Snow Angel Read online

  Table of Contents

  Synopsis

  What Reviewers Say About Ronica Black’s Work

  By the Author

  Acknowledgements

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  About the Author

  Other Ronica Black Titles Available via Amazon

  Books Available From Bold Strokes Books

  Synopsis

  Maggie Douglas enjoys her reclusive life in the mountains. She writes her books, loves her dog, and enjoys the spoils of living at the base of the San Francisco Peaks in Northern Arizona. Hurt by a long-time lover in her past, she keeps people at bay and keeps her life simple…

  Ellie Falcon is dangerously beautiful and infinitely famous. Her life is ruled by her agent, her job, and an endless schedule of appearances. She stars in the number one show on television, she has the world at her fingertips, but she is desperately lonely and desperate to get away…

  One snowy evening brings the two together in a way they never could’ve imagined. Can they both let the past go and let love in?

  What Reviewers Say About Ronica Black’s Work

  “Ronica Black’s debut novel In Too Deep has everything from nonstop action and intriguing well-developed characters to steamy erotic love scenes. From the opening scenes where Black plunges the reader headfirst into the story to the explosive unexpected ending, In Too Deep has what it takes to rise to the top. Black has a winner with In Too Deep, one that will keep the reader turning the pages until the very last one.”—Independent Gay Writer

  “…an exciting, page turning read, full of mystery, sex, and suspense.”—MegaScene

  “…a challenging murder mystery—sections of this mixed-genre novel are hot, hot, hot. Black juggles the assorted elements of her first book with assured pacing and estimable panache.”—Q Syndicate

  “Black’s characterization is skillful, and the sexual chemistry surrounding the three major characters is palpable and definitely hot-hot-hot…if you’re looking for a solid read with ample amounts of eroticism and a red herring or two you’re sure to find In Too Deep a satisfying read.”—L Word Literature

  “Black is a master at teasing the reader with her use of domination and desire. Black’s first novel, In Too Deep, was a finalist for a 2005 Lammy…With Wild Abandon, the author continues her winning ways, writing like a seasoned pro. This is one romance I will not soon forget.”—Just About Write

  “The sophomore novel by Ronica Black is hot, hot, hot.”—Books to Watch Out For

  “Sleek storytelling and terrific characters are the backbone of Ronica Black’s third and best novel, Hearts Aflame. Prepare to hop on for an emotional ride with this thrilling story of love in the outback… Wonderful storytelling and rich characterization make this a high recommendation.”—Lambda Book Report

  “This sequel to Ronica Black’s debut novel, In Too Deep, is an electrifying thriller. The author’s development as a fine storyteller shines with this tightly written story. …[The mystery] keeps the story charged—never unraveling or leading us to a predictable conclusion. More than once I gasped in surprise at the dark and twisted paths this book took.”—Curve Magazine

  “Ronica Black handles a traditional range of lesbian fantasies with gusto and sincerity. The reader wants to know these women as well as they come to know each other. When Black’s characters ignore their realistic fears to follow their passion, this reader admires their chutzpah and cheers them on…These stories make good bedtime reading, and could lead to sweet dreams. Read them and see.”—Erotica Revealed

  “Ronica Black’s books just keep getting stronger and stronger… This is such a tightly written plot-driven novel that readers will find themselves glued to the pages and ignoring phone calls. The Seeker is a great read, with an exciting plot, great characters, and great sex.”—Just About Write

  “Ronica Black’s writing is fluid, and lots of dialogue makes this a fast read. If you like steamy erotica with intense sexual situations, you’ll like Chasing Love.”—Queer Magazine Online

  Snow Angel

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Snow Angel

  © 2015 By Ronica Black. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-62639-651-7

  This Electronic Book is published by

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, New York 12185

  First Edition: September 2015

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Bold Strokes Graphics

  Cover Design By Melody Pond

  By the Author

  In Too Deep

  Wild Abandon

  Deeper

  Hearts Aflame

  The Seeker

  Flesh and Bone

  Chasing Love

  Conquest

  Wholehearted

  The Midnight Room

  Snow Angel

  Acknowledgements

  Many thanks to my long-time friend Mindy. Time never stops us and it never will! A huge thanks to Keen, who was always so gracious in welcoming me to her home on the mountain. I will never forget it.

  Prologue

  The shivering had stopped. She didn’t know what it meant, but she knew it was bad. She couldn’t feel her hands or feet; the sensation of having them had gone long ago. She’d made it back to the SUV, but she’d been gone too long. Now she was weak, barely able to stand. Her hand had trouble with the door. Fatigue settled over her like a peaceful lullaby, a weighted blanket that promised peace and warmth. She just wanted to sleep, to close her eyes and fall away. Fall, fall away like a drifting leaf.

  Unable to open the door, she fell to her knees. The snow was deep, and she was sure it would start falling again. The ice-infested wind assaulted her face like thousands of needles, leaving her numb and nearly frozen.

  She’d taken a risk and lost. She’d seen the snow, knew it was going to continue to fall, yet she’d driven through the gate anyway. It was the first snow of the season; how bad could it get? She’d asked the question again and again. Even when her tires sank and refused to move. But reality had soon penetrated. And she’d been wrong. Dead wrong.

  She tried to stand once again. One last try and she fell against the SUV. She used the vehicle to push herself up. Her fingers were stiff and nearly useless as she fumbled again with the door. She tried two hands and pulled up as hard as she could. The door clicked and cracked open. She wanted to shout for joy, but she didn’t have the strength. All she could do was shove the door open and crawl inside. She sat for a long moment in the driver’s seat staring out into the snow. She had to close the door, but she w
asn’t sure if she could.

  “One more time,” she mumbled. She reached out and nearly fell. She tried again and managed to wrap two fingers around the armrest. She pulled as best she could, and the door closed but not all the way. She sat back and breathed. The door was now blocking the wind and snow, and that was all that mattered. She tried cranking the SUV again. Nothing. She’d hit something just before the vehicle had stopped. A rock, a log, she wasn’t sure. She only knew that she had no heat, no phone, and no hope. She couldn’t even power on her phone. It was completely dead because she’d forgotten to charge it. The one day she forgot and it was the one day she needed it most.

  She stared at the white wall of snow on the windshield. The fog of her breath reminded her she was still alive. But this was how it would end. The heaviness of her eyelids would win out and she’d fall asleep and die. She knew it and she accepted it. Her fate was sealed. She was going to fall asleep and not awaken. Fall, fall, fall.

  Chapter One

  Maggie Douglas slowed her snowmobile and stopped near her log cabin home. Packing the trail was hard work, and from what she’d just seen on her cell phone, it was no use. Another storm was coming in after this one, so she’d have no need to ride the trail up to the ski lodge parking lot where she kept her car. No one would be going out in this. She pushed her goggles up and adjusted her neck gaiter. She tugged off a glove with her teeth and checked her phone again to be sure about the incoming weather. It vibrated in her hand, and her friend Frank’s name appeared on the screen. She answered quickly, wondering if her distant neighbor needed help.

  “Frank, how are you?” She killed the engine to hear him better.

  “Maggie, oh thank God.”

  “Something wrong?” Frank was in his seventies, and though he still moved like he was as strong as an ox, she often worried about him all alone in his cabin.

  “Yes. Dear Lord, yes. Maggie, I need your help. Are you home?”

  “Yes.” She stared off into the waning sun. She had time to make it to him before dark, but she’d have to ride back home in the dark and in the storm. The thought made her uneasy, and she knew she’d have to stay at his place.

  “Can you go check the road?”

  Maggie was perplexed. The road leading to their properties should be closed. They kept it closed during snow season.

  “Isn’t the gate closed?”

  “I think she might’ve got in before they closed it. Oh God, I hope not.”

  “Who is she?” Maggie’s pulse began to race as the thought of someone stranded alarmed her.

  “I can’t tell you that.”

  “Sorry?”

  “I can’t tell you who she is. If she’s not stuck and you know who she is… aw, damn it, I hate this. She wants her whereabouts to be kept secret. She’s a dear friend and she asked to use my cabin for a few days. I said yes, of course, as I always do, and she was supposed to arrive before the storm, but she must’ve got held up. I think she tried to drive in rather than go to the lodge to get the snowmobile. Like I said, she doesn’t want to be seen. Anyway, I haven’t heard from her and I can’t reach her. Her cell phone goes straight to voice mail and she’s not answering the cabin phone.”

  Maggie had no idea what was going on with the woman, but she knew the situation wasn’t good.

  “I’ll ride the road, but I need to do it now.”

  “Thank you, Maggie. Thank you. Call me as soon as you can.”

  Reason told her she couldn’t make it there and back before dark, but her drive to help someone in need was stronger. Besides, Frank knew where she was, and he’d call for help if needed. She tucked the phone in her jacket, lowered her goggles, and slid on her glove. She started the engine and took off quickly, thankful she’d packed the trail most of the way down. She tried to keep a trail along the road to check the gate from time to time as a precaution. She’d helped more than one stranger who’d found themselves stranded. Maggie hoped that wasn’t the situation today.

  As she accelerated, her mind wandered back to the phone call. Who was the mysterious woman? Why couldn’t she know her name? And why was she trying to get to Frank’s cabin in the middle of a snowstorm when Frank wasn’t even there to welcome her?

  Answers weren’t forthcoming. Almost as if her mind was being as coy with her as Frank had been. It seemed she’d just have to wait and see.

  Maggie took in the stark white landscape. Trees were smothered with snow, struggling to move in the gusts of wind. Save for her machine, she knew it was completely quiet, muted by the fallen white. The silence was what she loved most. The heavy peace pressing down on the trees, encasing everything. It was what had drawn her to this mountain. And this evening, it seemed, it may have drawn someone else as well.

  She slowed as she neared the area she hadn’t packed. She began to pan from left to right, searching for a vehicle. She pressed on as best she could, worried about rocks and anything else that wasn’t covered well in the snow. Her mountain sled was newer, and it maneuvered nicely in deep, powdery snow, but she still had to worry about hitting things.

  She squinted and slowed to a crawl. She saw what appeared to be holes in the snow. As she drew closer, she recognized them as deep footprints. Someone was out there. She called out and eased on, following them. The wind pushed, but she kept on, praying she wouldn’t find a body face down in the snow.

  “Hello!” She saw something ahead. She sped up, the footprints leading right to it. Her heart began to race as she considered how long the woman might’ve been out there.

  She slammed to a stop next to the covered SUV. The snow encasing it was thick, which meant the person had been stuck for a while. Hurriedly, she yanked off her goggles, slid off her machine, and pawed at the ice, digging for a door handle.

  “Hello?” she called out.

  She pounded on the window and realized the door wasn’t closed all the way. She drew a deep breath and pulled it open, expecting to find a body or someone unconscious. But instead she was met with a stark white face. One she recognized immediately.

  “Ellie Falcon.” She shook her head in disbelief, saw Ellie’s eyes roll and close, and instantly went into rescue mode.

  “Can you hear me?” Maggie held her face. Then she pressed for the pulse in her neck.

  “Frank,” Ellie said, opening her eyes. “Frank knows.”

  Maggie found a weak pulse under skin ice-cold. Her lips were blue, and ice crystals stuck to her eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair.

  “What’s your name? Can you tell me your name?”

  Her eyes rolled again. “Ellie.”

  “Good, now, Ellie, are you hurt? Are you bleeding anywhere?”

  Ellie stared at her in a daze. “No.”

  Maggie did a quick scan and then wrapped her arms around her and pulled her from the vehicle. She set her on her feet, but Ellie had a hard time standing. Maggie hugged her to her and then examined her bare hands.

  “Can you feel anything?”

  Ellie didn’t answer.

  “Ellie, stay with me.” Maggie held her face, needing her to focus.

  She wasn’t shivering, and Maggie knew she had to get her back quickly. Calling for help was out because they couldn’t get to her as quickly as Maggie could get her back to her place. She needed warmth, and Maggie could provide that.

  “Can you squeeze my hand?”

  Nothing.

  Her eyes drifted closed and then opened as if startled. “Marco? Marco, I can’t do it. I can’t.”

  She was weak. Moving her would be a challenge. Maggie reached inside her coat for her cell phone.

  Ellie pawed at it and slurred something.

  “No,” she said. “Don’t—don’t call. Don’t tell them I’m here.”

  Maggie studied her closely.

  “Please,” Ellie said. “Don’t tell.”

  Maggie was incredulous. But she understood Frank’s strange behavior. She lifted her gently and walked to the snowmobile. Ellie was petite and light in her arms. Sh
e placed her on the snowmobile and then crawled on in front of her.

  “I’m going to call Frank.” She dialed and when he answered she gave him the news. He was relieved she had found her but very worried about her condition. Maggie signed off and unzipped her coat. She turned and helped Ellie ease into it, knowing it would warm her much better than the layers of thin clothes she had on. After zipping her up, she started the snowmobile, she pulled on her gloves, put on her goggles, and accelerated slowly.

  “Can you hang on to me?” she asked, turning her head to the side to speak.

  Ellie said something she didn’t understand, something about Marco.

  “It’s okay,” Maggie said. “We’re going to go now. Lean into me and wrap your arms around me.”

  Ellie did, though not very strongly. Maggie started them off carefully, following the trail she’d made.

  “Hang on, Ellie,” Maggie whispered. “Hang on.”

  Chapter Two

  Ellie Falcon leaned against the woman and closed her eyes. A machine hummed beneath her, somehow soothing her. Beautiful face. The woman had. Piercing eyes. Like Ireland. She loved Ireland. Wanted to buy a place there. Why wasn’t she in Ireland? Where was she again? She forced her eyes open. White surrounded her, and flecks of it were starting to fall like tiny little pillows. Soft, silent, freezing. She could sleep now, just fall, fall asleep. The woman would make sure no animals got to her. Marco would be pissed, his moneymaker gone, but she would be at peace.

  Where was she? Frank knew. Frank knew she was there. Why didn’t she? She tried to concentrate. Snow, yes. There was snow. Trees. Not Ireland. Why was she thinking of Ireland? The woman, yes. The woman. Who was she? Did Frank send her? Did Marco?