" Bill shuddered as he caught a hint of bloodthirsty glare, as merciless as a hunting wolf, in her gaze. "But that was long ago."Few in the World Abov... believe in those such as I anymore. They give their faith to the Christ-c***d. A fisherman may use my name on a cold day, or a mother tell my tale to a c***d, but that is poor food for the spirit to live on. So I have aged. Aged terribly. My very existence depends on belief, and that belief is fading. Who knows how much longer I can. Mom came over and gave me a hug. "My little girl is all grown up." Momm!"Is it possible to die from embarrassment?Then she kissed my cheek. "You've caught yourself a good man, Lisa. Don't let him slip away."I whispered, "I won't, Mom." I couldn't help smiling, in spite of the fact I was totally embarrassed.I hugged her back and she asked, "How about breakfast?" Okay."Mom got out my cereal, "Is that what you're going to welcome your boyfriend home in?"I looked down at my jeans and t-shirt.. I usually just sleep like this…’ ‘No it’s fine, really. Just act like you normally would. Pretend I’m not here.’ He smiled over his shoulder before he turned around again and slid his jeans to the floor. He picked them up and threw them on the chair. I tried not to stare, but at this point, I knew it was almost impossible not to. He was muscular in all the right places, but not a ridiculous amount, just enough that it seemed almost natural, like his tan. Guys really did have all the luck with. I had a reckless feeling about her, as if I could grab her arse and she wouldn’t mind at all. But I decided to play it careful and see if she was in the same mood this time.Up in the ramshackle little apartment with its rustic/artistic carved woods and a parrot whistling in a spare room, I sat in the same chair and Jean-Luc occupied the same one he had the last time.Monique appeared with a bottle of Muscadet and three small, water-stained glasses. I waited breathlessly for her to lean forward.