Desire. Cindy Jacks

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      LYRICAL PRESS

      Kensington Publishing Corp.

      www.kensingtonbooks.com

      Copyright

      Lyrical Press books are published by

      Kensington Publishing Corp. 119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

      Copyright © 2014 by Cindy Jacks

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

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      Special book excerpts or customized printings can also be created to fit specific needs. For details, write or phone the office of the Kensington Special Sales Manager:

      Kensington Publishing Corp.

      119 West 40th Street

      New York, NY 10018

      Attn. Special Sales Department. Phone: 1-800-221-2647.

      Kensington and the K logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

      Lyrical Press and the L logo are trademarks of Kensington Publishing Corp.

      First Electronic Edition: May 2015

      eISBN-13: 978-1-61650-644-5

      eISBN-10: 1-61650-644-X

      First Print Edition: May 2015

      ISBN-13: 978-1-61650-645-2

      ISBN-10: 1-61650-645-8

      Printed in the United States of America

      Dedication

      To Napo, here’s hoping you are always young at heart.

      Acknowledgements

      There are so many people I want to thank for their hard work, input, and support:

      Denysé, who has more faith in my talent and abilities than I have ever had.

      Stacey, my beta reader who is always generous with her time and insight.

      Penny, my Kensington editor whose constructive criticism shaped a good manuscript into a novel I can be proud of.

      All the wonderful folks at Kensington/Lyrical for taking a chance on my quirky little book.

      Arnold, for always allowing me to bounce ideas off of him and for being part of The Village.

      Eva and the whole Elliott family, just for being wonderful.

      Kelly, for holding my hand (and pouring the wine) while I awaited a response to my submission.

      Nannette, for checking on me when I’ve been quiet for too long.

      And of course my parents, my son and the love of my life, Napo. Without all of your support and love I’d be a neurotic and unproductive puddle of goo.

      Author’s Foreword

      My greatest wish is that you enjoy this work of fiction. And it is just that―a work of fiction. I know I’ve taken considerable liberties with names, forms, and behaviors of deities from the pantheons of many world religions—some active, some not. For example, in traditional Greek mythology, Silenus is Bacchus’ mentor and companion. However, I felt Pan was a more recognizable figure and therefore cast him in Silenus’ role for this book.

      As for all of Bacchus’ colorful friends, I believe incorporating gods and goddesses from India, Egypt, ancient Sumeria, and even the UK is entirely appropriate in the telling of this tale. The god of intoxication and ecstasy was purported to travel widely, recruiting followers and bringing the gift of wine to foreign lands.

      I also realize the tone of this manuscript is at times flippant and playful. Again these departures from more traditional piety are in no way meant to offend or tread on religious beliefs. Please take these words as they are intended—a joyful celebration of the sorrows of the world and the indomitable qualities of the human soul.

      To quote the great bard himself:

      “If we shadows have offended,

      Think but this, and all is mended,

      That you have but slumbered here

      While these visions did appear.

      And this weak and idle theme,

      No more yielding than a dream.”

      – William Shakespeare, A Midsummer’s Night Dream

      Namaste,

      Cindy

      Chapter 1

      Fall from Grace

      The scroll belonged to another god. Granted, the address read To Bacchus, but this foolish human had prayed to the wrong deity. It was one thing to address him by his given name, Dionysus, as opposed to the Roman name he preferred. It was quite another to mix up the god of intoxication and ecstasy with the god of viniculture and wine. “Pan,” he called to his steward, “this is for Liber. How I tire СКАЧАТЬ