The Complexity of Thomas: Blood Money's Most Dangerous Charmer

"Some things are worth the tarnish."

If you've read Blood Money, you know Thomas isn't your typical second male lead. He's not waiting in the wings, pining hopelessly. No, Thomas is actively playing the game, and he's damn good at it.

The Aristocrat in Modern Clothes

Thomas carries himself like royalty, and there's a reason for that. His old-world sensibilities shine through in every interaction:

"Only royalty cares about stuffy formalities least they be shuffled in with the commoners."

​But here's what makes him fascinating—he's not stuck in the past. He adapts, he observes, he learns. When he asks Miles, "Are your fees exorbitant or are you no longer donating?" there's layers there. Business acumen wrapped in aristocratic wit.

A Protector with an Agenda

Thomas genuinely wants to keep Miles safe: "Miles, I want to keep you safe… because you're wandering deeper in a world that will literally eat you alive."

But let's be honest—his protection comes with strings attached. "I do admit… I want a taste of you. If I stick around, maybe I'll be rewarded."

This is what makes him so compelling. His care is real, but so is his desire. He's not hiding his intentions behind false nobility.

Intelligence as Seduction

Thomas doesn't rely on brooding looks or mysterious silences. His weapon of choice? His mind. He offers what Miles needs most—answers, protection, political influence:

"If I become part of your enclave, I could bring you the missing pieces you need to protect yourself and the clique. I might even answer your question about Warren."

​He's not just asking for a chance—he's proving his worth.

Moral Complexity

What I love most about writing Thomas is his internal struggle. He's a vampire who questions the morality of feeding on humans, yet he's unapologetically attracted to Miles's blood. He wants to protect her from his world while simultaneously pulling her deeper into it.

"You have the power to claim territory, but you don't have political influence. Yet."

​That "yet" says everything. He sees her potential, respects her strength, but knows she needs guidance to survive.

Layers of Deception

One of Thomas's most revealing moments happens in this exchange:

"If that's what it takes to get a taste of you, then I'd toss the contacts in the trash right now."

What struck me while writing this scene was the layers at play: Thomas is a real vampire pretending to be human, who's pretending to be a vampire by wearing yellow cat-eye contacts. It's the ultimate double bluff - hiding in plain sight by giving people exactly what they expect to see.

Most humans think vampires are just people playing dress-up. The contacts are his disguise, his way of blending into a world that doesn't believe he exists. But in this moment with Miles, he's willing to drop the act entirely. He's offering her the truth - no masks, no games, no protective layers.

​The fact that he'd "toss the contacts in the trash" isn't just about physical attraction. It's about trust. He's saying he'd reveal his true nature, risk his carefully constructed cover, just for a genuine connection with her.

​That's not just desire - that's vulnerability wrapped in seduction.

Playing the Long Game

Where other characters might demand immediate answers or loyalty, Thomas plants seeds:

"I can't help but ask, while in the hall of our apartments, you mentioned a proposition. Was that fear-based or something more substantial?"

He's not pushing for a response. He's creating space for Miles to come to her own conclusions while making it clear he's paying attention to every word, every hesitation.

"You have the power to claim territory, but you don't have political influence. Yet."

​Again, that "yet." He's not criticizing her current position—he's acknowledging her potential and subtly positioning himself as the bridge to that future.

Dangerous Honesty

What makes Thomas truly compelling is his refusal to hide his desires behind noble pretenses. When he says, "I do admit… I want a taste of you. If I stick around, maybe I'll be rewarded," there's no shame, no apology.
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He's honest about his wants while making it clear that he's willing to earn what he desires. It's seduction through transparency—refreshingly direct in a genre often filled with brooding mysteries.

Why Readers Can't Ignore Him

Writing Thomas taught me something about creating memorable secondary characters: they can't just exist to highlight the main love interest. They need their own agenda, their own appeal, their own valid path to happiness with the protagonist.
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Thomas isn't waiting for Warren to fail. He's actively building his own case, offering things Warren can't or won't: political savvy, strategic thinking, and the kind of partnership that could elevate Miles beyond mere survival.

The Question Every Reader Asks

Team Warren or Team Thomas?

Warren offers redemption and ancient power. Thomas offers intelligence and political savvy. Both want to protect Miles, but their methods and motivations couldn't be more different.

"Some things are worth the tarnish."

​Maybe Thomas is right. Maybe some connections are worth the complications they bring.

Until next time...
...happy reading!

​~ Stephy

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