Flaws and All - Mahalia Levey

Author of paranormal, fantasy and mainstream, Mahalia is following her childhood dream of being an author. The stories are pouring out of her along side raising an active family. Today, she's sharing with us her Interracial story, Flaws and All. I'm intrigued with the fact Nadja is a lounge singer. What a refreshing position for a heroine.



**blurb**

Nadja Mederios knows what she wants after months of watching Donato keep order at Club Mist, and an intervention from her best friend Taleena. As a lounge singer, she portrays a sensual, sultry woman, but she's not the high-maintenance girl people assume she is. In fact, a tomboy lies beneath her protective costume. When the real woman comes to light, she hopes Donato finds her just as sexy as the mask.


Donato Falcone isn't looking for commitment, but when someone touches Nadja without permission, rational thought leaves him and rage steps in. After his temper cools, he sees a different side of Nadja. Her sleek sophistication may well be a front for the girl who could be his forever, if he can find a way to break down her barriers.


**excerpt**


"Donato," Deja greeted with a smile.

He looked at Nadja. "I thought I told you to make sure the glass was empty when I returned."

Liquid stung his eyes. He blinked and reached for a napkin to wipe the alcohol dripping off his face and neck. The sheer gall of the temptress in front of him stunned him. Activity around them halted as people whispered. His jaw ticked, and anger suffused his face. He tried counting before reacting, but he wasn't surprised at all when it failed to work.

Pushing Deja out of the way proved difficult. "Move it," he roared, his gaze catching Derek coming through.

"Donato, she didn't mean be so brazen." Deja stood as a barrier.

"Like hell I didn't. I won't be bullied by anyone, Donato, including you," Nadja said, peeking out from around her friend.

"Deja, I suggest you get out of his way," Derek interjected, his hand on her arm. "Nadja's a big girl, and she's not in imminent danger. Plus I don't want to get beat down trying to protect you for something we have nothing to do with."

Deja stuck her finger out at Derek. "She's my friend, and I don't need a punk for a man, so if this is the real you, then we have nothing else to discuss."

Donato chuckled at Derek's perplexed expression. "Nadja, come here."

"I'm fine where I'm at, Donato." Nadja held her ground.

Derek hauled Deja into his arms. "We'll take this up later. Later, Donato."

Donato slid his gaze to Derek. "Good luck with her." As the newcomer walked away with Deja, he had a clear view of Nadja. Anger shone in her glare. The stinging in his eyes had receded, or his anger blocked out the smarting pain. Either way, she was a sitting duck, and she knew it. He continued to gaze at her, keeping his face stoic. "You can't move fast in that gown. The best option is for you to get up and come with me peacefully. You know actions have consequences." As she processed the information, his anger turned to amusement and then lust. Life with her would never be boring, and he'd get accustomed to her fiery demeanor. Who knows—pricking that passionate temper might prove fun.

"Don't fire me," Nadja muttered, sliding off the barstool and walking over to him.

"Smart girl." He pressed a hand at the small of her back, drew her into his embrace. "Firing you is the last thing on my mind."

"What's the first?"

"This." Her scent had been driving him insane all night. The urge to taste her now won as he parted her mouth with his own, sliding his tongue in to taste her spicy essence. Sweet and supple, she tasted of heaven on a warm sunny day. He groaned and wrapped his arms tighter about her, pushing deeper, sealing her taste to memory. Her haggard breathing told him she hungered. Slender arms gripped his own. The background faded, leaving just her. "I can't believe you tossed a drink at me," he murmured, breaking off the kiss.

"I'm—"

"Shh. You're not sorry. I saw it in your face." He nipped her lip and rubbed her back, his hand dangerously close to gripping her sweet ass. Remembering they were at work had a sobering effect. He damned his libido and stepped away from her, but not before he made sure she knew how much he wanted her. There. Now. Stepping away, he noticed they'd drawn attention again. Twice in one night he'd put her in the spotlight, and not the one on stage. A private man, he disliked public displays of affection or altercation. He dropped his hand.

"Donato."

"When you're ready to go, have them call me. I have business to attend to." Clearing his head came first, and then he'd figure out what to do with Nadja, besides designing a strategy to possess every inch of her delectable body. If the rest of her tasted like her sweet mouth, he was done for.

"I'll be ready as soon as I change," she replied softly.

Donato nodded and moved out of her way.

Damn.

Available at: Beautiful Trouble Publishing

Mahalia
http://www.mahalialevey.com/
http://mahalia2010.wordpress.com/