Page 79 of De-Witched

“Gabriel.”

His hands dropped away fast enough to give her friction burn. “Uncle,” he greeted above the music, striding over to welcome the man who’d spoken. A man with a face that resembled Gabriel’s—or what Gabriel’s face might look like in twenty years. Or longer. Witches were slower to age, according to Tia. Which meant Gabriel would still be gorgeous while Leah was buying up boxes of Goodnight’s wrinkle cream.

That thought effectively killed her desire, as much as watching Gabriel walk away from her did.

Well. Fine. That was fine. She didn’t need to be introduced to his uncle. She’d just...give him some space.

However, she’d only taken a couple of steps when she saw Gabriel leading the man back to her.

“Leah.” Gabriel nodded at the older man next to him. “This is my uncle.”

“Um,” she said awkwardly, hiding her shock at the introduction. “Hi. Leah Turner.” She belatedly held out her hand.

The warlock eyed it before accepting. “August Goodnight.” It wasn’t welcome that sparked in those eyes, but wariness. Maybe even a hint of dislike.

Perfect. Just what she needed. Cockblocking relatives.

I just want to have sex with him, she wanted to throw her head back and scream. Throw me a bone here.

Instead, she chatted politely as August asked her about Chicago, the gala, the shelter, how it came to be. How lucky she was Gabriel had come along at the right time, had done all of this for her. Without her even lifting a finger, imagine, he’d fallen right in her lap. Etc.

After ten minutes of this, she was one dig away from seeing how a warlock went mano a mano with a Cubs fan.

When the conversation lagged, she saw her opportunity. “I’ll let you catch up while I go check something out with the planner,” she lied, mustering a social smile. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Goodnight.”

“I’m sure.”

She ground her teeth, sliding a look to Gabriel. “Find me later?”

He nodded and she made her escape.

“Goodnights,” she muttered, as she pushed through the doors to the blessedly quiet hall beyond the ballroom. “All of them, a lot of work.”

18

To say his uncle’s appearance had been unexpected was understating it.

“After Will’s report, I had to come see for myself,” he insisted when Gabriel rounded on him the moment Leah hurried off. “There was some question about whether the humans are taking advantage of you. I know you must’ve used magic to get this done in so short a time.”

“They’re not taking advantage of me.” Gabriel could barely concentrate as he answered his uncle. All he heard were the same words, teasing, tempting.

I’m yours for the taking.

A lush hint of desire shuddered through him.

Fortunately, August was far from aware of his distraction, and looked less than convinced. “I just think—” His mirror chimed in his pocket.

He discreetly checked it. “Hong Kong are wanting to pass through the new contracts.” He glanced up, around. “Any ideas on finding a space without prying eyes?”

“I’ve not been here before.”

“No matter. I’ll cast a glamour barrier.” August flipped open the gold square compact engraved with the family crest. “One moment,” he said in fluent Cantonese as he walked toward the exit.

Battling frustration, Gabriel didn’t get a chance to breathe before Bluewater appeared.

“Goodnight.” He made the name a whip, cracking it out. “We need to talk.”

Gabriel eyed him with derision. “Fine.”

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