Cowgirls vs Zombies: Saddle Up
Date: 2024-11-15 16:28:39+00:00
Description: Annie has been living alone in Texas for the last few years as her husband fights the Union army in the Civil War. Word is coming down that the war is over and that the men will soon be returning home. But they won't be the same when they do. Something happened during the war that has turned the fighting men into the undead. Annie, and the other women in town, along with others who never fought in the war, are left to defend the town from this zombie horde. Can they fight them off? Or is it already too late? This is a Short Story in the comic universe (on my Kavita server).

SADDLE UP

JAMES MASCIA

Dren Productions After Dark © 2022

Published by Dren Productions LLC

First edition ©2024 by Dren Productions

Electronic edition ©2024

Published in the United States of America

Copyright 2024 by James Mascia at Dren Productions LLC

Published in the United States of America

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations for reviews.

The characters and events written about in this book are completely fictional. Any resemblance between the characters and persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

THE NAUGHTY LIST 1

1862 - San Carra, Texas

Annie tugged at the reins of the plough, urging the clumsy old horse onwards. It was a brisk March morning, and a fine drizzle spattered across her face, cool and refreshing.

She pushed her auburn hair out of her eyes as the wind whipped it back from her forehead. Some of the strands had come loose from the braid she'd hastily tied it in, and now clung limply to her cheeks and the nape of her neck. But she couldn't stop for that right now; she had work to do.

She had to keep the farm running while Alex was away at war. Wiping her forehead with the back of her hand, she cast a glance towards the house. There stood Greta, the negro servant her mother had freed years ago. She was tall, strong, and beautiful, with a complexion like rich coffee. Her eyes were full of kindness and warmth, like the yellow glow of a campfire on a crisp October night. Many people looked down on it, but Greta was more an equal to Annie than many of the lowlifes in town. After all, they shared the same hardships of living and working on a farm. They'd spent countless hours working together, sharing their dreams and fears, and comforting each other in moments of need.

Annie watched as Greta went about her chores with strong, sure movements. There was a strength to her character that Annie found both remarkable and envious. The way she faced each day without complaint, without flinching, and did what needed to be done. Annie knew she couldn't have managed without her friend's help these past few months.

Wrinkling her nose, she cast her gaze over the landscape.

The long drought had left much of it cracked and parched, like the desert floor. They'd be lucky to get half the yield they normally got if the rains didn't come soon.

Alex would know what to do. He could always find a way to make things better, no matter how dire the situation.

The memory of his broad shoulders, his strong hands, and the way they moved effortlessly over the land brought a smile

2 JAMES MASCIA to Annie's lips. It also reminded her of how much she missed him. The farm just wasn't the same without his booming laughter, his warm embraces, and his infectious enthusiasm.

Greta glanced over, her dark eyes meeting Annie's. "You okay, Miss Annie?" she asked softly, concern etched on her face.

Annie sighed and nodded as she guided the horse into a turn. "Jus Annie, Greta. And I'm fine. I just miss Alex so much. Every part of me aches to see him again." She tightened her grip on the reins, swallowing back the lump rising in her throat. "I don't know how much longer we can do this without him."

Greta paused for a moment, then handed the basket she carried to Annie. "Why don't you take a break? I got these jars of preserves you can take to your ma for supper.

She might be worrin' herself 'bout you workin' too hard in the fields alone," Greta suggested. She nodded in the direction of the house, where Teresa, Annie's mother, was busy with her own chores.

Annie nodded, accepting the basket from Greta. She felt a pang in her heart at the thought of taking a break, but she knew Greta was right. She'd been at this for hours, and it would be hours more before this field was done. Taking a moment for herself wouldn't hurt.

She cast a glance at Greta as they walked back toward the house and saw her looking at her with a knowing smile.

"You know he's missin' you too, don't you, Miss Annie?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Annie smiled, feeling a little heat rise to her cheeks. "I do," she admitted.

"And I worry about him too. It's hard for me to get through the days without him." She paused, staring at the horizon as if searching for something, hoping as she always did to see that one lone horse that would be carrying Alex back to her. "It's not just the work, either. Being with him, just sharing moments, is something I miss dearly."

THE NAUGHTY LIST 3

Greta nodded, understanding spreading across her face.

"War ain't easy on no one, Miss Annie. He's got his share of loneliness too, I reckon." She let out a short, sharp laugh.

"I reckon you're right, Greta. But it doesn't make it any easier. Letters are all well and good, but they ain't the same as having him by my side."

She thought about the last time she'd gotten a letter from him--six weeks. She knew that he couldn't always write, but it had been a long time since she'd heard from him.

Greta touched her arm, her dark skin contrasting sharply with Annie's fair complexion. "No, they ain't. But they're all we got for now. And we got to find a way to make do, just like we always do."

She looked at Greta, who smiled and patted her arm comfortingly.

It was true, she realized: despite the heartache, despite the worries that plagued her night and day, she couldn't afford to lose hope. "Thank you, Greta."

Greta nodded solemnly. "That's the spirit. If anyone can make it through this, it's you, Miss Annie. Now come inside, why don't you?"

Annie cast one last glance at the horizon before nodding at Greta. She couldn't help but think of Alex and how he would have handled everything differently. But she couldn't dwell on him right now. She had to focus on the task at hand.

Her family's farm was her responsibility now, and she couldn't afford to be weak.

She turned and looked at Greta , considering the young woman's strong and capable demeanor. Annie had always known that Greta was not just a servant but a friend and confidante. Their bond grew deeper each day, thanks to their shared burden of keeping the farm going. But after today, things would get more complicated between them.

Chapter 2

4 JAMES MASCIA The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky above the farm a brilliant expanse of purple and pink. A lantern cast a warm glow across the kitchen table as Annie sat alone, a half-empty glass of whiskey in her hand.

It was her third for the evening and she was beginning to feel its effects. Her fingers traced the rim of the glass, her mind lost in a fog of worry and sadness. The weight of her loneliness bore down on her shoulders, pressing her further and further into her chair.

It had been a particularly long day, with barely a single moment of respite.

The sun was relentless as she worked from dawn till dusk, tirelessly. Farming was laborious, back-breaking, and far too much to handle without Alex around. But she had a duty to uphold, not just to herself but to her husband, family, and Greta.

Exhaustion tugged at her limbs as she sipped from the glass. The liquor burned a fiery trail down her throat, leaving a warmth that radiated through her chest.

Annie took a deep breath, the soft crackle of the fireplace filling her nostrils. She could feel herself sinking into the depths of the chair, succumbing to the embrace of exhaustion.

Her mother had gone to bed an hour ago, and Greta was in her room, leaving Annie alone.

As the minutes ticked away, the hum of activity outside the house subsided. Darkness settled in around the farmhouse, and the quiet was broken only by the occasional call of a distant owl or the rustle of the wind in the dry grass.

Unable to shake the lingering loneliness, Annie took another sip of her drink.

She knew she should go to bed, but sleep seemed an impossible feat with the weight of the world heavy on her heart. She gave herself a moment to let the whiskey warm her insides, hoping it would help her find some semblance of peace.

THE NAUGHTY LIST 5

Annie stared blankly at the flickering lantern, her thoughts consumed by memories of her husband's comforting presence. The way he wrapped his arms around her, his lips pressed to her neck, whispering sweet words of love and affection.

She needed that. She needed to feel those arms and those lips. Annie closed her eyes, and there it was-that tingling warmth spreading through her like the whiskey she'd just sipped. She traced her lips with one finger, remembering the feeling of those rough lips pressed to hers in their rare moments of stolen passion.

She could almost feel the contours of his body against hers as they clung to each other. The memories were so vivid, so potent, she could swear the room was charged with his energy.

Greta hesitated at the door, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. "I saw you weren't sleepin'," she said softly. "You want some company?"

Annie jumped, her eyes shooting open. She hadn't realized anyone else was there.

"Oh, uh, yes," Annie stammered, trying to compose herself.

Annie watched as Greta walked across the room towards her, her movements deliberate and purposeful. Greta stood over Annie, their eyes locked for a moment before Greta knelt down in front of her, taking Annie's hands in her own strong, confident grip.

"I know things are hard right now, and I know how much you miss Alex," she whispered, her voice full of empathy. "But I'm here for you, Annie. Whatever you need."

Annie felt a shiver run down her spine, her heart pounding in her chest. "What I need..." she began, the words catching in her throat. Her mind was racing with desire and confusion, unsure of what she wanted.

Greta's words lingered in the air, an invitation that sent a flood of emotions rushing through her. "What I need," she

6 JAMES MASCIA whispered finally, "is to feel loved. Comforted. I need to feel alive and desired." She looked away, a blush staining her cheeks. "Is that too much to ask?"

Greta's grip on her hands tightened, her fingers gentle against Annie's skin. "No, Miss Annie, that's not too much to ask," she said softly, the warmth in her eyes like the light of a thousand candles.

Annie grabbed her glass and drained the remaining liquid. She set it down heavily on the table, releasing a gush of pent-up emotions. "I'm sorry, Greta. I didn't mean to burden you with my woes." She avoided eye contact, a mix of sadness and shame playing out on her face.

"Stop apologizing," Greta replied firmly, still holding onto Annie's hands. "Remember, whatever you need. You and your mother have been so good to me. I want to be there for you."

Annie's eyes darted up to meet Greta's, searching for sincerity in her gaze. She noticed the softness in the other woman's eyes, a gentleness that brought her some comfort.

"Thank you, Greta," Annie murmured, accepting the offer. She realized that she had come undone, with nobody around but Greta to bear witness to her vulnerability.

Sitting next to her friend, Annie felt a strange mix of emotions swirling within her.

"I think we better get you to bed, Miss Annie," said the woman.

She squeezed Annie's hands lightly, before rising to her feet and offering her arm. "You've had a long day and I can tell you're exhausted."

Annie stood up slowly, stretching her cramped muscles, but she did not release Greta's hand. The two walked towards the bedrooms, where Annie's mother had long retired. Greta led Annie to her bed and helped her undress.

"Greta? What if he never comes back?" Annie whispered, the question laden with a tremor in her voice. She bit her lip and shut her eyes, taking a deep breath as she

THE NAUGHTY LIST 7

listened to the quiet creaks of the farmhouse settling around them.

Greta removed the last of Annie's dirty clothes and threw them into a corner. With steady hands, she guided her friend to lay flat on her back, her eyes locked onto Annie's as their bodies faced each other from across the mattress.

"He will, Annie. And in the meantime, we have each other," Greta replied gently. Her words were soft and comforting, but her voice held a depth of meaning that resonated deep within Annie. She reached a hand up to cup Annie's cheek, gently stroking her skin with her thumb. "Let me give you what you need, Miss Annie. Let me be here for you." Annie's eyes fluttered shut as she leaned into Greta's touch. She could feel the warmth radiating from the other woman's body, and the closeness of their faces only amplified her desires. She needed comfort, yes, but she also needed something more.

She needed to feel alive, desired, and wanted in a way that only a lover’s touch could provide.

Slowly, gently, Greta leaned forward and pressed her lips to Annie's, her soft, full mouth moving against Annie’s with a tender passion that took Annie's breath away. She felt herself melting into Greta's arms, her body thrumming with an electric energy that coursed through her veins.

Greta’s hands moved down to the small of Annie's back, pulling her closer as they kissed.

Living in this world, in a time where her husband was away at war, it was rare that Annie got to experience the gentle touch of another man, but Greta was different, and Annie was drawn to the fire burning in her eyes.

Annie's breath hitched in her chest as Greta's lips moved against hers. She was all too eager to respond, their lips meeting in a feverish kiss as Annie let out a soft sigh of pleasure.

With fumbling hands, she reached out to slide her fingers through Greta's hair, pulling her closer as she deepened the

8 JAMES MASCIA kiss. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and desire as she surrendered to the waves of sensation washing over her.

She felt Greta's lips curl into a smile, their eyes locked as they shared an unspoken understanding: this was necessary.

As Greta's hands explored her body, Annie arched her back, her breaths becoming ragged. She was lost in a sea of pleasure as Greta's fingers traced patterns upon her fevered skin. She felt her own hands wandering over the firm curves of Greta's body.

She undid Greta's blouse, exposing her chocolate-colored flesh, liberated from the bindings of fabric. Sliding her hands beneath her, Annie caressed her back, relishing in the feel of the solid, sculpted muscles rippling beneath her fingertips. With a flick of her wrists, Greta's blouse was tossed aside.

Annie's breath caught as Greta moved closer, their breasts pressed together as they kissed. The heat between them was undeniable. Annie's skin felt as if it were on fire, her entire being alight with sensations she had never experienced before. Greta's fingers danced along the curve of her hip, causing goosebumps to break out across her body.

Impulsively, Annie reached up and traced her fingertips along Greta's jawline.

Their mouths merged once more, tongues exploring, dancing as they savored this rare moment of physical and emotional connection. The taste of whiskey lingered on her lips, mingling with a sweetness unique to Greta's mouth.

Greta’s hands moved expertly against Annie's body, as though she could reach inside Annie's soul and pull every secret from her depths.

Annie's heart was racing, soaring with a thrill she hadn't felt in months, as Greta's fingers danced down her flesh, tracing circles left, right, and center.

Greta's moans grew louder, almost primal, as she leaned closer, bringing her nearly naked body in search of skin. Her lips trailed down Annie's neck as her fingers continued to dance along her body.

THE NAUGHTY LIST 9

"Yes, yes," Annie breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. She felt like she was on fire, every inch of her skin begging for more. "God, Greta, don't stop."

Greta responded by slipping a hand between Annie's thighs, her fingers gently parting her folds. With a soft moan, Greta delved into the moisture she found there, her fingertips working in slow, steady circles.

Annie's hips bucked upward, unable to restrain her burgeoning desire. A sigh escaped her lips as her body amplified its movements. Greta laughed, those unique musical sounds echoing in the dark room, encouraging her partner's body to keep dancing against her.

As Greta grew more confident and Annie felt the heat rise, Greta began to stoke the fires of pleasure. Her fingers slid slowly plunged deep inside her.

Greta's touch was firm yet gentle, causing Annie to cry out from the sheer delight of her actions.

"God, Greta," Annie gasped, her every muscle craving more of her lover's skilled fingers. Greta's tongue traced down her neck, nibbling gently on her earlobe. Annie felt a shaft of pleasure shooting straight through her body at the sensation.

Greta's tongue continued to trace an erotic path along her neck, before moving to tease Annie's earlobe.

Annie moaned, the heat building deep within her core.

She reached up to grab Greta's hair, pulling her into a fierce, desperate kiss.

In the back of her mind, Annie knew how wrong this was. Greta was a servant; she was her friend and confidante, but women weren't supposed to share such intimate moments. Yet Annie could no longer ignore the passion that had been building between them, a passion that had grown stronger as the days went by.

"Yes… Greta," Annie breathed, her voice shaking with desire.

Greta smiled, her warm brown eyes shining in the dim candlelight.

10 JAMES MASCIA

"That's why I'm here, Miss Annie. For anything you need."

Annie, breathless, nodded her head. She didn't quite know what she was doing, but her body yearned for Greta's touch. She reached up and ran her fingers through Greta's soft hair, pulling her close for another kiss.

As their tongues danced with a wild hunger, Greta skillfully fingered Annie, the rhythmic movement of her hand bringing a flush of pleasure to her face. Annie's hips bucked upward to meet Greta's touch, and she reveled in the sensation of Greta's thumb circling her clit.

Annie moaned, breaking the connection of their lips.

Greta took the opportunity to trail open-mouthed kisses down Annie's neck, licking and nipping at the sensitive flesh as she moved lower. Her lips found their way to Annie's collarbone, tracing the curve with a tenderness that made Annie's heart race even faster. She could feel her breath hitching with anticipation as Greta anointed every inch of her skin with tender kisses.

Her mouth soon found Annie's nipples, suckling them gently in her mouth as Annie squirmed.

Her body needed the release, craved the escape that Greta's touch promised to bring.

Bringing her hand to the nape of Greta's neck, she pulled her close, urging Greta to increase her fervor.

Greta complied, her hands roaming over Annie's body.

She slipped lower down the bed, trailing kisses over Annie's body as she went.

Her tongue swirled in a circle around Annie's belly button, causing the young woman to giggle and sigh.

"Why, Greta? Why are you...?"

Greta rested her chin on Annie's stomach and looked up into her eyes. " You know why," she murmured against her skin before kissing a path to Annie's core.

Annie inhaled sharply as her body tensed. Anticipation for what was to come gripped her entire being, and she nervously laced her fingers through Greta's hair.

THE NAUGHTY LIST 11

Greta teased Annie's folds with her tongue, the heat of her breath inciting a throbbing desire in Annie's lower belly.

When Greta's tongue finally darted inside her, they both moaned as if in unison.

Greta's tongue was heavenly, a flickering flame against Annie's wet flesh. The heat rose again from her core, her nerve endings buzzing with pleasure.

Greta's expert touch explored every inch of Annie, tracing the pattern of her arousal with her tongue. As Greta continued, the pleasure grew, the thrumming building and building within Annie.

Greta's fingers resumed their gentle exploration, sliding in and out of Annie in a steady rhythm, matching the tempo of her tongue.

Her lips and tongue worked in tandem, driving Annie to the brink of ecstasy.

"Oh, Greta, oh!" Annie cried out, her body trembling as pleasure coursed through her veins.

Greta's fingers delved deeper, matching the increasing intensity of Annie's cries. Her tongue swirled around Annie's sensitive clit, making her hips buck wildly against Greta's face.

Annie's breathing grew ragged, punctuated with cries of pleasure as Greta's lips and tongue demanded more from her body. Greta's tongue flicked over Annie's clit with the precision of an artist, driving her to new heights of pleasure.

Annie's hands gripped the sheets, pulling tightly as her orgasm neared. She could feel the tension building deep within her core, the heat spreading throughout her body like wildfire.

Greta sensed Annie's approaching climax and focused her efforts on that tender, sensitive point, the manipulation of which caused Annie to gasp and thrust her hips with increased urgency.

The slick sound of Greta's tongue and fingers working in tandem was the only noise in the otherwise quiet room, punctuated by the occasional guttural moan from Annie.

12 JAMES MASCIA Annie's breath hitched in her chest as a powerful orgasm tore through her, threatening to shatter the very foundations of her consciousness. As wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her, she struggled to maintain control.

The fire of her orgasm burned brightly, and she could feel the intensity seeping into every corner of her being. With a final, gasping moan, the tremors finally subsided, leaving her exhausted and entirely spent.

Greta looked up at her, her lips glistening from Annie's release. She wiped her mouth gently and settled in beside her, their limbs tangled together as they both fought to catch their breath.

Annie laid her head on Greta's chest, her cheek resting against her soft, sweat-dampened skin. Her fingers traced mindless patterns on Greta's skin, lost in their afterglow, with only the rhythm of their heavy breathing filling the silent room.

As the sweat cooled on their skin, Annie lifted her head and looked into Greta's eyes. "I never..." she began, her voice quiet and timid. "I've never done anything like that."

She traced her fingers along Greta's breasts. The dark skin was soft, and the nipples were already hard with desire.

Annie leaned over and took one of those hard points into her mouth, sucking greedily. Greta moaned loudly, her hands going to the back of Annie's head, pushing her away.

As Annie looked at her with confusion, Greta merely shook her head. " I'm here to give you what you need, Miss Annie. I don't need anything." She moved back down the bed, and started to get up.

Annie whimpered and grabbed Greta by the arm. "I need you right now, Greta. Lay with me, please."

Greta hesitated, weighing the implications of Annie's request. She had crossed a line that could not be uncrossed, and she knew that things would change between them.

But how could she deny her whispered plea, so full of longing and loneliness?

THE NAUGHTY LIST 13

Greta lay down beside Annie, their bodies entwined in a single embrace. Exhaustion tugged at her bones, but the weight of her concern pressed down upon her chest. She buried her face in the crook of Annie's neck, whispering her reassurances against her skin.

"Shh, I'm here." Her whisper seemed to wrap Annie in a blanket of comfort and warmth. Greta's breath tickled her neck. It was a strange yet comforting feeling, melting away the loneliness of the night.

Annie smiled faintly and replied, "Thank you."

They laid there, their bodies intertwined as the night quietly slipped away. Greta traced slow circles on Annie's shoulder without saying a word. It was as if they each understood the significance of what had transpired, but chose instead to bask in the silence and embrace the tenderness of the moment.

It was what Annie needed, and for just one night, her thoughts weren't fixated on Alex.

***

The following morning, Annie woke up with Greta by her side. She watched the sunlight spill in through the wooden window panes, highlighting the dust particles floating gently in the air. She felt a sense of serenity wash over her, and she knew that what had happened between her and Greta couldn't be taken back.

But now she felt the pangs of guilt. She had been unfaithful. She had lain with another woman. It was her choice, and it was a choice she couldn't undo. Annie glanced at Greta, who lay in a peaceful slumber. The morning light filtered through the curtains, rendering Greta in a warm, soft glow. Her dark skin glistened with faint beads of sweat, and her chest rose and fell slowly, rhythmically.

Annie knew that she had never felt so alive as she did in the night just passed. But the morning light brought with it a sense of reality, of harsh truths that could no longer be ignored.

"Greta." She gently roused her friend.

14 JAMES MASCIA Greta's eyes slowly blinked open, and she looked at Annie with a tender smile. "You all right?" she inquired softly.

Annie's heart clenched with emotion, and she nodded.

"I'm better, thanks to you."

She hesitated for a second before continuing, "But I think we should forget what happened last night. I don't want things to be weird between us. You mean too much to me to risk losing your friendship."

Greta looked at Annie with warm understanding and nodded.

"Of course, Miss Annie. You can count on me."

Annie took a deep breath and turned to face the window, lost in thought. She rose from the bed and dressed. Her thoughts scattered as she attempted to make sense of the passion that had unfolded between her and Greta but her heart remained heavy. She knew the bargain had been sealed, yet the guilt gnawed at her again.

She would never speak of last night again. Neither would Greta, she knew. Their secret moment shared under the stars and the moon would stay hidden, locked away in a corner of her heart. It was better to pretend it never happened than to face the consequences that would come if people knew.

Annie turned back toward Greta for a brief second.

Their eyes met. Then, silently she left the room.

They would never speak of that night again.

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THE NAUGHTY LIST 15

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