You Are Mine Little Sister (by Syra Tucker) novel Chapter 184

RALI

"So, how was Dominic today?"

Ridiculous how the question pulled a smile out of me before I could stop it.

"He was...okay." I played with the leather bracelet on my wrist.

"I see. Is he someone you'd consider a friend now?"

My gaze drifted past her shoulder to the soft square of window light. "I... don't think so. We've seen each other for four days now. He's cool and all, but I believe 'friend' is still a word too strong."

"Hm." My therapist jotted a line, crossed her legs, and looked up. The pen paused above the page.

"So, tell me, what do you feel around Dominic? And how is that different from what you felt around men before?"

My fingers stalled on my bracelet as I sifted for honest words.

"Actually, I feel safe. Not completely safe to the point of being alone with him, but with him, I feel like maybe I can trust people again. Like… not everyone wants to hurt me. And you were right; not all men are evil."

Her smile brightened the room a shade. "I am so glad to hear that from you. And from where I'm sitting, I'd say Dominic likes you too."

I laughed. "I don't think he does. I'm just lucky to be the sales rep at the bookstore he visits."

She gave me a look over her frames. "I don'tstalk bookstore lovers, but I know for sure that people don't buy books 'every day.' And they don't all ask for the 'same' sales rep every time."

My smile thinned; my mood dropped like a coin in a well.

She noticed the shift. "Rali..."

"He can't like me," I mumbled. "He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who would want to have a woman who's been shared by multiple men."

"Rali, stop it!" Her pen hit the table harder than she meant, then she sighed, her voice gentling. "Goodness, girl. I've told you to stop with that mentality. You don't look like what you've been through. You're one beautiful lady. Hell, if I had a single brother I'd have hooked you two like yesterday." She exhaled. "What am I trying to say? You're beautiful, and you should never ever think you're not worthy of love."

She leaned in a fraction. "Start living, Rali. If Dominic is a nice guy, get to know him better. Don't push him away with your trauma. Do things that humans do, because you're human. Blayne and his people are dead to you. So is Void. You're free, Rali."

I met her eyes and let a small, trembling hope climb onto its feet. My past was dead. Blayne and his people as well as Void were dead to me.

I wanted to start living. I would.

****†

"Congratulations, Zerali. You did exceedingly well on the task," my boss said, pressing an envelope into my hands.

Beside me, my colleagues clapped like I'd just stepped onto a small stage to collect a crown. The paper felt crisp and warm, as if the praise had soaked into it.

"Thank you, ma'am. Thank you so much."

"You welcome, dear. And I hope that fine customer of yours don't stop coming," she added, already heading toward the door.

It was a thousand dollars. The joy I felt was overwhelming. I gave Brielle and the other girl a hundred bucks each. I also had it in mind to appreciate my special 'customer' with something small. If it wasn't for him, the envelope would still be a wish.

I was a little worried when he didn't come during the day like he normally did. And as evening approached, the worry only grew.

Was he fine?

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