Page 40 of Magic of Sins

I wasn’t prepared to run into her. She’ll know something’s happened just by looking at me.

My roommate grimaces.

“Good morning to you, too. I’m starting an hour later today. How was Lady Rose’s?”

Lady Rose is my foster mother. She’s far from a lady, but sheinsists on being called by that name. Ava and I have made fun of it often enough, but today my roommate doesn’t seem to be in a joking mood. She’s looking at me with serious eyes.

“She sends her regards,” I murmur evasively.

“Oh yeah?”

Ava saunters over to the kitchen counter and sets her teacup down.

“Nice skirt,” she comments without turning back to me. “Did you get it from Lady Rose?”

We both know my foster mother would never give me such an expensive gift. Unsure what to say, I stroke the precious fabric.

“No.”

I can’t think of what to say. The truth? But it’s better if Ava knows as little as possible about this thing I’ve suddenly found myself involved in.

While I’m still searching for a believable excuse, Ava looks up at me sharply.

“The skirt’s from that Caden Nox guy, isn’t it? He’s trying to seduce you. Is that where you’ve been the last few days? With him?”

“No! What do you take me for?”

I don’t have to pretend to be outraged. Does Ava really think I’d be with that sin mage and indulge in lust? Does she think I’m that foolish? I went to the East End with Caden, but I had my reasons. And I would never spend my nights with him.

Ava shrugs.

“Sorry, it’s just… I know you weren’t at Lady Rose’s. She called here, and when I asked her about you, she said she hasn’t heard from you in weeks.”

Damn it! So much for my alibi.

Feeling guilty, I bite my lower lip.

“I want to tell you, but…”

Ava’s eyes grow wide.

“Is it related to the palace? Has the princess sworn you to secrecy?”

I nod. What else can I do? It’s the simplest explanation for all this.

“It looks like I’ll have to spend a few more days at the palace,” I reply, barely daring to look Ava in the eye for fear she’ll spot the lie in mine.

“So you’re on a secret mission then? How exciting! And you get to live in the palace and wear all these great clothes. I wish I could trade places with you.”

Ava sighs wistfully. Her suspicion has given way to an excited grin. If only I could be as happy about this as she is. But there’s still the king to think of, who could catch on to my sins, as well as Caden’s enemies who could ambush me at any moment.

“I need to pack a few things,” I say, smiling in apology.

Ava carelessly tosses the dress she was holding onto the sofa, almost hitting a mewing Tinkerbell.

“I’ll help you.”

When I step out of the house an hour later, Caden’s limo is still parked outside our door. Ava has already left for work, and I’m loaded down with two heavy bags. Caden’s chauffeur gets out and takes the bags from me without comment, stowing them in the trunk. I open the door to the limo and find Caden lounging in the backseat with a glass of golden brown liquid in his hand, his legs stretched out in front of him, crossed at the ankles.

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