Her husky voice grated on Dru’s nerves. She held back a wince and pointed to the selection she’d chosen.
“A glass of the Dionysian.” Dru eyed the human who smiled widely. Her sheer uniform revealed all that she had to offer. Her thin frame and high, small breasts would certainly attract anyone’s attention.
“You sure you want prepared? I’d be willing to sate your hunger,” Viessa murmured. She leaned her hip against the table. Her gaze raked over Dru. The interest burned bright in her eyes.
Dru gave her the once-over again and didn’t feel anything.
“Thank you for the generous offer, but the Dionysian, please,” Dru replied.
“Okay.” Viessa pouted. She spun on her heel and disappeared in the crowd.
Dru leaned back, and her gaze landed on an alluring figure making their way to her. A woman with pale skin, high cheekbones, lips the color of fresh blood, and large, oval-shaped eyes. Her chin-length dark hair brushed her cheeks. Power clung to this woman as tight as the leather dress that was draped over her body. This had to be the mistress who oversaw this location.
Dru waited for her to arrive.
“General. Welcome to Madam’s. I’m thrilled that you chose to come back so soon. I do apologize I wasn’t here to greet you last time you were here.” Her crimson lips spread into smile.
“You must be Mistress.” Dru stood and waved her to sit on the other side of the bench.
Mistress made her way to the edge of the booth and took a seat. Dru sat back on the bench and eyed the woman.
“I am Romana Beatrix and I am the mistress of this house.” Romana settled back and met Dru’s gaze. This was a woman who may oversee vampires and humans in a feeding establishment, but there was a glint in her eyes hinting there was more to her than what she presented.
“What can I do for you?” Dru asked.
“Oh, but it is I who shall be asking what I can do for you?” Her smile widened. She studied Dru. “I hear that you were asking for Tomesha again.”
“I did.”
“I’d have to say when I saw you had sent a payment, even though she was to be a gift to you, that left me a little perplexed.”
“I’m not a woman who likes to owe anyone anything,” Dru said matter-of-factly. By accepting the gift, that left her open to one day needing to hear a request of the woman before her. She knew the game, and Dru for one, wasn’t one who liked to indulge in little games.
“But you’re an honored guest. The right hand of our warden?—”
“What do you want, Romana?” Dru stared at her.
The woman wanted something. Dru was actually surprised she didn’t just come out and say what it was. Mistress barked a sharp laugh and shook her head.
“There is nothing that I want at the moment. All that I want to ensure is that you’re well taken care of while you’re here in Butterbush. It’s not often we have a direct representative from the royal family here in our little town.”
“Well, it may happen more. I am here on business,” Dru reminded her.
“But yet you’re here in my club a second day in a row.” She leaned forward and paused just as Viessa returned.
The human set a goblet down on the table in front of Dru and one for Ramona. She smiled at them.
“Thank you.” Dru reached into her pocket and held a small coin out.
Viessa snatched it up and tossed her a wink.
“The offer still stands if you change your mind,” she said.
“I won’t,” Dru replied.
The human shrugged and walked off, heading to another alcove. Dru picked up her glass and inhaled. She scented the undertone of sweet berries mixed in with the metallic hint of copper. The thick liquid had been warmed.
Ramona lifted her glass and tipped it to Dru.