Fleshpot Novella

By Jody R. LaGreca

In 1995, client Raymond Brent falls in love at first sight with Maria Cezaro, a beautiful eighteen-year-old prostitute, who works in her mother Madame Colette’s bordello in Spanish Harlem. The forty-year-old wealthy furrier takes a fostering role in Maria’s life, in the hope of purifying her and teaching her the meaning of love. He offers Maria the position of companion for his dying wife in his opulent Sands Point estate on Long Island, when in truth — Ray is grooming Maria as his future wife — aware his wife Elizabeth will soon be dead.

In the meantime, Ray frequents the bordello in a twisted morality where he abstains from intimacy with Maria in order to win her heart and trust. Does Maria surrender to Ray’s seduction? Or will Elizabeth’s agenda of persuading Maria to honor her memory once she is gone influence her young companion’s destiny?

Love. Seduction. Money. Destiny.
Discover what happens when a morally twisted plan clashes with one driven by virtue in Fleshpot Novella: Book One.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jody R. LaGreca
• Release date: Oct 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465948113

Jody R. LaGreca

Former fashion designer of couture evening wear and accessories, Jody R. LaGreca is now the author of ten novels. LaGreca's repertoire is vast including; Historical and Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Vampire Sagas, and Gothic Horror. Her novels appeal to both men and women and have unexpected twists and turns. Jody LaGreca has a BA in Writing/English from Queens College University of New York. She also graduated Phi Theta Kappa Magna Cum Laude in Fashion Apparel Design from NCC, State University of New York. Her poetry is internationally published in magazines and anthologies, including Midstream. She has been a featured author at the International Women's Writing Guild, Big Apple Conference in New York City. Jody LaGreca was born in Sea Gate, Brooklyn, New York and has been writing since the age of seven. For more information, visit http://jodylagreca.wix.com/suspense.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Bordello 1995

Raymond Brent looked out of place walking down the seamy side of Spanish Harlem in his classic gray wool suit and blue shirt. His freshly polished penny loafers were as shiny as his brown hair which he wore

parted on the side, and neatly combed.

At forty, Ray appeared youthful and manly in equal proportions. Charisma emitted through his burly presence of height, and a classically handsome face, complimented by a cleft chin.

He absentmindedly took a dollar out of his money clip, and placed it in the cup of a beggar who obstructed his path. The man tipped his shoddy hat and echoed, God bless you, in a grateful voice.

Ray feared God was watching him as he looked up at the flashing red light from the upstairs window. He apprehensively rang the buzzer, and was quickly granted entry into Madame Collette’s house of ill repute. He climbed the tall steps with anticipation.

In the parlor he was greeted by Madame Collette’s bevy of harlots in their perfected poses. Multicolored flowered shawls with fringes provocatively draped their bare shoulders for a turn of the century allure.

The scantily clad Rosita whispered, He’s a filthy rich furrier whose wife is dying from cancer.

Each enchantress sat up straighter in an effort to project more cleavage; one woman’s tragedy would only be another’s reward. They all pursed their painted lips in the hope of being chosen.

Ray Brent scanned the room from velvet couch to corner, seeing only his heartache, diffused by the display of tawdry flesh. Until suddenly the

bead fringed divider between the office and the sitting room swayed and Maria Cezaro entered. She touched a chord of sympathy within him.

Wearing a taupe shawl with pink and burgundy flowers intermingled with greenery; she eyed him seductively as she opened a large fan decorated with roses. She slowly closed it and enticingly removed her shawl, revealing her scanty attire of black lace panties, thigh high stockings, and a red garter placed high upon her thigh. Dark and beautiful, contrary to her attire, Maria’s face looked as otherworldly as the Madonna. Her almond eyes beckoned Ray with beguiling persuasion, and stole his sensibility in an instant. Black, silky strands of hair framed her face in fleeting innocence. Crimson lipstick marred her flawless complexion, while her dark eyes were alive with luminosity. Maria, the girl with the red rose pinned strategically behind one ear was only eighteen.

Ray Brent studied her girlish form as his heart filled with the desire to spare her from her demeaning lot. In spite of the fact Maria was for sale, to Raymond Brent she was untouchable.

Ray gently wrapped his hand around her forearm, and guided her to an empty lounge. Maria did not wince and submissively took her place beside him. She stared blankly into space as he tried to catch her eye.

I must tell you, you’re beautiful, far too beautiful to be here. What’s your name? Ray asked in instant adoration.

I’m Maria. She coquettishly looked at him through the corner of her eye before captivating him with her radiant smile.

Am I to be your choice this evening? Maria seductively raised her brow.

It’s hard to believe you’ve actually done this before, in spite of how you’re dressed, your face looks so young and innocent.

My days of innocence are over, Maria muttered with street smart ambiance. I’m eighteen, and in a few years I’ll be over the hill.

Whoever filled your pretty little head with these notions? Ray asked in concern.

I guess you’re not aware, sir, but there are many men who prefer only girls my age.

That’s perverse. Ray thought of his six-year-old daughter, Lisa, with her golden curls. It pained him to fathom Maria had squandered her innocence, and he felt ashamed to be a further foible in her moral decay.

Come, he grabbed a hold of her arm again. You’re my choice this evening. I’m in need of someone to talk to. I think we both are. Let’s go to a room where we can speak undisturbed.

After he paid for an hour of her time Maria led him to the lavender room. It had a king-sized bed with an ecru comforter and lace pillows, violet satin curtains and a Turkey rug. A loveseat for two, toppled with pillows embroidered with scarlet roses was positioned adjacent to the window.

Ray sat down on the loveseat, and motioned for Maria to sit beside him. She looked unaccustomed to being sought for merely companionship. He shrouded her shoulders with his sports jacket, since the room had a chill, and she had left her shawl in the parlor.

So, Maria, Ray reverberated in a masterful tone. I hope you don’t mind me asking, but it truly baffles me. Why would a beautiful creature like you sell yourself to strangers?

Madame Collette is my mother, need I say more? Maria retorted with pride.

So I assume your mother has encouraged you then. Yes, my mother has been my mentor, Maria replied.

Well, then let me ask you, how do you feel about selling yourself?

It’s a business like any other. The clients are all respectful; my mother makes sure of it. I beg your pardon, sir, Maria smirked. But if you don’t mind my asking, if you’re so against how I make my living, then why are you here?

Mostly out of loneliness, Ray answered in a somber tone. I suppose, and to try and help alleviate my situation of having a sick wife at home. It’s been very difficult, and I’m far too young to be a monk . . . I’m a furrier, and a few months ago I bought a batch of skins from a warehouse in the neighborhood. Afterward I decided to eat at Carlota’s Bar and Grill. I figured how bad can a burger and fries be. Well, Miss Janette lured me upstairs, and such was the beginning of my involvement. But I assure you, it’s little solace. Janette cares only for my money, and as I’m sure you’re well aware, there’s nothing personal between us. She’s a divorced mother trying to feed her family, but for the life of me, I can’t envision any self respecting man defiling the morals of a mere teenager, especially one who has been coerced by her own mother no less. It’s worse than despicable, and it makes me sick!

Ray grabbed a hold of her hand protectively. You might not know it, Maria, but you’re in dire need of someone who can help get you away from here and guide you down a respectable path. You’re far too lovely to be degrading yourself like this.

Well, the truth is, my life used to be completely opposite from this. I used to attend Saint Mary’s where I was an honor student. Maria’s eyes became veiled by sorrow. In my senior year my grandmother became ill, and I was forced to drop out of school to take care of her. When she died a year later her money ran out, and we could no longer afford parochial school. Since the public schools are very bad, my mother insisted I come to work for her when I turned eighteen.

The way I see it, Maria, you might have been forced to drop out of school, but at least you have knowledge of caring for the sick. That accounts for something, Ray said encouragingly.

I’m far from a professional, sir, but my Grandmother Rosa told me I was a great comfort to her. She passed away with a smile on her face, which gave my mother and me a lot of peace.

In view of what you’ve just told me, it’s clear to me your grandmother intended for you to graduate from Catholic school . . . Let me ask you something, aren’t you going against everything your grandmother and the nuns taught you by working in the bordello?

No doubt, but my mother is nothing like my grandmother. She doesn’t have an ounce of religion in her soul, Maria half laughed. I don’t mind that much, since the nuns were far too strict anyway.

There’s a middle ground. Ray paused with deliberation. There are no coincidences in life. It just so happens I’m in need of a companion for my wife Elizabeth. You got me thinking. If you’re interested I can offer you a live-in position at my Sands Point estate. For one thing, it would help get you out of this environment, and I’d pay you well. Would you consider it, Maria? Ray asked in earnest.

Sure, why not? If my mother agrees, I would give it a try. Maria shrugged her suit-clad shoulders. I have to admit, taking care of my grandmother was a lot better than being here, but my mother has the last word on everything.

Come, let’s see if I can persuade her. Ray grabbed a hold of Maria’s hand with the goodwill of a philanthropist, and the ulterior motive of Svengali.

The dangling beads shimmied as Madame Collette emerged, decked out in black leather and high heels with the blackest, shrewdest, most money hungry eyes Ray had ever seen. Ray extended his hand to greet hers. Madame Colette’s obtrusive rings on nearly every finger and gnarly nails made a handshake a challenge.

I’d like to speak to you privately, Madame.

Ray followed the Madame through the cascading beads of a makeshift office while Maria trailed behind her. If what you wish to discuss pertains to Maria, I’d rather she be present. She’s not naive you know.

No, I assume not. Ray surreptitiously glanced at Maria’s shapeliness. He quickly reminded himself she might have looked like a woman, but she was merely a teenage girl without free will.

Have a seat, Madame Collette offered.

Ray sat on an office chair across from her desk, strewn with papers, and Maria sat next to him. Your daughter Maria is a lovely girl. Ray Brent glanced longingly at Maria’s bowed head to notice she looked like a softer version of her mother, with some naiveté to salvage.

So I’ve been told, Madame Collette pompously retorted.

I have a proposition to make, Ray announced matter-of-fact.

Please go on, Madame Collette’s voice raised in eager acquiescence.

As much money as Maria makes here, I’d be willing to double it if she comes to work for me.

You’d have a pretty penny to pay. Madame Collette lifted her arched brows with interest. What type of work would it entail? Over here it’s straight sex, just the clean, conventional kind.

That’s not my intention, Madame, Ray articulated with refinement. I’ve offered Maria a position at my estate as a companion for my wife Elizabeth. As I’m sure you must know by now my wife is ailing from cancer. Maria told me of her experience caring for her grandmother so it got me thinking.

Maria is by no means a qualified companion, the Madame interjected in a clipped tone. "There are many agencies where you can find reputable help . . . Not to mention Maria is the most profitable girl I have. It’s not odd for someone to come