& Moira Bianchi: dezembro 2017

segunda-feira, 25 de dezembro de 2017

Feliz Natal, Merry Christmas

Hohoho!
Silly greetings, but so appropriate!

This day, so very hot here in Rio - over 37°C - it's time to revisit all we lived this past year, count our blessings and lick our wounds. I've had my share of bad times this year and can't see 2018 arrive fast enough.

Good books and great stories came, many more will arrive next year - I'll dive more in historic fiction - but mostly I'd like to find peace.

Wouldn't you?

Merry today!



Feliz hoje!

quinta-feira, 14 de dezembro de 2017

9 ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously - chapter 4 _ PART II

hi, here I bring you the second half of the second dream.

It got too long, too many details so it'd be better to part so you could enjoy it slowly.

Temptation can be very sweet when you decide to indulge, Bertha dived in. 

But it can't go on indefinetly, can it?...



Nine ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously
WIP, modern (mostly), adult (you know me...), fun, fluff, heart healing stuff.
read PART I
or START from CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 4
II-Dressed to kill _ PART II

continuing from PART I
Friday night, Lizzy was dead tired from the work load she had accomplished and could only think about a long bubble bath before her bed. Warm water, peppermint scented gel, a glass of wine, low music on the mp3 and as she undressed she heard the new cell phone beep.


Good evening. Busy?

She smiled simply for receiving a text from the gorgeous William.


Hello. Just bushed. You?

Having a night cap. 
Would love a nude.
Can I have one?

Already inside the tub covered in bubbles, toes wiggling, she laughed reaching for a towel to clean up a bit and snapped a sexy picture of her shoulder, neck and part of her face, mouth in a pout.


Promising. What else can I get?

How about pay back?

You only had to ask, ma’am.

She called him immediately. “William!”

“I thought you’d wait until I sent the picture…”

“No, come on!...”

“Does it mean I won’t get a nude?”

“You saw me naked yesterday, not twenty-four hours ago!”

“Can’t I save you?”

“Yes, in your memory…”

The happy banter lasted until the wine was finished and the bubbles helped her body relax the busy day’s work load.

---

Backstage of a New York Fashion Week runway show was chaotic, especially for a small brand such as JaLee Bennett. It wasn’t their first show, but it certainly was their most important one.

After years of steady but humble success, Jane finally convinced Lizzy they needed an agent to help elevate their small business of deluxe party clothes in the map. Boosted by their agent’s revolutionary ideas, Jane – the creative mind – had put together a pristine bridal collection, their first. So, this show was their debut in many ways: not only they would be amongst the jet set of important designers  they would playing with the big guys, they’d have a full collection. 

And it was exactly for it that Lizzy was so uncomfortable.

She worked diligently to make the show a success, to keep the company working while her sister made sure the production went smoothly but the idea of exploding the small family business into a major company didn’t thrill her. It was unsettling, she was afraid she'd lose control of their child.

But the day had arrived and there they were, about to host a major runway show. Models paraded everywhere, a big makeup and hair team, their gowns hung in order they’d go on stage, photographers, even a small video maker crew producing a making of documentary.

‘Earth to Lizzy.’ Jane snapped her fingers in front of her sister’s face. ‘Hello?’

‘Everything will be fine, right?’ Lizzy blinked but her eyes didn’t focus on anything.

‘Yes, of course!’ Jane hugged her younger sister. ‘Look at us, hosting a Saturday evening runway show at New York Fashion Week! Yeah!’ She clapped happily.

‘Yeah!’

‘Five minutes everyone!’ The stage manager yelled.

‘I’m freaking out.’ Lizzy bit her lip.

‘If we can pull this out, we’ll be a big success; just like your t-shirt says and our life will be a lot different.’ Jane pointed at Lizzy’s chest.

She smiled down at the gift now embroidered in rhinestones. ‘I hope so.’

‘Here you are, girls!’ Charlotte the agent, ducked to avoid hitting a rack of black evening dresses. ‘Finally found you in all this madness!’ She grinned. ‘We have a full house, all our VIP guests have already arrived including the big stores. Pemberley’s guys are in the front row.’

Lizzy groaned, Jane clapped again.

‘Please, stop this simpleton thinking, Lizzy.’ Charlotte complained. ‘You have to have a retailer collection.’

‘Don’t see why. We do pretty well in small stores, they sell out before the season ends, our customers enjoy pre-ordering, they wait our releases.’

‘Imagine having these customers multiplied by thousands!’

‘Imagine our dresses copied by thousands, hung in stores across the country!’ Lizzy frowned.

‘Exactly!’ Both Jane and Charlotte said together.

‘One minute!’ The manager yelled. ‘Models line up! Sound check, light!’

‘Here we go.’ Lizzy sighed.

‘Break a leg, girls!’

‘Attention. Release intro video.’

It only lasted seven minutes, but it seemed like a lifetime to both sisters. In fact, they saw their small business’ life pass by them as each skinny model entered the runway in evening dresses until the last four ones wore the bridal collection. So much time and effort and love involved to make JaLee Bennett a sought after brand for party dresses.

‘You two are up next.’ The manager pointed to the runway door. ‘After the models.’

Lizzy and Jane nodded, held hands, took a deep breath. ‘Right.’

‘Still time to run away.’ Lizzy suggested.

‘Very funny.’ Jane squeezed her sister’s hand.

‘Go, go, go!...’

And then Lizzy had to blink to adjust her eyes to the blinding lights of the runway. When the audience saw the sisters behind the line of tall skinny models, the applause grew higher, the back rows even stood.

In their elation, very excited and nervous, the sisters saw a few familiar faces, suppliers, friends, crew members, famous people they knew from TV and social media, and many camera flashes.

At the end of the runway, the models stopped to let the sisters stand in the middle, there was a group hug and as they turned to return, Lizzy saw a very familiar face smiling brightly at her: William.

Gorgeous as ever, dark jacket without a tie, he stood when she passed. ‘Nice shirt.’ He mouthed.

She grinned and continued walking until they entered backstage in a daze. What a marvelous way to finish a great show, her lover witnessing her success before they met later that evening!...

Their agent arranged for a small cocktail party so the sisters could sweeten the most important guests, suppliers and potential clients. The models still took selfies in the evening dresses, threw the bridal bouquets and between champagne glasses, Lizzy was still amazed how it all had come up so well.

‘Lizzy!’ She heard her name. ‘Here!’ It was Charlotte waving from the other side of the backstage where she had Jane talking to other people.

Lizzy maneuvered her way down the crowd, stopped here and there to receive congratulations and pose for selfies until she finally arrived close to her sister. But then, someone else called her and she turned to exchange a few words with one of their oldest seamstresses.

‘I know that the other sister is the problem, I don’t want to waste time taming a shrew in a place like this.’ A deep familiar voice said with contempt.

‘Oh, yes, cheap warm champagne and a crowd of models.’ A woman snorted. ‘But if anyone can get us this deal, it is you, Darcy. You’ve done this before, difficult designers. Find a way to deal with her.’

‘I wouldn’t mind the models if I knew they weren’t underaged.’ Another man, more congenial. ‘But the designer sister, Jane, seems to like our pitch.’

‘There must be a way around the little shrew.’ The familiar voice said with amusement.

Lizzy felt her insides turn, the champagne she had been sipping was dangerously threatening to return.

She took a series to deep breaths to gather courage and approach the conversation.

‘Ah, Lizzy!’ Charlotte grinned. ‘Finally, let me introduce you to very important people right there…’ They took a few steps together. ‘This is Lizzy Bennett, the Lee in JaLee, she manages everything from marketing to supply chain. This is the brain, really.’ A chuckle. ‘These beautiful people are the head of Pemberley’s in person. William Darcy, CEO; Charles Bingley, Marketing; Caroline Netherfield, Purchases. They loved the show and want to have JaLee Bennett in their stores.’

‘All over the nation.’ Bingley balanced on the balls of his feet. ‘We’ve been trying to close a deal with you for a while.’

‘I know.’ Lizzy pressed her eyes at Darcy who kept his eyes at her too.

‘Congratulations, it was a great show.’

‘Thank you.’

‘I missed more red, though. I think I’ve seen beautiful red models from your label.’

She blushed. ‘One can get mistaken sometimes.’

‘I don’t.’

Bingley was still smiling. ‘Maybe we can schedule a meeting for Monday afternoon?’

‘That sounds great, right, Lizzy?’ Jane forced a smile sensing by Lizzy’s expression it wouldn’t be easy to convince her sister.

A slow shake of head was all the answer they got before Lizzy was called to record an interview for the documentary.


Almost ten thirty and Darcy paced the hotel suite feeling caged. He was anxious to meet Lizzy, to congratulate her one more time for her success – this time much more intimately - and for the happy coincidence of her being the very brand they wanted to acquire.

When he finally heard the knocking on the door, he was starting to fear she’d stand him up. ‘Hello, babe.’

Lizzy had her eyebrows knitted together, lips pressed. ‘Hi.’

‘Party lasted this long?’

A deep sigh. ‘Had to cool down before facing you.’

‘Are you ok?’

She entered the suite, put her tote over the table and hug her waist. ‘This shrew is not going to waste your time, Mr. Darcy.’

‘Huh?’

‘What were you doing there?’

‘Where?

‘Don’t play silly with me, don’t waste my time.’

Shrew. Could she have heard what he said to avoid Caroline’s interest on his attention? ‘I was watching a runway show of a budding label we’d like to have in our stores.’

‘Is that why you talked to me six months ago in that textiles & garment convention?’

He tilted his head like a puppy. ‘No. You talked to me at the hotel bar after the convention because there was mutual attraction.’

‘You knew who I was; it was just a game to you.’

‘I found out you own JaLee Bennett a few hours ago.’

‘Please, be real.’

‘Lizzy.’

‘I almost didn’t come here today.’ She groaned. ‘I feel such a fool, urgh! Why would you do such a thing? You’re a major company, you sell deluxe items, my brand is so small… It can’t mean that much!’ She turned away from him, saw the bed prepared to host their encounter, wine and two glasses, felt her insides melt for the night she wouldn’t have with that man. ‘William, that was too low.’

‘You accuse me of… Seducing you? Is that it?’

‘Tell me you didn’t.’

‘I never mix work and pleasure.’

Her eyes showed her anger. ‘You seemed to enjoy yourself when we were together.’

‘Don’t go there.’ His voice grew fiercer; she had gotten under his skin. ‘We both enjoyed ourselves; I don’t recall you having much modesty with me.’ It was a match of angered and hurt hearts. ‘I never mix work with my personal life.’

‘Except…’

‘Never is never. It was a surprise for me to see you walk down that runway today. If I knew I’d have found a way to reach out with a business proposal outside our bed before.’ He was serious. ‘But I’d still want to meet you for sex. It’d be great to know how to reach you when your phone is off line.’ 

‘For sex’ hit her hard. Surely that was what they had, casual sex, but… ‘Of course you would.’

‘Why are you weird, babe?’

Her shoulders raised high. ‘Am I not a shrew?’

‘You heard me.’ He passed a hand over his hair. ‘Let me explain. People noticed my attention on you, I’m usually more discreet and don’t like to be talked about.’

‘So you made fun of me.’

‘You are known as the difficult sister in your company, babe. Jane is the designer who wants to make it international, you are the manager who wants to keep it small.’

‘I want to keep it exclusive!’ Her voice grew higher. ‘What I want to avoid my customer arriving in a party to find another woman with the same dress, that’s awful. That is why women crave JaLee.’

‘That won’t happen if you sell in my stores.’

‘Of course it will. You have hundreds of mega stores across the country, outlets, you sell online… We’d have to produce a lot more – wait, why am I discussing this with you? It’s like déjà vu.’

He took a deep calming breath. She was there inside the hotel suite with him, cheeks flushed and shining eyes, the t-shirt he had bought her as a joke all embroidered in rhinestones, tight fancy jeans and high heeled sandals. ‘Let’s not fight, babe. It was a happy coincidence, that’s all. We met by chance while someone else in my company started conversations with yours.’

Lizzy shook her head. ‘It’s not so simple.’

‘Why not?’

‘For you we’re just another brick in the wall, but it’s our life. And even if you were the last man on Earth, even being so gorgeous and perfect, even so, I wouldn’t be prevailed upon to keep meeting you.’

‘A bit exaggerated.’

‘To you, maybe. To me, no.’ She reached for her tote hoping he would hold her arm on the way to the door, but he didn’t make any move to stop her from leaving.

---

Lizzy did keep using the cell phone Darcy gave her knowing the second SIM card wouldn’t get any calls, but deep down she hoped for it.

Her heart was broken. Although she didn’t want to have a boyfriend, even one as gorgeous and lovely and sexy as he was, knowing he got close for business reasons hurt her pride.

The few times they met had been so sensual, so naughty. Because they didn’t have any close relationship, she could experiment in foreplay, allow her libido a few liberties she wouldn’t have with a regular guy. And he moved along, played and had fun.

Did he?

The doubt ruined everything now, the memories and the possibilities. If until then they weren’t an item, from that point it was clear they would never be.


Six months later, it was time for the textiles & garment convention again, only this year JaLee Bennett would take the stage instead of just watch the show from the corners.

Invited to lead an innovative program of exclusive ateliers inside huge department stores, the small designers’ party dresses brand was supposed to take part in a pocket runway show during the opening VIP party for special investors.

It had a tangy flavor for Lizzy because although it was an exceptionally great opportunity for a small business like hers, it was connected to her ex-lover. She had tried to negotiate a contract in which her brand wouldn’t be included in his stores, but some clauses were unmovable. Still, being inside his houses almost seemed like spying...

With all the pre-show preparations, as most of the creation was her sister’s job, Lizzy had a chance to socialize with the other designer’s crew. To all of them, the new atelier program seemed very exciting because although it kept the exclusivity of the brands and dresses, the items could reach hundreds of new customers throughout the country.

Blinding lights, loud music, beautiful models, the runway show was incredible. The party afterwards, amazing. The several congratulations and invitations to new deals, exciting. 

And in all that, Lizzy’s mind was constantly travelling back to a year before when she met the handsome man and they started the casual relationship – no, the best relationship she had had so far. To be honest, it could have been a great long-term relationship if things had been different, if he hadn’t duped her…

Wandering around the beautiful party, she tried to get interested in a supplier display, another had a cute girl handing folders, a few steps ahead there was a lounge where another cute girl invited people to discover the new experience in department store shopping.

Lizzy smiled, sipped her champagne, entered the dark maze of lighted wall arts explaining exactly what the JaLee Bennett ateliers were doing, and then suddenly she heard his voice, Darcy’s. With her heart speeding, she walked around the maze wall and saw him on the screen saying how this new exclusive type of shopping was revolutionary.

“A woman can enter Pemberley’s, or Macy’s, or Sack’s and commission a dress for an important party from one of our exclusive brands.” He motioned to the designs on the table in front of him. “Here I have Jalee Bennett’s collection for cocktail dresses from which the client can choose and then pick a pre-selected fabric. All accessories such as shoes, make-up, jewelry, everything is also pre-selected for each model but the store has many other choices. When the client returns for her first fitting session, she can already see herself with all her selections, make all the arrangements. It’s time-saving and the designer has control of the final look.”

She was mesmerized; he was gorgeous on camera too.

‘I must have said it right, you’re smiling.’

On screen, he was busy arranging racks on the store with employees, but his voice was clear in her ear. He couldn’t… Lizzy turned around. ‘Will!’

‘Thank you for accepting Pemberley’s offer for the JaLee Bennet ateliers.’

‘It is an amazing program.’

‘Exclusive as you wanted.’

‘Did you agree to join it because of what I said that day?’ She felt her cheeks warm up. ‘I was a little out of line…’

‘I created the program for you.’

She could only blink.

‘You were right, I was near-sighted. Of course, the beauty in what you do is exclusivity. But I can’t-’ He stopped to choose words and put his hands in his pants’ pockets. ‘I don’t want you far. Your terms, your rules, I abide to them.’

‘Sorry, I don’t understand.’

‘Would you want to have dinner with me, tonight? A regular date?’ He checked his watch. ‘It’s still early.’

Lizzy looked at her nude cocktail dress of fluffy skirt and embroidered top with hundreds of wine colored flowers. ‘Can’t think where this would fit.’

He smiled sideways. ‘I’m a huge JaLee Bennett fan.’

She gave back the smile. ‘My sister insisted I used this dress. The nude is exactly my skin tone and the flowers…’

‘Seem to be glued to your chest and arms.’ He said. ‘The most beautiful dress you brought to the runway tonight.’

‘I wasn’t on the runway.’

‘I didn’t notice any other.’

She lowered her eyes thinking if there was a point in postponing what she wanted so much. ‘I’d love to have dinner with you.’

He smiled. ‘Can we go now? I mean, can you leave?’

‘I suppose so, yes.’ She nodded.


At the charming intimate restaurant, side by side around the small table, they were both a little self-conscious trying to make conversation. It had been months since they had last been together and never had been awkwardness between them.

Anxious to explain herself, moved by guilt and longing, Lizzy leaned forward entwining her fingers over the table.

‘I feel I need to apologize to you.’ She waited his reaction. ‘After the Fashion Week runway show, I was very keyed up. Things seemed very... Ardent. It was such a surprise to see you in the front row.’ She smiled, he smiled back. ‘If you were there for me, somehow you cared enough to find out I had that show, it felt great.’ She wrinkled her nose. ‘I know, very girly.’

He chuckled. ‘Believe me, Lizzy, it was a coincidence.’ 

‘I realized that.’ She nodded

He leaned a bit closer. ‘If I knew it was your company, I gladly would have been there for you but I simply had a business appointment.’ 

She leaned farther from him with her mouth in a sad frown. ‘Can’t say it was easy, William, but I realize that the profit JaLee could bring Pemberley would never be big enough for you to do that much. You’d have to get involved with a lot of people to make your business grow.’

‘That’s preposterous.’

‘I know. I’m sorry. And I hated you for making me even consider it. And hated myself for feeling so bad about who you invite to your bed. Then hated you more for making me so jealous.’

‘That’s a lot of hatred.’ He raised an eyebrow, side smile on his face. ‘It seems you spent a lot of time worried about my bed.’

A sad sigh. ‘Awfully long time.’

‘I’m glad.’ His smile grew. 

She frowned. ‘No need to gloat, your ears may have burned on occasion. I cursed many of your generations.’

He chuckled. ‘Didn’t bother me.’

‘Silly me, then.’ She rolled her shoulders. ‘Wasting my time when you had your mind somewhere else.’

‘Near you, my mind was always trying to find ways to mend the bridge between us.’ He held her eyes. ‘If I knew you were inclined to accept me anywhere close, I’d have tried to reach you. What you said about exclusivity each time made more sense for me in every way, in business, in our relationship.’ His big hand opened over the table in a silent invitation and she held it. ‘As I said before, I’ll abide to your rules, especially if those will grant me access to your bed. ‘

A smile. ‘You’re offering me exclusivity?’

‘I’m asking for it.’

‘In business or?...’

‘Every night I wished you were alone too, or that I were the one with you; jealously bit us both.’ He teased, she blushed. ‘Once this try-out season ends, if JaLee Bennet decides to sign ateliers contracts exclusively with Pemberley instead of the big three stores, it’ll have deluxe prerogatives.’

‘Oh, wow!’ She pressed her fingers against his.

The waiter with fancy menus distracted them and Lizzy couldn’t help but chuckle. ‘For once, we’ll dine here in public?’

‘Like normal people.’ He answered ironically. ‘I considered calling you many time, to invite for this normal people date.’

She nodded, eyes on the trout stuffed with crab. ‘The extra SIM card was always on line.’

‘But you never called, nor texted.’

‘I considered-’ The waiter arrived to take their orders, she nodded smiling and leaned for a whisper. ‘You could say you tamed the shrew.’

Darcy pressed his lips, shook his head but waited until they had finished ordering and the waiter had left.  Then he raised their entwined hands for a kiss on her fingers. ‘Sorry again for saying such a thing and for you having to hear that. The silliness about taming the lovely shrew could be said, yes, but I don’t think people care that much about who I date.’

‘You’re the boss.’

‘As long as the company is healthy, that’s all they care.’

Lizzy pulled a sassy face. ‘Such a handsome boss... Of course all women care who you date!’

Darcy leaned to steal a sweet fast kiss. ‘I want to date the JaLee Bennett brain, the girl who wears the prettiest dresses that could be on the runways.’ His nose lingered close to her skin. ‘But I’m glad she doesn’t and I’m the lucky one to appreciate.’

‘Thanks.’ She twisted her neck a little to steal one more small kiss. ‘This teasing and my shoes killing my feet... We’d better behave or else we’ll have to order in again.’

‘Let me take care of your feet.’ One of his hands found her knee over the delicate dress, she trembled, he chuckled and caressed down her leg. ‘Come on, give it to me.’

‘Really?’ She blinked leaning away for balance as her sore feet left the murdering shoes. ‘That’s pretty erotic...’

‘We’re no strangers to erotic massages, Babe. ‘

She had to lock her knees when his big hands touched her foot, her eyes almost rolled upwards. ‘Don’t do that...’

‘What?...’ He knew what it was, guessed what she felt and tried the long stroke again. Her foot over his knee under the table, in the middle of the crowded restaurant, it seemed so sexy they were both on edge.

If their food was excellent or just fine, they couldn’t say, their mind was filled with erotic promises.

‘Can I choose a hotel here nearby?’ She asked in a groan as her feet slipped in the shoes again after dinner. ‘I’d rather not go far.’

‘A car will take us home.’

Her head turned to him immediately.

‘I want to take you to my place. Would you like to go? I can lend you loafers.’ He chuckled. ‘And PJs.’ She raised her brows. ‘Actually, I feel very confused because I miss seeing you naked but you look so gorgeous in this dress I can’t seem to decide.’ 

‘Is home too far?’ She wouldn’t last long after such a delicious confusion in such a gorgeous man.

‘A cab can get us here at the door and at home you’ll just have to walk down the lobby.’ She was still uncertain. ‘I can carry you, babe.’

‘I can walk. I think.’

Lizzy managed to walk with dignity out of the restaurant and inside his posh lobby where he introduced her to the uniformed doorman.

‘Miss Bennett will be my frequent guest.’ 

But once they were safe inside the elevator, she took off the shoes. ‘Oh, dear! Look at these blisters!’ She winced.

Darcy held her calf and caressed from shin to toes. ‘I’ll take care of you.’

‘You’ll kill me, that’s what you mean.’

He chuckled. ‘I might, but in a good way...’ A promise or warning such as that whispered close to the collarbone right before a sweet kiss was indeed mortal. 

‘Now I have to attack you.’ She hugged his neck and rose on her toes to reach his lips.

‘We have enough cameras here to host a reality TV show, babe.’ He regretted having to curb her passion. ‘Let’s wait just until we’re safe inside.’

By the time they entered his spacious apartment, she was impatient; he was burning, ready for the kiss Lizzy craved to give him.

‘I have something on my mind since I saw you earlier this evening.’

‘Can it wait?’

‘Huh-huh.’ His hands were on her butt and lower back pressing her against him. ‘I hoped you’d be in red, but I underestimated your sister’s talent. You look stunning, naked with flowers glued to your chest.’

‘Nude fabric.’ She leaned away from him to pinch the sheer filmy mesh.

‘Perfect, a perfect fit.’ His big hand caressed the curve of her shoulder, then outlined a breast and rested on her waist. ‘And the whole night I kept wandering if you had any bra on.’

‘Yes!’ She giggled.

‘Can you take it off keeping the dress on?’

She blushed. ‘If you help with the zipper.’ With a small twist, she pointed at her back.

Almost salivating as a big bad wolf, he pushed her hair aside and lowered the zipper until the bra hooks appeared. Her deft fingers worked quickly and soon the strapless skin color lingerie slipped out of the dress. A big smile took Darcy’s face as he zipped her up again. When she turned to him, her chest was much the same but the lovely breasts looked rounder. ‘So beautiful.’ He breathed.

The tight hug from the door carried them to the dining room where he put her on the table and reached inside the fluffy skirts to take off her panties.

‘Oh, wow!’ She resisted locking her knees, insides melting. ‘Am I desert?’

He nodded taking a chair to sit. ‘I’m very hungry, babe.’ His eyes were intent on her knees, she blushed furiously, he licked his lips preparing to taste again the sweet flower she had.

‘Oh, wow...’ With a deep sigh she willed herself to relax and enjoy the exquisite pleasure awaiting her.


Sprawled naked over the nice bushy living room rug, she stretched and sighed contently. He smiled. Moving any other muscle would take a few more minutes of energy gathering.

‘I’m hungry.’ She said. ‘How about you?’

‘I could eat.’ He answered. ‘You. Again.’

‘Oh, good heavens, yes, please.’ She begged, he chuckled. ‘Thank heavens for your appetite and skills.’ In a moment she was flat over him. ‘You are a master.’

‘Only because you’re a delicacy.’

‘So naughty.’ She dived in for a kiss. ‘I’m thinking of a very naughty thing to do.’

‘Give me just a few more minutes to rest.’ His fingertips traveled up her back from buttocks to shoulders.

She twitched. ‘That’s nice, this teasing.’

‘In a few moments won’t be a tease any more...’

‘Mmmm...’ Shhe moaned on his lips. ‘I’m thinking about calling you.’ She bit his lower lip. ‘From my regular number.’ Both brows raised. ‘So the extra SIM card can be discarded.’

‘How brave of you!’

‘If you’re gonna mock me...’

‘Boyfriends are allowed to make fun of each other.’

‘And that’s what we’ll be?’

‘Aren’t we? Real cellular numbers, real identities, business partners, exclusives...’

‘I guess.’

‘Every time you’re in town, you’ll stay here with me. ‘

‘Oh, wow, that’s huge... Way bigger than official phone number. ‘

‘You can have this between business meetings.’ He wiggled his brows.

‘This is pretty nice.’ She wiggled her naked hips against his and giggled as he moaned. ‘Let’s have French toast before we decide to have each other for supper?’

‘Can’t we have that for breakfast?’ He complained watching as she got to her knees in all her naked glory. 

She tried to curb the small smug smile. ‘Are you inviting me to spend the night?’

‘Did you intend not to?’ He reciprocated the smile. ‘This lovely grin you do is very sexy.’ A stolen kiss on the corner of her lips. ‘Why do I deserve it?’

Lizzy raised her shoulders. ‘Can't help it... You're hot, it's very flattering to know you want me as much as I want you.’

Darcy pressed his eyes, scratched his chin. ‘I think we should have coffee now, so we make sure we’ll be up the rest of the night.’

A giggle to dissolve the thrill running through her body. ‘I like French toast, am good at it. I promise, you’ll like the ones I make. Come, help me find ingredients.’ She offered her hand, he took it and as he stood, they carried the kiss to the big kitchen.

‘Eggs and milk in the fridge, obviously.’ She said happily. ‘Bread in the cupboard?’ Before he could answer, Lizzy opened doors and found several types of mugs. ‘Oh, how sweet! A collection! I have one just like this, black with wings-’

---


boomerangazart
Slow blinking brought Bertha back to her room, the white ceiling with the old lamp, the shades a little loose at the left corner, the TV high on the wall, the book case; and her eyes adjusted to her domain. Oh, damn! That had been a very vivid dream!...

She was assertive, sexy, strong willed.

What a pity she woke up.

Bertha turned on her side and tried to fall asleep again, but the belladama effect was gone, it had worn off. 

How could she work herself to be that woman with that life conquering that confidence to carry a casual relationship with that kind of man?

Maybe she could start with the easy part: dieting and running... In the dream she was fit, looked damned good in tight panties.

And her sister? So talented!


Shannon Hager
During her long shower, Bertha decided to call her sister Janet to just, mmm, chat.




sexta-feira, 8 de dezembro de 2017

9 ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously - chapter 4 _ PART I

hi, there.

What can be said about temptation? A lot, right?

In this story, Bertha suffers with good tempting - who could resist the elation of tasting an alternative life?

She did indulge. Again.


Nine ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously
WIP, modern (mostly), adult (you know me...), fun, fluff, heart healing stuff.
read chapter 3

CHAPTER 4
II-Dressed to kill _ PART I

And then it passed a whole month since Bertha had tried the belladama tea. Sometimes she even forgot about the thing for entire ten minutes straight... But, damn, the remembrance of how real it felt kept looping in her mind.

Every night she eyed the big winged mug with the little one hidden inside and the leaves bag jammed between them thinking it couldn’t really be witchcraft. Could it? But Lottie said…

‘Oh, forget about it!’ Bertha shook her head.

‘What did you say?’ Her friend at the Met gourmet candy shop popped her head from the back of the counter.

‘Nothing.’ Bertha smiled. ‘Just talking to myself. Tonight is our big night, right? Finally the ballet will have the opening it deserves…’

‘Oh, yes! Who could have said a simple play about a genius choreographer would need to drag a fight in court to guarantee its right to be performed?’ The girl snorted. ‘And the Traditionalists committee could at least have had the decency to admit it was because the guy was gay.’

‘It was outrageous, a shame to all of us!’

They chatted about the big night, the play, the deceased choreographer, the prejudice, the laws and even about the candy they would be selling, but Bertha kept wondering if the man would show up that night.

If he did, would he notice her like in a fairy tale?

Would the man bring a date?

Would this date be someone like her?

Would her heart break when she saw him with someone else?

Would he even recognize her- wait: how could he? The man wasn't even real, only existed in her dream, not the other way around.

Bertha sighed miserably. It would be a long night.

Long hours standing, sore feet, frustrated heart and Chinese takeout. Bertha was finally home after her shift, eating mechanically while convincing herself not to take the tea again.

Black bean sauce chicken tasted like cardboard because her mind was otherwise engaged in a battle of reason against will. In the end, belladama tea won.

Bertha put down the half eaten Chinese food box, hopped to her bedroom and returned to the living room with the black winged mug. Just as her friend Lottie had explained, she boiled water, filled the smaller cup, added a pinch of leaves, covered and went for a long relaxing shower. Then returned to sieve the magical elixir feeling her heart skip a beat exactly like before a date.

And there it was, the moment she sipped gingerly. With a small smile, holding the small winged espresso cup with care she put away the food, locked everything, turned off the lights and walked slowly to her bed.

There she fluffed the covers, sipped a little more, visited the bathroom, arranged her tired body comfortably over her mattress, finished the tea, sighed and waited.

A few minutes later, she yawned.

Then another, another… And she was asleep.


Merrytown had a busy Tuesday morning that week, the city square was very similar to a bee hive. Cars honking and people moving in all directions going about their business, bikes and cardboard boxes and small delivery trucks.

She knew at least a third of this frenzy was because of her, it felt exhilarating; but what made her heart race at that specific moment was the simple action of changing SIM cards on her cell phone.
istock

Alone – as alone as one could be in a small town's only square at eleven AM in a busy sunny week day – Lizzy sat at a bench under a big tree, opened her purse to fetch a hidden wallet where she kept the extra SIM card, turned down her cell phone, opened the device, made the change, turned the thing back on. By then, she was breathless.

As soon as it came back to life, she got notices:


You have two answered calls

You have three text messages

You have two voice mails

With a smile, she bit her lip and made the call she wanted to, the reason for all the exitement she felt. There was no doubt who those missed contacts were from.

One ring, two, three-

“Lizzy!”

“Hi, William!”

“How are you, babe?”

“Fine, missing you!”

“Me, too.”

“Is everything ok? I mean, are you-”

“I’m great.”

“Good…” She smiled at her shoes. “Listen, I’m gonna be in town this weekend… Would you be free, say… Thursday?”

There was silence for a few seconds, she could hear leaves turning.

“What time do you want me, babe?”

She chuckled. “I’ll have boring stuff to solve all day, so maybe only after seven… Is it ok?”

“Perfect! Where do I meet you?”

“I have no idea, William…”

“Let me choose?”

“You know I trust you completely.”

She heard his chuckle this time. “It’s so good to hear your voice, Lizzy. So long since last time...”

“Yes…” She bit her lip. “Listen, I got to go now, but let me know where should I go.”

“No, you let me know where to meet you.”

“Ah, oh…” She stammered. “We agreed not to do that, remember? Get too close? We’re casual.”

“Where will you be, Lizzy?” He challenged.

“Just tell me where should I meet you.” She shook her head. “I really miss spending time with you, William.”

“Likewise.” He was chuckling. “I miss you too. See you in two days, babe. Bye.”

She disconnected and waited smiling for a few moments. Sometimes he called right back to say sweet nothings, little tidbits of naughty stuff she loved to hear but a whole minute later, as the phone was still dead, she turned it off to switch back to her official SIM card. If Lizzy had waited half a minute more, she would have had the pleasure to get a very lovely call.

Back at her offices in the old fire station, things were chaotic, there was a world of things to be done until the next day when Lizzy and her sister would have to take their small family company to New York to face the biggest adventure they had had so far.


It rained a bit, but she was so excited that it didn’t matter. The Uber lady left her in front of the hotel he said he’d be waiting, Lizzy was confident she looked fine, had had a few drinks at the party she had been that afternoon… She was ready to roll.

As soon as she stepped into the foyer, she saw him looking as good as ever. Tall, dark and handsome, the man was leaning against the wall under the light of a planter, dark pants and light shirt with his jacket draped on his arm, casually waiting for her. A lazy smile stretching a chin strap beard with mustache – that was new! It made him look younger…

As soon as she stepped into the foyer, he saw her looking as good as ever. Lovely curves inside a lovely shimmering one shoulder red long party dress, those beautiful legs showing through the tasteful high slit when she took steps towards him, feet in nude high heels, big smile and shining eyes. To him it always felt like winning the lottery when he called and got her instead of voice mail like that afternoon when he offered two choices: the Park’s Boat house restaurant of the Hotel penthouse Restaurant. “Let’s be practical, William.” She said. He had loved that. In fact, he loved most of everything about her.

‘Hello, there.’ Lizzy said when she was close. ‘Do I know you?’

‘I hope so.’ Darcy’s smile grew on his lips. ‘Or else I’d turn this hotel around to find an opportunity to introduce myself to you.’

‘This beard is so cool!’ She rose on tiptoes to kiss his cheek leaning a hand on his arm and felt his hand on her waist. ‘I loved it, you look younger.’

‘I’m glad you do.’ He returned the kiss to her cheek. ‘You look absolutely stunning.’

‘Thanks.’ She blushed almost the color of her dress. ‘We had this party this afternoon, it was a bit over the top but we simply had to go. And when you suggested the Boat house I thought about returning home to change, it’d be so unpractical…’

‘Ah.’ He pressed his lips. That was practicality. ‘Shall we?’ He motioned to the elevators with a hand, the other still on her waist.

‘Did I make you wait for long?’ Lizzy blinked unable to shake the elation of finally being close to that man again, he was gorgeous. ‘I had to come up with an excuse to escape the party before it ended.’

He shook his head. ‘I had just arrived.’

‘Did you come directly from work?’ She pointed at his jacket folded over his arm, he nodded. ‘We could have made other plans if this is a bad time for you.’

‘Not at all.’ He assured her, pushed the card in the elevator’s slot and pressed ‘penthouse’.

‘You really meant dinner.’ She smiled sideways and took a step aside. ‘Oh, William, I’m sorry.’ She bit her lip and controlled her frustration. ‘If I knew you had someone now or-’


Before she could finish, he pressed her against the back of the steel cubicle. ‘Do you prefer room service?’ He whispered on her lips before the devilish tease of a kiss.

‘Yes, please.’ She breathed.

Barely turning his head, he stretched one arm to press ‘12’ and returned to hug her tight, a hand holding a butt cheek, the other her neck. ‘Who cares about food?’

‘Not me.’

‘I won’t let you worry about food or anything else besides me for a few hours, babe.’

‘Good.’

‘Yes, good.’ He mumbled in her mouth already opened to receive the kiss he’d give her, but it was a short one because they arrived at their floor.

‘I hope there aren’t any cameras here.’

‘I bet there are.’ He chuckled giving her his jacket in case she wanted to cover her head as they searched for the 1201 suite.

It didn’t matter much if it was big or luxurious, what in fact it was, they didn't even admire the view. Hungry mouths and avid hearts kept them glued from the moment the door closed with a heavy thud.

‘We’re going too fast, don’t you think?...’ She breathed on his neck trying hard to keep on her toes, fingers holding his shoulder for balance.

‘Months waiting, Lizzy. We’re actually going pretty slow.’ He kissed his way down her neck pushing the single strap her dress had down her shoulder.

When it stuck, she took a step back for balance, put down his jacket in a nearby chair and opened the concealed side zipper. Then smiled as he smiled helping the dress off her.

Darcy smiled both to see the pretty woman only in her small underwear and to make sure what he guessed when she arrived: the dress had a good label. ‘JaLee Bennett.’ He said tossing the red dress over his jacket.

‘How much do you know about women's clothes, William?’

‘Enough to say this label is perfect for you.’ He got her by the waist with both hands, sat her over the table and stood between her legs. ‘In fact, you are perfect.’ A deep kiss as she scooted to the edge to rub against him. ‘Too perfect for me.’

‘Am not.’ She bit his beard putting her thumb in his mouth. ‘But you have too many clothes on, I love to see you naked…’

His hands that were busy on her breasts over her strapless bra, moved to take off his shirt and he smiled holding her thumb between his teeth when she held the volume in his pants. In no more than a minute they were both barefoot and dressed only in their underwear.

He took her finger from his mouth and bit her ear. ‘That’s how you like me, only enough covered to take off as you taste.’ The devilish smiled returned to his lips as he felt on her trembled more than saw her reaction to his whispered words. ‘I know you’re ruining this new underwear you bought just for me, aren’t you?’ She nodded. ‘I like you naked.’ He leaned both hands on her sides on the tabletop, making a huge effort to resist touching her butt and keeping the act. ‘Do it, babe. Now.’

And then he had her naked, ready, eager, all over him. Darcy didn’t even see how Lizzy pushed him to fall on top of the big bed.


A few hours later, he blinked lazily. ‘I say shrimp.’

‘Ok…’ She conceded.

‘Champagne?’ He offered.

‘How about…’ Her voice sounded close to his chest. ‘Wine? Red?’

He trembled with a kiss on his chest, dangerously to the left of one of his nipples. ‘Better white.’

‘Can’t you indulge me and have red?...’

He had a heavy wet face towel folded over his eyes, arms behind his head forbidden to touch the absolutely gorgeous and naked woman straddling him in their naughty game where he pretended to be bonded, how could he not indulge her in anything else? ‘I’d rather have white.’ He insisted. 'Please.'

‘You’ll have red.’ Her voice was stronger now. ‘And that’s final.’ An order.

Aroused beyond resistance, he turned them and as she yelped he easily connected. They fitted so well together, it was a pity they only met casually and sporadically.

‘Oh!’ Lizzy complained. ‘Oh!...’ ‘She moaned.

‘Yes…’ He agreed moving fast at first, then slowly to savor the moment. ‘Oh, so fine.’

They chuckled together.


More than an hour later, over the late dinner of linguini and shrimp with red wine, they discussed spending the night together, but she would have a busy weekend ahead.

‘At least tomorrow night?’ He asked.

She shook her head, mouth full. ‘Saturday night, can you?’

‘Maybe, later than we met today.’

‘Me too. Nine? Maybe ten.’

He nodded. ‘Ten, and we spend the night.’

With a small smug smile of someone thrilled to be wanted by such a handsome man, she nodded. ‘Deal.’

‘Deal.’

‘I have something for you.’ He reached his jacked under her dress and took a small packet from each pocket, she giggled. ‘A bit jammed, I know.’

With a happy little smile, Lizzy opened one to find a simple black t-shirt, the ones tourists love to buy. ‘Success?’ It had the capital letters printed in bold white right on the chest.

‘You said big business meetings waited you here this weekend, so.’ He shrugged.

She giggled more, leaned over the table and kissed his hand holding the wine glass. ‘Thanks, William. And the other?’

‘For me, actually.’

‘Naughty?’ She raised an eyebrow to the little box inside a black plastic bag.

‘Can be.’ He grinned watching her fine eyes intent on her delicate fingers opening the packet. ‘Hope you’ll send me plenty of nudes.’

‘A cell phone?’ Lizzy blushed. ‘Expensive, huh?’

‘Not really, but it takes two SIM cards.’ He kept a serious face. ‘This afternoon it was great to be able to talk to you when I called, babe; I had to get the voice mail you never answer. And today you said ‘I had your SIM card on’ so, this way you can always have me on line.’

‘We agreed to be casual…’

‘Casuals can keep touch. Or not?’ He put down his fork. 

'Sure, but-'

‘You'd rather only can call me whenever you’re horny.’

She laughed. ‘That’s not it!’

He raised an eyebrow in challenge.

‘Ok.’ She gave in. ‘Fine, I accept the gift. But if you cling-’

‘You’re so full of yourself…’ He shook his head. 'I bet you'll be the one to text me all the time.'


‘Oh, shut up.’


segunda-feira, 4 de dezembro de 2017

9 ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously - chapter 3

hello,
So, Bertha needed a few days to digest her first Belladama trip. It was quite intense for her. What did you think?

Could it be witchcraft or just wishful thinking? Was it her heart speaking or destiny barging in?...

Enough with speculations, let's move along.


Nine ways to live Pride and Prejudiciously
WIP, modern (mostly), adult (you know me...), fun, fluff, heart healing stuff.
read chapter 2
or START from CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 3
I just called, to say...

'Here you go, your regular order of organic Caffe latte.' Bertha  dutifully scribbed 'Williams' on the cup with her sharpie.

'Actually.' The nice man, the regular customer, pressed a smile.

'Yes?'

'Didn’t have time for breakfast today. What do you suggest?'

Bertha smiled. 'French toast is my favorite, really fresh at this time. But if you’re in a hurry, a bagel is easier.'

He considered for a few moments. 'A bagel, plain.'

She nodded and punched the computer screen. 'Ok. There you have it. That will be 7,56.'

'Thank you.' He smiled with pressed lips, seemed like he wanted to say something, but thought it better. Finally he found words. 'Next time I’ll try the French toast.'

'I'm sure you’ll approve of it!'

'Bertha?' Someone called her name distracting her from his ackward smile.

'Yes?'

'I can take over now.'

'Oh, great.' She moved aside from the cashier giving the other girl space. 'Have tons of paperwork to fill in the office.'

But, as soon as Bertha closed the office door behind her, the cel phone in her pocket gave a loud shriek. 'Oh, dear! My sister...' She mumbled. With a sigh, she answered her eldest sibling who had been acquiring her mother’s taste for drama. "Yes, Janet?"

"It’s me, Lottie."

"Oh, hi!" Bertha blushed. In a way it was a relief, her friend was a lot less dramatic, but on the other hand...

"See, Jan? I told you she was avoiding me." Lottie joked.

"How dare you, Bertha?" Janet laughed on the phone.

"Was not!" Bertha lied.

"Yes, you are! It’s Thrusday already, I've been trying to call you since Tuesday and every time I text back saying how busy you are, promise to call back and blah-blah-blah." Lottie accused.

"I will!" Bertha defended herself. "Would..."

"You won’t..." Lottie chuckled. "You don’t want to talk about it."

Silence.

"That’s ok, Bertha. I’m in the back porch, no one can hear me. How did you like it?"

"Quite a surprise, Lottie. I had no idea!..."

"Does the guy exist, the handsome boss?"

"Huh?" Bertha blushed furiously.

"The man, the super boss who wanted to buy your aprons."

"How do you-"

"I was there, wasn’t I?"

"Oh. My. God. It was you!"

"Yep. I tag along every ride you take." Lottie chuckled. "The provider, let’s say it like that... No, sponsor. Sponsor can tag along to help the traveler, correct the tracks if it’s needed. Of course I don’t know how to do it properly, you’re my first trainee. But I loved to be your guest."

"I’m speechless. I mean, I... I remember feeling I knew you but not exactly who you were and only after I woke up I..."

"It’s mostly like that, just a boost in your self-esteem. That’s why I asked if the guy in love with you really exists or if you composed him of many other guys."

"What a question, Lottie!" Bertha was flabbergasted. "I have no idea!"

"It’ll come to you eventually. I’m betting on some lost opportunity, someone you let slip away and you regret. Not that it means the guy was Mr Right, it’s just your subconscious speaking."

"This is not safe, Lottie. How do you know I’m sane enough to use this?"

"It’s harmless, relax."

"If it messes up with my subconscious, isn’t it something close to an opioid?"

Lottie laughed. "No!"

"What if the person is suicidal? If her subconscious tells her to end things once and for all?"

"This tea will help this person to see her problems in a new perspective, in a new light. Usually, when feeling secure and in control, a person can find a way out of difficult conundrums."

"Mmm, big words." Bertha mocked.

"Tell me, how did you like the experience?"

"You tell me." A pout. "Since you tagged along without letting me know it would happen."

"I wasn’t sure, until now I only had my gran with me. You are the only one I ever offered the tea, it’s all very new to me as well. I didn’t even follow you all the way, only until you accepted a date at the ballet. With me it usually lasts for three days, you must have tripped for a day more and I don’t know where you ended up. Tell me."

Bertha bit her lip deciding against telling she had taken a  much smaller dose than what was recommended. "Good you stepped aside to give me privacy. I appreciate that."

Lottie laughed. "Come on!"

"Will you be with me every time I take it?"

"Next time you take it." Lottie corrected Bertha. "I gave you enough for two tries. Yes, I’ll be your sponsor, a guide if you will. That’s how it works. But not with you all the time like a ghost over your head, more like a companion, an actress in your new life."

"Mmmm... Let me think this through, Lottie. I'm at work and there's a lot to accomlish...  I’ll call you later to chat more."

"Yeah, right you will!" Another laugh.

"Promise."

A laugh. "Bye."

"Bye."