Compilation Of Short Stories
The first of the salon rules was that nothing was ever quite as it seemed to be, particularly desire.
Aurelia's heart was not pounding in fear, but with hot, thrilling anticipation that made the blood sing in her veins. The atmosphere was heavy with scents of beeswax candles, old brandy, and a strong, heady, sweet scent of violets trampled underfoot. She was the main attraction tonight, and the realization created a shiver of sheer power instead of fear.