Page 36 of The Tainted and the Tamed
“Your only exception?”
“Currently?” He had to be honest with her. “Yes.”
“And in the past? Were there ever any maids like me?”
Damn his need for honesty. “Ms. Tanabe has a strict no-fraternization policy in place.”
“That isn’t an answer.” She fixed him with every ounce of that steel.
“Yes, there was a maid.”
“What happened to her? Does she still work at the castle?”
“No.”
“Did you send her away?”
“Not in the way you’re thinking.” A slight ache formed at his temples. He needed to be careful. It was too soon to trust her with this, and he couldn’t risk exposure of his identity as a vampire. It was the one rule their kind did not bend.
With one notable exception.
Blood of the vamp, or bloodforthe vamp. Turn her or feed on her.
He shoved down the thought.
“I cannot have you fired, if that’s what worries you,” Haruki explained. “Ms. Tanabe has total control over the household staff and affairs. She wouldn’t work for me any other way.”
“You make it sound as though Ms. Tanabe rules the castle with an iron fist.”
“She has to. A chairman’s housekeeper must keep things running in his stead, while he is away at the capital. She even acts as my secretary while I’m away.”
Murasaki frowned. “Do you go to Miyoto often?”
“Not if I can help it.”
A laugh burst through her stern facade. He felt himself easing in reply.
“You must really care for these mountains,” she said, “to stay here, even through the bitter winter.”
“Ah, but you haven’t experienced one of our winters yet. You know not of what you speak.”
“I know my mother’s stories. She came from a village near here, you know. She even lived here in town for a time.”
“Did she?”
Murasaki lowered her head. “She married young so she could get away. She wanted a life in the big city.”
“One of those stories.” Haruki pursed his lips. “Did she get what she wanted, then?”
“An early widowhood, actually. But a son to take care of her as she aged, and a daughter—well.” She crossed her arms, the apple resting at her elbow. “I feel like I’m negotiating something here.”
“I feel that you are, too.”
“What, exactly?”
Haruki took a step closer. “I was hoping you’d tell me.”
That soft pink flush returned to her cheeks. “I wish I knew.”
