Romancing The Stone': Dark Short Stories, #18

By Colin Devonshire

Book eighteen in the Twisted Short Stories series reveals some home truths. Best never to discover!

Romancing The Stones: A man's secret love life unfolds as he takes his girlfriend to a graveyard for romance while his wife lies dying at home, revealing a web of deceit and hidden desires. But she gets her revenge.

A Message In A Shadow: When a granddaughter attempts to bond with her grandmother, she stumbles upon shocking family secrets that cast a dark shadow over her family's history.

The Runner's Scythe: Pippa encounters an 80-year-old man who defies his age by running, leading her to uncover a mysterious connection between his vitality and her father's haunting scythe.

The Boy Who Hated: Delve into the disturbing mind of a boy who harbours an intense hatred for females, exploring the depths of his prejudice and the sinister consequences it brings.

The Forbidden Urge: In a tale of irresistible temptation, the phrase "Do Not Touch" takes on a dangerous allure, driving individuals to seek what's forbidden, with chilling consequences.

The Deceptive Stone: A beautiful purple stone found on a serene beach beckons but conceals a dark secret that leaves its discoverer with a haunting and unexpected burden.

Office Intrigue: A new colleague's curiosity about a handsome man in the office leads to a twisted tale of obsession, manipulation, and sinister intentions.

The Unlucky Number: Exploring the superstition surrounding the number 666, this story reveals that luck can quickly turn to misfortune as one individual discovers the true malevolence of this infamous number.

Each of these stories offers a glimpse into the darker aspects of human nature, weaving suspense, mystery, and unsettling revelations into a captivating anthology.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Colin Devonshire
• Release date: Sep 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223868378

Colin Devonshire

Colin Devonshire worked in print and allied trades in London before spending twenty years as editor of a lifestyle magazine in Hua Hin, Thailand. He now writes fiction and non-fiction full-time. His wife, children and six dogs keep him busy!

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Other books by Colin Devonshire

Beat The Beach - short stories featuring Thai people or Thailand.

Not Far Enough From Worries - Number 1 in No Worries series

Worry No More - Number 2 in No Worries series

Children With No Worries - Number 3 in No Worries series

We Have More Worries - Number 4 in No Worries series

And the ‘Twisted Short Stories’ anthologies:

Book 1:  Splash, Splash...

Book 2:  Day Nine

Book 3: What A Day For...

Book 4: Slim Or No Chance

Book 5: Marked

Book 6: Dinner For Two

Book 7: The Golden Boy

Book 8: Red Lipstick, Green Bananas

Book 9:  Siamese Feast

Book 10:  First Boyfriend

Book 11: Tea Junction

Book 12:  Everything Ready?

Book 13: Courting

Book 14: Beat Stops

Book 15: Thumbs Up

Book 16: River Of Jewels

Book 17: Only In Bangkok

Book 18: Romancing The Stones’

All available at good book stores

Free reads: https://colindevonshire.substack.com/

Keep up with Colin’s twisted dark tales: www.dark-novels.com

Romancing the Stones'

‘WHY DID YOU drag me in here?' she asked, adding red to her lips.

'A chance to be alone, why else?' Nathan fidgeted.

'Christ, Nath, we could go to loads of parties.'

'Yes, but everyone knows us. Here we can be together.'

'What's in your bag?'

Shirley looked at him and tutted.

'This, my dear, is a tent, a heater, and a box of chocolates. What more do you need?'

The tuts got louder.

'I don't suppose you have a five-star hotel in there, do you?'

There was a break in the clouds; the full moon shined on them. The gravestones surrounding them quivered in the new light. Nathan sighed, and Shirley grunted.

She then shivered.

'What about your wife?' she said.

'She's okay. After her medicine, she'll sleep through the night.'

'And what about my husband?'

'You said he was driving tonight?' said Nathan.

'Yes, but I never know when he'll be back.'

She knew exactly what time they expected him and his grumbling about French drivers. He had a lorry load of wine to deliver from Toulouse.

'You know he won't be back until lunchtime at the earliest.'

'Depends; his French tart might kick him out early,' she grinned.

Nathan leaned across, shoulder to shoulder. Clasping her hand, he sucked on her little finger, winning him a half-hearted smile. She pulled away from his hand and snorted.

'What?' he whined.

'Let's go back to your place?'

'You know we can't. It won't feel right.'

'Your wife won't know,' she said.

'Yes, but... What about your home?'

'Yeah, right! My husband will kill you. His thug mate next door is certain to see your car.'

'So, we can have fun here,' said Nathan.

'I suppose so,' she smiled.

Nathan failed with the bra clasp; it stung her back.

'At least set up the tent first,' Shirley said, freeing her ample bosom.

Nathan opened his bag and emptied its contents onto the ground. Hands-on hips, Shirley tried to read the gravestones, 'Chuck me that torch, can you?'

'I need it,' he said.

'Just give it here.' She studied her