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Apr
30 2012 | ||
The last of the trio in CAPTIVATED is Vincenz Cuomo – exiled son of the leader of the Imperialist Universes. He’s been trying to prove himself for years after he escaped with little more than his life and a goal of taking his father out. He’s put most of his life, most of his energy into serving the Federated ‘Verses in their war against his father’s rule, working to prove his loyalty and has recently finally been appointed to the Phantom Corps. His relationship with Julian has come as a surprise, though a welcome one. Julian gives him a place to call home, understands him. And then he finds Hannah in that cell and frees her and she’s just as unexpected as Julian ever was. They both understand and accept him in ways he was sure he’d never experience and though he’s got his own baggage, he’s utterly sure of his feelings for both his man and their woman. At first with Hannah it’s that he wants to help her.
Protect her. But the more she recovers, the more she reveals the Hannah underneath all the pain and trauma, the better she gets, the more difficult he and Julian find it to resist her…
Here’s a scene from the opening of the book, just after he’s freed Hannah and they’re on the way back to Mirage where his home is.
He managed to sit down while still carrying her. “Have you traveled via portal before?” He spoke to her softly but firmly, and she slowly opened her eyes.
She nodded.
“Can you speak?”
She paused, as if she didn’t know. “Yes.” Her voice was full of snags and burrs.
“I’m going to strap in so I need to touch you.”
Her fingers tightened in his shirt and then he saw her force herself to relax enough to let go. What had they done to her?
“You can stay in my lap. We’re just going to hit some disturbances in the energy flow. They’ve collapsed the portal on Parron so we need to move far more quickly.” He strapped them both in as he explained.
She nodded.
“What’s your name?” He’d seen it on the log back at the lab, but he didn’t want to lose her and she seemed so very far away in her mind right then. Fear lived in her gaze as she scanned the room.
“My name is Hannah Black.” She paused as if she wanted to say more, but then didn’t.
“Hannah, my name is Vincenz. I said it back there, but it was sort of hectic. You’re safe now. No one is going to hurt you.”
She looked doubtful but didn’t say much. Her color had risen to something close to normal, which he was encouraged by. Andrei held Piper and they shared a look. Piper had broken down utterly after seeing what happened to her brother and Andrei had given her a sedative. He rocked with her, slowly, rubbing a hand up and down her back.
His friend had found something entirely wonderful in Piper Roundtree. Vincenz hoped it would help Piper get through the grief.
“Would you like something to eat?” She was thin. He could feel her bones, so very close to her skin. Fragile, and yet he sensed she was a very strong woman despite that. Maybe because of that.
She nodded and after they were able to get some distance from the collapsed portal, the ride smoothed out. “We have a small bathing suite here. If you’d like to clean up a little.”
Wonder flashed over her face and then she bit her bottom lip. Worry and fear were back on her face.
“What is it, Hannah?”
“Would you . . . stay?”
His chest tightened at the entreaty in her voice.
“Of course.” He unstrapped and stood, placing her carefully on her feet. She took his hand and he had no desire to take it back. Leading her through the ship toward the sleeping berths, he took in the way she ate up every detail. And that’s when he noticed her limp.
“What’s wrong with your leg?” He paused to kneel and examine it closely. Shrapnel had torn through the skin. “I’m sorry I didn’t see this earlier. We need to clean it up. Sit while I get the triage kit.”
She held very still, her gaze taking in every move he made has he cleaned out the wounds. “I’m going to hold off on the numbing gel until after you bathe.”
She swallowed hard and shook her head. “I’m fine.”
He didn’t want to argue with her so he stood, taking her weight as they finished the walk. “Here we are.” He pointed toward the bathing suite. “I can’t vouch for the heat in the water, but there’s soap and it’s big enough to get clean. I’ll see if I can’t find you some clothes.”
She looked to the door and then back to him. Over and over. And then she slid to the floor, her shoulders shaking as she wept.
He went to his knees and hugged her, not knowing what else to do. “What is it?”
“I’m . . . I’m sorry.”
“How long did they have you in there?”
She reached up and touched her scalp. “Eleven.”
“Weeks?”
She shook her head. She paused, clearly thinking, and he wondered how hard it was for her just to simply speak to another person after her ordeal. “Months, I think.”
Almost from the start, Alexander Scarsgaard was Vincenz in my head as I worked…
All comments will be entered in the grand prize #2 drawing!
April 30th, 2012 at 3:37 am · Link
Wow! The visuals for “Captivated” just keep getting better and better.
April 30th, 2012 at 4:09 am · Link
I was looking forward to the last character presentation for Captivated. I’m not disappointed! I like the choice of Alexander Scarsgaard and the pictures you’ve chosen are really good.
I’ve read a very positive review of Captivated on a blog today: it makes me want to read it even more!
April 30th, 2012 at 4:36 am · Link
Love all the excerpts for Captivated! Alexander Scarsgaard is a great choice for Vincenz.
suz2(at)cox(dot)net
April 30th, 2012 at 4:43 am · Link
I have really enjoyed these character posts. With each post, I get more excited to read Captivated.
April 30th, 2012 at 4:52 am · Link
I can’t get enough of these excerpts!! With each one I get drawn in more and more! I love it. 😉
April 30th, 2012 at 5:10 am · Link
And tomorrow I can finally read their story as soon as it’s downloaded on my Kindle.YAY!!!
April 30th, 2012 at 5:20 am · Link
Alexander Scarsgaard! *Swoon* Greaaat choice
April 30th, 2012 at 5:50 am · Link
Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhddddd!!!
It’s so hard to wait (and I’m holding off on ordering it because I’m hoping, really really hoping, to get a shiny signed copy–that second grand prize, I wants eeet!)
April 30th, 2012 at 5:52 am · Link
I agree – Alexander Scarsgaard is quite the hottie! That’s some inspiration!
April 30th, 2012 at 6:05 am · Link
Being somewhat pop culture ignorant, I have not recognized the previous inspirations for Julian and Hannah. I feel so proud that I am aware of this one!
April 30th, 2012 at 6:34 am · Link
Great excerpt. Vincenz sounds awesome.
April 30th, 2012 at 6:39 am · Link
Oh, nice. Nice, nice, nice. Need to scroll back and find me some more of this one! (and when it’s coming out!)
April 30th, 2012 at 7:12 am · Link
Great exertpt he sounds so hot whoo Ty ➡ 😎
April 30th, 2012 at 7:22 am · Link
Oh, man, he is SEXY! Perfect for Vincenz ~ I love that dark, brooding look. Yum!!
April 30th, 2012 at 7:29 am · Link
This book seems to be full of awesome characters!
April 30th, 2012 at 7:39 am · Link
LOVE it! Can’t wait for this to hit the kindle around midnight tonight!
April 30th, 2012 at 7:40 am · Link
Is it Tuesday yet??? I’m seriously going to love these 3 characters!!!
April 30th, 2012 at 7:49 am · Link
Yay! Cant wait for tomorrow!
April 30th, 2012 at 7:49 am · Link
So excited for tomorrow!
April 30th, 2012 at 7:58 am · Link
Yum! I’ve been waiting for this book.
April 30th, 2012 at 8:20 am · Link
yay! I am so excited for this book and I love the visuals! What a hottie!
April 30th, 2012 at 8:30 am · Link
This is a very nice visual to have in your head while writing what is sure to be an excellent book!
April 30th, 2012 at 9:34 am · Link
I’ve read this scene twice and it’s made me tear up both times. I think I’m going to have to stay up until midnight so I can download this one right away. 😉
April 30th, 2012 at 9:59 am · Link
What a great excerpt. I think I’m going to really like Vincenz. Thank you.
April 30th, 2012 at 10:48 am · Link
I like the three you picked for each character.Great excerpt.
April 30th, 2012 at 10:56 am · Link
Askars is the perfect Vincenz. I did know he was your inspirations so it influenced my visual of him when I read the ARC. He is such a great character.
April 30th, 2012 at 10:57 am · Link
Alexander Scarsgaard, nice!! I love the character visuals you have given us, can’t wait to read this.
April 30th, 2012 at 12:25 pm · Link
I think I will stay up till midnight also. I so cannot wait to read this book. Will not get much sleep tonight. 🙂
April 30th, 2012 at 1:03 pm · Link
So soft and gentle, a true hero moment.
April 30th, 2012 at 1:06 pm · Link
Thank you for another wonderful excerpt! It’ll be great have faces in mind as I read Captivated tomorrow.
April 30th, 2012 at 1:09 pm · Link
Nice! Nice! Nice!!!
April 30th, 2012 at 1:11 pm · Link
Oh wow, that excerpt was such a tease! I have to move Phantom Corps up on my TBR pile. Thanks.
April 30th, 2012 at 1:18 pm · Link
It’s almost here. Great pictures
April 30th, 2012 at 1:41 pm · Link
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Vincenz. He made Julian and Hannah so much better.
April 30th, 2012 at 1:48 pm · Link
I just read a great review for “Captivated” on The Book Reading Gals.
April 30th, 2012 at 3:15 pm · Link
OH DEAR! I just spotted that an author was promo this book for you and then I see Alexandar was your inspiration DROOL SO NOW I MUST GET ALL YOUR BOOKS! 😀
April 30th, 2012 at 5:18 pm · Link
Another nice picture and excerpt.
April 30th, 2012 at 5:43 pm · Link
Great intro, Lauren–thanks for letting us meet Vicenz!
April 30th, 2012 at 6:16 pm · Link
Loving the excerpts. Great choice. He’s gorgeous when wet.
April 30th, 2012 at 6:23 pm · Link
Oooo, I can picture Alexander Scarsgaard as Vincenz. His eyes are so expressive. Thanks for the visual!
April 30th, 2012 at 6:50 pm · Link
I like your pick. So ready for tomorrow.
April 30th, 2012 at 7:48 pm · Link
Got the book this evening in the mail and started reading it – Hannah is one lucky lady!!!
May 1st, 2012 at 8:00 am · Link
I love Alex Scarsgaard and Vicenz sounds pretty yummy, so that’s a great combo.
May 3rd, 2012 at 6:56 am · Link
Lucky Hannah.