Book Title: Black Ice Heart (Unveiled Magic, book 1)
Author: Abrianna Denae
Publisher: Self-published
Cover Artist: Sleepy Fox Studio
Release Date: October 19, 2021
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Tropes: Soul mates, hurt/comfort
Themes: Slavery, fate
Trigger Warning: Mild torture, suicidal intention & ideation
Length: 77 000 words/ 265 pages
It is the first in a new series
The story does not end on a cliffhanger, but there is an overreaching story arc.
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
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Blurb
Born into a wealthy and historically infamous family, all Ryson Melford wants is to live a simple life.
A twist of fate leads him to a man named Jack, changing everything. One touch and Ryson knows he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Jack in his life, despite the warnings from his brothers.
But Jack is not what he seems. Harboring dark and deadly secrets, he’s a mystery that is inexplicably tied to the Melford family. The closer Ryson and Jack get, the more dangerous things become as the present begins to reflect the past, threatening to destroy what is left of Ryson and his brothers.
Ryson finds himself trapped between doing what is right for his family and the man he is unexpectedly connected to. When truths come out and past mistakes are repeated, blood will be spilled…and a magic that was all but forgotten is unleashed in a battle that may spell the end for all of them.
When the bath is filled, Ryson shuts off the taps and turns to face me. He grimaces. “I didn’t plan this out very well. I…ummm…is it okay if I undress you?”
My breath catches in my throat. Yes, Finland and Ryson have been wiping me down, but he’s always turned away whenever Finland efficiently pulled my pants down and cleaned me there.
“It’s okay,” I say softly. “I don’t mind.”
Ryson nods and takes a breath. “I can get Fin if you’re not comfortable.”
“No,” I assure him. “I trust you.”
Slowly, he removes my shirt. I watch as he takes in my scarred torso. This isn’t the first time he’s seen me partially clothed, but this feels…different. The air is charged with something I can’t name, and my stomach knots with nerves I don’t understand.
I want Ryson to look at me and see me. Not the broken mess Mother created. I know I’m not pleasing to the eye. Not only am I scarred, but I’m too thin. Pharaoh isn’t happy with how little I’ve been consuming.
“Can I touch you?” Ryson whispers.
“Yes.”
Slowly, he places a hand on my chest. It’s warm and I can’t hold back my gasp. Our eyes meet and the want in his gaze terrifies me. He shouldn’t look at me like that, but I don’t want him to stop.
Ryson slides his hand down and gently traces along the edges of my wound. Pharaoh removed the stitches yesterday. Thanks to mine and Pat’s magic, it’s healed exceptionally well, but it’s still red and ugly. Sore too, if I move the wrong way.
“I’m okay,” I assure him. “I’m here with you.”
Ryson looks up and there are tears shining in his eyes. Reaching out, I gently brush my finger over his soft cheek. “I’m alive,” I whisper. “You saved me.”
Ryson’s breath hitches and he leans forward, brushing his mouth against mine. We haven’t kissed since the day I woke up fully. We’ve both tried so hard to not blur the lines any further, but every touch makes my blood buzz. Even though this is a bad idea, I can’t stop myself from wanting him.
Ryson keeps the kiss chaste, and as much as I want to take it further, I’m scared to. I don’t know how to…do this with a man.
Ryson pulls back and stands up straight. “Let’s get you in before the water gets cold.” He helps me stand and I hold onto the counter for balance.
Slowly, Ryson pulls my sweats down. He gasps as I’m exposed to him, but doesn’t say anything as he helps me step out of the pants.
“Come on.” He takes my arm and helps me climb into the tub. The water is perfect, and the bubbles help hide me from him. I don’t mind if he looks, but…I don’t want him to see how broken my body is and change his mind about me.
Ryson folds a towel and sets it on the floor before kneeling on it. It’s nice. Sitting here with him, letting the warm water soothe my aching body, the scent of the bubble bath is pleasant.
My mind relaxes for the first time in a long while and I just…be.
I don’t know how much time passes before Ryson is gently touching my shoulder, jarring me back to the present. “You’re going to turn into a prune,” he says softly.
I allow him to guide me up and out of the cool water. I hear him suck in a breath as I stand before him, water running down my body.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispers.
I shake my head. “I’m nothing.”
Ryson steps closer and places his hands on my chest. “Gorgeous,” he insists.
Reaching up, I cup his face. “You’re the beautiful one. I could watch you all the time. I want to touch you, but I don’t know how.”
Ryson gives me a small smile. “That’s okay. You can touch and look all you want. I don’t mind.”
I begin to shiver as the water on my body begins to dry and Ryson shakes his head. “You make me forget,” he whispers. “Whenever I’m in your presence I forget about everything else.”
Abrianna Denae is a twenty-four-year-old author living in Northern California. An English major, she has always had a passion for writing.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued her mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is her best friend, and sleep is her worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, she tries to incorporate as much of her real-world views and feelings into her stories as she can.
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You can also email her at authorabridenae@gmail.com
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