Page 4 of Wicked Allure
From what she’d learned, that allowed the humans to be paid even more. No expense had been spared when the building had been constructed. Working for the madam was a way for her to get her family out of poverty.
Tomesha had heard the bite of a vampire during sex was an out-of-this-world experience and was the reason why many humans lined up to apply for the open positions.
Who would have thought they’d put such an establishment in their small town of Butterbush, North Carolina.
But then again, the vampire presence in their town had been strong ever since the war ended. Butterbush was a vampire outpost run by their military.
“Then apply for ten more!” Tarek stalked into her small bedroom and stopped before her. Concern was evident on his face along with the frustration in his voice.
Tomesha’s heart all but lurched into her throat. He was really against her having to sell her body. They hadn’t talked about it, but she was sure he knew exactly what type of establishment the madam’s was.
Tomesha stared up at him. Her lip quaked as emotions raced through her. Tears blurred her vision. She blinked, a warm trail of tears burning down her skin. She never wanted to disappoint anyone, much less her brother. They had grown up close, and she always tried to make him and their grandmother proud. Would he think of her differently if she were to allow vampires to drink from her?
She had to admit the thought was thrilling.
And the money alone was something they needed.
Tarek’s finger rested on her chin and nudged her head up to meet his gaze. He sighed, his features softening as he wiped her cheeks.
“I can do this. Don’t worry about me.” Tomesha tightened her grip on the dress. It was her body, and she could do with it as she wanted. She inhaled sharply and stood to her full height. “It’s my decision and I’m sticking to it.”
Tarek’s deep-brown eyes were the same as hers. They shared many of the same features they had inherited from their father. Their warm brown skin, dark hair, and slim build. His temper he got from their father, while Tomesha was like their mother, calm and loving.
He closed his eyes and bent down to rest his forehead on hers. More tears flowed as she sensed the pain and frustration radiating from him.
“I wish there was more I can do,” he said. “Maybe I’ll go down to the blood bank and donate?—”
“Tarek. This is my decision,” she repeated.
She blinked and stepped back away from him. Tarek had to understand that she was an adult and this decision was hers to make. She couldn’t stand by and watch him work himself to death to try to provide for her and their grandmother. She wiped furiously at her cheeks, now angry that her emotions had got the best of her.
“Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to dress for my interview.”
Tarek stared at her for a brief moment before jerking his head in a nod.
“If you’re sure about this then I guess there is no persuading you otherwise.” He ran a shaky hand over his face. His gaze dropped to the dress in her arms. “Working somewhere around the vampires could be a good way to make connections to where you may not have to work there long. Maybe you can?—”
“Tarek.” She nudged him toward the door. It was good he was coming to terms with her applying for the club. “I cannot be late.”
He tried to get another word in, but she successfully pushed him out and shut the door. She turned around and leaned back against it. Out of all the applications she’d submitted, this was the first one she’d actually gained an interview for. Hundreds of people had applied for the club, and Tomesha was one of the lucky ones to be called for an interview and tour.
She pushed off the door, determination filling her.
She would get this job.
She would be the best damn human blood donor or prostitute they had ever seen.
She cringed at the term prostitute, but to be honest, that was what she was applying for. She was no virgin and enjoyed sex. It had been a while since her last relationship with a woman had ended. Chanel had been someone she’d a light sexual relationship with where there were no promises of a future. It was just what they’d needed. A way to release built-up sexual tension, but then Chanel had moved to Oklahoma, and they’d decided to end what they had between them.
Tomesha held up the dress again so she could take one last glance at it. A small smile played on her lips. Dressed in this, she was bound to get the job.
Tomesha’s nerves got the better of her. She blew out a deep breath and continued down the sidewalk toward Madam Rice’s. When she’d left home, Tarek had made himself scarce. Her grandmother had sat on the porch and gushed over her dress.
“Where you going dressed so pretty?” Delonda asked.
Her grandmother smiled up at Tomesha from her rocking chair. Delonda spent a lot of time on the porch watching the neighborhood each day. Some days she was confused and delirious. Other days the matriarch of their family was sharp as a tack. Today was a day Delonda had the spaced-out vacancy in her eyes that alluded today was a day she wasn’t all there.
“Off for a job interview,” Tomesha replied. She smoothed a hand along the short black skirt of her dress. She hoped she looked good enough to fit in with the other humans who were already working at the club. She’d ensured her hair was washed, dried, and straightened. It hung past her shoulders in dark waves. She’d bartered with a woman a few months ago for some makeup at a swap meet. She didn’t know where she’d be wearing it at the time. She’d traded a pretty blouse she’d found and mended to obtain the makeup set. Tomesha just had a feeling that one day she’d need it.
