Category Archives: Blog

Guest Blogger: Slave Nano

Guest Blogger, , , , , ,

‘The Pagan Sorceress’ and the Yorkshire Wolds landscape

I’m delighted to be invited onto K D’s site.  Earlier in the year she contributed a blog to my web site about the influence of the Lakeland landscape on her book ‘Body Temperature and Rising’.  So, I’m going to return the favour and say how one of my favourite landscapes, the Yorkshire Wolds, influenced my story, ‘The Pagan Sorceress’.

The initial spark for writing a story involving ancient burial mounds came from a book I came into contact with at my place of work.  This was ‘Forty Years Researches in British & Saxon Burial Mounds of East Yorkshire’ by J R Mortimer.  Yes, I know that sounds pretty dry, but it’s a remarkable piece of work and just browsing through it provided me with the inspiration for the idea of a story.  In fact, I have Sam, my archaeology post-grad character refer specifically to this book in the story.  In the late 19th/early 20th century J R Mortimer surveyed and excavated loads of Neolithic and Anglo-Saxon burial mounds scattered across the Yorkshire Wolds, an incredible 196 barrows over 120 square miles!  Some are still obviously visible; others have been affected by modern farming and are only visible from aerial photographs or detailed investigation now.  Seeing this book really brought home to me the extent of the evidence of pre-Roman and Anglo-Saxon settlements in the local area.

This captured my imagination and I was determined to seek out some of the sites and find out a bit more about them.  So, armed with an Ordnance Survey map annotated with sites to look for from the book, I set off into the East Riding countryside on a barrow hunt!.  I went to a few sites but the one that really captured my imagination was a couple of burial mounds that form part of what is know as the Painsthorpe Group near a village called Kirby Underdale located just off the Wolds Way national footpath.

These ancient earthworks and tumuli are a significant part of the Yorkshire Wolds landscape.  Typically the burial mounds would have been sited on the top of theWoldswhere they would have been in full view of village communities in the dale so they could honour their ancestors.  They would have originally been covered in chalk taken from the Wolds and so would have stood out as white beacons on the crest of a hill.  The Yorkshire Wolds are something of a hidden secret; though David Hockney’s paintings and digital art work of the area may be about to change all that.  Parts are cultivated with farm land but when you get off the beaten track into the dry chalk valleys they are every bit as beautiful and majestic in their own way as the landscape inYorkshire’s more famous national parks.

These ancient burial mounds were all arranged into groups.  Now, and this I think is the truly amazing bit which really tickles my Pagan antennae, many of these groups were arranged by design to resemble the seven star formation you find in the ‘Ursa Major’ constellation..  How incredible is this?  Our Neolithic ancestors were so in tune with their environment, and drew such religious and mystical significance from it, that they consciously arranged for their burial chambers to reflect the celestial firmament.

Anyhow, it was these two particular tumuli I chose to describe as the site for Sam to conduct her re-enactment of an Anglo-Saxon burial ceremony.  Her reconstruction has consequences that she could never have guessed and her life, along with that of her friend Dan, becomes entwined with those of Cyneburh, the Pagan sorceress of the title and Alhfrith, her hero-warrior lover, from nearly 1,500 years ago.

*****

Pagan SorceressIf you’re looking for an erotic read this Halloween then check out Slave Nano’s new release ‘The Pagan Sorceress’.  The action takes place on Samhain as archaeology student Sam sets out to re-enact a Pagan burial ceremony.

If the author of the Anglo-Saxon heroic tale Beowulf did erotica what might it have sounded like?  That’s the challenge author Slave Nano has set himself in his newly released novella ‘The Pagan Sorceress’.

Sam is about to carry out a strange experiment.  She is an archaeology student specialising in reconstructive archaeology and her idea is to recreate an Anglo-Saxon pagan burial ceremony.  It’s Samhain eve and the night of a full moon so it’s the perfect time to carry out such a ritual.  She enlists the help of her friend, Dan, and together they go off to the site of a burial mound where wonderful swords and sceptres were excavated many years ago.

A travelling story teller is at the court of a Saxon king.  He recites the tale of two soul-entwined lovers from an earlier, more chaotic, period when king’s warred amongst each other.  He tells the tragic tale of Cyneburh, Pagan sorceress and daughter of the mighty Pagan king Penda and Alhfrith, son of Athelwald the king of Deira, her hero-warrior lover and betrothed.  The two kings have formed a mighty political and religious alliance but, more than that, the young woman and man have forged a passionate union of their own.  But this new alliance has enemies and before their wedding night is over there will be a tragic outcome.  As King Penda stands at the edge of their burial chamber he invokes a curse of vengeance against the murderous act perpetrated against him.  But, how many years will it take before he is finally avenged?

As Sam stands on top of the burial mound dressed as an Anglo-Saxon pagan priestess with Dan at her side, is she aware of what ancient powers she will invoke as their lives become entwined with those of Cyneburh and Alhfrith from many centuries ago?  Will the pagan king’s oath of vengeance be fulfilled?  Will the souls of the two lovers be finally released?

*****

Excerpt

“… just imagine, not a mound of grass but a mound of chalk.  When it was erected, immediately after the burial, it would have been brilliant white.  It would have stood out from the landscape and you’d have seen it for miles around.  So just visualise a bright white mound of stones, fronted by two yew trees and the night of a full moon, say from the cycle in 642 for arguments sake.  Here, take this.”

Sam, who had been rummaging in one of the ruck-sacks for something whilst talking, slung a red and white measuring stick at Dan who reacted nimbly and caught it in his hand.  A second came flying at him.

“What’s the time,” Sam asked.

Dan glanced down awkwardly at his watch whilst holding the two poles.

“Quarter to midnight.  But what’s significant about that?  Are you waiting for witching hour?” he laughed.

“This is serious Dan.  I want to prove a theory I’ve got,” she replied.

She took the map in her hand and carefully counted fifty paces from the centre of the mound with Dan following her.  She glanced quickly up at the sky.

“Right, put one measuring pole here,” she said digging the heel of her boot into the chalky soil.  Dan dutifully did as he was told and buried the end of the stick into the soil.  She walked sideways another twenty paces still checking the map and directed Dan to put the other pole into the ground.  The two measuring sticks were buried at the exact location where the two yew trees would have stood.  She raced back to the centre of the mound, Dan running after her.

“I don’t get it Sam, what are you trying to prove?”

But as soon as he had mounted the mound and turned around to face the two poles he gasped in astonishment.

“Shit Sam!”

“Yes, Yes.  That’s it!  I knew it,” Sam shouted punching her fist in the air and jumping animatedly up and down on the burial mound. “Just as I’d imagined it.  It was a guess – a calculated one – pure instinct really.  But I just knew it!”

They both stood on the top of the burial mound.  It was midnight on Samhain eve and as they stared back the full moon was in exact alignment between the two measuring sticks casting them and the mound in a luminous glow.

“Fuck, I knew it, I knew it!” she exclaimed.  “This isn’t just any old burial mound.  I’m convinced of it.  You’ve seen the pictures of the objects buried there and now this.  This was done by design.  It’s part of the meaning of the site.  There was somebody significant and very powerful buried here.”

Dan was transfixed.

“It’s awesome Sam. Really, it’s amazing. It’s so clever and well…..mystical.”

They both laughed loudly at the excitement of sharing such a magical moment as they stood on the ancient site of pagan ritual bathed in white light.  Sam slung her arms around Dan’s neck and spontaneously, caught in the thrill of discovery and the majesty of the setting, gave him a long passionate kiss. Of course they’d kissed like that before, but there was a tingle of something different between them as if the setting and the full moon had some influence over them.  Dan could feel it and sensed Sam was affected as well.  There was an embarrassed silence after they broke off from their kiss until Sam took up her discourse again….

Buy links:

Amazon UK
Amazon US
All Romance eBooks

*****

Author Bio

Slave Nano is a writer of erotic paranormal and fantasy stories with bdsm and fetish themes.  He has had short stories and novellas published by Xcite Books and House of Erotica.  His first erotic novel, ‘Adventures in Fetishland’, was published by Xcite in March 2012.

You can find out more about him and his writing at http://www.slavenano.co.uk

Guest Blogger: Catriana Sommers

Guest Blogger, , , , ,

What’s Next?

The Arcanus Series initially started with 3 books. Then grew to five. With the addition of certain characters, the series jumped up to seven books. We’re only on book two now, but with this newest release, the next question is: what happens next?

I’m learning nothing ever happens as expected with this series, even as I carefully plan things out. A short story, Dune Whispers, has now become long enough to be an actual installment. As the story evolves, certain plot elements or ideas crop up that I add to my master plan. It’s been a fun challenge working with the series, and there’s definitely more down the road. Transcendence is the third official installation, and it’s already shaping up to be a fun ride.

What happens next is that the characters will continue to grow, and events will continue to unravel. The Obsidian Order’s goals will become clearer, relationships will deepen and yes, there will inevitably be a war. Beyond that I cannot say, but I hope to see you along for the ride.

This has been an exciting week for me. I’m grateful to everyone who has hosted me on this tour(my first one!), you all have been wonderful. I’ve enjoyed coming out and sharing my little world with you all. So long and thanks again!

Bound by Blood now available!

Buy Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/product_book_info/coming-soon-c-2/products_id/892/

 

Bound by BloodBlurb:

Rioran is a Kass’na’vah, king of a magical race, and his kingdom has been frozen by Olde Magick. Along with his brother Viron, the only known survivor of the attack, he travels across Meedia looking for leads to these mysterious practitioners of an eons-dead magic.

Their quest hits a snag when Rioran meets his lifemate, a dying seven-year-old vampire noble named Liari Varian. To save her life, he gives her his blood, binding himself to her. Now he’s stuck, physically incapable of leaving her, forced to watch from the sidelines until she comes of age and he can continue the search to free his people.

The world doesn’t remain idle while he waits, however. Tensions between races are building, war is brewing, and behind it all is a mysterious organization bent on eliminating all magic in the world.

CONTENT ADVISORIES: This title is erotica; it is not a romance title. This title contains both MF and MM sexual situations.

 

Excerpt:

I am surrounded by incompetence.

Kien Varian reluctantly waved away the two voluptuous women sitting on either side of him. They flashed him pouty looks as he blew them apologetic kisses. Their hips swayed seductively as they quietly exited his social room.

The playful expression on his face morphed into an icy mask. Warm amber eyes, turned cold and predatory. Before him, a Mixed male kneeled on one of his fur rugs, one fist pressed firmly to the ground.

“Markus Lotros.” Crossing his legs, Kien raised a well-manicured hand to stroke his goatee thoughtfully. “Care to repeat those words?”

The messenger winced despite the pleasant tone. “I saw the heir leave her party moments ago… with Lord Larian. I had heard you wished not to be disturbed, but the young master instructed I come to you.”

Kien blinked and the stroking stopped. “Young master? Ah, you mean Eris.” Eris Lotros, heir to the strongest clan in the vampire community. A bit older than the birthday girl tonight by a few years, but his interest was obvious. A good match, if any were worthy of his little Lili.

If she survives.

“Yes, Lord Kien.” Markus’s head remained lowered out of respect and fear. Even being from another clan, there were few who could claim ignorance concerning Kien’s capricious behavior.

Fortunately, the vampire lord had other things on his mind. “Guardian?” he queried.

“Her whereabouts are unknown.”

Right. Of course Reila couldn’t be found. Had Alik listened to him and put a pureblood in charge of protecting Liari, Larian’s obvious ploy would have been less likely to succeed. The last of the Ancient’s resources and abilities had gone into ensuring the heir’s conception; a replacement would not be forthcoming.

“Be grateful your prince is an only child.” Kien finally stood from his plush red sofa, straightening his ruffled blouse. He blew out an exasperated sigh, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose in a futile attempt to thwart an oncoming headache. “Do you know where they were headed, Guardian? Stand up, man. I swear I won’t unleash my crazy on you.”

 

About the Author: I live in a beautiful hilly town in the state of Washington. I have a wonderful husband and two cute dogs who are huge parts of my life. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, and I cannot imagine my life without it. I’m a fantasy/romance author, but I love reading Sci-fi/Fantasy, high fantasy, romance, and I’ve recently delved more heavily into steampunk.

I’ve been a published author since 2011. When I’m not writing, I’m procrastinating on websites like tumblr and roleplaying forums, I’m out and about learning the local area, or I’m playing video games. I’ve won National Novel Writing Month for two consecutive years and hoping to make 2012 my third.

 

Where to find me:

My Website: http://www.catriana.net
My Blog: http://catrianasmuse.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Catriana_S
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/catriana.sommers

Giveaway time! I’m giving away a free e-book copy of Bound by Blood via random drawing. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address and we’ll contact you if you’re a winner!

A Win-Win Deal — An Executive Decision Free!

News, , , , , , , , ,

Ellison Thorne knows a good deal when he sees it and, no doubt, both he and Dee Henning would agree that a FREE download of the Kindle Version of An Executive Decision is a very good deal, indeed. Like most good deals, this one is time sensitive. Beginning October 10th through the 14th, you can download your copy and learn about Ellis and Dee’s secret weapon, which makes them the hottest business team around … in more ways than one.

Now’s the time to take advantage of this win-win deal and get a head start celebrating the anticipated November 1st print release with K D Grace and Grace Marshall. The deal’s on the table. Don’t miss the opportunity.

Blurb:

Sex in the contract – it’s the only way super-focused, over-worked CEO, Ellison Thorne, is ever going to get laid. That’s what his retiring business partner and secret match-maker, Beverly Neumann, thinks. She’s convinced no-strings, stress-free sex in certain employee contracts would raise productivity and minimize stress — perfect for a busy executive like Ellis. But she’s joking, right?

Enter her hand-picked replacement, Dee Henning. Young, hungry, gifted, Dee is the queen of no time for sex. When negotiations on a major project break down, and Dee and Ellis end up in each other’s arms, the Executive Sex Clause suddenly becomes more than a joke. In fact hot executive sex just might be the ultimate secret weapon for success. But secrets seldom remain secret, and Dee and Ellis soon learn there’s no such thing as no-strings where the heart is concerned.

Excerpt:

Ellis,

Just an addendum to the conversation we had earlier about Dee Henning. Before I lose contact with all things Pneuma Inc to bask in blissful solitude of the rainforest, I want to make it clear how I feel. I’ve already told you she’s perfect for the position. And if you were ever going to implement the ESC, she’d be the one to do it with – that is if you’ve got the balls.

 Dee’s exactly what you need on all counts. I know you think she lacks experience, but trust me, with the right training, given half a chance, she’ll be brilliant. Hire her, Ellis. Implement the ESC. Trust me, it’s the perfect strategy, a secret weapon that could make Pneuma Inc even more successful than it already is.  And if anyone could do it, you could. Do this for me and I can retire and enjoy my dotage.

 And in case you’re planning to write this message off as a sign of dementia due to my advanced years, I plan to invite her for drinks after I get back from Brazil and feel her out about the position. Just so you know I’m serious.

                                                                        -Beverly      

Ellis shut the email, took off his glasses and stared for a long moment at the blurred screen. Beverly was always right, he reminded himself. Then he shoved his glasses back on, opened the manila envelope and took out the information Beverly had left him. It was true, the list of work experiences and skills were impressive, and in a couple of years, at the rate she was going, Dee would be his choice for the position, hands down. But it was too soon. She was so unprepared for what she’d be facing. How could she be otherwise under the circumstances? And she was untried. He’d be throwing her to the lions. But Beverly believed in her. He prayed she was right.

He found himself reading over the personal information again, the intimate details about her that he shouldn’t know, but did. He found her intriguing in quirky ways. A love child, parents never married, spending summers in Paris, defying her mother to study business at Harvard instead of pursuing a career in music. The notes were all in Beverly’s hand. He wondered why she thought he should know all these things. Personal lives should be kept personal. There was no room for them in the workplace. But then again, there was no room in the work place for what he had done with Dee eight weeks ago, in spite of Beverly’s Executive Sex Clause.

Maybe Dee would turn him down. There was a good possibility. And then what?  He hadn’t even looked at the other resumes. The only one he knew who was at least halfway qualified, certainly more technically qualified than Dee, was Tally Barnes, but that was a moot point now.  Ellis jumped as a crisp rap on the door broke into his silent reverie. He shoved Dee’s resume back in the envelope, straightened his tie and stood to greet her.

‘Lynn? Are you in here?’ Dee entered the conference room dripping wet, turning to shut the door behind her without looking up. ‘Sorry I’m so wet. It’s pouring out there. The garage was full so I had to park in the drowned-dog section, or be late, and I make it a point to never be …’ She stopped in mid-sentence, frozen to the wet spot she was now making on the carpet. ‘Ellis!  I’m so sorry. I just assumed I’d be meeting with your secretary again.’

The classic lines of her dark blue power suit caressed her curves a little less discretely than they might have otherwise done had it not been wet. The rain had rendered her blouse partially transparent – just enough to reveal the contours of lace beneath, and he knew from personal experience just how nice those contours were.

‘Lynn told me you’d be gone,’ she was saying. But he was having a hard time paying attention to her words. Rhinestone droplets of water clung to her lashes and tendrils of damp hair curled around her ears. For a second, he stood motionless, unable to take his eyes off the woman glistening in front of him. She held his gaze with a half-smile, her cheeks tinged with the slightest hint of discomfort, discomfort he was sure he could match and raise. It took another second before he realized she was waiting for him to respond. He caught his breath and spoke in a mad rush. ‘I felt it was time we met in person about the executive assistant position. Can I get you a towel? I have an extra jacket if you’re chilled.’

‘Thanks, but I won’t melt, and I’m not cold. And if you don’t mind me dripping on the carpet, I have several more prospects for you to look at.’

He motioned her to follow him down the hall to his office. ‘After all you’ve done for Pneuma Inc in the past few years I think you’ve earned dripping privileges.’ He felt stupid the minute he’d said it, but it was out, and it got him the smile he’d hoped for. If she were angry at him for what had happened, if she felt in any way hurt or slighted, she hid it well. In fact she hid it a little better than he’d hoped. He’d hoped to get some idea of how she felt about him after … everything. If they were going to be working together, he needed to know if she harbored enough of a grudge to put cyanide in his coffee or set explosives off under his desk.

Amazon Links:

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

A Win-Win Deal — An Executive Decision Free!

Blog, New Releases, News, , , , , , ,

Ellison Thorne knows a good deal when he sees it and, no doubt, both he and Dee Henning would agree that a FREE download of the Kindle Version of An Executive Decision is a very good deal, indeed. Like most good deals, this one is time sensitive. Beginning October 10th through the 14th, you can download your copy and learn about Ellis and Dee’s secret weapon, which makes them the hottest business team around … in more ways than one.

Now’s the time to take advantage of this win-win deal and get a head start celebrating the anticipated November 1st print release with K D Grace and Grace Marshall. The deal’s on the table. Don’t miss the opportunity.

Blurb:

Sex in the contract – it’s the only way super-focused, over-worked CEO, Ellison Thorne, is ever going to get laid. That’s what his retiring business partner and secret match-maker, Beverly Neumann, thinks. She’s convinced no-strings, stress-free sex in certain employee contracts would raise productivity and minimize stress — perfect for a busy executive like Ellis. But she’s joking, right?

Enter her hand-picked replacement, Dee Henning. Young, hungry, gifted, Dee is the queen of no time for sex. When negotiations on a major project break down, and Dee and Ellis end up in each other’s arms, the Executive Sex Clause suddenly becomes more than a joke. In fact hot executive sex just might be the ultimate secret weapon for success. But secrets seldom remain secret, and Dee and Ellis soon learn there’s no such thing as no-strings where the heart is concerned.

Excerpt:

Ellis,

Just an addendum to the conversation we had earlier about Dee Henning. Before I lose contact with all things Pneuma Inc to bask in blissful solitude of the rainforest, I want to make it clear how I feel. I’ve already told you she’s perfect for the position. And if you were ever going to implement the ESC, she’d be the one to do it with – that is if you’ve got the balls.

 Dee’s exactly what you need on all counts. I know you think she lacks experience, but trust me, with the right training, given half a chance, she’ll be brilliant. Hire her, Ellis. Implement the ESC. Trust me, it’s the perfect strategy, a secret weapon that could make Pneuma Inc even more successful than it already is.  And if anyone could do it, you could. Do this for me and I can retire and enjoy my dotage.

 And in case you’re planning to write this message off as a sign of dementia due to my advanced years, I plan to invite her for drinks after I get back from Brazil and feel her out about the position. Just so you know I’m serious.

                                                                        -Beverly      

Ellis shut the email, took off his glasses and stared for a long moment at the blurred screen. Beverly was always right, he reminded himself. Then he shoved his glasses back on, opened the manila envelope and took out the information Beverly had left him. It was true, the list of work experiences and skills were impressive, and in a couple of years, at the rate she was going, Dee would be his choice for the position, hands down. But it was too soon. She was so unprepared for what she’d be facing. How could she be otherwise under the circumstances? And she was untried. He’d be throwing her to the lions. But Beverly believed in her. He prayed she was right.

He found himself reading over the personal information again, the intimate details about her that he shouldn’t know, but did. He found her intriguing in quirky ways. A love child, parents never married, spending summers in Paris, defying her mother to study business at Harvard instead of pursuing a career in music. The notes were all in Beverly’s hand. He wondered why she thought he should know all these things. Personal lives should be kept personal. There was no room for them in the workplace. But then again, there was no room in the work place for what he had done with Dee eight weeks ago, in spite of Beverly’s Executive Sex Clause.

Maybe Dee would turn him down. There was a good possibility. And then what?  He hadn’t even looked at the other resumes. The only one he knew who was at least halfway qualified, certainly more technically qualified than Dee, was Tally Barnes, but that was a moot point now.  Ellis jumped as a crisp rap on the door broke into his silent reverie. He shoved Dee’s resume back in the envelope, straightened his tie and stood to greet her.

‘Lynn? Are you in here?’ Dee entered the conference room dripping wet, turning to shut the door behind her without looking up. ‘Sorry I’m so wet. It’s pouring out there. The garage was full so I had to park in the drowned-dog section, or be late, and I make it a point to never be …’ She stopped in mid-sentence, frozen to the wet spot she was now making on the carpet. ‘Ellis!  I’m so sorry. I just assumed I’d be meeting with your secretary again.’

The classic lines of her dark blue power suit caressed her curves a little less discretely than they might have otherwise done had it not been wet. The rain had rendered her blouse partially transparent – just enough to reveal the contours of lace beneath, and he knew from personal experience just how nice those contours were.

‘Lynn told me you’d be gone,’ she was saying. But he was having a hard time paying attention to her words. Rhinestone droplets of water clung to her lashes and tendrils of damp hair curled around her ears. For a second, he stood motionless, unable to take his eyes off the woman glistening in front of him. She held his gaze with a half-smile, her cheeks tinged with the slightest hint of discomfort, discomfort he was sure he could match and raise. It took another second before he realized she was waiting for him to respond. He caught his breath and spoke in a mad rush. ‘I felt it was time we met in person about the executive assistant position. Can I get you a towel? I have an extra jacket if you’re chilled.’

‘Thanks, but I won’t melt, and I’m not cold. And if you don’t mind me dripping on the carpet, I have several more prospects for you to look at.’

He motioned her to follow him down the hall to his office. ‘After all you’ve done for Pneuma Inc in the past few years I think you’ve earned dripping privileges.’ He felt stupid the minute he’d said it, but it was out, and it got him the smile he’d hoped for. If she were angry at him for what had happened, if she felt in any way hurt or slighted, she hid it well. In fact she hid it a little better than he’d hoped. He’d hoped to get some idea of how she felt about him after … everything. If they were going to be working together, he needed to know if she harbored enough of a grudge to put cyanide in his coffee or set explosives off under his desk.

Amazon Links:

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.com

Smut by the Sea, edited by Lucy Felthouse and Victoria Blisse

New Releases, , , , , , ,

Smut by the Sea

Light hearted, sexy fun by the sea is the theme of this erotic anthology, edited by Victoria Blisse and Lucy Felthouse.

From the sun soaked bays of Australia to the rainy coastal towns of England, Smut by the Sea has it all. Whatever your interpretation of naughty seaside fun, there’s something nestling between the covers for you. Surfer boys, sea creatures, pirates and the fairground abound in this exciting collection of stories from erotica’s finest authors.

 

eBook:

Amazon UK
Amazon US
All Romance eBooks
iBooks
Barnes & Noble

Print:

Amazon UK
Amazon US

Excerpt:

Dodging
By Lucy Felthouse

The thrum of anticipation had been rushing through my body ever since we’d set off that morning. By the time we passed the sign welcoming us to Hunstanton and made our way into the long stay car park, I was almost delirious with excitement. The worst part was, I had to hide it from my friends. As far as Sophia and Chloe were concerned, we’d just come for a nice, fun, girly day out at the seaside. They had no idea about my ulterior motive. And I didn’t intend to tell them. Until afterwards, maybe. I didn’t want to risk them ruining my master plan, or trying to talk me out of it.

So far, it seemed like everything was on our side. The traffic had been light, we’d got a parking space with no trouble, and the sun was shining. It was a perfect day, and I had every intention of putting a cherry on top of all that perfection. A very sexy cherry.

Sophia parked the car, then hopped out to go and get a parking ticket. Chloe and I got out too, stretching our limbs after being cooped up in the car for a couple of hours.

“So,” I said, tilting my head back to catch the rays of the sun on my face, “what’s the plan then?”

“I dunno,” Chloe replied. “I’ve never been here before, you have. What do you suggest?”

“Well, there’s the beach, obviously. There are amusement arcades, mini-golf, the Sealife Centre, a few shops, the old village…”

I deliberately didn’t mention the funfair. That was my destination, and I wanted to go alone.

Sophia rejoined us and put the ticket in the windscreen of the car. “Got everything, girls?”

Chloe and I nodded, and she checked for valuables before locking the doors. “So, do we know what we’re doing yet? I guess we’ll be led by you, Abigail, since you’ve been here before. Did you say you’d visited with your parents, or something?”

I moved away from the car and started to walk down towards the seafront, though purposely leading the girls in the opposite direction to the funfair. They followed without question.

I nodded. “Yeah. We used to come here all the time for family holidays when I was younger, but now we mostly come on day trips. We last came a month or so ago. I was just telling Chloe what there is to do. There’s the beach, amusement arcades, mini-golf, the Sealife Centre, a few shops, the old village…”

“Ooh,” Sophia said, doing a little jump, “I love mini-golf! Do you fancy a game of that before it gets too hot, then we’ll go from there?”

Chloe nodded her agreement, and I said, “I’ll take you there, ladies, but I can’t play.”

“Why the hell not?” Sophia asked. “It doesn’t matter if you’re crap. I’m crap at it too, it’s just a laugh.”

“No, it’s got nothing to do with being crap, Soph. I have a bad back and swinging a club around and doing all that bending is just going to make it worse.”

It was a blatant lie of course. There wasn’t a thing wrong with my back, and I was actually a little gutted not to be having a go on the best mini-golf course I’d ever played on, but missing out was a necessary evil if I was to go through with my devious plan. If it came off, then the result would be a great deal more fun than a round of mini-golf, anyway.

*****

Lucy Felthouse: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk

Victoria Blisse: http://www.victoriablisse.co.uk