Melting Ice 5

By D.J. Manly

Sin is a police officer with no time to focus on anything else. The sting operation coming up could make or break his career. But no nothing prepared him for the sexy distraction waiting for him at the bar.

Weaver thought he had left his bad decisions and bad past behind him. But now they returned to demand a favor: distract a cop during a drug buy. When he sees his target, he wishes he could mix business and pleasure.

When things go wrong, they find themselves in an unwitting alliance. Is that enough to melt the ice of a freezing winter night?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mojocastle Press
• Release date: Apr 1, 2013
• ISBN: 9781601801791

D.J. Manly

D.J. Manly is first and foremost a writer, but is also a college professor, a small business operator and a sociologist who works as a consultant on research projects. D.J. is a proud Canadian who lives in French Canada, and speaks both English and French. Human rights are a great concern, and D.J. longs for a peaceful world free of sexism, racism, and homophobia. D.J. writes for the pure love of writing, and always with the reader in mind. If D.J. doesn't enjoy reading it, it won't be written. Great characters, great sex and a great love are the elements you’ll find in D.J’s work. There is nothing quite as exciting as beautiful men falling in love. Come taste D.J’s work, but be careful, you may become as addicted to reading it, as D.J. is to writing it. One reviewer said of Manly’s work that reading it can give you “…third degree burns in an air conditioned room…” I think that says it all.

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http://www.mojocastle.com/

Also By D.J. Manly:

Melting Ice

Melting Ice 2

Melting Ice 3

Melting Ice 4

The Russos: Digital Soap

Dedication:

To the faithful fans of the Melting Ice Series.

Chapter One

Sinclair Richmond stopped dead. Doug sat on the side on his bed, his gaze focused on the dark blue carpet. Sin briskly hooked the towel around his lean waist. What are you doing here? It wasn't meant to sound harsh, but he supposed it did.

You don't need to cover up, Doug lifted his head. It's not like I haven't seen it before.

I thought you left your key. Sin didn't approach. He ran a hand through his wet, shoulder-length dark hair and sighed heavily. He didn't need this, today of all days.

We made a mistake. He stood. We really need to think about this, Sin.

It's over, Doug. Stop this.

It's not over for me.

Sin met his gaze for a moment; misty blue eyes. It was a mistake from the beginning, Doug.

We've always been close, you know that, Sin. You're my best friend. What am I going to do without my best friend?

I told you this could happen. It was my greatest fear. It's too late to go back now.

I miss you so damn much. I can't think about anything but you. It can't end like this.

Doug, Jesus. I can't do this now, Sinclair snapped. Tonight is a very important night for me. It could make or break my career, everything I've been working for. I have to focus.

He nodded. Is it dangerous?

You know the answer to that.

Doug reached into his pocket and pulled out a key. He held it up. I had a spare. He placed it on the bed. I know you never wanted this. It was all me. It wasn't fair the way I took advantage, but I thought… He shrugged, his fair hair falling into his eyes. You know.

Yes, Sin nodded, I know. Doug walked out of his bedroom. He looked thin and a little pale. He was always fragile in some way, always in need of someone to protect him, soothe his hurt. Sin had been pretty much doing that since they were six years old.

He missed Doug too, but not for the same reasons. Doug's absence left a big hole in his life. He'd feared something like that would happen from the moment they'd brought their relationship to a new level. Sex. The moment they'd become lovers, it had been a disaster, a downward spiral to ugliness. Doug had struggled with his sexuality since he was a teenager, whereas Sin had always known who he was. Sin used to tease Doug, accuse him of living out his unacknowledged gay fantasies through his sexual romps. Doug denied it, but he'd always ask Sin to tell him every detail about his numerous one-night stands. There were many nights that Doug would ditch some girl to spend it with Sin, listening to his sexual adventures.

Then just last year, Doug made the plunge and slept with a man. He couldn't stop talking about it, and confirmed to Sin that he was gay. Sin was happy he'd finally come out, and he never suspected that Doug's desire would be directed toward him. To Sin, Doug was like a brother, and then a few months ago, Doug took Sin out barhopping one night and got him drunk. When Sin woke up the next day, Doug was in his bed, naked. He wasn't sure what to do, what to make of it. He assumed nothing happened, until he saw the used condoms.

Doug gave him every reason why they were perfect for each other, and before the morning was out, they had sex again. Sin really wanted skyrockets to go off, and although it was pleasant, it confirmed to Sin that he didn't feel the same way about Doug.

Sin was afraid to hurt him. Doug was so excited about their new relationship. He assumed that they were a couple. He'd always had a key to Sin's place, but suddenly he was using it and coming in whenever he wanted. He even began talking about moving in together. Sin tried to avoid sleeping with him again, but several times Sin woke up with Doug beside him.

Doug became possessive. He was a Federal Marshall, and he always gave the impression that his job was more important than Sin's. When Sin made detective and began to work on the streets with the drug squad, Doug started to insist it was too dangerous, and that he should change jobs. Sin suspected that Doug was jealous of his promotion.

For a little while, Sin desperately tried to let Doug know that this couple thing between them wasn't working out. He just wouldn't—or couldn't—take the hint. Finally, Sin knew they needed to have 'the talk'.

Doug didn't take it well.

I knew this would finish our friendship, Sin told him. I love you, Doug, but as my best friend, not as my lover. I regret letting it go on this long. I didn't know how to tell you and…I don't want to lose you.

Doug had always been sensitive. I'm all right as a friend. Not good enough to share your bed, though. The argument had escalated from there. Sin lost his temper, as he was prone to, and demanded his key back. Now this afternoon, three weeks later, Doug is sitting on his bed. It couldn't have happened at a worse time. Tonight, after a lot of investigative police work, he'd finally pinned down the location for a major drug buy. It was dangerous, but exciting as hell, and Sin's adrenaline was pumping even now thinking about it. He couldn't let his feelings about Doug get in the way.

* * * * * *

Weaver read the passage in his book over for the third time. Finally, he threw it aside and went to look out the window. His roommate had already left for work, agreeing to fill in for him tonight at The Grenada Restaurant. Thankfully, Teresa hadn't asked too many questions when Weaver told her he didn't feel well. She needed the money anyway, and he'd done it plenty of times for her when she wanted to go out with Phillip.

The snow was falling. Weaver couldn't believe how cold it had gotten. Christmas was just three weeks away. His English exam was fast approaching. He stared at the discarded book. He had to pass it. He had to graduate. His acceptance into college was conditional on him getting his high school diploma. Every time got stressed about how tough it was, he remembered what it had been like out there on the street, and got back to work.

But tonight... Tonight, everything could be over for him in a heartbeat. Everything he'd worked for. If he got arrested…no, he wouldn't. Tommy said he only had to distract the guy for a few minutes, long enough for…for what? What was it Tommy wanted to stay hidden?

He could have refused. He should have refused, but Tommy had threatened him, threatened those around him. This stupid little life…this lie you lead. Tommy grabbed his face, forcing Weaver to look at him. It could all come crashing down around you in a heartbeat. I could tell your boss at that fancy place you work just who he's got working for him…a randy little slut who used to hustle his ass to the highest bidder. Or what about that tutor you pay, the old woman with the glasses…would she want to help someone like you through school if she knew you used to get paid to suck dick?

Weaver sighed.

And your snotty little roommate…aren't you invited to her wedding? She could have an accident, or…this building could burn down. Anything could happen.

No, Tommy, please don't hurt anyone, Weaver pleaded.

You're a real upstanding young man now, aren't you, Weave? He laughed.

Tommy was a member of The Avengers, a notorious motorcycle gang. He was once his pimp. Weaver knew he wasn't kidding. "What do you

Reviews for Melting Ice 5

[penny01-2 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

2.75 Liked the premise, but it just didn't quite work for me. The relationship between the two main characters seemed forced. I don't see Fuller falling in love so quickly, nor do I believe forgiveness would be that quick.

[byanca-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Setting: Present Day America.Twenty-five year old Brian Fuller is a police detective who has been in the closet his entire life.Despite the fact that his Dad is the Police Commissioner, Brian has worked to achieve his detective badge at a young age. This has made him the object for contempt and malice by others, who are under the impression that he climbed so high, so fast, due to his father's position. Just the same, Brian does love his job and is proud of his accomplishments. He has always wanted to be a part of something though, to actually belong, and so he is thrilled to be assigned to the bike squad; hoping that it will mean the start of something new as the officers there are all somewhat "outsiders" themselves. Of course, as they seem to be even more homophobic than the rest of their brothers in blue, Brian knows he will have to be extra careful to not let his true sexuality be known.At the time of his placement, the squad was investigating a group of notorious outlaw bikers and their elusive leader called Ice. Eager to prove his worth, Brian immediately immersed himself into the case, determined to be of use. But catching a lead on the bike leader proved to be a lot easier said than done, as it became more apparent with each step that Ice was not only well feared, but he also covered his tracks perfectly, leaving no loose ends behind for anyone to find their way to him. Then in the midst of everything, an incident with Brian's superior leads him towards a dangerous path - a path that takes him straight to the feared bike leader, Ice.**Okay, that out the way, I must say this was one very disappointing story.'Melting Ice' started off so very well, with so much promise...but then sunk like a ton of metal bricks in deep water.The story is told in the first person, from Brian's point of view. I've learnt to be weary of such erotic tales, especially when it means getting stuck in the head of some unlikeable character, which Brian did not start out as...but soon enough developed to be.As the son of a straight laced police commissioner, Brian has had to keep his sexuality under major wraps. He has become very good at this, even managing to elude sexual encounters with other men. At the start of the story he provides for an interesting read, and was able to draw me in with his retelling of events and his quirky personality. He proved to be a brave guy, with the type of inner strength that comes from having endured other people's crap. This is by far my favorite thing about Brian, as he has the balls to put up a fight even when he is scared beyond belief and trembling inside.When confronted with Ice, Brian's sexuality does indeed become an issue as he struggles to keep his lust for the other man under wraps. Needless to say he does fail, and he fails horribly...and this is where the story also fell downhill for me.Brian goes from denying his urges with such ferocity, that when he does succumb in the 'oh so easy' way that he does, I felt cheated. It was as if all the fight went right out of him the very first time he was truly tested..not something I expected after the character's build up.Then to make things worse, he goes from pitiful (which includes harboring declarations of love for Ice almost at first sight) to downright disgusting when he does the unthinkable and commits a repulsive act against the man. This sickened my stomach, especially in light of his thoughts at the moment which included these words:" although it might have appeared as if I was in complete control, it was him who was controlling me. The sight of him, the smell, the feel, I was completely in his power."So not only does he violate Ice, but he somehow shifts the blame to him as well.Then, as if that was not bad enough, Brian goes from being this newly introduced nasty little creature, to an immature adolescent prick once Ice's big secret is later revealed.After Brian's personality change, I lost all interest in the story, but just had to complete it since I had gotten so far. Since the story itself is very rushed though, especially starting from the middle, I was able to complete it quick enough. THANK GOODNESS!!!I was never able to get over the change in what had started off as such an interesting character, especially since Brian's deplorable act was pretty much swept under the rug and left as "A-okay". This meant one of two things to me, Brian saw absolutely nothing wrong with what he did, or the author thought it was an acceptable thing. On second thought, I will say that its actually seems as both to me. Now, I wish not to presume what Manly actually thought, but this is just how it came off to me.It's a pity that Ice was not the one to grace this reader with his views as he proved to be by far, the most interesting character in the long run. As the hot and commanding gang leader, with an enticing air of sophistication mingled with an uncertain coldness of danger, it would have been good to ride his thoughts and share his experiences instead.** The pace of the story was another brain pain. I personally do not believe that any story to make its way past 100 pages, should come off as being rushed. Especially when the build up was pretty nice and the first half had developed at a good speed. It makes me think that the author simply ran out of ideas and wanted to just tie things up quickly.**The third fault lies in the sex scenes which were "hella" boring and pretty unimaginative. It's hard to believe that with Brian having sex with another man for the first time - something that he had no doubt dreamed about, desired, and lusted for - that his thoughts could not have been more intense with regards to the situation. Instead, it came off as bland and hardly portrayed that of a new experience.**Despite all the bad stuff I mentioned, the editing for 'Melting Ice' was top notch. It was the only thing that made reading this story bearable after awhile.

[jshillingford_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The first story I read by Manly left me underwhelmed. However, the author's writing had a lot of potential and I decided to try another novella. I am very glad that I did. "Melting Ice" was an excellent story with a good plot, and appealing characters. Brian Fuller is a cop trying to earn respect out from under his father's reputation as police commissioner. He's also deep in the closet to protect his career and avoid conflict. He's assigned to a new squad investigating biker gangs. Betrayed by his superior, he is left to be killed by a gang. Only the new gang leader, Ice, inexplicably saves him. Ice want revenge on the same man who betrayed Brian, but how far will he go to get it?While the plot was a bit predictable (this is gay romance, not mystery), it was well done with enough detail and action to give the romance a solid foundation. Brian and Ice become involved, but their "relationship" is not typical by any stretch. Brian is a hostage, and a reader must wonder how much of his feelings are brought on by stress and how much by actual love. And Ice's motives are even murkier. Much more is going on than he reveals to Brian (or the reader!), but I wasn't quite sure who's side he was on. The author had a nice twist at the end that many readers will guess but doesn't diminish the impact.The sex in the story was hot and frenzied. Brian has been repressing his desires, he's been injured and is a prisoner. Talk about angst! Ice seems nonchalant, but something is weighing on him that drives him to Brian. Their love is vibrant and steamy and I couldn't help rereading a couple sections. *grin* Overall, I highly recommend this novella to M/M fans and look forward to more from this author.