Immortal Trust by Claire Ashgrove (Spotlight/Excerpt)

In just ten days, Claire Ashgroves newest book the The Curse of the Templar series releases! To gear up for it's release we have a great excerpt to share with you...

Immortal Trust
The Curse of the Templars, 
Book III

When archaeologist Chloe Broussard accepts the contract to lead a dig in Ornes, France, she has no idea she will uncover Veronica's Veil. When she does, she discovers a danger far greater than the demons that stalk her in the night. Azazel wants her, as well as the Veronica, and his chosen minion is her brother. Her hope lies with immortal Templar Knight, Lucan. Her life depends on oaths she knows nothing about.For countless centuries, Lucan of Seacourt has lived with the knowledge that his brother killed their family. Now, as Azazel's darkness eats away at his soul, old betrayal stirs suspicion. He trusts no one. Not even the seraph who can heal his dying spirit.With the fate of the Almighty hanging in the balance, Lucan must find faith in something more terrifying than the dark lord's creations. He must learn to believe his heart.

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EXCERPT:

“No,” she answered in a strained whisper. Tugging her hands free, she grabbed at her courage. She shook her head and added in a stronger voice, “No, Lucan. You just usurped my authority with my student. Despite your assurances you trust my intentions, you insulted me nonetheless.” Pulling on her coat, she took a deep breath and attempted a final blow that would forever terminate any thought of a less than professional involvement. “No dinner tonight, no dinner tomorrow. No dinner ever.”

“Chloe—” 

She lifted her hand to silence his protest. “I don’t want to hear it. You just kissed me without my permission. Consider yourself lucky I’m not planning on turning you in for sexual harassment.”

Taking two purposeful steps toward the door, she glanced over her shoulder and met his frown with courage she didn’t feel. “Now, you have my relic in your vehicle. As long as we are here, I’m in charge of its care. You can either transfer it to the Mercedes, or you can take me back to the hotel.” She zipped her coat with more effort than necessary, nearly catching her chin. “When we do get there, that golden trunk is going in the safe in my room. Because, quite frankly, I don’t trust you.”

The widening of his eyes told her he hadn’t expected that remark. But Lucan refrained from comment and merely gestured at the door, inviting her to exit first. She pushed it open and stepped onto the snow-covered steps. When he exited behind her, she tugged her keys out and locked the double-wide. “So, what’s it going to be?”

To her complete surprise, despite her lecture seconds earlier, he grabbed her by the hand and twined his fingers through hers. “Caradoc and I shall drive you.”

She scowled at their locked palms. Tugging, she attempted to break free from his possessive hold. 

He held fast.

She pulled harder. “I don’t want to hold your hand, Lucan. Turn me loose.”

As his boot crunched into a newly formed mound of snow, he came to an abrupt halt and swiveled around as if she’d called him out. “If you are not careful, milady, you will force me to prove just how false your words are by kissing you without your permission once more.”

Shocked, Chloe gasped. She opened her mouth, but words failed her. What the hell? Surely she hadn’t heard him right. He hadn’t just announced he’d assault her again. 

A strange, completely unacceptable thrill slid through her veins. The first kiss had been so damnably nice. A second . . . 

She stopped the thought by clamping her teeth into the inside of her cheek until she tasted blood. Good grief, what was the matter with her? She was starting to resemble the foolish Miranda.

“Do it and I’ll—” The threat stopped on the tip of her tongue as Lucan’s gaze flared with annoyance.

“You shall what?”

About the Author:

Building on a background of fantasy game design, a fascination with history, and a lifetime love of books, Award-Winning Author Claire Ashgrove brings to life action-filled, passionate journeys of the heart. Her first contemporary novel, Seduction's Stakes, sold to The Wild Rose Press in 2008, where she continues to write for the Champagne and Black Rose lines. Adding to these critically acclaimed romances, Claire's paranormal series, The Curse of the Templars (Tor), marries the history of the Knights Templar with the chilling aspirations of the most unholy--a must-read for speculative fiction fans. Her books have received multiple nominations for "Best Romance of the Year" awards as well as placements within a variety of contests, including the rigorous, Reader's Crown Awards, where Immortal Hope was named Best Paranormal Romance of 2011. For those who prefer the more erotic side of life, she also writes darkly arousing espionage novels for Berkley as the National Bestselling Author Tori St. Claire.
She is an active member of Romance Writers of America, and her local RWA chapters, Heartland Romance Authors, Midwest Romance Writers, and North Texas Romance Writers of America.

Claire lives in Missouri with her two young sons and too-many horses, cats, and dogs. In her "free" time, she enjoys cooking, studying Ancient Civilizations, and spending downtime with her children and the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.claireashgrove.com, or www.toristclaire.com.