Meet Author E. B. Loan

Q. Were you an avid reader as a child? What type of books did you enjoy reading?

A. I did so much reading as a child. Some of it was age appropriate—but a lot of it wasn’t. My mother was an avid horror fan and I used to sneak into the upstairs bathroom, lock the door and sneak books like the entire V.C. Andrews series or anything by Stephen King. I think I was ten when I whipped through those puppies. Some of the more appropriate stuff that sticks in my mind would be A Wrinkle in Time. I read that in fifth grade and it changed my life. I couldn’t get any of my kids to read it—which made me sad. I cried openly when I read The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as The Outsiders. More recently I’d have to say Sue Monk Kidd and Augusten Burroughs, but no matter how hard I try I can’t get into Nicholas Sparks…he’s just too sappy for my taste. 

Q. Tell us a bit about your latest book, and what inspired you to write such a story.

 A. My latest book, Killer on the Key, is a suspense/thriller with a paranormal twist. I wouldn’t classify as paranormal in the purest sense, in fact I had one publisher tell me it wasn’t paranormal at all, but there is a hint of it in there. Ghosties and voices in your head…that sort of thing.

The story takes place on Gulf Key, which is a barrier island just outside of Sarasota, Florida. I should clarify here. It is based on one of the barrier islands that exists in that little piece of heaven. I won’t name it—but I bet anyone familiar with that area could do it in ten pages flat.

It is a story that wraps two different families, from two different generations together. One family, the Ashland’s, is battling with a curse that they believe was placed on them. The other, the Troost’s, are trying to piece themselves back together after the tragic loss of their unborn child. They come together on Gulf Key during Maggie Troost’s recuperation.

It is a thrill ride for sure. Each and every character is a very human mix of good and bad, light and dark. There are moments when you identify with someone and others where you stop and think “Oh my God, that didn’t just happen,” or “Did she just really say that?”

My inspiration was easy. Vacation. My husband took me back to the spot where we fell in love and suddenly I felt like I was standing on the edge of something big, like an electric current was in the air. The next thing I knew, I’d spit out a book.

Q. How would you describe your creative process while writing this book? Was it stream-of-consciousness writing, or did you first write an outline?

A.  I really wish I’d written an outline! It was just one big pile of pages that seemed to come from nowhere. I kept thinking I would get stuck at some point and never finish, but every day I’d wake up and think, today this person will say this and then that guy will say that…It was only after my editor, Pat Evans, got a good eyeful and sent it back to me for my first round of revisions that I realized how much more I needed to do to carve out a decent story. I can’t thank her enough for being a drill sergeant—she made me dig and put in countless hours getting it ready. She told me, “It’s a good story—but you have a lot of work to do.” She scared me to death, but made the book a real, honest to goodness book.

Q. Did your book require a lot of research?

A. Some. I only write what I know, or can learn with a little effort. Fiction based on history is something I admire—from afar. A talent I do not possess.

I knew the area like the back of my hand, so that part was easy. Sure I embellished some things, like The Columbia Restaurant’s location. I put it overlooking the Bay for effect, but I used their real menu. But, there were some things I needed to research, for example, taking care of a Man of War? Got nothing on that one. Thankfully with a little research I was able to learn all about how the Mote Aquarium in California is working on a process to keep them alive in tanks. Ta da—research!

Q. If you could have any vice without repercussions, what would it be?

A.  I would be able to eat whatever I want, whenever I want, and still look like I did at twenty five. No exercise required. ~sigh~

Q. What is the funniest/most embarrassing/scariest story from one of your books signings or events?

A. My first signing will be coming up on June 20^th at Circle Books in St. Armands Circle (Sarasota) and I am terrified that no one will come! My publicist, Laura Lindau, is working her tail off to make sure that does not happen—but that is the scariest thing I can think of. So if you live within fifty miles—come!

Q. If you could have been the servant to any famous person in history, who would that be and why?

A. Elvis. I think I picked him because his life was so surreal.  Fried Peanut Butter sandwiches and honorary FBI badges all mixed up with drugs, opulence, and incredible music? Wow. Think about the book that could have come out of that time spent! 

Q. What so you see for the future of publishing and ebooks?

A. I love, love, love this question. I think (as a new writer) that this is one of those moments in history for every artist in every media. The world wide web just keeps making it easier and easier for us independents to get out there and make our mark in the world. The big publishing houses are holding on by a thread right now, and it keeps getting thinner. They no longer have this extreme strangle hold on who gets to be ‘the one.’ If you are good, and people like your work, you can reach a level of success that wasn’t possible a few years ago. The big guys are nervous, and they should be! I knew ebooks had really made it when the biggies got together and sued Amazon.com for selling books too cheaply. It there wasn’t a market—they simply wouldn’t care.

If I could make one prediction it would be this: we are the last generation that will be clinging to paper books. They are very quickly going to become treasured antiques like my big Motorola record cabinet. The next generation will be using tablets for all their reading—even schoolbooks. Like it or hate it, it is coming.

Q. Which of your characters do you love/hate/fear/pity the most and why?

A. My favorite character is Lizzie. She is a crotchety old broad! Underneath she is a giver, but she tells it like it is. No bullshit gets past Lizzie. I hope to be just like her one day… The one I pity the most is her sister Charlotte. She lost herself somewhere and never got back to where she needed to be. It’s just really sad. She clings to God, but it isn’t healthy and in the end…well read the book.

Q. Do you get along with your muse? What do you do to placate her when she refuses to inspire you?

A. My muse and I are on great terms. I think she is over the moon happy that I’m writing. She has been putting story lines in my head since I was in diapers—and I’m just now taking her seriously. I think I just heard her say “finally!”

Q. Do you have another book in the works? Would you like to tell readers about your current or future projects

A. I have several new books I’d like to talk about. The big one is Opals and Rubies, due out July 1^st from Wings. That story was another one that hit me out of nowhere and flew off my fingers. It had to be written. To not write it would have been a crime. It’s darker than Killer on the Key, but talk about rooting for the underdog. It deals with the question of redemption and what happens when we die. It isn’t always pretty—but I promise you it’s riveting. I sent it out for early reviews and so far everything has come back with A+ ratings. 

I am also half done with Confessions of a PTA Mafia Mom, which is a tad more humorous. It is the story of Lanie Jackerson, a middle aged suburban mom, who wakes up one day and decides to take her life back—on her terms. I’m at a really good spot in the book and I can’t wait to see the end! I have one other project in the works, but I’m not ready to share it publicly yet…

Q. Have you ever experience weird cravings while you write? If so, what kind?

A. I wouldn’t say weird cravings, but I constantly nosh when I write. Not good for my rapidly spreading rear end, but I can’t say that I care much right now. I’m enjoying life too much.

Q. What is the worst, best, most embarrassing or funniest situation your writing career has put you in?

 A. So far, the worst thing was when my fist book came out with some errors in it. I was horrified! I went back through everything in my galleys and realized that they weren’t in there. I contacted my publisher and they were very gracious about getting it fixed ASAP. So far I’ve only had to rebuy a couple of corrected books for people. So for my good friends and family that wanted a ‘unique’ copy—thanks for making me feel better. But I have to say even that was a good thing. It taught me to bite my tongue and work through a tough spot. Mistakes happen. How you deal with them is what matters.

Q. Where can we find you on the web?

A. Baby, I am all over this web thing! Let me count the ways…

1. Twitter: ebloanwrites

2. Facebook: E.B. Loan

3. www.ebloan.com

4. www.ebloanbooks.com

5. Blog: http://ebloan.blogspot.com/

 I am running a Killer on the Key promotion with a family membership to the Mote Aquarium (and partners) as the grand prize. Details are on the ebloanbooks website. And If I could add one more little plug…if you sign up to follow my Google blog and shoot me an email message…I will send you the first three chapters of Opals and Rubies to read! I’m sending one a month through June to try to gain some loyal fans for the release in July. Don’t worry if you missed the first one, I’ll send it J

Thanks for taking the time to chat with me today.

Cheers!

E.B. Loan

Fiction from Chicago

Killer on the Key—a short excerpt

Maggie was being a brat, no doubt about it. All Chris had done was question why she wanted the dresser. It was a perfectly reasonable thing to ask. The question grated on her nerves. She felt raw. Stalking back to the cottage she grabbed her suit.

What are you doing? Why are you so mad?

She was tired of the whole damn thing. Everything in their lives had gone off the track and she wanted her half of it back. They lost a baby, it happened to people every day. She had to give birth to a child she knew would never take a breath or blink--it was hard. She did her part, now she wanted to be herself again. Maggie Shoals Troost. Interior designer. Fighter. Art lover. Independent. She wanted to want a dresser without having her husband question why. It was a dresser, she wanted it; no more no less. No deeper issue, just a simple desire.

Stripping, she threw her clothes at the wall. She was crying. And no more guilt. She was going swimming.

But you know what the doctor said.

I don't care.

The suit was still tight, but she got it on. She grabbed a towel threw on her flip flops and headed out the door. Crossing the street she avoided looking at the cottage to see if he had followed her out.

Maggie reached the sand, kicked off her shoes, and headed for the water.

My God it's hot. I forgot what the sand can be like in the middle of the day.

Running now, she could hear the waves crashing on the sand.

A few more steps Maggie, then you'll be free.

Five.

Free from what?

Four.

Everything; the nightmares, the loneliness, the agony.

Three.

You forget the most important thing.

Two.

What's that?

One.

The lies Maggie, you need to free yourself from the lies.

Shit.

Her feet hit the water and she stopped.

“Goddamn it!” she screamed at the sky, “Stop torturing me!”

She was out of control. The wind whipped her hair. The surf crashed drowning the words that raged in her ears.

You're a liar Maggie, a fake. Nothing good can ever come from you.

The world in front of her began to swim.

You are going to pass out, right here in the water.

I don't care.

You'll die here, alone on this beach, drowned in the water you were too afraid to swim in.

She wanted to die. It would serve her right. She felt herself falling. Then there were the arms. They wrapped around her pulling her from the edge. The bones felt frail, but they had amazing strength in them. She blacked out.

Things started to come into focus. Red hair. Scratch that, gray hair with red streaks hung in her face. Lizzie. The sun was still high in the sky making her facial expressions hard to read. Maggie sat up.

“I'm sorry, I...” She had no idea what to say.

Lizzie pulled her hair back into a bun and wrapped a beach towel around Maggie's shoulders. She sat crouched in front of her for a moment. Standing she held out her hand for Maggie. “We need a drink.”

“I should stop and tell Chris. He'll be worried.”

“I'll call Charlotte. She can tell Chris.”

Maggie took the older woman's hand. Lizzie pulled her to her feet with ease.

God, she's so strong.

Maggie looked at her bathing suit stretched over her puffy stomach. “Where...?”

“The Hilton, down the beach,” taking the towel from Maggie's shoulders Lizzie wrapped it around her waist like a sarong. “There, now no one will look.”

Maggie felt tears of gratitude spring up behind her lids.

Thank you Lizzie, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Talking with Author Elle Amour/Lise Fuller

Military Couples & Cybersex

A few weeks ago, I hosted a party on my publisher’s yahoo loop. On it, I had one of the gals interview my husband about military couples and cybersex. Now, as a military wife whose husband has been deployed, I have to say, times can get pretty lean, sexually speaking.

Thank God for the internet. Years ago, we didn’t have that luxury. Mail got crossed and a letter you’d written just a few days ago would be delivered the next week, yet one you wrote a few weeks ago, could be delivered three weeks after the second. This is particularly amusing (that’s the only word I can use in good company) when you are sending updates of family life or whatever. However, another difficulty is trying to be sexy for your man thousands of miles away.

For those of us in that situation, the internet in all its corrupted glory, has been a God-send. I mean, not only can you send emails, but on occasion, you can actually instant message each other. And, not to go into any detail, but those dang cameras can get pretty hot—if you’ve got one. Better than any porn I know for sure. Beyond all that, I’d hate to think that some military person is monitoring this stuff, ‘cause like my husband mentioned, all soldiers do this. They have to in order to stay sane. Well, and to prevent a case of blue balls. (Sorry, there’s no better way to put this.)

What’s funny, though, is some of the stories my husband has told, and some of the difficulties. Guys try to find a private place (as the at-home spouse, it’s a little easier for me and others), but that’s not often possible. Apparently the guys try to give each other as much privacy as they can, but when the need arises, they go for it. Thing is, some forget others can hear them as they often have headphones on and when they get in that erogenous zone, well, I’ll let your imagination take over here. (If you’re wondering, yes, my hubby was careful but a lot of the guys aren’t. And let’s face it, a lot of them are young and either aren’t thinking about it or are more like my husband and don’t give a you-know-what at the time. They are talking/interacting with their significant other, and that’s what’s important to them. It what reminds them of where they are and what they’re doing and why. And quite frankly, it talks to both partners of the sacrifices they make. And know that when a soldier goes to war, their family does sacrifice, too. It’s hard. And one of the hard parts is being a temporary single person. But the internet helps with that in a big way.)

Now, being a writer, it can be doubly interesting. You see, my husband also has other benefits. When he’s gone, I write a LOT of sex scenes. It’s my outlet for the lack of my husband being here. And guess who my first line editor is for these? You got it. It’s my husband. He loves reading this stuff when he’s gone (when he has the time). And I always sent them to him. The funniest part is he takes on the persona of my hero and his responses can be hilarious because he makes believe I’m the heroine. His latest is Rurik, my alien space hero—sexy, strong, and definitely virile. The one before that was Jake Colder, small town sheriff and ex-special forces. So you see, in this, we can still have fun together and enjoy each others company—even though we’re so physically far apart. (And I bet you didn’t realize the other fringe benefits the average romance novel had!)

So there you have it. Cyberspace and marital bliss.

Thank God.

Lise Fuller (also writing as Elle Amour)

www.lisefuller.com

www.elleamour.com

Join me on twitter at www.twitter.com/lisefuller !

Getting to Know Author Donna Hatch

Tell us about your most recent book. What’s it about? When does/did it release?

Queen in Exile was released on April 1, 2010. I’m choosing to ignore the implications of it coming out on April Fool’s Day!

The only surviving member of her family, a princess must place her life and the fate of her kingdom into the hands of a trained killer. But accepting both her destiny and her own dark powers will mean choosing between her people, and the man she loves.

How long have you been writing in general? How long have you been writing romance?

Casually writing? Always. Seriously writing to get published? About the last five years. I’ve always been drawn to romance, not only because there’s a guaranteed happily ever after (a must in fiction!) but I love to vicariously experience the euphoria of falling in love.

Do you write anything other than romance? Under this name or a different one?

Nope. I write both historical Regency and fantasy, but both have strong romantic elements.

Tell us something about you that you’d like your readers to know.

I hear voices. And I talk to them. Oh, you mean something not creepy? Um, I’m an incurable romantic and a hopeless optimist. I also use sarcasm as a part of my normal speech, which, really, seems contradictory, huh?

When you look back now on the first story you ever wrote, what do you think of it?

I hope no one ever finds it. It could be blackmail of the worst kind.

What goals do you have for your writing career?

To sell more books than Nora Roberts and Stephanie Myers put together;-)

Would you like to share any words of wisdom with aspiring/new authors?

Be persistent. Most people have dreams of writing a novel, but never finish one. Most people who finish a novel never submit it, and most who submit, give up after a few rejections.

Where can your readers learn more about you? (Website, blog, etc.) Where can your books be purchased?

www.donnahatch.com

http://donnahatch.blogspot.com

I’m also on Twitter and Facebook. I love new friends.

Out of the books you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

Oh, no fair! That’s like asking me to choose a favorite child. But the new releases definitely get most of my attention.

I’m also running a contest to win a book for free and you have five chances if you do all five, or you can just do one or a few:

1.    go to my website and then find out what is the name of the hero of Queen in Exile (hint, read the backcover blurb underneath the book cover), then send me an email at donnahatch29@gmail.com, telling me the answer to the question and put "Queen in Exile for free" in the subject line

2.    Follow my blog, then send me an email at donnahatch29@gmail.com, telling me you're now following me and put "free book" in the subject line.

3.    Leave a comment in my blog, www.donnahatch.blogspot.com. Then send me an email at donnahatch29@gmail.com and put “free book” in the subject line.

4.    Friend me on Facebook,  (http://www.facebook.com/people/Donna-Hatch/1053967713#!/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1053967713) then send me an email at donnahatch29@gmail.com, telling me you're now my friend on Face book and put "free book" in the subject line.
Remember, for each thing you do, you have another chance to win. Good Luck!!!
Thank you, Donna for joining us. You can find Donna’s books at Amazon, your local bookstore, and Costcos across the country. 

Queen in Exile blurb:

Rumors of war hang over Princess Jeniah's peaceful country of Arden, a land that shuns both magic and warfare. Following a lifelong dream, Jeniah forms a telpathic bond with a revered creature called a chayim, who is prophesied to save her kingdom. But when a Darborian knight comes upon Jeniah with her chayim, he sees only a vicious monster about to devour a maiden, and he slays the beast.

Devastated by the loss of her chayim, and fearing that her own magic is evil, Jeniah doubts her destiny. When an enemy invades Arden City, they slaughter the people, storm the castle, and execute the entire royal family except the princess. Rescued by the knight who slew her chayim, Jeniah is now heir to the throne of Arden and the only hope for freeing her people.

On the run and hunted by enemy soldiers, Jeniah must place her life and the fate of her kingdom in the hands of this trained killer. Torn between embracing her destiny as queen of Arden, and her love for a mere knight, she must ultimately rely on her magic to save herself and her people from death and tyranny.

A "New to Me" Author: Mel Tescho

HER DARK LORD

Paranormal

BUY HERE

Blurb:

When dhampir Kia Montana takes a man home, she isn’t looking for names or a relationship--she only wants someone who could satisfy her lust for both sex and blood. But Kia’s new mission is to find Sean Maximillus, Lord Vampire and the lone being capable of curing Kia’s mother. Kia thought she found the key to success with Ronan, a mysterious man who promises to take her to Maximillus…and who shares a carnal passion with Kia even bloodlust couldn’t match.

But Ronan also seems to know too much about Kia…things she never told him. And as she is drawn deeper into Ronan’s world, he reveals secrets that will change Kia’s life forever….

Sneak peek Excerpt:

Chapter One

“It isn’t over between us. Not by a long shot.”

Kia Montana hid a smile as she rolled up her sheer stockings and clipped them to her lace suspenders. Pushing her feet into the heeled shoes she’d tossed aside so carelessly the night before, she glanced over at the gorgeous man sprawled out on her hotel bed.

Passion emanated from him, scorching and hot. She gave him a cool smile, resisting an impulse to sashay over, lean forward and trace her tongue along the salty warmth of his collarbone, and down over the hardened buds of his dusky nipples.

Even harder to withstand was the urge to sink her fangs into his delectable throat, taste the pulsating warmth of his essence while he brought her to climax just once more.

She breathed slow and deep, and his glittering, gun-metal eyes held her gaze when she said, “Sorry, I don’t do relationships.”

“Don’t apologize,” he drawled. And as she slipped into her crimson lace bra, a savage light sparked deep in his stare. “I know just how to change your mind.”

Her breasts, still tingling from his mouth, his clever hands, hardened under his scrutiny as she clipped the bra into place. Her pulses jumped, but it was his declaration that kick-started her heart into high speed.

She inhaled slowly, gaining control. “Oh?” she queried with an Oscar winning note of boredom.

“You want access to all of Sydney’s underworld places. As your escort, I can offer you that.” He smiled at her silence. “A ticket to where only an exclusive few have been.”

Her heartbeat surged into a frantic gallop as excitement writhed deep inside. When she’d seen him at last night’s shindig, moving through the crème de le crème of the Sydney crowd like he owned each and every party-goer there, her instincts had clamored.

He held the key.

She kept her face an impassive mask. This could be her one opportunity to get close to Sean Maximillus, the reclusive, centuries old Vampire Lord.

She managed an idle smirk. “Running short of eager, beautiful young women to parade around?”

A crack of laughter shot from his sexy mouth. “Never. Quite the contrary.” His eyes drank her in. “Apart from your obvious charms,” he shrugged, “you intrigue me.” He sat up, dark hair tousled. Abs rippled beneath his golden skin while he ran an outstretched hand over a strong jaw already shadowed with growth.

Such masterful hands, she mused. They’d stroked and caressed in all the right places, until she’d quivered with lust, then undulated with pleasure. She forced back the memory and a sudden, feverish ache.

Arching a brow, she queried throatily, “Really? I guess you’re bored with simpering women?”

A muscle jerked along his unyielding jaw. Then he grinned and pushed to his feet before taking a few strides her way. The pad of his thumb brushed beneath her chin. “You’re extraordinary, do you know that?”

Something passed between them, some kind of magnetic pull that held her breathless and still. “You have no idea,” she whispered.

His eyes widened, and his hand dropped. Spell broken. “You’re so sure of that?”

She looked away, disorientated. Never before had it felt as if all her highly-developed senses had short-circuited, leaving her vulnerable. Exposed. She swayed, perversely thankful for his hands that immediately lifted to frame her hips, steadying her.

“Kia?”

Her vision blurred, and she closed her eyes for a second before stepping out of his hold and looking back up. “I never told you my name.”

Hardness lurked beneath the brilliant shimmer of his stare. Without warning, his head dropped to hers. His mouth covered her lips in an open-mouthed kiss that jump-started every nerve ending in her body and made her forget for just one moment, her single-minded purpose.

As quickly, he pulled back, expression fierce. “Amore. You didn’t need to tell me who you are.”

What? Her blood simmered, her pulses leaping into overdrive. She took a breath, then another. When she at last spoke, her voice came out like frost. “Did you make inquiries before taking me to bed? Checked out my references, perhaps?

His white teeth glinted amusement, raising her blood to boiling point as he climbed to his feet, clearly deeming her question unworthy of an answer.

Bastard!

His sinewy body hard and sleek, he shrugged into his white evening shirt, then pulled up dark briefs and tailored pants over his long, powerful thighs.

A growl caught at the back of her throat. Damn him. Surely he could stay just a little longer? Bring her to orgasm just once more? Hell, most people would yet be stirring from their sleep!

No, it was better that he left. She’d never wished for anything above an extraordinary lay and she wasn’t about to start now. It was her bloodlust twitching hungrily, tempting her to sample him again, to have him deep inside her while she lost herself to exquisite sensation, mewling with bliss.

Even now her fingers itched to unbutton his shirt and pants. Just once more, explore his hard ridges of muscled sinew and bone, his satin-soft skin with the faint but highly erotic scent of cinnamon and musk.

He laced up his shoes, and then straightened. Tall and forbidding, his eyes were only too dispassionate when he looked at her. “If you’re interested in my offer, meet me in the motel foyer. Tonight. Eight o’clock sharp.

Kia carefully emphasized the unusual green-gold shade of her eyes as she applied a coat of black mascara to her lashes. Capping the lid, she took one last look in the mirror.

Drop dead gorgeous? Yes. But only tonight had she truly been glad of her inherited looks.

Copper hair streaked with natural shades of amber and blonde fell halfway down her back. It swished against the bared skin along her spine where a designer, cherry-red gown with its plunging front and back V-neckline, showed off her curves.

None would ever guess that beneath the delicate woman lurked a monster, half-starved and restrained by the barest thread of steely determination. Just one sniff of human blood, one drop, and all her resolve could easily snap.

A pure vampire she was not, but her fundamental needs were just as fierce as any of the murderous purebreds. That she never killed in bloodlust, and her senses inherited from her surrogate, bloodsucker father were mostly unrivalled, seemed to be the only distinction.

But tonight wasn’t about her. Tonight, it was about her mother’s survival. It was as simple and harsh as that.

****

Kallie Revealed (coming soon)

http://www.jasminejade.com/default.aspx?aspdnsfid=pGGbjsBZjUo%3d

Blurb:

When Kallie’s fairytale life turns into a nightmare, she refuses to dwell in its shadow. For too long she’s yearned to live life outside the square, experience things she’d once been too afraid to try.

Becoming every man’s fantasy as a stripper drives away the constant ache within and helps make her feel beautiful again. Except, she discovers even fantasies have a dark side.

A rising star in the corporate world, Seth Masterton is everything Kallie has ever wanted. He’s watched her every performance and isn’t shy about his desire. But is this possessive man really the one for her?


Sneak Peek Excerpt:

Chapter One

He was here again.

Kallie knew it the moment she strutted onto the stage in a white cowgirl hat and matching, sleek tasseled dress. Even when the Sydney club echoed with wolf whistles and lewd cheers, from somewhere in the crowd she felt his stare.

Seth Masterton. A man going up in the stratosphere. A rising star in the corporate world. He could have any woman he wanted, and yet, here he was, watching her.

Her skin tingled, her pulses thudding like a freight train quickly gaining speed. She smiled. It seemed he liked what he saw and, hell, she wasn’t one to disappoint.

Not anymore.

Heavy bass flooded the stage. A spotlight dazzled directly above her, the spectator’s faces now dim in the crowd as she threw her head back and then strode forward, hips swiveling to the beat before she grabbed hold of the centre pole and executed a turn.

Ha. The audience would expect more, but she liked to tease, liked the pretence of innocence before she showed her true self. Literally.

Shoulder blades bracketed against the pole, Kallie leaned back, tan thigh-high heeled boots spread wide and arms above her head as she slithered down and then ever so slowly up. It was just her and the music now. The men, and probably a few women, were all silent, salivating as she did her thing.

A delicious thrill zapped straight between her thighs. Yes, she danced for everyone who’d paid to watch. But in reality, Kallie danced for only one person. Seth.

She straightened, and the tips of her fingers traced the outer rim of her cowgirl hat. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she launched it through the air, her arrow-straight blonde hair immediately cascading to her waist.

A roar of approval met her performance. The room pulsed with energy and crackled with lust, and Kallie couldn’t deny the excitement leaping within.

She stilled, closing her eyes to soak it all in. She could have any man—or woman, here tonight: married, gay, rich or poor. The knowledge licked through her veins and made her pussy wet.

She’d fuck Seth tonight.

With a smile of anticipation, she opened her eyes and sashayed forward. A hidden, industrial fan ensured the sudden gust of air whipped back her long hair and pressed the white dress against her straining breasts.

A chair waited for her at the front of the stage, and she stilled behind it while she looked out into the darkness to her left, sensing Seth’s presence. She shivered with longing.

This is for you.

One hand resting on the high-backed seat, she gyrated to the music while her other hand lifted. Her fingers one-by-one released the studs at the front of her dress. It peeled open to reveal glimpses of gold-tanned flesh and barely-there, crimson lace underwear.

The music peaked and then went silent. She heard someone moan even before the light slipped away and ran over the crowd.

She stepped out of her dress and kicked it to one side. And in the cover of shadows she allowed her smile to fade while long repressed grief stirred and swelled.

It was bizarre how life had panned out. Sorrow had catapulted her onto this journey of self-discovery, this exploring of her fantasies, where for the brief moments when she was on stage she felt whole, beautiful again.

Oh, god. Don’t think about it, not now!

The light stilled and illuminated a man’s shadowy figure, revealing the hand he had stuffed into his pants as he fondled himself. Some men nearby choked out a laugh. More yet shuffled their feet and looked away, clearly relieved it wasn’t any one of them who’d been caught in the act.

Loud bass recommenced. Light flooded back on stage, all attention returning to Kallie.

She took a deep breath and gave a high-wattage smile. She looked great. She knew that now, believed it even without the stage, the props and admiring stares. The lacy red thong kissed the valley between her cheeks and nibbled her clit just so. Her matching bra barely restrained her breasts pushed high and pouty.

Flowing to the music, Kallie half-spun and dropped onto the chair. She straddled it before arching back and displaying a supple body that was still toned and fit, thanks to a love of gymnastics.

Few would care. Half the crowd would dream about what position they’d like to fuck her in, the other half would be craning their necks to see if her breasts would finally defy gravity and spill free from their constraint.

Let them fantasize.

The beat changed, and keeping her legs straight, she flexed her thighs apart, her pussy high and almost dripping as her hands roamed over her torso and dipped under her bra to caress nipples, which strained for her own well-practiced touch.

Oh, yes.

She sighed, aching for release, aching for a man’s touch—one man’s touch. Soon. Soon she’d have what she craved.

Hooking her feet under the crossbar at the back of the secured chair, she hoisted herself up before pivoting to face the crowd. Sitting straight, her feet together and butt cheeks on the very edge of the seat, she took hold of her knees and slowly pulled her legs apart.

I’ve got them now.

Yearning was palpable and filled the air like an electric charge, and for a moment Kallie pondered just how many cocks were close to bursting.

She tossed her head forward, allowing her hair to spiral down and curtain a triumphant grin. Composed, she whipped it back and shook out the long tresses before coming to her feet.

She’d drawn her act out long enough. It was time to bring it to a close.