Mademoiselle Butterfly

by Andrea Vaughn

I glance down at myself. I’m aglow with soft moonlight, my wings stretching out in all their glory under me, and I realize that I haven’t removed today’s costume. The lace and bits of fabric don’t really leave much to the imagination, but frozen here under Erykk’s appreciative stare, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of pure femininity. “I hope you’re not waiting for an invitation,” I murmur, pulling myself upright into a sitting position. “I…no…of course not. I was just…. I’ve just never had the nerve to openly appraise you like this. I think the darkness may have lent me courage. You’re…more stunning than a Renoir,” he gushes, definitely smitten. “Sorry, that probably sounded corny.”“I like corny. But, appraising me makes me sound like a heifer at auction.” I tease.“Never in a million years.” He reaches out—I’m sure he’s sensed my mood change—scooping up my hands. He pulls me up onto my knees and our bodies press roughly together.... I shiver with delight."Shall I take you to your bedroom, Madam?” "Mademoiselle Butterfly." I giggle.Just when it seems like the two young lovers can finally be together, Erykk and Mandolyn are ripped apart by the very forces that brought them together. She was sold to Larry Lizzoli’s House of Freaks because at sixteen she sprouted wings. Wings of the butterfly variety. He is the owner’s son. And, he has fallen in love with his father’s prized possession; his prized “freak,” Mademoiselle Butterfly. Once it is discovered that these two are set on a course for romance, Larry Lizzoli beats Mandolyn to within inches of her life and discards her lifeless body. Erykk is sent packing, back to life as a college student, where Larry hopes he will forget all about the “freak” that he’s fallen in love with. Mandolyn will fight for her life and for her freedom as she struggles to recover from her victimization. Erykk has a fight of his own. He must fight to gain his manhood in an attempt to break away from his father’s militaristic parenting. Will Mandolyn survive? Will Erykk finally obtain what is rightfully his? Or, will the harsh perils of real life crush their hopes at ever being together?

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2011