reviews_and_ramblings | Excerpt Day: On Reflection by Stevie Woods

On Reflection by Stevie Woods
Release Date: 03/2009
ISBN: 978-1-60370-611-7
ISBN (10): 1-60370-611-9
Publisher: Torquere Books
Publisher Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&manufacturers_id=68&products_id=1776

Amazon Kindle: On Reflection

Blurb: Nic Volenz is a nightwalker, who must drink blood to survive, an abomination in the eyes of the Temple. It was never his choice to be such a creature, and now after two hundred years of painful existence, he wants only to end it all. He plans to return home, where it all began, and say goodbye to the few good memories he has left before greeting the sun and ending his sorry existence. His mind full of memories, both good and bad, Nic retraces his steps to the city of Volenzkya, which does nothing to change his mind -- until he meets Maxim, a young man whose passion for life, and Nic, turns Nic's life upside down. Can Maxim convince Nic that there might be something worth living for?

Excerpt:

"I have never been known as Nico. My closest friend has always called me Nicolo." He sounded confused, yet not wanting to refuse this man anything.

"Then I shall be the first and consider it an honor - Nico." Andreas bowed, unexpectedly taking hold of Nicolo´s hand. For a moment Nicolo half-expected Andreas to kiss it but instead, lips barely a whisker from his hand, Andreas lifted his eyes and stared deeply into Nicolo´s bemused face.

Nicolo had never felt the desperate need he did for this man, this stranger, to touch him, to caress him, to kiss him. Staring at Andreas´ mouth, Nicolo wanted to know what those tempting lips would feel like on his mouth, on his skin. Nicolo was on fire and wanted that mouth to quench his longing.

It was almost a shock to realize Andreas was speaking and Nicolo had to force himself to listen. "...and I would very much like to get to know you better, Nico but I have an appointment this evening. Perhaps we could meet tomorrow? Here, at nine?" As he spoke Andreas held out his hand and Nicolo automatically took it.

"You have to leave? Now?" Nicolo queried, disappointed. Then he felt Andreas´ fingers move against his palm, sliding towards his inner wrist, the caress firm and seductive. Nicolo drew in a breath, unconsciously leaning toward Andreas as he did so. Andreas met him halfway, their lips brushing so gently that Nicolo might have thought he dreamt it if not for the sensations that poured through his body, tingling along every nerve, tightening his nipples and filling his cock.

"I wish it were not necessary," Andreas murmured, his breath gusting over Nicolo´s lips, "but yes, I must leave. You will be here, tomorrow? I want to continue our...conversation. I want you...to know all about you. Everything, yes?"

"Yes, yes, of course. I will be waiting for you," Nicolo replied breathlessly, his heart beating a tattoo against his rib cage. Couldn´t Andreas hear it?

Andreas smiled and Nicolo thought he had never seen anything so beautiful. Andreas released him and Nicolo´s hand reached for him, not wanting to lose the contact, but Andreas was moving away very swiftly. As he reached the gate of the inn, Andreas turned back to stare at Nicolo, gave a brief smile before flicking his cloak over his shoulder and striding out of sight.