Hello Readers,

I’m Sierra Brave, author of the Horse Mountain Shifters series. I’m excited to be back on Delilah Devlin’s blog today to share an excerpt from my upcoming paranormal romance. Scarlett and the Big Bad is a fantasy Red Riding Hood retelling but also the first in a three-book series filled with magic, romance, danger, and angst.

Most everyone knows the original story of Little Red Riding Hood, but Scarlett Capuche, the heroine in my book, is a young woman, who in some ways is as naïve as the original. Imagine being raised away from society and only being taught what your captures want you to know?

I imagine everyone remembers the old lines of “What big eyes you have, Grandmother!” The only elderly matriarch in Scarlett and The Big Bad isn’t exactly on her side, but the (were)wolf is much more open with his intentions. He does reveal something huge to her though…but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Here’s a fun little compare and contrast:

Scarlett and the Big Bad
Fated Fairytales 1

What if Red Riding Hood invited peril, and the big bad wolf was the only hero who could save her?

Promised power and position, Scarlett Capuche left her tiny village to join the prestigious Order of the Phoenix.

Monty Blackwolf never wanted a mate, especially not a human raised on a hidden farm for blood-ritual sacrifice. But his werewolf’s heightened sense of smell drew him to Scarlett’s sweet fragrance from miles away.

Duty-bound to protect her, he will break her of her religious devotion to the magical terrorist group responsible for the murders of his parents and older brother, even if he has to put her over his knee and turn her bottom as red as her hair.

She belongs to him now, and he will claim all of her despite his affliction with a unique, third shifter-form he doesn’t fully understand and isn’t able to control.

Will Monty save Scarlett, or will he prove more dangerous to her than anyone else?

Author’s Note: If you’re offended by steamy fairytale retellings with graphic language, explicit put-you-in-the-moment love scenes, elements of power exchange, and domestic discipline, you might want to look for a different book.

Buy Links:
(Available for pre-order until release date 3/9/21)
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VS2SS2N
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08VS2SS2N/
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/mKyePP

Excerpt from Scarlett and the Big Bad…

As she relaxed against him, his heart drummed against her back, the beat syncing with hers. The lump in her throat dissolved as her chest rose and fell with his.

She stared at the ceiling. The lights appeared to blur as she mewed and groaned. His hands, big and rough, worshiped her skin, every inch touched, washed, tenderly explored but never exploited. After a while, Scarlett blinked and stretched, realizing the naked girl staring at her was her reflection. Monty patted her dry as she sat on the edge of the tub.

“What happened?” Her heart pounded as confusion nipped at her brain.

Standing with only a towel wrapped around his hips, his six firm abdominals close to her eye level, he shrugged. “We had a bath. I think you might have dozed off a little. It’s been a long day.”

She tapped her finger against her lip as he hung up the wet towels before grabbing a fresh one. She most certainly had not been asleep. Now back in her right mind, she remembered every slight movement of his hand, every turn of his fingertips, the coiling in her stomach as the tantalizing sensations coaxed forth primal feelings she’d never imagined she’d possessed. She recalled breathing in his scent so deeply she could taste it even as they laved the fragrance away, and she had fantasized about him manhandling her, forcing her legs open and entering her even though he had not.

About Sierra

Sierra Brave is a multi-published author of heart-pounding, blush-inducing romance with put-you-in-the-moment love scenes. She enjoys writing about a variety of gorgeous alpha males who can’t resist head-strong heroines. Curvy girls have a special place in her heart and often grace the pages of her books. Tales of shifters, cowboys, twisted fairy tales, space pirates, Amazon warriors, and vampires capture her imagination as do tempting spanking and ménage scenarios, but she also engages in more down-to-earth themes such as office romance. You’ll find lots of unique characters and humor in all of her stories.

Follow Sierra:
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/7332d9f55a11/blushing-press-sign-up-page
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sierra-Brave-Author-1422713414692067
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sierrabraveauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BraveSierra
BookSprout: https://booksprout.co/author/2937/sierra-brave
Blog: https://sierrabrave.rocks/news-and-musings/
Website: https://sierrabrave.rocks/

UPDATE: The winner is…flchen1!
*~*~*

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Here’s a Valentine from me to you. And you can have two! Just solve the puzzle below…

Sincerely, I wish you a happy holiday with cards and gifts from those you love. For myself, the children’s handmade hearts always do me in. 🙂

Puzzle-Contest

Solve and then tell me something you love to do on Valentine’s Day for a chance to win a $5 Amazon gift card!

UPDATE: The winners are…Margaret, bn100, Debra Guyette and flchen1!
*~*~*

Hi! I’m Beverly Ovalle. I wanted this date since it is my birthday! This marks eight years I’ve been writing.

I am a writer, but I’m so much more, too. A wife, mom, and grandma along with being a crafter. I guess you could say I’m a serial hobbyist. Let me name a few.

My most recent hobby is welding. I took a class through the local community trade school. I’m planning on going back for more. I had a ball doing it.

I love to sew. Back in the day, I made all of my first child’s clothing until he was about two. Before that, I made my dress clothes for work. I still sew. My most recent was a tree skirt for my daughter. I’m in the middle of completing another one for my nephew and his new bride. I didn’t finish it in time for the wedding so I’m mailing it off before Christmas to them.

Another hobby is stained glass. I’ve made windows in a previous house I lived in. I let this one lapse because small children and glass bits don’t mix.

I make jewelry on occasion and bookmarks for swag when the mood hits me.

I have a cricut. I love that but haven’t had much time to go further in-depth. It looks like so much fun so I had to try it.

I also love to build puzzles. All winter long my daughter and I work on them. This past year it was all year round. Being quarantined it gave us something for the whole family to work on.

The IRS might say my writing is a hobby, too, lol. They would be wrong. Like sewing, it is a lifelong love.

In high school, I had to choose between track and the creative writing club. I chose writing. I don’t remember when I started, but I’ve done it throughout my life. I managed it between a full-time job and a growing family. Now, I’m retired and seem to have less time for it.

However, I’ve set a schedule I hope to meet. Currently, I’m working on a book that was supposed to be released last year. I wasn’t happy with it, though. My goal this year for it is April. My next is July.

One book is a military shipboard romance, part fiction and part truth, called China Fleet Club. The other, Taming Tamara, will be the fourth in A Dragon’s Fated Heart Series. I’m also working on a cookbook I’m calling Not Hamburger Again! A total departure from fiction for me.

I’d love to hear about what hobbies you do. I’m always looking for my next great obsession!

In the meantime, feel free to follow me on Instagram where I post a bit about my books, more about my hobbies and life in general. Be ready to see lots of food, lol. Also, I’m on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, my website, and my blog.

Honestly, I’m most active on Instagram and Facebook, so those are your best bets to chat with me. The most fun, too! If you just want to see books, follow me on Amazon. But hobby discussions are my bread and butter and keep me active and interested. I’m too restless for just one thing, but obsessed enough to be that serial hobbyist you know and love!

#Mommastrong

My most recent story is in an anthology #Mommastrong. All proceeds go to a well-loved friend everyone calls Momma to help in her fight against cancer. My contribution is a sci-fi romance. A second story in The Road to Eden short story series called “Mama Said.”

Mama Said ~ An Area 51 short story:
https://www.amazon.com/MommaStrong-Tricia-Andersen-ebook/dp/B08HY6Q8QW/
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/mommastrong
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mommastrong-tricia-andersen/1137615059

Contest

Let me know your favorite hobby for a chance to win an ecopy of #Mommastrong!

It is that time of year familiar to most of either the month of love or the depths of despair let’s hurry to get it over. I’m reminded of the opening scene in the 2006 movie, Something New, starring Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker, when the heroine (Kenya McQueen) is power walking in her neighborhood. All is going well until she sees a couple being all lovey-dovey on their stoop and she’s reminded that she’s alone on Valentine’s Day. Her expression and outlook immediately sours. It’s both hilarious and depressing simultaneously. For some, February 14 is a struggle. I think we’ve all been there a time or two. However, I’ll save that discussion for later. (Don’t worry, though. I got you, boo. That post is coming. Give me time.)

Today’s post is designed to help you get your kink on. Well, not exactly, but do what you will with the information. (No judgment here.) Just note that all the items on this list allegedly are aphrodisiacs. However, they may or may not be scientifically proven to uphold this claim. Before using or ingesting any of these products, it would be best to consult a physician or trained professional regarding allergies, toxins, or any harmful effects they may or may have as I’m not a dietitian or a nutrition expert. I should mention that the following list is not all-inclusive which means there is plenty more to choose from in the food love department. Now, let’s get cracking into the heart of this. (I’ll try to keep my puns to a minimum but no promises.) While florist, bakeries, and lingerie shops become crammed with consumers to purchase romantic gifts, avoid the crowds and head over to the GNC, Krogers, Whole Foods, or Costco. (Actually, I don’t know about Costco since I’ve never shopped in one. But I heard they have everything a refrigerator could hold.)

By definition, an aphrodisiac is a food, drug, pharmaceuticals, or substance that arouses or increases held to arouse sexual desire, sexual pleasure, sexual behavior, sexual performance, or heightens libido. They may be derived from a variety of plants, spices, and synthetic chemicals. The name aphrodisiac comes from the Aphrodite, the Greek goddess (Venus in Roman mythology) of love, beauty, desire, fertility, prosperity, and fertility.

The use or belief of aphrodisiacs has been around since the beginning of time. A quick scan of history will unveil numerous superstitions, legions, and myths regarding them. They come in multiple forms.

Chocolate. For most people, chocolate being an aphrodisiac is an added bonus to the already deliciousness. I mean, who doesn’t love chocolate? Well, I know a few who need to be charged with high treason. (Just joking… but not really.) Listen, I’m of the opinion that not loving chocolate is un-American, and I say it with my full chest. So there! If anyone needs another excuse to eat chocolate, this is it.

Strawberries. Strawberries have long been thought to be aphrodisiacs. In ancient Rome, they were a symbol of Venus (known as Aphrodite in Greek mythology). An old tradition in France was to serve newly married couples a strawberry soup that was thought to increase sexual desire during their honeymoon. Being rich in vitamins and antioxidants, there may be some evidence that strawberries genuinely possess aphrodisiac effects.

Oysters. Oysters increase the production of the hormone, dopamine. Dopamine enhances libido. They also are abundant in zinc. Zinc is quintessence in the production of testosterone and maintaining healthy sperm. Testosterone affects sexual desire. Oysters gained its reputation as being an aphrodisiac from the 1822 biography of the French Voltaire and philosopher, Giacomo Casanova, published by Penguin Books. In The Story of My Life, Casanova claimed to have eaten fifty oysters daily and attributed this to his sexual prowess.

Honey. In nearly every article I read while researching, honey kept popping up all over the page. Initially, I wasn’t going to include it because I had read that it can contain many toxins. Then, I thought about it. How many people use honey as a regular staple in their diet. I know I do. Years ago, I began taking a spoonful of natural honey to help with allergies. A worker is a beekeeper and sells jars at a reasonable price. Reportedly, the best results for using honey to combat allergies is when the honey is local, as the bees use the pollen from the plants in the area, and consuming it helps build a tolerance. Well, it turns out that honey also promotes testosterone production in men. In women, the mineral boron present in honey aids the use of estrogen.

Truffles. Truffles have long been (since ancient Rome and Greece) considered aphrodisiac agents. The scent of them closely resembles that of male pheromone.

Figs. Figs may have first been associated with being an aphrodisiac due to their appearance. They also are rich in amino acids.

Pomegranate. As discussed previously, the word aphrodisiac derives from the word Aphrodite. According to Greek mythology, the love goddess, Aphrodite, is credited with planting the first pomegranate tree. Even if one dismisses the myth, pomegranates have been traced to have originated in the Mediterranean. So, at least, some small part of the myth is accurate. Additionally, due to its numerous seeds, the fruit is associated with abundance and fertility. But perhaps the most convincing evidence of this is that it increases testosterone.

Saffron. Many people may be familiar with the use of saffron as a supplement to treat stress and mood, specifically depression. It is a spice, native to Southwest Asia, that is made from a flower.

Ginger. Ginger is alleged to induce lustfulness or lustful desires. Ginger helps detoxify the body and increase circulation, including amplifying blood flow to certain male organs.

Cloves. Cloves are reported to reduce premature ejaculation. Enough said.

Almonds. Almonds are chock-full of fatty acids, and fatty acids are essential in the production of fertility hormones, reproduction functions, and a strong libido. To boot, they have an alluring scent.

Pistachios. Allegedly, pistachios reduce symptoms of ED. But even if that effect is a myth, pistachios have other health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease, lowing blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and helping to manage weight.

Artichokes. Fun fact. During the sixteenth century, women were forbidden from consuming artichokes due to the belief that the vegetable enhanced sexual power. No joke. In fact, from the sixteenth century to the twentieth century, they were considered to be an exotic vegetable for the aristocracy.

Asparagus. Asparagus is endorsed by the Kama Sutra. With its phallic shape and energy-boosting effects, who can argue that it hasn’t earned a place on this list? In a way, this food acts as a sexual defender. It works as an aphrodisiac is by neutralizing excess ammonia found naturally in the body with aspartic acid. Ammonia can decrease sexual interest and make a person feel tired or weak. Furthermore, asparagus is rich in vitamin B which is a folate and helps to increase the production of histamine. Histamine intensifies sexual drive.

Fenugreek. I admit that I had never heard of fenugreek until researching for information for this article. Most of my friends didn’t either, but you know, there’s always that one person… One of my friends who is into organic foods stated that she uses in cooking. (And no, I didn’t ask what dishes she puts it in or why because I really do not want to venture down that crooked road. There’s no telling where it may end.) According to some research, fenugreek is used to make estrogen and testosterone. Reportedly, it increases organs. Now, before you flock out to buy a bottle, know that it may counteract some types of cancer treatments.

Ginkgo Biloba. This herb is harvested from trees and frequently is an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Although it’s stated to be an aphrodisiac, it is warned that it also acts as a blood thinner.

Maca.  Anything with the nickname of the “The Peruvian Viagra” deserves a place on this list. This sweet, cruciferous vegetable mainly grows and is harvested in central South America. It is related to vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. Reportedly, maca may increase stamina, so, no gone in sixty seconds with it.

Red Ginseng. There are two interesting studies regarding red ginseng’s aphrodisiac effects. The first is a study that was conducted with menopausal women. It was should to increase the women’s in this group sexual arousal. A second study indicated that it may improve erectile dysfunction. However, like ginkgo Biloba, this herb may have blood-thinning effects. And speaking of red…

Red Wine. Honestly, I probably would have snuck this one on the list even if I had not found it mentioned multiple times in research articles. Wine has so many positive qualities. How many times have you heard someone say they are going to wind down with a glass of wine? That’s because wine helps alleviate anxiety. Who can get it up or into the mood when they are uptight? So, that’s an aphrodisiac bonus right there. But the aphrodisiac effects go further. Red wine is another one of those foods/drinks that increase blood flow in the body.

Spicy Chili Peppers. When I saw this one listed, the first thing I thought was, “Ah, and that’s why the Red-Hot Chili Peppers are named what they are.” I have if one has anything to do with the other. I never read anything anywhere to suggest that the two are tied. It’s just the first thought the leaped into my mind. Ya’ll know it doesn’t take much. They are said to work by stimulating the nerve endings on the tongue that cause the release of sexual arousal. I can attest that I’ve never experienced that after eating. In fact, the only thing I’ve ever experienced from hot chili peppers is burning lips. However, capsaicin can increase heart rate or cause sweating, which resembles physical reactions that occur during sexual intercourse.

Tribulus. I have absolutely no idea why Tribulus is considered an aphrodisiac, as I could not locate any quality information to support this claim. Yet, it kept popping up in other searches. My rationale is that if it repetitively kept finding its way into articles on aphrodisiac, there must be some support out there somewhere. I just haven’t found it. For that reason, I’m listing it here.

Watermelon. Okay, I must admit that when I saw watermelon, but bottom jaw hit the floor. As a staple in the south, who knew watermelon was an aphrodisiac? I mean there’s nothing sexy about a watermelon. They are bulky and eating them can be extremely messy. In fact, it’s common to eat them outside so you can just spit the seeds into the grass as the juice runs down your chin. The appeal of watermelons, at least for me, has always been quenching thirst on a hot day. Well, it seems they quench another thirst as well. Watermelon contains an amino acid known as citrulline. Citrulline relaxes and dilates blood vessels in a similar way to Viagra. The kicker to this is that the majority of citrulline found in watermelon is concentrated in the rind.

Peaches. Depending on how one views it, peaches may or may not be an aphrodisiac. See, they help build/increase sperm count. Now, if pregnancy and babies are something one wants to avoid, well, peaches may not be the fruit to get you in the mood and spark desire. On the contrary, one may want to leave this fruit at the fruit stand and/or farmer’s market. However, if you’re seeking to hear the pitter-patter of little feet, slice them up and slather on the whipped cream. (BTW, one might think whipped cream also would be on this list as well, but it’s not.) Peaches also are high in antioxidants which can help a person feel overall healthier.

Yohimbe.  This herb is grown in India and Africa. It works by stimulating spinal nerves. This nerve stimulation improves the ease of erection without increasing sexual excitement. Serious side effects of Yohimbe include overstimulation, weakness, anxiety, hallucinations, and paralysis.

Now that I’ve spilled all the love jelly beans and candy hearts, let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. Will you be adding any of these items to your grocery list? Did anything on this list shock you? Are there any items that were not on the list but should have been? If you like this post, please click the like button and share it. If you’re not following me over on Creole Bayou blog, what are you waiting for? There’s always room at the bayou. We have fun, and there’s no need to worry about what’s in the water. Not everything bites.

*~*~*

And also, don’t forget to pick up a copy of my new steamy romance, Ice Gladiators, guaranteed to melt the ice. It’s the third book in my sports romance Locker Room Love series.

Taz has problems: a stalled career, a coach threatening to destroy him, a meddling matchmaking roommate, and a thing for his other roommate’s boyfriend. The first three are manageable, but the last… well, that’s complicated. Because as much as Taz is attempting not to notice Liam, Liam is noticing him. Grab your copy of Ice Gladiators at https://amzn.to/2TGFsyD or www.books2read.com/icegladiators.

Missed the first two books in my sports romance series? No frets. Out of the Penalty Box, where it’s one minute in the box or a lifetime, out is available at https://amzn.to/2Bhnngw. It also can be ordered on iTunes, Nook, or Kobo. Visit www.books2read.com/penalty.

Defending the Net can be ordered at www.books2read.com/defending. Crossing the line could cost the game.

Locker Room Love is a steamy standalone gay romance/ MM romance series revolving around professional hockey players. Set primarily in the Cajun and Creole bayous of south Louisiana, these love stories have a diverse cast of characters. These sexy athletes are discovering their own voice and the best romance of their lives, even if that isn’t their intention. Find tales of friends to lovers, enemies to loves, billionaires, bad boys, forbidden romance, first times, gay for you, and more. These alpha males are guaranteed to work up a sweat and melt the ice.

For more of my stories, shenanigans, giveaways, and more, check out my blog, Creole Bayou, www.genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com. New posts are made on Wednesdays (with bonus posts sometimes on Mondays), and everything is raw and unscathed. Climb on in a pirogue and join me on the bayou.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Keep safe.

stions about this post or any others, feel free to comment below or tweet me at @dolynesaidso. You also can follow me on Instagram at genevivechambleeauthor or search me on Goodreads or Amazon Authors or BookBub. I’m also on TikTok. Find me at on TikTok @creolegurlnola or on Snapchat at creolegurl_esq2. And Finally, I’m on Facebook. So, take your pick. Follow me on one or all. I’d love to get to know you and have an opportunity to interact.

NEWSLETTER! Want to get the latest information and updates about my writing projects, giveaways, contests, and reveals first? Click https://genevivechambleeconnect.wordpress.com/newsletter/ and signup today.

Until next time, happy reading and much romance. Keep safe.

UPDATE: The winner is…Ann Ivey!
*~*~*

“You can’t catch trout with dry breeches.”
~ Anonymous

Whuh?

I know. I love obscure quotes. I collect books of them. This one, to me, is funny. Not sure why. Maybe because I’m not a fisherperson. Still, it does make a point. You can’t catch this fish without wading into the water, getting your boots and pants soaked. An inconvenience, sure. However, those wet pants are also a badge to be worn with pride. You went “all in.”

So, why am I posting this? Because we all have moments when we can go all in or chicken out. We can choose the comfy sofa or do something to prove we’re part of life. I chose to be in the Army. When war broke out, I contacted everyone I knew to get a posting somewhere in the war zone. Why? Because I’d spent twelve years preparing for it and didn’t want to sit on the sidelines. I wanted to see it firsthand, with my own eyes. I got my wish. Fast forward eight years… When I decided I’d had enough of working in a cubicle and attending boring meeting after boring meeting, I decided I’d give writing a go. It worked for me. That choice could just as easily have led to failure, but I succeeded. Of course, I didn’t quit the day job until I was sure I had a fighting chance.

So, my question to you is what dive into the deep end of the pool did you take? Share for a chance to win your choice of a download of one of my backlisted books. I’ll choose three winners! When did you get your breeches wet?

It’s Sunday! For me, it’s time to retool my plan for the week. I’ll edit some but probably won’t write. After I update my planner, I’ll likely do some housecleaning. I need to move a bit because I’ve been way too sedentary this week. I finally started work on my New Year resolution to concentrate on my health. I joined online WeightWatchers and am at least listing everything I eat even when I’m not “good”. This week, I’ll add listing water to make sure I’m doing what I should there. Little things, not everything at once. Tweaks! Trying to make big changes, all at once, is always my downfall. My dd gifted me with an Alice in Wonderland Tervis cup, so no excuses. My water looks pretty and fun!

Anyways, didn’t intend to share so much, but that’s what happens when I’m at my keyboard! Enjoy the puzzle. It’s perfect for a Sunday! And be sure to check out all of this past week’s open contests!!

UPDATE: The winners are…Katherine Horvath and Peggy Fowler!
*~*~*

I like dancers. Those beautiful movements, the expressions, the costumes, the emotion, and yes, the bodies, too. Like any art form, dance is a way of communicating. A story is told, and I love stories. I wrote three fantasy novels about three dancing half-sisters and how they lived in a city full of scoundrels, wizards, and monsters.

There was a time, about fifteen years back, when I went to dance performances, mainly belly dancing. That habit bled to death for various reasons (time, a relationship, et cetera). Usually, I went to a festival in which various acts performed. I learned that there are also male belly dancers. And apparently, I have the belly for it!

Once there was a single female performance in the Regentes Theatre in the Dutch city of Den Haag (I’m a Dutchie for those who didn’t know). The theatre is located in an old swimming pool, and it still has a lot of the original 1920s Art Deco elements.

Most people think that belly dancing is a bit of shaking with the belly, pelvis, breasts, and butt, and yes, those elements are there for sure, but of course, it is much more. Belly dancing consists of all kinds of movements and traditions, from various cultures. There is also room for modern dance types from jazz ballet to house. I once saw a Russian dancer do her belly dance to house music, and it was totally worth it.

But back to the performance I witnessed… I sat in the front row, partly for room for my legs, partly to get a good look. There was no partition; the dance floor started immediately. For those of us in the front row, our feet rested on the dance floor.

Dark room, a single spot. A beautiful, tall dark-haired lady entered. Lebanese? Something like that. Melancholic music began, the dance began. Her performance stood for her life story, or the story of her family. After all these years, the details are getting a bit vague. Anyways, that night she combined belly dancing with modern experimental dance.

She was good. Love, marriage, children, quarrels, loneliness, hope, the threat of war and flight, passion…  She brought everything to life, caught in the spotlight that followed her. The audience was carried away, without words, without explanation, just by the enchantment of the music and her dance.

The light was now red in color, the music more challenging, her movements voluptuous. A scene in a nightclub from a strip show? Yes, something like that. Lust. Sex. She wiggled her butt, looked over her shoulders at her audience.

Swallow. Yes. Good art plays with your emotions. Art or pleasure, and she used both to play with us.

Big me, short hair, broad shoulders, a head like a rock. Knife scars running from my right ear to my chin. There I was, sitting in the front row, massive between the frail ladies and wiry gentlemen. Who go to dance performances? Mainly dancers, professional, hobby, former and whatever dancers. A dancing public. I was the very clear exception. I’m not a dancer. I’m a writer.

She looked at me. I looked back, appreciative.

She came over to me with swaying her hips.

Something snorted inside me. It came out like a grin. Nostrils open, muscles tense. Control is nice, but feeling the inner beast is fun, too.

At the last moment, less than half a step away, she turned and sat down.

Her butt on my lap, her legs over mine.

There, trapped together in the spot. Beauty and the Beast. Agility exposed on that massive hump of meat and bones.

She turned, squirmed, she danced while sitting.

I kept my hands at my sides. If it had been just the two of us, I would have grabbed and played with her. But there was an audience, so I didn’t, and she knew I would not. Damn, women aren’t crazy. She knew and enjoyed the power she had.

Me, too. Standing on the edge, just not letting go of the beast… That’s nice, too.

She jumped up again; the lap dance was over. She threw me a kiss, and I returned it with a grin. Like a twisting flame, she turned farther up the floor, on her way to the next part of her life story.

Jump after it! Stamp exaggerated, big gestures, big strides. A troll and a fairy. Do it! She would whirl around me, and I would chase her like a golem.

No, I didn’t. It was her performance. Not mine, I told myself. Besides, I wasn’t that brave. No. I didn’t dare, although deep in my heart I wished I had.

In the end, the performance was over.

I went home happy, melancholy, full of creative energy.

…

Once I went to dance performances.

One day, we’ll go again.

We? Yes. She and I. No, not her, not the dancing lady. Another special lady, but that’s another story.

Contest

Comment for a chance to win a copy of First Response! I’ll choose two winners!

About the Author

Inside First Response, read “Save Me Twice” by Jaap Boekestein – Playing with handcuffs leads to unexpected and sexy consequences for a timid office worker when she loses the key.

Jaap Boekestein is an award-winning Dutch writer of science fiction, fantasy, horror, thrillers, and whatever takes his fancy. He usually writes his stories in the coffeehouses of his native The Hague, the Netherlands. Over the years he has made his living as a bouncer, working for a detective agency, and the Justice Department.