Welcome to Tuesday Tales, a weekly blog featuring diverse authors posting excerpts from their works in progress based on word and picture prompts. We’re a book hungry bunch that enjoys reading as much as you do. This week our word prompt is strong. My excerpt is from a paranormal fantasy in which a goddess occasionally inhabits the body of an archaeological assistant. Please read the excerpts of the other authors at Tuesday Tales.
Zeth issued his drink order before answering Simon’s question. “We weren’t so much raised together as raised by the same hoard of…people.”
Simon’s eyes widened toward Prue. “Oh, I didn’t realize you came from an extensive family.”
She waved nonchalant fingers. “Twelve strong and a thousand off each. Bunch of boorish, craven cutthroats.”
Zeth stove a forefinger into his throbbing temple. She had spoken with little emotion and seemed to be running out of steam fast. It wouldn’t do for the host to wake up and make Simon suspicious. This job turned into a bigger pain in the ass by the minute. Usually a woman agreed to serve as temporary host in return for a sizable influx on her bank account or something equally impressive. Not this time. When Prue slipped on the pendant, she was zapped unawares. She had to suspect something was off, but he’d bet his sun forged dagger she didn’t know half the truth.
Tonight only intensified his desire to cut and run. His heart wasn’t in it anymore. Hadn’t been for a long time. If Zeth still believed in prayer, he’d pray now for the goddess to stay awake until he could get the host safely home. He stood up. “Let’s dance.”
Unsmiling, she fanned long lashes at him. “I’m tired.”
His tone sharpened. “Tired enough to sleep?”
She straightened. “Certainly not. Not yet.” She caressed Simon with a glance before placing her hand in Zeth’s.
Luckily the singing spree hadn’t yet begun. With the slow music, once he led her out of Simon’s earshot, they merely had to sway.
Her fingers tightened around his, squeezing like talons. “Give me the tonic.”
“Here? Why didn’t you hang around for it when I first arrived?”
“I couldn’t. The Prudence person rushed off in a tizzy.”
“Her name is Prue.”
“As if you know all about it. I’m the one in here. Give me the tonic.”
He sighed and reached into an inner pocket for the vial, securing a clenched fist around it. “Afterward, let me take you back to the apartment. This sidekick of Prue’s sticks his nose in everywhere.”
“Simon is a sweetheart.”
Holding the vial away from her, he bartered. “Straight home?”
She pouted. “If you say so.”
He handed it over.
Heading for the ladies room, she whispered over her shoulder. “After I dance with darling Simon.”
I hope you enjoyed the snippet based on the word strong. Thanks for stopping by. Return to Tuesday Tales.
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic in Romance
That little minx. I have a feeling she’s just begun causing problems for poor Simon.
She seems to be feeling her oats.
I love the snippets from this story. Each one just gets more and more enjoyable. These three characters together are so much fun to read!
I’m glad you are finding it fun, Mae!
Oooh! She just doublecrossed Zeth! I have a feeling Simon is in the middle of something really, really big. Great job!
Thank you, Tricia!
I love it and adore Simon
I’m so glad you adore Simon, Cathy!
Aha! I had a feeling she’s harboring feelings for Simon!! Looks like something’s afoot and someone is about to get a big surprise and I don’t mean the lady. Love your writing!
Thank you for your energizing words, Jean!
awesome. I’m intrigued. Love the flirty banter as well. Jillian
I’m glad you’re intrigued, Jillian!
Ahhh, the plot keeps deepening! Great job! If this were a book in my hands and the clock read midnight, I’d still be turning pages to see what happens next.
I would love to have you turning those pages! Thanks, Trisha.