Page 91 of The Last Love Story
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
JADE
I’ve gotmy groove back.
It’s been a month and a half since my surgery, and things are going well.
My mobility and range of motion has increased in my fingers. Still no pain at all. And I can make a fist again. I still can’t do anything that requires me to be weight bearing with my hand, and I’ve gotten good at opening jars and bottles with my left hand, but otherwise, I’m getting back to normal.
Most importantly, I’m typing several hours a day again, and book nine is flying out of me.
So much so that I’m letting the itch to work on my secret project take over. For years, it’s been my catharsis. Something just for me. My safe place, and the project that speaks to my soul—the girl who grew up loving Disney Princesses and fairytales. It’s been a few years, and every so often I consider querying them, but I always second-guessmyself.
They’re special to me. And having them stomped on scares me. But if I ever want to share them with the world, I’ll have to get over that because whether I try for the traditional route or self-publish, criticism will come my way. I’m getting closer, though.
When I was at my most bored, I went back and read the first two books and was pleasantly surprised they weren’t nearly as bad as I’d convinced myself they were. I’m planning to spend some time next week editing them, but I would be comfortable letting some trusted sources beta read them.
Today though, I’m working on book five. A twist onSnow White and the Huntsman. Only there are three huntsmen and no dwarves. One of the huntsmen is looking for her. She ends up shacking up with all three of them, and the one who is supposed to turn her in is fighting all his instincts. I’m at the climactic part now where he finally reveals who he is, and she tries to run, but they keep her there, promising fealty to her, then tying her to the bed and worshipping her. There might be some sword crossing action too.
But for this bit particularly, they’ll all be focused on her.
And she’s going to be filled up.
I wiggle in my spot at the corner of the couch and instantly feel Justin’s gaze on me.
“Okay over there, wifey?”
I clear my throat. Am I going to tell him what I’m thinking? Or even about the project?
I think I want to. At least the project. Maybe the other stuff.
“Uh… just working on something a little different, and thinking about it.”
He slides closer. “Different how?”
“It’s male-male-male-female.”
His eyes widen. “Oh, really? Not part of the Marianos, then?”
I slowly shake my head. “This is my secret project. Like super secret. No one else knows about it.”
“Will you tell me?” His words are gentle and encouraging.
“Okay, so you know my lore is fairytales and Disney Princesses. This is a series of retellings.”
“How many books?”
“I’m on the fifth, and I have plans for the sixth.”
His eyes light up. “What are they? I need to know more. Also, can I read them?”
I laugh at that. “I think I might be ready to let someone read the first two.”
“I volunteer as tribute.”
“I thought you might. Anyway, the first isBeauty and the Beast. Second is a sapphic version ofSleeping Beauty. Third isCinderella. Fourth is a male-maleLittle Mermaid. The sixth one will bePeter Pan. And the one I’m working on right now is a polyamorousSnow White and the Huntsmen. Three men and Snow White.” I swallow hard.
He quirks a brow, heat settling in his gaze. “And what about that has my sweet little romance author squirming?”
