Page 71 of The Warlock's Kiss

Imaginings of Adalynn against the wall, caged by Merrick’s body, with her lips parted, her eyes hooded, and her skirts raised flitted through his mind.

He shook them off; this was innocent fun. He could let it be simply that.

Merrick moved closer, unable to keep a smile from his own lips. “Seems you two are putting on the Ritz.”

They both started and spun toward him. Adalynn’s surprise quickly transformed into delight. Her smile widened, and her eyes sparkled—but there was something deeper in her gaze, something grounded, powerful, and potent.

Merrick’s heart thumped a little faster, and a flare of heat raced across his skin. Perhaps it was too much to hope for, but that look in her eyes seemed to perfectly reflect what he felt for her.

Danny’s brows furrowed. “Why are you talking about crackers?”

It took an immense amount of willpower for Merrick to shift his attention from Adalynn to Danny. “I’m not talking about crackers, and I’ve not the slightest idea why you’d think I was.”

Danny gave him a droll look, as though Merrick had lost his mind. “Ritz? The crackers?”

Merrick put on an equally droll expression. “No,Ritz. The hotel. The song. What does that have to do with crackers?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, man.”

Adalynn burst into laughter, covering her mouth with her hand. “Merrick, I’m sorry to say it, but you’re showing your age.”

Merrick frowned at her. He knew human culture changed quickly—he’d been around for a thousand years of it—but the rapid advancement of technology over the last half-century or so seemed to have left him further behind than normal. “I assure you both that the reference, however dated it may seem to you, is timelier than the clothing you’re currently wearing.”

Danny turned his face toward Adalynn, brows raised. “Old.”

She punched him in the shoulder.

“Ow!” He slapped a hand over the spot she’d hit, rubbing it with a pout.

“And you seemed so happy a moment ago,” Merrick said dryly.

“You gonna play dress up with us?” Danny asked.

“I’ve beendressed upthe entire time you’ve been here.” Merrick spread his arms to the sides and glanced down at his vest, dress shirt, and slacks—the attire he wore most days. He’d thought his clothing, despite having been designed and purchased many, many years ago, had something of a timeless quality to it, at least through to the modern day.

Danny plucked his top hat off his head and tossed it to Merrick.

Merrick caught the hat by its brim and held it upside down. “I suppose you expect me to pull a rabbit out of this or some such nonsense simply because you know I can use magic?”

Danny rolled his eyes. “Put it on.”

“Can I see a rabbit?” Adalynn asked with a grin.

With a sigh, Merrick dipped a hand into the hat. He knew Adalynn was teasing, but he found himself unwilling to deny her request. He called up just enough magic to shape into the appropriate form—a glowing, translucent blue rabbit, its details somewhat vague—and lifted his hand to make the illusory creature rise above the brim.

Danny and Adalynn’s eyes widened, and their lips parted in wonder as the magical creature leapt out of the hat and hopped around the floor. It darted between Danny’s legs, beneath Adalynn’s skirt—lucky bastard—and around the furniture before it dissipated.

Danny’s face was lit up with excitement when he turned back to Merrick. “That was so cool!”

Adalynn closed the distance between them, the swaying of her hips sweeping the fabric of her skirt from side to side as she walked. She plucked the hat from Merrick’s hand, placed her free hand on the back of his neck to tug him down, and pecked a kiss on his cheek before placing the hat atop his head. “Thank you.”

He tipped the hat, unable to prevent himself from grinning. “My pleasure, madam.”

She chuckled and looped her arms with his. “You’re finished early. What brings you here to visit with us?”

“I spend enough time cooped up in that room. Livelier company seemed in order.” He adjusted the lay of the hat atop his head. “And, since we’re already dressed up, might I suggest a stroll around the grounds? There’s far more to my estate than you’ve seen thus far.”

“Can we bring lunch?” Danny asked.

---