Poison Dance [Paperback]

James is skilled, efficient, and deadly, a hired blade navigating the shifting alliances of a deteriorating Assassins Guild. Then he meets Thalia, an alluring but troubled dancing girl who offers him a way outif hell help her kill a powerful nobleman. With the Guild falling apart, it just might be worth the risk. But when you live, breathe, and love in a world thats forever flirting with death, the slightest misstep can be poison.
Poison Dance is approximately 14,000 words long, or 54 printed pages. The paperback version of Poison Dance also includes two deleted scenes and two behind-the-scenes articles from the author on writing James's character.

Excerpt:

He handed her a stiletto the length of her hand and molded her fingers around the handle. Her hands were slender and her nails were delicately rounded, though her palms were calloused. The two of them stood in the cramped space between his bed and the window, holding the blade between them.

You can wear this dagger under your sleeves. Then, when you get your chance?.?.?. James guided the knife toward his own throat. Go for the neckthe blood vessels and the windpipe. Youll have to be close for that. Quick.

He lowered the stiletto until its tip grazed his neck just above his collarbone. Her eyes widened, and she looked to his face.

He smiled and tightened his hands around her wrist. Never let your guard down. Never trust anyone, and never leave yourself vulnerable.

What if Id surprised you just now? I could have been sent by someone to kill you.

You wouldnt have.

She arched her eyebrow. I wouldnt have killed you?

You wouldnt have surprised me. He continued. You have to be aware. If someone is this close to you, holding a weapon, you need to be on your guard. Im watching your eyes, your shoulders. Im aware of how youre standing, where your balance is. If you tighten your muscles to strike, Ill feel it in your arm. You should be doing the samlƒp