Yes, it's true. It's Series 2 of the Kiara Trilogy! I just fell so deeply in love with these characters, and the history around them, that I had to pick them up for a few more books. So what does that mean for you, as a reader? Well, it means that if you have not read the Kiara Trilogy (Principles, Shades of Shame, and Sweet Dreams) you are going to be lost for a good portion of this book. Therefore, I reccommend reading those first. You can find them on my website in their pure and unadulterated form, or here on ff.net with links to all the missing scenes. (That address is and there you can find ALL my work. Well, most of it. What I've actually posted anyhow.)
As for the rest of ya, you know the drill. Links to NC scenes will be provided although frankly, there's so much borderline shit in this book that I'm not posting a link every time two characters screw around. So if you get offended by heavy implication, seduction, whatever you wanna call it, don't read. Please. I don't wanna piss anybody off.
SPECIAL THANKS to TurtleNinja and to PK, without whose help, I NEVER would've gotten this book done. Also a few thank yous along the way, but to those two for all their editing and brainstorming help. This book has been a ROYAL pain in the ass, but it's been fun! lol
One other important note: Some of this book is present, but a lot of it is a flashback. It will be noted along with the title on each chapter when it takes place (either in the present or 8 years ago). That time (-8 years) was a few months before Principles. 3 1/2(ish) months, more specifically. So at that time, Leo and Madonna were well acquainted, but not sleeping together. And Kat was not an issue in the lives of the TMNT.
Heh. And for those keeping track... Guess what? I don't own the TMNT. Nor do I own Shredder, April, or... gee I think that's about it for this book. Of course, TECHNICALLY, I don't own the damn BOOK because it's fanfiction. *sigh* But it was fun to write. Anyhow. That's the disclaimer. This is the story. Enjoy.
Look at me
Would you find it in your heart?
My depth perception must be off again
'Cause this hurts deeper than I thought it did
It has not healed with time
It just shot down my spine...
To make this go away
And let me rest in pieces...
-Saliva
"Rest in Pieces"
PROLOGUE
SHREDDER:
I felt a presence enter the room and was immediately fully alert. Few people were allowed to enter my private chambers, and none without specific invitation. I glared at the figure then, realizing who it was, turned to my side, facing away from her. She was harmless. "What do you want?" I demanded coldly.
She didn't answer, but I felt her move closer. She set down the candle she was holding on the bedside table and knelt on the mattress. "You are troubled," she whispered, running her hand over my bare arm. "And very tense."
I didn't answer her. She sighed as she leaned over me, putting a fair amount of weight on my body. "Would you care to talk about it?"
"If you want conversation, go find it elsewhere," I snapped. "I did not ask you to come here."
"Do you want me to leave?" she asked, almost mockingly. Her tone angered me further.
"Get off of me," I ordered.
She stood, but did not leave. I turned on my back and watched shrug off the robe she'd draped over her shoulders. She slipped into the bed beside me, her warm flesh pressing to mine. "We don't have to talk, Saki-chan," she whispered, her breasts pressing to my side. "I was never particularly interested in your day in the first place."
I growled quietly. "You are beginning to piss me off," I warned.
"Do you want me to leave?" she asked for a second time.
"Yes. Leave."
"Fine," she shrugged.
She sat up and swung her long legs over the side of the bed. My body protested to the sudden withdrawal of warmth and intimacy. She grabbed her robe off of the floor but did not bother to put it on as she strode naked to the door. I watched her go, and sighed as she was nearly out of the room. At the last moment, I gave in and barked her name.
She turned back and smiled seductively. I knew I did not have to say a word. In a moment, she returned. She decended again onto the bed, slipping underneath the black satin sheets and pressing her body against mine. Her fingers played down the front of my torso as she rested her head on my shoulder. "Is it because of them?" she asked, and I knew at once who "they" were.
"Is what because of them?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice gentle. I really did want her here. Not that I thought she'd leave on her own accord no matter what I said.
"Your anger?"
"We are not going to talk about this right now," I informed her.
"We don't have to talk, then," she whispered, her hands running over my body. "Just fuck me."