Thread by @RomGothSam

I always thought it would be romantic. For hands to touch on the worn spine of a favourite book. Eyes would meet. Shy smiles. A hesitant laugh. A shared love of a favourite text... and then a slow burn stroll off into the sunset. 1/

Of course, in reality there was only one copy. A first edition. Jacket intact. When our hands touched there was no spark. Fingers became hooked claws, staking a claim. When our eyes met, hearts didn't soften. There was a feral gleam in her eyes and I knew that I was glaring. 2/

I pulled my lips back, a smile or a snarl, she could take it how she wanted. Her mouth pursed, lips pulled tight. Her claws pulled on the book. Mine refused to release it.
Words would have been a polite fiction. 'Oh, this is my favourite, would you mind...''Ever so sorry but...'

Neither of us were the type to waste our time in platitudes.

But she wasted hers in indecision.

My blade was swift and cut through flesh like butter, shearing through fabric, worming between ribs, striking home. 4/

It's not that I didn't notice the way the dusty light caught her hair and made it burn with autumn's colours. Not that I didn't see the way the watered silk hugged her ample frame. Not that I didn't feel it. Whatever *it* is said to be.

But it couldn't distract me. 5/

The second-hand book game is serious business. And if you're holding that much power in your hand, hidden in the creases and folds of a well-worn hardback... Well, let's say, it doesn't pay to be indecisive. 6/

My arm around her, I lowered to the floor. I suppose that was the all the moment we were bound to have. I think she felt it too. I do not think she minded that I held her to the end. The last soft sigh of breath.

I had leisure to be kind then. Weakness perhaps. 7/

But don't worry. I will not be so kind tomorrow. 8/8

A little tweetfic inspired by @JohannesTEvans tweetfic workshop yesterday with #RomancingTheGothic

Oh, tips always welcome.

ko-fi.com/samhirst

A little bonus for patreons here. An audio recording

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