Page 96 of Romancing His Heart

“What’s so bad about it?”

Sighing, she reaches up and tightens her ponytail. “I’m forced to put myself out there daily. I have to open myself up to my readers, who, thankfully, are amazing. But, putting yourself out there also opens you up for judgment. People can be cruel when sitting safely behind their computer screens.”

“How so?” The thought of anyone disrespecting her has my hands itching to fight.

“Oh, Loki. I could go on for hours about this. Basically, you’ll always have the people you can never please. Unfortunately, most of the time, they’re also the loudest. They like to let everyone know you’re not perfect. They thrive off calling out every mistake you make and trying to cancel you. They enjoy ripping you apart personally. It’s pretty rough on the ego,” she admits.

“Then why do it?”

“Because for every douche canoe, there’s a reader who emails to tell me my story got them through something or that they connected in a way that moved them to tears. Luckily, the assholes of the world are far and few between, but knowingly putting yourself on the chopping block for them is a hard pill to handle sometimes. Then, you get the dick pics.”

My head whips to hers. “Have you gotten more?”

“Always. I get them weekly, if not daily. I try not to check it too often. Someday, I’ll hire a personal assistant who will handle the deletions, but for now, that job falls to me.”

By the time she’s done speaking, I realize I’m pacing the cabin again. “At least Dom isn’t bothering you anymore,” I grumble.

“Ah, right,” Red agrees, but her voice betrays her and has me pausing mid-stride.

“What? He hasn’t written back to you, has he?”

Her eyes are dodgy, and I feel my blood pressure rise.

“Not just to me, no,” she answers evasively.

“What the hell? Is he looking for a harem now?” I bark.

“Ooh, you know what I’ve heard is selling really well right now? Reverse harems. I would have to do a ton of research to write one, but the emotional suckage I could pull from those characters would be out of this world.”

“Please don’t,” I groan. The idea of Red researching orgies has me wanting to punch something—namely, a faceless dipshit named Dom.

“Not your cup of tea, is it?” she teases.

“Not when I have to picture you researching it, no. What the hell is that asshat saying now?”

“Who?”

“Who? Dom! What the hell could he possibly have to say after I …”

“Afer you what, Loki? What did you do?” she asks, amused. I’m willing to bet she already checked that particular chat thread.

“I did what I needed to do to get rid of him.”

“Well, it doesn’t appear to have worked.” She smirks.

I cross the room and am standing at her side within seconds. “What the hell did he say now?”

“Ah, you probably don’t want to know. Honestly, Loki, I was only teasing you. This is, unfortunately, just part of the craziness that comes with the business of being a romance author.”

“What. Did. He. Say?” I bite out.

“Ugh, all right, caveman. Have a look for yourself.” Turning the computer screen toward me, my hands ball into fists as soon as I see his name.

Leaning forward, I read his words and have to work to contain my rage.

I want to invite you and your male companion to visit my school for submissive training. While your friend will not participate, he is welcome to observe. I can ensure we will exceed your needs. -Dom

“Is he fucking kidding me?” I yell.