by Emma Ray Garrett Aubrey Ross Bit of trivia for you, Malina - the heroine in my Heaven and Hell series - was originally named Lilith. But a friend suggested I change her name and then pointed me toward Aubrey Ross' Lilith's Legacy series. I fell in love with her world and her words. Aubrey has been in the biz for a long time and it shows with every new story she releases, which engages and entangles readers as surely as her first.

ER: Heya, Aubrey! Wow, LOL, give me a bit of a fan-girl minute. Okay, I'm good *BG*. So, you've been writing and publishing in the e-world for several years. What made you decide to jump into the electronic publishing realm?

AR: I'm thrilled to be here, Emma. Thanks for having me. The creative freedom of the e-world is what appeals to me most. After having romance editors tell me my books were too sci-fi and sci-fi editors tell me my books were too romantic, I realized I was in trouble. I could either contour my ideas to "mass market" expectations or find a market for the stories I love writing. Obviously, I chose the later. I've never been good at coloring within the lines! My books have always been hot, so the transition to erotic fiction was natural as well. *G*

ER: If anybody takes a couple of seconds over at your website (www.aubreyross.com) they can find the answer to my usual first question - when did you write your first story and what was it about. Since you answered that one, how about this, has your 'rock star-kidnapper-rich boy' tale ever seen the light of day?

AR: I couldn't resist -- literally! The storyline matured a bit, but Rafe Steele is featured in A Taste of Twilight. He was one of those characters who just wouldn't leave me alone until I wrote his story.

ER: Since you started writing, what do you think has changed most about the way you approach a story, if anything has?

AR: I tend to think in terms of my next series as opposed to my next book. World building is one of my favorite parts of the creative process, but it's way too much trouble to develop a fully faceted world for one 25k novella. Besides, I can never seem to resolve all the plot threads by the end of the first book.

ER: I agree, whole-heartedly! I'm a caffeine junkie. Coffee, soda, or iced tea, I'll take it any way I can get it. What about you?

AR: Absolutely. My family members know better than to speak to me before I've had my caffeine fix. Coffee and chocolate, or better yet mocha!

ER: What's your idea of the perfect setting for creativity?

AR: When I'm brainstorming an early concept or I've written myself into a corner, I usually retreat to a bubble bath and surround myself with candles. While I'm doing character sketches and plot outlines, I love listening to music. Usually the "hair bands" from the 80s. LOL But when I'm ready to sit down and write it has to be quiet so I can immerse myself in the story. Luckily for me, I have the house to myself all day.

ER: What's the perfect setting for vegging out?

AR: Snuggled up with my dh in front of our home-theater or playing Rock Star. LOL I never thought I'd enjoy a video game, but this one is addictive!

ER: ROFL, I admit to my own addiction to Guitar Hero! So, classic romances: which would you choose: "Wuthering Heights" or "Pride and Prejudice"?

AR: That's a hard one. I'd have to say "Wuthering Heights." There is a lot of alpha male in Heathcliff. (I do think he'd have been a lot more fun if Bronte would have let him have sex!) Anyone who has read my books knows I adore alpha males. As for Jane Austen, I was always a sucker for "Sense and Sensibility." Still, romance didn't really come alive until Katherine Woodiwiss wrote "The Flame and the Flower."

ER: Amen to that! We lost a magnificent writer with her passing =( Onto movies: action or romance?

AR: My two favorite movies are 300 and Serenity, so I guess my answer is action. Of course, I suspect I wouldn't have enjoyed 300 nearly as much without the eye candy. I'm a huge Gerard Butler fan.

ER: *dreamy sigh* "This is Sparta!" Heck yeah, and I'll take a few of the Spartans too, thanks, LOL! *Emma Ray bowing down* Guide me, oh learned one, ROFL! I slay myself sometimes. Do you have any good advice - writing related or not - that you hold fast to in life?

AR: I wouldn't presume to give anyone advice on life. I haven't made wise decisions. I've just been damn lucky. But I do know a thing or two about writing. *G* If a writer creates stories that enthrall them, chances are better the readers will be enthralled. Whenever a writer fakes it, it shows. Also, listen to your characters! Some of my most enjoyable plot twists have come when a character refused to do what I had planned for them to do.

ER: Okay, that's the end of my questions. Thank you so much for taking Time Out with me this month!

Finally, we fans would love a sexy scene from one of your books! Something we need ice for would be fantastic *evil grin*!

AR: Oh, I think I can manage that. LOL This is from Dark Dichotomy 2: Mistress, my most recent release. The Dichotomy are one of my all time favorite concepts. All the fun of a ménage without any of the emotional challenges. Ya gotta love that…

Dark Dichotomy 2: Mistress
http://changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=882

Infuriated by his helplessness, Joseph searched infinite strands of metaphysical connection. Concentration was the key. His lessons with Ryan had taught him that much. He had to filter out every signal but hers.

Aidan's compulsion had stabbed into his mind, leaving him disoriented and blind. She needed him. Ripples of desperation and fear cramped his stomach as he reached out, stretching farther than he'd ever gone before.

Like the echo of a memory, he sensed her.

Silence. Darkness. She was alone and afraid.

He poured energy into the strand linking his mind to hers. Her presence intensified, but the darkness remained. He approached slowly, unwilling to add to her fear.

He's gone now. It's all right. You're not alone.

Her being surged and emotions sliced into his mind. He opened, absorbing her terror as fast as their tenuous bond allowed.

I won't hurt you. No one will hurt you as long as I'm here.

He felt her doubt and hesitation. She wanted to believe him, needed to believe, but it was almost impossible for her to distinguish him from Aidan. Despite his gentleness, he felt very much like his enemy.

Understanding her confusion, he wrapped her in tenderness and waited for her to accept that he meant her no harm. She relaxed gradually, allowing him deeper.

Their embrace became tangible. He felt her soft body curled against his side. She stroked his chest, her warm breath teasing his skin. He wasn't sure why they were naked. These were just psychic representations of their physical bodies; perhaps everyone was naked on the metaphysical plane.

Who are you? Her question was thin and shaky.

My name is Joseph. Are you feeling better?

She moved restlessly, sliding against him. Why did he do this to me? Why can't I make it stop?

He left you desperate for release so you'll be more manageable when he returns.

I can't let that happen. She stopped fidgeting and determination flowed into him. He's evil. I can still feel him in my mind. I have to stop him.

Where are you, sweetheart? I'll come to you in person and protect you.

Refusing to be insulted, he rubbed her back and inhaled the sweet scent of her hair. You said you could sense his nature. Can you sense mine?

I can't think. I need… I ache so badly nothing else seems real.

I won't hurt you and I'll do everything in my power to keep him from hurting you again.

He slowly increased their connection and her basic shape separated from the darkness. If he pushed much harder Aidan was sure to sense the intrusion. He touched her face and brushed her hair back from her brow.

I can help you combat these feelings, but you'll have to trust me.

Her hand found his face, her fingers warm against his skin. You're whatever he is, but you're not like him. I understand that much.

I'll only touch you if you want me to. I have no desire to add to your fear.

Better you than him.

Joseph smiled. That's a miserable place to start. I'm sure we can do better.

He brushed his lips over hers, inhaling her breath and memorizing her scent. Desire curled through his metaphysical body and seeped into the physical realm. This was more than protectiveness. He genuinely wanted this woman.

She was soft and pliant for a long time. Her lips parted and her fingers curved around the back of his neck. She allowed his kiss, accepting the inevitability of the contact. He nipped her lower lip. This would never do.

Kiss me, sweetheart. Use me to put out the fire.

Desire thrummed through Lark. She didn't understand what was happening, had stopped trying to rationalize the experience. She'd been terrified and alone and this man appeared. Her body burned for fulfillment and he touched her.

She hesitated a moment longer then fit her mouth to his. His breath was warm and inviting. She eased her tongue past his lips and pushed her fingers into his hair. The darkness swirled, amplifying each sensation.

He rolled to his back, drawing her on top of him. She straddled his hips and kept right on kissing him. Their lips clung and their tongues curled. He stroked her arms, squeezed her shoulders, and then teased his way down her spine.

One of his hands insinuated itself between their bodies, while the other drifted onto her ass. A moan escaped his lips as his fingers explored her flesh.

I wish I could see you, he murmured. You feel amazing.

She rubbed against his erection, wiggling, trying to align his shaft with her clit. His hands returned to her hips and held her steady, while he moved with more precision. She shivered and clutched his shoulders as pleasure gathered within her.

They weren't really kissing anymore. Still, she was reluctant to lose the intimacy of his mouth.

Sit up. I want to touch you.

Long before she settled on her knees, his hands cupped her breasts. His eagerness thrilled her as much as his touch. He squeezed gently then circled her nipples with the pads of his thumbs, sending darts of sensation deep into her body. This was good, so good, yet her body demanded more.

His cock pressed lengthwise against her cleft. Her folds parted to embrace him. Her core clenched and the emptiness made her groan. If she lifted up and brought him to her entrance would he thrust inside?

Before she could discover the answer, he rolled them back to their sides. His cock slipped out of reach and she arched, trying to regain the pressure.

Relax, sweetheart. I'm here.

The assurance had never sounded sweeter.

His mouth returned to hers, while he positioned her lower body. He raised her leg to his hip, but left room between them for his hand. She tilted her pelvis, bringing her heated flesh into contact with his fingers.

Touch me, please, she pleaded. I need this.

He traced her crease, sliding easily in her cream. His middle finger circled her clit then teased her opening. Like this?

No, inside me. I need you inside me.

Very slowly, he pushed his finger into her core. She tightened her inner muscles, concentrating on the blessed penetration. He slid in and out, but it wasn't enough to dispel the brutal emptiness.

More.

He added a second finger and finally a third. She moved with him and against him, taking his fingers as deep as she could. It didn't help.

With a boldness born of desperation, she reached down and grasped his cock. He lifted her leg, making room for her to maneuver. Her leg settled around his waist and her folds parted in the wake of his wide tip.

Inch by glorious inch, he sank into her heat. She closed her eyes and savored the stretch, the utter bliss of being filled. When her clit rested against the base of his cock, he stopped and clasped her to his chest.

This feels so damned good. I don't want to move.

She smiled, the hair on his chest tickling her nose. Fine by me, as long as you stay right where you are.

He tensed against her, then gently touched her face. I'll stay as long as I can, but I'm almost out of time.

They kissed while their desire simmered. Their hands wandered with bold curiosity, memorizing texture and shape. He squeezed her butt and she squeezed his. His caress turned to a playful pinch and her wiggling motivated his first thrust.

Abandoning foreplay entirely, he rolled her beneath him and draped her legs over his arms. She arched into each forceful drive, relishing the slap and slide of his big body. His tempo sped and sensation gathered, passing back and forth with the motion of his hips.

You're not alone. He punctuated the statement with a deep thrust, and pleasure surged through her body. Regardless of what he says, you're not alone.

ER: Wow, Aubrey! That was awesome! Readers, I've read this book and it's a winner

Much thanks, again, to Aubrey Ross for taking Time Out this month. Check out Aubrey's website when you get a chance, folks! Until next month, be naughty and love it!

Emma Ray