Page 55 of The Witch is Back

Bastian leaned in to Leah from where she stood on the other side of the bar. “She doesn’t like me.”

“I noticed.”

“I don’t really care.”

The snort that left Tia held layers of emotion, the top note being reluctant amusement.

“And I’m far, far, far from perfect. Pick a point in the distance, then multip...mutil...times it by a hundred miles. I have flaws.”

“Now it’s getting interesting.” Leah pushed her half-eaten cookie to him. “Eat something, handsome.”

“I love cookies. You make the best cookies,” he threw at Emma like a compliment grenade.

It landed in her hands and she had no idea what to do with it. Or the ridiculous warmth that came with it.

“Emmaline knows. Sorry. Emma. She hates when I call her that.” He picked out a chocolate chip. “Flaws on top of flaws beneath blond hair. But when you’re a firstborn son of one of the most powerful families, you have to bury them. You have to be the best son, the best friend, the best warlock.”

Emma jackknifed up. “Ah...”

Leah’s expression froze like she had no idea what to do.

Tia’s legs swung to the side as if preparing to jump and tackle Bastian.

Who hadn’t even noticed he’d dropped the W word. “I try, but you know what, perfect is boring. Look at Emma.” He followed his own instruction, his navy gaze focused a little off-center. “She’s never been perfect.”

What warmth remained was chased out by a clutch of annoyance.

“Yeah? Well, you’ve always been an ass,” she retorted, perilously close to a pout.

He didn’t even seem to hear that, head cocked, studying her with a deepening frown. “If only I knew if I could trust you.”

He knows. Sloane’s image formed in her mind before she hastily coated her shields again so he couldn’t pick up on it.

“You have secrets.” It was a mumble, a complaint as he continued. “You hide things. Maybe you’re hiding what I think; maybe you’re not.”

It was like talking to the Riddler. She shared an uneasy glance with her friends. “What do you think I’m hiding?”

“The reason,” he stressed. Unhappiness flooded his eyes. “The reason. The betrayal.”

She blinked. “I, uh...” She didn’t have any words for him. She looked to Leah, unsure. Did he know about the Joining? But if he did, why wouldn’t he have said something?

Leah tapped the cookie. “Time to eat.”

Tia’s feet hit the ground as she jumped off the counter to stride over. Her expression was intent. “What I want to know is whether she can trust you.”

“Tia.”

“I think so,” he said seriously. “As long as she doesn’t betray me again.”

Uneasiness tasted sour on her tongue. Seriously, what did he know?

“How did I betray you?” The question was out before she thought better of it.

Those unhappy eyes slanted toward her. “I can’t say.”

“Because it’s bull,” Tia retorted. “It was you—Emma never betrayed you.”

“Hope not.” He shrugged. “We’ll see. But I do owe you. For my mom. Even if what you...” He stopped abruptly, one hand going to his throat.

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