Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene Eighteen

Lying Through Her Fangs

Scene Eighteen

Hael P.O.V.

First, a prick gets an invitation to crash my date and then I get reminded that I wasn’t among the living. At least, not on all counts.

“Red dressing,” was thought out loud as I went over what had happened so far.

She bobbed her head with her fork around coated in that very thing and I stared at her silverware.

“Do we need to go?” she asked from her unnaturally still posture.

No breathe escaped. There was no swallowing in that frozen moment. The absence of humanity struck like I was already a victim. Did I run? She had admitted what she was from the get go and I had not hesitated like this then so why should I now? I wasn’t the only human here. My choices were to either excuse myself with a plan for her to get home or stay and see if I was one of the courses that was planned for the evening. Was there another option?

“How do you see this playing out, Xylia?”

Calmly having laid salad fork on the china, “I may have taken away some of your options but I can tell you right now that you have every right to leave if that is what you choose to do. There will be no fall out and we never have to see each other again.”

My gaze speared into hers and I saw it, a flicker of fear. She didn’t want me to leave her here.

“I’m free to go at any time?”

“Yes. You have my word.”

“The word of a beautiful stranger,” I reminded her.

“True. It’s your move.”

Hands in her lap, shoulders stiff with the dejection she sensed was to come. Then she jumped.

“Why the serious faces?”

Neither of us had noticed the arrival of Christianna. Xylia’s eyes still held mine, waiting.

“Everything is fine.” I stated flatly and a slip of life released the visible tension in her graceful shoulders.

A waiter appeared just as Brian pushed Christianna up to the table. She stated what salads they would like and Brian seemed at ease with the control she had taken. I flicked my gaze over him to see if he was a human or a vampire and unless he was faking it, he was like me. Could they act like us and be convincing? I bet it was possible.

 I assumed the salad was good but I hadn’t tasted a bit of what I had chewed up. There was no way I was turning tail when nothing had happened for me to act like a coward. This was manageable.

When the second course was brought out, I worried for a few seconds of being fed raw T-bones on delicate plates but was actually pleased to see steak tartar and glazed duck for our selections. Nothing was asked of us as our same waiter passed around the correct meat for each person.

Christianna murmured over her steak but I wasn’t about to watch the women eat anything that was bleeding. Yup, there were levels to my sanity. If we’d actually been a real couple then maybe I’d be able to see it differently but not this soon. To hell with it. I was going to use the escape offered if things went sideways.

After that course was cleared away, cheesecake with a red sauce and chocolate truffles were passed out. I refused to ask if it was raspberry because I didn’t want to hear the truth. One piece at a time.

It was wonderful tasting the richness of the truffle after the last gulp of wine took the chalky taste of the orange glazed duck away. Whiskey would have been more bracing in my coffee then the thick cream we had been given. I’d nodded along with the conversation but I hadn’t had anything to offer since it was primarily about their work. Somehow I’d picked up that both women had upper level positions in the company.

“Excuse us,” Xylia said as she laid her napkin on her chair before following Christianna out.

“You’re new to the scene. I can tell,” Brian said after the ladies were clear of us.

“So you want me to know that you’re familiar with this particular crowd?”

Brian chuckled, “Absolutely.”

“Hmm,” was my response.

He drank his coffee like it was high tea at an English castle but I swallowed the last of mine while my mood sunk lower.

“Being a caveman isn’t going to gain you any favors with this assortment of people.”

“Meaning?”

I knew he was trying to goad me but I wasn’t about to take the bait so quickly.

“These individuals are either animals or upper crust and you don’t fall into either of those categories. Did you hit on her so you’d get a wild ride and then have stories to tell when you’re drunk and alone?”

Acting bored, I made myself glance around the room that was probably half full of blood sipping beings that were capable of just about anything. That included my date. Was she in the restroom getting meat out of her teeth before repairing her lipstick? I shifted in my seat to hide the shudder that rode up my back.

“More coffee, sir?”

“No but I think that I’ll get myself a drink before the bar closes.” I smiled at the man who cleared the table and I left without a word to my unfortunate companion.

This time I got the two fingers of scotch since he already had a bottle ready. Half of that had disappeared when Brian came up behind me to request a glass of red wine. Anything red was not being ordered by me tonight. No telling what was in it.

I kept my back to him as I turned to look over the people that had moved around from their tables to join in on small talk with each other. 

“Liquid courage? Do you need that to be with a dame like her?”

I was too close to telling him where to stick his comments when Xylia and Christianna waltzed by our corner as they headed to our table. Most male eyes ate up the picture they made together and I zeroed in on the legs that peeked out from the slit in Xylia’s gown. I’d toss this whole experience aside if I could run my tongue over those curves.

“Yes, she’s stunning.”

“You can have your blonde but I prefer brunettes with smoky eyes,” I said after tossing back the remnants of my drink.

“Who said I was talking about Christianna?” The ass pushed by as he left me with his words and the urge to punch him in his smug face.

***

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene Fifteen

Lying Through Her Fangs

Scene Fifteen

Xylia’s P.O.V.

The next night had me thinking of the melting sexual gaze of the man who had been mere feet from my naked form as I had tried on dresses that his friend had expertly picked out for me. They had been lavish and flattering but that last one had the man seeming like starved man at a sumptuous dinner. If lustful eyes could actually raise the temperature of a cold blooded mammal then his were the ones to burn into my very core.

I’d hugged Hael before leaving the mall and he had held me longer than was customary but my body had leaned into his as if craving part of the passion he had shown me behind his long lashes. His work honed physique made me feel momentarily feminine and frail but my vampiric senses were in full command as the blood pumped under the neck that was just above my up turned face. His woodsy scent held a hint of musk and it made my mouth water to taste him but he was not part of my meal plan.

We’d texted a few times since then but only a couple of  lines and a confirmation of the coming date. Apprehension weighed down my soul as I had spent a majority of the daylight hours in my bed wishing he was in it with me then to what a nightmare the date could be. It was random, sensual, and all part of my mixed emotions while the event drew closer. Not in twenty years had I been this drawn to a man who had the potential of being more than a mild dalliance in sex and blood. The last one had not been worth the effort but this one seemed different.

“You’ve been nursing your Bloody Mary for an hour. What gives?” Inquired Wanda who stood in my softly lit corner of the bar.

“A battle of the mind” I answered quietly.

“Need an unbiased opinion?” She inquired with a soft smile.

“I’m not ready to discuss it yet but you can grab a seat if you have the time.” I waved to the seat opposite mine.

“Being part owner gives me the right to tell everyone to kiss off for a couple of minutes.” She added as she joined me.

“As long as they all have a beverage in front of them, right?”

“Bingo.”

“How are things panning out for the gala? Got your helpers picked out?” I diverted the subject from my sad aura.

“It’s all sorted out and I’ve got the menu from the caterer, so we’ve gotten an approved list of drinks to make to compliment it all. Thanks for suggesting us to your boss.”

“Stop thanking me and just make some connections for yourself.”

“I plan to. Got your dress or is that why you look so long in the tooth today?”
            A smile crept on my face. “The dress is a true creation and all the accessories are ready to go.”
            “Then why do I sense dissatisfaction?”

“Your grandmother being a Seer only feeds your curiosity, Wanda,” I offered without offense in my tone.

“Indeed and the only people who would hear more drama than a bar maid is a hairdresser and a therapist. I can’t even trim my bangs in a straight line so this works for me.”

“I’m glad that you’ll be there,” I stated without realizing the truth of it until the words had been released into the air.

“You want me to drool over your new man as I serve shrimp balls to people on a constant fluid diet.”

“Right, you keep thinking that.”

“Your date have a tux?”

“He got sized for one before I got my dress,” my eyes strayed back down to the half empty glass in front of me.

“Shit, I see it now,” Wanda whispered.

My eyes shot to hers, “What?”
“It’s a human you’re dating isn’t it?”

Breathing an unnecessary sigh, I prayed that she wouldn’t figure anything else out. Like my lie to everyone.

I made a mental note not to touch her as it gave her gift a boost. My hands left the glass I was toying with and clasped in my lap under the scarred table.

“Yes, he’s human. His name is Hael and he owns his own landscaping company.”

“Tell me how gorgeous he is? Is he more Chris Evans or closer to Robert Downey Jr?”

“Neither, he’s a touch of Alexander Skarsgard with a large cup of Jason Lewis."

“What I wouldn’t give to spend about two hours with each of them in a room with a big brass bed?” She sighed.

“Romero knows a good Voodoo priest if you’re serious,” I wagged my eyebrows at her.

“Not a chance in the underworld. Now, how serious is the relationship? Does he know what you are?”

“He knows only the pieces I’ve thrown to him but we aren’t all hot and heavy.”

“Why the hell not?”

“It’s complicated,” I answered.

“No wonder. How did you meet?”

“At the mall. It’s so cliché that it hurts.” I grinned.

“I’m sure he’s fantastic if he got your attention. Was he a meal you decided to keep?”

“No but that would have been an interesting way to start things off. He’s more rugged than I’m used to but that is a bonus. You know how much I hate dating vamps so I tried something a bit off the beaten path.”

“I’d say. You’ve never dated a human before. At least, not that I’ve heard about.”

“He’s the first and this gala will either make or break our future relationship. It’s intimidating.”

“You could zap any man that you wanted and live the life that movie stars dream of but instead you go after a human that could be the hottest midnight snack of all time. You never go for the ordinary.”

“After years of pluming birds that only focus on their own needs, this might be just what I need.”

“What you need is a stress free affair with a man who would sex you six ways to Sunday and put a spark in your dull life as an immortal.”

“We’ve talked about this before. Being what I am doesn’t mean I can live without consequences in a world where a simply click of a phone camera can have me in jail or a looney bin.”

Wanda sighed, “I know but it sounds good on paper.”

I fought the urge to pat her hand.

“I’m lucky to have you and we can talk more about Hael after you see him in person tomorrow night.”

“If I was a witch then I’d have a spell waiting for you on the bar because you need a swallow of happiness in your empty existence.”

“I’m not alone. I have you.”

“Yeah, a girl who can listen to your worries and give you booze to soothe over the rough edges.”

“That’s a wonderful recipe for friendship, dear.”

“I’m serious about the spell though,” she said when someone called out for another beer.

I waved at her as she waltzed away. I had no doubt that she would in fact weave a bit of magic for me and I loved her even more for that.  Friends were more rare than lovers.

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Lying Through Her Fangs - Scene 8

Lying Through Her Fangs

Scene 8

Hael’s P.O.V .

“Look at me, Hael.” I felt the cold of her hand on mine.

I turned to face her in the elevator door as it closed on the store, then her eyes dilated like a deer caught in flight. Her voice changed. I have no word for it other than power, like when your boss enters the boardroom. The sounds have meaning and purpose to them, instead of flirts or barbs.

“Listen to my voice and hear my wishes. I need a fake boyfriend for an event and I’ve chosen you. You’ll do as I ask and my friends and coworkers will never be the wiser. I won’t hurt you and you’ll have a wonderful time. As a matter of fact, you won’t even remember this discussion when we part ways in the next two weeks. Do you understand?”

That cut things to the point. You expected games and teases when you met up with a woman. I was unsure of how to take that so I hid my insecurity and pushed my mind forward.

Was this an exotic woman who was crazy cool or simply crazy in the head? She didn’t act like the latter so my gut was to stick with her and see where this leads me. What could it hurt? Just looking at her was enough to stir my molasses-in-January libido. She was tall for a woman but looked like a lithe Bond girl with her mesmerizing gaze, hypnotic voice, and graceful curves. Her long hair was chocolate wave across her shoulders and her legs seemed to go for miles in her linen slacks. If she wore a short skirt, the sight might kill a man.

I mirrored the serious tone in her statement. “Yes, Xylia. It’ll be my honor to escort you.”

She shook herself slightly, like changing mental gears mid-sentence just as the doors opened on the bottom floor.

“After you, my dear.” I waved her in front of me.

And the view was worth it. This is why men chose chivalry, because women always walked in front of us. Besides, gawking is tacky.

There was something about the way she held herself that reinforced my gut feeling that she was no psycho lady in disguise. My instincts rarely led me astray.

“Would you like to go to the food court and grab something? It gives us some time to talk a little more.”

She considered it for a moment.

“Unless you’d like a more intimate restaurant?” Had I insulted her with my idea for fast food when I just wanted to be around her a few more moments?

“How about the diner?” she asked.

“Perfect.” The white and red of the corner restaurant had vinyl seats and fake jukeboxes on every table. It made you want to order a malt, just for nostalgia’s sake.

We walked side by side most of the way and my surprise was when we were seated she didn’t hesitate to place her order.

“I’ll have a water, a rare cheeseburger, and a strawberry shake.” All was brisk but accompanied by a warm smile.

She was high class, but a man loved a woman who knew what she wanted. If she liked camping and beer then she’d be a God send. But based on what I knew so far, I’d bet she was more the glass of wine by her fireplace type.

Then the waitress got my attention, “Yes. I’ll have a root beer and a mushroom cheeseburger with fries.” Staying active in the fresh air gave me the right to eat junk food on occasion.

“So, what do you do, Hael?” She asked after the waitress left.

Here we go, the how much do you make topic. Will she ask what kind of car I drive and where I went to college, too?

Keeping my eyes from rolling, I answered. “I own my own landscaping company that does anything from pools to private gardens.” I stated flatly.

“That explains how you look so healthy and tan.”

“Same question to you,” I said as her frothy shake arrived with our burgers.

“I’m an accountant at the main blood bank for Atlanta.” A small smile graced her lips.

My surprise must have shown on my face. She chuckled before she bit into her cheeseburger.

“You must get that reaction all the time as it seems that you’re more cover girl model than an accountant.”

“It shocks everyone. Let’s just say that I’m not the typical downtown Atlanta kind of girl.”

“I guess you’ll tell me all the interesting facts about yourself as we progress forward?” I asked her as she neatly ate the messy burger.

“That will happen from time to time.” She quietly laughed. “Tell me more.”

“I’m an only child, love seeing things being created, live in Dunwoody, adore animals and kids. I’ve never been married but came close once after college. No baggage there other than being careful not to have a woman with a roving eye. My bad habits are staying up way too late, being a workaholic, and being a loner.”

“Interesting. I live in Decatur, am independent but I do have a few close friends in my life. My job causes me to have to go to benefits and functions when I’d rather be in the office looking at ways to help the community. Bad habits, hmm. I don’t do mornings and work a later shift at my job. No marriages and I never even came close. My parents passed away before they could even try to set me up with someone, as was their custom.”

“I’m sorry about your parents. I’m guessing you’re from over seas,” I offered while I accepted a drink refill from the waitress.

“It was long ago and I’m settled with it. Yes, they were Algerian, so that was normal for them but I’ve remained stubbornly single.”

They discussed a few details about their jobs while they finished the meal.

I stepped in when she asked what her portion of the tab was. “I’ve got it,”

“We just met. You’re not buying my lunch,” she replied.

“You can simply owe me, especially if we’re going to be seeing each other again.” I snatched the bill up and handed it to the waitress staring at us.

“So it’s like that?” The gleam in her dark eyes was a warm challenge.

I bent over the table and was just inches from her nose when I playfully replied. “It’s just like that.”

There was a look of doubt in her eyes as she held my gaze, like she had something she wanted to say.

“What?” I asked, waiting for her to tell me she had rethought the situation.

“Nothing.” She looked away and fumbled with her phone before we got up from the table.

“Sure?”

“I’m good. Here’s my number and I’ll text you on us meeting up to get our outfits together.”

“Because I wouldn’t have a suit or tuxedo, right?” I saved her umber in my phone and had her do the same with mine.
            “Do I apologize for my wrong assumption?” She asked as she stood up from the table.

“None needed and yes, I have a suit but no tux. I’m guessing I’ll need one?”

She nodded solemnly at me. “And as it’s my event that you’re attending, I pay for the trimmings. Can you handle that?”

“So, it’s like that?”

“It is,” she answered with a smirk on her lovely face.

My gut just telegraphed a message that I’d be dumb to pass this up . I may not believe in true love but lust and friendship were obtainable. Who needed love when you had happiness and a hot woman wanting your attention?

“I’m at your disposal.”

***

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Writing Tools - Queries

I checked out How to Write a Query Letter, Everything You Need To Know Explained Simply by Donna Murphy and found a few things to share with you guys.

The usual structure for a query letter is:

Paragraph 1: The Hook - Open up with a hook (statement) that grabs the attention of the reader so they are instantly interested in your project but it has to be relevant to your story (even a quote from the manuscript can work).

Paragraph 2: Supporting Details - This is where you start giving basic ideas that build the hook into the main premise of your story line or plot arc. (When-What-Where-When-Why)

Paragraph 3: Qualifications - Here you focus on your qualifications to write the piece you are submitting. Don't make it lengthy but make sure to explain why you are the person to share this story.

Paragraph 4: Closing - Make sure to thank the person using their time to check into your manuscript. Also make sure all ends are tied up and they have several ways to reach you for any further information.

TIPS - There are personal pieces of yourself that you can add to these but make sure it stays professional. You can add a quote from your book (as stated above) or add something that makes your story relevant to something going on in pop culture. If your book relies heavily on certain emotions then add touches of that into you query, like humor if it's a romantic comedy or a few powerful phrases if it's an impactful or dramatic story, etc.

I hope this helps anyone who is struggling with the basics and be sure to share anything that you have found to be helpful in your own query letters.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn
Wench Writer

Life's Fictional Plot Twist

Life's Fictional Plot Twist

I got some sad news this week in the Fictional World. My publisher had to close its doors and will be giving back all the rights to the books that I, and all the other dozens of writers, had with them. I had the following three:

Vampire Best Seller ANDROMEDA

Romantic Suspense JUST TO BE LEFT ALONE

Vampire Rom Suspense TO HAVE AND TOO BOLD

 My children will be coming back home to me but I have no idea what to do with them. They can't sit there and just stare at me while I battle my midlife crisis. So I now have to figure out whether I want to submit them to other publishers in the hopes that someone will contract them OR pay for the Covers, ISBN numbers, and copy rights before I try to see what web pages to place them on as self published books.

 With this being a type of career move for me, and without a critique group to lean on, I'm afraid  to make any decision without doing some research online and from authors who have been in this precarious position.

Since my budget is tighter than my jeans, I really don't have the funds to invest in the growth of these babies, so the world is getting smaller and smaller. 

I know that I won't stop writing as I have so many ideas that my mind can't even keep up with them. It's not in me to just give up but I'm just in a sea of tide changes and weather bulletins. Anyone have some life preserving info for me and my babies?

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Can you describe parts of your life in five words or less?

I saw this idea on a blog from last year and have been wondering if I could actually do this justice. Well, here's my try at it.

In Five Words Or Less....

My day job - Crazy. I was crazy once.

My pets - Didn't you just go out?

My writing career - Why won't they publish me?

My thoughts on college - I made more before attending.

My body - Curves with intermittent weight fluctuations.

My mind - Wait, I have one? Dude!

My marriage - He loves me with flaws.

My sewing hobby - Where is my seam ripper?

My former dancing life - Evolved from tap to naughty

My car - She needs how much work?

My train of thought - Wait, I have one? Righteous!

Favorite color - Dark green is soul deep.

Favorite movie - The Wedding Date, my Yoda. (You'd get this is you've watched it)

My best friends - They know the real me.

My ex-boyfriends - Exes for very good reasons.

My hair - my best feature, mouth included

My skin - Was Morticia Adams my mom?

My villain crush - Can I keep you, Loki?

My point - Wait, I have one? Seriously?

)))Corset Hugs((( and Laughter

Ginny Lynn

Wench Writer

Shame On You

I'm human and I know that people tend to judge others. It's a fact, no matter how hard you try not to be that way. If you see an old man driving a sedan fifteen miles under the speed limit then you will wonder why he's even being allowed on the streets for being an inconvenience. That same man could be taking his wife to the retirement home and just needs a few more precious minutes with her before she moves away from him. If you pass a pregnant woman who has several kids tagging behind her then your mind will go to whether the woman knows what birth control is. But wait, is it part of her religion to not use birth control or could she be a foster mom? It does happen.

Recently I was fat shamed by someone who has seen me in very little and I wanted to cry. He may have seen me when my chemistry had gone insane and weight was piling on but he had never seen me when I was anorexic. Yes, they're two completely different things and I'm no longer a waif that moves with the wind. That morning I had to remind myself that my hubby sees my naked form all the time and he's proud to call me his. He was there when a slice of bread and a glass of water filled me for the day and he never wants to see me like that again. I'm not going to lie and say that my body is nice because I need to get back to what I was three years ago. That's when I was fit and curvy but now I have people telling me I'm over weight and give me dirty looks when I wear certain outfits. They can't hurt me anymore than I have hurt myself.
At this very moment, I can't do a f'ing thing about my body except make a conscious choice to treat it better because wishing it off simply isn't going to happen. My wallet isn't big enough to have fat removed by a trained doctor and it won't make me look at the judging people with new eyes. I'm a forty three year old mom and I've had 6 surgeries plus battled a few diseases that wanted to take my life away from me (plus been run over by a car). Guess what? I'm still here, no matter what size that may be.
So do me a favor the next time your mind starts to think for you, ask yourself if your opinion really matters and if your judgement could be completely asinine. Is the person crying for understanding and you're choosing to be deaf to them? We're all worth one second of thought.

)))Corset Hugs(((
Ginny Lynn
Wench Writer

Your book is a movie! Who’s in your dream cast? ANDROMEDA

Andromeda is a 400 year old vampire with psychic abilities who is being stalked by a ghostly presence that wants to possess her body and own her soul. Things get heated as she meets the man destined to be her mate but a vision shows her that he’s meant to die because of what she is. Does she embrace what the Fates have shown in the mere touch of this stranger’s hand or does she run away in order to save the soul of this kissable man? Passion is too much to ignore for an immortal who has never felt its powerful pull. They throw caution to the wind and become lovers, enraging the stalker to use his inhuman powers to take what he believes should belong to him alone. They both fight for the power in her touch but only one man can have her body.

ANDROMEDA - played by Patricia Velasquez

I got up and headed for a couple of blood bags from the fridge when I saw Perseus pacing outside of my room.

“What just happened in there?” He asked with a strained look on his face.

I was stumped for all of a second. “Do you mean about thirty minutes ago?” I asked, hoping that I was wrong.

“Yes!” He said through gritted teeth.

“Oh, that.” I passed by him. He followed me to the office fridge and back.

“Excuse me, but I had the feeling that I was having an orgasm and wondered if you could tell me why,” he said as he turned toward me.

He was actually tapping his foot.

I was going to enjoy this. I poured some blood into my bedside glass and made him wait for my answer.

**********

JUSTIN - played by Jason Lewis

Had I truly found my mate? I saw something in his eyes, like determination, and he leaned closer to me. 

“I’m not sorry.”

“For what?”

“You already know.”

Then he kissed me. His lips were soft and a current ran through them as if we were electrified. He wasn’t touching any other part of me and yet it was the best kiss I’d ever had. His mouth roamed over mine with softness and I knew we were both holding back, which only enhanced the electricity between us.  

I saw more images as he slowly learned the finite details of my mouth. I saw us rolling in my bed, us riding in his car, us in my living room as we drank wine and then one of me gasping in bed. The last one was vague, strange, and it made me break the heart-stealing kiss. He leaned against the wall and simply stared at my face.

“I’ve never felt like that before.”

“Me neither.”

**********

PERSEUS - played by Hrithik Roshan

“Yes, I have a problem with you telling people about us because it doesn’t just affect your life, it affects mine, too. But I can’t make any of these decisions for you, so do what you feel you have to do. If I were you, I wouldn’t turn down the possibility of happiness, especially when we’re immortal.”

“You? Giving me advice on love? That’s funny.”

“I know what you’re thinking. But I meant that comment for your own life, not mine. I’ve loved and lost and I’m not ready to make that commitment again. I’ll take love in small doses and put the rest of my energy into my work. At least my business can see me into the future. Love can visit when needed.”

“You pass up love all the time. You tell me to grab what I can and just keep living, but you ignore the love that’s offered to you. I know there are women who’d literally give up their souls to be your mate and yet you turn the other way. I know Valentina ripped your heart to shreds and I wish I could take that pain away. You’d be with her right now if she’d been more open minded about our lives. But she wasn’t and as a result, you now have blinders on when it comes to anything close to your heart. But you can’t live forever with that mentality. You should take your own advice and keep your eyes open to someone who can be with you through your eternity.”

“I will not allow myself to make the same mistake again. If you’re the only woman in my life, then so be it. I’ll survive on distant sexual encounters and a few friends. I can’t offer a shattered heart to someone who deserves better.”

**********

DANYA - played by 

I stripped off the dress and waited for her to get out of her leggings and tunic blouse. She was in a smoky gray satin strapless bra with matching thong panties. There was a two-inch scar across her left side, right under her strapless bra.

She saw me noticing it and just shrugged before saying, “Some monsters live only to hurt others, but I at least survived to see him die.”

“Did an old love do this to you?” I handed the dress over to her and felt her pain in the brief touch of her hand.

“Yes. He tried to stab me in the back. Literally. I moved at the last second and it kept him from slicing into my spine. He was high on meth and thought I'd hidden his stash from him. Apparently, he needed it bad enough to kill me.”

**********

CAPT ANASTASE - played by 

I put my calloused fingers into Anastase’s open wound and fervently pressed as I continued my chanting. His obsidian eyes rolled into the back of his head. Lightning struck the building. Giselle screamed and Anastase moaned. At that very moment, I drove my hand further into Anastase’s quaking body. The captain screamed for his immortal soul. Pulling out my hand, I threw the bloody tissue from my hand and into the awaiting bowl. I grabbed the leather pouch tied at my thick neck and dumped the contents into the bowl as well and Anastase’s body dropped to the cold floor.

Jean Luc came over and set the bloody contents in the bowl on fire with the already lit candle and then stepped back. Anastase released another scream as his body convulsed and the smoke encircled his tortured body. He shook so badly that his teeth rattled. Giselle sobbed Anastase’s name from her corner. Lightning struck one last time and I yelled over the sound toward Anastase.

“Who do you want?” I commanded of Anastase.

Anastase moaned, “Andromeda Ortiz.”

He convulsed one last time before he passed out.

Well, whatch think?

)))Corset Hugs(((

Ginny Lynn - Wench Writer