Sometimes the only way to mend a broken heart is to get back in the saddle. At least that is how Daphne’s friends see it. And since Daphne isn’t showing any signs of letting that happen, they take it into their own hands. With a few shots of liquid courage, a pat on the ass, and a donated gold card, Daphne is unwillingly taken to the House of Immortal Pleasures to meet her creature of the night, Connor.
Excerpt
The doormen left Daphne and her friends sitting in a quiet, cozy little booth in the downstairs bar. Soft music, the clink of glasses, and a mix of chatter from the other patrons filled the room. They sat perusing the house menu. Services here were ordered à la carte, and Daphne used the excuse of needing time to choose her … services to avoid being sent upstairs. She hid behind the tall, laminated menu, hiding her face from view. All around the dimly-lit bar were vampires, both men and women, working the customers, trying to get them to go up to the rooms and enjoy their erotic pleasures.
Surrounded by her friends and not being groped or mesmerized by Fabio-esque men, Daphne felt a little more like herself. No longer dizzy, she finally found the ability to articulate the thoughts floating around in her head. She set the menu down and glared at Jamie. “I want to go home, now!”
“Not until you have had some fun,” Jamie teased, swiping the menu from under Daphne’s hand. “Now, you said you wanted to look at the menu. So, what sounds good? Maybe a little tongue lashing?”
“What! No, give me that.” Daphne yanked the menu out of Jamie’s hand.
She gasped and bit her lip as she looked over the list of services to order. There it was, halfway down the laminated page. “What the hell, it’s actually called ‘Tongue Lashing.’” She read the description.
Indulge in your most sensual fantasy as your master of pleasure, using only their tongue, will explore your most sensitive places.
Daphne gulped down a breath, trying not to show her interest, wanting to look disgusted and repulsed. She crossed her legs and set the menu down on the table. She hoped her ruse worked. Daphne knew she couldn’t bring herself to be with another man, but her body had a different idea. Just the thought of a warm, velvety tongue lapping at her skin started warmth pulsing between her legs.
“Oh c’mon, Daph. Don’t be such a prude,” Kerri said. She took the menu from the table.
A scantily clad cocktail waitress wandered by to take their orders. “Tequila,” Jamie exclaimed. “Three shots for each of us.”
“Woot,” Kerri said in agreement as she bounced up and down in her seat. Her tight, curly red hair bounced with her as she danced in the booth. “Let’s get this party started right.”
Daphne sighed and put her head down on the table.
“Oh look, they have a virgin special.” Kerri said excitedly and thumped Daphne on the shoulder. “Fun for first-timers.” She pointed to a spot on the menu. “Don’t be nervous. We will make sure your first time is magical.” She read the description with an added flair to her voice. “Start with a candle-lit bath to help you set the mood. Then retreat to one of our fantasy rooms where your creature of the night will—”
“Stop it! Just shut up.” Daphne looked up, shooting Kerri a dangerous, menacing glare.
“Well you haven’t had sex since Ken. I’m sure you qualify for the first-timers special. Your cherry has probably grown back by now.”
Jamie and Kerri high-fived. “Use it or lose it,” they cheered together.
“That’s it. I’m going home. I’ve had enough,” Daphne said, standing up next to the table. “I’ll call a cab if you won’t take me home.”
The cocktail waitress returned with nine shot glasses, a shaker of salt, and a plate of lemon and lime wedges.
“Okay, Daphne, we’ll go …” Jamie said solemnly. Daphne breathed a sigh of relief. Jamie turned to Kerri and winked. A wicked smile crossed her face “Only after you drink your shots.”
Daphne groaned. “Enough of your stupid games.”
“Look, lady.” Jamie’s tone became serious. “It’s a seventy-dollar minimum just to walk through the door here. Let’s at least have some drinks, okay?”
Daphne collapsed back into the booth. “Fine. Hand me a fucking shot.”
“That’s the spirit,” Kerri said, sliding a glass to Daphne while picking up one for herself. “To popping Daphne’s cherry.” She held up her glass. “Again!”
Daphne groaned loudly. With friends like these, who needs enemies? She tipped the glass and swallowed the harsh liquid.
An empathic young nurse driven to help and heal others since childhood after watching her mother languish for months before finally succumbing to cancer, Aziza Lopez abhors cruelty and suffering in any form. When she is assigned comatose patient Davi
Love is universal and not limited to the most perfect among us. In this collection of romantic short stories and poetry, love comes to those who are decidedly imperfect, who possess very real human flaws, scars, and challenges. Awaiting us as we are.
