In silence, Bess watched the pendulous sway of Loralee’s breasts, the towel toppling from her hair, allowing wet strands to fall across her shoulder. Water dripped down her tits as she moved too softly against Bess’s tortured pussy. Droplets fell from her nipples and landed cool against Bess’s warm belly.

  “Oh, more!” Bess begged. All she could feel was the faint kiss of clit on clit through a curtain of pubic hair. It just wasn’t enough. “Please, more!”

  Loralee winked, and her smile seemed genuine. “You’re the boss, little lady.” Sneaking one leg underneath Bess’s thigh, Loralee leaned back so far Bess could no longer see her head beyond those mountainous breasts.

  When the wet heat of Loralee’s pussy met hers, Bess gasped. The sensation was so vast and yet so direct she started to pull back, but forced herself to stay. Loralee rolled her hips in slow circles, rubbing Bess’s slick lips and clit with every pass. Everything, every slight motion, made her tingle all over, and her pelvis filled with a buzzing sort of pleasure she hadn’t experienced in a very long time. Her skin was hot, her nipples so hard they hurt. Her pussy pulsed as she writhed against Loralee.

  The motion continued, hypnotic, the same tight circles, pussy on pussy, clit kissing clit. Even minor variations—a wider loop, a diagonal splash—made her squeal and buck against Loralee’s curves. They were trapped together like this, caged by one another’s bodies, and the tremulous pleasure went on and on until Bess was trembling and moaning, until she couldn’t control herself anymore. She pinched her nipples and squeezed those buds, pressed her eyes closed, and pounded her pussy hard against Loralee’s wetness.

  “Easy, little one.” Loralee laughed. “You’ll be sore in the morning.”

  “I don’t care!” Bess cried, smashing her clit anywhere that would receive it—Loralee’s pussy lips, thigh, and then fingers… oh, those wonderful fingers! Loralee squirmed from the bed and planted them inside Bess’s cunt, ducking between her legs.

  Bess had never in her life been so wild with pleasure. She screamed and cursed, groping for Loralee’s head and grabbing hold of her long wet hair. Loralee shrieked now, too, but Bess couldn’t stop. Her desire drove her into realms unknown, and even when the pleasure of Loralee’s tongue was so good it hurt, she trapped the woman’s face between her thighs and held her there.

  The explosion was monumental. Bess’s belly flip-flopped while her bum bounced against the mattress. She released Loralee’s hair and pinched her nipples until the sensation zapped through her body and ignited her clit. It was too much now, too much to bear, and she closed her legs, curling in on herself and moaning while Loralee joined her on the bed.

  “I don’t know where you came from, little Bess, but you’re the best thing that’s happened to me in donkey’s years.” Loralee folded an arm around Bess and pulled up the quilt.

  Was it too soon to tell all? She’d wondered how she would reveal her plan to Loralee, but now that her exhilaration was wearing into exhaustion, it seemed easy. Bess turned around in the bed. When they were nose to nose, she could smell her pussy on Loralee’s breath, and the image of that pretty woman between her legs came roaring back.

  “Loralee, I know this’ll sound crazy, but I’m the mouse that’s been living in your house.”

  She expected Loralee to laugh, but Loralee didn’t do anything, just lay there waiting for more.

  “I was raised here a long time ago, and told it was my fate to become what you are now. Well, I just couldn’t do it, and I went to Old Gertie who knew spells and such, and I asked her to release me from my fate. She gave me some powder that would turn me to a mouse, and I been living like that ever since. I could turn human if I wanted, for a while, but if I were to stay like this Old Gertie said I had to switch places with another girl. Somebody had to live the fate.”

  Loralee nodded solemnly, pulling Bess in so close their soft breasts touched. “Yeah, I heard about you from the girls I grew up with. Never knew if any of that were true.”

  Bess nodded, hooking her chin around Loralee’s smooth shoulder. “It’s true. And now I want to trade places. I’ll take on your life and you can be the mouse in my house.”

  Pulling away quickly, Loralee left Bess with a cold front even under warm covers. “You don’t want my life, little girl. Hell, I don’t want it neither, but being a got-dang whore’s just about killed me. I wouldn’t wish that on nobody.”

  With a giggle, Bess leaned in and kissed Loralee’s lips. “Don’t you worry, ’cause I got a plan: you’ll be my one and only trick. Never was any rule saying I couldn’t go out and get some other job, too. I could work in town, be a modern secretary. Nobody knows me there. I’ll give you the money, and you pay me for pleasure—that way I’m technically still a whore. I’m just your whore, exclusive-like.”

  “You’d make love to a mouse?” Loralee screwed up her brow.

  “Silly girl.” Bess pulled her in close. “You can take human form for hours at a time. Aren’t I pretty human-looking now?”

  Loralee looked at her funny, and then petted something at the side of Bess’s head. “Well, you did until this little mousy ear sprouted up.” Looking her straight in the eye, Loralee conveyed about as much gratitude as any one person could rightly feel. “Imagine—me, a mouse! Bet I’ll do a lot of sneaking around inside your walls, huh?”

  With a smirk, Bess replied, “I bet you will and all.”

  PURRFECT IN VENEZIA

  Myla Jackson

  Natalie checked her body-hugging, nearly see-through leotard, adjusted the cat ears nestled in her mane of tawny gold hair, and dared to smile for what felt like the first time in a year.

  From her room’s window in Hotel Eden, she glimpsed the beauty of nighttime in Venice. Lights reflected off the still canals, the occasional motorboat cruised by, barely stirring a wake. A gondola skimmed the inky, black waters, its oarsman guiding a young couple through the watery streets of the ancient city, a deep, otherworldly song echoing off the decaying buildings.

  A year ago she’d sat in this room, dressing to go out on the town for a little fun at the annual Carnevale di Venezia. Eager to dance among the elaborately costumed patrons, she’d hurried out her door and down the hallway to what she thought was the exit. Just one wrong turn was all it took to change everything.

  With a last glance in the mirror, Natalie picked up her clutch containing a photo of her mother and father and the blood-red ruby ring and letter her grandmother had left to her. She slipped the ring on her finger, recalling the message contained in the letter.

  My darling Natalie, as I reflect on my life, I have but one regret—not following my heart. If I could bequeath only one thing to you, it would be the strength to make the right choice in love, even if it means leaving behind all things familiar and safe. The ruby ring is a family heirloom. Some say it is only a ring. I choose to believe it has magical qualities. Wear it with love and let it guide you to your heart’s desire.

  Within days of giving her the letter and ring as an engagement gift, Natalie’s grandmother had passed away. Natalie had worn the ring to Italy on a working vacation prior to her wedding. It was in Venice she’d discovered magic, both in her grandmother’s bequest and in the city of love. What she had intended to be a one-week working holiday had changed her life forever.

  Engaged to a man patiently awaiting her return to the States, Natalie had been hesitant to accept the gift the ring and Venice had offered. Now, a year later, she prayed she wasn’t too late.

  Heart pounding, hands clammy and shaking, she stepped into the hallway and opened the secret, mirrored door. It led down a dark corridor to another door marked Room 307.

  Natalie twisted the ruby on her finger, trying to recall exactly what she’d done over a year ago, the precise way she’d touched the ring and then the doorknob to the secret room. With her breath lodged in her throat, she twisted the knob and pushed the door open. Instead of a hotel room, steps led down into an alley.

  Natalie descended, leaving the door ajar. If her plan didn’t work as hoped, she’d go home, back to her world, and live the rest of her life wondering what would have happened if she’d been less cautious back then.

  Darkness engulfed her, more pronounced than anywhere else in the city. A gas street lamp flickered to life as if beckoning her. Heart thumping, she abandoned the doorway.

  A shadow moved in the darkness, skittering away, just far enough to entice Natalie further.

  She pursued the silhouette, at first moving slowly. Soon she ran to keep pace with the aberration flitting amongst the murky streets.

  Several twists and turns later, Natalie lost the mysterious form and slowed to a halt. She stood at the base of a bridge arching over a narrow canal. For the first time, she realized she was completely alone. A cold finger of apprehension slithered down her spine. Had she made a mistake? Was this all a trick?

  Trick or not, she had to find her. Had to get back to that magical place that had captured her heart, imagination, and desire. She glanced behind her one last time, squared her shoulders, and crossed the bridge.

  Lights and music streamed from an ancient palace, rising up before Natalie. Its Roman columns and gilded frescos spoke of wealth, beauty, and enchantment. The decaying buildings of Venice vanished with the darkness, revealing an island city so bright and beautiful, Natalie’s heart suspended, beating as she drank it all in. Nothing had changed from her previous visit.

  She blinked to clear her vision and climbed the steps, lured by music and laughter, her chest swelling with hope and purpose. As she neared the stately doors, they swung open. A gasp slid past her lips as the view below her exploded in an array of twinkling illumination and sound. Beings of different shapes, colors, and sizes glided around a grand ballroom, dressed in every manner of clothing, costumes or nothing at all. Before her lay a sea of creatures both human and not so human, their bodies swaying together to the music filling the cavernous space.

  Natalie entered the ballroom from above, her gaze panning the faces of those dancing and talking as they spun around the floor. She searched for one unique face, one that had haunted her memories, reminding her of all she’d walked away from.

  After several minutes, Natalie’s excitement waned, and she sighed in frustration. She hurried to the sweeping staircase leading to the ballroom floor. Adjusting the headband holding her cat ears in place, she descended the stairs one deliberate step at a time, her hand sliding down the smooth balustrade, all the while looking for the one.

  Had her lover changed? Would Natalie still recognize her? Would she have moved on and found someone else to love when Natalie had gone back to the States?

  Natalie’s breathing grew labored, tears wadding like a sock in her throat as she stepped out on the dance floor. She stopped a cat-man gliding by with a smile and a tail that twitched with each step.

  “Do you know Bella Gato?” she asked.

  “Bella?” The creature looked over his shoulder and pointed. “Near the orchestra. You can’t miss her.”

  “Thanks.” Butterflies swarmed Natalie’s belly as she crossed the crowded floor, weaving her way through Carnevale merrymakers. Just when she thought she’d never find her, the crowd parted, and she spotted Bella mingling with a group of revelers, her head thrown back, laughing merrily.

  Natalie halted, mouth dry, pulse racing, her mind unable to form a coherent thought but for the incredible beauty standing before her.

  Bella.

  Long, pale blond hair hung down around her waist in cascading natural curls. Ice-blue eyes with the strange elongated irises twinkled in the party lights. The fine sheen of hair coating every inch of her supple body glistened like silk. Scraps of a dress she wore barely covered her nipples, hugging her waist and falling to just below the juncture of her thighs, her perky tail flicking gently from beneath.

  A tall, lean male with the distinct coloring of a Bengal curled his fingers around her hip. Pulling her against his body, he whispered in her pert, pointed ear.

  Bella tipped her face toward him, a smile curving her lush, full lips.

  Natalie’s heart plummeted, her hand rising to touch the fake cat ears mounted on a headband tucked into her hair. How could she compete with the real thing—creatures she’d never known existed and didn’t in the world beyond the mystical bridge?

  Bella’s lips straightened, her body tightening, ears rising in alert.

  The male Bengal nodded toward Natalie.

  Natalie tensed, her heart hammering against her ribs. Her breath froze in her throat, waiting for the moment...

  Slowly, as if in a dream, Bella turned. Her clear blue gaze captured Natalie’s.

  Music faded into the background, the people dancing around her blurred, and all Natalie saw was the cat-woman who’d haunted her dreams.

  Bella’s hand rose to her chest, her eyes blinked closed, then opened quickly, as if she was afraid what she saw wasn’t real. “Natalie?”

  Natalie’s head raised and lowered. Her body quivered. Could it be Bella hadn’t forgotten her? Could she still share the same feelings they’d explored for that incredibly magical week of Carnevale? Hope burgeoning, Natalie moved forward at the same time as Bella.

  Natalie couldn’t believe she’d found her. The ring...the bridge...Venezia! All were truly miraculous.

  Bella stopped after only a couple of steps, a frown pulling her pretty brows together. “What are you doing here?”

  Her heart plummeted to her belly. Natalie closed the distance, her footsteps faltering, hope and joy evaporating at the flash of anger in Bella’s eyes.

  Natalie refused to give up. She’d come too far. Her chin tipped upward. “I came back to find you.”

  The Bengal who’d been holding Bella a moment ago stepped behind her, his lip curled in a snarl. “What do you want with mia Bella?”

  Her belly flipped over the male Bengal’s claim to the beautiful Bella, but Natalie remained firm. “We had feelings for each other...once.” Natalie’s gaze flipped from Bella to the Bengal and back. “Perhaps those feelings were on my part alone.” Head held high, Natalie turned to leave, her heart breaking into a million pieces.

  Before she’d gone two steps, Bella caught her arm. “Natalie, wait.”

  Natalie stood with her back to Bella. “Why? It’s obvious you belong to him. I should have expected someone as beautiful as you would move on after so long. There’s nothing here for me.”

  Bella’s hand tightened on her arm. “I belong to no one.” She tugged on Natalie’s elbow. “I choose who I want to be with.”

  That desperate spark of hope flared in Natalie’s gut. The hand on her arm reminded her of all they’d shared. She turned to face Bella.

  The Bengal slid an arm around Bella’s waist and nuzzled her ear, his gaze capturing Natalie’s.

  A stab of jealousy pierced Natalie’s heart. “Are you sure you belong to no one?” She leaned backward, tugging her arm loose, praying she wouldn’t break down in front of Bella and the Bengal.

  Natalie’s jaw tightened. She was with Bella—the one she loved—a relationship worth fighting for. She couldn’t give up now.

  Bella grasped her hand. “Please. Stay. Perhaps my welcome was less than polite. Come, we will find a quiet place to talk.”

  The Bengal growled.

  Her brow wrinkling, Bella touched his arm. “Shh, Leandro, you will scare her away.”

  “Exactly.” He growled again.

  Bella hooked Natalie’s elbow and guided her to the end of the ballroom. A corridor branched off, leading deeper into the palace. “Come to my room. We can talk there.”

  Natalie cast a glance behind her where Leandro followed. “Can’t we be alone?”

  “I need Leandro. He stays with me.”

  When Natalie hesitated, Bella moved to stand in front of her, a hand rising to cup Natalie’s cheek. She stared at Natalie with unblinking blue eyes. “When you left, you broke my heart. You can understand my hesitance to give it away again, no?”

  Natalie nodded, her gaze straying to the well-muscled Bengal. “You’ve obviously found someone else. Why bother with me?”

  Bella raised another hand to trail across Leandro’s chest. “I have much love to give.” She laughed and dragged Natalie down the corridor. “Come, I will show you.”

  Leandro trailed behind, the fierce frown marring the silken fur of his brow.

  After climbing several flights of stairs and racing down a long hallway, Bella pushed a door open to a spacious room with lofty ceilings. An enormous bed commanded the center, draped in plush throws and satin sheets.

  The door closed behind Natalie, and she spun to find Leandro leaning against it.

  Throwing her arms out to her sides, Bella danced into the middle of the floor. “See? There is more than enough room in my home and heart for both of you.”

  Natalie shook her head. “I don’t do threesomes.”

  Bella stopped, a teasing smile quirking her lips. “Have you ever tried?”

  “No.” Natalie’s mouth pressed into a thin line.

  “Then how do you know?” Bella laughed. “A year ago, did you think you’d make love with a cat-woman like me?” Her hands rose to loosen the bow around her neck. The front of her dress fell to her waist, exposing voluptuous breasts, pert nipples pointing tightly. The fine sheen of fur coating her body blended so well with her skin tones, Natalie could barely tell Bella wasn’t human. Memory reminded her of how soft and silky she was.

  Her core heated, juices stirring to life. Natalie clenched her tingling fingers and glanced at the cat-man leaning against the door.

  Bella nodded at the Bengal. “Leandro, show Natalie how wonderful a threesome can be.”

  Natalie backed away. “I didn’t come to be with him. I came for you.”

  “If you want me, you must do as I say.” Bella crossed her arms over her lovely breasts. “Do you want me?”