Meleys was clearly interested in Hollow. The ruby-scaled femme’s words to him proved just that, and the Phantum drew in even closer to her, grinning. “That’s a wonderful proposition, my lady Meleys.” That smirk she wore excited the terror even more; his eyes flicked over her body. He circled around, intent on doing what he had intended to do.

fade out, fade in

Hollow lay next to Meleys, his hot blue eyes expressing satisfaction. “That was wonderful.” His vines, healthy and green, flopped along his sides and tail. “I do believe I found my girl . . . don’t you, Princess?” Inside, Hollow was burning with the desire to have not only Meleys, but any other girl he dared chance upon. He so adored the thrill of an encounter like this, twisting and bending naïve women to his will.

“So I try to talk refined, for fear that you find out.”