Angels Bleed (Fallen Angels Book 1) by Max Hardy

I did.  Until he left home and went to University, I never had another lover, I never had a single sexual encounter and never even masturbated, not once in all that time.  My focus was Michael, my life was Michael.  When he left I felt utterly lost.  Oh, I talked to him most days and he came home at least twice a month, mainly for me to do his washing.  But he had his own life, his own interests and his own friends and didn’t need his mollycoddling mum any more.  I was alone.  I was lonely. I didn’t have a Scooby about relationships.  There had only ever been Hannah.  How sad is that.  In my forties and not a clue how to date.’
    ‘One of the girls from work was getting married and she invited me out on her hen night.  I know she was expecting me to say no.  I had every time anyone else asked me.  This time I said yes.  I had to get out there somehow and at least try to find some friendship, even if it was just with my work colleagues.’
    ‘I fussed for weeks building myself up for that night.  I bought and changed twenty six dresses before settling on the one I wore, a simple black A-Line, very short on the leg, but elegant.  I had my hair straightened and my nails done.  You might not believe it now but I used to be pretty.  There were thirteen of us including the Hen and we initially went for a meal on the deck of the Cruz Bar, a boat on the river right in the centre of Leith, next to the Customs House.  It was a great venue, good food, lots of smutty girlie talk and an ideal opportunity to people watch Leith life.  I was nervous and very reticent in the early conversations, but after a few Jager Bombs, I loosened up a little, watching and talking to the girls more than people watching.’
    ‘It was around ten when Sammie, the Maid Of Honour, announced that we were ready to head off to the next venue.  She wouldn’t tell us where that was.  We all had to put on blindfolds.  A slight chill of excitement, of anticipation ran down my spine as I put mine on.  She then led us in a slightly drunken conga out down Bernard Street.    We sang all the way, passing numerous pubs and clubs, being cheered on by the night time revellers, some of whom copped a sneaky feel or fondle, which was tantalising.  After about ten minutes we arrived at our destination and Sammie led us, still blindfolded, into the venue.  The crisp evening air outside immediately changed to a warm, close atmosphere, sudden aromas of musk and pot invading my senses, the gentle, disjointed confusion of light Jazz entering my ears.’
    ‘’Right Girls.’ Sammie said, ‘After three, take your blindfolds off:  One, two, three!’ she announced.  We took them off and girlie shrieks, some of excitement and some of shock rang out above the ambient jazz, as we took in the room.  It was dimly lit, with small booths around the walls, cigarette and pot fumes adding to the haze.  We were in one of the booths, looking out into the room where there were tables in front of a stage.  On the stage were two very voluptuous blondes, totally naked, pole dancing for the women seated at the tables.  In the booths that were occupied, we could see lap dances going on with the women sitting in them.  In one corner, a quartet of beautiful women, dressed in spats, white cuffs and collars, hair sleeked back, moustaches drawn on their lips, but naked otherwise were the source of the music.’
    ‘’Welcome to Labia’s ladies, Leith’s only lesbian lap dancing establishment.  My name is Destiny and I am your hostess for the evening.  Our desire is to see your desire fulfilled.  What can I get you to drink before the entertainment starts?’ asked Destiny, a very tall, very buxom brunette in a long white evening dress, split from the waist down on either side, her slim, tanned legs visible.  She was stunning and I have to admit, my heart began to palpitate at the sight of her and of the other beautiful women in the room.  Feelings,