Twisted in You

by Fabiola Francisco

  Late nights equal late starts to my day. I pound my feet against the concrete and run past bicycles and pedestrians exploring this magical city in the late afternoon. The harder I step, the memories begin to surface, oozing out of my core. I bury them again and run faster, the sweat running down my back chilling me in the fall air. Soon it will be too cold to run outdoors, but I welcome the cold of winter and the darkness that accompanies it.

  Fortunately for me, business is always good, snowing or not, men want attention from a woman. I am one of the best on the strip of Amsterdam’s infamous neighborhood, but that means I’m not cheap. I may rent my body to a faceless body, but I’m worth my value. That is why I also get my own fun when I get a client. Some more experienced than others, but they all have a full wallet to satisfy their needs.

  After my run, I pick up a few things in the market and walk home. I may be a spectacle to watch at night, but I’m a loner. I don’t need friends or acquaintances to make small talk with. That is just a way for insecure people to fill their time, surrounded by people they think need them to fill an emptiness in their ego. I don’t need anyone to make my life a better place. I have enough with Bale.

  In the quiet of my apartment, I unpack my groceries and warm up leftover stew. I eat on the couch, using my laptop to find different outfits for work. I also shop for a few new toys. The distraction welcomed to keep the thoughts that were trying to make their way up to reality earlier at bay. I harden my core, preventing it from cracking and spilling what it holds inside. A truth so ugly that no amount of whips and chains will scare it. No blindfold will be strong enough to hide it.

  I slip into my self-preservation, a state of blankness that clears the colors of life, leaving my mind in darkness. Silence to the experiences of life that tore me apart and created a different version. A woman now in control of her body and desire, dominating the gender that tried to destroy her. A woman who can bring any man to his knees and crush him with the simple step of her boot. Never underestimate the power of a woman who has hit rock bottom and isn’t afraid of hell. I’m no saint, but I don’t have a deal with the devil either. He and I are enemies in an endless battle of power.

  Keeping my mind in the right place, I shower and choose an outfit for tonight. I have a few things over at my room in the Red Light District, but I like to keep most of my things at home in the privacy of my space. I grab a deep blue lingerie set and pack it along with my black boots. Just like that I’m ready for another night of work.

  I leave to go to a coffee shop near my apartment for a drink before beginning a new night of seduction. My body tingles at the possibilities of newcomers getting wrapped up in sensual red lights. I skip over the weed menu and go straight for the liquor. I order a Moscow Mule and sit on the worn couch in the corner. I watch people come in and out, giggling tourists at the possibility of buying drugs legally, and locals sitting together huffing and puffing away.

  In the three years I’ve been here, I’ve never involved myself in the city. I work and stay to myself. Funny how no one recognizes you outside that window, an irony I’m grateful for since I would rather keep my anonymity. When I’m out of those red lights, I want to stay as far away from the spotlight as possible. People like me are meant to stay in the dimness of purgatory. I never dig deeper than the physical part of me that I use to excel in what I do. I also am not ashamed of being a Red Light District girl. I wear that badge proud.

  I want to thank all of my readers and the friends I have made throughout this journey. Thank you for taking the time to read my books. It’s not always easy handing off your babies to the world. Twisted in You has been in the works for years, and it is an honor to be able to share Mikayla and Tyler’s story with the world. I hope you enjoyed their journey. It is one that is dear to my heart, and I am blessed to share it with you.

  To my family for their constant support, even when it’s difficult to understand the hours and sacrifices that go into writing and publishing a book. You support me no matter what.

  Veronica—I kinda feel bad not dedicating this book to you. You’ve been waiting years for this book to be complete, not patiently, but always supportive. Thank you for loving my books as much as I do.

  Rachel Blaufeld and Christy Pastore—You ladies are my rocks in author land. Thank you for being who you are. This is no fun if you don’t have people you care about to share it with.

  Ashley Erin—Thank you for always being there to chat and offer insight. I appreciate our friendship.

  Kelly—I am so glad we have gotten to know each other better. Thank you for being such a great beta and offering your amazing feedback.

  I have met so many fabulous people in this book world that have become friends. Thank you to all of my author pals for always being there for me. We are all in this together, and I love that we can support one another unconditionally. I’m blessed to have met you all and have a support system of strong and empowered women.

  Robin Bateman—Have I told you lately how amazing you are? Thank you for taking the time to edit this story and pick out teaser quotes. ;)

  Thank you Kari Ayasha from Cover to Cover Book Designs for your beautiful designs. Always. You have a way with colors and images that create stunning covers.

  Tami from Integrity Formatting—Thank you for making sure the inside of my books look just as gorgeous as the outside. You always create internal masterpieces!

  Claire and Wendy from Bare Naked Words—Thank you for ALL your hard work in making sure my release runs smoothly. You ladies are a pleasure to work with, and I am grateful for you.

  Thank you to all the bloggers who are always there to support me and all other authors. You are rock stars in the book world and so appreciated. This is a great community of people, and I love that we can all come together to share our love for reading. We have formed friendships throughout these last few years, and I’m so very grateful. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. I am lucky to have you.

  I love meeting new readers and connecting with other bookies. Please connect with me on my social media pages.

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  Join my Facebook group, Fabiola’s Fab Reads, for exclusive content and to chat with other book lovers.

  I love hearing from my readers. You can email me directly at authorfabiola@yahoo.com.

  Fabiola Francisco is a contemporary romance author from South Florida. Writing as been a part of her life since she was a teenager. Even at that age, she dreamed of happy endings with emotional twists. Her novels include Perfectly Imperfect, The Restoring Series, Sweet on You Duet, and Red Lights, Black Hearts.

  Her passion for books and writing has inspired her to write her own stories. She writes novels readers could relate to and grow with. She’s currently working on writing more stories that connect with readers on a deeper.

  Fabiola also loves expressing herself through art and spending time in nature. In her spare time, she loves to cuddle with a good book and a glass of wine.