Flame by Clarissa Wild Cover Reveal

Synopsis

When trust is challenged and desire takes control, is love enough to conquer fear?

When geeky book nerd Autumn Blakewood falls for the cocky, confident fighter Hunter Bane she knows she’s in for life. Their undeniable connection, fueled by the desire to protect, grows stronger every passing second. However, the need to feel cherished threatens her college graduation, family bonds, and future, tearing her apart, but she won’t give up on Hunter so easily …

After he was abandoned by his family, Hunter Bane struggles to cope with daily life. Having a learning disability turns every task into a challenge. With his brother now free, Hunter feels the pressure to succeed and take care of the people he loves, forcing him to choose between college and a job. Hunter’s devotion to Autumn keeps him on the right path. His infatuation with her turns lust into passion, drawing out his alpha tendencies. But with affection comes admission, putting a strain on their relationship as secrets are exposed and unforeseen circumstances spiral out of control.

Being complete opposites, their love is flaming hot, but it burns away all inhibitions, unveiling the fears that were locked deep inside. As past and present collide, difficult choices must be made. Can Autumn and Hunter’s love survive this ultimate test?

Unedited Excerpt

From the corner of my eye I catch him peeking at me. I turn my head. “Are you cheating again?”

“What gave you that idea?” A cheeky smile is on his face, making me chuckle.

“I learned from past experiences.” I raise my eyebrow, challenging him.

He seems to take me up on the challenge, making direct, probing eye contact. He squints, his glaring grey eyes scanning my face, lingering on my lips. He doesn’t mask the blatant eye-fuck. God, this guy is going to kill me.

“You sure about that?” He scoots closer, closing the gap between us. His face is dangerously close to mine. The smirk on his face is as unbelievably obnoxious as it is sexy.

“I’m not that shy girl anymore,” I say.

“Hmm … looks like it to me.” He brushes one finger over my shoulder, and I’m thrilled yet again. These simple touches of his are so full of hunger, rippling with lust, it’s like I’m bathing in it.

Still, I won’t give in to his games so easily. He used to be able to silence me with just a look. I was too scared to act, but now that I’ve seen him full throttle, I’m not scared anymore. I can handle him.

“Hey, you can try all you like, but I’m not giving you my notes. You won’t learn anything that way.”

Hunter’s half-smile slowly turns into a grin as he inches closer and closer. His nose almost touches mine, I need only lean forward to crash into his lips. But I don’t. Self-control, Autumn. Keep it together. You’re in class for god’s sake.

“Oh, I’m not trying to get your notes. Not anymore,” he growls. His lips briefly brush past mine, but when I open my mouth and close my eyes to receive his kiss, I’m left hanging. Air catches in my throat as I open my eyes again and catch him licking his lips. A devious smile is on his face as he casually leans back in his seat.

“Jerk,” I mumble.

He leans forward, looking at me sideways. “What’s that?” His voice is darkened, sounding displeased. Good. I want him to know that I don’t like it when he teases me so much.

“You heard me.”

His eyes narrow into thin slits as his hand dives under the table. Suddenly, I feel his fingers curling around my leg, squeezing tighter and tighter. His inevitable stare is upon me as he slides his fingers up my jeans. I gasp, my breath faltering as he slips it up to my thigh.

“What did you call me?” Hunter says.

I shudder, my lip quivering as he rests his head on my shoulder. His fingers are digging into my flesh, I can feel it through my jeans, his possessiveness. He breathes in and out, his hot breath tantalizing my skin.

“You think I’m a jerk?” he murmurs. He slides his hand further up my thigh, and a tiny sigh escapes my mouth. “You know that when you call me names, it excites me, right?” he asks.

I nod a few times, holding my breath as he tightens his grip on my leg.

“You should know that the feistier you get, the more I’m driven to conquer you. You fighting me only gives me more motivation to claim you. You know why?”

I shake my head vigorously and he licks his lips in excitement. His fingers slip up toward my most sensitive spot and when they reach it, I swear I’m going to fall apart right there. I feel so ashamed, so embarrassed this is happening right now, in class, but at the same time I don’t want to stop him. This is so hot, I can’t even …

“This here …” He slides his fingers up and down my pussy, making me gasp. My panties are getting wet from his whispers and dominating touch. My body craves him. My mind knows it should focus on studying, but it’s turning to liquid.

“It’s mine. Doesn’t matter what the fuck you call me, but this is all mine. Mine.”

My hand dives under the table, trying to pry him loose from my jeans, but he grabs my wrist with his free hand and pins it to the table.

He grins. “I like the power I have when you let me love you. Claiming you gives me that power.” He rubs harder and harder, and I’m almost panting, trying to keep the noises from escaping my mouth. “And I know you like it. Do you think I don’t notice you looking at me like that with those hungry eyes? You want me to be this way.” Circling the pad of his thumb over my clit, I grow insane with lust.

“But don’t you ever fucking call me a jerk again.”