Page 46 of Kiss of Magic

Blake gave a low chuckle. He had a nice laugh, she thought. Warm and mellow. She tilted her head to one side.

“Tell me, how come you’re single?”

“How do you know I’m single?”

“You haven’t rung or texted anyone since you found me. Only that one person to arrange transport. No girlfriend or wife worrying about you?”

He shrugged.

“Bounty hunting isn’t compatible with a relationship. What about you? Anyone special?”

“Funnily enough, secret destinies aren’t compatible with relationships either. Anyway, we witches don’t tend to hook up for long.”

“No?”

“No. Not in my coven. How can we? We live in the human world where there’s a lack of immortal men.”

“So your father…”

“My father was human. So was my grandfather. Angelus Coven witches mate with humans to continue their line but they don’t expect to find true love. And even if they did, it’d be over in the blink of an eye. Humans don’t live long.”

Blake regarded her thoughtfully.

“It sounds lonely.”

“It’s how it’s always been for five thousand years. Maybe the witches in Nush’aldaam have better love-lives. Not that I’ll ever know. And you, hunter?” She flashed him a look. “Do you ever get lonely?”

He saw no reason to lie.

“All the time, Blue. All the time. Cheers.”

He touched his glass to hers and downed it.

Twenty One

It was working. Blake was attentive and watchful, never taking his eyes off her, never leaving her side. She found excuses to touch him casually, on the arm or hand, and laughed prettily at his jokes.That’s it. Reel him in.

Not that it was a hardship. She tossed her hair back and gave the girl two barstools down the evil eye. Blake was the most gorgeous man in the place and it was no surprise other women were checking him out. She felt an irrational burst of jealousy.

“Can we dance some more?” she asked, batting her eyelashes.

“Whatever you want, Blue.”

Yep, he wassofalling for her. She allowed herself a smug smile as she led him onto the dance floor. No sooner had she turned to him then the slow songs came on. Perfect timing. With a smile she snuggled into his arms.

“Is this okay?” she asked innocently.

“Never better.” He gave her a roguish grin as he pulled her close and her stomach did a slow flip.

Easy. He’s the one that’s meant to be falling, not you.She tried to gather her thoughts but was distracted by the slow movements of his body, the press of his taut muscles against her soft curves. What would he be like to sleep with, she wondered?

A sudden image of them tangled together naked popped into her head and heat rose to her cheeks.

“What are you thinking about?” he murmured.

“Climbing you like a tree and wrapping my legs around you,” she uttered without thinking. Startled, she looked up. “I… I don’t know why I said that.”

“Oh, I’m not complaining.” His voice was teasing. “You look a little warm. Are you all right, Blue?”

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