yumine

'M' is For: [Ch16] The Harder They Fall - Part 3

Despite my resolution to stay on the sidelines, I found myself rising to my feet and starting forward before my mind fully caught up with what was happening.

“Missy, what are you doing?” I said, the words bursting out of me. “You know that Thomas…” I stopped, seeing the wild expression on Thomas’s face as he gazed at these new accessories she held.

“It’s fine,” Missy said with a glittering laugh. “And, I believe I’ve asked you to address me here as ‘My Lady...

Saucy Sketch Monday #304

Be careful when unicorn hunting, or you may find the unicorn hunting you.

'M' is For: [Ch16] The Harder They Fall - Part 2

I got my drink after that, a birthday special named after Missy and concocted by the bartender for tonight. The alcohol helped take a little of the edge off, and I found myself starting to relax. I returned to the bar for a second drink once I’d drained my first. As I walked across the room, I could feel the subtle signals directed toward me as Missy’s guests checked me out, letting it be known in small little ways that I could have them if I so chose.

I checked them out in turn. So...

Saucy Sketch Tuesday #303

'M' is For: [Ch16] The Harder They Fall - Part 1

Warning: This chapter contains some darker themes, including abuse.

-----

Alex showed up at Missy’s apartment in a burgundy velvet blazer. With his tousled dark curls and heavy rings, he looked like a lost rockstar, or a mildly dangerous gothic vampire that had wandered off a television set. I bit back a smile as we exchanged kisses in the lobby.

The doorman, Ernie, and I exchanged a friendly greeting as I led Alex into the elevator.

“You look absolutely d...

'M' is For: [Ch15] Salvation in Sin - Part 2

Looking around, I could see what Sharon meant about the space. It wasn’t exactly on a level with Missy’s sweeping penthouse apartment with its floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views, but it wasn’t trying to be, either. The space was an expansive suite, with a small little kitchenette and an open living room area replete with upholstered arm chairs, indulgent chaise lounges, and a low mahogany coffee table. The table itself looked like it bore the spoils of a recent raid on a pastry...

Saucy Sketch Sunday #302

Bringing it back old-school... Am stuck in the countryside with a dead tablet and no working charger, so it'll be pencils for the next week or so!

'M' is For: [Ch15] Salvation in Sin - Part 1

One early Saturday morning, I headed out to the local supermarket to buy my weekly groceries. Despite the hour, the supermarket was already busy with people. I was focused on my shopping list, doing my best to avoid the jostle of mothers with their children, when I heard from behind me, “Mallory?”

I turned, and it took me a full minute to place the familiar face of the sandy-haired woman looking at me. I recognized that sparkle in those eyes, but my uncaffeinated brain was drawing a...

Saucy Sketch Sunday #301

Trapped in her steady gaze...

'M' is For: [Ch14] Blood in the Cut - Part 2

Finally, the holidays arrived. I went back home for Christmas and did my best approximation of someone who was happy and thriving. Jenny was traveling for a friend’s wedding, or she might have called me out on it, but my parents and brother were none the wiser. When my mom grudgingly asked about Thomas, I deflected as best as I could. And when my brother complained that he’d been the only one in the family who hadn’t had the chance to meet him, I forced a smile and played it off.

...

All The Ladies

After the last illustration, kept the theme going with another vintage ad! I wonder what other useful products the Ladies Who Lunch Company might sell...

'M' is For: [Ch14] Blood in the Cut - Part 1

The Saturday after we got back, Missy threw an informal gathering at her apartment for ‘just the girls.’ Kiara, Danielle and I went to Missy’s apartment after grabbing dinner together, and I was glad to have the distraction of their company. I didn’t want to think about what expression I’d have to wear when Missy asked me about my birthday or how to react to any pointed questions about the time Thomas and I spent together. It was different when Danielle idly asked how my weekend wen...

'M' is For: [Ch13] Lover's Folly - Part 3

It took less than twenty minutes for the drug to kick in. Thomas held me gently, nuzzling my hair, as the room shifted and the colors became just a little deeper. Sensation bloomed across my skin so that a gentle touch on my shoulder made my whole arm tingle. A heat was gathering between my legs like the slow but unstoppable stirrings of a summer thunderstorm. I could feel my heartbeat accelerate, my breath start to quicken.

“Thomas,” I said, my voice coming out low and pleading to ...

'M' is For: [Ch13] Lover's Folly - Part 2

Dinner that night was at a nearby Mexican restaurant in a strip mall. It had been around since I could remember, a favorite for post-high school events and birthday parties. I made my parents swear not to tell the restaurant that it was my birthday, though. I would have withered under the embarrassment of having to wear the bedazzled sombrero that the waitstaff brought out for such special guests.

Mom, I noticed, had some pointed questions to ask Thomas about how he knew me and for how ...

The New Training Muzzle

Train your man to serve you without the nuisance of chatter.
--
Theme was chosen by poll over on SubscribeStar.

'M' is For: [Ch13] Lover's Folly - Part 1

It felt odd to be back in the familiar confines of my house, still cluttered with the ephemera of my childhood, and to feel so different. All around the house, Mom had already started to decorate for Christmas, swapping out the pillows, hand towels, and throw-blankets and festooning every conceivable surface, just as she had since I could remember. But so much had happened since the last time I’d been back. I’d started a new job. I’d met Missy and Thomas. I’d tried things I’d never ...

Saucy Sketch Saturday #300

You stare mesmerized at Her through the gimp hood. She smiles as she dangles the key to your cage from her fingers.

'M' is For: [Ch12] Careful What You Wish For - Part 2

Missy’s birthday celebration for me started out normally enough. We skipped barre and met up at a restaurant near Missy’s apartment for dinner. Most everyone I knew, like Kiara, Danielle, James, and of course, Thomas. But Missy also brought along a new guy she had picked up named Bryan. He reminded me a little of Todd from the Hamptons: impressively muscled with a personality like cardboard. It seemed Missy had a particular type when it came to her flings. I’d also invited Edward, but h...

'M' is For: [Ch12] Careful What You Wish For - Part 1

Mixed up the scheduling dates, so this one is coming out a little later than usual! Thanks for your patience. -Y

------

Over the two weeks that Missy and Thomas were gone in Spain, the old barre crew were left to our own devices. Adrienne had stopped coming out, presumably busy with other, more important things, and now our little group consisted solely of Kiara, Danielle, and myself. Feeling adventurous, we tried a few different spots for our post-workout drinks. We disc...

Saucy Sketch Friday #299

She found something more delectable than ripened fruit...

Saucy Sketch Thursday #298

'M' is For: [Ch11] Sweet Little Lies - Part 4

Edward's place was a fifteen minute walk from the restaurant. The warm summer air was balm on my skin after the frigid indoor air, and I tilted my head back ever so slightly to enjoy the breeze as we waited for the light at a crosswalk.

"How did I never know you lived so close to Missy?" I asked Edward teasingly. The light changed and we started forward.

"You never asked," Edward returned. "Most of the people who go live pretty close. And then we have a few hardcore attendees who ...

'M' is For: [Ch11] Sweet Little Lies - Part 3

Mid-morning the next day, after I had settled into my second cup of coffee, I heard a little cough. I looked up to see Kathy the receptionist, peering down at me from behind a massive bouquet of flowers.

"These just came in for you," Kathy said. "From your boyfriend?"

"I don't have a boyfriend," I said honestly. No one had ever given me flowers before.

"Well, nice flowers." Kathy set them down my desk, popped her AirPods back into her ears, and walked away with just the slig...

Saucy Sketch Friday #297

Just a little fun with the boys~

More angles from this illustration.

'M' is For: [Ch11] Sweet Little Lies - Part 2

Thomas must have seen the look on my face, because he quickly said, "Let me call Pauline. She can let us in." He pulled out his phone, pressing it to his ear.

I waited, my heart thumping in my chest. I could faintly hear the sound of the ringing as Thomas's call went unanswered.

"What?" I asked as Thomas lowered the phone, even though I guessed what he was about to say.

"She's not by the phone," Thomas said, looking uneasy. "Let me text her." He started tapping out his messa...

January Illustration

Lenore did so love her puppies...

Ended up using 3D modeling to help figure out the angles on this one. I might do a few more drawings of this very delectable situation.

'M' is For: [Ch11] Sweet Little Lies - Part 1

Meanwhile, I hadn't forgotten Thomas's suggestion that I write my own articles. It took me several months to finish up my first drafts, and even longer of sitting on them before I finally took the plunge and began to submit them. I had drawn up for myself a short-list of publications that were both reputable and had open calls for freelance submissions. Between those two things, the list was short indeed.

I was in for some disappointment. Deep down inside, part of me had hoped that resp...

'M' is For: [Ch10] Of Wolves and Sheep - Part 2

Manhattan in hand, it wasn't too hard to find Missy. She'd dismissed Jacob and was now relaxing up against a naked Thomas on the loveseat. A few individuals sat on the floor at her feet and off to her side on the adjacent furniture, paying court to their queen.

"If it isn't my sweet Mal," Missy said, smiling up at me as we approached. "That took longer than expected."

She extended her arm and I handed her her drink.

"Yeah, about that..." The words, when I found them, came ha...

Saucy Sketch Tuesday #296

Happy New Year's Eve! Here's hoping the next year is a good one for everyone.

'M' is For: [Ch10] Of Wolves and Sheep - Part 1

By the time October came around, I could recognize almost everyone who came to Missy's parties. Sharon was right about it being a small circle. I hadn't seen her since the first party, and I missed her refreshing directness. Still, I'd found others in Missy's crowd who were always receptive to trying something new with me, especially after my performance at the last one. We only knew each other within the context of Missy's parties, and so there was no risk of confusing outside-world feelings...