Ever since the Wicked Witch of the West had me hiding behind our living room sofa every time she appeared in a puff of smoke, I’ve had a healthy respect for evil women – those who do what they want for no one’s benefit but their own and heaven help anyone who gets in their way. What better villain for my currently ON SALE(!) vampire romance set in our country’s capitol. Bianca DuMaurier has been a wonderful returning nemesis in my “Touched by Midnight” series and returns to MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE with a fiendish flare. Here a taste . . .
The ninety-degree vista of windows overlooked a city alive with intrigue and opportunity, which was why Kaz loved it, for the same reasons he might have loved the woman silhouetted against the glass . . . if either of them had had a heart.
It used to bother him that she didn’t cast a reflection in the window, but he’d gotten over that and a lot of disturbing little details about her since they’d chanced to meet in his home of South Africa all those years ago, because details weren’t important when one concentrated on the end result, which was why he was so successful . . . and why Bianca Du Maurier let him live.
“Does he know who Rae Borden is, or rather what she is?”
Kaz had taken a true liking to his young protégé and his naked ambition, who under the proper tutelage, could have developed into a fine associate, but watching his unnatural partner pace like a wild thing before the windows, he knew that wasn’t in the cards for Nick Flynn.
“There is no need for you to know my plans.”
At times like this, when she looked down her haughty nose as if he were something too inferior to understand, he truly despised her . . . enough to rid himself of the threat of her . . . if only he didn’t fear her power and lust for it with an equal abandon.
Then her humor returned upon another dark chuckle as she purred, “The poor fool has no clue as to what’s going on around him or why, that none of us are what we seem to be, himself included. He’s in for a harsh education.”
The way she said it made Kaz very glad he had been quick to learn things could be much worse than partnering up with a demon.
Bianca turned toward him, allowing him to see what she really was behind the facade of exquisite beauty, her image flickering, faltering and then fading into a juxtaposed shape of pure evil without time or place or rules, an evil so horrendous, so ugly, he had to avert his eyes.
“He will cooperate, or he will be dead . . . or as good as.”
Burr! The icy undead Queen of Mean is back in town and looking for revenge upon the family of those who did her wrong.
Next week I’ll introduce the opposites attract main couple who are in Bianca crosshairs.
Next week I’ll introduce the opposites attract main couple who are in Bianca crosshairs.
Just got back from a fabulous five day, one woman (and occasional grandguy guest) hotel write-in to get back into my W.I.P. Got three chapters done and the momentum going again. How could I not in this lovely setting (with a pool, hot tub, exercise room and breakfast buffet!).
Many thanks to my sister for meeting me for dinner (eating one-handed with a broken clavicle!) one night and my D-i-L for indulging me at a great sushi place the next.
Happy Summer! And happy writing, Fellow Warriors!
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Lots of menace and promise of conflict in this scene.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ed! They are the creepy duo!
DeleteOh my gosh. Evil is incredible scary even in real life. You went for this big time.
ReplyDeleteProbably because in real life I'm such a sissy!
DeleteWell that was certainly scary! Very atmospheric, with a ton of dark undercurrents. I feel sorry for this person they're talking about, sounds like his future is going to be full of Bad Things. Great snippet!
ReplyDeleteThings he has no idea exist!
DeleteYikes! The person they're after has a lot coming their way. I hope they're prepared.
ReplyDeleteNot in the least. Thankfully, they're fast learners.
DeleteYour description of her is absolutely chilling! This couple has an impossible challenge ahead of them: survival. Can't wait to meet them. Glad your retreat was so productive!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenna! It was great to measure my writing in chapters rather than paragraphs again.
DeleteThe image of Bianca is horrifying. Great snippet. I want to know what will happen.
ReplyDeleteShe's my favorite villain!
DeleteEvil, deliciously evil! :D Fabulously written, as always! Glad you had a successful hotel write-in. Enjoy the rest of your summer, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie! Summer is on a roll!
DeleteShe is terrifying. Definitely a dangerous foe. Beautiful set-up for a Nick's conflict. Your write-in sounds like it was very productive. You needed that space to get those juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteI didn't the QUIET! And the knowing that no one was going to pop up and ask what's for supper.
DeleteWow--I don't ever want to run into Bianca. lol Great job writing an evil woman!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're off to a fantastic summer. Enjoy!
Interesting woman with some attitude! I liked reading his thoughts about her.
ReplyDelete