The quiet stifled the humid air. An unusual lull compared to the storm of laughter and lustful moans that regularly reverberated through the Hollier House’s walls. Adeline, a young ward of the pleasure house, sat alone by the hearth, allowing boredom to fester in. She yearned for her regular bustling around, filling cups, and washing away the night’s carnal escapades of her fellow sisters. Yet, the night didn’t call for her. She was new to the house and untouched, not yet of age to bed the patrons herself; however, when a wealthy client enters the home and takes one look at her with his icy eyes, she knows tonight will tear away the last of her innocence. Whispers had filled her ears about this his desires, his overflowing satchel of silver coins, and his habitual nature for violence with the older sisters in the house. Yet even with the potential looming danger, her interests are piqued once the house’s procurer, Madam Hollier, calls upon her with a proposition. Will she toss away her maidenhood, and claim her position, or will the Madam’s vengeance for the past reap the night?
Author
From an early age, JB knew he could create mind-blowing, emotionally charged stories filled with enigmatic characters and story arcs. Fond, nostalgic memories still loop in his mind about the three or four-page thrillers he wrote in middle-school for his friends. Around the same time, he discovered Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Both prolific writers influenced his creativity and helped hone his love for the craft. But the love remained dormant for years. In the early stages of the Covid pandemic, JB’s genuine passion came to fruition. Now happily married and a father, his inspiration bloomed after hearing his second daughter’s desire to write a novella. Day after day, the two sat at the kitchen table, exchanging ideas, creating treacherous villains, and building a majestic fantasy world through the use of a pen. He was hooked, and the passion to write came rushing back like an avalanche. Since then, he has completed two manuscripts: The Streets of Floria and Exit 202. The latter will be released late 2023. You can also find his numerous short stories published through online magazines and websites. His current work in progress (WIP) titled The Chronicles of Barbasos, is an anthology of shorts, due out early 2024. JB lives in sunny California with his wife and four children; three daughters and a son. Oh, and there’s his writing partner; his gray tabby, Max. When he isn’t writing, he loves to read, play golf, and listen to 80s rock and 90s metal. For more information, check out: www.jbarnold-author.com www.facebook.com/theauthorjbarnold www.instagram.com/j.b.arnoldauthor
