Page 12 of Draco

“Well, that’s where I’m from.”

Still in shock by the new information, I asked, “How did you end up in Blackstone?”

“My mom was from the city. Once me and my brothers were old enough to leave the city, we moved here.” He paused, taking the time to release a shaky breath. “Tell me about your family.”

The request was bittersweet, considering my family was gone.

“I don’t have much. I was born to a woman who didn’t love me more than her drugs and her man. By the time I turned ten, I became the responsibility of the state.” I smirked. “On my thirteenth birthday, a sweet lady named Ms. Green adopted me. She died a few months ago.”

“Damn. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“I’m not,” I replied quickly. “The world is cruel. I don’t feel bad for her. I only feel sad she left me by myself. You don’t have to worry about that, though. Vampires live forever.”

“That doesn’t really apply to me,” he countered in a faraway voice. “Onyx vampires are different. Once we find our mate, we get the privilege to age.”

“That’s awful. I couldn’t imagine having to live forever until I tracked down a stranger.”

“Exactly.”

The weight of what Draco wanted me to do suddenly hit my shoulders. There were millions of women in the world, and as fine and rich as Draco was, I knew some would love to be at his side despite the fangs in his mouth.

“How do you know I’m the one?” I asked all in one breath.

“The ring.” He tapped the top of my hand. “There’s no way you would’ve been able to withstand the power it holds if it didn’t belong to you.”

I opened my mouth, ready to mention having a charm with a similar pattern, but I figured I had already revealed enough.

“Draco, what you’re telling me sounds insane. I’m supposed to believe what you’re saying just becauseyousaid it?”

Annoyance repositioned his calm features as his fangs came into view.

“Do you want me to show you?”

“I see enough for now,” I replied sarcastically.

“Good. Do you have any loose ends you need to tie up?”

“Are you asking if I have a boyfriend?”

The left corner of his top lip became as sharp as his teeth.

“I’m asking exactly what I want to know, Frankie.”

“All right. Well… I don’t know if I’d call it a loose end or a noose?—”

“Stop acting like a scared kitty cat and spit it out.”

“I need to save my mom’s house, and I need help,” I spat out. “I started working again, but I don’t know if I’ll have the balance before the bank claims the property.”

For a second, all I could hear was the sound of my racing heart. When I peered over at Draco, I watched him nod and mumble under his breath.

“I’ll take care of it,” was his reply once he rejoined the conversation.

Taken aback, I freed a nervous giggle. “You’re not going to ask how much we owe on the house?”

“I want to blame your ignorance on your experience with bum assniggas, but I know for a fact no man has touched you. I wouldn’t ask if you needed help, if I couldn’t give it to you. I’ll take care of the bill.”

My mind struggled with accepting the answer. I waited for a stipulation to follow, but it never came. No matter how much I thought to challenge his words, I breathed easier knowing my mama’s home wouldn’t become the property of the bank.

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