The Serpent's Lair by Kaye Sykes

The Serpent's Lair
by Kaye Sykes

Cover art by Bryan Keller
ISBN: 978-1-60521-311-8
Genre(s): Paranormal, The Fetish Club, BDSM
Theme(s): Shapeshifters
Length: Novella

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1253

Blurb:

The daughter of an eccentric horticulturist, Ivy is devoted to plant science, but craves an intimacy that embarrasses and excites her. When her father is caught trespassing on Marcus Faraday's estate, Ivy has no choice but to offer herself in exchange for her father's freedom.

Marcus makes her darkest desire come true with his whips and chains, but he harbors a secret that might cost them both their lives. Can they learn to trust each other before it's too late?

Excerpt:

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One of her captors threw her over his shoulder while the other sped ahead, the light from her lantern casting a wild light with his hurried pace. She watched her trek around the house in reverse and from an ignoble upside-down position. Her discomfort played second role to her awe at the ease with which the man bore her. She wasn't thistledown, but felt no strain in the man's shoulders from her weight. She grabbed at his waist when he mounted the steps and entered the front door.
The man pushed aside the door to a library. Even from her compromised vantage, Ivy could tell at a glance the room's purpose. Bookcases towered along the walls surrounded a huge hearth. She expected to be thrown on the rug, but her bearer set her on the floor with a gentleness belied by the stern expression on his face. Once her balance was assured, he stepped to the side, his hands behind his back.
"Ivy, dear girl." Her father gazed at her, hope and shame in stark conflict on his face. She went to him relieved, hands outstretched that her search was at its end.
"Forgive me for interrupting what has all the makings of a charming family reunion." Ivy didn't let go of her father's hand as she turned in the direction of the voice.
A figure emerged from the shadows created by the brilliant firelight. He rested his tall form against the desk. His brown eyes reflected a dark irony and his face and hands bore the tint of many days in the fierce sun. Dark brown hair brushed his shoulders, too long for fashion but not unappealing in its length. His shoulders and arms filled out his simple white shirt, and for all the ease of his posture, he had about him a coiled energy.
Her father stepped in front of her. "Leave her be, Faraday. She came here for me and has nothing to do with this."
The master of the house smiled. Ivy had seen warmer countenances on statues. He crossed his arms over his chest. "You have no say. What am I to think but she is here for the same reason? Should I expect a steady parade of your offspring come to rob my house at ungodly hours of the night?"
She didn't want to suffer any more slights. "A poor attempt at humor, sir. I beg pardon for intruding on your quietude, but now that I have found my father, we will take your leave and intrude no longer. Good night."
They made it as far as the door before Mr. Faraday's sardonic voice stopped them. "What about the attempted theft?"
She started to protest when she noticed the guilt on her father's face.
"My man here found your father in my greenhouse with the intent of making off with a prized orchid."
Despite misgivings and her own shame, Ivy whirled on the man. "Your accusation must be unfounded. My father came here with every intention of a trade."
Faraday's white teeth gleamed in contrast to the dark red of his lips and the tan of his face. "I've no doubt his initial intent was an even exchange. But I fear my refusal drove him to desperate lengths. I cannot recall. Are thieves still hanged in this part of the country?"

http://www.changelingpress.com/product.php?&upt=book&ubid=1253