SFR Brigade Presents (2/8/13)

It's that time again - already! A week goes by so fast! But like it or not, it's Friday and time for another Science Fiction Romance Brigade Presents. This week features another blurb from my unpublished Steampunk Romance manuscript, "The Love and Legacy of Sylvia Long." (Read the story summary)
In this scene, Sylvia discovers the truth about the special equipment Gabriel wore the day they first met.

“You, sir, are a cad. A…a…bounder of the worst kind. If I was not a lady, I would slap you for such an affront.”
Gabriel didn’t even deign to look up from the open tome on his desktop. “What have I done now?” He touched his finger to his tongue then nonchalantly turned a page.
I bristled, my lips and eyes becoming mere slits, my nose and fingers twitching. “I have just learned the nefarious purpose of the spectacles you wore the night we met.”
“Ah, that.” He closed the book and slid it aside.
“As if entering a lady’s bedchamber to abduct her wasn’t ghastly enough, you used your newfangled technology to see me in the altogether!”
Gabriel’s eyes met mine at last and he smiled that sly smile of his, the one that made him appear more devil than angel. “How did you find out?”
“Levi enlisted my aid to re-stock the inventory. He felt it was his duty to make me aware of the capabilities of each object. Imagine my surprise when he explained the function of a pair of goggles I couldn’t help but recognize.” I plunked my hands on my hips.
“Yes, I presume that was quite a shock.” He laughed. “I confess I couldn’t resist the chance to see your…uh…charms in their natural state.” Gabriel pushed back his chair then casually strode around the desk. He took hold of my braid from my nape, sliding its long length over my shoulder. “You are a truly beautiful woman.”
Before I could do or say anything in response, Gabriel grasped my chin between his thumb and forefinger, tipping my face towards him. Then he kissed me.

I hope you enjoyed this taste of my work. Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment.
And go check out the other incredible SFR Brigade Presents posts!

SFR Brigade Presents (2/1/13)

The Science Fiction Romance Brigade is hosting a blog-hop in which all participants post a snippet from a SFR novel or manuscript. Whether you are curious about science fiction romance or an avid fan, this is your chance to get a taste of what is available or soon to come. And it's absolutely free!
My first entry is science fiction romance - very, very old-style. It's from my Victorian Science Fiction (also known as Steampunk) manuscript, "The Love and Legacy of Sylvia Long." To give you an idea of the story, here is a short summary:

Moments from being married to the man of her dreams, Sylvia Long is abducted by Gabriel Villeroi, leader of an unorthodox band of explorers known as S.N.U.F.F., the Society of the Novel, the Unorthodox, the Fantastic, and the Futuristic. Swept into a world of invention and the supernatural, Sylvia discovers some extraordinary truths about her past as well as a growing affection for Gabriel. Together they must face the horrors and wonders of legend in order to save the world. And yet they find the greatest threat of all is not fantasy but very real indeed.

The following scene takes place immediately after Sylvia's abduction by Gabriel:

“This is the second time you have alluded to this substantial offer of yours. I tell you no matter what it entails, it interests me not. Your offer – and you – can go to the blazes. If you have any sense of decency, you will let me go.”
“I have concluded the opportunity I am proffering must be seen to be believed.” He pushed away from the wall to approach the bedside. Then he leaned in, lifting a platinum tress from my shoulder and rubbing it between his fingertips. “You will have to suffer my presence a bit longer,” his long-lashed eyes met mine, “my decency be damned.”
I had provoked him. The last thing I needed to do was make this man angry or spiteful. He had already kidnapped me, what he would do next? I tried another tactic. “Sir, please, I didn’t mean my harsh words. I promise no retribution if you will just let me go. I beg you to do so.”
He stepped back, releasing my hair. “Cease your pleas, Sylvie. Nothing you can say will change our current course. I am obliged to show you what is yours by right. It is my duty. You cannot dissuade me.”

Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment below! Don't forget to go here and take a look at the other amazing entries in the SFR Brigade Presents. And thanks for stopping by!