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These excerpts contain sexually explicit material. If you are not at least 18 years of age, please leave.
If you are 18 or older and are not offended by such material, please stay and enjoy!
Christina's Tapestry
Book 1: Tapestries
by N.J. Walters
 
Christina Beaumont impulsively buys an expensive tapestry that she sees in a shop window on her way home from work, having no idea how that one action will change her life. The magical tapestry transports her to Javara, a world that resembles medieval earth, and into the arms of two massive warriors who both want to claim her.
Brothers of the House of Garen, Jarek and Marc are elated to discover the tapestry has delivered Christina to them. Women are scarce in their world, so the men of a family must compete for the right to be her husband. But before she can choose, she first has to experience the lovemaking of both brothers, separately and together. Jarek and Marc, hoping to influence her decision, both use all their considerable sexual skills to pleasure her in ways she’s never imagined.
But the tapestry also offers another choice. Christina can choose to return to her own world. Jarek and Marc join forces to convince Christina to stay with them even as they fight a rival family for the right to keep her as their very own.
 
"Christina's Tapestry is a FABULOUS story....Ms. Walters is an extremely creative and talented author and she once again enchants her fans with a story filled with her signature style of realism, fantasy, deliciously erotic love and spine tingling sex."
—5 stars, Dianne Nogueras, eCataRomance
"Christina's Tapestry is a fabulous and very hot read. The story grabs hold of you and does not let go....This is definitely another N.J. Walters book to be kept and enjoyed over and over again."
—5 Cupids(Pleasure Factor), Marina, Cupid's Library Reviews
"...a fabulous tale of love, lust and time-travel that I enjoyed very much. Christina's tapestry is a wonderful book that I highly recommend to other avid romance readers."
—5 stars, Susan White, JERR
If you are looking for a wonderful tale of time travel, ménage trois and love- don't hesitate to buy this one. Every person introduced in this story has a warm and passionate personality...there are more to come in this series. I can't wait!!
—5 unicorns, Anita, Enchanted in Romance
"Christina's Tapestry is a book sure to capture your imagination...If you've ever dreamed of going to a place you saw once in a picture, mural, or even a tapestry then you'll be able to really get into this story. With fantastic characters, a charming plot, and very hot sex, N.J. Walters has written a story that'll keep you reading way past your bedtime."
—5 flags, Chrissy, Euro-Reviews
"...a wonderful story of magic and heroism and is sinfully erotic."
—Stephanie McGrath, PNR Reviews
"Jarek and Marc are the great heroes one has come to expect from Ms. Walters: sensual, loving, playful, and very caring...You'll read this story in one sitting, guaranteed."
—4 hearts, Sarah W, The Romance Studio
"N.J. Walters pens a beautiful story of courage, love, and passion in Christina's Tapestry."
—4 roses, Cynthia, A Romance Review
"Christina's Tapestry is a fast and fun story...This reader hopes there will be a sequel, maybe with the Bakra brothers!"
—4 Angels, Susan T, Fallen Angel Reviews
"N.J. Walters has penned another awesome book that is sure to become a keeper...."
—4 Blue Ribbons, Angel, Romance Junkies
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Excerpt from Christina's Tapestry
©2005 N.J. Walters
Christina opened one eye and frowned slightly when the only thing she could see was a large pair of leather boots in front of her face. It was then she became aware that her mattress was rather lumpy and that her pillow smelled suspiciously like fresh grass.
She closed her eye tight, took a deep breath and then opened them both. But the picture remained the same no matter how many times she blinked.
“I must be dreaming again,” she mumbled to herself.
“And here I thought I must be the one who was dreaming.” The voice was deep, masculine and amused.
Tilting her head back, she followed the boots up over an incredibly long pair of muscular legs encased in a tight pair of leather pants. An open vest emphasized his lean waist, a six-pack of abs and an impossibly wide chest. Her eyes kept traveling upwards, all the way to a face that took her breath away.
The man was gorgeous. His straight black hair disappeared behind his shoulders, but a thin braid came down each side of his temple falling all the way to his waist. The braids framed a rough-hewn face with a prominent nose, thin lips and a high forehead. His eyes, a golden-brown, blazed with desire as his gaze ran over her scantily clad form.
She sat up quickly and scuttled backwards away from the giant in front of her. Her fingers dug into the moist ground beneath her. Twisting her head from side-to-side, she tried to get her bearings. Her bed was gone, her room was gone, and she certainly wasn’t in her apartment.
Instead, she was sitting on the ground in the middle of a grassy field with a tall, thick forest surrounding her. Somewhere in the distance, a bird was twittering and a butterfly fluttered past her nose, coming to rest on a small patch of purple flowers on her right.
“Are you alone?” The giant frowned down at her and she swallowed back a scream, shaking her head. There was no way in hell she was telling this man that she was alone.
He took a step towards her and she scrambled to her feet, thrusting her hands out in front of her to ward him off. Her heart was pounding in her chest now and her entire body trembled with fear. True, he was the most gorgeous man she’d ever laid her eyes on, but he was also a total stranger.
However, the longer she stared at him the more familiar he seemed.
He stopped immediately and his gaze softened. “There’s no need to fear.” He held one hand out to her and his voice became calm and almost hypnotic. “You cannot be out alone without protection. Come to me.”
She almost took a step towards him. Almost.
Standing her ground, she glanced about for something she could use as a weapon. Anything. “Who are you?” If she could keep him talking, it might give her time to figure out what in the heck she should do. “Where am I?”
“I am Jarek of the House of Garen.” He paused. “And you, little one, are on my land.”
“Well, I don’t know how I got here, Jarek of the House of whatever, but I’d sure as heck rather be home in bed.” She remembered what she’d first thought when she opened her eyes and suddenly everything began to make sense. “I’m dreaming, again.”
His outfit looked familiar and it finally came to her why she felt she recognized him. Sizing up the man in front of her one more time, she suddenly decided that it wasn’t such a bad dream to be having.
The look of hot lust in his eyes was not the kind she was used to being directed her way. Under his gaze her nipples pebbled into tight buds that pushed against the silk of her nightgown. Her body certainly remembered the pleasure he’d given her in her dream last night.
She licked her dry lips and stood a little taller, thrusting her breasts out slightly. If possible the heat in Jarek’s eyes grew more fiery. As she watched him, a very large bulge grew in the front of his breeches. A shiver of desire shot down her spine.
It was nice to have a name to put with one of the warriors from the tapestry. Jarek. She liked the sound of it, strong and solid and noble. “You’re one of the warriors from the tapestry.” She knew he had to be, but for some reason she wanted him to confirm that.
The lust in his eyes disappeared in a blink and a cold, hard gleam appeared there instead. “Tapestry?”
Christina swallowed back her fear. After all, this was just a dream. “The one with the castle and the woods and the two warriors standing in front of it.” She motioned with her hands to show him the approximate size. “I bought it from a strange little shop a couple days ago.”
“The prophecy has begun.” His voice was low, his tone almost reverent as he bowed his head for a moment. When he raised his head again, his face was set in determined lines. “You are alone and must come to the castle for protection.”
Christina didn’t like his imperious tone and she liked his command even less. “I think I’ll stay here until I wake up if it’s all the same to you.”
The dumbfounded look on his face told her that no one said no to this man very often. He cocked his head to one side as he stared at her as if trying to figure out whether she was being difficult or if she was just plain crazy. At the moment, she’d opt for the second one. This whole dream was nuts.
Part of her wanted to go with him. If she were lucky, maybe this would turn into another long, erotic dream. A woman didn’t get a chance to have sex with a guy this hot very often, even if it was just a fantasy. But in the harsh light of day, he looked too big, too powerful and just too intimidating as he took another step towards her.
Panicking, she once again threw up her hands in front of her to stop him. “If you’re the warrior from the tapestry, where’s the other one?”
Strong arms enveloped her from behind and a pair of tan muscled forearms clamped around her stomach. She was pulled back against a rock-hard chest as a soft voice whispered in her right ear. “I’m right here.”
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Bakra Bride
Book 2: Tapestries
by N.J. Walters
Jane Smith has the perfect corporate job, a beautiful apartment and an understanding boyfriend. She works long hours, but enjoys her life. It all begins to unravel the moment she witnesses a murder. Now, her former life has vanished and she is left to rebuild.
Just when things seem to be taking a turn for the better, the thrift store tapestry that she’d impulsively purchased magically transports her to Javara, a world that resembles medieval earth, and into the arms of the Bakra brothers.
Zaren Bakra is shocked to discover that the tapestry has delivered Jane to Bakra land as the tapestry prophecy has already been fulfilled for this generation. Their world is strange to Jane, and her very presence ignites violence and death.
Now the two eldest brothers will use all their sexual skills, separately and together, to convince Jane to stay in Javara and choose one of them for her husband. But the tapestry will reappear in just three days. Will Jane return to her own time and all that is familiar or will she become the Bakra bride?
"...a sensual masterpiece! ...There is adventure, mystery, danger, passionate love scenes and spellbinding characters. I laughed and cried as I met and grew to love the characters... anyone who loves romance should read this book."
THE CRYSTAL TATTOO AWARD—Ophelia, Erotic-Escapades
"Bakra Bride is a fabulous read... Ms. Walters has definitely lived up to her previous tapestry book and the high calibre of writing she is accustomed to providing her faithful fans. A definite must read!"
5 Cupids—Marina, Cupid's Library Reviews
"I love a book that can move me to laugh, to cry and to heave a sigh of pure envy, all in the span of moments, Ms. Walters has done just that!"
—Stephanie McGrath, PNR Reviews
"This author's mastery at bringing her characters' emotions and desires to life is as provocative as her sensual love scenes."
4.5 roses—Jackie, A Romance Review
"...with every book that she writes, N.J. Walters just keeps writing better and better. The plot flows, the sexuality is deliciously hot and extremely well-written, and I just adore how her characters relate to each other."
—Talia Ricci, Joyfully Reviewed
"...the writing is excellent, the story fast-paced and the love scenes explicit and scorching hot....BAKRA BRIDE is a terrific sequel to CHRISTINA'S TAPESTRY, and I would enjoy reading more of the tapestry series. This book is a compelling, fast-moving, and seductive tale..."
4 Blue Ribbons—Belle Rouge, Romance Junkies
"Ms. Walters' Tapestries series is absolutely fabulous! She pens a sexy tale of love and time travel that grabbed my attention and held on tight. I hope there are many more Tapestry books to come."
4 cups—Susan White, Coffee Time Romance
"N.J. Walters has continued the wonderful Tapestries series with BAKRA BRIDE... I look forward to reading the twins story and hope it will be coming out soon."
5 Angels—Serena, Fallen Angel Reviews
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Excerpt from Bakra Bride
©2006 N.J. Walters
Laying her head down on the tapestry, Jane ran her finger over the fabric, tracing the intricate stitching that created a forest haven that seemed alive. Closing her eyes, she breathed deep. She swore she could almost smell the heavy scent of flowers in the air and hear the buzz of the insects as they roamed from flower to flower. Water lapped against the shoreline and a bird sang from some nearby perch.
Frowning, she rubbed her palm over the tapestry. She didn’t remember a lake in the picture, but a lake would be wonderful. The fish would breach and land back in the water with a splash. A smile curved up the corners of her mouth. That would be lovely.
She twitched her nose as something flicked it. The smell of violets filled her nostrils. The light, haunting smell was absolutely incredible. She brushed her hand over her cheek when something feathered lightly over it. She really didn’t want to wake up, but when she felt it again, she slowly opened her eyes.
The light was bright in her eyes. Funny, she couldn’t remember leaving a light on. Blinking, she brought the world around her into focus. Slamming her eyes shut, she scrunched them tight, counted to ten and slowly opened them again. She definitely wasn’t in her apartment.
A shuffling to her right made her turn her head. A huge male chest filled her line of vision. Swallowing hard, she looked up over the tanned expanse of skin, along the strong column of his neck, until she found herself staring at the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. His pale blue eyes ensnared her and she was afraid to blink, afraid he was just a figment of her imagination and would disappear as quickly and quietly as he appeared.
Long blond hair trailed over his shoulders and a thin braid ran down on either side of his temples, framing his face. And what a face. His features were strong and his nose had a slight bump, indicating that it had been broken at some point in his life. There was a hint of arrogance in the tilt of his jaw and a sensual curve to his thin lips.
He was too good to be real. She closed her eyes again and counted to ten once again. The sounds of the woods still rang in her ears but this time it was joined by a masculine chuckle. “Where is your man?”
Her eyes popped open again. “What man?”
He gently stroked a purple violet over her cheek. That must have been what had awakened her earlier. She was enthralled by the dainty flower being held so carefully in his massive hand. In fact, she was so enthralled, she almost missed his next words. “Surely a treasure like yourself is not alone?”
Nerves struck her suddenly. What the heck was she doing? She was lying here next to a complete stranger. And where the heck was she? She started to scoot away, but found herself flat on her back with him leaning over her.
Bracing his arms on either side of her head, he threw one muscled thigh over her legs, caging her easily. The only thing to do was brazen it out. “Listen mister. I don’t know who you are or what’s going on, but you’d better get off me.” She was pleased that she sounded so tough and decisive. That was more like her.
Except, he didn’t look impressed at all. Instead, he looked quite amused. He wasn’t smiling, but there was a distinct twinkle in his blue eyes. “I am Zaren of the House of Bakra and you are on my land.”
“Well, you’ll have to excuse me. I have no idea exactly where I am or how I got here or where exactly here is.” She knew she was starting to babble, so she took a deep breath. Calm. It was important to remain calm. Although that seemed an impossible task with a gorgeous giant looming over her. The heat coming off his large body was amazing and she had to fight her inclination to just lean into it and absorb it. The man was a living, breathing female fantasy.
Fantasy.
“Of course, this is only a dream,” she muttered. It was too bad he wasn’t real. But on the other hand, she didn’t need to be afraid of a dream. “It’s another dream. Just like last night. You’re one of the warriors.” She didn’t know why it had taken her this long to figure it out. Probably because it had been so dark in the other dream.
He stilled when she said the word dream. She could feel the sudden tension in him. “Dream?”
Reaching out, she patted his chest. Really, she couldn’t resist a quick touch. Who knew when the dream might come to an end? “I fell asleep with the tapestry again.”
He struck with the swiftness of a predator bringing down prey. Her hands were captured in one of his and extended over her head. He lowered his body over her as his head moved closed to hers. She was trapped, unable to budge an inch. The indulgent male was gone, replaced by the implacable warrior.
Swallowing hard, she stared up into his hard face. He frightened her as much as he had last night. There was a barely leashed power about him that was scary. The ease with which he’d overpowered her made her tremble. Stiffening her spine, she gritted her teeth as she pushed against him. “Get off me, you big oaf.”
He appeared to be carved out of stone. There was no give at all in his hard body or his severe features. “Tell me about the tapestry.”
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Woven Dreams
Book 3: Tapestries
by N.J. Walters
In Javara, women are scarce and brothers must share a woman, although only one can claim her as a wife.
Scarred and maimed from a battle fought almost a year ago, Jarmon Bakra is afraid chances are slim that he and his twin brother, Garrik, will find a bride.
While on a hunting trip, the brothers stumble upon a woman in the forest claiming to be a tapestry bride. Now that fate has dropped a beautiful, courageous woman in their path, they will both use all their sexual skills separately and together to convince her to stay.
But Genny has secrets of her own and they have only three days to uncover the truth.
"This author's name signifies intense emotional stories and this one does not disappoint...I can't recommend this book enough..."
5 Hearts—Lisa Freeman, The Romance Studio
"I was amazed at the beautiful details that N.J. Walters incorporates in this book...The manner in which the Tapestries series is expanding is full of grace and I can't wait to see what's in store for us next!"
5 Kisses—Kerin, Two Lips Reviews
"Passion, hunger, danger and betrayl, they're all components of the latest fantastic read from the talented pen of N.J. Walters. Don't miss this book."
—Lori Ann, RRT Erotic
"...a fantastic tale that will have readers begging for more."
5 Cups—Jenifer, Coffee Time Romance
"This is a wickedly delightful read and one that I never wanted to end."
4.5—Susan, Night Owl Reviews
"...the most amazing, compelling and sexy Warriors I've read in a long time, simply put this is a wonderful series."
—Stephanie McGrath, PNR Reviews
"I can't get enough of Ms. Walters' writing, as she always manages to add just enough emotion and eroticism to her stories to make them truly erotic romance."
4/5 Stars—Mireya Orsini, JERR
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Excerpt from Woven Dreams
©2007 N.J. Walters
Genita swallowed back the fear that threatened to overwhelm her as the stranger continued to move steadily toward her. She’d been on her own for many days now and this was the first time she hadn’t heard someone coming in enough time to hide. There was no doubting the man was a warrior. If the four-foot sword strapped to his side wasn’t enough of an indication, there was the man himself.
He was huge. She figured he stood about six-and-a-half feet—much the same size as her brothers, but the similarity ended there. Where her brothers were large, strong men, this man was massive. Bronze armbands wrapped around his thick biceps and wrists, and the open vest he wore gave her a clear view of his impossibly wide chest. Long blond hair flowed freely to his waist and his blue eyes glittered with some emotion she couldn’t name. His lips were full, his nose straight and his jaw had a hint of arrogance as he tilted his head to the side to stare at her. He was a warrior all right.
It was the bulge in the front of his pants that frightened her the most. She’d lived around large, rough men her entire life and she’d heard them talk, heard them brag about their sexual conquests. If her brothers came across a lone woman in the woods, she had no doubt as to what would happen. The only question would be if the poor woman would survive or not.
She clutched the dagger that Radnor had given her. The sweat on her palms made the handle slippery and she tightened her grip. The edges of the handle dug into her skin. Still moving steadily toward her, he seemed totally unconcerned about her weapon and that added to her fear. He’d even sheathed his own sword. Given his sheer size, she had no doubt he could easily overpower her.
“I won’t let you rape me.” Brave words when she wasn’t sure her shaking legs would support her much longer.
Her words stopped him cold. He was out of the water now, standing on the bank of the river several feet away. His blue eyes turned glacial as his eyebrows drew together in a scowl. Pure menace rolled off him in waves. “I would never do such a thing.”
She snorted. As if she’d believe him! The bulge in his pants hadn’t gone away. If anything, it appeared even larger now that he was closer to her. “Then just leave.” She’d meant her words to be strong and threatening as she brandished the dagger in front of her. Instead, they were little more than a whispered plea.
He shook his head and she almost believed the look of regret on his face. “That I cannot do.”
Genita nodded in understanding. He would do whatever he would, but so would she. She hated to expose herself to him any more than she already had, but she couldn’t fight with only one free hand. She silently cursed herself for having removed her chemise and giving in to the need to wash some of the trail dirt from it as well as her body. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, but her actions then had now left her in a very vulnerable position.
Usually she waited until nightfall to wash, but the day had been so hot, she hadn’t been able to resist the lure of the cool river water. It was too late to change what she’d done. All she could do now was use it to try to give herself an edge against this unknown man. Forcing her fingers to open, she released her death grip on the bodice of her dress, allowing it to slip to her waist.
His eyes went straight to her exposed breasts and it was then that she lunged.
Strong arms caught her from behind, wrapping around her upper body and trapping her arms at her sides. Oh gods, there were two of them! She struggled, jerking her body from side to side and kicking out with her feet. There was no escape. Her soft-soled leather boots struck what had to be his legs, but it was like hitting solid wood. There was no give in him anywhere.
He held her easily with one massive forearm as he used his free hand to pry the dagger from her grip. She gritted her teeth, desperately trying to hang on, but it was useless. The weapon fell to the ground beside them.
“I’m sorry,” the low male voice whispered in her ear. “But I cannot let you harm my brother or yourself.”
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Threads of Destiny
Book 4: Tapestries
by N.J. Walters
Marc Garen knows and understands the laws of his world. On Javara, women are scarce and brothers must share, although only one can be her husband. But he is lonely to the depths of his soul and longs for a woman of his own. A woman who has haunted his dreams.
Kathryn is a scientist, fighting to save two genetically enhanced super soldiers from termination when a magical tapestry transports them all to Javara. Now three men share Kathryn’s bed, all bent on satisfying her every desire. But Marc is resolved to make her his alone. He has three days to convince her…before the tapestry returns.
"N.J. Walters certainly doesn’t disappoint with her latest addition to the TAPESTRY series...THREADS OF DESTINY is a beautiful story which I’ve happily added to my ‘keeper shelf'."
5 Blue Ribbons—Chrissy Dionne, Romance Junkies
"What a wonderful way to weave a tale for a character that so many of us loved. N.J. Walters has given us a fantastic and unique way to revisit a character that I personally had hoped would find happiness. I highly recommend you read this if you are one of the many fans of N.J. that wished to see Marc's story revisited. Heck, I recommend the whole series! Twists, turns, excitement and totally hot alpha male warriors...is there anything better?"
—Stephanie Q. McGrath, ParaNormal Romance
"Ms. Walters has delivered another quality romance filled with lava hot sex!"
4 Stars—LT Blue, JERR
"The plot moved along rather swiftly and every time I thought the conflict was resolved, the author twisted the story and engaged my emotions once again...This has been a great series and I look forward to reading about the next couple the tapestry joins together."
4 Hearts—Lisa Freeman, The Romance Studio
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Excerpt from Threads of Destiny
©2009 N.J. Walters
Taking a deep breath, she reached out and plucked her favorite book from the table. Its cover now tattered and torn, she’d discovered it among a box of books in the far corner of the room a few months ago. She’d never read anything like those books in her life. They were filled with tales of erotic love and romance. For a woman who’d only had one single relationship in her life, which had been an unmitigated disaster, it had been a revelation.
Christina’s Tapestry had quickly become her favorite of them all. The tale of a woman plucked from her mundane life and swept away to another place and time and into the arms of not one but two warriors had enthralled her. In the land of Javara, women were scarce and the brothers had engaged in a sexual competition in order to convince Christina to stay in their land and choose one of them as a husband. The men shared the woman but only one man could be her husband and claim the children as his own.
That was fine in a book, she supposed, but Kathryn didn’t see how it could work in practice. It was fine for Christina and Jarek, the older brother in the book, but what about poor Marc? Although accepting of the arrangement, Marc had seemed lonely. As silly as it was, Kathryn had cried for Marc. He was a special man and deserved a woman of his own. She’d actually gotten angry with the author for leaving him in such a state.
“Oh God,” she moaned. “I’m losing my mind. I’m worried about a character in a book when Tienan and Logan’s lives are in danger.” She didn’t want to think about what would happen to her if her part in this were ever discovered. Using their superior physical skills and intellect and her knowledge of the lab and the security systems at the various checkpoints in the city, they’d managed to get both men out of their confinement cells last night and away from Piedmont Corporation. Now, they had to figure out what to do next.
She wrapped her arms around herself, blinking back the tears that threatened. “What I need is a magical tapestry to whisk all three of us out of this mess.” She smiled wistfully, thinking how nice it would be not to have to worry about her father, the General and the entire situation for just one day. Her entire life had been stressful for as far back as she could remember but the past few months that stress had increased tenfold. Exhaustion hit her and she knew she had to go back down to her rooms or eventually Tienan and Logan would come looking for her.
She pushed to her feet and stumbled slightly. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast. The interrogation teams didn’t concern themselves with such mundane things as food and water and now she was feeling lightheaded. Extending her hands to steady herself, she hit the corner of a small trunk. It slid off the top of the larger trunk it was resting on and crashed to the floor. “Shit!” She pitched forward, barely avoiding ending up face first on the floor.
The fallen trunk had popped open and she glanced inside as she wiped her hands on the legs of her pants and steadied herself. A leather-bound journal caught her eye and she plucked it from the depths of the trunk. It was obviously old, the leather cracked. Opening it carefully, she sucked in a breath when she realized it was from one of her ancestors, a woman who’d lived more than one hundred years before. “This is amazing.” She turned one page, then another, reading rapidly.
Closing the book, she tucked it under her arm. She needed to read this. She was about to close the top of the trunk when something caught her eye. Plucking the bundle of fabric from the trunk, she shook it open, coughing and sneezing when dust flew from it. Carrying it closer to the light, she exclaimed with delight as the pattern emerged.
“Well, you wanted a tapestry.” It was exactly as she imagined the one in the book would be and although it was dirty, she could see the myriad colors in the fabric. Red, green, blue, black, brown, white, silver and yellow all peeked from beneath the layer of dust, forming a picture. There was a stone castle in the center, surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna, most of which she’d only seen in pictures. The river beyond the castle looked so real, she thought that if she touched it her fingers would get wet. “Incredible,” she whispered. The colors would be positively vibrant after a good cleaning.
A man stood in front of the castle, tall and proud. He was dressed in brown pants and boots, his chest bare. Long brown hair fell to his waist and his golden-brown eyes seemed to stare at her, through her. Her nipples tightened dramatically, making her gasp. What was wrong with her? The longer she stared at him, the more aroused she became. Her panties were damp and her body felt heavy, almost lethargic.
This was crazy. It was definitely time to break out her vibrator. She groaned as she realized that wouldn’t happen anytime soon. Not with Tienan and Logan staying with her. She’d spent the last seven years trying to think of them only as friends but with them here with her now that was becoming much more difficult. They were both handsome, virile men and she was only human after all. And she was a woman who, because of her commitment to her work and the lack of opportunity to meet someone who wasn’t cowed by her father, hadn’t had a man share her bed in over five years.
A noise startled her, sending her pulse racing. “Who’s there?” She thought about what she’d heard. It had sounded almost as if someone had sighed. That was crazy. It was probably the wind in the eaves or something.
No one answered but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t alone.
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Coming March 26th!
Embroidered Fantasies
Book 5: Tapestries
by N.J. Walters
Roxanne Sykes is a divorced waitress, trying to carve a life for herself after escaping an abusive marriage. Her quiet life is shattered when her ex-husband finds her. Before he can harm her, a magical tapestry whisks her away. She finds herself in a strange land, in the presence of a man straight from her erotic dream.
Radnor Craddock’s life has been one of violence and brutality. He never expected the tapestry of Javara lore would bring a woman to him and his brother, Sednar. They only have three days to try to convince Roxanne to stay and both use their considerable seductive skills to do so.
The erotic encounters are like nothing Roxanne has ever experienced. Yet, she cannot trust her judgment. After all, she married a man who abused her. Then there are the dark hints and innuendoes of the Craddock’s violent past. But when her ex-husband threatens her, Radnor and Sednar risk their lives to save her. Will she leave or stay and claim these wounded warriors as her own?
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Excerpt from Embroidered Fantasies
©2010 N.J. Walters
The shape of a huge man loomed over her. Roxanne scrambled away even as she opened her mouth and screamed. Michael had found her and he was trying to kill her.
She blinked as she scuttled away. She was lying on a hard, scratchy surface. Something was wrong. She didn’t recognize her surroundings. Had Michael knocked her out and taken her somewhere?
Her body broke out in a cold sweat and her heart pounded so hard it hurt her chest. Roxanne couldn’t breathe. She tried to scream again but couldn’t get enough air into her lungs. Terror filled her even as her fingers closed into fists. She would fight back. She was a victim no longer.
He moved into a shaft of light coming from a high window. Roxanne frowned. It wasn’t Michael. Her heart skipped a beat. He was huge, maybe even bigger than her ex-husband. His expression was fierce. His golden-brown eyes reminded her of those of an eagle, sharp and predatory. His jaw was square, his lips firm. He had a bump in the center of his rather large nose and a wicked scar on his right cheekbone just below his eye.
His dark brown hair fell all the way to his waist. She swallowed hard when she realized he wasn’t wearing a shirt. His massive chest was bare, covered only in a light sheen of sweat. Oh god. Was he one of Michael’s friends? The one from prison Michael had mentioned. He didn’t have any tattoos. But that didn’t mean anything. It was naïve to think everyone who went to prison had them.
He held out his hand. “There is no need to be afraid. You are safe.”
She frowned. She’d heard those words before. His voice was familiar too. The fog cleared from her mind and she tried to remember what had happened. She’d hit her head on the edge of the table. Michael had caught her when she’d made a run for the kitchen, dragging her back to the living room and tossing her onto the davenport. She’d landed on top of the tapestry.
She stilled, staring at the stranger who’d made no move toward her. She noted a few things she hadn’t before. He was wearing thick bronze bands around his biceps and his wrists. Leather pants molded the heavy muscles in his thighs. Brown leather boots covered his feet, rising almost all the way to his knees. But it was the huge sword strapped to his waist that caught her attention. How she’d missed it before now, she had no idea. The thing had to be at least four-feet long.
“You’re the mystery man from my dream,” she blurted.
He frowned, his dark brows drawing together. He took a step toward her and she shifted back until her back struck something hard. She was in a stone room of some kind, sitting on several bales of straw or hay. Impossible.
“Dream?” He lowered himself slowly until he was sitting next to her. She was effectively caged in with nowhere to go. He lifted his hand toward her and she flinched in spite of her resolve to be brave. He hesitated, but didn’t stop until his fingers cupped her jaw. “What dream?”
His voice was deep and compelling. Before she knew what she was doing, she was spilling the details. “You saved me from my ex-husband and then took me to a castle, and then…” She could feel the heat creeping up her cheeks and knew she was blushing at the memory of what had happened, even though it had only been a dream. “This must be a dream too. Maybe I’m unconscious somewhere.” She grabbed a piece of skin on her arm and pinched. Hard. “Ouch.”
He sat back and his fingers drifted away from her face. “Why did you do that?” He seemed genuinely perplexed.
“Because I’m dreaming,” she explained. “Michael was attacking me and I fell.” She frowned. “Maybe I have a concussion or something,” she muttered. She sensed her dream man’s growing impatience and hurried on. “You saved me from him the first time, so I guess my subconscious conjured you again. I blame it on the tapestry.”
She sensed the change in him immediately. His entire body tensed, every muscle coiled and ready to react. Expectation filled the air around them. “What tapestry?”
She heard the urgency in his voice and responded. “The one I bought from the white-haired lady at the flea market. It was pretty dirty, but it cleaned up nice. It had a picture of two warriors standing in front of a castle so it’s no wonder I conjured you out of my imagination.”
And why she was babbling about an old tapestry when she was probably in grave danger, she had no idea. Had to be nerves. But if she was dreaming, why was she nervous? Roxanne was confused and her head was pounding. She raised her hand to her left temple and touched it gingerly, moaning when it increased the throbbing in her brain.
“You’re hurt?” He leaned forward and tilted her face toward the light.
“It’s nothing,” she lied. “It’s just where I hit my head when Michael tossed me over the side of the davenport.”
A low growl came from her dream man, yet she was no longer afraid. She sensed he was angry on her behalf. He’d protected her before in her dream, so it was natural for her to trust him. And she couldn’t keep calling him dream man. “Who are you?”
His brown eyes captured her with their piercing gaze. “I am Radnor of the House of Craddock. You are at Craddock Keep.”
The name was strong and suited him. Unlike her ex who was a golden boy, this man looked dark and dangerous. Not the sort you wanted to meet in a back alley. He exuded danger.
He gently fingered a lock of her hair. “Who are you?”
She swallowed hard, ignoring the way her heart tripped when he touched her. It wasn’t from fear, but arousal, which wasn’t at all appropriate given the circumstances. He was waiting patiently for her to respond to his question, so she answered. “Roxanne Sykes.”
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