Guardian's Faith by Jacqueline Rhoades

Author:Jacqueline Rhoades [Rhoades, Jacqueline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: vampires, paranormal romance, witches, guardians, daughters of man
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

*****

Briza's little shop carried a wide variety of ladies' lingerie. It seemed out of place in the dusty, old fashioned village, but Briza assured her it was not.

"For years I listened to the complaints from women, myself among them, about buying these things through the catalogs at Mendoza's store and having Eliza Murphy tell everyone about everything you ordered. Not that we wish to shut her up," Briza laughed, "Without Eliza, we would have no news at all, but some things are best kept private. When my second husband died, I bought this building with the money he left me and opened this shop. In a village this size I'll never get rich, but I pay my way and above all…" She winked and said in a lowered voice, "…I'm discreet."

The way she said it made it clear to Faith that Briza knew a great deal about more than cup sizes. That she was a Daughter of Man also afforded Faith the opportunity to tell the unedited version of Laura's concern.

There were two other women in the shop, both talking to Briza, when Faith opened the door. They both turned to Faith, a natural reaction to the tinkling of the overhead bell, and then back to Briza as if asking permission. Briza smiled and nodded slowly, giving it as she handed them their small bags. A few quiet words were exchanged.

In desperate need of a few things herself, Faith sorted through a pretty basket marked SALE that was filled with a colorful array of panties looking for a size that would fit her newly rounded bottom. It was also a good excuse to be in the shop. After her reception at Mendoza's, she wasn't sure Briza would want their budding friendship known.

She needn't have worried. The two women, both on the younger side of middle-age, stopped by the basket and offered her cautious smiles and open palms. Faith shook their hands gladly and was only a little surprised by what she felt.

"Some women buy more lingerie than others," Briza laughed when the door closed behind them.

"So you know all the Daughters in village?" Faith asked after she placed her items on the counter.

"Some, not all. Some don't want it known by anyone that they carry the stain even by those who carry it, too, and I'm not convinced we're what you call Daughters of Man. Some distant cousins, maybe. Is this all?" Briza nodded at Faith's chest. "From what I can see, you need more than that. Everyone can use a little support."

Faith blushed. "No money and anyway, that's not why I'm here."

"So what? You can kill two birds with one stone and I'll send the bill to the Hacienda."

"Oh no, I couldn't do that. They've given me enough already. I couldn't ask for more."

"You're a member of his household, aren't you? He's got it. Let him spend it. God knows, he's given little else to this village." Briza reached for the tape measure hanging on the wall behind her. "Let's go in the dressing room where we can get some measurements.

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