There she is, pure honeyed gold, bang on cue. Third window from the left. First floor balcony. Light spills past her silhouette, a halo projected into the freezing night air, breath frosting ahead of her like the smoke I blow out through the crack of the Lincoln's window. She stares out over the city, all platinum blonde perfection. Searchin’ for something but I'm fucked if I know what. Hopes and dreams, maybe? An end to...

Everything drips incessantly. Rain presses down on the buildings and streets heavier than the expectations of those inside. The city is sluggish in the dark, the deluge ensuring only those with a need or nowhere else to go to venture out. Whoops and hollers flare and die as revellers dash from cab to club, searching for that thrill. Tyres hiss, then fade, their transience mirroring their passengers’ fleeting journeys. Thi...

I was nuzzling against Papi's chest, both of us naked, waiting for the time to get ready to go to our show. He started stroking my nipples, waiting for each one to peak. He stood up, pulling on a robe before getting his bag and setting it on the edge of the bed. “Are you ready for some fun tonight?” “Yes, Papi.” I smiled as I imagined what tonight would hold. He hadn't told me what we were seeing, but he knew how much I l...

She watched him in the mirror behind the bar. He'd been looking at her for the past ten minutes. Dark suit, light shirt, cuff links, and handsome. Just like hundreds of men before him. When he stood and began to walk towards her, she knew he was going to hit on her. She wasn't here at the Prohibition Bar at the Foshay Hotel to be picked up. She just wanted a quiet drink to herself, time to think, and a roomful of noise ar...

I was excited, Papi was taking me to a show in the city. I doubled checked that I packed what he wanted me to wear for the night, checking the list diligently. With one last look in the mirror, I was ready for him. My short black skirt and red button up blouse, just barely showing the outline of my nipples without any under garments on. The knock on my door meant he was there to pick me up, making my heart race as I answe...

The game always took place on the outer rim of the scorched city. An abandoned manufacturing facility long since left to decay by the authorities, far enough out that it was deemed too costly to demolish or protect from squatters, the dust, vermin and time allowed the privilege of sealing its fate. That's why it was perfect. Out of sight, out of mind. Those that picked up the coded messages advertising the date of each ga...

Jeweled kingdomPeople zooThe sex of richesWon by few Palatial coolnessInferno blazingMisted desertLustful gazing Lines of feedersSnaking throughMazesWaitingFor their food Glitz and showgirlsOiled menConventioners  And lost weekends Fantasies  And booze galoreThe beauties, beasts  Array of whores Pay to playThen rue the costOf visitingParadise Las.

I met him in a bar, of all places. I had always claimed to be such a good girl, but I lost myself on that dance floor, enthralled by the lazy summer beats and the slumberous passion in his eyes. Four or five shots of jack will loosen the most reluctant of hips, and I was already feeling a growing need by the time he pulled my waist close against his and I no longer remembered to count. I don’t know how long we stayed entw...

Her puzzlement grew as they walked closer to her apartment. She'd expected that he might call a cab to go to his place after his words about sitting by a tree. Yet he continued walking down the sidewalk, turning onto her street, and saying nothing. Well, if his idea of a tree is a spider plant, then I guess we'll go to my place. Luke opened the door to her building and as they went up the stairs, she got the first indicat...

As Christmas approached, Emma found herself ever busier at the diner. One of the waitresses slipped and fractured her leg, and Millie couldn't find anyone to cover, so everyone worked extra hours. Luke was deep in his novel when he wasn't driving the carriage, and their time was limited, although he made a point of walking her home after her shift. It wasn't much, but Luke would come up and they would talk for a while, an...

Emma was too busy to reflect on her day with Luke, although she wanted to. Those kisses, she thought, bore particular reflecting. She smiled at herself. What's gotten into you? Even she knew the answer: Luke. The bulk of the shift flew by as Emma, Millie, and the other two waitresses dealt with the crowd. When things calmed down, one of the other girls begged Millie to go home, and Millie agreed. "Why don't you ever leave...