Sacred, Scared — Abby Wood

Description: After leaving the downward spiral of Bremerton and settling in Seattle, Katina Mead has finally landed her dream job of working in Chef Toka's restaurant. For years, she'd tried to forget about the love she'd lost when Derek left her, telling her to grow up. With a new career, good friends and a new direction, she can finally stop wishing for Derek to return for her the way he promised.
Derek Montgomery left his hometown after having a powerful sexual reaction toward Katina, the girl who made his life worth living. Knowing she wasn't mature enough to handle a man who needed to have sexual control over another person, he ran…straight into trouble. Deemed unworthy of love, he holds on to the promise of returning to Katina. But, the woman he's always loved wants to love him in return, and doing so might destroy him.

Reader Alert!
Poignant and emotionally erotic, Sacred, Scared will drag you into the world of dominance, wounded souls, and let you experience a staggering love you'll remember long after you finish the book.

To My Readers:
I can't wait for you to read Sacred, Scared. Emotionally wounded, Derek reveals the terror that makes him the dominant person he is, but will he survive when Katina makes him bare his soul? These characters have kept me up at night playing therapist. Now it's time for you to find out if Derek can heal enough to love Katina back.

About the Author:
Top Selling Erotic Romance Author, Abby Wood, pens stories of love that take you into the bedroom and straight to the heart. Whether it's the brooding cowboy who convinces the reluctant waitress to go home with him, or the older man who shows a young woman how much she can enjoy his protection, Abby's books will keep you reading right to the happily ever after.

Writing under a pseudonym -- because she blushes easily despite her wild imagination -- Abby owns the small town, farm girl attitude that keeps her real.

Excerpt
“I don't know what you're doing to me. No one's ever made me feel so…needed.” She squeezed her eyes closed, then opened them. “You scare me.”
“I want you.” The lines on the bridge of his nose deepened. “I've explained what I'd expect from you before. That hasn't changed.”
“I'm scared of what I'll do if I don't leave right now. How fucked up is that?”
“I'll tell you now, I hate that word. You need your ass spanked.” His mouth hardened.
She snorted. “You'd enjoy that, wouldn't you?”
“Not as much as you.” He lifted his brow, challenging her.
“Dream on,” she said.
He laughed. The first honest sound from him that she'd heard tonight. She exhaled and the tension between her shoulders eased.
The sooner they talked, the faster she'd be able to go home and think about what was happening with her. She scooted closer to the edge of the seat and turned toward Derek. He picked up her hand and held it tenderly, stroking her with his thumb.
“I can explain why you're confused, but I rather show you.” Derek's breath hitched. “I want you…all of you.”
She shook her head. “I don't know what that means.”
“I know you don't, baby.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of her fingers. “I know what I want. I'm finally in the position to act on my feelings. I've never forgotten you. I can give you anything you want and need. I'll show you pleasure you've only dreamed about, and take you higher than you think is possible.”
“Oh.” She pulled her arm back, but he clicked his tongue stopping her. “Oh. I see.”
He continued to caress her hand. “Tell me in your own words what I want.”
“Sex. That's all I am to you. You're rich and have an ego taller than the Space Needle, and for some reason you think I'll melt at your feet because you've spoken the right words.” She shrugged. “Like you've said, I grew up, and I'm not the same starry eyed young girl crushing on you anymore.”
He chuckled. “You certainly have learned to lie. I'm not playing a game. I don't want a weekend play date. I want you and me to fill the void. I've become