Page 102 of Wicked Allure
Romana’s gaze darted back to Dru who met her stare without flinching. Dru appeared to be carved out of ice as she stared down the mistress.
“She’s mine,” Dru announced.
“Well, it’s a shame. Tomesha was one of my best humans.” Romana shrugged. She crossed her legs and grinned widely. She tilted her goblet in Tomesha’s direction. “I, for one, would never get in the way of fate. I honestly knew it before you probably did, General.”
“Is that so?” Dru arched an eyebrow.
“I’ve been doing this a long time. Even before we decided to place this establishment here. I’ve seen many vampires fall for their donors, be it love or fate. You, I knew instantly the moment you came to me. It was the possessiveness for a human you’d only been around once. The expression in your eyes when you negotiated for her. I could have asked from you a much higher price and you would have paid it.”
Tomesha’s eyes widened. She didn’t know how much exactly Dru had spent to have her as a private donor, but she was sure it was astronomical. She only knew what was given to her by Mistress.
“I do want to thank you for everything,” Tomesha said. Even though she was leaving her employment, she didn’t want Mistress thinking she was ungrateful. It was because of her that Tomesha had been given a chance. She thought of all the money she’d earned and saved and how it had helped her family. She’d never forget this place and what it had done for her family.
Mistress waved and snorted a very unladylike snort. “What did I do for you? Offer you a way to sell your body? Help you get out of poverty? You would have figured that out on your own.” Her smile disappeared, and she became serious again. “Not many humans who cross these doors are as lucky as you are. Thank the fates that they’ve destined you to be with someone like the general.”
“I do. I am thankful for every moment we have together.” Tomesha glanced up at Dru who’d been watching her.
Dru lowered her head and placed a chaste kiss to her lips.
“Your contract with Madam’s is now null and void. You’re no longer a Madam employee, Tomesha. Go. Live your life.”
Those words held more meaning than Mistress would know. A door was closing on Tomesha’s past while the one that led to her future stood wide open. Tomesha was so happy in this moment she felt as if she’d burst.
“I will.” She backed away and turned on her heel with Dru beside her as they walked back to the doors.
“Will you be wanting any of your belongings from your room?” Mistress called out.
Tomesha paused and glanced over her shoulder. There was nothing there that she’d want to take with her. She had everything she’d ever need.
“No. I won’t need any of it.”
Dru opened the door, and they stepped out of Mistress’s office. A weight had been lifted from Tomesha’s shoulders. She’d thought Romana would have put up a fight in letting her go, but it would appear that beneath the brothel mistress’s hard demeanor, she was a romantic at heart.
“Are you okay?”
Dru sidled up to stand beside Tomesha who stared at the home she’d grown up in. This had been the only home she’d ever known. It held so many memories for her that she was a little sad to be leaving. Memories of her father sitting on this very porch. Her mother and grandmother cooking in the kitchen when she was younger. She and her brother playing out in the yard as children. This had been a center point for her family.
It had taken much effort to convince Tarek to move to Crystal Cove. Tomesha didn’t want to leave him or her grandmother behind. Dru was able to arrange for housing for them and even a few job opportunities for Tarek to choose from. As for Delonda, she’d receive the best medical care money could buy.
“Yeah, I’m good. It’s just bittersweet, you know.”
Dru wrapped an arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on the top of her head. She leaned into her and sighed. Dru had arranged for a company to help pack up their belongings they’d be taking with them. Everything they owned was now packed away in a moving truck parked out on the street.
Tarek and Delonda stepped out of the house. Her brother helped their grandmother down the stairs. Tomesha stepped forward and took Delonda’s hands in hers.
“Are you ready, Gran?” Tomesha asked softly.
Delonda turned her bright eyes to Tomesha and smiled.
“This has been a long time in the making. We’ve needed a fresh start. Both of you,” Delonda said. She reached for Tarek and pulled him close to her and Tomesha. “And, boy, stop the scowling. Everything will be fine.”
“I know, Gran.” He tugged them into his arms and squeezed them tight.
Tomesha’s heart swelled with love for her brother. He hadn’t wanted to leave, but he was doing what was best for them. There was truly nothing left in Butterbush for them. They were the only family each other had. “You know, moving isn’t a bad idea.”
“Oh, it isn’t?” Tomesha chuckled.
The argument he’d put up a week ago would beg to differ, but he’d finally caved in and agreed. She leaned back and took in the teasing glint in his eyes. She loved when he was in his playful moods. They’d all been stressed about surviving for too long.
