Page 6 of Kiss of Magic

“I said, Darian’s forbidden it.”

Blake watched in fascination as her face turned beetroot. In all the years he’d known Tala, he’d never once seen her embarrassed.

“Sorry, he’s what now?

“He doesn’t want me hunting the witch.”

Blake let out a low whistle.

“Let me get this straight. You, a shit-hot, kick-ass, bounty-hunting demon, are taking orders from aguy?”

“It’s not that simple, you patronizing jerk,” she said hotly. “We’re… um… well, if you must know, we’re trying to have a baby.” Tala’s face was now so red, she imagined she was lighting up the whole bar. “Darian’s worried if I go on a hunt, I may get hurt.”

Blake didn’t know what to say.

“Oh. Er. Okay. You’re trying to have a…? Well, congrats, Blondie. I’m guessing it’s a bit more complicated than throwing away the condoms.”

“You have no idea. It takesages.There’s a magic ritual I’ve got to prepare for. And I’m on some weird herbs that taste like shit.Andthey stop me shimmering. It’s not fun.”

“I’m sure it’ll be worth it. Though I’m having a hard time picturing you as a momma.”

“Me too.” She gave a small shrug. “But the idea’s kinda growing on me. Anyway, enough small-talk. Are you in?”

“A job where the fate of the world isliterallyat stake?” He looked down at the photo again and knocked back his whisky. “Hell, yeah.”

Three

Dani wiped the bar down and smiled at the new customer. She hadn’t seen him in here before. He’d been sitting at the bar for a while, though he hadn’t taken his coat off. Black leather. Nice. He’d had two beers already but didn’t seem drunk. She wondered if he’d been stood up.

“Another cold one?” she asked. He flashed her a smile and nodded.

Nice teeth. Roguish twinkle in his dark eyes. Well-built. Shame she was on the run, otherwise she’d definitely be up for some flirting.

She slid the Coors across to him, noting he wasn’t wearing a wedding ring. Not that it meant anything. Most married guys who came here for some extra-marital fun were savvy enough to remove the evidence.

“You been working here long?” the man asked. His accent was largely New York but there was something else in there. She cocked her head.

“Do I detect a little British in your voice?”

He laughed, genuinely surprised.

“Good ear. On my mother’s side. We used to go back to the UK quite a lot when I was a kid. For a while I spoke nothing but Queen’s English. I thought it would make me irresistible to the ladies.”

“And did it?”

He shrugged.

“I was sixteen. I didn’t have a clue about women.”

I’ll bet you’re doing fine with them now.Dani kept the thought to herself.

“You waiting for someone?”

“Trying to catch up with someone, yes.” He grinned. “The night is still young.”

He kept his eyes on her face, despite the stupid outfit she had to wear. She liked that. Over his shoulder, she spotted a couple of women at a table giving him the once over.

“Somehow, I don’t think you’ll be alone for long,” she said dryly. “Give me a yell if you need anything else.”

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