Page 81 of Kiss of Magic

Blake traced patterns on Dani’s back and she wriggled drowsily. He leaned over and kissed her ear.

“Time to get up.”

“Five more minutes,” she mumbled.

She kept her eyes shut. The black murmurings were starting up in her head again. But as long as she was lying next to Blake, they were muted and easy to ignore. She was in no rush to move.

Blake looked up at the ceiling and silently cursed himself. Sleeping with a mark. Possibly the biggest no-no in the hunter’s handbook.

Tala did it.Yeah, but she was trying to save her mark’s life. He, on the other hand, had a contract to deliver his bounty to a group of witches intent on doing the exact opposite. The fact that Dani wanted to go through with it didn’t make it any easier.

He should never have fallen into bed with her. He had to put this back on a business footing. Hardening his heart, he gave her a little shake.

“Come on, Blue. We have to go.”

Grumbling, Dani sat up. Blake averted his eyes as the sheet fell to her waist.

“Put some clothes on,” he said curtly. Confused by his tone, Dani looked at him in surprise.

“Can I shower first?”

“Sure. Don’t take too long.” She didn’t move and he frowned. “What are you waiting for?”

“Um… I need you to come in with me. For the barrier spell.”

His jaw tightened.

“Fine. Let’s make it quick.”

They showered in silence. The cubicle was tiny and she was very aware of his presence in the confined space. Yet he barely acknowledged her.

He was angry, she realised. Angry withher.Angry that they’d slept together. Because obviously that was a big faux pas for mercenaries.

As soon as she finished rinsing her hair, he turned the water off and handed her a towel.

“The airfield’s just outside town. Get dressed.”

She let the towel drop to the floor and folded her arms.

“Not until you tell me why you’re being like this.”

“Like what?”

“A dickhead. Is it because we slept together?”

“We don’t have time for this. Put your clothes on.”

Blake turned away and Dani caught his hand.

“Ethan, wait.”

He really wished he hadn’t told her his name. Every time he heard it on her lips, it went straight to his heart.

“Dani, we need to…”

“Go. I know. But can I ask one thing?”

“What?”

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