Page 49 of XOXO

“She wouldn’t want us to bother her on Valentine’s Day,” Brynn tries.

“Mhmm.”

“Look,” I add before Brynn can sink us further. “It’s clear we need a charged moonstone. We wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t urgent. Please tell us where we can find the amethyst for a trade.”

The old woman ponders my request and eyes Brynn with suspicion, but ultimately gives a belabored sigh and answers.

“The fae keep them locked away. A dragon might, but I only know of one in the city and he’s exceedingly possessive of his hoard. You’ll have to retrieve one from the gnomes, I regret to say.”

I curse under my breath. “There must be another option.”

“Afraid not, girl. May luck be with you.”

This time, it’s my turn to usher Brynn out of the store. When we get to her car, she swings me around to press me against the side of her sedan.

At first, I think she wants to kiss me again—which, all systems go—but instead, she frowns.

“Why do I have the sense that the gnomes won’t agree to releasing an amethyst?” she asks.

“Because they hate us. They resent that we ward the land at all and think the forest should be available to the community.”

“Joy. Then how do we get the rock?”

“Well, first we stop at my apartment for supplies, and then we break into their storehouse to steal it.”

Chapter Three

My key slides into the lock on my apartment door.

And refuses to turn.

Shit.

I twist the metal to no avail.

Did the super lock me out? I paid my rent! The asshole is always leering at me, no matter how many times I not-so-subtly hint he presents zero appeal.

Metal ridges dig into my hand as I frantically attempt to spin the tumblers.

This is so fucking embarrassing. Brynn’s probably going to think I’ve been locked out regardless.

The woman in question stands behind me. I can sense her eyes scanning the hallway of my apartment building. I don’t know what danger she thinks she’ll find on a fifth-floor walkup, but kudos to her for having far more diligence than I do.

I exhale hard, remove the key, blow on it, and try again.

Still, it refuses to turn.

I take my anger out on the key, forcing it to yield.

Hell key sent to torture me, you will succumb!

Stupid fucking slumlord property manager and his cheap ass locks.

“Shhhhh,” Brynn murmurs behind me. Her hands skim around my hips, her left hand sliding up to press wide fingers against my belly and her right tracking down my arm.

She presses her front to my back, holding me in an embrace with her chin on my shoulder.

“Be gentle,” she chides.

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