Table of Contents
Description
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Author Biography
End Credits
STOLEN AWAY
World of Kurbridor 4
Marion Webb-De Sisto
A terrible birthday present that becomes the best gift ever – that of love.
Esther’s friends give her the birthday gift of a date with Angel Zortek who, unknown to them, is not a man dressed as an angel. He’s a demgel, someone who is half demon, half angel. The date proves to be disastrous, especially later when he abducts Esther and brings her to the world of Kurbridor. There she is rescued from Zortek by another demgel, named Dreydon, who keeps her safe until he can take her home. An attraction develops between them, but she tries to ignore her feelings because he is not human.
After two days, Dreydon makes passionate love to Esther, but she insists he takes her home. That ends their short-lived relationship. Will Zortek want revenge and, if so, how will Dreydon be able to defend Esther?
This is a story of demgel deceit, passion and rage set on a magical world filled with mythical creatures.
Reader Advisory: The heroine is stolen away by an evil demgel, rescued by another, who ultimately also steals away her heart.
STOLEN AWAY
World of Kurbridor 4
MARION WEBB-DE SISTO
WWW.LUMINOSITYPUBLISHING.COM
LUMINOSITY PUBLISHING LLP
STOLEN AWAY
World of Kurbridor 4
Copyright © September 2015 Marion Webb-De Sisto
ISBN: 978-1-910899-29-8
Cover Art by Poppy Designs
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
No part of this literary work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.
Dedication
I dedicate this book to Nicole, my Libran daughter-in-law. She’s ruled by Venus and loves a romantic tale.
Chapter One
Esther stared at the date confirmation card as she withdrew it from the envelope. Before opening it she’d presumed a birthday card was inside, but it now proved to be something quite different. The flowing, golden script was embossed on a deep blue background that was embellished with a watermark of white, feathery wings. It read:
This communiqué is to confirm that you have a rendezvous with Angel Zortek at 8:00 p.m. on September 24, 2015. At 7:40 p.m. a limousine will transport you from your home to Balters Restaurant. Once there, a celestial dinner will be served together with a generous amount of heavenly wine. Be ready for an evening filled with divine surprises and angelic romance.
On the bottom, left-hand side was a phone number. In the right-hand corner was the name DateAnAngel.com.
Esther sighed inwardly. This was something she didn’t need. A date with a guy dressed up as an angel, complete with wings and a halo. She could well imagine this was one of Anna’s ideas. Her friend was always concerned about the lack of a man in Esther’s life. After her break-up with Richard more than two years ago, Anna had relentlessly tried to find her someone new. A procession of men were suggested but ignored. Losing Richard to a long-legged, beautiful model was a bitter blow. Esther had presumed her future with him was secure. He, being a successful lawyer, and she, as the up-and-coming author, should have made them the perfect couple. Yet one glance at Yolanda, when she entered Richard’s office, had changed everything. The model wanted to sue her booking agent and Richard was more than happy to help. Esther had to admit how both being an impressive six feet tall meant they did look good together. In contrast, her own mere five-foot-two had always felt a little overshadowed by her fiancé’s height.
“So what do you think?” Anna leaned close. “Are you surprised?”
“Oh yes, I’m surprised. I know you’re always trying to fix me up with someone, but a pseudo-angel hadn’t occurred to me.” Esther rolled her eyes in emphasis.
“But is it okay?” Celia asked. “We were going to give you individual gifts. Then Anna suggested we pool our money and buy you a date with an angel. I wasn’t sure you would want that, but the others persuaded me to go along with them.”
Celia was frequently uncertain about most things.
“No problem, it will be fine,” Esther lied. She had no desire to upset her four friends, who sat with her at the café’s outside table, sipping their frothy cappuccinos. “When I used to go out with Richard, I would sometimes see a woman on a date with an angel. They definitely pick handsome guys to play the part.”
“They’re real hunks,” agreed Anna. “They usually employ male models and aspiring actors. I guess the dating agency’s pay keeps them afloat. You know, hold on to a steady job while you’re seeking your fame and fortune.” She stroked a hand through her dark, shoulder-length hair. “I could certainly show a would-be movie star how to enjoy himself.”
Esther was tempted to suggest that Anna should go on the date instead of her, but she kept that thought silent.
“We tried Celestial Dating and Heavenly Angels, but they are fully booked throughout the year,” explained Carole. “This one...” she pointed to the card that was now on the table, “is brand new so they have plenty of openings.” She paused, and then added, “I do hope their service is as good as the other two agencies. Just let us know if you’re not satisfied with the guy, the food, or anything. We’ll demand a refund and...”
Anna interrupted, “Or another date with a different angel.” She smiled and continued, “No harm in checking out what’s available. If Angel Zortek doesn’t make your heart skip a beat, perhaps another angel will.”
Esther assured, “I can’t imagine myself being in a relationship with an actor or a male model, but spending an evening with one shouldn’t be too painful.” Trying to cheer herself, she commented, “Perhaps after meeting me he’ll buy one of my books, and then recommend it to his friends.”
“Or perhaps he’ll spark your imagination into creating a new story about angels, or even demons.” Molly gazed off into the distance. “Hmm, a tale about a demon lover could be quite delicious. People enjoy your stories about vampire and werewolf heroes so maybe it’s time to introduce them to a different villain-turned-good guy. You could have him woo the heroine with devilish lovemaking that curls her toes. Women always go for the bad boys.”
Celia cautioned, “That might not be a good idea. Readers could think you’re into Satanism. Angels would be better, but they’re good anyway so the aspect of him being reformed goes out the window. You should stick to what you know, vampires and werewolves.”
“A fallen angel, trying to win back his wings, would interest me, especially if he had a hot body and was into plenty of sex.” Anna looked thoughtful. “You could branch out and give explicit details of how he fondles the heroine, removes her panties, etc. You know what I mean.” She looked at each of her friends
and beamed.
Everyone laughed, including Esther, who answered, “You know I don’t write erotica. I like to allow the reader’s imagination to fill in some elements of the story. If they want that kind of titillation, they can rent one of those movies.”
“Or read any one of most romance novels that are available today,” added Carole.
Anna nodded and said, “Well, let’s see if Esther changes her mind after a date with Angel Zortek. He might make her re-evaluate how graphic the sex life of her naughty-but-nice heroes should be.”
“I don’t think so, Anna, but I’ll let you know after next Tuesday’s date.” Esther drained her mug and asked, “How about another round of cappuccinos? Today they’re my treat.”
Everyone nodded except Carole, who explained, “I have to get going. I must do some shopping before I pick up Amy from preschool.” She stood up, looking directly at Esther, and expressed, “Hope you have a fabulous birthday, sweetie. Don’t forget, if you’re not happy with your angel date for any reason, let us know.” She waved to the seated group and stepped away.
Esther watched her friend for a moment as she walked along the street, stopping briefly to look in a store window and then moving on. Carole was lucky; she had found Mr. Right and was happily settled with him and their adorable daughter. Esther hoped she would eventually, like Carole, find the man who could make her happy.
Bringing her thoughts back to the present, she beckoned to a waiter who was hovering in the open entrance to the café. He approached, and she ordered.
“We’d like four more cappuccinos, please.”
As he walked back inside, Anna remarked, “He’s new here and quite good looking. A trifle young, but who really cares about age? What do you think, Esther?”
“He’s gay.”
“You’re just saying that because you don’t particularly like men anymore. If you’re not interested, I might take him under my wing.” Anna grinned broadly.
They waited in silence for the waiter to return. He soon emerged through the open doorway, carrying a tray with their cappuccinos. When he’d placed the mugs carefully on the table, Anna touched his arm and stated, “One more thing before you go.”
“Yes?”
She glanced across at Esther and winked. Then looking back up at the waiter, she questioned, “Are you gay?”
Color tinged his tanned cheeks, but Esther was unsure whether the redness was prompted by embarrassment or anger. The young man stood still and stared at Anna. He appeared to be actually considering what his answer should be.
Finally, he asked, “Why do you want to know?”
Anna’s most captivating smile came into play. “I’m curious.”
Apparently her reply satisfied the waiter because he declared, “Yes, I am gay.” He moved back from the table and went into the café.
“Anna, you are unbelievable,” observed Molly. “I would never dare ask someone about his or her sexual preference.”
“If you don’t ask, how will you know?”
“And how did Esther know he is gay?” Celia looked puzzled.
Anna was sitting next to Celia. She leaned close to her, as though confiding a secret. “I think our Esther is a little bit psychic. She’s told me a number of things that have proved to be correct. My main reason for asking him was to see if I could disprove her ability, but she was right one more time.”
“I don’t think I’m psychic. If I am, why don’t I pick the winning lottery numbers?”
“Wouldn’t it be great if you did?” asked Molly. “You wouldn’t need to write, or work in Anna’s store, or do anything.”
“Well, I write for pleasure, as well as to earn money. If I were rich, I’m sure I would continue creating stories. I get a sense of satisfaction from inventing characters that have adventures, face danger, and fall in love along the way.” Esther took a sugar lump from the bowl on the table and dropped it into her cappuccino. For a moment, she stared at the hole the lump had caused in the froth, and then stirred the hot drink.
Anna made a tsk-tsk sound and scolded, “How many times must I tell you not to have sugar? Guys won’t like you if your hips get too broad.”
“Esther is just fine the way she is,” declared Molly. “Men like a few curves in the right places.”
For once Celia was definite. “I agree, she is a really attractive woman.”
“Yes she is, but it’s the big ‘Three-Oh’ next Tuesday for Esther and in a few more years she could be facing her middle-age spread. No point in getting it started early.” Anna shook her head in a disapproving manner and began to drink from her mug.
“Could you all stop talking about me as though I’m not here? If I grow fat at forty or even before then, who cares? A man is supposed to love me for the type of person I am, not because I’m skinny or look gorgeous.”
“In your books it’s fine for the hero to fall for a shy, sweet gal or a kick-ass heroine who is somewhat plain looking. That’s fiction, but in real life a man wants a beautiful woman on his arm. She satisfies his male ego and makes his pals feel jealous of him.” Anna downed the remaining contents of her mug.
Esther quickly replied, “You and I have argued before about what constitutes true beauty. As you know, I believe it comes from within and is not about outward appearance.”
“You say that, but your heroes are always handsome. Of course, when they’re in their vampire or wolf form they are terrifying, as they should be. Yet when they take on their mortal guise, they are drop-dead hunks with muscular bodies and captivating smiles. So why don’t you make your heroines more beautiful?”
“Most of my readers are women and they want the male characters to be good-looking and willing to fight for love. They appeal to a woman’s fantasies.”
“So how about appealing to a man’s fantasies? Create heroines who have beautiful faces and stunning bodies. In that way, men will want to read your books and you’ll increase your readership.” Anna looked at her watch and added, “We have to get going, Esther. I know Aunt Sally doesn’t mind being left in charge of the store, but I don’t like imposing on her. Finish your cappuccino while I go inside and get the tab from the waiter. Then I’ll pay.”
Esther reached for her purse and took some money out of it. She pressed it into Anna’s hand and assured, “I’m paying this time. As I said before, it’s my treat.”
“Whatever you say, hon.” Esther’s friend stood up, stepped away from the table and walked toward the waiter who was standing in the café’s entrance. She spoke to him; he jotted something on his pad and then tore off the top sheet and handed it to her. Anna moved inside. After a few minutes, she reappeared and stood chatting to the waiter. He smiled and answered her.
Esther pushed back her chair, rose to her feet and waited for Anna. When she came back to the table, she announced, “No change, I put it into the tip dish that was next to the register. Is that okay? I guess the three waiters share the tips. I’m sure their actual pay is a mere pittance.”
“That’s fine.” Then Esther said to Celia and Molly, “I’ll see you next week and let you know how my date went.”
Anna added, “Same time next Thursday then? Esther can give us all the details about her angel date and whether he bowled her over.” To her seated friends she gave, “See you later.” Then she turned to look at the waiter and waved to him. He waved back with a friendly smile. That was typical of the effect Anna had on men. Whether straight or gay, they quickly succumbed to her charm.
The two women walked away from the café and headed toward Anna’s parked car. They would be busy all afternoon, serving customers and chatting with them.
Chapter Two
Friday and Saturday passed quickly as Esther’s attention centered on helping Anna in her store. There was little time to think about her unwanted date with an angel, and for that she was grateful. Esther wasn’t exactly dreading it, but there were a number of other activities she would rather be doing. Her life was complete without a man being a part
of it. Of course, she continued to hope that one day she would find a guy with whom she could settle down and enjoy a romantic relationship. However, she felt certain she wouldn’t be meeting him on Tuesday night. She would definitely prefer to stay home and watch a movie on TV.
Anna’s store was always filled with people who browsed and bought. She sold books, cards, CDs, candles, some jewelry, several types of crystals, and various gift items, such as hand-painted crockery. The store was open from Tuesday through Saturday and Esther worked there three days a week. This was usually on the busiest days, which were Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. She also filled in for Anna when she was away on business. On the days when Esther was home, busily writing, Anna’s Aunt Sally was her assistant. She also filled in for an hour or so on Thursday afternoons when the five friends always met for coffee and a chat.
There was an area at the back of the store where customers could help themselves to morning coffee and cakes, generously provided by Anna. This was actually a clever strategy. People frequently came inside for the free fare, but rarely left without purchasing something. Esther and Anna enjoyed talking to customers as they drank their coffee. If they were new to the store, Anna would guide them over to a section in the book area where Esther’s books were on display. If they bought one of her romance novels, they were prompted by Anna to ask to have it signed, and Esther would oblige.
Sunday dawned and the hours seemed to fly as she made some of the changes the editor required in her latest story. If thoughts arose about what might happen on the night of her birthday, Esther pushed them aside and concentrated on correcting the manuscript. By Monday, she was looking for something to do to distract her mind from the upcoming date. The morning was filled with cleaning her ground floor apartment. In the afternoon, Esther went shopping.
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