Excerpt & Giveaway! The Nature of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway

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The Nature of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway
Contemporary
L.H. Cosway (June 25, 2013)

 

Synopsis:

Her name is Lana. She wasn’t dealt the easiest cards in life. She wasn’t dealt the hardest. She has an illness, but she doesn’t let it rule her. The first time she laid eyes on her best friend’s twin brother she fell in love at first sight. It didn’t last very long. He was a hateful boy who made her miserable. The happiest day of her life was when he moved away to London six years ago.

His name is Robert. He breaks the ones who love him. He’s always liked to play games with Lana, see how far he could push her. He once thrived on her pain, but no more. Now she’s coming to London to live with his sister for the summer and this time he plans on being her friend instead of her tormentor. But Lana is scarred by his past bullying. She doesn’t trust him, nor does she have any reason to.

When the two find themselves living under the same roof, they call a truce. This summer will change both of their lives, as they put their history aside and learn one another from scratch.

When fear takes over, we use cruelty as a mask. Robert and Lana’s story will see their masks slip away as the love they felt on the inside shows its true face.

 

 

Check out this excerpt from The Nature of Cruelty by L.H. Cosway!

A few hours later, the sound of tapping wakes me, and I slowly rub my eyes before opening them. When I do I practically jump out of my own skin, because a pair of heated dark brown eyes are staring right back at me.

Robert is sitting in a chair that he’s pushed up to the side of my bed and is tapping his short fingernails against the wooden surface of the nightstand. The moment draws out, and I feel a blush creep across my skin. I fell asleep lying on top of the blanket in shorts and a vest top. Robert is eating me up with his gaze.

“What on earth...” I mutter, trying to figure out whether or not this is a dream. Robert is still there, though, even after I blink several times. Now he smiles.

I gape at him, at the audacity of him to come in here while I was sleeping, but he doesn’t give me a single word of explanation.

“Well done, Rob. You’ve succeeded in creeping me the fuck out. You can leave now.”

One end of his mouth twitches, and he continues tapping his fingers. “Creeping you out? I don’t understand.”

“You need help, do you know that? It’s no wonder your girlfriend kicked you out of your own apartment, especially if this is the kind of behaviour she had to put up with.”

For a split second he winces, but then he covers it up with a laugh. “You are fiery these days, aren’t you?” He glances at my hair, which has curled a little because I slept on it damp. “I suppose it matches those locks.” His eyes move lower and stay there. “Now, that’s a good look for you.”

I narrow my eyes, not knowing what he’s getting at, before I glance down to see I’m braless. Feeling indignant, I reply, “What, breasts? I should hope so. Women are generally supposed to have a pair.”

He gives me a vague look that’s almost a grin, but not quite. “Nipples, too.”

“Huh?” I say, embarrassed now, rubbing at the back of my head. Two seconds in Robert’s company, and I can already feel a headache coming on.

He leans in closer, and I jump back instinctively. He keeps coming, though. His breath whispers over my cheek when he gets close enough, and he says, “Women have nipples, too. And I can see yours.”

Okay, that’s the last straw. I push him away from me, hard. Then I get up and push him to the door, and then out into the hallway. “Stay away from me, Rob. I’m serious. I’m not getting sucked into your games this time.”

 

About the Author L.H. Cosway is a self-employed writer, editor, and proofreader. She has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Find L.H. Cosway Online:  Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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