My hot and sexy new book Under the Gun is out at the following outlets:
PG Excerpt
Two weeks had passed since Malik was sent home with a general discharge under the DADT policy that should’ve been demolished, but hadn’t, since the government took their own sweet time fully abolishing it. His drill sergeant got just what he’d wanted.
In all reality, the guy feared for his job. Not only did he hate Malik was gay, he envied the fact Malik exceeded in his job. Malik passed every test with flying colors and was well on his way to being promoted. Now, due to his wrongful discharge, he wouldn’t be able to fulfill his dream of being a high ranking officer. His Good Samaritan act did mean they couldn’t release him dishonorably, so he’d keep most of his benefits. He just wouldn’t be able to serve. There was a silver lining to this, however—he’d be able to pursue an alternate career, either in law enforcement or as a private investigator. At least he’d have access to a gun. Malik loved the feel of steel in his hands, and he felt he should have a job that allowed him to carry weapons.
Since he hadn’t found work yet, he was forced to move in with his parents, who weren’t happy about his discharge, but were relieved he hadn’t been deployed. Still, they made sure they let him know about how his “choice” to be a gay man was a detriment to him, and he should shed his devilish ways in order to be the son they expected him to be.
These last fourteen days had been hellish too. Malik couldn’t wait to get his own place in San Fran or San Diego. He had money saved, but not enough to move, so he decided to stay with his folks, at least till he found viable employment. He hoped the discharge wouldn’t be an issue. The lawyer promised Malik if he did encounter problems, there’d be a call placed to Malik’s old superiors.
After he’d folded his laundry, he thought about going somewhere to let off some steam, to get all the violent thoughts out of his head. Why not a trip to the range?
Malik could pretend the targets were those idiots that beat that kid and his old drill sergeant. Why not? His fantasies would harm no one. It was the safest way to let out some aggression without landing in jail.
Just as he prepared to leave his room, his mother came in. “Son, why don’t you come to Bible study with me today? It might do you some good.” She stood by the door, tightly gripping her purse.
Malik sighed and shook his head. He really did love his mother, but the last place he needed to be was at a Bible study. He swallowed hard and cleared his throat. “Mom, I was just on my way out. Maybe I’ll join you the next time you go, okay? Just not today.”
“That’s what you said last week, Malik. And the week before that.” She tilted her head, her eyes flaring at her son, and then pursed her lips.
“Mom, really, I don’t wanna…”
“Malik, you listen to me. If you cared more about your religion, you wouldn’t be in this kind of situation in the first place. You need to start puttin’ God first in your life. Bein’…” she stopped and stuttered. “Desiring a man is against God’s word. You don’t wanna go to Hell, do you?”
Malik rolled his eyes and silently exhaled. He had answers for that, but she was up in age, and he didn’t want to cause her a heart attack. He bit his lip and shifted his weight onto his left foot. “Mom, please don’t lecture me. I was born this way, okay? I love men, I never will…”
“Don’t…don’t…” Mrs. Day put up her hands to her head, and petulantly stared him down. “I don’t wanna hear those words in my house. It ain’t right, Malik. That’s the choice you made and… I mean, you never even tried to look for a woman.”
“Mom, I’m not attracted to women, never have been. Listen mother, with all due respect, I was born this way, and it was my choice to act on it. I could’ve stayed closeted, sure, but why hide who I am in order to make you or dad happy? If God’s gonna judge me because I like to lie with other men, then so be it. For now…” He grabbed his keys for the rental car. “I’m gonna live my life the way I want to. Bye, Ma.” He walked past her and out the door.
“Malik! Malik, you come back here!” she yelled from atop the staircase.
Former Lieutenant Day didn’t bother to turn around. He’d never just flat out ignored his mother until today, but he felt this to be as good of a day as any. She got on his nerves, and if he would’ve stayed there, there would’ve been an argument. Malik blew raspberries after he closed the car door. “Fuck… I need a drink, but I’m going to the range first to let out some of this mad energy!”
The freeway was clear of traffic for a change, and he whizzed along without interruption until he arrived at the shooting range. Just the thought of holding a gun again caused disruption in his pants; one he knew wouldn’t dissipate until he actually held the steel in his palm.
Once he checked in and got the necessary safety gear and ammo, he proceeded to one of the booths and prepared to take aim at the targets. He adjusted his goggles and headphones as he fired a bullet at the panels in front of him.
“Gotcha, heh.” He laughed to himself, while hitting every target with precision. He thought back to basic training, when he’d first held a weapon in his hands. The proudest moment in his life, other than the day he came out of the closet. In both instances, Malik was cocked and loaded. Nothing stood in the way of his obtaining his goal to be a soldier and, in the case of revealing his sexuality, his right to be a happy man.
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Hope you like that snippet! Please go grab a copy!
1 comment:
Congrats on the new release. Fab cover.
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