Page 36 of Joined By Magic

“Great. See you at lunch.”

“Bye,” I managed, and the call went dead.

Suddenly, the magic binding me dropped away. The delicious torture of Leo’s tongue disappeared, and he pulled his fingers out of my body with care. He sat up, shock carved into his face, and said, “Damien’s signaled me. It must be an emergency. Sorry.”

He vanished.

Silence shrouded the room. Frustration clawed my bones as I lay on the bed, feeling ridiculously foolish. This wasn’t how it was meant to be. Leo controlled my pleasure, but I was supposed to have some, not to be always interrupted because he refused to trust anyone to do anything.

My hand moved between my legs, almost of its own accord. Soaking wet and desperate. The human brain couldn’t take this much frustration. He would understand, just this once, surely? I slid my fingers inside myself, and my body welcomed them like the touch of an old lover.

It felt good.

Trying not to let guilt work its way in, I stroked myself, climax building. I needed this as much as water or food. I couldn’t wait. My body clenched around my hand as I tipped over the edge. I’d forgotten how good that felt. Sweet relief doused the jittery tension of unfulfilled need.

As the afterglow faded, guilt seeped in. Another broken rule. What would Leo do? I half expected him to appear, but it didn’t happen. He must be busy.

I unclipped the clamps, completely unprepared for the wave of pain that swamped me as the blood rushed back in. I cried out, tears coming to my eyes. It might have been okay if I’d still been aroused, but now it just hurt, and not in a good way. I threw the stupid things off the bed and climbed under the covers, mood darkening further.

My irritation deepened as I replayed Leo’s trick with the link-up. How would he feel if I did something like that to him? It wouldn’t happen. If I tried, he’d use his magic to put a stop to it. He took his work seriously. He mustn’t think what I was trying to do had the same merit. I could have humiliated myself, badly, with the only person who had shown any interest in helping me.

I wasn’t going to apologize for breaking his rule, but I did want to know what caused the drama. Sighing, I picked up my link-up and sent him a message.

What’s happening?

A buzz from the living room told me his device hadn’t made it out of the apartment. My bad mood shifted into worry. I didn’t enjoy feeling cut off, unable to reach him. I wouldn’t sleep until I knew he was safe.

Two hours later, a message came through from an unfamiliar number.

The portal was attacked, two Ataran scientists are dead. I have to go to Atar to smooth things over. Be back in a couple of days. I’ll call tomorrow. Love you. Leo.

My stomach lurched, and I stared at the link-up. Two innocent people murdered. A claustrophobic fear gripped me. Did they have families? Was Leo’s push to bring Dexia into a new age of technology worth all this anger and bloodshed?

I tapped out a quick reply and curled over on my side to sleep.

Chapter Seventeen

Liv

Damienpulledopenthedoor of the black palace karros. I’d braved a bolder outfit—still conservative and high-necked, but in a bright teal shade. The dress stopped at my calves, and I’d chosen strappy silver sandals. I gave Damien a grateful smile as he helped me out.

“Thanks. You didn’t have to bring me yourself, I’m sure you’ve got better things to do.”

He rolled his eyes. “Leo insisted. There’re five other guys in place already around the restaurant. Two of them are mages.”

His eyes crinkled at my horrified expression. “You’re the Lord Commander’s girlfriend now. Time to flex those muscles. Don’t let these uptight bitches give you any shit. I’ll wait by the bar until you’re ready to leave.” He looked at the front window and gave a low whistle. “This place is fancy as fuck.”

It was. The restaurant window shone with golden light, muted in the bright winter midday sun, but it would be spectacular after dark. A net filled with tiny pinprick lights created the illusion. Within, waiters in full finery, hats, tailcoats, and white gloves moved between the tables.

I braced myself and strode to the door. A flicker of movement caught my eye as I pushed it open. I stared upward, transfixed, my situation forgotten. Hundreds of small birds circled above, flitting between artfully placed greenery. A soft golden net of magic separated the creatures from the diners—they must have a mage, or a team of them, maintaining it. The walls ran with water that flowed into a stream stocked with colorful fish—a forest glade brought inside.

A hand on my elbow snapped me back to reality. Celia frowned down at me and spoke in a low voice.

“Don’t stare around like a country rube, for goodness’ sake. You’ve got enough ground to make up without giving everyone more reasons to laugh at you.” She gave me a quick, appraising glance up and down. “That’s a good choice of outfit. The strong colors work. Stick with that approach.”

“Thanks.” I could have hugged her for sparing me the awkward process of finding the group.

Celia led me to a large round table at the far end of the restaurant. There were around thirty place settings, and it was already half full. Celia took her seat and waved to a spot beside her.

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