Page 65 of Charming Her Monsters

I focus on his mind. If I’m coming into my magic, would I be able to read his mind? Is he so focused on my walls that he might fail to reinforce his own?

Without knowing the first thing about what I’m doing, I go with my intuition and reach out with my intention, much like Osen did the night he took over my body in the alleyway.

My energy tickles over his temples. I pick up the vague impression that I intrigue Calder.

As I scramble to probe deeper to understand what he wants, Calder straightens and pulls away.

“Was that you?” he asks, touching his forehead nervously.

“Maybe?” I grimace, a bit concerned he might not have liked that. Will my spur-of-the-moment action fuel his distrust of me?

“How did you do that?” he asks.

“I don’t know how I did it. I just wanted to mess with you a bit for trying to antagonize me.” Shuffling sideways, I move closer to the door. I might need a quick getaway.

His eyes narrow. “What did you see?”

“Nothing much. It felt like I intrigued you… like you were probably wondering when I was going to break.” I offer as a way for him to save face. I’m sure he doesn’t want to admit he might be interested. And I want to keep this newfound peace.

“Intrigued?” He saunters back into my space, now pressing me against the door. “Yes, I’m intrigued by you.”

“Oh?” Behind my back, I place my hand on the door handle.

“You should know I have a ward over the door. It will zap you if you try to leave.”

“Are you trapping me here?” I ask, trying to keep the nervousness out of my voice.

“Your lesson isn’t over.”

“It isn’t?” I gaze up into his intense eyes and wonder what he has planned for me. “What else is there?”

“Protection—what to do if someone gets beyond your shields.”

“What do I do?”

“Try reading me again,” he dares.

Dammit. I’m not going to let him intimidate me.

My mental intention pushes out again, quicker this time, but I try to keep my own walls up.

In his mind, I see flashes of me—having rough sex with Maxum, Arran, and Osen.

Oh wow. These are all fantasies he’s had of me.

A shock like a burning live wire hits me right between the eyes—Calder’s defensive measure.

My body slams against the door, and I shout, “Fuck!”

Then I’m thrown forward into Calder. We tumble to the floor. I barely have the wits to pick myself up off Calder’s body. The phoenix looks as stunned as I do about our new position.

“Jade!” Flint rushes inside the room and cries out when a magical veil lights up in the doorway as he enters. The big guy looks frantic, as if he might pick me up by the waist. But he quickly changes tactics and holds out a single hand to me.

As I reach out to take Flint’s hand for support, I inadvertently straddle Calder. I find he’s packing some heat from our recent smoldering exchange.

Can this moment get any more awkward?

“What are you doing?” Calder growls at Flint.

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