It’s Wednesday once again. Last week’s Thursday Threads prompt was a tough one–especially since I did two different snippets. The original came from CROSSFIRE but held spoilers so I didn’t want to share it. Instead, I stumbled across a 25 word jotted-down idea that I thought might fit theIrish mob book. Turns out, when I added the prompt, it did. LOL And the inspiration? **Failure will make things more difficult.** All I know about this scene is that the snippet will fit in back in an earlier part of the book. And it’s a fun peek at the beginning of Ronan and Maura’s mating dance.
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“Wow. I’m impressed.”

“I don’t appreciate the sarcasm.” Ronan arched a brow and his statement did nothing but aggravate Maura.

“That’s too bad. I don’t appreciate you bulling your way into my business.”

“But you are.”

“I are what?” She purposely used the wrong verb, copying his tone.

“My business, Maura Brannigan.”

“What insanity led you to that conclusion?”

His smile was a bit too wolfish to suit her and she would almost swear she saw a yellow glint followed by a flash of red in his eyes as he studied her.

She arched her brow to mimic him. “I’m still impressed.”

“By what?”

Was he preening? She almost snorted. He was! He was preening like a male peacock in full mating dance. Arrogant bastard. Well, time to burst that bubble. “By the fact that you’re able to stand upright and walk around.”

Ronan all but jerked back but caught himself. In a very calm voice that held more than a hint of growl, he said, “What the feckin’ shite are you talkin’ about?”

A part of her brain made note of the fact that his Irish was spilling out with his words. She didn’t care. She offered a sweet smile. “That chip on your shoulder. It’s so big most men would be sitting on their asses, unable to stand much less walk across the the room.”

That yellow gleam rolled across his eyes again and she fought the urge to back away. It was just a trick of the sunlight spilling through her office window.

He threw back his head and burst into laughter. Maura was not expecting that reaction. “I do enjoy a woman with fire, Maura Brannigan. And you will be mine.”

“No I won’t. This…” She waved her hand between them. “Whatever this is it’s doomed to fail.”

“Failure will make things more difficult so I have no intention of doing so.”
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So there it is. I had fun expanding the original note with the addition of the prompt and I’m looking forward to dipping my toes back in this world. Sooner than later I hope. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the snippet. Writers, feel free to accept the challenge if it gives you some inspiration. Readers, since failure is not an option, let’s talk about success! What have you succeeded doing lately?