I have some updating to do on Beauty From Pain. I've posted some things on Facebook that haven't made it to my blog yet. This could be sensory overload for you. Just sayin'...

I sit in the dark corner of the club and scan the room like a starved predator searching for his next prey. I haven't chosen her yet, but the woman I will share my bed with for the next few months is in this room right now.

I watch a lovely blonde approach my table. “What can I bring you?” Hmm. A waitress-not at all my usual taste.

I have a type. Attractive. Mature. Refined. This barmaid meets the attractive requirement well enough, but she’s void of refinement or maturity as displayed by her choice of apparel-a white barely there tank top and frazzled cut-off denim shorts. She doesn’t do it for me. Plus, my last two companions were blonde. I want a different flavor this time, but no redheads. I want a brunette. A beautiful one.

You asked for it so here it is:

Beauty From Pain Teaser (UNEDITED and subject to change...)

This is from Laurelyn's POV: (Addison is her BF. Ben is Addison's brother.)

I walk into the kitchen and there's a floral arrangement on the counter next to a basket of breakfast pastries. Addison is holding a bottle of champagne in one hand and an orange juice in the other. “Mimosas for breakfast. Can you believe that? And this isn’t cheap champagne. It’s expensive. Very expensive.”

She takes the card from the blank envelope and her smile fades after she reads it. “Oh. This isn’t for me.”

I feel a surge of hope. Could this be for me? From him, the man with no name? “What does the card say?”

She holds it up. “You won’t regret saying yes. It’s signed from Lachlan.”

I smile, but bite my lip in a failed attempt to hide my pleasure. His name is Lachlan.

I’m confused by this unexpected confession. He said names weren't part of the game, so what has changed? Maybe he decided he is more interested in a normal relationship than the bizarre one he proposed last night.

I pluck the card from Addison's hand because I want to read it for myself. I rub my thumb over his written words. The penmanship is masculine so I’m sure he signed it personally.

I hear a ‘pop’ as Addison opens the champagne. “Laurie, this guy is jockeying hard for you, girl.”

Ben’s arms are crossed and he looks pissed. “Come on. You just met this guy. Doesn’t this seem like a little much?”

“I’d love it if someone did this for me.” Addison tops her champagne off with some orange juice. “This is a guaranteed panty-dropper in my book.”