tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85625666293324698142024-03-04T23:52:57.052-05:00Storytime TrystsJoin Eva,Ellie, Eythan, Ben, Fiona and Vicki for our Bountiful Pleasures fall session of sultry, steamy passion. Adventures of romance, hot sexy erotica, BDSM, contemporary romance; you just never know what the Trysters will come up with that leaves your pulse pounding. Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.comBlogger351125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-5671711835810215782014-01-13T18:06:00.004-05:002014-01-13T18:06:49.105-05:00Can't Get Enough<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Can't Get Enough</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eva Rayne</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br data-mce-bogus="1" /></div>
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I
was surprised when I heard movement in the bedroom; foot steps and then
my boyfriend calling out my name. I had just gotten out of the shower
and, wrapping a towel around myself, I opened the door from the bathroom
into our room.</span><br />
<br />
“<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Danny?
What are you doing home? Is everything alright?” I asked when he didn't
answer. The next thing I knew I was back stepping into the bathroom,
Danny's body pinning me against the counter as his lips came crashing
down on mine. </span><br />
<br />
“<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Danny,
what's going on?” I asked, gasping for air when he finally pulled away,
one hand on his chest, the other clutching the towel to my own to keep
it up. Instead of answering, Danny just pulled the towel from my chest
and pushed me against the now closed bathroom door, moving his hot,
urgent kisses to my neck as one hand found its way up my side to my left
breast. As surprised, and somewhat concerned about his behavior, as I
was, my body began to respond. My nipples hardened under his fingers and
I could feel the my arousal growing and it wasn't long before a soft
moan escaped my lips as his teeth nipped at my neck. </span><br />
<br />
“<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Baby,”
I moaned softly as he pressed against me, pushing me harder against the
door and I could feel the cold of the doorknob against my side. This
was unlike Danny; he was never rough with me, instead he was normally
quite the opposite – gentle and soft – so when he spun me around,
pressing me face first against the door I let out a small cry. He didn't
acknowledge my surprise as he pressed his hips into my exposed
backside, his hands reaching around and grabbing my breasts, squeezing
as his fingers brushed roughly against my hardening nipples and his
teeth found my neck once more.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">After
several long moments his hands traveled down, his touch rough and
demanding as he pulled me closer to his as one of his hands danced over
my opening. I moaned, squirming against him as his fingers found my
clit. I could feel his name on my lips as my nails tried to find any
part of him that I could get my hands on – his arms, hips, back – I
couldn't keep still, not as two of his fingers pushed roughly into me. </span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Bringing
his hands back up to my hips he spun me around so that I was facing him
once again. Before I could more the lose of his hot touch against me he
curled his fingers in my hair and brought my mouth to kiss. His kisses
were hot and urgent, all teeth and lust as he bit my bottom lip sharply.
I was so caught up in the attack on my mouth I hadn't noticed that
Danny had reopened the bathroom door until he was carefully leading me
backwards into out room, not ceasing his attack on my lips. </span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The
next thing I knew the back of my thighs were bumping up against the bed
and my fingers automatically found the button on his jeans. No sooner
had I unfastened the button and tugged the zipper down I was being spun
around again and he pushed me down so that I was on my knees and
forearms. </span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I
let out a surprised gasp as I hit the soft mattress, hearing the sounds
of denim falling to the floor as he kicked off his jeans. I couldn't
help but jump as his hands grasped my hips, his erection pressing hard
against my skin. And then he repositioned himself, thrusting into me
deep and hard with no warning. I couldn't help but cry out and I could
hear him let out a moan of his own as my muscles tightened around him. </span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This
wasn't like any other time we had made love, or ever any of the other
quickies we had had on other days when he had come home on his lunch
break. This was hard and fast, a different kind of urgency propelling
him as not so gently massaged my breasts from behind, tangled his
fingers in my long hair and pulled or pulled my hips toward him, meeting
him in a thrust and pushing him even deeper. </span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">By
the change in his breathing, and his grip on my sides I knew he was
close, and I couldn't ignore the beginnings of my own orgasm. As the
pitch of my moans grew higher, Danny's grip on my hips tightened, I was
almost certain they'd be covered in light bruises by the next day. The
thought was quickly wiped from my mind as my orgasm rippled through my
body. As I tightened around him again I felt Danny finally giving in to
his own orgasm, holding my hips close and leaning into me, his breathing
heavy. </span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">As
I began to finally catch my breath, I felt Danny's large hands resting
softly on my back as he got his own breathing under control. Once his
breathing had returned to normal to pulled out, causing a surprised mew
to escape my lips. Hearing the sounds of rustling denim I rolled over
and sat up facing him.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-mce-style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I
looked up at him, my eyes wide in confusion as he pulled his pants up,
fastening the button. Without a word he leaned down, kissing my forehead
softly before walking out of the room, leaving me sitting on the bed,
my fingers lightly brushing my sore, red lips. I sighed as I heard the
front door open, and then close again seconds later. What exactly had
just happened? </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08563183286798277760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-613093535828356362014-01-08T17:36:00.001-05:002014-01-08T17:39:45.862-05:00Storytime is Moving II YOu can now find all our new stories here:<br />
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">http://storytimetrysts.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=35&action=edit</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Follow us on our new site today! </span></span>Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-67297918935368785392014-01-07T17:31:00.005-05:002014-01-07T17:31:51.799-05:00Storytime is Moving! It's a new year, a new look, and a new Attitude! Join your usual trysters at our new location. You can find todays story here:<br />
http://storytimetrysts.wordpress.com/2014/01/07/storytime-is-moving<br />
<br />
Things will be posted on both for a month, please follow us at our new location! Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-79006768897611211092014-01-06T00:30:00.000-05:002014-01-06T00:30:00.641-05:00As the Ball Drops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mSzKqKuOj8BPMooQzEsYT97IezAzRRIz8krF1eQWSSfXqCueLSY-LXNaHEzEftM0mYuSAY8uMwpm9GnYZ3n-5UBcnOnJOMy2gJhVpBrdaLTi_DKo9j9JzSAf0w-o8G-h2DijWuz79G-N/s1600/fireworks-1063625-m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5mSzKqKuOj8BPMooQzEsYT97IezAzRRIz8krF1eQWSSfXqCueLSY-LXNaHEzEftM0mYuSAY8uMwpm9GnYZ3n-5UBcnOnJOMy2gJhVpBrdaLTi_DKo9j9JzSAf0w-o8G-h2DijWuz79G-N/s200/fireworks-1063625-m.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>As the Ball Drops</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eva Rayne</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div align="LEFT">
I had told McKenna what felt like a dozen times that I
didn't want to do anything this new years eve. My love life, hell my
life in general, had been pretty dull since Braden, my boyfriend of
two years, and I had broken up several weeks ago and the last thing I
wanted to do tonight was go to a party, let alone our law firm's
stupid annual new years eve masquerade ball.</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
But here I was, holding my breath as McKenna pulled up
the zipper of the deep blue ball gown she had brought over for me.</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"You look beautiful!" she cried, spinning me
around to face her. "Wait, hang on," she adjusted one of my
curls, "There, now you're perfect!"</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
I felt like I had been her Barbie all afternoon. It had
started with "Let's just add a little wave to your hair,"
which ended up being completely curled. She had also insisted on
doing my make up herself. I still didn't understand the point of
spending almost half an hour perfecting my make up when I'd be
wearing a mask for the majority of the night, but apparently McKenna
did, and it was important to her at least, so that's what we did. </div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Now you just need your mask." Careful not to
muss my carefully placed curls, McKenna place the mask over my eyes,
pulling the thin black elastic strap around my head. "I thought
it would go perfectly with the dress and it does! Go look in the
mirror," she demanded before going back into the bathroom to
change into her own dress. </div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
Following orders, just as I had all night I stood in
front of my full length mirror. I had to admit, she had done a
fantastic job, I almost didn't recognize myself. The deep blue dress
hugged the curves of my upper body before it turned into a full
skirt. I normally wouldn't have picked something out for myself with
this much glitter - the skirt was covered in thin layer of it and my
chest was decorated with an intricate pattern of tiny, sparkling
beads - but I actually loved it. I couldn't help but think I looked
like a princess. </div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
As much as I loved the dress, the mask was my favorite
part of the costume. It was a simple black mask covering my eyes and
part of my forehead. The black seemed to sparkle, but wasn't choked
in glitter the way some of the masks I had seen at these parties
were. There was a handful of white beads sewn into the mask, bright,
shining, against the black. They looked like stars in a dark night
sky.
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Are you ready?" McKenna asked, reappearing
in my room. Her dress was a light purple, her mask was the same color
and covered in sparkles. She looked young and flirty in all the ways
I looked older, more mysterious. </div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
"Yeah, I'm ready."</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
It was only ten thirty and I was wondering yet again
why I had let McKenna talk me into this. She had sworn up and down
that it would be good for me, that I needed to get out there again,
and that she wouldn't leave my side all night if I didn't want her
to. But, in true McKenna fashion, the second we were in the door to
the ballroom she had disappeared. She may be the world's best
assistant, and a wonderful friend - for the most part - but she was
still a little naive. She was still under the impression that no one
knew she had started seeing the new intern up in legal, but I had
known for weeks and I was pretty sure that's where she had
disappeared to.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The expansive ball room was filled with our entire company, as well as what seemed like half the community. Our firm had been throwing this party every new years eve for as long as I had worked for them and all the proceeds from the tickets went to charity and every year the turn out seemed bigger than the last. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I stood off to the side, sipping a martini that the very nice bartender had been kind enough to refill...again. It would have been easy to pretend that I was in a movie, some of the dresses and masks were definitely elaborate enough to be right out of a movie. It was almost eleven and I had started to wonder if anyone would notice if I slipped out a side door and took a cab home. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I had almost made up my mind to go when I felt someone step up next to me. I turned and looked and was suddenly very glad I stayed. The man standing next to me was wearing a well tailored black suit with thin gold trim around his jacket that matched the golden mask on his face. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"What are you doing over here all by yourself?" he asked, not looking at me but out over the crowd just as I had been moments before.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"No date," I said shrugging, "I didn't think I was coming until the very last minute." At this the mystery man turned to face me and raised an eyebrow.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Six hundred dollar tickets and you didn't know if you were going to come or not?"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I shook my head, "I work for the company, it's kind of expected of us to be here,"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"So you're a lawyer?" he asked, sounding genuinely interested.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"For a couple years now, I love it," I said nodding before bringing my glass up to me lips.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Let me get you another of those," he nodded at my now empty martini glass, "And then I have a proposition for you." His mysterious tone had caught my attention and I handed him my glass, "Don't move." His bright blue eye sparkled behind his mask and I smiled. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'll be right here,"</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When my mystery man reappeared he handed me my glass, sipping on a tumbler of his own, filled with something amber colored. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"So, what is this proposition you have for me," I asked after a moment of silence, running my finger around the lip of my martini glass. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"How would you feel about ringing in the new year with a bang?" he asked, turning to face me. His tone was mysterious but the excited twinkle in his eye made me feel bold.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Let's do it." I couldn't help the smile playing on my lips. Setting his tumbler on a near by table he grabbed my hand. I had barely enough time to set my own glass down before he was pulling me after him. We slid through a small side door which led down a carpeted hallway. I couldn't help but laugh as we ran down the hallway, headed who knows where. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After a minute though I had to pull on his hand, "Hey, slow down," I said through breathless giggles, leaning against the wall. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Are you okay?" he asked, coming to stand in front of me, looking slightly worried. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"I'm fine," I said shaking me head, "The combination of vodka and heels and running though, recipe for disaster," he chuckled, shaking his head. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Yeah, I know, I'm adorable," I said, poking his chest, feeling bold.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Have you seen yourself tonight?" he asked, raising an eyebrow again and I looked up at him confused. "That dress? You're gorgeous," as his eyes flickered over my body the excited sparkle turned dark with lust. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"Thank you," I said softly, my hand now resting lightly against his chest. He was so close now, his scent invading my senses.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
"You're very welcome," his voice was low and husky, his hands hovering lightly against my hips. Feeling bold I pushed myself off from the wall and his arm quickly found its way around my waist, holding me against him. His other hand gently tipped my chin up and before I could think of anything remotely witty to say his lips were finding mine.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What was that old saying, that one about doing on new years day what you wanted to do all year? If how I felt now - the butterflies in my stomach, the electricity racing along my skin where he touched me, the heat running through my veins, spreading through out my body - was any indicator, I was going to be in for a <i>very</i> good year.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08563183286798277760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-8743507990529774522013-12-27T04:30:00.000-05:002013-12-27T04:30:02.786-05:00'Tis the Season for Seduction - Conclusion<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lucas finally got his woman, but will he catch the art thief?</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/12/tis-season-for-seduction.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Part One</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/12/tis-season-for-seduction_13.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Part Two</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/12/tis-season-for-seduction_20.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Part Three</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">'Tis the Season for Seduction</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fiona Summerville</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Lucas, it’s too small in here for
both of us." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn’s protest dissolved into
giggles as Lucas drew back the shower curtain and squeezed into the tiny stall
beside her. He towered over her, his massive form overwhelming the small space
and her. Dipping his head to capture her lips, he pinned her against the cool
tile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Mmmm…not too small. Cozy,"
he chuckled, as his hands drifted downward and grabbed her bottom, sliding her
up the wall. The cool tiles at her back did little to dampen the heat her body
was radiating. She wrapped her legs around his waist and moaned softly as he
reached between their bodies, dipping two fingers into her core.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“God, Caitlyn. You’re already so
wet.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“You do seem to have that effect on
me,” she gasped as he withdrew his fingers, sliding them leisurely up over her
clit. A shudder ran through her and she dropped her head, resting her forehead
on his. She wasn’t so much surprised at the effect he had on her body, as much
as she was about her unslakable need for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Lucas, I need to feel you inside
me…now…please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A soft growl rumbled deep in his
chest as he nipped and laved her perk, pink nipple. When he lifted his head, he
wore a wolfish grin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Well, since you said, please,” he
murmured, sliding her up the wall a little further before bringing her down, impaling
her hard and deep on his cock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When they finally emerged from the
shower stall, the water had run tepid, the bathroom floor was flooded and
Caitlyn’s cheeks bore the mark of his five o’clock shadow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You’re looking a bit scruffy
there, my handsome man," she grinned up at him, running her hand along his
cheek. “Why don’t you have a shave and while you do, I’ll cook breakfast."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Clean shaven and dressed, Lucas
walked into the tiny kitchen and wrapped his arms around Caitlyn’s waist as she
was filling two plates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Mmm… smells wonderful. And the
food looks great too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Och, go on with ye,” she giggled.
“Sit yourself down. Can’t ye see I’m in the midst of creating a masterpiece?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Planting a kiss on her cheek, Lucas
obeyed and plopped into one of the chairs at her dining table. As she served up
two plates filled with fried tomatoes, bacon, sausage, cold-boiled potatoes,
beans, black pudding and fried eggs, she couldn’t help but note how Lucas
dwarfed the table, and the room, for that matter. The man was larger than life.
Thankfully, in more ways than one, she thought wickedly as she walked over to the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Do you eat like this every
morning?" he asked with a look of delight as she set a plate down in front
of him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Pretty much. Oh, and I made coffee,
too. Unless you prefer tea."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Coffee, please"
he said enthusiastically, as he forked and bit into a sausage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn fell a little in love with
him in that moment. Maybe it was his boyish smile and the way he attacked his breakfast. Or the snow
drifting down outside the window. Or maybe it was the way his every touch made her
feel safe, secure and cherished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Whatever the reason, she decided right then and there to stop over-analyzing and simply relish every moment of their remaining time together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn felt herself slowly being
seduced. Not only by the intelligent, articulate, hunk of a man sharing her
company, but by the spirit of Christmas. For the first time, since her gran’s
death, Caitlyn reveled in the joys of the season. She delighted in the bright
and cheerful Christmas lights strung across the streets, the holly boughs and wreaths
on every door, and the warm cheerful greetings from strangers in the street.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">They spent the days leading up to
Christmas wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Dublin, arm in
arm, soaking up the festive holiday atmosphere while Caitlyn shared the history
of her beloved, adopted city. In the evenings, while she worked, Lucas became a
fixture at the O’Brien’s. Winning over the regulars as easily as he’d won her
heart. And oh, had he won her heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each time the realization that
their relationship was only temporary crept in, threatening to put a damper on
her joy, Caitlyn forced the thought back into the “things to be ignored for as
long as possible” corner of her mind. Logically she knew it wasn’t meant to
last, but that didn’t keep her from falling. All it took was a smile or kiss
and her heart melted for him a little more every day…and night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And her nights with Lucas were epic. He
was an amazing lover who ravaged her, mind, body and soul. Giving and tender at
times. Hard, greedy and relentless at others. Caitlyn had fallen for him after
their first night together. By Christmas Eve, she knew she’d tumbled the
rest of the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her mind was busy making plans for
New Year’s Eve as they crunched through the snow to Dublin’s medieval Christ
Church Cathedral for the annual Christmas Eve concert. She smiled as they
rounded the corner, her breath catching at the scene of the majestic cathedral
bathed in light, its tower and turrets dusted with new fallen snow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You know, Henry II attended
the Christmas service here in 1171," Caitlyn told Lucas, tucking herself
into his side for warmth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His eyes crinkled with mirth as he
smiled down at her. "You don’t suppose we’ll see old Henry floating
around, do you?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She giggled and swatted at his arm with a gloved hand. "Tonight’s
concert will be wonderful, but we definitely need to come back on New Year’s
Eve at midnight to hear the change ringers do their thing."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Change ringers? Who or what
are change ringers?" He asked, staring down at her wearing a befuddled look.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The change ringers are a
four-hundred-year-old society of bell ringers who ring the bells in mathematical
patterns called ‘changes’. Christ Church Cathedral has a total of nineteen
bells used for change ringing—that’s the most bells in any one tower worldwide.
New Year’s Eve is the only time all nineteen are rung together. It’s an magical way to literally ring in the –“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She broke off and came to a dead
stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Lucas! That hat! The man that
hit me at Newgrange was wearing that hat!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His chin jerked up as he followed
her pointing finger and zeroed in on the figure of a statuesque woman wearing a round-brimmed hat about a dozen or so yards ahead, milling her way through the
crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sweetheart, that’s probably a
popular unisex-style of hat," he said, following Caitlyn as she forged a
path toward the woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“No,” Caitlyn said, shaking her
head vehemently. “I only caught a glimpse before I was attacked, but I remember
thinking how distinctive that herringbone pattern was. It's not Irish. I’ve never seen it in
any store in Dublin."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Willing to chase down any possible lead, Lucas shoved his way through
the crowd, planting himself in front of the woman as he reached into his breast
pocket for his credentials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Excuse me, ma’am, Special
Agent Lucas Conner with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. I’d like to
ask you a couple of que— Hey!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The woman spun on her heel and ran. She
careened through the crowd, knocking down concert goers indiscriminately before
breaking left and heading straight toward Caitlyn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When their glances met, a flash of
surprised recognition leapt into the redhead’s eyes. She sneered at Caitlyn. <i>Och,</i> s<i>neer at me will ye? Ye brazen wench.</i> <i>We’ll see about that.</i> Caitlyn stuck her foot out and leaned her
shoulder toward the woman as she passed, sending the assumed art thief face
first into the snow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas wore a look of amused
appreciation as he approached, giving Caitlyn a wink before kneeling down to
cuff the snow-sputtering woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Good job, partner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“’Tis all in a day’s work, doncha
know?” Caitlyn joked before stepping back as the constables swarmed the scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn watched as Lucas and the
local authorities bustled the woman away taking with them her dream of a cozy
Christmas Eve snuggled in front of a fire with the man of her dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Caitlyn presumed, the next forty-eight hours passed
in a disappointing blur. She spent the remainder of Christmas Eve at the police
station, and most of Christmas day alone while Lucas and Inspector O’Malley
worked the case. Their search of the woman’s hotel room yielded not only the
Newgrange stone, but a Bronze Age dagger reported stolen some weeks prior from
a museum in Cobh. Lucas had been correct in his assumption that she had been
waiting for the heat to die down before attempting to smuggle the treasures out
of Ireland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Faced with mounds of evidence, Jewel
Banks, one of her many aliases, admitted to a long history of well-planned art heists
throughout Europe and the United States. She also agreed to provide the FBI
with information about her wealthy Miami-based client in exchange for protection
and immunity from prosecution. As a result, Lucas pushed through the
extradition paperwork, and made arrangements to leave for the States late
Christmas afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I need to get her back and
into interrogation before Saldana hears she’s been arrested," he told
Caitlyn during a rushed farewell at her flat. "If nothing else, we’ll get
the bastard on at least four felony counts of commissioning and financing the
trafficking of stolen goods. I want more, though." He growled. "Much more."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn watched Lucas pace around
her tiny flat. If she needed any further proof of how much he loved his job, she had it. Edgy impatience poured off of him. She knew that in his mind he
was already on that plane and headed across the Atlantic…away from her. Knowing there was no way she could ever compete with his profession stung.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"There was a reward for
information leading to the recovery of the dagger," he told her.
"It’s not much, only a few hundred euros, but Inspector O’Malley promised
to make sure it came to you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She nodded her thanks, her throat
too tight to speak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh, and before I
forget…" He walked over to the bag he’d set by the door when he’d entered
and returned with it. "I thought I was going to have time to wrap it,
but…well. Merry Christmas, Caitlyn."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her heart aching, she dug through
the tissue in the bag and pulled out a soft pashmina scarf in the most vibrant
shade of emerald green she’d ever seen. She looked down at the scarf, not
willing to meet Lucas’ gaze until the tears that threatened were well in check.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It reminded me of your eyes,"
he whispered softly, tucking a finger under her chin and tilting her head back
until their eyes met. He saw the tears, but said nothing. He simply pulled her
into a tight embrace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn snaked her arms around his
waist and held on for dear life. In her heart she knew this was all she’d have
of him. The memories of the last few days and a scarf, both of which she would
cherish for a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I got you something, too.
Nothing grand, but…"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Extracting herself from his
embrace, she walked over to the table near the tree, returning with a small box
wrapped in cheerful Christmas paper. She smiled watching as he tore off the
paper. She could almost imagine what he’d been like as a child on Christmas
morning. The thought made the tears well again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He grinned up at her as he pulled
out the keychain. It was made of braided black leather with a silver ring at
one end and a weighted Celtic knot at the other. She didn’t tell him it was a
love knot. She couldn’t. Not with him leaving, no doubt never to return.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It’s beautiful, Caitlyn.
Thank you." He curled a knuckle under her chin and tipped her face to his.
"I’ll be back."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Och, will ye now?"
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she dredged up a saucy tone. "And when might
that be, me boyo?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"As soon as I possibly
can. I swear.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Once again Caitlyn was alone. Only
this time the loneliness was almost too much to bear. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the week that led up to New
Year’s she kept up appearances. Moving through each day in a haze of
half-hearted smiles and feigned holiday cheer, but inside she was miserable. The
colored lights on the street mocked her. Her footsteps echoing in the empty
quad at Trinity College, reflected the lonely ache in her heart. Even the pub was quiet. Most of the students were gone for the holidays and only a scant number of tourists were hardy
enough to brave the weather. Leaving her to wallow and mourn a love that was never meant to be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas had emailed her the morning after
his return to the States. He’d written that Banks was stumbling over herself to
provide information knowing the FBI was the only thing standing between her and
any death warrant Saldana might issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following day he emailed again.
This time to say he wouldn’t be able to communicate for a while. Caitlyn interpreted
that to mean he was going undercover and worried nonstop the rest of the week for
his safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fear and worry were still with her
on New Year’s Eve, when the entire pub emptied as everyone headed to Christ
Church for the ringing of the bells. Mick, the pub’s owner, tried to cajole
Caitlyn into joining them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Aren’t ye going to hear the
bells, love?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Nah, Mick. You go on. I’ll mind
the pub."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Are ye sure? I'll be happy tae stay behind."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I’m sure. Go. Enjoy yourself."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the chimes began to sound, faint
and clear in the distance, Caitlyn tried to numb the empty ache around her
heart by keeping busy. She wiped down the counter and then set up rows of
glasses for the patrons who would return ready to toast the New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Och, I’m nothin’ but a bloody
fool," she muttered as the pub door opened and a late customer entered on
a blast of cold air and the pealing of bells. "What was I thinking? How could I fall in love with a great glom I’ll probably never see again."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She heaved a heavy sigh and turned to tend to the customer, only to find him grinning at her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"So I’m a great glom, huh?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Lucas!
</i>She gasped. If they’d passed each other on the street, she wouldn’t have
recognized him. He looked battle worn. Exhausted. His eyes were blood shot, and a vicious bruise mottled
one side of his face, but he radiated triumph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"We got him, Caitlyn.
Saldana’s done."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She smiled through the tears that
filled her eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Oh, Lucas. I'm so happy for you.
Congratulations!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A twinkle of mirth danced in his
eyes. "Not only that, my superiors were so impressed with my knowledge of
prehistoric art that I’ve been assigned to a special Interpol task force based here in Dublin."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Really? For how long?" Her heart swelled with hope, but at the same time feared his response. She couldn't do temporary. Not with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"For at least as long as it takes for you to finish your doctorate. Forever, if you want. I'll make sure of it, sweetheart." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I…I...you…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Save it woman,” he chuckled,
holding his arms open to her. “By my estimation you’ve got about ten seconds to
get out from behind that bar so we can kiss in the New Year. Now move it!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Yes, sir!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laughing, Caitlyn ducked under the
counter and rushed into his arms, the thunderous pounding of her heart drowning
out the cacophony of bells ringing in the New Year. And as his lips crushed
down on hers, she melted against him, basking not only in his warmth, but in
the knowledge that she'd never spend another Christmas alone.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">THE END</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20px; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092987958986644887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-52654418664522291532013-12-20T04:30:00.000-05:002013-12-20T08:12:43.086-05:00'Tis the Season for Seduction<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">In our previous installment, Lucas and Caitlyn had made their way to Newgrange on toe morning of Winter Solstice in hopes of catching an art thief connected to an American drug lord. Lucas assumed the art thief would be one of the fifty people selected to witness solstice from inside the tomb. He was wrong. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the midst of her reverie, Caitlyn stumbles upon a person wearing a very distinctive hat chipping away at the exterior of the tomb but before she can sound the alarm, she is attacked by the would-be thief. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does Lucas arrive in time to save Caitlyn and will he catch his thief?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/12/tis-season-for-seduction.html" target="_blank">Part One</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/12/tis-season-for-seduction_13.html" target="_blank">Part Two</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">'</span>Tis the Season for Seduction</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fiona Summerville</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part Three</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Caitlyn. Sweetheart."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A deep, reassuring voice penetrated
the pain. Caitlyn struggled to sit up, but gentle hands pushed her back onto
the icy ground. Which was just as well, her head was spinning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Don’t move, baby. The paramedics
are on their way."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn opened her eyes, blinking
rapidly as her eyes struggled to focus, when they did, they met Lucas’ worried
gaze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She reached up, touching her temple
with tentative fingers only to have his gloved hands cup her hand and bring it
to his chest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Shhh…just lay still. You must
have slipped and hit one of the stones going down. You’ve got a nasty bump on
your temple. You may very well have a concussion."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her temple throbbed, but Lucas’
words pierced through the fog and Caitlyn gasped with sudden recollection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I didn’t slip! He hit me with
his cane."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"He who?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It had to be the art thief!
He was prying loose one of the quartz stones. Everyone was focused on the
sunrise… Oh, no!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At her cry, alarm leaped into his amber
eyes. "It’s okay, baby. Shhh, you’re going to be fine." Lucas snarled
at a uniformed officer standing off to the side. "Where the hell are those
paramedics?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Lucas, I’m fine. Really.”
Using the resistance of his grip on her hand, she pulled herself up to a seated
position and leaned her head against his chest. “It’s just that…I missed the
sunrise.” Her voice tapered off into another soft cry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh sweetheart, there’ll be
more sunrises." His voice was rough with concern as he gently stroked her
hair. "Do you think you can give us a description of the man who attacked
you?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I only caught a glimpse of
him." She closed her eyes, searching her pain addled brain for anything
that might help. "I think he was older, but that might have been because
of the cane. I didn’t see his face. His scarf was pulled up and he was wearing
a big bulky overcoat and a hat.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The police constable nearest to
them, turned away and barked into his radio. "All units! Be on the lookout
for a gentleman with a cane, wearing an overcoat, muffler and hat. Hold him for
questioning concerning an assault."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"And for defacing an antiquity,"
Caitlyn muttered, pointing to the small hole in the tomb’s upper ring.
Indiscernible to most, but to her the jagged, empty hole made a mockery of everything
she held dear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"There was a design there,"
she said softly. "A triple spiral. I showed you a picture of it last night
at the library, remember? How dare some greedy bastard defile something that
has withstood time and the elements for over five thousand years!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn winced, pain shooting through
her head as she raised her voice in anger. Lucas pulled her close, hoping to
sooth not only the pain in her head but also her heart. In the short time he’d
been with Caitlyn, he’d learned how deeply she revered the megaliths she
studied. It was one of the many things he’d grown to love about her. <i>Love? Aw hell no.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He stared down into her face. Even
etched with pain, her beauty and fiery temper shone through. She was a bright
and gifted scholar with so much knowledge to offer the world. He should never
have involved her in this op. But he’d been so certain his target would be inside
the tomb, not outside with Caitlyn. <i>Dammit.
</i>She could have been killed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas stood stock-still, cursing
himself silently as the paramedics arrived and guided her from his arms to
start their examination. He let out an audible sigh of relief when they confirmed
her pupils were refracting normally and that her pulse and blood pressure were strong
and steady. Still, it was decided that she should have a doctor look her over
at the hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas helped her onto the gurney
and walked along side to the waiting ambulance. He was about to climb in when Inspector
O’Malley stopped him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"We’re searching everyone on
the site. Purses. Pockets. Thermoses. So far we’ve come up empty."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I have a feeling you’ll find
the cane under a bush somewhere," Lucas said grimly. "It’s served its
purpose, both as a tool and a weapon. No doubt part of the disguise, too."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“You’re probably right, but we’ll
keep at it anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two hours later, the attending
physician declared Caitlyn well enough to go home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You’ve a sizable lump on your
head, so just take it easy until the pain and swelling subsides, alright?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I will."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Watch her closely for the
next twenty-four hours," he warned Lucas. "If her headache worsens,
her speech slurs or she seems confused, bring her right back, do y’hear?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Yes, doctor and thank you."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn shot Lucas a glance, but
held her tongue until the doctor left the room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh for goodness sake, there’s
no need for you to watch over me for the next twenty-four hours."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Doctor’s orders. Unless
there’s someone else available," he added casually. "A roommate,
maybe?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"She’s gone home for the
holidays. But I’m working this evening. They’ll watch out for me there."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas snorted softly. “You’re
supposed to take it easy. There’s no way you’re going to work tonight. You’d best call to let them know you won’t be
in."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"But…"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No buts, Caitlyn." He
placed a hand under each arm and lifted her off the exam table. "I should
never have involved you. It’s my fault you got hurt. It’s my responsibility to
make sure you get better.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas’ cell phone rang as he and
Caitlyn walked across the parking lot to his rental car. He listened for a
moment and gave a terse response before ending the call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"That was Inspector O’Malley.
They found the cane, but no trace of your attacker or the stone. They’re
widening the search, but something tells me our guy has gone to ground."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Lucas, we have to find him before
he gets the stone out of the country. We can’t let him get away with this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas nodded as he loaded her into
the passenger seat and then made his way around to the driver’s side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You know, I’ve got vacation
built up. I was thinking I might stay here in Dublin over the holidays. Would
you like to spend them with me? I mean, that is if you don’t have any other
plans."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn’s heart soared at the
thought of spending Christmas cuddled in front of a fire with Lucas. She was
already envisioning New Year’s Eve wrapped in his arms listening to the bells
ring through the night when he sent her crashing back to reality.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The target may have gone to
ground, but the way I see it, he’ll want to get the stone to Saldana within the
next week or so, and I want to be here when he does."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She stared over at Lucas in the
driver’s seat. Despite knowing his only real interest in staying over was to
nab the art thief. Caitlyn resolved to make the best of his offer. Girls like
her didn’t meet men like him on a regular basis. Why not enjoy the time while
it’s afforded to her? She smiled brightly at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“That’s a great idea, Lucas. I’d be
happy to spend time with you while you’re here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once home, Caitlyn reveled in the
distraction named Lucas Connor. She watched in amused wonder as he tucked a
blanket around her before making his way into the kitchen. She heard cupboards
opening and closing and the click of the stove’s pilot light catching. Before
long Lucas emerged with a tray piled high with sandwiches and a fairly decent
pot of tea. As the afternoon wore on, Lucas entertained her with what she
suspected were highly embellished tales of some of his more memorable
adventures as an FBI agent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In turn, Caitlyn opened up a little
more about her life in Dublin and about her grandmother. It was more than she’d
ever shared with anyone before and despite her best efforts, the ever-present
loneliness and pain crept into her voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas ran a lazy finger down her
forearm. "It must be hard being alone this time of year."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It is, a bit. But I’ve got a
good group of friends and school and work to keep me plenty busy."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His astute, beautiful eyes searched
her face, but probed no further. "How’s your head feel?" he asked
instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Great. The headache faded
hours ago."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You sure?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Absolutely."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“How about some dinner then? I’m
starved and you don’t have much in the way of food in that kitchen.” He said with
a wink before bundling up against the weather and heading down the row to
O’Brien’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He returned with snow dusting his brown
waves and the tantalizing scent of fish and chips wafting from a brown paper
bag. They ate in front of the fire. Lucas crunched down on his deep-fried
haddock while Caitlyn sprinkled vinegar over her fish and chips before digging
in. She was midway through her portion when she felt him watching her. When she
looked up, giving him a quizzical look, he smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"How can you eat fries without
ketchup?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"They’re better with
vinegar."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At his dubious look, she help up a
fry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Och, at least try one before
ye go hatin’ on it."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn’s heart fluttered when he dipped
his head and ate it from her hand. Her breath hitched as he licked the salt and
vinegar from her fingers. And when he raised his head, and pinned her with his
gaze, she forgot how to breathe altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Knotting a hand in her hair, Lucas
pulled her to him as he shoved their half-eaten meal aside with the other. His
mouth molded onto hers and Caitlyn locked her arms around his neck, straining
against him, reveling his warmth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His lips sent electric charges
surging through her body as he trailed kisses along her jawline and down her
neck. It had been so long… Oh, who was she kidding? She’d never felt like this
with another man, ever. Lucas Connor made her blood boil and every nerve ending
sing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unadulterated need and hunger raged
through her body like a wildfire, unchecked and uncontainable. His teeth
scraped and nipped their way along her collar bone, and Caitlyn dropped her
head to the side allowing him better access, crying out when he bit down on her
shoulder before dragging his lips up to claim hers again. Greedy mouths fed off
one another as impatient hands stripped away layers of clothing and before
long, Caitlyn was stretched out beneath Lucas, arching into every caress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"God, Caitlyn, you’re
beautiful,” he whispered, raking her with hot, hungry eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She moaned softly as he leaned over
and captured her breast with his lips, flicking and swiping his tongue over her
pebbled nipple. She writhed beneath him, her hands threading their way through
his waves, as she pulled him closer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Patience, sweetheart. I’ll give
you what you need.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moaning her assent, Caitlyn bucked
against his hips as he spread her legs and wedged himself between them. His
hands took the place of his lips, kneading and pinching her breasts as his lips
traveled down along her belly, nipping at her hip bone and coming to a halt
hovering just above her mound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A small shudder coursed through her
body as his breath tickled her sensitized bud of nerves. He nuzzled her inner
thighs. Licked and teased her smooth inner folds. Circling but never landing on
her clit. She cried out her frustration, rocking her hips, straining to reach
his lips as he broke off his torture and grinned up at her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Hush, baby. I’ll let you come soon.
Just relax and enjoy it. I know I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Please, Lucas. Stop teasing. I
need…need…Oh my God!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas spread her wide, lashing her
with his tongue. Caitlyn arched toward him, his name tumbling from her lips on
moan. She fisted his hair with both hands, holding him in place. Now that he
was there, she wasn’t going to let him wander off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His tongue laved and dipped in her
weeping core. She spread her legs further, her heels digging furrows in the
carpet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“More,” she heard herself cry and Lucas
obliged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spearing her with two fingers, Lucas
thrust deep, finding and stroking the so oft times elusive spot deep within her
core as he suckled her clit. Caitlyn flexed toward him, clamping down on his
fingers. Through the haze she heard and felt Lucas growl against her mound, the
vibrations sending her screaming over the edge and into an untamed climax. She
bucked hard against his mouth, screaming his name over and over. He held her tight,
forcing her through it until the last of her shudders subsided. Only then did
he move up alongside her, enveloping her in a possessive embrace. His rock hard
presence pressing into the small of her back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I guess I did good?” He murmured,
pressing a gentle kiss to her temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Och, aye,” she quipped softly in
an exaggerated brogue. “I’d say ye took top honor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She turned in his arms to face him,
reaching her hand down to stroke his cock. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“What do ye say, boyo? Are ye ready
tae claim your prize?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092987958986644887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-29747876088448344962013-12-13T04:30:00.000-05:002013-12-13T04:30:02.326-05:00'Tis the Season for Seduction<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we left Lucas and Caitlyn, they were exploring a little more than just the ancient tomes in the secluded alcoves of the Trinity College Library. With less than twelve hours to go before Lucas ventures to Newgrange to catch a thief, will he let the delectable Ms. Burns distract him from his quarry? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/12/tis-season-for-seduction.html?zx=c3d9153eedde853f" target="_blank">Part One</a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">'Tis the Season for Seduction</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fiona Summerville</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part Two<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sparks ignited at flash points
throughout Caitlyn’s body. Heat speared into her belly, and pooled a little
further below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In all her years in Dublin, she’d
only indulged in one pallid affair. Now, after less than three hours with Lucas
Conner, one taste of him made her want more. Much more. She dared herself to
delve a little further. With a little grunt, he shifted in his chair, propped
the back of her head in his palm, probing and sparring with her tongue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Suddenly, he drew back, his breath coming
in hard, fast pants. Running his thumb along her bottom lip Lucas’ amber eyes
searched hers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Tell me you feel what I
feel.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn’s heart skipped a beat. She
nodded and leaned into the hand now cupping her cheek. He leaned his forehead
against hers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Good. You know, I’ve been
wondering what you taste like all afternoon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This time it was he that initiated
the kiss, sliding the hand on her cheek under her hair to the nape of her neck
and drawing her to him. With a groan, he wrapped his free arm around her waist
and pulled her into his lap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn shifted to straddle him,
astonished by her shameless response to his kiss. Dragging her fingers through
his hair, she pulled him closer, deepening the kiss, nipping at the tongue that
was so thoroughly exploring her mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They moaned in unison as she rocked
against his rigid cock. His lips left hers and seared a trail of kisses along
her jaw as his hands grabbed her hips and held her fast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His thumbs travelled up beneath her
sweater, drawing lazy circles on her belly. She shivered at his touch, silently
willing him to venture further. Never in her life had she wanted to have a
man’s hands explore every part her so completely. Most certainly never in public.
<i>Bloody hell.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn stilled and dropped her
hands to Lucas’ shoulders, pushing away gently. They had to stop. If they
didn’t there was a very good chance she’d let him take her in this very public,
albeit secluded, part of the library.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas noticed the shift in
Caitlyn’s mood and drew his head back, releasing the vice grip his hands had on
her hips. He silently uttered every adjective he could think of as he willed
his rebellious body into submission. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He let his forehead rest on her
shoulder as his shallow breathing came back into check. <i>God…</i>Every part of him wanted to sweep her out of the alcove and
take her back to his hotel room, stretch her out in front of the fire and make
love to her until she gasped and writhed in pleasure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I’m sorry," he whispered
raggedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Are ye now? Because truth be told,
I’m not. ’Tis been a while since I’ve been kissed like that."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her voice was tinged with amusement
and her adopted brogue had reappeared. When Lucas lifted his head and stared
into her bright green eyes, he knew he had to end this. Right here, right now.
She was too tempting, too seductive and he had too much at stake. Looking down
once again, he raked a hand through his hair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn’s arms snaked under his
jacket and around his waist as she moved in to nuzzle his neck. They both froze
as her hand brushed over the holster strapped into his belt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She gasped, and Lucas cursed as he
pulled her arms out from beneath his jacket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It’s legal," he said
quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She scrambled up, fear and
uncertainty flooding her eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Who are you? Why are ye
carryin’ a gun?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As he stood, she backed away from
him, eyeing the exit. Lucas held up his hands and slowly reached into the
inside pocket of his jacket, producing his credentials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“It’s ok, Caitlyn. I’m with the
FBI."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She studied the identification and
badge for several moments, her eyes bobbing between the leather wallet and his
face before the tension in her shoulders visibly eased. Her eyes, still
doubt-filled, assessed him warily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What’s the FBI doing in
Ireland?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas let out a heavy sigh and
gestured for her to take a seat, pulling his chair close to hers. Thankful for
their secluded surroundings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I’m part of a narcotics task
force that’s been tracking Enrique Saldana, a Miami-based drug lord with an
affinity for prehistoric artifacts.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"And you think he’s going to
be at Newgrange tomorrow?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No, not him. The art thief
he’s hired. We’re hoping to nab him and turn up the heat enough that he’ll work
with us to get Saldana.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas probed her shocked
expression, giving her time to absorb everything he’d just revealed. And, once
again, Caitlyn’s reaction surprised him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Well, good luck with that,"
she snorted softly. “You’re going to have a hell of a time taggin’ anyone in
that crowd."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What crowd? I thought access was
limited to a few dozen people."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sure. Only fifty people can
go inside the tomb, but hundreds gather outside. Besides the news crews and scientists,
Druids and Wiccans from around the world gather to celebrate the Winter
Solstice. It’s quite a spectacle."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dammit! He hadn’t counted on a huge
crowd. That definitely added an extra layer of difficulty to the scenario he’d
worked out. Not only did he not know who the thief was or what he looked like,
but now he was going to have to pick them out of hundreds, maybe thousands of
spectators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Maybe, I could go with you
tomorrow. If you think I could help."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas’ eyes shot up to meet
Caitlyn’s hesitant gaze as he considered her proposal. Despite her being a
civilian, she was an expert on the tomb. He’d be foolish to turn down her offer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I guess it wouldn’t hurt to
have another set of eyes and ears. You could mingle with the crowd outside
while I’m in the tomb.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She smiled and nodded, but her smile quickly faded. “Wait. What if this person you’re looking for is armed, like you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"He won’t get far. Everyone
has to pass through a metal detector before entering the site.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She nodded and once again her
shoulders dropped in relief. "That’s right. They do. Alright, count me in.
That is, if you want me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mischievous glint in her eye
told him she was well aware of the thinly veiled double entendre she’d just
thrown out. He laughed and pulled her close, catching her by the chin to draw
her in for a long, sumptuous kiss. God, her lips were amazing. When he finally
drew away from her, he planted kisses on the tip of her nose and forehead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Oh, I definitely want you, baby. I’d
also like your help tomorrow morning,” he said slipping back into professional
mode. “We’ve got an early start. What do you say, we call it a night?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn looked up from the pile of
books she was stacking. Her eyes, brimming with subdued passion, silently
questioned whether they’d be calling it a night together. Dammit, as much as he
wanted to take her back to his hotel, he knew it wouldn’t be wise. They both
needed to have their wits about them in the morning and only a good night’s
rest would make that possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas reached up and stroked
Caitlyn’s cheek, before sliding a note pad towards her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Give me your address, I’ll
pick you up in the morning."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She sighed softly and nodded, giving
him a rueful smile as she quickly jotted down her address. He could tell she was
disappointed. Hell, so was he. But, if things went well tomorrow, he’d be free
to focus on Caitlyn with the same single-mindedness with which he’d tracked
Saldana. And enjoy it a hell of a lot
more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was snowing as they walked out
of the library, and Lucas turned to flag down a cab.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Let me give you a lift to your
flat, Caitlyn. It’s starting to snow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Och, ‘tis nothin’ but a wee
dustin’,” she chimed, falling back into the brogue he was growing to love. “You
go on. I’ll be fine.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas nodded and pulled her in for
one last lingering kiss before stepping into the cab. Directing the cabby to
his hotel, he turned and watched as Caitlyn trudged through falling snow in the
opposite direction, thinking about all the wicked things he planned to do to
the delicious Ms. Caitlyn Burns once he got her into bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn and Lucas were greeted by
Inspector James O’Malley of the Arts and Antiquities Division when they arrived
at the Brú na Bóinne visitor center in the pre-dawn hours of the morning. Although
the sun wouldn’t top the ridge to the east for another three hours, huge crowds
were already waiting in line for transport out to the tombs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bundled in the thick pea jacket
she’d purchased at a secondhand store and a wool muffler wrapped around her
throat, Caitlyn followed closely along as Inspector O’Malley whisked them
around the security checkpoint and onto a minibus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her body hummed with excitement as
the bus started moving towards the tombs. Although there were hundreds of passage
tombs scattered across Ireland, including one on the magnificent Hill of Tara,
most scholars, Caitlyn included, considered Newgrange the oldest and most
impressive of them all, sitting high on a hill overlooking the River Boyne.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As they stepped off the bus, Caitlyn’s
breath caught at the sight of the massive cairn illuminated by floodlights. Two
hundred thousand tons of grass-covered earth formed the rounded roof. Beneath
the roof was an upper ring of white quartz "pebbles," polished to a
lustrous sheen by centuries of river water before being gathered by the ancient
tomb builders. Beneath the glistening quartz ring stood the base, consisting of
ninety-seven monstrous curbstones weighing five or more tons apiece, silent
sentinels to man’s determination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Just think," she
murmured to Lucas as he tucked her under his arm to shield her from the icy
wind, "the people who built this tomb had no clocks and no calendars. Yet
every winter solstice for more than five thousand years, the rising sun shines
through that box, illuminating the inner burial chamber for fifteen or twenty
minutes.” Lucas leaned his face in closer to hers as she pointed to a square
opening directly above the tomb’s entrance. “Those brief, few minutes herald
the end of winter and the coming of spring. In a more spiritual sense, it
celebrates the rebirth of Mother Earth and the new Sun king.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Like the birth of
Christ," Lucas murmured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Exactly."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She turned and smiled at him,
pleased he’d paid attention last evening when she had explained how many pagan
rituals and beliefs had been incorporated into modern religions. She chuckled
to herself as a wicked thought flitted through her mind. She would have to
reward him for being such a good student. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As they moved through the crowd,
Caitlyn could sense Lucas’ tension as he scanned the sea of faces muffled by
wool scarves and hats pulled low on foreheads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Do you have any idea what
this person looks like?" she murmured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Not a clue."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Jaysus, talk about a needle in a
haystack.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Yeah, I know,” he shrugged. “But
it’s the best lead I’ve got. I have to run it down.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As they wove their way through the
crowd, Caitlyn took in every aspect of the megalith with reverence and awe. Each
giant curbstone was decorated with prehistoric art—spirals, zigzags, concentric
circles, triangles—images that represented the sun, moon and stars. There was
no way a thief could steal one of these five-ton slabs without a crane. And,
with all the uniformed police officers in the crowd she thought it unlikely
that someone would try to chisel out one of the designs. Still, her
apprehension intensified with every passing moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The snow glistened on the
surrounding hills and mist swirled up from the River Boyne as the predawn
darkness gave way to thin, gray light. And, despite the underlying reason for
her being there, Caitlyn couldn’t help but be enchanted by her surroundings
which only seemed more magical when Lucas paused and turned to face her,
wrapping his arms around her waist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I’m sorry I couldn’t get a ticket
for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Auch, weel." She gave
him a wry smile and slipped into a heavier than normal brogue. "’Tis
enough t’watch the sun come oop from here. Now, go on with ye. Do what you
must. I’ll be waitn’."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Go sit on the bus if you get
too cold."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What? And miss the sunrise?
Are y’daft, man?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He laughed softly and pulled her
closer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh, Caitlyn. I know we’re an
hour early, but…happy Solstice, beautiful girl.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn’s heart fluttered as he
dipped his head and claimed her mouth, searing her lips with a kiss so hot it
left her melting inside despite the freezing temperatures. She must be crazy,
she thought, watching him stride toward the tomb entrance. She’d only just met
the man and yet the view of his broad back and long, sure stride stirred a hot,
sweet lust she had no business feeling. Not to mention the sparks he ignited
with just a simple touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only after she watched him duck
under the stone lintel at the entrance and disappear inside the tomb did her
internal heat yield to the frost outside. The pre-dawn chill slowly crept
through her limbs as the sky lightened across the river at an agonizing pace.
Still, Caitlyn waited with eager anticipation along with the rest of the crowd.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a thin red rim appeared above
the trees lining the river, Caitlyn moved away from the crowd. Finding a spot
all to herself at the foot of a giant curbstone, she settled in to absorb the timeless
moment in solitude. She smiled softly to herself as the sun continued its
ascent, slowly gathering in size and intensity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She felt at one with the ancient
peoples who had once stood where she stood, marking the passing of one season
and celebrating the birth of another. She stilled, focusing on the awesome
spectacle before her until a faint, almost inaudible rattle penetrated her
quiet contemplation. Another louder rattle followed. Her curiosity piqued,
Caitlyn abandoned the protection of the curbstone to follow the sounds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rounding the corner, she gasped
when her eyes fell upon a form, bundled from head to foot in a bulky overcoat
and floppy-brimmed wool hat in a distinctive herringbone pattern, using the tip
of a cane to pry a glistening quartz rock from the upper ring. She started to
back away, but suddenly, the figure whipped around, slamming the cane into
Caitlyn’s temple. Pain exploded in her head and as the rising sun faded to
black, Caitlyn heard a disembodied voice that sounded curiously like her own
call out for Lucas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092987958986644887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-44376583720992736802013-12-06T04:30:00.000-05:002013-12-06T12:29:22.861-05:00'Tis the Season for Seduction<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">It’s been a long time since Caitlyn Burns has been seduced
by anything—or anyone. Winters in Dublin, Ireland, are cold and dreary, and
without family, the holidays are bleak and lonely. Its four days before
Christmas and Caitlyn is still slinging drinks at the local pub and dreading
going home to an empty flat, and an even emptier bed.</span><br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For FBI agent Lucas Conner, things are heating up. He’s hot
on the trail of a prehistoric-art thief who will be the key to bringing down a
notorious drug czar. And he just caught a glimpse of the sexy blond waitress at
the bar. Who just happens to be an art student at Trinity College and an expert
in ancient Ireland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">It’s the perfect excuse to mix business with pleasure. And
Lucas is determined to nail both his quarries….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4ynte3V0e88Pthyphenhyphen60mIbQIRFve65JmhFi7jt3-Qwx6uYD7qw_XZ7cwBOBVdFbUc0bgk8UfeFIw4DuNcHyLiPau1rRudRV_UoP4o72JIDO8H1P0tx-zzqF1Sw6oZj38b1Lar-CIJHGZM/s1600/pizap.com13855088063741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4ynte3V0e88Pthyphenhyphen60mIbQIRFve65JmhFi7jt3-Qwx6uYD7qw_XZ7cwBOBVdFbUc0bgk8UfeFIw4DuNcHyLiPau1rRudRV_UoP4o72JIDO8H1P0tx-zzqF1Sw6oZj38b1Lar-CIJHGZM/s320/pizap.com13855088063741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">'Tis the Season for Seduction</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">by</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fiona Summerville</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dublin,
Ireland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 20.25pt; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The empty pint glasses clinked
together on the tray as Caitlyn Burns wove her way to a small booth wedged into
a corner of O’Brien’s Pub.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was only midafternoon, but the
pub, which was located in the heart of Dublin and just a short walk from Trinity
College, was jammed with students celebrating the end of exams and the
beginning of Christmas break. Laughter and cheerful chatter reverberated around
the room evoking a melancholy smile from Caitlyn as she paused beside the
corner booth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She looked down, about to ask
the booth’s occupant for his drink order, when her eyes fell upon one of the
yellow lined notepads that covered the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"That should be thirty-two
hundred B.C.,” she said softly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the din, Caitlyn thought
she heard a grunt of acknowledgement but the dark, neatly trimmed head and broad,
tweed covered shoulders remained hunched over a guidebook and notepad,
scribbling furiously, completely disregarding her remark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She worried the inside of her
lip, debating whether or not to impose any further, but a quick glance at the
research notes set out before him on the table bolstered her resolve. He obviously had the wrong date so the
timeline for whatever research he was compiling would be thrown off because of
it. She could let it go, but because the focus of her doctorate was Irish
Prehistory, she felt almost obligated to correct his mistake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Shifting the glass filled tray
from one hip to the other, Caitlyn pulled out the pencil she kept tucked behind
her ear and tapped it on the yellow pad with the offending date. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Your date…It’s wrong. It should
be thirty-two hundred B.C.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the customer looked up Caitlyn’s
heart dropped like a stone, and she consciously had to work to keep her jaw and
the tray from following suit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Holy feck! The man was gorgeous.
Nerdy black-framed glasses, notwithstanding, the guy was not your typical
tourist or student or mortal man, for that matter. No, this broad shouldered hunk
with soft amber eyes, looked as if he’d stepped off the cover of one of those
romance novels her friend Megan was so fond of reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sorry?" He leaned
toward her, straining to hear her over the raucous crowd. "What’d you
say?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Swallowing her new found case of
cotton mouth, Caitlyn bent closer, her voice louder, but also huskier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Newgrange. The passage
tomb dates back to three thousand B.C., not two thousand."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mr. Buff and Dreamy turned the page
of his guide book and cocked a eyebrow. "You’re right."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I know I am,” Caitlyn announced
proudly. “Prehistoric Ireland, Neolithic to be exact, is my area of focus."
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas Conner stared up in amazement
at the waitress from behind his fake glasses. He’d been so engrossed in his notes
that he hadn’t noticed her near his table, but she certainly had his attention
now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only because she seemed to
know her history but because she was breathtakingly beautiful. His groin
twitched in absolute male appreciation as his eyes raked across loose tawny
waves, eyes that sparkled like emeralds and legs that went on for days sheathed
in black tights beneath a flirty black mini-skirt. And when she smiled, Lucas almost
forget why he was in Dublin in the first place.<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Almost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You’re a student?" He
asked, regaining his focus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"A doctoral candidate at Trinity.
What can I bring ye?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"A pint of Guinness.
Original, please.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Ye’ve got it. Back in a
bit."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas shuffled through his notes
absentmindedly as he watched the leggy blonde weave her way back to the bar.
And when his eyes came to rest on the contents of the notepad in front of him,
his interest in her shifted from personal to professional. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was on the
trail of an art thief who specialized in obtaining prehistoric artifacts for a
shadowy Miami-based drug lord with discriminating and extremely expensive
tastes. Two days ago, the FBI’s Art Crimes Division had received a tip that the
thief might be one of the select few spectators who were allowed into the
megalithic Newgrange tomb at sunrise on December 22. On that day—and only that
day—the rising sun would align at exactly the right angle to illuminate the
tomb’s inner chamber.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Despite the
fact that art theft ranked fourth in major international crimes after drugs,
people trafficking and arms, most law-enforcement agencies—including the
FBI—had only limited resources to devote to it. Hence the reason he was the
only agent assigned to the case. Not to mention the fact his superiors hadn’t
been impressed by the vagueness of the tip. Nevertheless, Lucas had jumped on a
plane the next afternoon and landed in Dublin just a few hours ago and was now
sitting in a pub, trying to transform himself into a prehistoric art expert.
What were the odds that the hot little number that had just taken his drink
order was the exact thing he was trying so desperately to become?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His gaze tracked the
tawny-haired girl as she delivered drink orders around the room, finally coming
to stand in front of his booth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"That’ll be four
euros," she said, smiling down at him. "Or would ye like tae run a
tab?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"A tab, please." He sat
back against the dark red leather lined booth, regarding her tentatively.
"What’s your name?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Caitlyn Burns. And
yours?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Lucas Conner. Listen, I
was wondering—what time do you get off work?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"And why would ye be askin’,
Lucas Conner?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I have a proposition for
you." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He watched her jaw clench tight
before adding quickly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 20.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"A business
proposition."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You got a ticket for
Newgrange tomorrow?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn’s voice squeaked, but she
couldn’t help it. She couldn’t believe that out of thousands of people –
including herself- who put their names in every year for the Newgrange lottery,
this guy, an American no less, scored one of the greatest coups in Ireland. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"How in the world did you get
so lucky?"</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He ignored her question and instead
eyed her suspiciously.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What happened to your
accent?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Oh. That." She snorted
softly and grinned. “I’m an American like you. Born and raised in Sacramento. I
did my undergrad and master’s at Stanford, but got a scholarship to work on a
doctorate here at Trinity. Two years in Dublin have given me a wee bit of the
brogue, doncha know?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His eyes narrowed as he skimmed a
glance over her well-worn black skirt and beer-stained apron.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You said you’re on
scholarship?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I am."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Doesn’t it provide living
expenses?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"It does, but…I have bills.
You know how it is."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His eyes held hers. "No, I
don’t. Why don’t you tell me?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn bit her lip. Her personal circumstances
no one’s business but her own, yet this man’s steady gaze drew a reluctant
response from her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I was raised by my
grandmother. She didn’t have a lot, only a widow’s pension, but she gave me so
much love I never realized we were poor. She died during her hip-replacement
surgery three years ago." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A knot formed in Caitlyn’s throat. It
had been three years and the loss of her grandmother still managed to choke her
up. Coming to Ireland to study had eased some of the pain, but the holidays
were always hard. Especially Christmas, when the campus emptied, and everyone
went home to their families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I’ve almost managed to pay
off the hospital and funeral bills," she said with a shrug trying to seem
nonplussed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In truth, she’d struggled. Working
two part-time jobs while still managing to complete her studies had not only
draining, but depressing. Refusing to wallow any longer on her bleak
circumstances, Caitlyn changed the subject.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Waitressing just pays for
life’s little extras. Now what’s this business proposition you mentioned?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas leaned back against the booth.
Despite his relaxed posture, he was wary. The instincts that had kept him alive
all those years undercover had set the hair on the back of his neck on end when
the sexy waitress, had suddenly lost her Irish accent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even though her explanation was
plausible, he was still suspicious, so he planned to make a few calls when he
got back to his hotel. He needed her supposed expertise, but only if she
checked out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I want to get the most I can
out of my visit to Newgrange.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas knew his answer was vague, but
it was also honest. He hoped his early morning excursion to Newgrange would
result in the apprehension Salazar’s art thief and, through him, eventually,
Salazar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I want to understand the
tomb’s history and that of the people who constructed it. If you have time
after you get off work, maybe you could give me a quick and dirty overview. I’m
willing to pay whatever the going rate is at Trinity for private
tutoring."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Are y’now?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Caitlyn’s lips pursed as she
considered his offer and Lucas caught himself wondering how her lush bottom lip
would taste. How she would taste. Not liking the detour his thoughts had taken
or his body’s reaction to it, he shifted slightly to accommodate the sudden
tightening in his groin and began rethinking his offer at the same moment she
accepted it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I’ll be fished up here at six.
I could meet you at the library at Trinity College. We could meet in the reading room in the Library for Ancient Books
and Manuscripts. Say 6:30. How does that sound?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Sure. That works for me, I guess.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He glanced at his watch. Four hours
would give him plenty of time to check in with the office and make the
necessary inquiries into the waitress’ background. If she checked out, he would
meet her. If she didn’t, he’d spend the night boning up on ancient Ireland on his own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas found himself mesmerized by
the gentle sway of Caitlyn’s hips as she wove her way back to the bar. Dropping
his eyes back down to his notes, he tried to refocus, but his thoughts kept
turning back to her every time her lilting voice drifted across the room. He sighed and scrubbed his face with his hand as she crossed the pub with another pint in hand for him. <i>Not good. Not good at all. </i>Caitlyn Burns was fast becoming a tantalizing distraction he couldn't afford.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas realized how big a mistake he’d
made the moment she entered the secluded alcove in a corner of the reading room some hours later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her story had checked out. Caitlyn
Burns’ life was easily traceable and verifiable. He’d also been able to gain access to a short
summary of her master’s thesis. The girl knew her stuff. Her credentials were impressive and he spent the remaining time
he had, preparing himself for a session with a truly gifted academic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What he hadn’t prepared himself for
was the way his heart slammed into his rib cage when she walked into the room, carrying
a double stack of books, her cheeks flushed from the cold. Nor had he prepared
himself for the way his dick twitched inside his pants at the sight of the
hip-hugging jeans and clingy sweater she revealed when she slipped off her pea
coat. And, he most certainly hadn’t prepared himself for the warm scent of
vanilla that wafted off her skin and swirled around him, drawing him in closer as
she sat and opened the first of many tomes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God. He’d thought her beautiful when
he’d first met her in the pub, but here, so utterly at ease and in her element,
her beauty was magnified ten-fold. Her green eyes twinkled and shone like
emeralds as she shared her incredible depth and breadth of knowledge of the massive
stone megaliths that dated back to one of the earliest eras of human history, leaving him awestruck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, all in all, he found himself
woefully ill prepared for the likes of Caitlyn Burns. The woman was an absolutely lethal
combination of beauty and brains. And, as Lucas soon found out, had more
experience rutting out antiquities thieves than he did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I caught two idiots myself
trying to pass themselves off as visiting scholars. Took me all of thirty
seconds to realize how little they knew of eighth-century illuminated
manuscripts they were reviewing and another thirty to figure out they planned to rip out a page as a
souvenir! Can you believe it?!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He stared at her, completely
dumbfounded. Did the woman have any idea how irresistible she was to him at
that moment? There she sat, smart as a whip, emerald eyes ablaze with
indignation, bottom lip set in a pout that begged to be nibbled. Telling him a tale wrought with intrigue, <i>and,</i> to top it
all off, she smelled like a damn sugar cookie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas choked back a groan disguised in a cough as hunger slammed into him. Shifting in his seat, he forced
himself to focus on the floor plan of the tomb Caitlyn had laid out before them on the table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Don’t you need those?"
Caitlyn asked, nodding to the glasses tucked in his jacket pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Damn! He’d been so entranced by the
woman he’d totally forgotten his cover. "Oh...only for fine print," he
lied, but pulled them out and put them on anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She shrugged and went back her
overview of the tomb layout. Lucas took in the facts and dates and dimensions she
doled out until Caitlyn leaned closer to point out a significant design in one
of her books and her breast pressed his arm. At her touch his body became a live wire, electrical pulses surging and short circuiting any remaining logic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You’ll see this triple spiral
at Newgrange."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas sat frozen in place, gritting his teeth as he struggled to maintain his composure. He didn't respond. He couldn't. And before long, she
glanced up and their eyes locked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas heard the little hitch in her breath, and
couldn’t miss the flicker of realization that flared in her eyes. <i>She feels it too. </i>He thought
with a stab of fierce male pride as another jolt of heat melted away the last of his
resistance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Giving in to the need that had been
on slow burn since their first meeting at the pub, he slid a hand under the curtain
of blonde waves and cupped the warm skin of her nape.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Her eyes grew wide. Her mouth
parted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lucas expected her to pull away, but she didn't. Instead, she leaned in towards him and captured his lips with hers in a mind blowing kiss.</span><br />
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></i>
<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Oh man...was he ever screwed.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092987958986644887noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-24333177745843327572013-11-27T04:00:00.000-05:002013-11-27T04:00:09.378-05:00Autumn Rain<div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Abyrne Mostyn has joined us again with a short romantic offering that suits the season well. Fate is a fickle mynx, and uses all means in conspiracy against us. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eni8pO_CFGU/Uo_OvXVfAEI/AAAAAAAAAcw/nsL1UArIV18/s1600/leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eni8pO_CFGU/Uo_OvXVfAEI/AAAAAAAAAcw/nsL1UArIV18/s1600/leaf.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Autumn Rain</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">by</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Abyrne Mostyn </span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Only the weeping willow
remained unchanged. The other colorful leaves, long since path pavers on the
walk, betrayed the lateness of the season. Skylar was down there with the
fallen rainbow along the curb feeling cast off and walked on. Shareese had been
the cause. Weeks had become months since they had had anything more than an
argument between them and still he could not bring himself to believe there was
anyone else for him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Love was like that.
Loss was like that too. The difference was perspective and a healthy dose of
reality, but he could not bring himself to choke down the bitter pill. She was
off somewhere dancing with someone else, without a thought for him. He didn’t
think so, he knew so having seen her in the pub window bedecked and bedazzled
for the night. It was one more slap to the cheek he had already turned.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Walking around with his
eyes on the ground, he missed what was in front of him, then and now. Realities
past and future were lost to the drek that balanced on the sewer grate waiting
to fall. He wasn’t alone. Megan missed missing the collision with Skylar just
as surely as neither looked up to see the oncoming person in their path.
Misery, company, cliché.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The mad tangle of
limbs, the hasty apologies, and the recognition of a kindred soul were the
matter of a moments glance up after the fall. The universe is a conspiracy.
Sometimes only to show you what it is that you need to see when you refuse to
look.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Silent seconds passed
into minutes and more measurable units of time as they grappled with the notion
that somehow words weren’t necessary yet to convey the gaping hole they were
wearing under their clothes. Like running a wet finger around the rim of a
crystal glass the monotone soliloquy of each played between them with the
sounds of a concert orchestra to accompany the pain they wore on their faces. Before
they realized the leaves no longer crunched beneath their feet, or that the
November rain would wash away the somber death knell they had been building,
the moment was broken and the tiniest piece of patch snuck from the edge of
each hole toward their center with the laughter that followed their awkward ‘Hi’
as they uttered at them at the same time.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The universe is a
conspiracy. Walk with your eyes open, stand in the rain, and see the future for
what it can be. They did.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Check out Abyrne's newet release: </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Through-Oracles-Mist-Vengelys-Series/dp/1935970186/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384634301&sr=8-1&keywords=aedan+byrnes" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Through-Oracles-Mist-Vengelys-Series</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsifzqVY8hgOJ6j7ddWPa0nlrvKgWfsQd2-eloIaSmr9Etc7zkrfNhciBCm7q8Ra8dMD6UrlsILlhu6-tK-w7iRrN2u1B-9-MmviuID7Bh_hlDO0bFmvqDnTLLmOJuqU39UNA3I3l8heI/s1600/51LN1SjpH9L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsifzqVY8hgOJ6j7ddWPa0nlrvKgWfsQd2-eloIaSmr9Etc7zkrfNhciBCm7q8Ra8dMD6UrlsILlhu6-tK-w7iRrN2u1B-9-MmviuID7Bh_hlDO0bFmvqDnTLLmOJuqU39UNA3I3l8heI/s320/51LN1SjpH9L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<br /><div style="text-indent: 0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-18708725389237699922013-11-27T00:13:00.000-05:002013-11-27T00:13:02.560-05:00Oral Dilemma: Little Girl Blue<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Will Roxanne ever catch a break? Will she ever find happiness or is fate determined to keep her blue?</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGpyb31c4pU/UpV-pA4_ZcI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/CSM5-vD7cpQ/s1600/guitar-blues-blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGpyb31c4pU/UpV-pA4_ZcI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/CSM5-vD7cpQ/s320/guitar-blues-blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> This image is not owned by Storytime Trysts all copyrights reserved to artist. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">Oral Dilemma: Little Girl Blue</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">by</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ellie Mack</b></span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Fired? What do you mean fired? What the hell Mike?” I couldn’t believe it. Surely he was joking. </span><br />
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Sorry, you ain’t waitressing for me anymore.” He was smiling but there was no hint of remorse in his eyes.</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I looked at him in shocked disbelief, standing there staring at him for several minutes. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ Mike, you’re an ass. Always got to be the joker. That’s just wrong man.” It was Johnny D, in that low sexy voice of his. “Roxanne sweetheart, you got some real soul. Since you are currently unemployed I got an opportunity for you.”</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I turned to Johnny, then back glaring at Mike. “I’m listening”</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“How ‘bout you open for the band next week on vocals. It’s a paid gig.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I turned slowly to Johnny. “Seriously? What?” He had my full attention now. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Mike cleared his throat. “See, if you are in the band you can’t waitress. We’ve been wanting to do the live band thing again ever since Lorna left us 3 years ago. Me and Locks here knew last night when you sang that you had the sound we were looking for. I can’t afford to pay you to waitress and sing. Not until we start drawing a large crowd. It would be a raise actually. What do you say Rox?”</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I was a little bit miffed at how he did it, but I had to admit it was exciting. Tara and I had the funds from mom’s house, and I felt like I could take a chance and have some fun. Plus, I figured if it didn’t work out I could go back to college. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Sure, I’ll do it.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Alright then” Johnny D smiled. For an older guy he was downright sexy. That smile was devastating. It was decided when we would practice and where. Johnny had a full studio at his house. Mike planned on opening the following Saturday which didn’t give us much time. We met every day at two o’clock. I learned a lot about the guys, we learned about each other’s style and signals. Things just seemed to click as if we’d played together for years. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Of all the silly things Mike bought me an outfit to wear for my first performance. We had a regular party with pizza and drank to celebrate the night before. I wore my leather pants and soft flowing Bohemian style top that Mike selected for me. It wasn’t my usual style but it was nice. After about ten minutes I swore I’d never go back to plain jeans again. Other than a brief moment worrying about my makeup and hair I found myself completely relaxed as if I’d found my true calling in life.</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">It was difficult to think of it as work really, but in fact we were earning a few bucks. Mike had hired some college students to plaster flyers all over town and on every windshield for our debut. There were maybe forty people there that first night. The crowd steadily increased each week. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">We mixed classical blues songs with new originals including several I had written. I was so inspired, I dug out old notebooks that I had songs in. Years of heartache, years of dad never being there, feeling unwanted gave me material to draw on. It was my life and emotions poured into song. I rewrote most of them, but a few were good in their elemental simplicity. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">By the month’s end we had standing room only at the club. I’d discovered my own style in clothing, favoring my boots and a leather skirt with a tailored shirt. Chunky jewelry was a luxury I could afford now so I had plenty of it. I knew this ride wasn’t going to last, but I was determined to ride it to the end, budgeting my money with a portion for playing and investing the rest. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Life was good. I was happy, Tara was happy Mike was happy and I prepared myself for the bottom to drop out. It had been five months since this ride began, and I just knew that the end was coming. Knew that for me the ride never lasted. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">At the end of the fifth month I had made a decision. I’d get as many songs out of me, out of my system as I could. Maybe it would help me get over whatever it was that plagued me. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> It was a grueling night. It had been a long day with aggravation after aggravation, and the evening was just one bit of trouble after another. I walked to the bar between sets rolling my neck to ease the tension. “Make it a double Mark." </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Hello Roxanne. You look amazing. Been a long time.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I knew that voice. My heart skipped a beat. Could it be? </span></div>
Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-52957669277575670232013-11-18T00:00:00.000-05:002013-11-18T00:00:02.206-05:00Just Another After School Special
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/just-another-after-school-special-part_21.html" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Read the last installment here!</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just Another After School Special</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part Eight</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eva Rayne </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday
morning I slipped in the class room door just as Nick was pulling out
the attendance sheet out of his bag.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm
glad you could join us this morning, Izzie,” Nick said, handing the
attendance sheet to a girl in the front row to start passing around.
His tone was even, with a touch of reprimand, but the sparkle in his
eyes and the secret smile on his lips when he looked back over told
me he was still thinking about last night. </span>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm
sorry it was a late night,” I was sure by the smile on my face as I
slid into my usual seat gave away how I had spent my night and I
tried to not make eye contact with Nick and give it all away. </span>
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<br />
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You
gotta love thirsty Thursday around here, don't you?” Nick said with
a chuckle and the room filled with a chorus of positive responses. I
noticed for the first time how many people had bottles of water or
Gatorade. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nick
chuckled, “How about since it is Friday we just go over some of the
homework problems then get the hell out of here?”</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His
suggestion was met with cheers, sighs of relief and even a few
whistles, and a few cringes as the volume in the room rose. </span>
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</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Volunteers
to the board, any problems you had questions about from Wednesday's
homework,” Nick instructed, pulling a handful of dry erase markers
out of his bag and leaving them on the table.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Slowly,
a handful of people made their way to the front of the room,
notebooks or torn out pieces of paper in their hands. Nick caught my
eye as I unzipped my back pack and I smiled before pulling out my
notebook. The same notebook that Nick had written his number in just
a few weeks ago.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While
they're putting those up there,” Nick started again, “Let's talk
Halloween.” Almost everyone in the room stopped talking. Halloween
next Thursday night was the main topic on campus.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm
not stupid, I know everyone of you is gonna end up going out next
week so...” he trailed off.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So
you're going to give us the day off?” a football player asked from
the back of the room, looking like Christmas had come early. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
am,” Nick confirmed, chuckling. “And anyone who dresses up for
class on Wednesday will get 5 bonus points.”</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
rest of class passed quickly. We couldn't have been in there twenty
minutes. Most of the time the conversation focused around Halloween,
who was throwing a party and what everyone was dressing up as.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When
Nick dismissed the class I hung back a little, copying down a problem
from the board. Once the last person left the room he came over,
sitting on the desktop next to me.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We
cut it a little close this morning,”he said with a smile, leaning
over and kissing me.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We'll
just have to be more careful next time,” I said, unable to keep the
cheesy smile off my face.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You
want there to be a next time?” he asked, playfully tugging on a
strand of my hair as I zipped my backpack. </span>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah,
I do,” I told him, looking up into his sparkling eyes, “Do you?”</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He
grabbed my hand, pulling me up and to him, “I do,”</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And
that was how we spent the next month. We stole kisses after class,
secret smiles, movie nights at his apartment. The days leading up to
Thanksgiving break flew by.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Are
you gonna miss me?” Nick asked me the last Sunday before break,
curled up on his couch. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe,”
I teased, looking up to kiss his cheek.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only
maybe, huh?” he asked, tickling my sides.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stop
it!” I cried between giggles, trying to squirm away from him.</span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After
a long moment he stopped, pulling me to him and kissing me instead,
“Still only maybe?” he asked, his voice a husky whisper against
my ear. </span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
guess I'll miss you,” I admitted, kissing him again.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good,
cause I'm gonna miss you,” he told me, laying down and pulling me
down on top of him.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then
I better give you something good to remember,” I said, a sly smile
on my lips as I leaned down, kissing him hard.</span></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08563183286798277760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-60586460199765720702013-11-12T17:39:00.000-05:002013-11-12T17:39:22.865-05:00Oral Dilemma: Jam <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> Roxanne has been buried in grief so long she's lost all confidence in herself. Sometimes when we least expect it, opportunity knocks. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iK5AhJmDjcQ/UoKlUnH76kI/AAAAAAAAAcg/oLkNVekomko/s1600/Mercedes+Moore+3+singer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iK5AhJmDjcQ/UoKlUnH76kI/AAAAAAAAAcg/oLkNVekomko/s320/Mercedes+Moore+3+singer.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Storytime Trysts does not own copyrights to this image. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Oral Dilemma: Jam</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">By</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">Ellie Mack </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=8130502168374249576" target="_blank">Part 1 here</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=7255480156427409211" target="_blank">Part 2 here</a>. </span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=969138539071445565;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=21;src=postname" target="_blank">Part 3 here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=5436304396808468099;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=7;src=postname" target="_blank">Part 4 here</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/05/oral-dilemma-training-day.html" target="_blank">part 5</a> here.</span>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/welcome-back-trysters-hard-to-believe.html" target="_blank">Read part 6 here.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/oral-dilemma-confessions.html" target="_blank">part 7 here</a>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/oral-dilemma-match.html" target="_blank">Read part 8 here. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-family-ties.html" target="_blank">part 9 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-velvet-and-sorbet.html" target="_blank">part 10 here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-murphy.html" target="_blank">part 11 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/oral-dilemma-matters-of-import.html" target="_blank">Read part 12 here</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/your-joy-can-fill-you-only-as-deeply-as.html" target="_blank">part 13 here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/oral-dilemma-etched.html" target="_blank">part 14 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/oral-dilemma-smoked-velvet.html" target="_blank">part 15 here</a>. </span><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/11/oral-dilemma-baddest-blues.html" target="_blank">Part 16 here</a> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> Sirens blared, loud sirens going off that caused instant stabbing pain inside my head. A chain reaction of explosions that I just knew was killing brain cells. I covered my head with the blanket, praying for it to stop. After a few seconds it did but then restarted a few minutes later. It woke me enough to have to use the bathroom. As I staggered down the hall I realized it wasn’t sirens but rather my phone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">It took a concerted effort to read my phone, finally just hitting replay on my voice messages. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Roxy this is Mike, I need you to come in at 2. It’s eleven and I haven’t heard back. Are you there?“There was a beep then another message. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Roxanne, doll. I really need you to get up. You have to be here at 2. Call me! That’s it I’m coming over if you haven’t called me back by noon.”Again there was a beep. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">It rang again in my hand “Hello?”</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Good. You’re finally up.”</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Finally? What the heck Mike, I’m not scheduled till seven.” I searched the refrigerator while talking. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s nearly noon, I need you here by 2. Well before that actually. Change of plans doll, stuff happens you know? Tell you what, I’ll be there in half an hour to pick you up.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">It figured that when I had a hangover Carly would skip her shift. “No Mike I can be there.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“You won’t regret it.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ I already do.” I yelled into the phone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I could hear him laugh on the other end.“I’ll be there in a half an hour.” He hung up on me. I closed the fridge empty handed and went to shower.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">At twelve thirty there was pounding on my door. “Ugh. For the love of God Mike stop it!” I screamed as I opened the door. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">He stood there grinning like a kid with a new toy. “Wanted to make sure you hadn’t gone back to bed.” He shoved a bag of bagels and a large coffee at me. “You’re gonna like this Roxy.”</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I groaned as he followed me to the kitchen. Coffee was little consolation for the explosion in my head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Tara around? She can come in with you as well.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I think she’s in class” Then I looked at the clock. “Oh, well she should be back any minute. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Good, good!” Mike was agitated. I hadn’t seen him this excited since, well I hadn’t ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I listened to him ramble on about getting the band together, I envisioned a group of middle aged men like in that movie “Wild Hogs”. I couldn’t help but smile. There was a gleam in Mike’s eye that I hadn’t seen before. “What’s going on Mike?” I tore off a hunk of bagel and chewed. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“New thing! Well, a renewed thing. Gonna make some changes.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“When did you decide all this?” I chewed another bite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Last night. Thought about it for a while, been wanting to do it but last night made up my mind. It’s time.”</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Just as I finished my bagel, Tara came in. She was surprised to see him, but quickly agreed to go in with us. She changed clothes, then grabbed the bagel to eat on the way. There was only two times before that Mike had picked me up. The first was to get my official waitress uniform, he paid for the outfit and told me what was acceptable and not acceptable. He didn’t want any of the girls working for him to dress inappropriately. He saw a bit of his daughter in all of us. The second time my car was in the shop and it was pouring down rain. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">When we arrived at the club Carly was working. This made me wonder what was up even more as I figured I was covering her shift. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I thought you said Carly couldn’t make her shift?” I looked at Mike suspiciously. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Never said that doll, you just assumed.” I could have sworn his eyes just twinkled. I really hated mind games but there was a certain fascination in watching Mike like up like a Christmas bulb. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I worked in the back room stocking the shelves occasionally catching a glimpse of Mike with an energy and excitement that I’d not seen before. I moved to the kitchen, cleaning the shelves and work surface. I heard several voices with Mike along with a great deal of clattering noise. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Roxanne, come out here.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I wiped my hands on my apron and grabbed a tray. Four distinguished gentlemen sat around the largest table with Mike. I took their orders then returned with their drinks.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Once the food was served, I went back to the kitchen helping Mark with food preparations. I chopped vegetables,acting as his sou chef. Tara came in and took over what I was doing grinning like a fool. She told me to clean up and go check with Mike. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I wondered what was going on that I didn’t know about. It seemed everyone kept looking at me strangely. Were they talking about how poorly I did on the karaoke thing last night? That thought only made me more self conscious and wondering what was up. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Pushing through the double doors, I saw that the guys were no longer at the table but setting up instruments on the stage. I busied myself bussing the table, certain that it was what Mike wanted, to make sure we made a good impression on his friends. It was really good to see him in good spirits. It was apparent that he was excited for his friends to be there. As I cleaned, I listened to them warm up. The bass player resembled Bruce Willis with the cool confidence of a seasoned performer. The keyboardist began running his fingers over the keys as if he was caressing his lover. His long elegant fingers moved in fluid motions as his long jet black hair fell forward over his eyes as he played. Soon they were moving into familiar riffs of songs that I recognized. I couldn’t help but hum along. It was a secret passion that few people knew I had, a very selfish indulgence. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">When they began playing through “</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 600;">Careless Love</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">”, I couldn’t help but hear the soulful sounds of Ray Charles, singing softly under my breath. The guys sounded fantastic together. They sounded better than some bands I’d heard in clubs. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">Love, oh love, oh careless love. Whoa Love, oh love, ohhh careless love. I’ll tell you what careless love can do.</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Roxy” Mike motioned me over to the band. I blushed, worrying that maybe I got a little loud in my humming and singing. I tucked my cloth in my apron walking sheepishly towards the stage. “Meet the guys. This is Chubs” He introduced the man on drums. He was far from chubby, in fact he looked gaunt and haggard. I shook his hand. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“This is Johnny D on keys” He reached his hand to shake mine, a smooth low sultry voice like Lou Rawls. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Nice to meet you.” He grinned as he squeezed my hand. “You’re right Mike, she’s a looker.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I blushed. Wasn’t expecting any compliments, and I knew I certainly wasn’t a “ looker”. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Sandman on lead.” I shook his hand, he nodded to me not saying a word. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“And this sad case over here is my brother Matt, but we call him Locks.” He shyly extended his hand nodding. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Guys this is Roxanne Winters, the doll with the voice.” I blushed smiling. “Join us in a little jam session Rox. We have the words printed off for you if you need them.” He handed me a bundle of pages stapled together. “Sing for us doll.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">They started on Kris Kristofferson’s song </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 600;">“Help Me Make IT Through the night.” </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">A smooth transition slipping into “ Aint No Sunshine”. I couldn’t believe they were playing my favorites and letting me sing with them. After that Sandman kicked into some awesome riffs leading into “Damn Your Eyes.” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I loved that song, poured myself into it not caring what anyone thought, just feeling it all the way to the end never looking at the lyrics. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ You ain’t jokin’ Mike, she got it.” It was Johnny D. “Can we do that one she sung?” </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Locks fingers were magic on the strings. The soulful mourning that poured forth was better than Santana, similar to Bonamasso. I started in on Baddest Blues. I saw Tara lean against the bar, just listening, her ankles crossed elbows propped on the bar, tears flowing. There were a few people that had come in for the afternoon that seemed to enjoy the jam.</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">The last song the guys did was “Rock Me Baby.” I imagined the divine Etta James singing as I belted it out, putting a little extra passion into the song. It was a sensuous song after all, the sultry wails with a touch of raunch, made the lyrics “rock me baby, like I ain’t got no backbone” really hit home with me, pouring my heart into it.</span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">When we finished, the place was packed and the applause was deafening. </span></div>
<div style="-qt-block-indent: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 36px;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Mike turned around grinning like a fiend, happy with his friends in the band. He looked out over the audience, basking in the applause and said: “Roxanne Winters, you’re fired.” </span></div>
Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-25665257952572215622013-11-08T00:00:00.000-05:002013-11-08T00:00:07.249-05:00Bad Moon Rising
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bad Moon Rising </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eva Rayne </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
couldn't help but cry out as Korbin ran the alcohol covered gauze
over the bleeding gash on my side. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Fucking
wolf,” I swore, taking a swig of the whiskey Liam had left on the
night stand. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I'm
sorry, Rikky,” Korbin apologized as he cleaned the last of the
blood from my side. By the amount of blood on the rags and gauze on
the bed the cut between my ribs was deeper than I had originally
thought. “This is going to need stitches, hold this here while I
grab the other first aid kit out of the other room.” </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
held the fresh piece of gauze against my side with one hand while
taking another shot of the whiskey with the other. The alcohol was
starting to take the edge off the stinging pain when Korbin came back
in from the room Aaron and Liam were sharing next door. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Where
did the guys go?” I asked through gritted teeth as Korbin sat on
the edge of the bed carefully peeling the blood soaked gauze away and
letting out a low whistle. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“They
said they were gonna go to the bar up the street and get something to
eat,” he rummaged through our make shift first aid kit and pulled
out the curved needle and a spool of black embroidery thread. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yeah,
and drink off a shitty hunt,” I grumbled. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yeah,
that too,” Korbin chuckled as I took another long swig of the Jack
Daniels. “Here, let me see that,” he held his hand out for the
bottle and I reluctantly handed it over. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
immediately regretted it as he poured a large amount over my wound.
“God fucking damn it Korbin!” I swore, biting my fist to keep
from screaming. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I'm
sorry Rikky, I had to though, it had to be cleaned somehow,” he
explained, wiping away the excess whiskey and blood. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Warn
a girl next time, will you?” I bit my lip until I could taste
blood, trying to keep my tears in check. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Only
if you promise there isn't going to be a next time,” he tossed
back, handing me the bottle and putting my hand over a clean rag
against my side to keep it in place as he threaded the needle. “I
mean come on, Rikky. Pissing off a werewolf on the fucking full moon?
What in hell's name were you thinking?” His voice was full of
anger, but it was the large amount of concern there as well that
surprised me. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Bitch
had it coming,” I muttered, remembering how she had looked at him
earlier that day, how she kept making excuses to touch him. I pressed
the rag a little harder against my side, focusing on the pain and not
his fingers against my hip as he turned me slightly so he could get a
better look at my savaged skin. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You're
gonna get yourself killed one of these days,” he snapped, his
fingers digging into my skin momentarily causing me to gasp. “Sorry,
here come lay on your side so I can sew you up.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
moved over to the bed without saying anything, slightly taken aback
by his sudden mood shift. I stretched out on my side as Korbin stood
up, the soft comforter felt good against my sore, feverish skin. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I'm
sorry, Erika,” Korbin said softly, pulling the now red rag away
from my side and sitting next to me. “You just really scared me
back there, and this could have been so much worse,” he explained
as he punctured my skin to make the first stitch. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
pressed a hand against my mouth trying to hold in a strangled cry. “I
know, it was stupid. I mean, telling a cornered werewolf to bite me?
Yeah, not my smartest move ever,” I tried chuckling to cover my
heavy breathing. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You're
lucky she didn't bite you, that all you got was a side full of
claws.” Korbin's fingers were gently against my torn ribs and his
stitches were slow and careful as he tried not to tug excessively on
my skin. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
know,” I admitted through gritted teeth, trying not to think about
what was going on with my side. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
next several minutes went by in a long, almost stressful silence. I
tried to ignore the tears that were building up, and then running
down my cheeks. Finally, I could fell Korbin knotting the thread and
cutting it with the pocket knife he pulled out of my back pocket. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
watched Korbin run the needle through a lighter flame to clean it
after cleaning the blood off on his jeans. I didn't move as he
finished packing up the first aid kit and threw away all of the blood
stained cloth. When he sat back down, Korbin carefully taped a clean
piece of gauze that he had left out over his careful stitches. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once
he finished he left his hand resting softly on my hip just above my
jeans. “Erika, come here,” he said softly. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
sat up slowly, rolling my shoulder, trying to stretch the stiff
muscles and wincing slightly as my blood stained bra pulled away from
my skin. Korbin held out his hand, offering my two white Tylenol.
“Here, this will take the edge off.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Thank
you,” I said quietly, swallowing them with a shot of whiskey before
leaving it on the night stand and leaning into Korbin. Korbin wrapped
his arm around my waist and I sighed, resting my head on his
shoulder, exhaustion washing over me like a wave. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I'm
sorry about earlier,” Korbin said into my hair after a minute. “You
scared the shit out of me this afternoon, you know,” his hold on my
waist tightened.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
know, I was stupid,” I said studying the carpet. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
were, and I swear to God, you ever go into a situation like that
again and I'll start locking your ass in a hotel room while we go on
hunts,” he threatened, his voice a low growl. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“But
it wasn't just that,” he took a deep breath, “Seeing you fly
across the room like that, crumpled on the floor and not moving. With
all that blood, I thought you were dead.” I felt him shudder and I
snuggled closer to him. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I'm
okay, a little beat up and sore, but I'll live,” I reassured him,
resting my hand lightly on his and he intertwined our fingers, his
other arm still wrapped securely around me. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
don't even know what to say Erika, I didn't think twice about
shooting that girl, I just had to make sure you were still alive, to
know that you were okay. I don't think I was convinced that you were
going to be alright until we got back here and you started demanding
booze.” I chuckled and he finally relaxed enough to let out a
little laugh of his own. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I
promise I'll be more careful,” I whispered, looking up at him. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
better be,” he let go of my hand and brought his hand up to my
face, gently cupping my cheek, carefully wiping away tear streaked
eyeliner with the pad of his thumb.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before
I could say anything else Korbin leaned down and kissed me gently. It
was soft, the complete opposite of the way our lives together had
been up until this point – hard and fast and dark. Instead, this
kiss was soft and sweet, full of the promise of more, and of happier
times. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
he pulled away, his fingers running through my hair, I noticed a
sparkle in his eyes that I had never seen before. “Korbin,” I
whispered, resting my hand lightly on his chest. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yes,
Rikky?” his voice was a husky whisper as he rested his forehead
against mine.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Hi,”
I slid my hand up his chest, resting on the back of his neck, pulling
him back in, finding his lips with mine. Korbin's hands were warm
against my bare sides, leaving tingling sparks over my skin as he
pulled me in closer. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
stayed like that for several minutes, holding each other close. When
we finally separated, I clutched Korbin's t-shirt, my vision
swimming. Korbin steadied me, carefully moving me into his lap as I
swayed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Erika?
Are you okay?” The concern in his voice touched me in a way I
hadn't expected as he carefully brushed my hair behind my ear. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I'm
okay, just a little dizzy,” I admitted, resting my head on his
shoulder, cuddling into him and trying to avoid the pain in my side. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Is
your side okay? Are you bleeding again?” I smiled at his concern. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“I'm
okay, I promise,” I assured him, running my fingers around the
bandage to prove that they would come back blood free. Only they
didn't.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
were saying?” Korbin asked, raising an eyebrow. Confused I looked
down. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“It's
my bra,” I said after a short investigation, “The stitches are
fine, it's my clothes that are still bloody.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Come
here,” he said, helping me to my feet. “Do you want a shirt?”
he asked, gesturing to his duffel bag that had been tossed in the
corner when we had come back from putting down the wolf. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Yes,
please,” I said with a small smile. I couldn't help but smile as
Korbin crossed the room, rummaging through his bag to find something
for me to wear. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Do
you need help?” Korbin asked as I reached around to try and unhook
my bra without pulling at my stitches. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Thank
you,” I said turning around, giving him access to the clasp. His
fingers were warm against my skin, leaving a tingling trail down my
arms as he slowly slid the straps off my shoulders. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
I heard the fabric land in the small pile of torn dirty clothes I
turned around, looking up at Korbin through my thick eyelashes. I
couldn't help but notice as his gaze flickered over my body before he
helped me into his large t-shirt which fell down to mid thigh. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“You
should probably rest,” he said finally, breaking the easy silence
that filled the room as he held my hips, my hands resting on his
chest. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Whatever
you say, doctor,” I joked, standing on tip toe in order to brush a
light kiss against his lips. “Will you stay with me?” I asked,
suddenly worried that he would leave and meet up with the guys at the
bar.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Whatever
you want, Rikky,” he promised, pulling me a little closer and
kissing my forehead. “Lay down, I'll get the light.” With a smile
he let me go. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yawning
I took the few steps back over to the large hotel bed as I unbuttoned
my blood splattered jeans, kicking them off before climbing into bed.
</span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once
I was curled up under the blanket Korbin flipped the light off,
joining me in bed under the blanket. The second he was laying down I
snuggled up next to him, laying on my good side, resting my head on
his chest as he wrapped his arms securely around me. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Thank
you for taking care of me tonight,” I whispered, loving the feeling
of his fingers drawing absentminded circles on my hip. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">“Of
course, Erika. I'm just glad you're okay,” he kissed the top of my
head lightly. “Go to sleep, hun.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
nodded against him, whispering, “Good night, Korbin.”</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08563183286798277760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-10734667668456938462013-11-06T17:03:00.000-05:002013-11-06T17:05:07.425-05:00The Fairy Prince<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I hope you all enjoy
this quick flash fiction. It is more fantasy then most of my pieces. However, I
enjoyed the chance to step into an Enchanted Forest, and tell the folklore of
the fairy prince, Avery. This is completely a YA piece. ©Misty Harvey 2013</i></div>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0in;">
</h1>
<h1 style="margin-left: 0in; text-align: center;">
The Fairy Prince</h1>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
By </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Misty Harvey</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moonbeams bathed the woods in light. Tiny yellow specks
danced around tree trunks. Forest animals chattered as they prepared for their
winter slumber.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brilliant colored
leaves flittered down from the canopy. Soft crunching of them could be heard
whenever an animal skittered about. Gentle tapping joined the chorus as rain
started to fall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Genavive loved this time of year. The forest so awake with
hurried activity entertained her for hours. She would sit on a fallen tree deep
in the forest. Sometimes she would read, but mostly she’d just watch.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her grandmother used to tell her stories of this forest. She
called it The Enchanted Forest, stating there was always a magic about it. That
as the seasons changed from one to the next a fairy prince could be found
overseeing these changes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As much as she loved these tales, taking special heart to
the mystical aspects, she knew they were only that. Just grand tales meant to
entertain Genavive for hours, still that didn’t stop her from making trips into
the forest each season change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not once had she run into a fairy prince in all the years,
but she had learned an appreciation for nature’s beauty. On that aspect she
supposed the fairy tales had given her so much more than simple entertainment.
It had given her a lust for life unmatched by any other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rain pattered down faster setting a chill into the air.
Genavive pulled her cloak tighter around herself. The green velvet hood kept
her head free of the rain. It wouldn’t be much longer and she’d have to start
her journey home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her long fingers reached for the gas lamp on the mossy
ground. They froze as her eyes caught a movement to the right of her. The gaze
of her bright green eyes trying to discern what had drawn her attention.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moonbeams appeared to gather in a great mass between two oak
trees. The bright light caused Genavive to turn away. It had only taken moments
to die down. Yet when she looked back, surprise rang through her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There between the two oaks stood a man. His skin the color
of morning frost. Long snow white hair danced around his waist, and the pale
blue of his eyes held her captive in their gaze. Exposed hard muscles glittered
in the night. They led into a loin cloth created of large leaves, before
falling away to long legs. The man stood barefoot among the forest, regardless
of the coming winter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why do you sit in the rain, young one?” His voice like hot
cocoa on a cold winter’s day warmed her insides.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“To catch a glimpse of you.” Genavive’s voice sounded small
even to her own ears.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The smile that crossed his lips lit up his entire face. It
only lasted a few precious moments, but it was breathtaking. A glow remained
just beneath the surface of his skin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Who are you?” came his next question.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Genavive. My grandmother has told me many stories about
you, but I never believed them.” She stood to meet the fairy prince as he
approached.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I see much of my darling Agnes in you.” His gaze drifted
over Genavive, watching the gentle shiver that followed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Is it true that you two spent a lot of time together?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Indeed. I loved Agnes more than everything. I offered her a
place in my home, and in my heart. Yet, she gave up immortality in favor of
your grandfather. Why she’d choose to die is beyond me,” the fairy prince
spoke.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It isn’t a choice of death, but rather of family.” Genavive
giggled shyly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Ah, yes. The human need to procreate.” He watched her
closely.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yes, that is it.” She smiled at him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I doubt I will ever understand it. Alas, that is the past.
My name is Avery. Welcome to my home.” His muscles rippled as he opened his
arms wide.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thank you.” Genavive’s smile came instantly to her lips.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come with me, Genavive. Let me show you around.” Avery held
his hand out to her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It would be my pleasure.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her hand fit into his perfectly. The heat from Avery’s skin
warmed her. No longer did the chill of the night soak through her clothes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They spent hours wandering in the forest. He would stop them
to point out tiny details that would go over looked otherwise. Conversation
flowed easily between them. They shared their love for nature, creating a bond
between them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still their time in the forest couldn’t last forever. Their
footsteps came to a halt at the edge of trees, and for the first time they grew
silent. Neither of them moved as they stood on the brink of society.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Genavive’s heart sank. She’d spent her whole life trying to
catch a glimpse of Avery. Now she’d succeeded, she didn’t want to leave his
presence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When will I see you again?” Genavive turned to Avery.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You can find me here at the birth of the first spring
flower.” He gave her a smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I do not want to go.” Tears wavered in Genavive’s eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You must, your family will worry if you do not return, but
we will meet again.” Avery swept a falling tear from her face.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He closed his palm, reopening it once again. Where her tear
had been sat a beautiful gem. The opaque gem carried her tear drop shape. Avery
placed it within her hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“When the moon shines bright, and you feel alone, just look
into the gem and I will bring you home.” Avery leaned down, brushing a gentle
kiss across her lips. His feet crunched in the leaves as he walked back into
the forest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Genavive watched him until she could no longer make out his
figure. She clung to the gem tightly while walking home that night, but she
visited Avery often. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It is said that when the forest came back to life that
spring that the two wed in the clearing where they had first met,” the old
woman spoke to the gathering of girls. She held up a tear drop shaped gem for
them to see. The light shining through it. If they all looked hard enough they
could see the fairy couple standing within it. The story about the fairy prince
finding his princess gave each girl there a giddy sense of happily ever after.</div>
Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-23394769642468262862013-11-05T17:59:00.000-05:002013-11-05T17:59:21.171-05:00Oral Dilemma: The Baddest Blues <span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Roxanne has really had a rough go of things. It's about time things start to look up, don't you think? </span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_GcF6S4dw0/Unl3GtxLklI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/WnMJygWOHw8/s1600/Tears-of-blue.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w_GcF6S4dw0/Unl3GtxLklI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/WnMJygWOHw8/s320/Tears-of-blue.jpeg" width="293" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Storytime Trysts does not own copyrights to this image. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=8130502168374249576" target="_blank">Part 1 here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=7255480156427409211" target="_blank">Part 2 here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=969138539071445565;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=21;src=postname" target="_blank">Part 3 here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=5436304396808468099;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=7;src=postname" target="_blank">Part 4 here</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/05/oral-dilemma-training-day.html" target="_blank">part 5</a> here.</span>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/welcome-back-trysters-hard-to-believe.html" target="_blank">Read part 6 here.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/oral-dilemma-confessions.html" target="_blank">part 7 here</a>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/oral-dilemma-match.html" target="_blank">Read part 8 here. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-family-ties.html" target="_blank">part 9 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-velvet-and-sorbet.html" target="_blank">part 10 here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-murphy.html" target="_blank">part 11 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/oral-dilemma-matters-of-import.html" target="_blank">Read part 12 here</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/your-joy-can-fill-you-only-as-deeply-as.html" target="_blank">part 13 here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/oral-dilemma-etched.html" target="_blank">part 14 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/oral-dilemma-smoked-velvet.html" target="_blank">part 15 here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I worked with Mike for about six months before he gave Tara a job as well. She graduated from high school with honors, earning the same scholarship that I had earned. I was so proud of my sister. We met with dad and Tammy, it was an awkward time at best. Tammy was pleasant enough, but the tension was high with dad. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I wasn’t about to apologize and Tara just sat quietly observing. I had discussed with her the potential of dad offering the summer job again and we’d decided that she’d stay with me. It was a college town and there were many job openings, several that Tara had already applied for besides working at the Smoked Velvet. Dad never offered the summer job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">In those six months, I slowly had gained some weight back. I never thought I’d be too thin but when I woke from my grieving I looked terrible. I was currently at the point where my clothes were getting a little tight. I had gone back to the gym and built up to a thirty minute workout. I felt good with my body, I was firm and toned, if not a little plump. But the passion I once had for the fighting was gone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Working as many hours as Mike would give me, I managed to catch up on our bills before the sale of mom’s house went through. Mom’s lawyer worked with Tara and me to invest most of our money, leaving us a tidy sum to have available for college expenses and whatever we needed. Tara suggested that I begin seeing a counselor to get over my depression. It really helped in a lot of ways, but I couldn’t quite get over the heart ache I felt since Luke was just gone. I never got to say goodbye.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I had gotten into a habit of working the evening shift since I didn’t have any social life to speak of. Friday and Saturday nights were crowded. Mike had recently decided to have a karaoke night a couple times a month. It seemed to be a huge hit, drawing a large crowd into the Smoked Velvet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">A couple patrons bought me drinks trying to get me to lighten up. I accepted the drinks and continued working. Mike bought me a couple rounds. Nobody seemed to understand that staying busy took my mind off the date, or maybe nobody knew that it would have been my wedding day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">The drinks took the edge off while I worked. Towards the end I was challenged by a couple of the college guys that were Luke’s friends. One of them called me chicken and well, I had to do it. I dried my hands and removed my apron. Slamming two fingers of scotch, I jabbed at the page and selected “ The Baddest Blues”. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I hadn’t sang in ages, I didn’t care. It was all heart. I poured myself into that song as others might drown their sorrows in a bottle. I drew every ounce of pain and anguish I'd felt since my life went to hell. I gave everything of myself not caring what I sounded like, not caring if anyone was even listening. My eyes were closed most of the time seeing Luke’s face just before boarding that plane.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;">“When your baby leave you, going to break your heart in two.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;">I said when your baby leave you, there ain’t nothin’, nothin' that you can do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;">I cried myself a river, but it won’t take me back to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;">That’s the baddest blues, the baddest blues I ever know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;">When he’s gone, gone, gone, and he ain't never comin’ back again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;">He done left me all alone, and he never comin’ back again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;"> That’s the baddest blues, the baddest blues I ever know.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I think the booze helped stave off the tears or else I’d just cried myself out already. It felt good to just cut loose and pour the soulful melody out. I could hear Etta James in my head, B. B. King with Lucille on the riffs. When the song ended and I opened my eyes there was no applause, only silence. I sighed and walked off the stage, back to work, stopping at my friend’s table to collect their bet. They stared at me handing over the twenty with their mouth’s gaping. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">That was the last straw, the last humiliation I could take. I grabbed the twenty and walked out the back door. I grabbed a bottle of Jack on my way out and took off walking. I went to the park where Luke and I would often work out together and sat under the tree where we sometimes studied. One specific time came to my mind, a fall day when we laughed together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I cried my goodbyes to Luke, remembering all the good times we had. He wouldn’t want me to fail or give up. I’d been doing a lot of that lately. I picked myself up and staggered back to my apartment. For the first time since he died, I didn’t sleep in his clothes. I slipped on my own pajamas and made the conscious decision that I would start over. </span></div>
Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-14892719194979573202013-10-31T22:04:00.000-04:002013-10-31T22:04:58.009-04:00the handsome man's tale part 2<b>First of all gods, I am sorry its so quiet, had mic issues and also sorry my voice is so bloody rough and flat due to this Autumn cold and the low budget not allowing me licencing rights or hiring a singer. The Handsome man telling his tale this one a tail of tragedy and pain. as Always I hope this tale finds you well on this all hallows eve. </b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gexeg7Hf5Qk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Confident that his audience of sceptics
had been cowed by both his words and the eerie chill and the crackling flames
he returned to his role of the showman the jester, the one man who thought mad
can tell the truth in this blighted world. He leaped up onto the bar ands
clapped his hands twice in a sharp staccato rhythm and began to weave his spell
of otherworldly stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He slowly began to weave his tale as
the audience watched spellbound by old magics, “I was in Ireland and walking
across land long since empty lands filled with loss and pain and on this land I
found a cross, a memorial from long past and so at midnight I returned and
stood as I expected was a girl of twenty six summers dressed in skirt and
blouse draped in a soldiers jacket to keep out the chill, she greeted me and we
talked, she told a tale of her life and her death, she told it in song to me
just as I am telling now. She was young when the war started, twas nineteen
fourteen and the air was thick with patriotism and hope a war that would end
all wars a war that would be fought against the hun and be over by Christmas, she
had grown up the daughter of the publican and over the years caught the eye of
a local boy, a young man a bookie who sold dreams and hope in a small dreary
town, that brief moment on raceday where if the winds blew right copper could
turn to gold. She turned to me and sang, sang of hope and love. My voice is not
hers though the words are but the voice is something I can share.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The air grew thick with tenseness as
the music started the music a mournful violin that though different from the
original seemed to fit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I'm a girl that's just come over,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Over from the country where they do
things big;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And among the boys I've got a jolly
sweetheart,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Since I got a sweetheart I don't care a
fig.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the boy I love is up in the
gallery,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The boy I love is looking now at me;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There he is, can't you see him waiving
off his handkerchief,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As merry as the robin that sings in the
tree?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the boy I love is up in the
gallery,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The boy I love is looking now at me;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There he is, can't you see him waiving
off his handkerchief,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As merry as the robin that sings in the
tree?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He is not tall, but yet he's manly,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">And I always see him in the same old
place;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Curly head is bobbing, don't you see
him nodding?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There he is! don't you see his smiling
face?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the boy I love is up in the
gallery,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The boy I love is looking now at me;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There he is, can't you see him waiving
off his handkerchief,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As merry as the robin that sings in the
tree?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For the boy I love is up in the
gallery,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The boy I love is looking now at me;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There he is, can't you see him waiving
off his handkerchief,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">As merry as the robin that sings in the
tree?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“They fell in ,love and courted and were engaged to be married,
that awkward period of unrequited affection and longing sighs, blushing smiles
and nervous titters, waved neckerchiefs and notes turning to an engagement that
filled the town with joy and laughter and the nervous energy of wedding bells
approaching, but then as spring grew distant and the world turned, hope turned
to fear as the men marched off to war, before he marched with his boyhood pals
towards distant shores they wed out in the glades they had played in as
children, just these two lovers promising before god that when he returned that
they would truly be bound by priest and sacrament. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He took a sip of wine and looked at his bride to be talking more
to her than the spellbound audience, pouring the pain into his tale and his
fears, fears that if his words were not
enough that he was damming her to a life alone unable to fill the aching
burning regret and loss, the hole he would leave, maybe twas the worst of the
curse, that his failure dams his mate to a life alone tortured with visions of
what could have been, the one kiss they share the only love she will have if he
is not enough to please the demons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“he went to war marched off with boyhood friends, the scene could
be anything from when they were young, broomsticks on shoulder playing at
soldier now come true, pellet guns and shotguns now lee Enfield’s and webleys, he
wrote letters home and she wept and prayed spending days in church on her knees
begging for his safe return so she can spend her nights on her back or knees in
pleasure not fear and prayer. The war wasn’t over by Christmas no, twas weeks
longer then months then year after bloody year of dogeared letter and tale of
shellscrape and machinegun nest till that fateful day, there was a knock and a
letter, born by the local chaplain a old man of seventy, too old to fight left
behind by the regiment to bring comfort and aid to the familys left behind. Rather
than delivering it to home he took the notice to her, it was he that heard her
wail of pain and loss as she knew what it was as he walked up the pathway,. That
hateful black banded paper an arrow through her heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He sinked to his knees in horror weeping at the scene his heart
torn open as he recounted her pain, “the scream of pain the roaring howl of
dying love and hope, a noise that was depressingly common in the village, the
women flocked to her to support her as she lay wrapped in the boys dress
uniform jacket, his casket laid down in the pub she worked for the wake, her
night spent weeping over his cold form. He was buried and she was catatonic” he
looked at his wife to be and held her closely, the women watching seeing this
young man as human now, they saw and felt the guilt at the price he was to pay
hitting them like a hammer blow as they realised that in their fear of the
curse that they had forgotten that he was a boy just like theirs, he had been a
babe in cloth, a child but he had known since birth that he may not be granted
chance to grow old. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The guilt striking them as if a hammer blow to the chest as he murmured
into his partners ear, that if he failed this night that this song was a
begging plea for to live on to find a life after him. The sorrow of his cousin
long dead something to be left in story alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I am stretched on your grave</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And will lie there forever</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If your hands were in mine</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I'd be sure we'd not sever</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">My apple tree my brightness</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">It's time we were together</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">For I smell of the earth</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And am worn by the weather</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">When my family thinks</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">That I'm safe in my bed</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">From night until morning</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I am stretched at your head</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Calling out to the air</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">With tears hot and wild</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">My grief for the boy</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">That I loved as a child</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Do you remember</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The night we were lost</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">In the shade of the blackthorn</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And the chill of the frost</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">you swore before our god</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> we’d be married this was not just this
night</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">As you left here for france</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">called me your pillar of light</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">The priests and the friars</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Approach me in dread</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Because I still love you</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">My love and you're dead</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I still would be your shelter</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Through rain and through storm</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And with you in your cold grave</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I cannot sleep warm</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">So I'm stretched on your grave</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And will lie there forever</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">If you hands were in mine</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">I'd be sure we'd not sever</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">My apple tree my brightness</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">It's time we were together</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">For I smell of the earth</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">And am worn by the weather</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">He finished his song and quietly began to sob into
the girls chest, for his cousin for the boy who died alone drowning in the mud
under the weight of the dead, for the girl he left behind dying of heartbreak
and finally for the first time for himself and his love as the weight of his
path hit him. She knew in that moment that though he was the figure of
legend that he needed her to be strong to love him, to be the only one in this
blighted place to fight for him. She took him, guided him upstairs and kissed
him frantically, hard rough and passionate, the two lovers taking the moment in
the fear that it would be their first and last. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> Shedding clothes and scratching caressing nipping
licking, moaning and biting. Moving to the bed moaning the rocking of the
headboard shaking the rafters and those present remembering years gone by, the
songs of this young woman reminding them 0f the price and the fear their
thundering climax muffled by the roar of the fire and the pealing thunder in
the sky, as they slaked their thirst for each other together, spurred on by the
curse’s need for a fresh victim, conceiving his child as he himself was
conceived, in the fear that this was the last and whipped up by the fear, his
terror and his uncertainty the same aphrodisiac that the march to war gave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
academicsuicidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17668032012093055413noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-77446059171210561292013-10-30T22:35:00.002-04:002013-10-30T22:35:15.009-04:00Playing the Game<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-GB">We have a guest on our blog today, author Tom Covenent. Tom has authored <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wives-Awakened-ebook/dp/B00DF8JZ0K/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383184112&sr=1-3&keywords=tom+covenent" target="_blank">Wives Awakened</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Model-Wife-Part-ebook/dp/B00E5N0HII/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383184112&sr=1-2&keywords=tom+covenent" target="_blank">Model Wife</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Model-Wife-part-ebook/dp/B00EEATRVK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383184112&sr=1-1&keywords=tom+covenent" target="_blank">Model Wife Part 2</a>, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Princess-Fall-ebook/dp/B00DFBPW90/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383184112&sr=1-4&keywords=tom+covenent" target="_blank">Fallen (The Princess of the Fall)</a>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">Playing the Game</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB">by </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Covenent </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNbl4lMhoV0/UnHBwOgSWEI/AAAAAAAAAcA/I2TnODUTCRc/s1600/54349_IS.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNbl4lMhoV0/UnHBwOgSWEI/AAAAAAAAAcA/I2TnODUTCRc/s320/54349_IS.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The kitchen was in semi darkness, the
blinds down but allowing some sunlight to filter in, enough to leave the lights
off but not enough to lift the strange sleazy atmosphere reminiscent of a scene
from a 'film noir'. <br />
<br />
There were four people in the room. A fat guy in a suit a size too small,
sweating, hairless, probably in his forties. He stood near the kitchen door,
effectively blocking it with his huge bulk. A smooth expensive suited guy with
slicked down greasy hair and sallow complexion sat on a chair which had been
lazily swung the wrong way round between long thin legs. <br />
<br />
A lightly built middle aged man was sitting leaning forward on another chair in
the corner of the room, he was straining against the torn tea towels which had
been used as ad hoc ties to bind him to the chair. He was gagged with a ball
gag and wore nothing but a pair of unflattering grey underpants. <br />
<br />
The fourth person in the room was a middle aged woman. She was dressed in a
smart medium length black skirt and a plain white blouse like any office
worker, though an office worker who would not fail to attract your attention if
she walked past your desk. She was standing in front of the smooth guy, glaring
at him with dark eyes glittering angrily, bristling with obstinate disobedience.
<br />
<br />
'I said, take off your clothes,' drawled the smooth guy, his voice held the
assertive confidence of a man who was used to being in obeyed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘Fuck off,’ she retorted, ‘let him go.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The smooth guy shook his head slowly, ‘fat
boy,’ he said, ‘the lady needs a little help.’<br />
<br />
‘You bastard,’ she said, but nevertheless began to unbutton her blouse, her
gaze remaining fixed on him as the blouse parted and her breasts swelled into
view. The smooth guy sat back, a soft half smile playing on his lips, but his
eyes were hard and hawk-like, watching her every move. Despite his anger and
fear and probably fueled by his restraints, Andrew felt his cock stiffen
involuntarily as he watched his wife take off her top in front of these
unpleasant men. Her full breasts were barely restrained, thinly covered by clinging
black satin - stiff and generous nipples swelled from dark dimpled texture aureola
clearly visible through the sheer material. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Like
me</i>, he realized with a jolt; it seemed she couldn’t control her arousal
either. <br />
<br />
With sweat beading on his upper lip, the fat one licked his lips and loosened
his tie and stared as she twisted her body, using both hands to un-hook her
skirt. The zip rasped and the garment slid gracefully down her nylon clad legs
to pool around her ankles on the floor. Her panties were high thigh, black but
sheer, matching her bra, her legs long and elegant. The incredible eroticism as
she stepped out of her skirt, bending to retrieve it, could not have been lost
on the other men - it was certainly not lost on her husband. She tossed the
skirt onto a chair and turned back to stand facing the smooth guy, her feet
well apart and her hands now on her hips. Although her chin jutted forward in
defiance, her nipples continued to betray her sexual arousal and her sheer
panties did little to hide the prominent cleft between her legs and her husband
was sure he could see wetness there. Sure enough, the smooth guy had also
noticed. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘Getting wet for us babe,’ he drawled. <br />
<br />
He reached toward her, his index finger extended. As the tip of his finger touched
the satin, he looked up directly into her warm brown eyes and, holding her
gaze, gradually and with increasing pressure, pushed the sheer slippery wet
silk deeper into the cleft between her legs. The gasp which escaped her lips
was of involuntary, undeniable and extreme sexual arousal. She looked up at the
kitchen ceiling, quickly to avoid catching any of the men’s eyes, including,
and especially, the accusing eyes of her husband. But she hadn’t pulled away,
her thighs were thrusting forward and her buttocks were visibly clenched. She
closed her eyes, her jaw clamped shut, gritting her teeth in an effort to
prevent any further audible revelation of her intense pleasure. But her
trembling thighs and the little jerks of her hips told the story clearly enough
as her orgasm erupted and her moan, held in, now exploded as a scream. With her
mouth hanging open, she panted breathlessly, thrusting against his finger.
Deftly, with practiced expertise, he pushed his thumb against the panties,
slipped the wet satin over her generous pussy lips and pushed four fingers deep
inside her, right up to the palm of his hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The fat one guffawed suddenly and everyone
looked to where he was pointing, everyone except the sheepish looking Andrew.
It was the prominent bulge in his underpants which was the cause of the fat
ones amusement. ‘Hubby likes seeing his bitch finger fucked,’ he giggled, like
a teenage girl. <br />
<br />
The smooth guy pulled his fingers out of Andrew’s wife with a wet slurp. ‘Take
everything off,’ he instructed her dismissively, ‘the fat boy will want to fuck
you naked.’ <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Meekly, unhesitatingly, she slipped off her
bra, allowing it to drop limply to the floor. Without its support, her breasts
drooped slightly, but for a fifty three year old woman they were unusually firm
for their size. She hooked her fingers into her panties, pushed them down,
exposing a neat triangle of tight curls.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘The collar matches the cuffs,’ laughed the
smooth guy. <br />
<br />
She bent to hook her panties off her feet, her breasts hanging like udders as
she did so. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘Jeez boss,’ said the fat boy, the bitch
has great tits.’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The smooth guy nodded, ‘let’s have her on
all fours, like a sow.’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Wincing at his crude disrespect, without
being told, she knelt down and dropped onto her hands. She felt wetness trickle
down her inner thigh from between her legs; his description of her as a sow
must surely be an accurate one. All resistance had slipped away with her
orgasm, now she wanted more, wanted to be used by these foul men, wanted to be
treated like their whore. She realized that the fact that her husband was
watching and would realize she was enjoying this debasement was adding to her
pleasure. It was to protect him that she was doing this, at least that had been
the case, now, she admitted, it was because she wanted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘OK fat boy,’ said the smooth guy, ‘she’s
all yours.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘Here
boss?’ questioned the fat boy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘Up to you,’ replied the smooth guy, ‘I
have no particular desire to see your fat ass bouncing on the lady, but it’s up
to you.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘Thanks boss, if it’s all the same to you,
I’d like to fuck the bitch in private.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">‘No,’ she protested, ‘no please.’ She
crawled on all fours across to the fat one, sat back on her haunches began to
fumble with his zipper. A sheepish grin spread across his pudgy features and
made no protest as she unzipped him, pushed her hand inside and fished out a
burgeoning heavily veined cock. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">With one hand inside his pants, cupping his
balls, she used the other to stroke his shaft to a full and impressive
erection. Her ruby painted lips slipped wetly over the tip and he soon began to
jerk his thighs in time to the bobbing of her head. It did not take long before
the fat one climaxed. Andrew stared in horror as his wife made no attempt to
escape as the fat one reached a noisy orgasm, her lips remaining tight around
his shaft. The bulge in her husband’s underpants told its own story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">When
the smooth guy and the fat one had gone, Andrew and his wife went to bed, tired
but satisfied, cuddling and kissing just like any other couple. It had been
fun, playing the cuckold, thought Andrew, but maybe she would let them go the
whole way with her next time. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span>Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-84740133634488179832013-10-29T10:42:00.002-04:002013-10-29T10:42:34.614-04:00Oral Dilemma: Smoked Velvet<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> How do you pick yourself up from rock bottom when life isn't finished pushing you down? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIUdSzIY03A/Um_Ia_53SOI/AAAAAAAAAbw/lEfGqRlk04s/s1600/waitress-serving-a-bottle-of-wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIUdSzIY03A/Um_Ia_53SOI/AAAAAAAAAbw/lEfGqRlk04s/s320/waitress-serving-a-bottle-of-wine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Storytime Trysts does not own copyrights to this image. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Oral Dilemma: Smoked Velvet </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">by</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Ellie Mack</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=8130502168374249576" target="_blank">Part 1 here</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=7255480156427409211" target="_blank">Part 2 here</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=969138539071445565;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=21;src=postname" target="_blank">Part 3 here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=5436304396808468099;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=7;src=postname" target="_blank">Part 4 here</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/05/oral-dilemma-training-day.html" target="_blank">part 5</a> here.</span>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/welcome-back-trysters-hard-to-believe.html" target="_blank">Read part 6 here.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/oral-dilemma-confessions.html" target="_blank">part 7 here</a>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/oral-dilemma-match.html" target="_blank">Read part 8 here. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-family-ties.html" target="_blank">part 9 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-velvet-and-sorbet.html" target="_blank">part 10 here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-murphy.html" target="_blank">part 11 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/oral-dilemma-matters-of-import.html" target="_blank">Read part 12 here</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/your-joy-can-fill-you-only-as-deeply-as.html" target="_blank">part 13 here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/oral-dilemma-etched.html" target="_blank">part 14 here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I’d lost an entire month. Day and night meant nothing to me during that time, it was all one big blur. Nothing could stop the pain. Nothing could fill the hole. I wasn’t suicidal, yet I had no reason to go on. I simply existed. In many ways the time lost was inconsequential to the vacuum left by my mom and Luke. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">How had Tara managed? I realize Luke didn’t mean the same to her, but still. I’d have to talk to her, figure out how she managed. Lord knows I was no help to her. It took every ounce of my energy to make myself go forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I’d lost a month of classes, there was no way to recover from that and after talking to my professors I withdrew from school. In so doing I forfeited my scholarship. Really there was no help for it because if I’d not withdrawn I’d have received failing grades. Another devastating blow that on it’s own would have been enough to send me into a self pity spiral for weeks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I went to the gym to get back into my training. I felt tired and weak. My strength was gone, I couldn’t even finish a fifteen minute cardio workout. My stamina just wasn’t there. It was a slap in my face, the current reigning division MMA champion, and I couldn’t even finish fifteen minutes. As I was leaving my rep stopped me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Roxy?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Hey Derek.” I said weakly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Where the hell you and Luke been?” He was beyond pissed. I should have recognized the body posture. IF I’d been in a right frame of mind I would have. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Derek, Luke was killed in a plane crash.” My eyes burned. I kept telling myself ‘keep it together’ as I blinked back the tears that threated to spill forth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“What?” He stated it bluntly like I was making it up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I nodded. “ I’ll uh, bring you a death certificate.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">He pulled me into his office and closed the door. “Rox, I had no idea.” He raked his hands in his hair. “Man I had no idea.” He sat, shaking his head. “Last I saw you, you were heading home to see your mom. How is she?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">My head dropped a little lower. “She died Derek. Then Luke’s crash was the day of her funeral.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh my God! Rox, are you ok? Damn! No wonder I haven’t seen you. I had no idea.” He shook his head biting his lower lip for a few seconds looking off out the window before turning back to me. “ Maybe we can still pull this out. YOu missed two matches, as did Luke. You were both let go but I can smooth things over for Luke’s case - get me that death certificate and we’ll get his fully funded contract. For you, if you can do the match tomorrow, you’ll be reinstated. I’m certain that when I present the case - explain why you missed, they’ll be lenient in the extenuating circumstances.” He looked down going through the file he had pulled from his drawer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I can’t.” There was no way I could physically or emotionally do a match, I couldn’t even do fifteen minutes of cardio. “ I”m not in shape.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> “ You don’t have to win, just show up.” He never looked up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I leaned forward,elbows on my knees, head in my hand. “ I can’t. She’ll kill me. I need at least a month to get back in shape.” Plus there was Tara. What good would it do her for me to go to a match knowing that it would just be a beat-down? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">He crossed his arms in that forceful ‘I know better, you will do this’ look he gets. I think it was the first time he got a good look at me. I was a mess. Thin, frail looking. My skin was ashy. I knew I looked bad - hell I felt one step from death, that death would be welcomed. Except for Tara, she kept me going. As pathetic as it was, I was all she had left. I had to pull myself up from this. I saw it in his eyes, the moment he realized just how much weight and muscle I’d lost. I was not the champion sitting there, but rather a sad broken girl with broken dreams. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m sorry then. Really sorry Roxy. I wish there was something I could do. I mean, you can train and get back to champ, but I don’t see the fire in your eyes anymore. And they won’t offer you a new contract since you’ve defaulted on this one. I’ll see waht I can do to get this months pay at least.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">We talked for another half an hour. He eve tried to convince me to take the beating, knowing that I would heal but even he could see that my fire, my passion was gone. There was still that part of me, my pride that wouldn’t just allow me to step in the ring as a punching bag though. I left there defeated in more ways than losing a match, or my title. I was beaten, life just wouldn’t give Roxanne Winters a break except to break my back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I stopped in at subway to some lunch using my free pass, one of the perks of my former title. They had already revoked it. DAMN! I walked out frustrated yet again. I wandered down the street aimlessly. I came to a lounge, </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 600;">Smoked Velvet</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">. It was a popular hang out for the art and music students. It didn’t draw the crowds that the club across town that hosted the rock bands did, but it was a great place for a date. Luke and I had gone there on a date when one of his buddies performed. My heart sank - Luke. I found myself pushing in the door and seated before I realized what I’d done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I ordered a Manhattan and a sandwich. I dug out the little bit of cash I had. The waitress seated me in the same booth where we’d had our date. I nursed my drink while I picked at the sandwich, lost. I had nothing, and I thought I’d hit rock bottom before. Tears silently flowed down my cheeks, leaving a stinging trail behind as I stared off into nothing. A middle aged stocky man walked up to the booth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“What’s your story?” He sat down uninvited. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ Pardon me?” I asked a little put out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ Your story. You know, why a pretty girl is sitting in my club crying alone.” He motioned to the waitress to bring his drink. He motioned to the waitress to bring his drink, apparently he planned to stay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Your club? Do . . . Do you want me to leave?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“NO. Not at all.” He flipped a business card to me. “ MIke O’Neal. I own this joint. I ain’t asking you to leave doll, I wanna know your story.” He accepted his drink and waited for me to begin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I thought about it as I chewed a bite of my sandwich. My chin quivering a bit in uncertainty then I said “What the hell?” I told him everything. It didn’t matter, I didn’t know him he didn’t know me. I’d probably never see him again so if he judged me I didn’t care. I didn’t leave out details: the cancer, mom’s death, the fight with dad, Luke’s death, losing my scholarship, the sponsorship, failing my sister - all of it. Finally, when I had emptied it all out he took my hand in his. It wasn’t weird like a creeper, but like a father, a father I had always wanted that wasn’t there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Doll, you’ve had a rough deal. I had a daughter, about your age. She was killed in a car wreck four years ago. You need a friend and if you want to talk, my door is open. Now, if you want a job I could really use the help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Really?” I swiped at my tears. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">He grinned. “Can you start tomorrow?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Yes sir I can!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“No sir doll, it’s Mike. Just Mike. If you piss me off it’s Mr. O’Neal. Your uniform is black pants and a club tee.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">When I walked out there was a single ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. It broke through the clouds that was my life as well. </span></div>
Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-26636399583574761872013-10-25T04:30:00.000-04:002013-10-25T04:30:03.278-04:00The Good Girl - Chapter Eight<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If this happens again, I'm going to spank you. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How could one simply uttered ultimatum throw my world into absolute chaos?</span><br style="line-height: 20px;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-good-girl-chapter-one.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter One - Here</a></span><br style="line-height: 20px;" /><span style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-good-girl-chapter-two.html?zx=e8623e7365f4b73d" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter Two - Here</a></span><br style="line-height: 20px;" /><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-good-girl-chapter-three.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter Three- Here</a><br style="line-height: 20px;" /><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-good-girl-chapter-four.html?zx=9b7b73ccc9b7838" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter Four - Here</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-good-girl-chapter-five.html?zx=248998d1891954d8" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter Five - Here</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-good-girl-chapter-six.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter Six - Here</a></span></span><br />
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-good-girl-chapter-seven.html?zx=f50eefd623c9ca03" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Read Chapter Seven - Here</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Good Girl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Fiona Summerville</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chapter Eight</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enveloped
within Thomas’ arms, we sat naked on the living room floor, silently watching
the flames lick and dance their way around the logs in the fireplace. For the
first time in what seemed like an eternity I felt whole and at peace. Never in a million years would I have believed the kiss of a leather belt on my bare bottom would be the source
of such tranquility. But here I was, relaxed and happier than I'd ever been.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reaching
for the stemless wine glass on the corner of the coffee table, I winced
slightly as the dull burn on my still tender ass cheek brought memories of the
last few hours flooding back. An exquisite rush of heat raced over my body and
settled in my core. I smiled and moaned softly as I tucked myself back against
Thomas’ chest. Sense memory recall at its best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Everything
ok?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Never
better.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Still
sore?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“A
bit, but nothing I can’t handle. You’re very good with a belt, Thomas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A
chuckle rumbled low in his chest as he snugged me closer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I’m
very good at a lot of things, baby." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Mmm...no doubt. I can't wait to experience all of those things personally."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thomas nipped at my shoulder blade as he reached for the bottle of wine. He refilled our glasses and sat back against the sofa.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> "So, tell me. Where’s this Maxi been for the
last few weeks?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Lost,”
I whispered, as I brought the wine glass to my lips. “She’s been lost for a
long time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Well,
I’m glad she found her way home,” he murmured against my ear. “I’ve been
waiting to get to know her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
shot him an incredulous look. He sounded as if he knew I’d been play acting all
along. But how could he? We’d met when he attended a deposition at my office,
which happened to be Perfect Maxi’s realm. He’d never seen the real me until
tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Maxi,
Kendall introduced us at a party last year. You were there with a date, but I
couldn’t take my eyes off you. Your hair was a wild, tousled mess and you were
wearing a green velvet dress that made your eyes sparkle like emeralds. I
wanted so badly to touch you. To run my fingers through that wild mane. But
short of knocking your date over the head and dragging you out of the party I
knew my desire was destined to be unrequited.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He
planted a kiss on my bare shoulder before nestling his chin on the spot his
lips had been only moments before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“A few weeks later I saw you again at Café Om...with Eric.”</span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Café Om?</i> My stomach fluttered. Café Om was
my sanctuary. I shifted so I could look back at him, startled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Yeah,
I hang out at Café Om, almost every Saturday morning. And yes, I've seen you.
The real you. Not the perfect girl who tiptoes around in those high heels like
she’s walking on egg shells, but the beautiful, kick-ass girl who doesn't give
a fuck what she looks like. She’s gorg-...<i>you’re</i>
gorgeous, Maxi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My
eyes burned as they welled up with tears. Taking a hasty sip of wine, I turned
to stare into the fire. He’d known all along and patiently waited for a truth
that had never come. How could I have been so stupid?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I
couldn’t believe my luck when I walked into your office for that deposition and
saw you setting up the conference room. Remember when I ended up at your desk
with some lames-ass excuse of looking for the restroom? I waited for you to
realize we’d met before, but when you didn’t, I still took a chance and asked
you out. Since then, I’ve waited for you to introduce me to the Maxi from the
party and the coffee shop, but you never seemed able to. I just couldn’t figure
out why. I even thought that sharing my dark side with you, might prompt you to
reveal yourself. Instead I thought I’d frightened you off.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I
frightened myself off, Thomas. You did everything right. You were straight forward
and open about what you wanted. I was the one who wasn’t comfortable enough in
my own skin to admit I wanted the same thing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Do
you want me, Maxi? I mean, really? I come with quite a bit of baggage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> “And,
from what I saw in your bedroom, quite an extensive toy chest.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His
soft chuckle filled the room. “Naughty girl,” he whispered, pushing
my hair away he planted a warm, moist kiss just below my ear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What
do you get out of it, Maxi?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What
do you mean?" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The
facade. The two personas. What do you get out of hiding?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
shrugged.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I
guess I was just tired of being burned. If I was someone else, I couldn’t get hurt."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You
don't like being hurt?" Thomas snorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Given
the events of the last few hours, the absurdity of my comment was not lost on
me. I mirrored his snort and I rested my head back against his shoulder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I
know how stupid that sounds, but it’s the truth. Besides, there is a difference between physical and emotional pain. And, I never again want to experience the pain I felt with -"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"David," Thomas interjected softly as he kneaded the tension from my shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How did he know about David? I'd never spoken about David to anyone except Kendall. <i>Kendall</i>. She and Thomas are friends. She must have mentioned something to him about my ill-fated relationship with David.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I
don't think I can handle another rejection like that."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"That's never going to happen, Maxi." He pulled me up onto his lap and spun me so I was
straddling him. "Just be yourself. Let me in. All the way and I’ll never
leave. I promise."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
believed him. Deep down, with every fiber of my being, I trusted his words. He’d
seen the real me as well as the guise and had stuck around. And to think I’d almost
lost my chance at a life with him because I was too afraid to be me. <i>Stupid girl.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">“I’m sorry for the deceptions and the indecisiveness, Thomas.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Shhhh…what's done is done. We only move forward from here.
Deal?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You
know, you still haven’t given me your safeword."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Oh!
It’s “harbor”…as in “safe harbor.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A
look of confusion crossed his handsome face. “I never pegged you as a Nicholas
Sparks fan, Maxi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Oh no...not
<i>that</i> Safe Harbor. It’s more about how I feel
when I’m with you. Safe. Secure. No longer adrift. Blindfolds, handcuffs and
all, you’re my safe harbor, Thomas.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He
grinned, his eyes sparkling a brilliant blue as wrapped me in his arms and pulled
me tight against his chest. "You’ll always be safe with me. Just be yourself. I love you just the way you
are. You're <i>perfect, </i>Maxi."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The End<span style="font-size: 15px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092987958986644887noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-87845837069488014092013-10-23T15:34:00.001-04:002013-10-23T15:34:03.695-04:00This Night: the Club<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Being at the right place at the right time - priceless! </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8wzS7H5DdtiSzTafC9WOlwyVwIwWNcfi-hxVxusmHPVOdjHQnOPV5Tm4jTAWc9iMZ5_pcU6iwYKvaqdu7DdfwbDk7eo2K_Esxad5oOpXzhxlnx93FEOIPRaOWnOBra_4Yml8ICbU7LY/s1600/menage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8wzS7H5DdtiSzTafC9WOlwyVwIwWNcfi-hxVxusmHPVOdjHQnOPV5Tm4jTAWc9iMZ5_pcU6iwYKvaqdu7DdfwbDk7eo2K_Esxad5oOpXzhxlnx93FEOIPRaOWnOBra_4Yml8ICbU7LY/s320/menage.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Storytime does not own rights to this image. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Night:</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">the Club</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">by</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eythan Rogers </span> </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/it-seems-once-was-not-enough-for-guys.html" target="_blank"> This NIght: Remix part 5 </a></span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/this-night-secret-longings.html" target="_blank"> This Night: Secret Longings part 4 </a></span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/this-night-afterglow.html" target="_blank"> This Night: Afterglow part 3 </a> </span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/first-night-realization.html" target="_blank"> This Night: Realization part 2</a></span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/this-night-introductions.html" target="_blank">This Night: Introductions part 1</a></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It went against everything he thought was
right to still be standing here. Anthony swore he was done searching for her.
There was no “her”. All there was, was a girl who liked to have a little fun.
He was more then happy to have fun with his best friend. But he would be damned
if he got attached. There was no sense in that. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon wanted to believe in a happily ever
after for them one day. With a pretty little wife, a big house with a white
picked fence and a house full of their kids. There was only one problem with
his friends dream world. It didn’t exist. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was no pot of gold at the end of the
rainbow for them. Anthony found out long ago that the type of relationship they
wanted, craved, was damn near impossible, and all it got them was heartache and
screwed in the end. What woman in her right mind would put up with not one, but
two stubborn ass males for the rest of their lives? He knew what kind of man he
was. Demanding. Stubborn. An asshole at times. Hell, that was probably being
nice. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only reason he agreed to meet Sophia
again was because Brandon seemed a bit enamored with her. Anthony didn’t
disagree that she was beautiful and amazing in bed, but he didn’t see this
going anywhere. He knew her type. She was just interested in the fantasy of it
all. Once the façade wore off and she would be running like the rest of them. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Take a picture. You can burn a whole through
that faster.” Anthony turned around to Kim glaring a hole into the back of his
skull. Her arms crossed over her black corset and one perfectly manicured bow
popped up. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What are you still doing here? I thought you
two said this was just a meeting place.” </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He didn’t know why she bothered asking. He
knew damn well she already knew the answer. Crossing the space between them in
a few steps Anthony just smirked and stood beside her. Watching the crowd of
regulars and newbies around the club. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Then I changed my mind. We decided to stay
here. And play” His smirk was still in place. His gaze never leaving the crowd.
</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kim was now staring at him again in
disbelief. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“And by “we” you mean, you.” Kim scoffed and
shook her head. “Why does that not surprise me? God forbid big bad Anthony be
alone with a girl. What? Afraid she’d bite back? </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I don’t mind a little biting” Anthony never
faltered. His poker face stayed in place and he was not going to let Kim dig
into him. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Bull. Shit. I know this routine with you
two. I warned you both that it was only a one time thing. I don’t want to see
my best friend get hurt. I know what will happen next and I swear to fuck if
you two hurt Soph..! “ </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthony spun around so fast Kim didn’t realize
he was in her face until it was too late. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“No, Kim. You only think you know. You
haven’t even scratched the surface.” Anthony’s pulse was pounding as he walked
away. He was so wound up. Kim didn’t even know the half of it. Who the hell was
she to..</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Hey, there you are. We went back to the bar
and you disappeared.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon walked over with Sophia on his arm
and Anthony’s smile came back. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Here I am. Just talking with a few friends
while you showed Sophia around. What did you think?”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, I only saw a few parts. Brandon
wouldn’t show me the back rooms. But I liked what I saw.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brando chuckled “In time. You’ll see them in
time. We don’t want you running away now.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Antony had a snort at that, but for an
entirely different reason. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“What did you show her Brandon?” As he list
off the names of the equipment Anthony kept a sharp eye on Sophia. Watching for
even a hint of a reaction. And that’s exactly what he got. After each passing word her mouth became dry.
Her soft pink tongue snaked out to went her lips and as soon as Brandon
mentioned the spanking bench her breath hitched and her pulse increased. He
could see her chest rising and falling harder and he knew her pussy would be
soaking wet. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthony smirked “I think we found what
Sophia’s first experience will be in the club.”</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Wait, what?! I didn’t say anything, how
would you have known?” Sophia was panicking now. Anthony shushed her and
trailed a finger over her jaw line. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Because it’s my job to know. Now, Brandon,
take Sophia to the spanking bench and let me see how well she mounts it.” </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon had an evil grin on himself and took
Sophia’s hand. Sophia gulped and followed him without question. They both knew
she wanted this. It was just getting her past her fears and insecurities. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthony took a seat in the over sized seat
that was right in front of the spanking horse. Sophia stood behind it, facing
him and swallowed hard again. Brandon stood at her side. His hand stroking over
her arm, encouraging her to get up on the bench. To the untrained eye Sophia
looked scared and frightened. And he had no doubts that she was, but deep down,
what pushed her forward was her dark desires. The desires that kept her up late
at night. The desire that gave her the strength to go through with her fantasy
of being with two men. This was another passion that Anthony loved himself.
There was nothing sexier then a hot red bottom that was begging to be fucked. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophia slowly draped her body over the center
of the bench. Her knees resting on the padded leather below and her arm
stretched forward and rested above her head. She was still a bit scared and
hesitant, but he wanted to see how long it would take to make her squirm now. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon was watching her as well. They both
knew the signs to look for and knew when to stop a scene when it was going too
far. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When Anthony nodded to Brandon he knew what
to do. Leaning over the bench Brandon whispered into Sophia’s ear. Just loud
enough for Anthony to hear. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Stop means stop, remember that. Now, hold on
darlin’.” </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophia didn’t have time to say yes before the
first swat came. She cried out but it wasn’t in pain. For Brandon’s standards
that was barely a hit. He watched the man deliver man a spanking and this was a
-2 out of ten. He was just getting started. </span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-62903277728466034922013-10-21T01:44:00.001-04:002013-10-21T01:44:48.559-04:00Just Another After School Special - Part Seven
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/just-another-after-school-special.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ReadPart One Here</span></span></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/just-another-after-school-special-part.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ReadPart Two Here</span></span></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/just-another-after-school-special-part_16.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ReadPart Three Here</span></span></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/just-another-after-school-special-part_23.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ReadPart Four Here</span></span></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/just-another-after-school-special-part_30.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ReadPart Five Here</span></span></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/just-another-after-school-special-part.html?showComment=1382333726078#c6543837527042423216" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">ReadPart Six Here</span></span></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Are
you positive? Cause we can stop now." He started to pull back
farther, to sit up, but I grabbed the front of his t-shirt, pulling
him down, my lips finding his.</i></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"I'm
positive."</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3CjzDt50qbx9LQ7pGNk3G_lGa1fpukL_KdpT23rXZfFJIz3v1E0Pwib_8r-_G-tztRYZP3Ah_r3KT7DpoJkwqVIgAo3jUnHiooLnbgkU8ul_lM1nqvjhdY8sX-CRgVgR9KUd75683N0T/s1600/1036605_53770942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3CjzDt50qbx9LQ7pGNk3G_lGa1fpukL_KdpT23rXZfFJIz3v1E0Pwib_8r-_G-tztRYZP3Ah_r3KT7DpoJkwqVIgAo3jUnHiooLnbgkU8ul_lM1nqvjhdY8sX-CRgVgR9KUd75683N0T/s320/1036605_53770942.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Just
Another After School Special</b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Part
Seven</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eva
Rayne</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His
hands were soft and warm against my skin, but there was an undeniably
undercurrent of need, of desire. His lips found my neck – kissing,
nibbling – as he pushed my tank top up to my ribs, his fingers
caressing the top curve of my breasts. </span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next thing I knew he was
pulling me up kissing me hard before pulling the tank top up and over
my head, tossing it to the floor. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His
lips found the soft, exposed skin of my breasts as he slipped my bra
straps off my shoulders. Seconds later the lace bra landed on my tank
top and his teeth found my hard nipples, making me cry out. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My
moans seemed to do nothing but encourage Nick as my nails raked down
his back under his tee-shirt. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You
like that?” he whispered huskily in my ear, nibbling gently on my
ear lobe, another satisfied mew escaping my lips. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
pulled his tee-shirt up and over his head in response, throwing it to
the side and pulling him back down to me. His skin was tanned and
warm and my fingers danced over muscles his shirts always concealed.
It was his turn to moan when my teeth found the soft, sensitive spot
above his collar bone. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Desire
and longing filled his eyes as hips hips pressed into mine, his hands
trying to cover my entire upper body at once. His hands were rough
against my nipples, massaging my breasts, pressing me deeper into the
couch as our tongues waged a war of their own. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
couldn't remember the last time someone's hands on my body felt this
good – made me want more – and I found myself unable to keep my
own hands under control as I explored his body. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It
wasn't much longer before our jeans were added to the pile of clothes
on the floor.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That
first time on the couch in the living room of his apartment was
urgent, intense. We needed each other and we needed each other right
then. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
ended up staying the night at Nick's that night. We talked and
laughed, he made me dinner and we finally got around to watching that
movie we had talked about. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At
almost two we moved into his room and a joke about me wanting to
sleep in one of his tee-shirts ended with him pushing me back on his
bed. Things were slower this time, less urgent but still intense,
only in a different way. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As
amazing as things had been earlier that night, they felt rushed
compared to now. We moved against each other slower, exploring each
other more thoroughly. We took the time to figure out what the other
liked, what we wanted. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
fell asleep that night in the last place I expected to be: curled up
next to Nick as he played with my hair. Just as I was falling asleep,
Nick leaned forward and kissed my forehead. </span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could feel his lips
moving as he whispered, “I'm so glad you came over tonight.”</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08563183286798277760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-84069781515952236042013-10-20T14:00:00.000-04:002013-10-20T14:49:21.516-04:00This Night: Remix<div class="ReadMsgBody" id="mpf0_readMsgBodyContainer">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIYBYV7j6DU/UjoQ86sLgRI/AAAAAAAAAaw/rIlI3KD1hwE/s1600/936full-threesome-screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIYBYV7j6DU/UjoQ86sLgRI/AAAAAAAAAaw/rIlI3KD1hwE/s320/936full-threesome-screenshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It seems once was not enough for the guys. Sophia agreed to see them again, but now what? </span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This Night: Remix</span></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">by </span></b></span></div>
<div class="" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Eythan Rogers </b></span></span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/this-night-secret-longings.html" target="_blank"> This Night: Secret Longings part 4 </a></span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/this-night-afterglow.html" target="_blank"> This Night: Afterglow part 3 </a> </span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/first-night-realization.html" target="_blank"> This Night: Realization part 2</a></span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/this-night-introductions.html" target="_blank">This Night: Introductions part 1</a></span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophia stepped out of the shower; steam
billowing around her and covering the small bathroom making it hard to see.
When she pulled open the door a rush of cool air came in, covering her arms in
goose bumps. Or maybe it was because she was nervous to see the guys again. She
wasn’t really sure why she agreed to see them again. Yeah, she had a good time
with them, and yes she thought about them a few times a day. But that’s what a
fantasy was. Something you thought about and dreamed about. So why was she
still thinking about it? It was out of her system and done with. It was just as
she had hoped. It was hot and sexy and there was so much passion and lust her
mind was over loaded and nearly fried out from so much pleasure. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophia had asked Kim why they wanted to see
her again, but she was about as much help as a color blind man helping you pick
out curtains. She was always a cryptic one. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This time Sophia wasn’t sure what was going
to happen between them, so she offered to meet them at Kim’s club and go from
there. It as a central location, and public. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust
them, but she could never be too cautious. Her past would prove that true. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Without realizing it her hand covered her
heart as if she was trying to slow it down. She would not let that asshole ruin
the rest of her life god damn it! He had taken way too much from her already
and she would be damned it she let herself get worked over a guy who was far
far away from her now. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After taking a deep breath and clearing her
mind, Sophia dried off and got dressed. Fixing her hair just right and putting
on some light make up she was ready to go. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Her apartment was in a decent neighborhood
and her neighbors were nice. It was the type of neighbors that would lend you a
cup of sugar or a few eggs any time you needed. They were more then willing to
help and she was thankful to have them. On more then one occasion Sophia had
locked herself out of her apartment and needed to call the landlord. A sweet
older man Brian across the hall was more then willing to help. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sophia was even more amazed to find out that
there was a parking garage for her complex. It was almost unheard of in this
area but it was great for rainy days and keeping safe. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Checking her watch one more time Sophia
stepped off the elevator and into the parking garage. She was just on time. She
hated being late. She was always on time or early. Waiting was a pet peeve of
hers, so she always made sure to have enough time to get where she needed to
be. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a light right under her car and she
tried to always get that spot, it was easy to remember and close by the
elevators. When she walked around to the driver side door she stopped short.
Her breath nearly stopped as well. Her hand quickly covered her mouth and the
gasp that escaped her lips. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stuck to her window was a piece of paper and
in bright red marker spelled out “Slut!” Franticly Sophia looked around to see
if anyone was around. Not seeing a soul she ripped the sign off her window,
shoved it in her purse and jumped in her car. Who the fuck would do that?? Not
stopping to analyze it further Sophia threw her car in drive and sped off to
the club. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Someone had the wrong car. Why would that be
on her car? It must be a mistake. She had no enemies. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Forget it. She had to forget it. It was just
a stupid mistake and she was going to see Brandon and Anthony and forget about
it. There was no reason to dwell on something so stupid. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pulling up to the club Sophia noticed it
looked pretty dead tonight. Guess Kim was right about all of that outside fun.
With a smirk on her face Sophia parked her car and headed into the club. She admitted to wondering about that as well. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">She felt more at ease meeting them inside
rather then in a dark parking lot. Its not like they were staying here tonight.
She would just wait inside where it was still light and no playing in the
lobby. So there was no chance of her running into any erotic play. Not that she
has ever seen it before. Hell she remembers helping Kim open the place. Long
days and nights spend here, and seeing things she never thought possible. Which
could explain her major curiosity on the subject. Or was it all of the books
Kim recommended her to read? Whatever the cause, she was very interested and
soaked up any literature on the subject of BDSM and D/s relationships. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sophia.” She nearly jumped out of her skin
when Brandon placed his hand on her shoulder and pulled her from her thoughts.
She didn’t realize how caught up she was. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Whoa, easy there. Sorry, I didn’t mean t
frighten you. You ok?”</span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry. I didn’t even hear
you guys come in. I was just day dreaming I guess. It’s good to see you both
again” Sophia smiled. Actually genuinely smiled. She was happy to see them,
more then she thought she would be. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brandon looked like he wanted to hug her but
didn’t want to make it awkward. She could see it written on his face. She kind
of snickered at his discomfort. She had the feeling that it wasn’t often that
these guys felt awkward or out of place. Letting it go she let them both off
the hook and asked where they wanted to go. Anthony spoke first. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well, we were going to leave the choice up
to you, but we thought better of that. Too many choices.” He smirked and tucked
his hands in the pockets of his dress pants. He slowly took a few steps forward
and only a foot separated the to of them. Sophia had to look up to see his
face. She nearly swallowed her tongue when she swallowed. </span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Sso- what did you two decide?”</span></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anthony pulled one of his hands from his
pocket and tucked a finger under her chin making her look into his eyes. With a wicked grin Anthony said</span></div>
<div class="">
<br /></div>
<div class="">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">“We are staying here at the club, Sophia.” </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-82146205117180987072013-10-18T04:30:00.000-04:002013-10-18T04:30:01.446-04:00The Good Girl - Chapter Seven<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>If this happens again, I'm going to spank you. </i>How could one simply uttered ultimatum throw my world into absolute chaos?</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-good-girl-chapter-one.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter One - Here</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-good-girl-chapter-two.html?zx=e8623e7365f4b73d" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter Two - Here</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-good-girl-chapter-three.html" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter Three- Here</a></span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-good-girl-chapter-four.html?zx=9b7b73ccc9b7838" style="color: #c95f5f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Read Chapter Four - Here</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-good-girl-chapter-five.html?zx=248998d1891954d8" target="_blank">Read Chapter Five - Here</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-good-girl-chapter-six.html" target="_blank">Read Chapter Six - Here</a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Good Girl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By Fiona Summerville</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chapter Seven</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"What do you want, Maxi?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His tone was cold, flat with just a
hint of exasperation. Not that I could blame him. At least a minute or two had
passed since Thomas had answered his door and I had yet to utter a word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’d come seeking absolution. To
admit I’d screwed up and ask for a second chance. I’d rehearsed and imagined
every possible outcome for days. But now, staring up into Thomas’ icy scowl, I
had no fucking idea why I was standing on his doorstep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Thomas, I –“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My thoughts froze as I searched his
eyes for a flicker of something other than distain. It wasn’t there. His eyes
were cold, black and distant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Maxi, just spit it out. It’s
late and I’ve still got work to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He had every right to be annoyed.
I’d wasted enough of his time over the past few weeks with my indecisiveness.
My eyelids dropped and I took a deep steadying breath. As my eyes opened, my
gaze met his.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Thomas, I’m sorry. You have every
right to be angry with me. I was stupid. I should have trusted you, but I got
scared.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He shifted to lean against the
doorframe. His manner was still aloof, but at least he was listening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I didn’t think –“<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“No, you thought too much, Maxi. That’s
your biggest problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I understood now why he was such a
shark in the courtroom. He gave no quarter. I toed the doormat. <i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ugh!
Why was this so fucking hard?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted another chance. A chance
at a happily ever after with Thomas. Even if that happily ever after included handcuffs,
paddles and ball gags. Ignoring my waning confidence, I huffed out a breath and
started again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I want to be with you. I want
to be the girl you want me to be. Teach me, Thomas. Please.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Too late, Maxi. The offer’s
no longer on the table.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He pushed off the doorframe and
started to shut the door. Panic set in. I shoved my way past him and into the
foyer. The house was dark except for the soft glow coming from the fireplace in
the living room. Thomas stood stunned, mouth slightly agape, but he closed the
door behind him. Great. I’d forced my way into his home. Now what?<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time
to put up or shut up, Maxi.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taking a hesitant step towards
Thomas, I bowed my head. I knew I should look him in the eye, but I was afraid
if I did, what little was left of my confidence would be eviscerated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Look Thomas, I get it. I over
thought myself out of a really good thing. I sought the counsel of others when
I should have been talking to you and then I just disappeared. But I want
another chance. Please. I want to give you my safeword.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sorry, Maxi. I don’t think
you really want this."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My cheeks burned with
embarrassment, but also anger. A knot twisted in my gut. I had finally figured
out what I wanted. Who the hell was he to tell me otherwise?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I know what I want, Thomas."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Prove it."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Prove it? How was I supposed to do
that? Wasn’t it enough that I was here admitting my mistakes? That I was
willing to give him my safeword? Did he want me naked and prone before him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Naked…</i>My
mind stuttered to a stop at the thought. I knew exactly what I needed to do to
convince him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My gaze locked onto his as I toed
off my boots. Sliding my jeans down, I stepped out of them and slowly unzipped
my hoodie, adding it to the pile my jeans had started. Thomas’ brow arched. He
folded his arms across his chest, but his gaze never left mine. I smiled
inwardly. At least I had his attention. The tank top came next. Followed by my
bra and panties. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An odd sense of calm came over me
as I stood naked before him. I’d stripped, not just physically, but emotionally
as well. If he rejected me like this, it wouldn’t be for lack of trying on my
part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“You’ve been so patient with me,
Thomas,” I whispered, taking a step to close the gap between us as I reached
for his belt. Surprisingly deft fingers undid the buckle and pulled the belt
free from the loops. I heard a sharp intake of air catch in Thomas’ throat as I
smiled and held the belt out to him with trembling hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I want you to use this on me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He took the belt, but made no other
move.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I want you to spank me,
Thomas. Now, later, whenever. I want you to spank me, tie me down… handcuff me.
I want you to do all the things you've talked about, but I don’t want to have
to break a rule for you to do them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"How do I know you’re serious,
Maxi?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Oh
for fuck sake!</i> My temper flared again. Silly me. Apparently being naked in
his hallway, begging him to use his belt on me wasn’t enough to convince him.
Either he was being intentionally cruel or he was putting me through some weird
BDSM litmus test. Fine. I was game. If he wanted see how serious I was about
this…about him, I’d show him. I brushed past him to the door, and turned the
knob.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“I’ll go stand on your front lawn
and beg. Is that what you want, Thomas? Me, naked, on my knees in your front
yard for all the world to see? Because if it is, I’m all over it. I will do
whatever it takes to convince you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His eyes flashed. Black to blue and
back to black, but he said nothing. A rush of cold air swept in as I turned and
opened the door, preparing to step out into the night. He stepped forward caging
me between his body and the door as he shut it. <i>Oh, my God, that was close. </i>A shuddering breath escaped my body and
rested my forehead against the heavy oak door. I was thrilled he’d stopped me,
but I was even more thrilled that I’d been willing to do such a thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His hands rested against the door
on either side of my head. Our bodies weren’t touching, but the heat radiating
from his body sent a shiver through mine. He leaned his head in, his lips mere
millimeters from my ear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Tell me again," he whispered.
"Tell me everything you want."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I fought the urge to turn and face
him. I’d just surpassed another hurdle. It felt amazing but at the same time I was
raw, vulnerable. I couldn’t look him in the eye. Not yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I want you to be the one,
Thomas."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I want you to be the only one
to do those things to me. I want you to come home after work and punish me with
a wooden paddle. I want you to tie me to the bed and fuck me so hard you make
me scream. I don’t want to think or talk about it anymore. God, Thomas, I just
want to be me…with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My voice broke. Now, I turned to
face him, eyes burning with unshed tears. I’d almost lost a chance at happiness
because I chose some ill-conceived notion of who I <i>should</i> be over the real me. I fell back against the door,
exhausted. No matter what happened here tonight, from this day forward, I would
never make that mistake again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thomas tipped my chin up, searing
my lips with his. When he pulled away, his eyes were the brightest shade of blue
I’d ever seen. He wrapped a lock of hair that had fallen forward into my face
around his finger before letting it bounce away and smiled down at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“Oh Maxi, I’ve been waiting for you for so long. I thought you’d never show up, baby.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14092987958986644887noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-21641541039902638432013-10-17T11:25:00.002-04:002013-10-17T11:25:56.808-04:00the tale of the Handsome Man pub<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>So um yeah this is
again me playing with a format or three setting up my piece for this season of
hurt and horror of fear and of legend, will this Handsome man live or die? Will
the Inn burn around him or will he escape the curse? The video isn’t the best
because I am not massively talented with video editing and couldn’t run it as
just an audio file. The music borrowed from the amazing Nick Cave who I came
across via Peaky Blinders. The images are things I have found over the years a
mix of stock photos a John Convey painting and wiki entries and yes most of the
voice is me. If you don’t want to lend
me 15 minutes that’s cool the text is here but please those who do give me a
comment on here or youtube about whether it worked. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_2akwT2-fw&feature=youtu.be">Tale of the Handsome Man</a> - click me for the story as a audiobook thing. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We Brit’s are a superstitious lot of old, a tribe more than
a country, to kith and kin beholden and even in this “enlightened” age have
myth, legend, tale and task. And so listeners follow me take my hand as we walk
through the streets to a block of flats, up the stairs to a door and inside to
a room. A room with a mirror. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we stand and watch a young man of twenty five summers
stands staring into the mirror as he dresses, strangely for this modern flat,
this city of smoke and cars and light and noise, he stood in a linen shirt tied
with a drawstring, a pair of heavy woolen hose and soft leather boots. The
room lit with a candle. He stares into the mirror one last time before turning
and placing the candle into a brass lantern box. We follow him as he walks down
the stairs taking a heavy woolen coachman’s cloak off the hook and sliding it
on adding scarf and heavy gloves and
taking his black hat and stepping out into the night. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Riding down out of the city impossibly unnoticed on this
powerful charger, a pale horse bearing a rider in black, leaving the city noise
and moving out across the lanes and across the fields. The world becoming dark
and cool as he seemed to step back in time as he moved from city and car and
flat and factory to country lane and brook and stream.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He arrives at a set of old stone plinths a ring around a
village from a time of disease and quarantine, the point at which the afflicted
couldn't stray beyond and those bringing food and drink could leave their
packages without entering tainted land. He
saw the path of reed mat leading from the edge of the village boundary right to
the entrance of the inn.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Handsome Man, he could see the sign from here,
incongruous among the cars and lights, it was as he remembered from the day
he was cast out, the day his father died. Walls of straw and reed around a wooden
frame, thatched roof, a thick weave, the sign hand painted many years ago ,
paint bubbling and blistered from the heat of fires long past. </div>
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He left the horse tied to the
boundary line and stepped onto the reed walkway inhaling deeply as he
recognised the sickly sweet aroma of petrol, he walked onward and when stood
at the door of the in on the wooden step he struck a match and threw it over
his left shoulder. For a brief second illuminating his dark smile and the blood
red stain of his right hand. The match tumbling in the dark landing on the
reed, catching the vapour alight and suddenly the dark moonless night was split
by a blazing inferno as the fire consumed all he had touched. His laugh echoed
over the crackling roar of the flames as he knocked on the oak door, the oak
stained with his touch. A symbol of his presence and a far older legend of this
all hallows eve.</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I laughed at the wait and count three seconds before opening
the door, these monsters so scared of the tradition so scared of who I represent.
These people, whose ancestors left mine to die in order to save their village.
Riding a pale horse I have returned to play my part to punish them by standing
as a reminder of what and who they made a deal with to save themselves.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A man I do not recognise one who moved into this blighted
place I assume stands and sneers, "Just who in God's name are you!? I've
been dragged here by this lot because of that ridiculous clause in the bloody
deed! Now, someone had better tell me what the hell is going on here and why I
am sat in this ruddy inn watching-" here he rounded on me nostrils flaring
"you stroll in as if you own all!"</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I laugh and raise my hand, the red glinting in the
torchlight as I turn to face the man who dared interrupt me, dared challenge me
in this place, “My friend, God has nothing to do with this blighted place and
as for owning all that’s because on this night in this Inn I rather think I do.
I am a representation of the man these people surrounding you, well their
ancestors made a deal with. The Devil walked among them” I walk around the
group stroking the hair of a young child to calm them and stroking the throat
of a young woman as I move through the crowd, “They sold a family into slavery
and sacrificed a man to the flames for a cure for the plague that afflicted
this place, My grandfather many times passed locked inside The Handsome Man as
it burned to the ground after a night entertaining the Man with a red right
hand, he the most traveled of the village having fought in France for our king
spent the night telling tales of love and loss.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I move angry now talking with my hands and ranting, “they
watched as the Inn burned with bows and sticks to ensure he died, his young
wife heavy with child forced to watch as he screamed, she gave birth and the
rider took the child and promised these monsters that he would return on the
year of his twenty fifth summer to speak of love and loss. A price MY Family
Pay to save these wretched lives, I cannot touch the ground of the village of
my birth a condition of the pact with the demon so I burn the reeds I stand on,
this Inn at morning light with either be ash or razed to the ground by the
churchwarden. If my tales are judged to be enough, I will be allowed to live in
the land of my birth and take a bride marked for me by the demons and live to
bind my child to this curse, if, if I have failed, I will burn in the Inn this
night and a child will be found in the ashes, a child taken from their home and
sent away to return as they reach twenty five summers.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The man scoffs and moves to stand, “bollocks, this is rural
bollocks I’m not sitting here with you country inbred’s and listening to this
shit” he moves to leave and I watch impassively the door refusing to budge even
as it is unlocked. The ring of flames from the reed surrounding us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I turn to his panicked attempts to exit this place, “This
isn’t a tall tale or a game sir, sit and rest and enjoy the night, eat and
drink and be merry, you best start believing in tales of demons and deals, for
my friend you’re in one. Has a maiden been marked by the sign” I ask and enjoy
the nervousness and fear as the priest stands and nods. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Young Eliza, eighteen and fair of face and hair, found this
morn her hand dripping blood that would not stop” she stands and curtsies and
moves to sit in the place by mine bearing drink and food set for the travelling
man. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“the compacts have been met, the door is sealed, we are all
here, from bairn to priest, from blacksmith to lord, it is time.” I grin as the
thunder rolls a great wicked crack as lighting strikes the inn. This is what
I’m born for, my purpose my life and tis soon time to begin. I drink and eat
talking and meeting these monsters and murderers, watching those who only know
of the story from tales of their parents face the guilt and weight. It’s easy
for them to nod and say they understand till faced with the man they have to
condemn. I take the time to talk with Eliza, she’s as they told me, everything
that I would desire. The demons speak truth in that, the teller of tales
rewarded by their mate being everything their heart could need. In looks, in
life, in views, in thoughts, the perfect lover everything my soul could want
and my body desire. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I take a sip of wine and stand moving to my seat by the
fire, lit by the wicked red glow I move and start to speak, “I come from many
miles from here, for to fulfill an ancient pact, to tell of things and times
long past of love and loss and ash. To speak of many wonders, of hope of hate
of heart. You are crowded here to pay old debts and for me to pay my part. I
have ballads and story, myth and legend all which tell of love, of passion of
sex and debauched joy and of faith and home and hearth. So I sit with wineskin
in hand my promised bride at my knee.” I look down at Eliza adoringly, she the
one good part of this bargain, that we few we marked we red handed, would find
our loves early. “ The sky black, the moon hiding as the devil walks this night
and I this outsider looking in this Red Handed man staring into flames will recite
the words searched for over many miles and wait and hope and pray. For if those
who judge my worth say naught I burn at mornings light. I pay the price I’m
bound to pay, to risk my life for you, for want of a cure you cast me in this
role to fight the plague. “ </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My voice rising as a fell wind whispers and licks across the
floor, creeping through cracks and gaps raising hackles and hairs, the fire
roaring up behind me and for the first time I smile at the crowd. “All are
assembled who took part in the compact and our judge is on the wind, so my
Lord, your Chosen Man begs leave to speak and to pay his tithe, fulfill his
role” I nod to the Lord whose family traditionally owned the village and on
receiving his nod I breathed and waited.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One, two, three flashes of lightning and I took up the tale
again, “And now I sit and permission is given to speak and sing, tonight my
monsters listen and listen well for the stories I was forced to know, to buy my
freedom and my life I speak and show and sing, the ritual done, the background
aired tis now time to begin, three tales I have prepared this night, love lost,
love won and desire, tragic love lost and sex all weaved into the words herein.
Get comfortable and get drink for tis now time to begin.” The words spiralling from me as if I knew
them all my life, words given to me by the role I play my accent thick and
strong as I become the storyteller, all my family past I feel here now watching
and giving strength as I weave the tales that decide whether I am to live or die. </div>
academicsuicidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17668032012093055413noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8562566629332469814.post-90697549302521842752013-10-15T17:00:00.000-04:002013-10-15T17:00:10.197-04:00Oral Dilemma: Etched<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDPdG4-SeQM/Ul2h1QH2fSI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/mxVB7wIuXeY/s1600/despair+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zDPdG4-SeQM/Ul2h1QH2fSI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/mxVB7wIuXeY/s320/despair+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Storytime Trysts does not own copyrights to this image. </span></div>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we last left off with Roxy, she'd just found out that her fiance' Luke had been killed. This terrible news came the day her mother was buried, and on the heels of a fallout with her father. There are times in life that seem overwhelming, like we can't possibly bear another thing. Yet, we go on. Sometimes it leaves scars, other times the scars are internal. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The human condition leaves us at the mercy of our emotions at times. </span></span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oral Dilemma: Etched</span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New';"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ellie Mack</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=8130502168374249576" target="_blank">Part 1 here</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=7255480156427409211" target="_blank">Part 2 here</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=969138539071445565;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=21;src=postname" target="_blank">Part 3 here</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8562566629332469814#editor/target=post;postID=5436304396808468099;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=7;src=postname" target="_blank">Part 4 here</a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/05/oral-dilemma-training-day.html" target="_blank">part 5</a> here.</span>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/welcome-back-trysters-hard-to-believe.html" target="_blank">Read part 6 here.</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/oral-dilemma-confessions.html" target="_blank">part 7 here</a>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/06/oral-dilemma-match.html" target="_blank">Read part 8 here. </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-family-ties.html" target="_blank">part 9 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-velvet-and-sorbet.html" target="_blank">part 10 here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/08/oral-dilemma-murphy.html" target="_blank">part 11 here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/oral-dilemma-matters-of-import.html" target="_blank">Read part 12 here</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">Read <a href="http://storytimetrysts.blogspot.com/2013/09/your-joy-can-fill-you-only-as-deeply-as.html" target="_blank">part 13 here</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Tara clung to the steering wheel terrified. I hated to do this to her. I wanted to tell her but I could barely manage breath between sobs. I clutched my stomach as I turned to the window, staring blankly out into the night. Trees sped by, I imagined every one to be a part of my life slipping away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I began seeing bits of my life on each tree. Devon Miller taking Casey Reynolds to a dance. Devon taking Phoebe Yates to the party where I met Chad. Chad using me, lying to me and spreading videos of me doing slutty things that I thought were private. Summers lost in a factory. Training for long hours with Keith. Finding out Chad was cheating on me. Devon leaving for the military. Devon disapproving of my MMA fighting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">We crossed the river - serene water. Childhood memories, meeting Luke, training with Luke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Forested scenery again: </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Mom. Fight with dad. Dad never there. Luke. </span>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ Tara, stop the car.” The tears continued but I realized my sister was all I had left in this world and I was being horrible to her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ Are you going to be sick?” She asked not turning her head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ No, well maybe. Just pull in up here and can you get us a soda or something then we’ll talk.” My lips trembled as I tried to quell the tears. “And get some extra napkins please?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ Sure Roxy” She sniffled. It broke my heart even more. While I waited for her to return I thought about what I would say, and how I would say it. Sooner than I expected she was back with two big bags of food and drinks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">She shrugged. “I was hungry”. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“ That’s ok, so am I.” I wasn’t really, but I hadn’t eaten for the past, well it was going on 4 days now. We sat in the car, and ate quietly. Well Tara ate, I picked at mine. I waited until I thought I could begin without crying uncontrollably again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Tara, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for yelling at you back there, for screaming at you the way I did. I know this has been hard for you as well. Losing mom and then the deal with dad and Tammy, well I've been really selfish. You’re all I’ve got now, and I don’t want to lose you.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“What are you talking about Roxy? You’ve got Luke. At least you have a boyfriend. Tony broke up with me two weeks ago.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I didn’t know. I hadn’t asked. I didn’t even know his name was Tony. I was a horrible sister. I bit my lip. “I didn’t know sis, I’m sorry.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I sighed, taking a sip of the soda before I went on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“No, Luke is gone. His funeral is tomorrow. I know you have classes, so you don’t have to go or anything but.” I had to stop, speaking the words out loud stirred up every raw emotion I felt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Oh my God! Roxy.” She leaned over and pulled me into a hug. I couldn’t help it, the sobs began again. Uncontrollable chest heaving sobs that wracked my body. She held me close for a long time and just let me cry it out. When I finally pulled back and wiped my eyes, two guys in a car alongside us were gawking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">By the crude gestures they made to us they thought we were making out or something. Tara rolled down the window and told them to “Fuck off assholes, my sister’s fiancee was just killed you morons.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">I chuckled at her frankness. I thought she was so clean cut and innocent, and it was the first time I’d ever heard her use any profanity. My nose red and swollen, with red puffy eyes I smiled at my sister. “We have each other, we’ll get through this.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I turned in my seat, and took a bite of my burger. It actually tasted good to me. In no time at all I’d eaten the whole thing and scarfed down the fries. “I know this is terrible, but I could eat another one. I’m starved.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Yeah, we haven’t eaten much the past few days, have we?” She scrunched up her burger wrapper and tossed it in the bag. You want me to swing around the drive through and grab you another one?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">“Yes! That would be great. And a chocolate shake.” I licked the greasy salt off my fingers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">We’d get through this. I had to for her and I knew she was there for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">Tara decided to go with me to the funeral. I’m glad, I’m not sure I could have driven. I sat beside his mother, she reached and held my hand while the minister gave the eulogy. The tears flowed and on my right side, Tara held my other hand, squeezing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">It was a closed casket funeral, I never really got to say goodbye. He was just ripped from my life and gone. His little sister ran up to me at the cemetery and hugged my legs crying. I knelt hugging her close. I was invited to join them for the holidays and I reassured her I’d see her again. We didn’t attend the wake, Tara and I drove back to my apartment. Well, to our apartment, that had been Luke’s apartment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I walked in, it smelled like Luke. I went to the bed and collapsed on it, curled up as the tears flowed silently clutching his pillow and favorite shirt. At some point I’d removed my dress, and put on his shirt, and then his drawstring shorts. Several days had passed and I woke to the realization that I couldn’t smell him anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I was frantic. I opened the drawer and took out another shirt, it was clean laundry not Luke. I searched until I found his jacket, slipping it on over the tee as I lay back down on the bed. I vaguely recalled Tara bringing me food, or urging me to shower. I didn’t go to class, didn’t go out, didn’t go to the gym. I couldn’t manage to leave that room. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> There was some part of me that knew that if I did he’d be gone forever, and the rational part of me knew he already was. Grief is a strange bird, it makes you do illogical things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;">At one point Tara came in to gather soup bowls, and glasses and stopped. She crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at me. “Roxy get up off that bed and go shower. You stink. You look like hell and I’m not waiting on you any more. You said we were here for each other and we’d get through. I need you and you’re not here for me. ”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> I didn’t care. I did however make my way to the bathroom and tried to pee. I looked down at myself, creases of wrinkly loose skin hung on my frame. I stared into the mirror and what stared back wasn't me. Was it? In those few days I had aged thirty years or more, sagging skin, sunken eyes, matted hair. In those days I had lost myself, my grief consuming me like a living thing, like a parasite eating my life away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New'; font-size: 12pt;"> Tara was right, I looked like hell. She was also right in that I wasn’t there for her. I’d been so absorbed in my own grief I’d given up on myself. I no longer cared about myself but I had a reason to go on; to amend the wrongs against my sister. It wasn’t much but it gave me a purpose. </span><br />
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Ellie Mackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00869757870895665799noreply@blogger.com2