Slow Burn Book Novels & Stories

Fru's mouth rounded in disbelief as the ink in the book rippled beneath her gaze, words liquefying into an emerald glow. "I want you stable right now" her mouth pursed with desperation as she tried to will the pulsing book between her hand to calm. "Oh gods, what the hell am I doing. Am I going crazy after all?" Fru's right hand rubbed her face, as the book glowed more fiercely, firm in its disobedience. Alive. Hungry. The courtyard melted away, swallowed by shadows and flame. Fru's eyes swerved overhead as she watched the leaves slow in motion. The scent of charred earth filled her nose, the air thick with heat.

12 ARBEN The atmosphere in the auction house was thick with anticipation, buzzing like a swarm of angry bees. I stood in the shadows, watching as the crowd gathered—wealthy men in tailored suits and women draped in designer dresses, their faces eager with greed and excitement. The air felt heavy with desperation and power, and I thrived in it. “Ladies and gentlemen!” The auctioneer’s voice boomed, cutting through the murmurs. He was a slick man, slicked-back hair and a smile that didn't reach his eyes. “Welcome to tonight’s auction! We have some exquisite offerings for you, but the most special of all will be presented shortly. Let’s get started!”

Flashback The hostel was quiet in the way it always was after lights out , not completely silent, just softened. Pages turned. Someone shifted in their sleep. Aria sat on her bed with her books open, highlighter resting uselessly across a paragraph she’d read three times without absorbing. Outside, rain traced thin lines down the window, steady and unhurried. Her phone buzzed. A text from Damien. --It’s raining, Come on… let me make your slow-dancing dreams come true.--

Carla and Travis watched from the sidelines, hands clasped. “We did it,” Carla said, her voice steady. Travis nodded. “And we’re just getting started.” The scars remained, but they were no longer wounds. Dave, Carla, and the other victims were healing, not just surviving but thriving, their journeys a testament to resilience, love, and the unyielding power of talent reclaimed. ----- This marks the end of the Burning Embers: Scorching Tales of Desire. Compiled short story arcs now made their way to their ends.

Watching the police car drive away, I collapsed to the ground. I felt completely drained. After experiencing the same tragedy in both lives, I was at my limit physically and mentally. Michael helped me into the passenger seat of the car and started the engine. As I watched the scenery pass me by outside the window, I couldn't stop crying. Jared hadn't always been like this. I couldn't believe that a person could change so much in just a few years. Years ago, when my house caught fire, I was surrounded by flames. Just as I was at the brink of despair, Jared rushed through the fire like a hero and saved me.

It was better to just be honest. "Let's take it slow." He kissed me softly and tenderly. "Say you love me, Estie." I mumbled, "I love you." "Who am I?" "Leon." In my dazed state, I added, "I love you, Leon." He finally seemed satisfied. "I'm going in, Estie." The emptiness in me was filled, and my whole body was enveloped in a searing heat. I felt like a bird soaring into the clouds.

That spark, once bright and fierce, still burned quietly inside me, and I was determined to fan it into a roaring flame that would melt away every obstacle in our path. I took a slow breath and decided to let my feelings show. I began to undress, one piece of clothing at a time, revealing my skin and the soft curves of my body. With each garment that fell away, I could see the hunger in Sebastian's eyes grow. It was as if every moment, every gesture, was a silent invitation to remember the passion we once shared. I wanted this moment to last, to stretch on until time itself lost meaning—a slow burn that would leave us both breathless and renewed.

A gasp of shock escaped me as the flames retracted and I could have a better look at the Bloody General. ** You can read Alev's book (The Golden Dragon's Surrogate) for f.ree on Kindl.e unlimited. For more information, join my group: T. R. Durant's Realm of Light and Fire

she said firmly, her voice taking a chastising tone. "No, this is exactly the time," I interjected stubbornly. "I saw fire today. Once you light a fire, it has to burn and it doesn't care if this is the time or place. Fire either burns brightly or it fizzles into nothingness and smoke. Without the fire, there is no light. So, are you two burning or fizzling?" I demanded. I wanted an answer. Andrew looked at me, and I shrugged. I might be confused from the drugs, but it had sounded poetic in my head.