QSFer Kashel Char has a new MM sci-fantasy book out: Draxton.
Have you ever looked for something you know is there but can’t find it?
My name is Draxton Dubois, and I am a speleologist. When it comes to maps and finding what I’m looking for, I become a tire-screeching, hyper-focused maniac. I utilize my charm to get what I want. I know no one can refuse me when I’m wearing my sexy speleologist jean shorts, even if I wear flip-flops and a wide-brimmed hat. My obsession with my work leaves very little room for intimate relationships. But I will do anything to secure an extension to explore the Star Caves, nestled in the Cradle of Mankind, South Africa. With my grandfather’s map in hand, I set out to barter for more time. The plan was simple. Entice, seduce, and bribe the man responsible for my future. He accepted the bribe, my priceless map, but became a pain in my butt as soon as he started showing up at the site.
“He can’t get lost, even in complete darkness. He possesses a unique talent. He can effortlessly navigate underground tunnels and cave systems simply by crawling through them. Once he’s outside, with pen and paper, he can recreate everything from memory as if a machine had scanned and recorded it. Draxton Dubois is the world’s finest cave cartographer.”
Warnings: One of the main characters is on the autism spectrum and persons sensitive to this character type may find certain situations triggering.
Get It At Amazon
Excerpt
I turned and pointed to the ablution block. “I’ll be back,” I said, ignoring Kellan, who stood with his hands locked behind his neck, teasing me. There’s nothing worse than working with a full bladder and no urinal in sight. The general rule of thumb is to empty your bowels before entering the caves. We keep drinking and eating to a minimum until we exit again, then we rehydrate once we’re outside. Unlike the assholes climbing Mount Everest, we speleologists never leave anything behind. We carry glow-in-the-dark urinals with us, which we empty, wash, and reuse daily to ensure we don’t have to crawl outside prematurely or piss where we work.
“I need to use the facilities as well,” the professor said from somewhere behind me. I was doing my best to avoid him. He was becoming a real pain, and not the enjoyable kind. Since our meeting on campus, he had paid us three visits, and three times he had given me the I’m-not-interested treatment. I had work to accomplish, I had made my effort, and I wasn’t going to belittle myself any further. I stormed into the bathroom, furiously relieved my bladder, gathered the urinals I had cleaned and sterilized last night, packed them inside their netted bag, washed my hands, and charged outside, colliding with Kellan’s broad chest with an oomph.
“Careful,” he said on a chuckle just before I could slam on my brakes.
“Excuse me,” burst from me, my voice squeaking with nervousness.
In a flash, I cataloged his warm, tall, and sturdy frame against me. A constant cloud of exquisite smells hovered around him—a spicy leather scent with notes of citrus and lavender. His beautiful dark eyes and wide smile revealed straight, shiny white teeth. Sweet hot sauce! I was jittery around this man.
His arms wrapped around me, pulling me in for an embrace. My eyes widened, and I inhaled sharply. It felt amazing yet horribly uncomfortable. This man made me edgy. He smiled, his expression almost playful, like a gorilla preparing to play with me until I was dead.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.
I nodded, attempting to steady my racing heart. “I-I think so,” I stammered.
He chuckled again, not tightening and also not releasing me from his hold. “Sorry for scaring you,” he said, his tone sincere.
I shook my head, still trying to regain my composure. “It’s okay,” I finally managed to say.
He flashed me another charming smile, still not stepping back. “Well, I should probably let you continue on your way,” he said, gazing in the direction of the caves.
I nodded, grateful for the chance to escape his overpowering presence. “Yes, please excuse me. Please and thank you,” I replied, eager to return to the caves, my heart still pounding.
“Draxton Dubois, you are excused, but I hope this is not the last time you end up flustered in my embrace.”
Too close. Too tight. Too sexy. Too bloody much! I thought. His arms felt like industrial steel clamps around me. His breath carried a minty scent, like the gum he was chewing. His affectionate eyes and rigid body pressed flush against mine signaled that he wanted me. He focused on my mouth. The tip of his pink tongue swiped over his plump bottom lip. I stood mesmerized, forgetting that I was about to be broken in half by the jaws of life. He chewed and moved the spearmint bubblegum around. I wanted half of it. If we kissed, I would get half. I would steal a piece, bite it off, and then push his half back into his mouth. The thought had me panting. The heat between us was scorching. Too fucking hot. As much as I wanted to kiss him, I wasn’t going to. This time, it’s up to him to make the first move, and I don’t intend to make it easy for him.
“Nope, not gonna happen.” I wiggled my arms free and pushed him away.
“Do you want me or not, Draxton?” he asked gently. Damn it! He’s creeping under my radar. That’s exactly what he’s doing!
Shaking myself like a wet dog, I tried to rid myself of the hooks he’d harpooned into my body. If I didn’t escape him, he’d reel me in—my mind and my body. Before I could say anything else, Kellan turned and disappeared into the washrooms while Tobias was coming up the trail, laughing.
Screw this, I thought as I veered right toward the cave’s entrance. “I’ll get started,” I muttered to Tobias, too embarrassed to look at him.
He clapped his hands once. “You two are so much fun to watch.”
I turned my head up to the sky and shouted over my shoulder, “Tobias, I’m going to kick your ass one of these days!” Then I lifted both my arms over my head, pointing two middle fingers at him before entering the cave’s mouth.
“You can try!” he taunted, then shouted back, “See you in two minutes!”
I pretended not to hear him. Asshole, I thought. Tobias found us entertaining. Kellan flipped all my switches like Lady Gaga plays piano, up and down. I didn’t know how to act around someone so perfect for me and yet not wanting to sleep with me. What’s wrong with him? He’s making me a chasing fool. I liked the challenge, but this was too much. I don’t pine after impossible men. I don’t have the time to… All I can do now is ignore him and pretend he’s ugly and stinks like a decomposing pig.
Author Bio
I’m a Canadian speculative Male/Male Sci-Fi Fantasy and Paranormal Romance writer.
My writing explores who we are, where we come from, and where we are going as a human race on Earth.
I weave and bubblegum questions and subjects by creating new, exciting worlds and characters. Their stories are unpredictable, twisted with a dash of humor, and centered on gay characters.
You will question your existence among these worlds and wish you could escape to these places filled with foul-mouthed heroes who struggle and strive to save humankind.
I hope you’ve discovered something that excites and intrigues you.
Love to all creatures—Kashel Char.
| Author Website | www.kashelchar.com |
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| Author Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kashelcharsyfy |