T. A. Chase

James Bond

Happy Saturday, everyone. I have to go to work for most of the day with hundreds of kids. I’m thrilled, but hopefully the day will go by quick.

C and I went to see Casino Royale last night. Good movie, though the pacing sort of slowed down after the first half of the movie. I’ve only seen one other Bond movie, so I can’t judge how good Daniel Craig is as the famous secret agent, but I do know I find him attractive. I think it’s the same thing I find attractive about Viggo Mortenson. They’re not pretty boys. They’re rugged with rough edges. They come across as the type of men who really wouldn’t worry about getting hurt in a fight. 🙂

Haven’t gotten around to typing in Tony’s story, but I’m planning on doing that starting tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a great Saturday.

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Firebird-Part Twenty

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA Chase

Part Twenty-

Vlatko sat under the firebird’s tree, gazing up through the leaves to the sky. Rue had fallen asleep shortly after their shower together. Vlatko was restless and didn’t want to wait around, so he went for a walk. There were times when he hated not being able to sleep.

He was puzzled. Rue seemed to believe he’d be angry with him for seducing Stargazer and if Vlatko were a different person, he would be. But he couldn’t shake the feeling it would be like being angry at a fish for swimming. Rue did what he had to do to survive and Vlatko couldn’t argue with that. He sighed and rubbed his forehead.

He hated thinking about life and emotions. He was a hired killer for fuck’s sake. What did he care about emotions? He didn’t need feelings to do his job. It wasn’t like he and the thief were committed partners. They had great sex between them. Did he want more than sex? He stared down at his hand. His fingers trembled and he could feel a hint of weakness in the muscles. Shaking his head, he knew he didn’t have time for a relationship.

The assassins the I.U.M. created didn’t live long. Their expectations out of life weren’t much. To do their job. Have a little fun along the way. They didn’t even expect to make friends. And when the end came, they wanted to be alone.

Vlatko had known on his last job that his time was running out. That’s why he deserted and came to this planet. He wanted to find a way to reverse the damage done to him. So far he’d failed and if he didn’t figure out the formula, the I.U.M. wouldn’t need to worry about the information he had. He’d be dead.

Rue crashed through the brush and dropped to his knees in front of Vlatko. “I’m sorry.”

Vlatko frowned. “Sorry for what?”

“For what I did with Stargazer. I shouldn’t have.” Rue hung his head.

Vlatko reached out and tilted the slender man’s chin so he could see those amber eyes. “You did what you needed to do to accomplish your goal. Would it make you feel better if I told you I was angry and hurt by what you did?”

Rue shook his head and gave a little grin. “Maybe if you could do it with more conviction, I’d actually believe you.” The thief leaned forward, kissing him. “For what it’s worth, I’ve never apologized to anyone for what I do.”

“I accept your apology for what it’s worth.” Vlatko embraced Rue, pulling the man on to his lap.

Rue snuggled close and rested his head on Vlatko’s shoulder. “Why are you out here? Shouldn’t you be hard at work, typing away at your computer?”

“I needed some fresh air.” Vlatko shrugged. “I’m beginning to think it doesn’t matter how much work I do with my formulas, I won’t find an answer in the numbers.”

“What answer are you looking for? Maybe you just need a fresh perspective.”

Vlatko wondered if Rue was fishing for information to send to the I.U.M. A cramp in his arm told him it didn’t matter. He was closer to the end than he thought. “The liquid body armor is a good concept, at least on paper. But once injected into a human body, it begins to break down. Along the way, it contaminates its host and the cells collapse. The one thing the I.U.M. did to help save my life is eating me alive from the inside.”

Rue pushed back with a horrified look on his face. “That’s fucked up. What about your ability to heal? Doesn’t that counter-act the destruction of your cells?”

“Up to a certain point, it does, but after a while, the rate of destabilization overwhelms the rate of healing and it’s only a matter of time before the host is destroyed.”

Rue cradled Vlatko’s face in his hands. “But you’re the host. You’re dying. How can you sound so calm?”

“If I was calm about it, I wouldn’t have deserted. I wouldn’t be on this god-forsaken planet, doing research on something I can’t even begin to understand. There are a hundred other things I can accept, Rue, but my death isn’t one of them.” Vlatko set the thief away from him and rose to his feet.

He walked a few feet away and glared up at the firebird who was screeching from her nest. The bird never attacked him and he had to wonder if it was because the animal knew he was already dead. A pair of slender arms wrapped around his waist. Rue’s lips brushed his ear.

“I’ll save you.”

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Chatting tonight and a new Review

Hey everyone, I’ll be chatting tonight at a party called ManLove Gang Bang. (awesome title, huh?) here’s the link if any of you would like to show up: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/literarynymphschat/ The party starts at 7 and goes until 11. A whole bunch of m/m authors will be there….including yours truly. Sean Michael, Laura Baumbach, Ally Blue, Jules Jones, Jet Mykles (just to name a few) Please stop by. I’m sure there’ll be prizes handed out as well.

And I got another review for Here Be Dragons. This one is from Isbelle at Romance Review Today Erotic. As soon as I find out the review’s been posted, I’ll put the live link up for you all, but it was a great review and she’s given me the perfect little snippet to use. 🙂 Here’s a little of what Isabelle has to say:

“HERE BE DRAGONS runs the gamut from pure poignancy to whimsical weirdness…one can only hope this is just the beginning of an interesting and very unusual series.”

Thank you, Isabelle. I love ‘runs the gamut from pure poignancy to whimsical weirdness’. I think that describes the book perfectly. 🙂 Did some more work on Tony’s story. I’m actually going to start typing it in to see exactly where I’m at word count wise.

I hope your Wednesday goes well and I’d be thrilled if any of you could make it to the chat tonight.

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Firebird-Part Nineteen

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA Chase

Part Nineteen-

One week later—

Rue stood in the middle of the fourth storage room. The lock had been an example of simplicity. He’d been picking locks of that caliber since he was ten. The instant he’d seen the four locks, he knew he wasn’t going to find the files in them. Vlatko was too smart a man to trust in the secrecy of the underground chamber, so the killer wouldn’t leave anything he really thought was valuable.

With a frustrated sigh, he put all the supply boxes back where he’d found them. Rue shut the door, locking it before he made his way down the hall to the main living room. The fifth locked door drew his attention. He hadn’t found a way to unlock it yet, but he still had two more weeks to figure it out.

“Vlatko must trust you an awful lot.”

The voice coming from down the hall made Rue jump. He turned to see Stargazer smiling at him.

“I think he trusts his safeguards more than me.” Rue saw the interest flare in the pale man’s eyes and an idea rushed through his head. “Vlatko is out with a hunting party. Would you like a drink?”

He turned and sauntered to the main living room. He made sure that with each step, his hips swayed, drawing Stargazer’s eyes. He would use the lust Vlatko’s partner felt for him to get information.

“Made yourself at home, I see.” Stargazer moved up behind Rue and brushed a hand over his ass.

Rue pushed back, just enough to encourage the man. He reached up to pull a bottle and some glasses out of the cupboard. He poured them shots of whiskey and began the seduction.

***
The water ran over Rue’s aching body. He braced his hands against the wall and he let his head hang down. He banged his fist against the tiles.

“What a fucking waste of time.”

Rue grabbed the soap and started to scrub the sweat off his skin. He should have known Vlatko wouldn’t have told Stargazer anything. The man didn’t even know what he was delivering to Vlatko.

“Did Stargazer tell you anything?”

Rue whirled to see Vlatko leaning against the door frame, arms folded and a quizzical look on his face.

“No.” Rue frowned. “I was an idiot to think you’d be stupid enough to tell him anything.”

“Ah, maybe, but you’ve made his year.” A smile appeared and Vlatko began to strip slowly.

Rue turned to face the man. “You’re okay with what I did?”

Shrugging, Vlatko stepped out of his pants and joined Rue in the shower. “I’m not surprised that you did it. Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you. If I was as pretty as you, I’d use what the gods gave me.”

“You’re not pretty. You’re fucking gorgeous.” Rue wrapped his hand around the back of Vlatko’s head and brought the man’s mouth down to his.

Rue nibbled along Vlatko’s bottom lip. His hand tangled in dark hair covering the big man’s head. The bells and beads at the ends of Vlatko’s braids chimed as they hit together. Vlatko’s hands cupped his ass and squeezed.

Rue grimaced and pulled back a little. Vlatko stroked his rough palms over Rue’s sore muscles and gave a chuckle.

“Stargazer is a little rough.”

“You could have warned me.” Rue pinched Vlatko’s ass to give him a taste of pain.

“Now how was I supposed to know that you’d actually seduce the man?” Vlatko licked a drop of water off of Rue’s shoulder.

“Hey when I put my mind to it, I can seduce anyone.” Rue leaned back enough to allow Vlatko more skin to lick.

“Oh, I don’t doubt your ability. I just thought I’d scared Stargazer enough for him to leave you alone. You’re a prize worth risking his life for, I guess.” Vlatko flicked Rue’s nipple with the tip of his tongue.

“You’re not going to kill him.” Rue groaned as heat rushed through him.

“Mmm…” Vlatko didn’t answer him.

“Fuck.” Rue arched, thrusting his cock through Vlatko’s rough palm as the man stroked him.

Vlatko left Rue’s right nipple alone for a second to shoot him a grin. “That’s what I’m planning on doing to you.”

Rue’s eyes rolled and he shivered. His ass was sore from the pounding Stargazer gave him. His cock jerked as he imagined how much pain and pleasure he was going to get when he rode Vlatko’s thick pole.

“I can’t wait.”

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A Favorite Poem

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

IN May, when sea-winds pierced our solitudes,

I found the fresh Rhodora in the woods,

Spreading its leafless blooms in a damp nook,

To please the desert and the sluggish brook.

The purple petals, fallen in the pool,

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Stranger Than Fiction

Nothing got accomplished writing-wise yesterday. Had a birthday party to go to that took up most of the day. Then C, some friends and I went out to see Stranger than Fiction starring Will Ferrell.

It was a good movie. Not great, but it was worth the money in my opinion. Since I’m a writer, I liked the concept of Ferrell’s character being part of Emma Thompson’s book. There have been times in the back of my mind when I wonder what it would be like if my characters were real. Would they really react to situations the way I write them or would they do something totally opposite? Would they be happy with the ending I gave them or would they want something totally different?

Today’s not supposed to be a busy day, so I’m hoping to get more written on Tony’s story. Have a great day, everyone.

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New Reviews

Got two new reviews for Here Be Dragons. 🙂

Teresa at Fallen Angel Reviews gives Here Be Dragons 5 angels and says: “Mr. Chase has created a book that will rivet the audience from the first page until they get to the end…I hope that there will be future adventures for Kael and Hugh. There is more to this story and I for one would love to read it. Thanks to Mr. Chase for such an enjoyable book. “

Staci at Romance Junkies gives HBD 4.5 ribbons and says: “Mr. Chase takes us into a fantastic adventure in HERE BE DRAGONS…This book is a great addition to your EBOOK bookshelf.”

Thanks ladies for the wonderful reviews. 🙂

I think I might have figured out who Tony’s hero is. An interesting sub-plot emerged last night. I haven’t gotten a chance to actually write it down, but it’s growing and firming up in my mind. So I’ll be working on it this weekend and hoping that the new guy who’s stepped forward will be the right one for my bull rider. 😉

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday…I know I plan to.

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Firebird- Part Eighteen

Firebird copyright (c) 2006 TA Chase

Part Eighteen-

Vlatko locked his knees to keep from crumbling to the floor as the last drops of his come filled Rue’s mouth. His chin dropped forward and rested on his chest. He stared down at the slender man smiling back at him. His hands stroked through the blonde hair curling in the steam.

“Stand up and I’ll take care of you in the shower.” He stepped back to allow Rue room to stand up.

“No need. I came when you did.” Rue gave him a shy grin.

Vlatko pressed a gentle kiss to Rue’s mouth and helped the thief into the shower. He scrubbed his own body quickly, letting Rue touch him wherever the man wanted to put those clever hands. After rinsing off the soap, Vlatko reached for Rue. He took his time, learning every inch of the soft skin and hard muscles making up the intriguing lean body. He figured out what spots made Rue sigh and which ones made him shiver. By the time the water ran cold, Rue was bracing himself against Vlatko and moaning.

“Come on, baby. The water’s getting cold and I think you’re ready for a nap.” Vlatko shut off the water and helped Rue out of the shower.

Rue mumbled something, but Vlatko couldn’t make it out. He laughed, drying Rue off with soft strokes and light touches. He tossed the towel on to the counter and picked the thief up in his arms. Vlatko tucked Rue under the covers and kissed him on the forehead.

“Rest. I’ll get you up before dinner.”

Rue cradled Vlatko’s cheek for a moment and gave him an endearing smile. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Vlatko shut the bedroom door and wandered over to the bank of computers on the opposite wall. Typing in a code, he called up the security camera he’d installed in the bedroom. He would be able to keep an eye on the thief without staying with him. Vlatko didn’t need more than an hour or two of sleep a day. One more marvelous improvement in the genetic code of a killer.
He pulled a chair over and sat down. The computer screen next to the security one blinked on. While Rue slept, he’d have time to work on his research. Somewhere in the crowd of numbers and codes, he knew he’d find the answer to his problem.

Thirty minutes into his work, he stopped and stared at the picture of Rue. He couldn’t concentrate. There was something about the thief that drew him, even when the man was sleeping. Vlatko tugged the President’s Heart from his pocket and rubbed it with his fingers.

The I.U.M. knew what they were doing when they hired Rue to steal the jewel. Mitchov was one of the few independent planet left on the outskirts of the universe. The red stone Vlatko held was the key to their survival. How or why? He didn’t know, but without it, Mitchov would have to bend to the demands of the I.U.M. He wasn’t sure what he should do about it. If he had any sort of conscience, he’d contact Stargazer and have the man come retrieve it. Stargazer would return the stone to the rightful owners-for a price of course.

Vlatko shook his head. It wasn’t his call to make. Rue would have to decide what to do with the stone. The thief had been hired to steal it, so it was his job. Vlatko wouldn’t like it if Rue told him how to kill and he didn’t think Rue would enjoy Vlatko sticking his nose in where it didn’t belong.

He stood, heading towards the tunnel. He’d put it in the secure room. Rue would figure out how to break into it before he left, but Vlatko wasn’t worried. In truth, he didn’t keep anything of importance in the room except for a little of his money and some weapons. The room was a distraction along with the computers. All the critical information, weapons and majority of his wealth was hidden where no one-not even the best thief in the universe-could find it.

After putting the stone away, he went back to work. He needed to find the answer because time was running out and Vlatko realized he’d just found a more compelling reason to succeed than getting revenge on the I.U.M. He touched a fingertip to the screen showing Rue sleeping in his bed.

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Day after blues-

Picture by Steve Walker.

I hope everyone who could went out and voted yesterday. (That’s my public service announcement for the day..lol)

Not much to report on the writing front…though I did get more done on Home To Stay. Should be interesting..I hope anyway.

Here’s a poem I wrote yesterday. I might add it to Tony’s story. It seems to fit the conflict he’s having.

I’m Not You

Don’t grab my hand, forcing me to follow you.
Don’t tell me I’ve lost my way.
I’ve figured out a simple truth.
I’m not you.

The road I travel isn’t paved with gold.
It isn’t easy or safe.
I’ll fight through the obstacles to end up free.
I’m not you.

Your road binds you.
It keeps you a prisoner.
Like sheep, you play ‘follow the leader.’
I’m not you.

My journey lifts me to the highest mountain.
I’ll plunge into the deepest valleys.
Doubt will make me question,
But I’m not you.

I won’t sacrifice my soul for safety.
I won’t commit suicide for acceptance.
I won’t deny his love
Because I’m not you.

TA Chase copyright 2006.

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Firebird- Part Seventeen

Firebird copyright (c)2006 T.A. Chase

Part Seventeen-

Rue didn’t think he would be able to make it down the ladder into the tunnel. His legs were limp as noodles. He looked down at the opening in the floor and then back at Vlatko.

“I’ll go down first. That way if you slip, I’ll be there to catch you.” Vlatko backed down the rungs while smiling up at him

He stared down into the dark eyes of the killer and wondered why he believe Vlatko. It was true. He’d only known this man for two days, yet he knew that Vlatko would catch him. From the moment he opened his eyes to see Vlatko standing in front of him, his trust had grown. It didn’t matter what the man had done before they met. He didn’t even care if Vlatko was still being used as a killer by the I.U.M. The more time he spent with Vlatko, the more he hoped he didn’t find the files. Some part of him wanted to stay and figure out what made Vlatko tick.

“Are you coming?” Vlatko’s voice drifted up from the bottom of the ladder.

“Yes.” He moved to join him.

Reaching the bottom, he leaned against the wall and sighed.

“Wore you out, huh?” Vlatko grinned at him. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.” The man bent down and swept Rue up in his arms.

Rue wrapped his arms around Vlatko’s neck and rested his head on the man’s broad shoulders. He counted the doors leading off the tunnel as they made their way back to the underground chambers. There were five of them and he knew he’d be investigating all of them before the three weeks were up.

“So what’s in those rooms?” He asked, but didn’t expect to get an answer.

“Supplies in four of them. The fifth? I guess you’ll have to pick the lock to find out.” Vlatko chuckled. “Of course, the lock requires a retinal scan and a voice imprint. You’re the best thief in the universe, so I’m sure you’ve had to deal with that type of security before. I can’t wait to see how you handle that.”

“I’ll find a way in. I haven’t found a door yet that I couldn’t break.” He winked up at Vlatko. “They don’t call me the best for nothing.”

Vlatko’s deep laugh followed them as they went through the main living space into the bedroom. He was ashamed to admit he squeaked as Vlatko tossed him onto the bed. He scrambled around, trying not to get tangled in the sheets.

“I’m going to take a shower. Maybe you’d like to rest for a little bit. It’s been an exhausting morning.” Vlatko walked away from him, stripping his clothes off with each step.

“With real water?” Rue sprang off the bed and rushed after the man’s tight ass.

“Of course, real water. I might have sacrificed the luxuries of living on a more modern planet, but I gained the wonders of a primitive world. One of which is fresh clean water.” Vlatko led the way into the adjoining bathroom where he bent over to turn the water on.

Rue couldn’t stop his hands from groping the firm muscles presented to him as he went into the room. Vlatko arched and pushed back into Rue’s hands. Rue flexed his fingers, massaging and teasing. The big man straightened, turning to grasp Rue’s chin in his hand and crush a kiss to his mouth.

Rue gasped. His hands slid from Vlatko’s ass to fist the hard cock rising proudly from the strong thighs and black curls of the man’s groin. He nibbled along Vlatko’s jaw while stroking the flesh in his grip.

Steam rose from the hot water and sweat beaded up on their skin. He tasted the salty skin at the base of Vlatko’s neck. Rue licked a line down the middle of the man’s chest and over Vlatko’s ripped abs. Dropping to his knees, he followed the crease by the hip until the leaking tip of Vlatko’s cock hit Rue’s chin. He sucked the flared head into his mouth and hummed at the liquid drops of pre-cum coating his tongue.

“I love your mouth,” Vlatko moaned and thrust his cock deeper into Rue’s mouth.

Rue wanted to say how much he loved Vlatko’s dick, but he was more interested in sucking every last drop he could out of the man. He closed his eyes, relaxed his muscles and swallowed until the flared head of Vlatko’s cock hit the back of his throat.

A shout rang through the room and Vlatko grabbed his head, holding him still as the man thrust in and out of his mouth. He braced his hands on Vlatko’s hips, allowing Vlatko to fuck his face.

“I’m gonna come, love.” Vlatko’s voice was harsh.

The first salty bitter burst of come flooded his mouth.

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