Forget the Past

Forget the Past Part 8

New Friend, Old Enemies

"The price is too steep, My Lord." She drew the man aside to whisper the statement. "The other is just as acceptable and..."

"I like this one." he argued, motioning to the divan. "It is modernistic and...not the one you chose." he held his grin. "You said it matched the colors of the room."

"As does the other for half the price." she grated.

"Price does not concern me."

"Obviously." the girl snapped. "Simply because something costs more does not mean it is of a higher quality or beauty...or worth."

He considered her words, then crossed to the waiting shop owner. "The Lady prefers the first painting and we will take the...first divan."

The gentleman smiled, nodding amiably. "Madame has excellent taste." he went behind the counter, producing his ledger book. "Shall I send it, Sir?" He lifted his pen.

Erich produced his card and voucher book. Both were instantly accepted, Tessa noted.

The younger man made his way back to where the woman stood and heads turned. Female heads, Tessa noted.

Everywhere they ventured this day, it was the same. Stupid women.

If they had to spend time with the ogre at her side, to experience his foul moods...and his 'I have never once, in my entire life, been wrong' attitude. They would change their opinions.

Tessa could not allow herself to experience jealousy over this man. She could not forget his words: I want my freedom.

He desired her, yes, yes...for the moment. Her emotions were not strong enough to deny him his whims as yet.

He did not desire anything of an acceptably moral nature.

A woman who allowed such things to happen was not what she wished to be. Her strength would come in time and she would tell Satan's minion to go fuck himself.

She must keep that thought uppermost in her mind at all times.

Tessa sensed, if given the power, this man could hurt her deeply. When she was in his arms, she could not resist him but other times, she had her wits about her and could handle whatever the man threw her way, for the most part.

She would make certain matters stayed that way.

******************

"Madame Cecily, this is my..." Tessa sought the word. "Friend, Erich Richter."

"Your friend." the elegant French woman smiled a beautiful smile, her accent most charming. She did not show her true age, still a very lovely female. "Is that what you are, Mon Cherie?" the sage eyes turned Erich's way.

"We are...a bit more, granted." the man liked this woman instantly. Most men did, he heard tell."

He offered over an engaging smile. "She is not as sophisticated as she could be about such things."

"Which is part of the attraction, Oui?"

"I am in the room you know." Tessa scowled her concern. More to the man than the woman at her side. "Please do not go about advertising I am your strumpet to all and any."

"Strumpet." the man repeated, his brows lifted. "I thought you were my trollop."

Madame Cecily chuckled her delight. "Do not tease the child, My Lord. She quite takes your words to heart, I fear."

Tessa narrowed her eyes at the man. Yes, she took him 'to heart' for she knew he meant his words.

"Madame." the younger girl flushed slightly. "You are a woman of the world. I trust...well, does it alter your decision to hire me? My present...eh..."