Tuesday, December 13, 2016

A Perfect Man for Christmas Revisited

We had so much fun with this story last year that we are bringing it back for a second view.  A group of authors we love created this story for all us fans as a free Christmas gift.  Read and enjoy.  And if you love it, support these amazing authors by buying their books. 

 

 

The full story will be posted three a day for the next four days so check back daily for each piece of the story.  Remember this is an erotic story and not work friendly.

 

A Perfect Man for Christmas
An erotic serial in 12 parts

 1st Day of Christmas
by Laurie Olerich


Christmas was coming, but Wynter wasn’t feeling festive. She was in-between men at the moment--and not in a kinky, sweaty threesome kind of way. Oh, she’d had dry spells before. That wasn’t a problem--usually. It was the timing that was problematic. This was a special year. The sun and moon and stars were aligned just so. Most women survived the holidays in spite of their single status. She was not most women. No. She most certainly was not. Leaning forward with a satin pillow clutched to her chest, she nibbled the tip of one claw and searched for an answer. There had to be a way out of this mess. She really liked her head attached to her body.  Before a plan presented itself, her phone rang, sending a shiver down her spine.
It was him. Right on schedule.
As the church bells tolled the hour of midnight, Wynter arched her back, rocking her pelvis to match the furious rhythm of the man kneeling between her thighs. With his shaggy head flung back, neck straining with effort, he dug his fingers into her hips as he slammed into her with a shout just as her muscles contracted and she shattered around him with a cry of her own. As their breathing settled to something close to normal, Michael leaned forward to drag his mouth across her belly, dropping soft kisses over the newly inked tat that graced her hipbone.
Sexy. I like that you’ve used my sigil.” His green eyes smoldered with passion as he traced the intricate symbol with the tip of his tongue. Nipping playfully, he held her impaled on his cock, shaking his head at her frown as she tried to move away.
You say that like I had a choice. This was your order. I would’ve preferred a hummingbird.” She stopped squirming and bit her lower lip as his cock hardened for another round. With a mind of its own, her pussy twitched in welcome.
Come on in, big boy!
Love him? Hate him? It didn’t matter. Her body wanted him anytime. Anyplace. They’d been down this road more times than she could count. It wasn’t healthy, but who was she to argue? Her family’s future depended on keeping this creature happy. If she had to let him give her a screaming orgasm every now and then, she’d have to make that sacrifice. Taking one for the team... As if sensing her surrender, he let his mouth curl into a rare smile that promised pleasure.
Her tongue played along her lower lip as she met his stare with a challenge in her eyes. He was beautiful. No one could say otherwise. His smoky green eyes stripped her defenses to leave her naked and wanting. Her sisters said he could see into your soul. Maybe he could. Rumor had it he wasn’t human. Human or not, he was impossible to resist.
We’re almost out of time, Wynter. Are you ready for me?”
Without breaking her gaze, she trailed a fingertip across the flushed skin of his throat and turned his chin downward. “I’m always ready for you.”
Good girl.” He flashed his smile one last time before turning her around so she knelt on her knees. Clutching her hips close, he began to move with long, slow strokes that filled her to the good side of pain. She didn’t bother to smother the moan that escaped. God, he feels so good. To hell with Christmas. She tilted her hips to take him even deeper and gasped as his cock brushed that sweet spot deep inside. Closing her eyes, she shut out everything but the coiling pleasure in her belly. There’d be time for regret tomorrow.
Thirty minutes later, they lay sprawled in a tangle of tanned arms and long legs, too exhausted to move, not really awake, but not totally asleep. Craving one last touch, she tucked her face into his shoulder and drifted off.
Don’t forget it’s your turn to bring a man this year.” His husky tone softened the threat in his words but it was impossible to miss.
She’d comply with his wishes or she’d beg for death. “Yeah, yeah. Beg for death. I--”
With eyes gleaming in the dim light, he pressed his mouth to her ear. “Don’t test me, Wynter. You know the rules. Bring the man.”
All righty then. So much for the afterglow.  She had her orders. She would find the perfect man and bring him to Christmas dinner. That’s the story she’d tell Mr. Perfect when she found him. The truth was so much worse.
When she eased awake the next morning, Michael was nowhere in sight. Even the indention of his head on the pillow was gone. She brought her fingers to her nose and breathed deeply, searching for some hint of his scent. Nothing. As usual, there was not a single trace of his presence. It was as if he didn’t exist at all.
Except this time, he’d left a note on the nightstand.
This could not possibly be good.
Go to the courtyard.
Using the sheet as a sarong, torn between excitement and fear, she padded through the house until she came to the French doors that led to the frozen gardens of the courtyard.
Closing her eyes against the painful site, she groaned, “He didn’t.”
There, in the center of the tiny courtyard, stood a tree.
A pear tree to be exact. And in that tree huddled a partridge. One sad, lonely, fat partridge. The bird’s head swiveled in her direction; it’s beady eyeball zeroing in on her.
And so it begins.”


Check out Laurie's website for her awesome books at http://www.laurieolerich.com/


 2nd Day of Christmas
by Elaine Barris


Michael crunched through the ice and snow on the sidewalk as he made his way to the beast of a car sitting in Wynter’s driveway. His cock twitched at the memory of being inside her tight heat. She belonged to him as much as the 12 cylinder. If she didn’t already know he owned her, she would by the time this holiday was over.
Fucking right, she will,” he growled and punched the car to life.
He eased himself back into the seat, flinching at the pain of where she had laced her talons down his back in passion as she writhed in undulating waves of orgasmic bliss. His flesh had mended enough to not be bleeding in rivers, but it stung.
His phone chimed in his pocket, and he drew it out, looking at the name displayed.
Yeah? What do you want?”
Where do I deliver the package?”
The sound of chirping and flapping birds was in the background.
What the fuck do you mean ‘where do you deliver the package?’”
What?” Gustav yelled.
Michael held the phone away from his ear before yelling back, 
“Where do you think you’re supposed to deliver it?”
There’s no address listed on the shipping label.”
I’m surrounded by fucking idiots!”
Michael, sir, I-- ”
Forget it! Like everything else in this operation, I have to do this myself. Leave it where it is, and I’ll take care of it.”
He tossed the phone onto the passenger seat, and shifted into reverse, muttering to himself about the lack of good help.
Minutes later, he maneuvered the growling car up the ramp into the warehouse where he kept his business. Shifting into park, he threw the car door open with such force it bounced back, slamming him inside before he had moved to get out.
Goddamn it.”
Gustav came running up to the car. Feathers were stuck to his face and hands; a few quills were between the rims of his glasses and head.
After opening the door more gently, Michael got out of the car and faced his inept employee.
What the fuck happened?”
They got out, sir.”
How the hell did that happen?”
I don’t know, sir, but they are trapped inside your office. We were able to seal the room.”
Throwing his fingers through his hair, Michael tapped his boots on the concrete floor as he thought about what a clusterfuck he was in. If he didn’t get those damned winged creatures back into the birdcage and delivered, there’d be hell to pay.
He turned his head to look towards his office, seeing the birds sitting on his coat rack in the corner.
Maybe this would be easier than he thought.
Come on.” He pointed across the room to the golden contraption they had somehow escaped. “Bring it with you.”
Stalking over to the room, he stopped when he took hold of the door knob and looked behind him at Gustav.
On the count of three.”
Gustav nodded and a few feathers fell from his clothes to the ground.
Michael went through the countdown, and then opened the door with his lackey at his heels.
What the--” Michael said as his feet slipped out from underneath him, and he fell backwards, taking Gustav to the floor with him. 
“Shut the door!” he yelled as the birds saw their opening and took flight.
The latch closed before the two turtle doves were able to find their escape.
The men got up, and Michael raised his hands in front of his face and cursed, seeing them covered in the white slime of the birds’ excrement.
Oh, dear.” Gustav handed him his handkerchief, and Michael grabbed it, wiping his hands as he looked at the dotted floor.
Open the cage.”
Michael lunged at the nearest bird, taking it by its feet as it fought him to not be confined. Thrusting its squawking body inside the cage, Michael locked it in, and then went to battle the other.
That one was crafty and flew through air, dodging the men’s attempts to capture it.
Stop,” Michael ordered, and then they waited for the winged menace to settle down.
When it did, it landed on Gustav’s head and started pecking his scalp.
Ow!” Gustav jerked at the pain of the pricks into his skin as pieces of his hair were plucked out.
Don’t you fucking move.” Michael avoided looking the dove in the eyes as he waited until the perfect moment.
Sir.”
Shut up.”
Then the bird began to coo in a serenade of love to its partner who was locked up.
That’s right,” Michael whispered, and in a flash of motion, snatched the bird by the neck from the nest it had been making out of 
Gustav’s tresses and thrust it into the cage.
Lifting it by the handle, he took it to Gustav’s vehicle.
Give me your keys. I’m not letting these things shit all over my leather.”
Yes, sir,” he replied and handed them over.
Michael sat the birds in the truck’s passenger seat, securing it by latching the seatbelt around it. After getting into the driver’s seat and starting up the engine, he rolled the window down for fresh air.
Wynter had better find ‘the man’ after all of this. I did my part. Found the two fucking turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree.”
Check out Elaine's website for more of her terrific books - 

 3rd Day of Christmas
by Kitten K. Jackson



I cannot disappoint Michael. Hmmm… Where to find the man… Where does anyone find a guy? If I knew the answer to that, I wouldn’t be single!
Along with finding a man for the ceremony, Wynter was also responsible for bringing three French hens to her mother’s house for Christmas dinner. The contrast between the two duties made her giggle at the absurdity of it all.
Cooking? Really? And why do they need to be French? What difference does it make? A chicken is a freakin’ chicken, right? “Don’t forget to save and bring the broth!” What does that even mean? 

What the hell is broth?
After a shower and a primping session, she went to her closet and took out a short black dress and her favorite boots, which had four-inch heels. Once she was completely dressed, minus panties, she posed in front of her full-length mirror. She leaned over, adjusting her bra, bringing all the weight of her breasts forward. When she stood, she admired their fullness. She tugged at the plunging neckline, exposing as much of her cleavage as possible.
The hard part is finding him. Hooking him will be easy.
Wynter decided to go to a club where the men would be primed and ready for the taking. As she entered the building and paid her cover, she felt eyes upon her. One intense blue pair caught her attention. 

They belonged to a tall man with black hair who wore his jeans, dark t-shirt, and black leather jacket like a boss. The way his gaze roamed her body said all she needed to know.
She gave him a sexy grin and a wink. She then turned and walked toward the bar. Before she could order, he was beside her.

Put her drink on my tab, Joe.”

You got it.”

Thanks. I’ll have a rum and Coke, please.”

What’s your name, gorgeous?”

Well, it’s not gorgeous. It’s Wynter. But thank you.”

You’re welcome. I’m Wes.”
After finding a table, sitting down, finishing her drink, and engaging in a few minutes of small talk, Wynter placed her hand on Wes’s thigh. His impassioned stare left nothing to the imagination.

Come on,” she said.
Without hesitation, or even saying a word, he stood and followed her. She grasped his hand as she led him out the door and into the parking lot. She practically ran around to the back of the building with him on her heels.
When she stopped, he grabbed her and covered her mouth with his full wet lips, while his arms went around her waist, and his hands groped her with abandon. Her hand moved to his crotch and found proof of his lust for her—he was like granite.

You want me, don’t you?”

You know I do,” he said between hot breaths. “Am I hard enough for you? Big enough?”

Oh, you’ll do just fine.”
He looked around and saw the vehicles belonging to the employees at the club. He walked her backwards toward one of the older cars, and then he lifted her, placing her on the hood. She leaned back on her elbows as he lifted her legs, spreading them apart and diving between them. She watched as he feasted upon her, knowing she had found the right man.
He will do just fine indeed.
As his tongue worked her clit, two fingers slid inside and out, then back in again, taking her even higher. Within a couple of minutes, she grasped hands full of his hair above his ears, pulling him closer into her. He moaned at her fervor as she cried out her orgasm.
When her breathing began to slow, he moved up and slipped his tongue into her mouth. Her own taste and scent drove her mad with desire for him, but she was on a mission, and it had to come first.
Pulling away from his luscious mouth, she looked into those 
eyes—ones she thought could have power over her if she allowed it, rather than the other way around.

I need you,” he said.

Oh, don’t I know it? I need you, too, lover. But there’s something I need more than your cock right now.”

What?”
His mind was muddled by the lack of blood flow to his brain. The thought of anything other than slamming into her wet and hungry core was of no interest to him.

It’s important, Wes. I need a favor.”

I’ll do anything you want. Anything,” he said, as he lowered the zipper on his jeans. “But I need to be inside you.”

No. I’ll let you have me any way you want me, but first, you must come with me to a very special Christmas dinner.”

What are you talking about? I want you bad, baby, but I’m not doing the holiday family thing.”

No! It’s not like that. Not a family thing.”

Whatever. Yeah, I’ll go with you.”

You have to give me your word before I take care of you.”

I said I would go!”
She reached down and grabbed his cock while flashing a wicked grin. His excitement showed in his features when she eased off the hood of the car and went to her knees on the concrete.
She took him into her mouth, caressing him with her tongue while gently rubbing his balls. She got him off in no time. She then swallowed and stood, wiping her mouth.

Okay, let’s go.”
Nervously avoiding eye contact, he said, “Baby, I’m sorry, but a friend came here with me tonight, and I can’t leave him without a ride.”

He can take a cab.”

I can’t do that to him.”

We have a deal!”

Sorry but thanks. It was awesome.”
Pressing her body against his, she glared into his eyes while fighting to keep her claws from appearing.

You will go with me, or you will die right here, right now.”

To catch up on Kitten's books, visit her website at http://www.kittenkjackson.com/
 

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Taming His Submissive by Abigail Lee Justice

Taming His Submissive Heart Series, Book 3 by: Abigail Lee Justice BDSM Romance Sexy Alpha Photographer meets Bratty Journalist When spoiled, mischievous, “full of moxie” Piper Zellar graduates from the prestigious John Hopkins University with a journalism degree, she’s given the chance of a lifetime from her new employer. Travel the eastern coastline and write a vacationer's guide. She has spent her life hiding behind a wild child attitude to mask a terrible personal hurt from her childhood, but she has no idea how her life is about to change. William Jones is a Dom who can make submissives weak in the knees with just his commands. Although he has been assigned as Piper's travel photographer, Billy is also on a journey of his own. He sees something in Piper no one else has seen before. Her true submissive side. Piper can sense there’s more to Billy than meets the eye. Soon she’ll find that she’s developed feelings for her Dom…but does he share those same feelings, or is she just his toy until their job is over. Amazon - BN - iBooks - Kobo Other Book in the Series Bound By Her Master, Book 1 Amazon - BN - iBooks - Kobo Second Chances, Book 2 Amazon - BN - iBooks - Kobo Abigail Lee Justice writes emotional, erotic, romantic suspense that includes a BDSM theme. She creates strong characters who seem real but are flawed in some ways; some couples Happily Ever After will be a work in process. Some characters’ problems are just too steamy to fix in one book. Born and raised in Baltimore City by two wonderful, supportive, loving parents, as a child Abigail made up vivid stories in her head. Until one day a friend told her instead of keeping her stories locked in her head she needed to put them on paper and that’s exactly what she did. Abigail met her husband 29 years ago on a blind date (thanks Dan C.) while working a part time job to put herself through college. She fell madly in love with her Prince Charming and has been since the first day they met. By day, Abigail practices medicine in a busy Cardiologist practice. By evening she switches her white coat for more relaxed comfortable clothing. She has two wonderful adult sons and a very spoiled chocolate lab. In the wee hours of the night, she writes BDSM romances. In her spare time when not working or writing, Abigail enjoys reading, concocting vegetarian dishes, exotic vacations, scuba diving, high adventure activities, living in the lifestyle she writes about, and doing lots and lots of research making sure her characters get it just right. Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Amazon WORDPRESS HTML banner

Taming His Submissive Heart Series, Book 3 by: Abigail Lee Justice BDSM Romance

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14699422_1784249078529737_59336061_o

blurb

Sexy Alpha Photographer meets Bratty Journalist

When spoiled, mischievous, “full of moxie” Piper Zellar graduates from the prestigious John Hopkins University with a journalism degree, she’s given the chance of a lifetime from her new employer. Travel the eastern coastline and write a vacationer's guide. She has spent her life hiding behind a wild child attitude to mask a terrible personal hurt from her childhood, but she has no idea how her life is about to change. William Jones is a Dom who can make submissives weak in the knees with just his commands. Although he has been assigned as Piper's travel photographer, Billy is also on a journey of his own. He sees something in Piper no one else has seen before. Her true submissive side. Piper can sense there’s more to Billy than meets the eye. Soon she’ll find that she’s developed feelings for her Dom…but does he share those same feelings, or is she just his toy until their job is over.

buy-links

Amazon - BN - iBooks - Kobo

14689038_1784249075196404_29532432_o

Other Book in the Series

Bound By Her Master, Book 1

26199959

Amazon - BN - iBooks - Kobo

Second Chances, Book 2

25771920

Amazon - BN - iBooks - Kobo

about-the-author

14618784_1784249115196400_162313557_oAbigail Lee Justice writes emotional, erotic, romantic suspense that includes a BDSM theme. She creates strong characters who seem real but are flawed in some ways; some couples Happily Ever After will be a work in process. Some characters’ problems are just too steamy to fix in one book.

Born and raised in Baltimore City by two wonderful, supportive, loving parents, as a child Abigail made up vivid stories in her head. Until one day a friend told her instead of keeping her stories locked in her head she needed to put them on paper and that’s exactly what she did. Abigail met her husband 29 years ago on a blind date (thanks Dan C.) while working a part time job to put herself through college. She fell madly in love with her Prince Charming and has been since the first day they met. By day, Abigail practices medicine in a busy Cardiologist practice. By evening she switches her white coat for more relaxed comfortable clothing. She has two wonderful adult sons and a very spoiled chocolate lab. In the wee hours of the night, she writes BDSM romances. In her spare time when not working or writing, Abigail enjoys reading, concocting vegetarian dishes, exotic vacations, scuba diving, high adventure activities, living in the lifestyle she writes about, and doing lots and lots of research making sure her characters get it just right.

contact-the-author

Website - Facebook - Twitter - Goodreads - Amazon

3d   BLOGGER HTML banner
Taming His Submissive
Heart Series, Book 3
by: Abigail Lee Justice
BDSM Romance

goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47

14699422_1784249078529737_59336061_o
blurb
Sexy Alpha Photographer meets Bratty Journalist

When spoiled, mischievous, “full of moxie” Piper Zellar graduates from the prestigious John Hopkins University with a journalism degree, she’s given the chance of a lifetime from her new employer. Travel the eastern coastline and write a vacationer's guide. She has spent her life hiding behind a wild child attitude to mask a terrible personal hurt from her childhood, but she has no idea how her life is about to change.

William Jones is a Dom who can make submissives weak in the knees with just his commands. Although he has been assigned as Piper's travel photographer, Billy is also on a journey of his own. He sees something in Piper no one else has seen before. Her true submissive side.

Piper can sense there’s more to Billy than meets the eye. Soon she’ll find that she’s developed feelings for her Dom…but does he share those same feelings, or is she just his toy until their job is over.
buy-links
14689038_1784249075196404_29532432_o


Other Book in the Series
Bound By Her Master, Book 1
26199959
Second Chances, Book 2
25771920
about-the-author
14618784_1784249115196400_162313557_oAbigail Lee Justice writes emotional, erotic, romantic suspense that includes a BDSM theme. She creates strong characters who seem real but are flawed in some ways; some couples Happily Ever After will be a work in process. Some characters’ problems are just too steamy to fix in one book. 

Born and raised in Baltimore City by two wonderful, supportive, loving parents, as a child Abigail made up vivid stories in her head. Until one day a friend told her instead of keeping her stories locked in her head she needed to put them on paper and that’s exactly what she did.

Abigail met her husband 29 years ago on a blind date (thanks Dan C.) while working a part time job to put herself through college. She fell madly in love with her Prince Charming and has been since the first day they met.

By day, Abigail practices medicine in a busy Cardiologist practice. By evening she switches her white coat for more relaxed comfortable clothing. She has two wonderful adult sons and a very spoiled chocolate lab. In the wee hours of the night, she writes BDSM romances. 

In her spare time when not working or writing, Abigail enjoys reading, concocting vegetarian dishes, exotic vacations, scuba diving, high adventure activities, living in the lifestyle she writes about, and doing lots and lots of research making sure her characters get it just right.
contact-the-author
3d

Friday, November 11, 2016

Fletcher by A J Adams

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Fletcher by AJ Adams
Release Date: October 14, 2016
Hosted by: DRC Promotions
goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47 small-cover-for-fletcher-by-aj-adams blurb 
Ware Fletcher returns to find his home destroyed. Determined to avenge his family, he buys Lind, a thrall whose skills will secure his revenge. However, Ware quickly discovers that Lind is extremely difficult. Worse, she’s determined to run away – and if it’s over his dead body, that’s fine with her!

Fletcher is set in Prydain, an imaginary place that combines Anglo-Saxon England with Medieval England, the Teutonic Kingdom and the Viking Age. This story contains slavery, dubious consent and graphic violence, however, it is a love story rather than a dark romance.  It is a standalone novel; no cliff-hangers. 

buy-links

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Excerpt

Here's Lind....
I am the world’s worst thrall. I never do what I’m told, I don’t call anyone sir, and you need to beat the hell out of me just to get my attention. Every master I’ve ever had has given up on me. Jarvis started off caning me, but even he gave up trying to get me to toe the line. He abused and sold my body, but he couldn’t stop me raging at him.
Of course, he had all the power and I had none. With the city-based masters I was okay because I could eat and rest between fighting and being punished, but Jarvis bought me in Haven, and then he got a job as guard on a convoy to Tanweld and then another on to Caern, so we were on the road.
It’s a hard life, following a convoy. You walk all day, and at night you want to sit down and die. Being a thrall, I had to cook and do laundry whenever we stopped. And being Jarvis’ thrall, I had to work a guard or two after that, as well. After five months of that, I was burned out and exhausted. I just couldn’t do it anymore.
By the time we arrived in Caern, I was desperate. Jarvis was broke, and as he didn’t have a home of his own, I knew I’d be on my back in return for a discount at a cheap lodging.
Jarvis had a worse plan. “I’m going to visit my cousin, the Guild steward. He’ll find me a job.”
“Like he’d want a pig like you,” I muttered. Of course I got slapped for that, but it was worth it.
“I’m leasing you to a brothel,” Jarvis snarled. “They’ll pay me a copper a week for your services.”
You know, I almost died then. Brothel girls service twenty men a day. Even if they’re fed, they don’t last long. They age and die in months. It’s a slow, lingering death.
That’s when I spotted the seneschal dressed in red velvet, escorting two little girls dressed in silk and lace, and I saw opportunity. In short, I did a back-flip, walked on my hands and then juggled six apples from a nearby fruit stand.
The kids laughed, and that’s when the duke’s seneschal came over and bought me. “A most unusual show,” the fat-gut said. “Excellent. Very charming.”
“She’s well-trained.” Jarvis was instantly talking me up. “She tumbled for the Duke of Haven!”
I saw my way out and dipped into a curtsy, something I hadn’t done since I’d been with the blacksmith. “It would be an honour to entertain you, noble sir!”
The seneschal smiled, and then he and Jarvis haggled over my price. I’ve no idea what was paid because I was too relieved to even think. I thought I’d been bought to entertain the kids, and I was so thankful to be away from that horror Jarvis that I wept.
Once in the duke’s keep, I was told to bathe, and afterwards I was given a clean shift, a pretty one made of linen, a green tunic, black skirts cut full and flowing, and pretty matching slippers.
I should have known it was too good to be true. The seneschal inspected me and smiled. “Very fetching,” he remarked. “The duke will be charmed.”
“Damn right!” I remembered my manners. “I mean, yes sir,” I said hastily. “Does my lord like tightrope walking? I can juggle with lit flares, too!”
“The duke has professional entertainers,” the seneschal said indifferently. “Perhaps he will ask you to perform if you please him.”
“Sir?”
“The duke returns soon. You will await his pleasure, girl.”
Then I was locked up in a small room off the duke’s sleeping chamber.
That’s when I snapped. The Duke of Caern is sixty years old. He’s had four wives, and he’s famous for remarking, “I ride my women hard; they wear out fast.” From the shackles by the bed, I knew what the old bastard’s pleasures would be like.
So I went out the window.
You know what happened next. I’ve seen floggings, and I thought I was dead, so I had nothing to lose.
“Your arse is the playground of every mercenary between Brighthelme and Rashelm!” I screamed it loud enough to be heard all over the city. “The duke’s a perverted fat-gut old enough to be my grandfather!”
When they stripped me and tied me to the whipping post I fought, bit and kicked, and I didn’t cry. Not one tear. I swore I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. But between you and me, I was terrified. I knew they’d make an example of me, and dying was going to be slow and agonising.
Then he appeared, bowing like a thrall in front of the fat-gut seneschal. “Ware Fletcher,” he said, adding some smooth talk about wanting to pay his respects. I knew his game, right from the start. He just glanced my way, but that swift look went right through me. I knew he was after me.
While he smarmed, oiling all over the seneschal, I looked the fletcher over. He was richly dressed and hailed as a craftsman, but his bow and leather arm guard marked him as an archer. Then the constable said he’d worked in the duke’s army. I couldn’t see a device or badge, but from his bearing, he was a soldier still.
Unlike the hulking giants employed by most cities, this man was slender. He had blond hair, cut at jaw length, and large, wide-set light grey eyes fringed with absurdly long lashes. The effect gave an illusion of almost feminine frailty, but I spotted the long, ropey muscles flexing as he moved, and the eyes were hard as flint.
“The Duke of Caern’s reputation is his life.”
His accent marked him as a Llanfaes man. It all added up to mercenary. This man was a killer, another Jarvis. Unlike that whoreson’s rough tones, though, this one spoke softly, flattering the seneschal shamelessly. I hated him on sight. I was also confused. The master fletcher was obviously intent on buying me, but it made no sense. Why in Tyr’s name did he want me?
“I have need of a girl to serve me on my travels.”
Right, because he’d want a cheap runaway slut rather than a humble girl or youthful apprentice eager to please. But the pages were picking up the clothes I’d been given and walking away. As I didn’t want to die under the whip, I kept my thoughts to myself and dared to hope.
The fletcher bowed and scraped some more, so much so that the seneschal went off quite happy, and the constable was all friendly as well. “Come and see me tomorrow, Ware. I want to hear all the news.”
“It would be an honour,” the smooth-speaking bugger smiled.
“Bring your latest work. Let’s see what next year’s bowmen will use.”
“I’m flattered, sir.”
The creep.
The duke’s constable went off, and Fletcher walked over to me, treading lightly. “What is your name, girl?” He was untying my wrists. He smelled good, of wood and cloves. Maybe it was the longbow. It was finest yew, polished and glossy from mindful care.
“I’m Lind.”
“A pretty Tanweld name. You were a tumbler once?”
“A long time ago.”
“But you’ve not lost your skills.” The slate eyes were examining me. For a moment I sensed black rage coming from him. Then he smiled and the feeling vanished. “Lind. That means tender beauty, doesn’t it? How appropriate.”
He was a joker. Terrific.
He took off his cloak and put it around my shoulders, covering my nakedness. “Let’s go, Lind.”
The people who’d gathered to watch my execution disappeared at that point, disappointed by the abrupt halt of their entertainment, by the looks on their faces.
Only one, a smith wearing a leather apron, was hovering. When Fletcher set off, he was with us, grinning like a bastard and rubbing his hands. “Well now, who would’ve thought it? This is a story indeed!”
“An impulse,” the fletcher said quietly. “Be careful, Master Smith, the duke won’t take kindly to gossip. After today, nobody will speak of this. It never happened.”
“Oh, I won’t say a word!” The bugger was lying, he’d talk for weeks. “I’m well known for keeping secrets.” More like blabbing them, I was sure of it.
I pulled the cloak around me, enjoying the softness of the velvet lining, and followed, wondering what this strange man had in mind.
We went straight to the smithy, where a big black horse with white socks was waiting. Remarkably, it was just hanging around, not hitched or hobbled in any way. When he saw us, he neighed and stepped out into the street. I swear he looked me over, just as a human might.
“We add Lind to our company,” Fletcher was talking to the horse, and for the first time he really smiled. The iron eyes went soft and the hard mouth softened. When it came to his horse, Ware Fletcher was quite human. “Wolf, meet Lind.”
Wolf, a strange name for a horse, right? But he neighed again, just as if he understood.
“A bright and knowing steed,” the smith had caught the oily bug, too. Then he looked at me, and I know he was thinking I didn’t look half as good.
The horse snorted and butted the fletcher, who smiled. “Wolf is hungry, and so am I.”
He handed a coin to the smith and we exited, smiling and pleasant but without any of the crawling humility he’d shown earlier. “Come, Wolf, there are oats and hay waiting for you.”
It was weird, walking down the cobbled street with the horse following like a dog. He just strolled into the stable, too, settling into his box as if he owned it, checking over the feeding bag of oats, nudging the boy who came running with a fork of hay as a thank-you and then neighing again as if saying goodnight.
“Sleep well, Wolf.”
The strangely named horse was spoiled, and it turned out we were, too. Ware Fletcher was staying in the Merry Troubadour, Caern’s most expensive tavern, and the owner was there, grovelling beautifully. “Master Fletcher, your supper is waiting!”
“We need an extra cover.”
The man looked me over. “There’s room in the scullery for your thrall.”
“She eats with me.”
The innkeeper looked affronted but said politely, “Sir?”
“Mutton, I believe you said. With apple pie to follow.”
Again, he spoke softly and he was smiling, but the eyes were hard again. Also, there was a sudden, subtle air of violence. That didn’t surprise me because Llanfaes men are famous for being nutcases. They’re mercenaries because they think tearing a place to pieces and killing everyone is fun.
“Sir! I meant no disrespect!” Instantly the owner was bowing and scraping, no doubt worried his place would be taken apart if he pissed the fletcher off.
Despite the crawling, the innkeeper’s eyes were filled with horror at the thought of a thrall eating with her master. Especially one who was starkers under a cloak.
Me, I was salivating. I hadn’t had mutton in years, not since I was given scraps after tumbling for castle lords. As for apple pie, I was dizzy at the mere thought.
“Come, Lind, we’ll find you a tunic.”
He had a room all to himself. There was a fireplace, a four-poster bed as fine as a duke’s, a massive copper wash basin and a flagon of wine. But my eyes were drawn to the big box of tools with a small hammer and pincers lying just on top. At the sight of those, I could feel the collar around my neck bump and burn.
I stood there, suddenly paralysed by the need for freedom. My bid for decent work, entertaining the little nobles, had been a last effort. It had been building for months, years maybe, but at that point I knew I wasn’t doing it anymore.
I would not live another day as a thrall. No more scutwork, no more crawling and never, ever would I call a man my master. Never.
Getting rid of the collar was key. If I could use those pincers to get it off, I could run. I’d not get far with it, certainly not past the guards on the gate who’d not let a thrall pass without her owner, but without it, I might make it. Then I’d be free forever.
“You have grey eyes, tender beauty. You’ll look lovely in blue.”
I was ignoring him, making my plans instead. Thralls who try to run away are punished with a flogging if they’re lucky, or by having a foot cut off if they’re not, so I cast down my eyes and hid my thoughts.
I needn’t have bothered because my new owner wasn’t paying attention. He was looking in a small chest, moving aside a small bow made of ash and a crossbow made of yew, both of superb craftsmanship, worth a fortune.
The tools of his trade were everywhere. A large bag held more gear: hemp strings, tallow and wax for polishing, and quivers of arrows made from ash, poplar, beech and hazel, tipped with different sized arrowheads and fletched with feathers dyed red, blue and green.
“This will fit.” It was a tunic of blue linen, embroidered with yellow stitching. It was beautiful, the material soft, thick and cut generously. When I put it on, it fell to my knees. Ware Fletcher was rich, and he enjoyed his luxury.
He was taking my hands. “Let me see your wrists.” His fingers were long, the nails shaped neatly, and while his left hand was soft, the right was rough, the skin hardened with calluses along the palm, thumb and middle three fingers. You only get that from firing thousands of arrows. He was a bowman, too, not just a craftsman.
That was odd. A fletcher might follow the drum so that his lord’s archers would always have a good supply of arrows, but none stoop to work as professional bowmen. And master craftsmen are extremely proud. Far too proud to go a-wandering. They set up shop, employ apprentices to do all the hard work, and sit back while clients seek them out.
This man didn’t have a tonne of servants running after him. What was even weirder was that he carried a longbow and had a crossbow in his luggage, both fine weapons and well used. Mercenaries are expert in one or the other, not both! It argued he was a superb archer as well as a master craftsman. I’d never heard of such a thing.
“Your wrists are raw.” He was turning my hands over. “But they’ll heal quickly.”
Aside from rope burn there were black marks on my arms and legs. The pages had enjoyed pinching and punching. Suddenly I was exhausted. I was shaking, too, an after-effect of all the fear and anger.
His gaze softened and he put an arm around me. “Come. A little wine and some food will set you right.”
It was weirder and weirder. Thralls don’t get wine. Some of the mercenaries Jarvis had lent me to had shared their gin and beer, and on one heavenly occasion I’d had rum, but they’d never ever worried about whether I was hungry or not.
“Follow me, tender beauty. Our supper awaits.”
We went downstairs, and I fell into a dreaming state. Even now it seems unreal. We ate steaming bowls of mutton with white beans and leeks, followed by an apple pie rich with spice and covered in custard.
There were people all around us, but I can’t say I noticed them. I was sunk in my chair, a deep scoop made of cane and filled with plump cushions, floating in my own slice of heaven. I had never been that well-fed or that comfortable.
Ware was sipping honeyed wine from a goblet, deep in his own thoughts. He’d not said a word. It’s not like anyone’s ever talked to me much, but even Jarvis had wanted to know if I could cook and wash. All Ware knew was that I could swear and kick. It didn’t seem like good qualifications for anything. Still, the silence was nice, so I closed my eyes and drifted.
“Lind.” He was touching my shoulder, the grey eyes dark. “Come to bed.”
At that, my peace shattered. My stomach churned. I wanted to slap him. Or maybe to scream. My collar burned and choked me.
“Up you get.” He was lifting me out of the chair, plucking me from paradise.
In desperation I tried to talk my way out of it. “I’ll go to the scullery.”
The eyes were dark and inscrutable. “You sleep with me.”
There was no escape, none. I could feel sweat running down my back. I wanted to belt him and run. I didn’t because it wouldn’t help me. Thralls belong to their masters. That’s the law.
In Master Baker’s house it had been his apprentice who’d taken me. It had been brutal and fast. One moment I’d been cleaning pots, and the next he’d thrown me on my back, lifted my tunic, and then there was a searing pain.
I’d been too shocked to cry and too ashamed to tell anyone. When the baker found out, he’d slapped me. “It was your only value and you lost it, you little slut!”
The baker hadn’t wanted me after that, but his son did. He enjoyed hurting, and when he went too far, I hit back. My defiance earned me a beating, and then I was sold on.
My story isn’t unusual; all masters use their thralls. Over the years I’d learned to control them so it didn’t hurt when they had me, and I’d figured out how to make them finish fast, too. But in all that time, when I was sick, sore or exhausted, not one of them had ever heeded my pleas to let me be.
So I didn’t beg because I knew there was no point. I said nothing as Ware took me upstairs, and I didn’t struggle as he took the seam of the blue tunic and pulled it over my head. “Into bed, Lind.”
I could hit him on the head with the hammer, cut through the collar with the pincers and run. Except that he didn’t turn his back, and the toolbox was on the far side of the room. He tugged off his boots, his hose and then his tunic, folding them neatly and placing them on a stool.
I’d been right. Stripped of the rich embroidered linen, all I could see was rippling muscle. Even his stomach was brawny. Amazingly, he didn’t have a single scar. Every soldier I’ve ever seen has a souvenir from a lance, dagger, sword or arrow. Ware Fletcher had smooth, white skin, pearly as a girl’s. Well, not mine because I’m sallow where I’m not tanned, but princesses would prize Ware’s bright hide.
Men might have envied his cock. It was standing straight up in the air, as jaunty as the duke’s tower and pretty near as big. The girly man was built like a damn mule.
He slid into bed, leaving the candles lit. His skin was soft, his body hard. He smelled of wood, just like his bows and arrows. “Let me look at you, tender beauty.”
He was mocking me, but the hands were careful. He ran a hand over my waist, my hip and then my thigh. His touch was firm, his skin warm. I thought he might pinch, they often do, but he just rubbed and looked. Then it hit me: he was inspecting me, checking me over as if I were a horse bought from a stranger at the market. Humiliation swept through me.
He ran a finger over my hip. “These little white marks, are they from a cane?”
“Yes.” A permanent reminder from the jongleur to tumble faster.
He turned me over a little, his hand moving over my shoulders. “These too?”
“Riding crop.” When I’d fainted from hunger, the tanner had thought whipping was cheaper than feeding me.
His hand was on my bottom. “And this?”
“Like I’d remember! Probably all of them!”
The eyes were like steel, and for a moment I regretted snapping at him. Ware Fletcher had fed me, but he was a Llanfaes man and therefore dangerous. He didn’t hit me, which was a relief, but if I wanted to run, he had to be lulled. I had to stop my rage getting the better of my sense. But my fury wouldn’t let me bow my head or smile.
He pulled me closer. “It would seem I need to buy a crop or cane.”
I thought it was a threat, but there was no anger. Actually, he was smiling a little. Great. He was laughing at me again. How nice that me being thrashed amused him.
His hands were in my hair, his erection pushing against me. “But I think Wolf would disapprove.”
What in Tyr’s name did his damn horse have to do with it?
“You see,” the voice was soft, “we don’t believe in whips.”
For a moment I didn’t get it. Then I realised he’d not been mocking or threatening. Ware was telling me that he wouldn’t beat me.
“Lind.” He was holding me close to him, arms around me.
Maybe if he’d talked to me, it would’ve been different. Maybe. But he decided it was conversation over. The master had told the thrall she’d not be thrashed, and in exchange I was supposed to fall into his arms and weep with gratitude and relief. As if he was hanging around the neck of the smith, the constable and everyone else for not whipping me at will! As if it was the world’s right to hurt me!
At that point my rage boiled over. But instead of fire, I was filled with icy calm. I lifted my eyes and spoke sweetly, “Would Wolf approve of this?” Then I flexed against him, dropping my hand on his hot flesh, rubbing the tip of his straining cock gently with my fingertips.
“Yes,” he sighed. “Oh yes!”
He was quivering with need, arching slowly against me in lascivious delight. I pushed his hardness between my legs, readying myself for what was to come. The body obeys the mind, and I had learned to control mine. As I thrust against him, feeling myself dampen, I gave him an encouraging moan.
“Tender beauty!” His breath was ragged in my ear, his fingers tracing my shoulders and moving down to cup my arse. If I’d left him to it, he would have taken his time. As I wanted it over fast, I rolled onto my back, pulled him over me and spread my legs. He was sliding into me before he could stop himself.
He was big, and for a moment I thought it would hurt, but he slowed, giving me time to adjust. When I was certain I’d be all right, I moaned again, arched my hips and ran my fingers down his back. He groaned and another bump of my hips had him moving hard against me, thrusting deep.
He slid his hands underneath me, holding me close. His touch was gentle, his movements slow and careful. The massive cock stroked and thrust as he ground against my clit. It was a sweet feeling, and he smelled good.
I closed my eyes and felt myself relax. He held me tenderly, and the bed was soft. His scent reminded me of the forest, clean and close, filled with peace. As we moved together in soft silence, I became soaking wet. The spiced wine washed back, too, adding a pleasant haze. I found myself clinging to him, swept into a world of sweet sensation.
As his body heated, the scent of wood enveloped me. The hardness driving into me tightened my body while his hands, gentling me, held me fast. He was fierce yet gentle, his body hard and yet soft against mine. I was drowning in a world of contrast.
I hung there, forgetting to push him to a quick finish. Our bodies danced together, subtle and firm, limber and gentle, that fragrance as sweet as a kiss.
I held onto him, feeling the muscles flex and writhe under my hands. I felt breathless, as if teetering on the edge of a secret place. Now my moans were real, pulled from me by fierce thrusts. Gasping for air, my body arched into his, heating inexplicably, and then we were pulsing together.
My body flamed, my cold control vanquished. My breath was stuck in my throat, my thighs were quivering, and a sudden heat was building deep inside me.
I curled into him, my hands raking over his back, lost in time. My body floated, feeling the soft skin and hard body brush and skim against mine. My senses were swamping me, ramping up to some hidden climax. I was arching, my body burning when he was exploding into me.
“Apollo’s laurel wreath and bow!” Trust a fletcher to come up with that, right? “Sweet Lind! Tender beauty.” Yes, I was in favour. So why did I feel a searing disappointment? As if I’d lost the opportunity for something?
I forced myself to face facts. It didn’t matter. Freedom was my goal. His hands were in my hair, his lips on my shoulder. I wanted to push him away, to go curl up by the fire, but sense told me to be patient. He’d send me off soon to the stables, or maybe I’d rate the rug by the fire, and then he’d fall asleep.
But Ware had other ideas. We dipped into the copper, cleaned up and then he slid me back into bed. He blew out the candle, curled me onto my side and wrapped an arm around me.
Getting to sleep in bed was a first. I lay there, totally taken aback. “Tomorrow we buy you a shift,” he murmured. “You need boots, too.”
That knocked the breath out of me! I’d worn boots when I was with the jongleur—it’s vital to look prosperous when entertaining nobles—but I’d not had footwear since. Boots would mean an end to bruised and cut feet as well as thorns and thistles, poop and other nameless horrors. It was a small slice of paradise.
“Sweet dreams, Lind.”
And just like that, he was asleep. I lay there, suddenly plagued by doubt. Oh, not about running for my freedom. That was the one certainty. A world of boots couldn’t buy my obedience. No, what worried me was how to get away clean.
If the guards at the gate stopped me, I had no tale to tell. The collar leaves a mark; the iron wears the skin, and that meant I’d have to steal a scarf as well as a tunic. It would look odd, a girl going out alone, though. And I didn’t have a skirt, either.
Then it hit me: with Ware’s wardrobe at my disposal, I’d dress as a boy. With my hair, it might work. If I left just at sunrise, when the shadows were long, I could swagger out. Yes, a young man out about his business was immune from curious guards. Probably.
For a moment I hesitated. The whipping post was fresh in my mind. Then I gave myself a boot up the bum. It was time. Any more delay and I’d lose courage, worrying about the difficulties.
I snuck out from under Ware’s arm and crept to the toolbox. The hammer lay on top. It looked fearsome.
I sat back and reconsidered. He hadn’t hurt me, had in fact fed me better than I’d ever been. Also, he’d been gentle in bed. I put down the hammer and picked up a wooden staff. He’d have a sore head, but it wouldn’t kill him.
I moved back to the bed, standing over him. I hesitated, struck again by doubts. Then, suddenly taking courage, I brought the staff up and swung.

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author-aj-adams
I live in Malaysia with Tom, my best friend for 25 years and married for almost as long. Aside from writing fiction, I write columns and features for newspapers and magazines. 

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