Page 116 of The Witch is Back

“You were born to leave. Some men just do.”

“I came back.”

“For your mom. Not for Emma. And trust me, that is an important distinction for her. For me. I’m her best friend. I picked up the pieces before. I don’t want to do it again. So I’m warning you to be careful with her.”

“I...” She hammered him. He wasn’t sure what to say, how to put it into words. “I care for her, Tia. I don’t want to hurt her.” That was the last thing he wanted.

She didn’t soften. “She wouldn’t want me to say this, but she’s fragile where you’re concerned. You’ve always been her weak spot.” She firmed her jaw, a commando in silk. “Don’t mess with her. I’ll admit you’ve been good for her, but that only goes so far. You might be okay with casual sex, but she’s never done that.”

She made it sound like he was purposely out to break Emma’s heart. Like he was using her. “It’s not like that between us.”

“So, you’re saying you’re in love with her, that you’ll always be here for her? You’ll trust her, forgive her, protect her, whatever baggage she comes with? Forever?”

He swallowed, the words slapping him upside the head like a frying pan. “I, ah...”

“Exactly.” Tia sighed, lifting a hand to rub her temple. “I don’t hate you, Bastian. But until you can say those words, the best thing you can do is not give her expectations you’ll stick around. And leave before she starts falling for you any harder.”

CHAPTER 23

Tia’s warning played on a constant loop in Bastian’s head as he took orders the next night in the bar. He’d shrugged it off during the day, spending time with Emma as she baked in the back, sampling the cookies and her mouth whenever the feeling struck him.

She’d looked beat only a couple of hours into his shift, so he’d sent her home to referee poor Chester and Hallie. Maybe even to hang out with Sloane, though she’d tensed when he’d mentioned the teenager’s name. He already wished he was home with Emma instead of up to his elbows in booze, but he’d promised to help out and truthfully, he enjoyed chatting it up with the regulars. Even on karaoke night, although if he never heard a drunken woman warble the Pointer Sisters again, he’d be okay with that.

He was chatting easily with Leah and confirming that hell no, he’d never do karaoke, when Kole strolled through the doors.

Leah waved him over, patted her knee. “Best seat in the house?”

“I don’t think my fragile male ego could take it,” Kole drawled. “What’re you doing here? I thought you had a hot date.”

She made a face. “He took me to one of those tiny portions, weird sauces kind of places and then got embarrassed when I asked to supersize my meal.” She rolled her eyes. “I was joking. Unless, of course, they’d agreed, in which case, I’d be a genius.”

“I swear, you attract losers.” Kole shook his head. “Em told me about the pharmacist who kept picking cat hair off you all night.”

Leah caught Bastian’s curious glance. “I thought it was sweet at first,” she told him, “until he brought out his own personal lint roller.”

Bastian laughed. He slid his gaze between the two. “You two never dated?”

“My stud muffin here is firmly kept on the bench, on account of the fact he’s the brother I never had.”

“Goddess help me,” Kole muttered. “Stud muffin? Why not whack off my balls and wear them as earrings?”

“Because I don’t like small earrings.”

Kole gave her a narrow-eyed stare, switching to Bastian as he choked with laughter. “I’d murder her before I dated her.”

Leah grinned and jumped up. “You’re so easy. You here for the Cubs tickets?”

“You sure you don’t want them?”

“Of course I do, but Sonny can’t find anyone to work the shelter that night so...” She shrugged. “I’ll go grab them, not that you couldn’t just snap your fingers and—” Her gaze shot to Bastian and she stuttered to a stop. “Ah, get me to go grab them,” she finished lamely. Then scurried off.

“So.” Kole leaned on the bar. “I heard you were all over my sister last night.”

Bastian considered him. “So. Leah knows witches exist.”

Kole didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. “What?”

Bastian just lifted his eyebrows.

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