Page 104 of Wicked Allure
“What is this place?” Tomesha stepped forward and glanced at the window. She wiped away the frost and peered inside.
Dru froze for a brief moment. It was rare that she was rendered speechless. She’d practiced what she’d say on this day countless times. Now, seeing Tomesha’s beautiful face in the evening light, all of the words she’d memorized were gone.
“It’s yours,” Dru said.
“Mine?” Tomesha’s head whipped around. She stared at Dru and walked back to her. “What do you mean, mine?”
Dru reached inside her winter coat and brought out a silver key. The metal gleamed as she pressed it into Tomesha’s hand.
“You once told me that you loved the creativity of creating your own clothing. Well, I purchased this shop for you. It’s yours to do with as you please.”
The world went silent. Small snowflakes fell, landing on Tomesha’s dark curls and melting on her eyelashes.
“Dru you didn’t have?—”
“I did.” Dru stepped forward and brushed a lock of hair from Tomesha’s cheek. Her mate’s eyes shone bright, full of unshed tears.
There was a tremor in Tomesha’s hand as she raised the key and stared at it.
“I can’t believe this.” Tomesha sniffled.
“Believe it. Now open the door,” Dru encouraged.
Tomesha squealed and spun around on her heels. She inserted the key into the lock and pushed it open. They stepped inside with Dru shutting the door behind them.
The shop smelled of pine and fresh paint. The floor gleamed, and the front windows caught the reflection of the streetlight positioned out front. Tomesha spun around in a circle, her gaze sweeping the area.
Dru stepped forward and watched her mate move around and explore. Seeing Tomesha’s expression had her heart pounding. It had been the right thing to do. Her mate had spoken of her love of sewing, her old job, and how much she loved creating beautiful pieces of clothing. It led Dru to having an idea of helping her follow a dream and doing something she loved.
“There is so much to do,” Tomesha exclaimed.
Her smile was wide, and the happiness on her face took Dru’s breath away.
“So much material I’ll need to order, supplies, equipment!”
“It can wait until tomorrow.” Dru chuckled.
“You think I’ll be able wait until tomorrow? I’ll have to start making a list of everything I’ll need, start looking for vendors?—”
“Don’t worry. I know someone who has plenty of connections,” Dru said. She’d run her idea of purchasing the shop by Lethia who’d already volunteered to share her resources to help get Tomesha established. She snagged Tomesha’s hand and drew her close.
“Is that so?” Tomesha arched an eyebrow at her. She leaned into Dru’s embrace and offered a beautiful smile. “I love you so much.”
“And I love you.” Dru captured Tomesha’s lips in a slow, passionate kiss. Through this kiss, Dru ensured her mate knew how much she loved her, the promises she’d forever keep, and a future that they’d share with each other.
They parted, out of breath. Dru rested her forehead on Tomesha’s.
“You’ve made me so happy. Never in a million years would I have thought that my future would have turned out the way it has,” Tomesha murmured. She brushed off an invisible piece of lint from Dru’s coat.
“There’s nothing I won’t do for you, miere. You’re the reason my heart beats. Anything you desire shall be yours.” This woman’s happiness would be the sole purpose of Dru’s existence. She’d never known how much having a mate would change her. With the impending war, she now understood what love was and what she was truly fighting for. No longer was it just her, she had a mate to consider. A mate who loved her.
A mate she’d burn the entire world down for.
“Now come, miere. Let’s go home so you can start working on your shop, but there’s one thing you must do first.” Dru took Tomesha’s hand and led her out of the shop.
Tomesha slipped the key in and locked it.
“And what is that?” Tomesha asked.
Dru pulled her into her arms so her back was pressed against Dru’s front. Dru pointed to the blank sign.
“You must now name your business.”