that. He slipped the offending lemon drink away and dumped it out. How do you feel about rumors? She twisted the cap back onto the water. I only buy it to make coquito. His eyebrows rose. Tueres Latina? Puerto Rican on my dad's side. My mom is from Barbados. Boricua en baja. I bet you make a killer coquito. She grinned. Don't tell my grandmother, but I made a few adjustments to her recipe and all My cousins agree. Mine is better her. Don't worry, Ava. Your secret is safe with me. Something about the way he said her name had goosebumps prickling up her spine. Her cousins would know exactly what to do in this situation. Jasmine would toy with her hair and lean forward to show off her cleavage. Michelle would make a sarcastic quip, the kind that managed to be equal parts funny and suggestive. But Ava wasn't like her cousins. She wasn't sensual or bold. She was practical and polite. So she ignored her pounding heart and warm cheeks and just murmured, thank you. Roman's gaze landed on her lips. She caught the rise and fall of his chest, like he was breathing deep. My pleasure, he said in a low voice. And then he turned, breaking the tension that had wrapped thickly around that them to grab a bottle. He flipped it over to his other hand and said, let's start with a tasting. His movements were a blur as he spun a couple of napkins onto the bar and produced two small glasses. From out of nowhere, he deftly poured a small amount of liquid into each. Ava was indeed impressed. How do you know how to do all this? I didn't always own hotels. Smells, he said enigmatically, setting the first glass in front of her. Smell this. Ava lifted the glass. It contained less than an inch of dark amber liquid. Keep your lips parted as you sniff. You know how when something smells really strong, it's like you can taste it? When Ava nodded, he continued. A si mismo. You have olfactory receptors on your tongue. It's part of the tasting experience. Somehow he even made olfactory receptors sound sexy. Ava parted her lips and brought the glass to her nose. What do you smell? Roman's voice was soft, nearly seductive, but also curious. There's no wrong answer. She closed her eyes and inhaled. It smells sort of sweet. Like caramel apple. Apple. Also a bit woodsy oak from the barrels. She opened her eyes in time to see him smile at her over the rim of his own glass. Take a small sip. She did as he instructed, letting the rum flow over her tongue and paying close attention to the sensation and flavor. Now take another and tell me what you taste. She rubbed her tongue against her palate palate, analyzing the flavors. At first it's almost fruity, but then there's a bit of smokiness in there. Rounding it out. Do you like it? It's different, she said, then met his eyes. Hadn't she come to this bar looking for something new and different? He watched her intently, a smile teasing the corner of his mouth. That's a dark rum. It's made of a blend of rums that have been aged up to 15 years. He held up a stout, sturdy looking bottle. The black label read Casa Donato Quince in fancy gold lettering with the faint outline of a large house and a number 15. There was something about the way he cradled the bottle. Not just like he was at ease behind a bar, but more proprietary. Do you own this too? She gestured toward the logo and was rewarded when his handsome face broke into a wide grin. How did you know? She just smiled. Lucky guess. What do you think of it? I think if I'd just gulped it down, it would have been too strong. But drinking slowly like this, taking time to smell it and taste it, that's how you drink a good sipping room, he finished for her, savoring every drop. Her heart thumped at the way he said savor. She got the feeling he was a man who knew how to linger over the things he enjoyed. What are you doing? She asked when he shrugged his broad shoulders out of his suit jacket. The look in his eye was playful but hinted at darker pleasures. Don't think I forgot about making you a drink. Drink? This isn't the drink. Not even close. He folded the jacket and handed it to her. As Ava took it, she caught a whiff of his cologne and automatically parted her lips as she inhaled. It wasn't too strong, woodsy, with a hint of sweetness and spice, like his rum. But there was something erotic about the idea of tasting the scent of him. The thought made her glance at his mouth. If she kissed him right now, would he also taste like all the flavors she'd teased out of the rum? Ava quickly set the jacket on the seat beside her. They'd just met. She had no business thinking about tasting Roman's scent or his mouth, or any other part of him, for that matter. She turned her attention back in time to see him roll up the cuffs of his sleeve sleeves, revealing thick forearms taut with muscle. The sight made her swallow a whimper. This man was far too appealing. Oblivious to her inappropriate thoughts, Roman launched into a flurry of movement, tossing bar supplies from one hand to the other, flipping them in the air, and rolling them down his arm in a remarkable display of coordination and competency. By the end, there were two glasses sitting between them. Each held a large cube of ice, a couple inches of reddish orange liquid, and a swirl of orange peel. Ava clapped. Okay, now I'm impressed. Roman executed a little bow. Mission accomplished. So what is it? Roman spread his hands. This, he said, is my version of a Rum Negro Negroni. Or as my mother calls it. He winced. A Romy Negroni. Her lips quirked. Cute. Thanks. So are you. She tilted her head and gave him an admonishing stare, but the effect was ruined by the smile tugging at her mouth. Are you going to flirt or tell me about this drink? His grin was lightning cruelty, quick and just as exhilarating. Why not both? But then he lifted one of the glasses, his agile fingers turning it as if it were a prism catching the light. A Negroni is an aperitif meant to spark the appetite, he explained. It has equal parts sweet, bitter, and spirit. Usually sweet vermouth, Campari, and gin. I make this with a dark rum driver mousse and chinook, a passion fruit liqueur from the Dominican Republic. I don't think I've ever had a Negroni. I'm more of a rose all day kind of girl. His brows drew together. Then why not order that? She gave a little shrug. I wanted something different tonight. He nodded slowly, and she felt the weight of his simmering gaze like an embrace. He held his glass up in a toast. Toast to something different. She repeated the word softly, unable to look away from him, but inside she made another toast. Here's to New Ava and trusting the universe. She lifted the Negroni to her nose to cover the flush rising in her cheeks. She inhaled first, identifying the citrus notes of passion fruit and orange, orange, the caramel and oak of the rum, and a slight floral aroma. Then she took a small sip. The cool liquid melted over her tongue, sharp but smooth, and she let out a hum of pleasure. Thanks to the tasting, she could recognize the flavors, appreciating the balanced blend of fruity and tart. Better? Roman asked. Ava lowered her glass. Us much. Thank you. His grin expanded. I'm glad. He opened his mouth to say something else, but his watch buzzed, startling him. Excuse me. For one moment, he squinted at his wrist as he typed something on the screen. Ava sipped her drink and readied herself to say goodbye. Roman had turned her night around, but the man was a CEO. He definitely had more important things to do than sit around flirting with her. But instead of making his excuses, Roman returned to her side of the bar. Moving his jacket, he perched on the stool and angled his body to face her. From all appearances, he seemed to be settling in, making himself comfortable. You said you're here for the teachers conference difference? He asked. She toyed with her name necklace, the one Abuelo Willie had given her as a high school graduation present. I am. So why are you alone at the bar instead of having dinner with your colleagues? She started to give her reasons. Because Damaris wasn't there yet? Or because the thought of the group dinner didn't appeal. But the phrasing of his question Jen, paired with the kindness in his eyes pulled the truth from her instead. In a quiet voice, she said, my divorce was finalized today. Ah. Understanding dawned over his features, and she caught the way his eyes flicked to her bare left ring finger. She couldn't stop herself from touching the pad of her thumb to where her engagement ring and wedding band used to say sit before she'd sold them. Is this drink in celebration or lamentation? Roman asked, his tone mild. She huffed a humorless laugh and fiddled with the condensation gathering on her napkin. Definitely celebration. I'm well rid of him, Ava H. His eyebrows creased with real concern. Are you all right? At that simple question, something inside her snapped. No, she whispered. I'm not. And then the messy knot of feelings came tumbling out. It's over. And I'm glad it's over. But I have no idea what to do next with my life. Life. Which somehow feels worse than ending a 10 year relationship. What does that say about me? About my marriage? Her voice rose as she picked up steam. Plus, my job sucks, my family is mad at me, and I can't even order a drink. She gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth as if to stem the avalanche of oversharing. But the damage had been done. Done. I'm so sorry. I don't know where all that came from. There was nothing judgmental in his expression. I don't mind. Embarrassment all but dripped from her pores. You're too easy to talk to, so don't stop, he suggested. I'm a good listener. Adios mio, she muttered and took another sip of the Negroni. You must have somewhere you need to be. One corner of his mouth turned down in a half grimace. The only thing waiting for me is reheated leftovers at my desk while answering emails. That can wait until tomorrow. I'll go if you want me to. But if you don't, take pity on me and join me for D dinner. Her lungs swelled at the implication that she would be doing him a favor by eating with him. It was laughable. In the end, it was the vulnerability shining in his brown eyes that convinced her. I don't, she said, surprised at her own boldness. Want you to go, that is. Then I won't. He said it simply, like it was easy for him to stay, even though she knew it probably wasn't. Is that a yes for dinner? It's a yes. Then in a quiet voice, she added, thank you for coming over just before you did. I was thinking. What? He asked when she trailed off. Channeling New Ava, she said, said, I was thinking that I didn't want to be alone tonight. He studied her face for a moment, not saying anything. Then he glanced down at her left hand on the bar. He covered it with his own, moving slowly, as if giving her time to react. He slid his fingers around hers and gave them the gentlest squeeze. You don't have to be at his touch. Touch. Desire curled in her belly, sending a thrill through her system. How long had it been since she'd felt attraction for someone? Too fucking long. For just a moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to be impulsive, to do something entirely out of the norm. What would it be like to sleep with a stranger? Hector was the only man she'd ever had sex with, and suddenly it felt imperative that she change that. Pulse racing, Ava screwed up every ounce of courage she possessed and stroked her thumb along Roman's palm. But before she could do or say anything else, a commotion at the entrance of the restaurant interrupted. A group of about 30 people in colorful costumes streamed in, filling the boat booths and taking up the empty seats at the bar. Whatever tension had been brewing between them broke as the volume inside the lobby ticked up from a 3 to a 10. Did you know there's also an anime convention this weekend? Roman asked Riley, and Ava laughed. I do now. The bartender's other one comment suddenly made sense. He turned to her. Do you want to go somewhere more private? Her heart pounded like where he ran his thumb over her knuckles in a soft but somehow companionable caress. The penthouse suite has a great view. We can have a meal brought up. She swallowed hard. His eyes on hers were intent as he waited for a response. Old Ava would have been too nervous to act on the clear invitation. She'd ask for an order of French fries to go, then eat them in her room while watching a movie and working on lesson plans. New Ava is open to new experiences. She sucked in a breath. I'd like that. The corners of his mouth eased with something like relief. Leave before he got to his feet and used their joined hands to help her up. She let him, even though at 5ft 9 inches she had no trouble with high bar chairs. Once standing, she noted that Roman wasn't much taller than she was, maybe an inch or two, but he had a solid build that made him appear bigger. Roman turned to leave, but Ava hung back. I have to pay for the drink, she said. Head, and he gave a pained sigh. Ava, please. Oh, right. But she didn't miss him passing the bartender a wad of cash as they left. Old Ava would have worked up worst case scenarios in her mind, but damn it, she deserved to live a little. After everything she'd been through, she owed it to herself to see where this night led. Still. Still. She pulled out her phone on the way to the elevators and opened her texts. She skipped over the primus of power group chat. As much as she loved Jasmine and Michelle, she couldn't risk this getting back to their grandmother. Which meant her cousins could never know. The thought gave her a pang of guilt, but it was like her mother always said, if you wanted to keep a secret from the family, you didn't tell anyone in the family. Instead, she opened her texts with Damaris and typed quickly. Ava, I trusted the universe. And now I'm going to the penthouse at the Dulce Playa Hotel in Asbury park with the owner, Roman Vasquez. If I turn up dead, tell the police. After hitting send, Ava shoved the phone back into her purse before her friend could reply. There was a 5050 chance Damaris would urge her on or try to talk her out of of it. And either way, Ava was done overthinking things. At least for tonight. And at the end of it, she'd have a new item to add to her list. New Ava does whatever the hell she wants. Chapter 3 Roman hadn't gone to the bar with the intention of picking up a woman. Woman, in fact. He'd been on his way out but decided to check on the recent lobby renovations before heading back to Manhattan. Then he'd seen Ava. She'd caught his attention immediately. How could she not? Tall and beautiful with soft hazel eyes, golden tan skin, spiraling curls, and legs. For days he'd paused for a lingering glance, but definitely hadn't planned on talking to her until he'd seen her poorly disguised grimace when she sipped her drink. After that, nothing in his overpacked calendar could have stopped him from approaching her. The spontaneity felt good. Tomorrow he'd get back to his meticulously arranged schedule, but for tonight, he'd just enjoy whatever was happening with Ava. Shitty drink, lonely night, night, crowded restaurant. He could fix all that. And if helping Ava took his mind off the supremely frustrating conversation he'd had with his mother that morning, well, that was an added bonus. Across the elevator from him, Ava toyed with her necklace a thin gold chain with her name and script. Her eyes were glued to the red digital numbers, counting their journey toward the top floor. He got the feeling she was nervous, so he asked, hungry? Her rigid posture relaxed a fraction. Starving. Any allergies or preferences? She opened her mouth, then shut it and shook her head. Nothing. You sure? Yes. She gave a decisive nod that didn't fool him in the least. Seemed like you were about to say something. She shot him a glance. Well, I don't like olives. He raised his brows. And you were afraid to tell me that because. She blew out a breath. My stepmother is Greek. I'm not allowed to dislike olives, so I don't ever voice that opinion. And yet she totally him. That meant something, but he didn't know what. I promise not to tell her, he said gravely, and she grinned. Roman shot a quick text to the kitchen manager, asking them to send up the most popular items and a champagne bucket. The elevator dinged and the doors opened directly into the most luxurious suite at the Dulce Playa. Taking her hand, Roman led her into the space, watching for her reaction. The rooms were decorated in the Dulce's signature gold and blue color scheme, but with more emphasis on lighter earth tones than the New York City locations, which skewed more toward the deep, rich blue. To the left, a sectional sofa and matching pair of armchairs created a conversation center, while to the right, a glass topped dining table boasted seating for a great Ava let out a low whistle. Do you like it? He didn't know why, but he cared what she thought. She granted him a shy grin. I have to admit, I thought it would be more ostentatious. That pulled a laugh out of him. Yeah, like with a glass bar and big silver unicorn statue. Exactly. She turned her head, taking it all in. But I'm glad it's not. It pleased him that she'd noticed decor in a lot of hotels went either too elaborate or too minimalist. In his opinion. When someone stayed at a Dulce, he wanted them to feel like they were at home, but better. Beautiful and elegant but not cluttered. Clean and spacious, but not cold. Comfortable luxury was a surprisingly hard balance to strike, and he'd spent many hours poring over furnishings and textile samples before settling on the perfect mix of sharp angles and plush fabrics. He was more hands on than some hoteliers he knew, but his attention to detail was what made the Dulce Hotel group a success. And if his legendary attention was feeling a little strained these days, well, that was the trade off for the level of financial security he desired. Roman guided Ava to the glass doors that led out to the deck, which had a private pool and hot tub. Under an overhang. Wooden deck chairs with cushions in gold and blue surrounded a round patio table. Wow. Ava breathed as Roman opened the doors to reveal the last moments of a stellar sunset. Sunset. She drifted over to the railing as if pulled by the sun's gravity. Now that is a view. His phone buzzed before he could reply. It was his assistant, Camille Price, AKA the keeper of the schedule, as his younger sister, Michaela called her. Camille was responding to the cancel the car text he'd sent from the bar. Camille. What's going on? Roman. I'm sticking around the hotel a little longer, having dinner. Camille. Do you want me to reschedule the driver for a specific time? Roman. No, I'll do it when I'm ready to go. Camille. You have an early meeting tomorrow with your editor. Roman. As if you'd let me forget. Camille. That's what I'm here for, Roman. Enjoy your night. I'll check in tomorrow. When Roman looked up from his phone, Ava was watching him. The sunset silhouetted her curves, gilding her with the sun's final rays. Her hazel eyes nearly glowed, and she was so beautiful she made his breath catch. No, he certainly hadn't planned on her, but now that he'd found her, he wasn't ready to say goodbye just yet. So you're a teacher? He asked, standing next to her again as the sun dipped below the horizon. She nodded. Sixth grade. I teach English and social studies. Where? Spanish Harlem. You live in New York? In the Bronx. Good to know. Do you enjoy teaching? Mostly. But. She trailed off, something he noticed she tended to do when she didn't want to say what she was really thinking. He couldn't resist digging further, but she sighed and turned away from the sky, now painted a vivid orange, pink, and blue. Blue. My students are great, but what I really want to do is teach drama. Why can't you? When I was hired, my school's principal promised I could implement a theater program. It's part of why I took the position, to make theater more accessible for New York City kids. They grow up with Broadway in their backyard, but the high ticket prices make my students feel like it's not for them. Them. But it's been five years now and the principal keeps putting me off. He noted her passion and her frustration. It piqued his interest and also made him think of his sister, who could spend hours discussing the ins and outs of Broadway. It was as good a way as any of getting to know Ava better, and he found he wanted that very much. Musicals or plays? He asked, since it was a topic that never failed to get Michaela going. I love musicals, but I'd teach plays too. What's your favorite musical? Oh, that's a tough one. It changes all the time and for different reasons. All right, if not your favorite, what was the first show you ever saw? The Phantom of the Opera, she replied. There was a school chapter trip after that. I was obsessed with the Phantom. It was a joke. But when she hid her face, he had to know more. What, did I just guess? Your secret Broadway crush? Don't laugh, she warned. He schooled his features. I won't keep in mind that I was 12, she said as a caveat. God, I loved the show so much I begged my dad to get me the CD so I could pretend to be Christine. Is that the female lead? The soprano. I used to belt the soundtrack when no one was home and oh God, this is too embarrassing. Now you have to tell me. She put a hand over her eyes like she couldn't look him in the face. I also concocted elaborate fantasies about a teenage phantom who bore a striking resemblance to Anakin Skywalker. Anakin? He broke off and swallowed a chuckle. As in Darth Vader? She pointed an accusatory finger at him. You said you wouldn't laugh. Apologies. He fought valiantly to keep his expression blank and his tone easily. Stephen, I swear I am taking your prepubescent crushes on the Phantom of the Opera and Darth Vader very seriously. She sighed. In hindsight, it was probably the first indication that I have terrible taste in men. She ticked them off on her fingers. Exhibit A, a man who terrorized an opera house. Exhibit B, the scourge of the galaxy. And exhibit C, my ex husband. Husband? A mama's boy who never learned how to use a washing machine or write a check. Roman felt it prudent to set himself apart from these less than sterling examples of heroism. In case you were wondering, he said, I don't like opera, I've never built a Death Star, and I can use a washing machine and write a check. Ava's tone was skeptical. I feel like one of those things is a lot.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Why?

[C]

You're right. My Death Star's parked in the garage. She grinned. I knew it. Since she'd brought up her ex, Roman couldn't resist a follow up question. How long were you married? He asked, then winced. Damn, his energy's muscle. Sorry you don't have to answer that. She gave a little shrug. It's fine. We were married for three years, together for ten. How did you meet? In college. His mom and my great aunt live on the same block, and he didn't have a car, so I gave him a ride home for Thanksgiving one year. Have you? How the hell did he ask this without sounding insensitive? He cleared his throat. Have you dated at all? So since? Since my ex and I separated a year and a half ago. She shook her head and turned away, resting her elbows on the railing. No. All I've been able to think about was getting the divorce completed. What about you? Me? Ever been married? He leaned on the railing, watching her while she watched the sunset. No. No time. She sent him a curious look, her delicate brows drawing together. My whole life has been focused on work, he admitted. Relationships don't usually last longer than whatever event we need to be seen at. Her forehead crinkled. What does that mean? He sighed. Why had he mentioned that? That my publicist arranges my dates? Like if I'm attending a premiere or a gala or whatever, she pairs me with another one of her clients. And yes, I realize how it sounds. Sounds like work, she said lightly, and he nodded. It is. He didn't want to get into a discussion about his previous relationships, the ones who seemed to be less interested in him as a person than in what he could buy them or how he hadn't dated much since his mother and sister moved in with him five years ago. Yes, he'd had sex with some of the women his publicist had set him up with, women who understood the see and be seen game and were down for a little bedroom companionship but who were ultimately just as focused on their own careers. For Roman, work always came first. Except for right now, apparently. Right now he was supposed to be on his way back to the city, not hanging out on a roof in New Jersey with a stunning and intriguing woman. But despite his responsibilities and the to do list nagging at the back of his brain, he found he could ignore them more easily than usual. Ava toyed with her necklace again, as if she could hear his thought. She said, I'm probably keeping you from something important. I can get myself food if you need to. No, it's fine. He spoke quickly, before she could talk herself out of eating with him. I want to have dinner with you. She twisted her fingers together and looked down at his loafers. Roman, I'm flattered, truly. But I don't understand why someone like you is doing all this for four tension coiled in his muscles as he guessed what she was trying to say. He should leave it alone, but the part of him that wanted to fix things for people couldn't let it pass. Her throat rippled as she swallowed, and when her eyes met his, there was a wealth of pain in them for someone like me. What do you mean by that? When she raised her hands helplessly, he pressed. Someone gorgeous. Someone kind. Someone who'd rather be stuck with a God awful Jersey Shore drink than complain or inconvenience anyone. Why do you think you're not worthy of good things? Of being taken care of, he wanted to add, but he held back. No need to bring his own baggage into that. This Roman, I am a newly divorced middle school teacher. And you. She waved a hand at him. I mean, look at you. Look at this. She gestured around them at the sunset, the pool, the suite, and Roman stepped forward and caught her hands in his. When he spoke, his tone was low and earnest. Ava, I am more than my bank account and you're more than your marital status. We are two people who deserve to have a nice, uncomplicated dinner together. That's it. She surprised him by rolling her eyes. Tell that to my family. My marital status is all they care about. Ah. Ah. Now they were getting to the heart of it. He felt a little flicker of triumph at her admission. Why? How did they react to the divorce? She groaned and slipped her hands out of his to lean her elbows back on the railing like it was the end of the world. You'd think somebody had died, the way they carried on. That must have been overwhelming. To put it mildly. My grandmother's been pressuring me to just get married again for more than a year. His brow creased. Weren't you still legally married until today? Most of them think the divorce was over a while ago. It was easier that way. But it doesn't matter. How many times I tell her that I don't want to get married again, she either forgets or says I'm being difficult. She made air quotes with her fingers. Something tells me you've never been difficult a day in your life. All I've ever done is try to be perfect. Her shoulders slumped. For all the good it's done me. What would happen if you weren't? Roman asked softly. What would you do if you didn't have to be perfect? She huffed. Why does it matter? Before he could answer, his watch buzzed. He squinted at the message. The food is coming up good. I built up an appetite bombarding you with my drama. I asked, he reminded her I wanted to know. So you say. She gave him a long, speculative look. I just don't understand why try. He didn't either. Thankfully, he was saved from having to think about it by the ding of the elevator. Inside the suite a moment later, one of the kitchen managers rolled in a tray laden with dishes. Como estas, Jesus? Roman eyed the man unloading food onto the patio table. Jesus wore a simple dark gray suit and fashionable loafers, and it was absolutely not his job to deliver food. Jefe. Jesus gave Roman a respectful nod before his gaze cut over to Ava. Roman sighed. Jesus was here on a fact finding mission. Within an hour, the entire Dulce Playa staff would know the boss had brought a woman to the penthouse suite, which meant word would reach Camille or worse, Roman's mother before too long. Ava's eyes went round as dishes covered the table. Are we expecting more people? Roman laughed. These are just to tide us over while we wait for the rest. The rest? Once all the appetizers had been set out, Roman thanked Jesus and slipped him some cash, muttering in Spanish, don't tell anyone one Jesus mimed zipping his mouth shut. My lips are sealed, he whispered, which Roman didn't believe for a second. When Ava continued to stare at the spread of food, Roman moved closer. You said downstairs that you don't know what comes next. Start small, decide what you want to eat, and enjoy it. Don't worry about what's left behind behind. Just focus on each bite. She blew out a breath. I suppose I could try that. She surveyed the selections and made herself a plate, opting to sample a little of everything. There was salmon tartare with avocado and nori, warm burrata with walnut pesto and roasted tomatoes, crab cakes topped with chipotle aioli, pulled pork sliders with cilantro lime slaw and jalapeno cornbread bread, and Roman's favorite, crispy sesame calamari with Korean red pepper dip. It had been one of his own additions to the menu, a reminder of the few times when, back in his childhood, he and his mom had gone to a real restaurant for a special occasion and he'd been allowed to order an appetizer. Once Ava sat down, Roman lifted a champagne bottle out of the ice bucket. She let out a soft gasp when she saw the label table. But we already made a toast downstairs. That was before I knew why you were at the bar, he said. Had I known, I would have dispensed with the theatrics and gone straight to the champagne. This feels too extravagant. We don't have to open it, he said. But I thought we should toast the next phase of your life. The next phase? She murmured, her voice hoarse with emotion. You know, I used to be that person who always had a detailed plan for the future. Now I don't even know how to dream anymore. Roman's heart broke for her. Shall I? Her eyes were a little misty, but she bit her lower lip and nodded it. Roman popped the bottle, then filled their champagne flutes. As the tiny bubbles fizzed merrily, he raised his glass and said, to you, Ava. To imperfection, to dreaming, to welcoming whatever comes next, with or without a plan. He paused. How is that? She took a deep breath. Thank you. They sat at the table by the pool, sipping champagne and nibbling on appetizers while the sky darkened above them. When the main courses arrived, Ava exclaimed over the selection, but took her time considering each dish and making herself a plate. As they ate, Roman noted what she liked and what she felt lukewarm about for later. He didn't know if there'd be a later, but just in case, he filed the information away. They talked as they hate, about the food, about their jobs, and avoided heavier topics like family and relationships. It was easy, unhurried, for someone who lived and died by his schedule. It was nice to take an evening off. The air cooled, but it was still warm out. Ava gazed longingly at the pool. I wish I could go for a swim, she murmured. What's stopping you? She shot him a surprised look. Well, my hair, for one thing. What about looks great, exactly? Do you know how long this takes to achieve? She twirled a perfectly defined curl around her finger. Too long. Besides, I didn't bring a bathing suit. Roman spread his hands and gestured around them. I won't tell anyone. She stared at him for a long time, a myriad of emotions crossing her face too quick to decipher. Maybe he'd pushed her too hard. Maybe she was rethinking this whole evening. Just as he was about to apologize for teasing her, she spoke. You asked me earlier what I'd do if I didn't have to worry about being perfect. And what's that? She got up and slipped off her shoes. This? He blinked. What are you doing? Doing? Getting my hair wet. You're going in? He asked, unable to suppress the note of incredulity in his voice. She nodded but didn't look at him as her hands went to the button at her waistband. I love swimming, and I can't pass up a private rooftop pool. She slipped her pants down her legs, and Roman tried not to swallow his tongue. Muttering something about new Ava, she straightened and pulled her blouse over her head, revealing a light pink bra that matched her panties. She was tall and long limbed, with generous hips. His palms ached to touch. She folded her clothes carefully and set them on her chair, then tucked her shoes underneath. When she turned to face the pool and Roman got a look at her from behind, he bit back a groan. God, this woman was perfect. Then, to his surprise, she unhooked her bra and tossed it onto the chair beside her. He sucked in a breath. Instead of going to the steps, she sat on the edge and dipped her legs in. It's warm. She sent him a delighted smile over her shoulder. Heated Saltwater pool, he mumbled, heart pounding as his eyes traveled down her back to the curve of her butt, barely covered by pink panties. Saltwater. Oh, this is totally worth having to do my hair again. And then she pushed herself off the edge and into the water, submerging herself completely. Her flickering form moved gracefully beneath the waves. Waves. She came up on the other side of the pool with her hair slicked back, looking for all the world like a siren ready to entice him to his doom. At that moment, he'd gladly follow her into the mouth of a sea monster. All for one last glimpse of her. She wiped the water from her eyes. When she saw him watching, she called out in a husky voice, aren't you going to join me?

[Jennifer Prokop]

Me?

[C]

Yeah, he was. Roman leaped to his feet, nearly knocking over his chair. He fumbled to undo the buttons on his shirt. Was it suddenly more humid out here? Or was it just the way she was looking at him? Her lips parted and her eyes were glued to his hands as they revealed his chest. He slowed, giving her time to look her fill. When he really wanted to rip his clothes off and leap into the water after her.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Her.

[C]

He slipped the shirt off his shoulders, taking care to flex as he did, and it was quiet enough that he heard her sharp intake of breath inside. He grinned like a fiend. Then he undid his pants and drew them down. He wore dark gray briefs, which did little to hide his growing arousal. Across the pool, Ava's gaze flickered over his body, and Roman couldn't stay away from her a second longer. He jumped in. Warm water engulfed him, and although the pool was only 5ft at its deepest, he sliced through it in an easy breaststroke, keeping his eyes on her. He thought she'd swim away, maybe make it a game. But she just stood there, waiting for him. When he reached her, she sent him a shy smile. Smile? I've never done anything like this. He came to a stop in front of her. Water lapped around their bare shoulders as his feet touched down like wood. She gave a nervous laugh. Skinny dip with a man I just met. I hope this is better than watching a movie in your hotel room over dinner. She'd admitted that was her backup plan after the cocktail. Failed.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Failure.

[C]

Her eyes glowed. Much. I'm glad I could help. Thank you. I believe you. He drew closer to her in the water. Tell me what you want. Her brows drew together as if troubled. That's the problem. I don't know anymore. Anymore. Then tell me what you like, he pressed. Or what you used to like. Maybe it was weird to ask, but she said she hadn't dated since the breakup. If there was something she wanted, he would give it to her. I like. Her eyes dropped to his mouth and darted away like she was too scared to say it. Tell me, he urged, his tone gentle. I won't judge you. Her gaze returned to his mouth and lingered. Kissing. The admission came in a hushed whisper. I used to love kissing. His pulse beat in his throat. What did you love about? Used to be so exciting. But then I don't know why we just stopped. You and your husband stopped kissing? He kept his tone light inside. He wondered what kind of fucking idiot would ever stop kissing this woman. It was a gradual thing. We stopped kissing hello and goodbye, good morning and good night. She gave a little shrug. Then we stopped kissing during sex. Maybe we were too comfortable, too busy. But it was something I really liked. And then we didn't do it anymore. I can't. I can't even remember the last time we kissed. That particular branch of memory lane seemed to be bringing her down.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Down.

[C]

To distract her, he asked, what kind of kissing do you like? He didn't think she'd answer, but then her tongue darted out to touch her lower lip and he nearly groaned. Deep. She whispered, slow, wet, consuming kisses where the entire world falls away and you can't think about anything else but the other person's lips and tongue. The heat in her eyes, the breathiness in her voice, and also the hesitation added fuel to the firestorm raging inside him. He shifted closer, and when he spoke, the question came out rough. Do you want to kiss me, Ava? Her eyes had gone heavy, lidded and molten with desire. Her lips part started and the words escaped in a single breath. More than anything, he lowered his voice. Then do it. As if she'd only been waiting for permission, she propelled herself forward, sliding her hands over his shoulders until the front of their bodies bumped together and her bare breasts pressed to his chest. Those long legs of hers wrapped around his head hips bringing their pelvises into contact with only two thin layers of wet cotton separating them. Roman clamped a hand on her ass to hold her to him and felt himself harden. Catching his jaw between her wet hands, she tugged his face to her. His mouth landed on lips that were impossibly soft, impossibly full. The taste of her went right to his head, faster and far more potent than the champagne pain. Remembering what she'd described, he poured himself into the kiss, taking his time and exploring every part of her mouth with every part of his. Deep, slow, wet. She moaned in the back of her throat and her hands fisted in his wet hair even as her tongue slid languidly against his. The combination of hard, hard and soft undid him, and he lost himself in her taste, in her touch, in her scent like orange blossoms floating on the sea. Fuck. He'd never had a kiss quite like this. What else do you like, Ava? He pressed her to the side of the pool, his hips surging forward to grind his aching cock on her. This. Her head fell back with a gasp. Do that again. How could he deny her? Lining them up, he pushed his hardness against her through their underwear and she whimpered, clutching at his slick shoulders. You like that? He asked, wanting her to say it, wanting her to voice her desires. Yes. Don't stop. She choked out. As if he could. He paid close attention to the noises she made so he knew when he was rubbing the right spot. Then he ground them together, sliding his cock over her clit again and again. Was it still called dry humping? If you were in a swimming pool? Who even cared? Suddenly, nothing in Roman's life mattered more than bringing this woman to orgasm in exactly the way she wanted it. She dropped her head onto his shoulder, moaning into his ear and pressing desperate kisses to the side of his neck. Her strong legs kept them locked together and he gripped the edge of the pool, trying not to calm. When her cries reached a higher pitch, he quickened his pace. Roman. She gasped his name, her nails digging into his back.

[Jennifer Prokop]

Back.

[C]

Yes. Just like. Her voice broke on a horse moan and her pelvis bucked. In that moment, he wanted nothing more than to tear their underwear aside and plunge into her. Imagining the wet heat of her surrounding his made him groan along with her, but he held back. By the time she stilled, they were both breathing hard. His heart pounded, and not just from the relentless arousal coursing through him she was the one who'd come. Yet he felt an immense level of satisfaction that usually only occurred after successful power plays in the boardroom. Hearing her cries, feeling her cling to him like he was her anchor in a storm made him feel more powerful than all his many bank accounts. Oh my God, ava muttered, her arms limp around his neck. That was incredible. You're incredible. He kissed her deeply, wanting more, taking whatever she was willing to give. Her arms tightened, her fingers sliding into his hair as her tongue tangled with his. Desperation stole his breath, breath, and he pulled back enough to look into her eyes. What else do you want, sweetheart? Just tell me and it's yours. Everything. She peppered his face with kisses like she couldn't stop. I want everything. One night. No overthinking. Give me all of you. Roman. I'm yours, he said, and meant it. Bracing his feet, he lifted her out of the water. Now get that beautiful ass inside.