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Chapter Seven
Marie spun around, her eyes wide. She gasped and shook her head, not wanting to get the beautiful man in trouble. “No, no! He wasn’t giving anything away! He was just letting me sample some before I bought them!” she explained, pulling her wallet out.
When she did, the slate business card hit the floor with a soft ‘thunk’. Marie frowned and slipped off the stool, bending to pick it up. When she stood upright again, the dark skinned woman was right in front of her. It startled her and she jumped back.
Now that the woman was close, she could make out her beautiful features. She had a delicate nose, thick lips and big, almond shaped brown eyes ringed in thick winged liner that gave her a cat-like appearance. Her skin was dark but almost had a golden hue to it, like she’d dusted gold powder all over her body before she left her house.
Her sensual lips were painted a brilliant red and her face was decorated with what looked like traditional African designs. She was utterly beautiful. Her face wasn’t her only saving grace, either. She had ample breasts that were covered by a twisted red linen fabric that acted like a bikini of sorts. Her skirt was floor length and tied around her waist with care. It was a mix of the same colors that the shop had been painted in. She was stunning.
The dark skinned woman’s eyes traveled to the slate card and she smiled, taking it from Marie. She started to argue but the woman held it up, speaking in that same thick accent that was so pleasing to Marie’s ears.
“Who sent you here, love?” she asked, waving the card around.
“Oh, just a friend,” she said softly, not sure she should tell them about Rachel.
“Oh come, love. Don’t jerk my leg. I don’t have time for that, I have cakes in the oven. We only give these cards out to clients. They’re used to refer people to us,” she explained.
Well, that seemed likely enough. Marie cleared her throat and ran a hand through her hair. This woman made her nervous, though she couldn’t place why exactly.
“Her name is Rachel.”
The woman’s face lit up “Ah, Rachel Patterson?” she asked excitedly, “Oh, she is one of our best clients. Such a lovely lady,” she mused, adjusting the beautiful, colored wrap on her head that hid her hair.
She looked at Marie and put a hand on her slim hip, her bare stomach flat and as golden as the rest of her. “I’m guessing she didn’t send you here for candies?” she asked, cocking a brow, a mischievous smile on her face.
Marie cleared her throat and shook her head slowly, “No. She sent me here for your other services,” she whispered, glancing around as if someone were watching.
The woman looked around the room as well. “Who are you looking for?”
“No one. I suppose I’m just nervous,” Marie admitted, wringing her hands.
The woman smiled and offered her hand, “No need to be nervous, love. My name is Madame Osei,” she said, finally offering her name.
Marie took the woman’s hand and shook it, glancing down to see if any of the gold dust had come off onto her own hand. Unfortunately, it had not.
“I’m Marie Stevens.”
“And why did Rachel send you to me?” she asked simply, crossing her arms over her chest, looking Marie up and down as if she were assessing her.
Marie swallowed thickly, surprised at how intimidated this young woman made her feel, “Well, my love life has been lacking.”
“For how long?”
“Thirty-nine years,” Marie said wryly.
Madame Osei ‘s eyes widened and she made a face, “Oh, I see. A bad marriage? Does your husband know that you have come for these
services?”
“I’m divorced,” she said quickly.
To Marie’s surprise, Madame Osei smiled and nodded her head, “Good for you. This life is far too short for bad sex.”
Marie couldn’t help but laugh, nodding in agreement, “Well, that’s why I’m here, I suppose,” she said, looking around the room.
Madame Osei nodded and glanced at the door she had come through, “You understand the nature of this business?” she asked, watching Marie with a stern gaze.
Marie was impressed at how quickly this woman’s moods seemed to change. She nodded.
