#Excerpt Leaving Tarth, a free bonus story inside Forever Love #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Excerpt

In his office, Luc handed Ms. Mead the last document requiring his signature and leaned back in his chair. "Hard to believe this time tomorrow, I'll be on a ship bound for the edge of the Empire on a honeymoon with the man I'm crazy about. I'm one lucky guy."

"Shall I remind you what you usually say about luck?"

He rocked forward and folded his hands on the desk. "What's that?"

"I believe the saying goes, 'the harder I work, the luckier I get.'"

How he treasured this woman. Her skills ensured his success, but no matter how much he paid her, it would never equal his esteem. "I'm going to miss you."

"Oh, you won't miss me." She shifted her hold on the documents. "I intend to withhold vital details just so you have to call in now and then."

With a laugh, he stood and went around the desk. "I believe you would." Luc draped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a light squeeze. Hands clasped behind him, he walked with her to the door of his office. "Izzorah made his choices for wedding pictures earlier today. I'm expecting Feeyona soon to go over mine."

"Nothing else is on your schedule. Have a wonderful trip, sir."

He bowed. "Thank you."

"I'll announce Ms. Joie when she arrives."

"No, just send her in. I'll be making some final notes. She won't be an interruption. Once she's here, feel free to go. I'll see Feeyona out myself."

"Very well. Goodnight, sir." She exited, shot him a smile, and drew both doors shut.

Luc had seated himself and pulled out his mobile when a faint glow across the room caught his attention. The silhouette of Pietas darkened one window.

The office doors were still shut, but that would change. "My lord, I'm expecting someone. You shouldn't be here."

His king stepped into the light. "I won't stay. I came to wish you a safe trip."

Luc stood and joined him. "Thank you. Is that the only reason?"

"I'm planning to leave the Empire for a few years."

The man was leaving? Declare a victory and break out champagne. Finally.

"Maybe I'll come back when you end your life here. Assuming," he added drily, "that you do plan such a thing."

"I figure another twenty years ought to do it. Those in other empires will be glad to see you." No, they wouldn't, and they both knew that, but Luc felt duty bound to say it. "After all, there's not much you can do here. No reason for you to stay."

Oh, but anyone who knows Pietas knows he never does what people expect... I hope you'll enjoy the story.

Forever Love is out May 13, 2021 and Leaving Tarth is a bonus.