Page 13 of De-Witched

Tia’s face darkened further, as it did whenever her ex was mentioned. “Doesn’t that say it all?”

Leah made a time-out gesture. “Guys. Why’s he called the Warlock of Contempt?”

“Witch is collective for all, warlock for singular men.”

“Not what I meant.” She bent to Chester as he trotted her way. She ruffled his long ears, placing a kiss on his nose. “I thought all witch society was stuck up like that.”

“Even society demands some interaction. They tolerate him because he’s a Goodnight, but he makes people uncomfortable.” Tia shrugged, reaching for more bottles. “Luckily he only makes the odd obligatory appearance, too wrapped up in his family’s business to socialize.”

I don’t play. His words.

“If he’s such a workaholic,” she said to Chester, who threw himself on his back for a belly rub. His leg kicked in the air as she obliged and fought to sound casual. “Why does he want to work here?”

Emma winced. “Ah, apparently it has to do with some kind of hoop he has to jump through to inherit his company.”

“But you said...”

“It was his parents’.” Tia opened the under-counter fridge and began sliding in the bottles. “They died, oh, about eleven, twelve years ago, I think? Left him and his two-year-old sister orphans.” Her tone was matter-of-fact but she avoided looking at them, as if she knew they’d see the unwilling sympathy in her eyes. She hated showing too much soft emotion.

Whereas Leah couldn’t help it. “That’s so sad.”

“Well, apparently he needs to spend some time living among humans before claiming the CEO title.”

Leah frowned. “That’s...weird. You guys are so weird. Why is that even a thing? What kind of company is this?”

“Pharmaceutical, medical and beauty,” Emma cut in. “You’d know their products. Goodnight’s Remedies?”

“Oh, sure,” Leah said, startled. “I see their ads all the time. I even bought the wrinkle cream for my mom. She raves about it.” Now she knew why.

Emma sent a look toward the door, checking for anyone coming in. “Right. And on top of that, they also manufacture magical medicines. Like for illnesses, accidents, diseases.”

“He wants to help people,” Leah murmured, a melty feeling spreading throughout her body.

Tia barked a laugh, closing the fridge and picking up the box to flatten it. “His parents wanted to help people,” she corrected. “Both witches and humans. Goodnight wants the company. Goddess knows why. I can’t see him caring about...well, anyone.”

“You have to admire the tactic,” Emma said, her tone diplomatic. “Making him interact with humans when he and all the other Higher family snobs usually keep their distance. It’ll prove how serious he is.”

Laurence flashed into Leah’s mind.

Tia snorted. “Who cares? I just want to know what menial job Gabriel Goodnight is going to be forced to do. I’d pay big money to see that.” She grinned as she hugged the now-flat box to her chest, then added, “But not here.”

“Not here,” Emma confirmed. She clearly caught the expression on Leah’s face, turning to her in warning. “Don’t get stuck on this, Leah. He doesn’t need our help.”

“Sounds like he does to me.” The idea of seeing Gabriel again toyed with Leah’s senses. Not smart, not really, but the temptation dizzied her. All that stood in her way was changing her friends’ minds.

Piece of cake.

She corralled her expression, deliberately taking a nonchalant tone. “Didn’t you say he wasn’t taking no for an answer?”

“So?”

“Well, if you keep refusing, won’t that look worse for you? Like you have something to hide?”

Tia eyed her with suspicion. “What’s it matter to you?”

“I happen to be a nice person.”

“Really? What’s that like?”

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