Page 65 of Sigils & Spells

The base material of the scroll had an uneven, modulated coloring. Not certain if that had any importance to what I was copying, I pulled out the small pallet of water colors.

One of my talents lay in my ability to perfectly match a transcription. If this was a spell, I didn’t have the knowledge or power to activate it, but I could duplicate it so the next person with the skills and power could view my work and get the same results as if they were working with the original.

It’s why my “cute little magic tricks,” landed me the job in the W. Duchamp Archives.

Magic trick aside, the work took concentration and time. Before I knew it, the day had mostly passed. If I wanted to get this over to Merle and see him at all today, I needed to finish up. Even knowing I would see him soon enough for dinner, I couldn’t wait. Besides, I knew he was waiting for this.

I carefully placed the scroll back in its case before putting the copy into a file folder and into my messenger bag.

“I’m going to take this over to Dr. Armitage, he’s waiting for it,” I announced as I hurried out.

The blustery cold weather continued. At least we had a break from the rain. If we were any farther north, it would be snow. As much as I wasn’t a fan of the wet and the cold, I was less of a fan of the bitter cold that came with snow and ice. The weather should have turned by now. I wanted it to be spring already.

I parked my scooter and hung my helmet off the handle bars before heading up to the Capitulum. With a warble of chicken noises, the big fluffy Brahma cock headed toward me. He was like a puppy, so happy to see me, so eager for a pat on the top of his head.

“Hey there, dopey bird. You be careful, some boogeyman is after chickens.” I ruffled his feathers again, and then a terrifying squawk headed toward us. It was another fluffy breed of chicken, only this one was small. It looked like a fluff of cotton in comparison to the big guy who now took a stand between me and my would-be assailant.

The little guy came after me with all the fury of remembering he was the descendant of dinosaurs. I was not in the mood to have my ankles pecked or scratched up by a miniature chicken with a Napoleon complex.

I scampered up the stairs and into the front hall. Every time I stepped into this place, I could feel how it must have been to have lived in such a luxurious home. The wood paneling just got to me. Or maybe it had something to do with knowing Merle Armitage was at the top of the stairs, and if I was lucky he might meet me wrapped in a towel again.

Damn, that had been one hell of a surprise. Of course, the circumstances hadn’t been the best. I shook that thought off. That was the past, forgiven, excused.

I knocked.

Merle peered around the door as he opened it. His eyes widened with a touch of surprise before he opened the door wider.

“Pan!” He swept me into his arms.

I wanted to melt into his warm embrace. I did for a minute, and then I remembered I was there on official business. With a clearing of my throat, I stood up out of the hug.

“I have a copy of that poem you were waiting for.” I pulled the file folder from my messenger bag.

Merle looked like a kid eager for a present. His gaze focused on the folder, and he made grabby-hands before he could actually take the folder from me.

His eyes scanned hungrily over the copy. He read over it again, the next time his lips moved as he read it to himself.

“This is perfect!” He beamed at me. His smile lit up his entire face.

The next time he pulled me to him, he accompanied the hug with a kiss. And I kissed him back. Our lips slid together. And this time when I reached out to taste him, his tongue twined and danced with mine.

The strap to my messenger bag slid from my shoulder. I was vaguely aware as the bag thudded against the floor. Merle shifted around to put the folder down without ever breaking the kiss. And then he was back, clutching the back of my jacket.

I slid my fingers into the mess of his hair and held him.

He shifted his grip on me. His hand grabbed my ass, and he pulled my hips forward. A low growl sounded deep in his throat. The sound was sexy and exciting. I may have moaned, I know I was panting for breath when our lips parted before we were trying to consume each other again.

He let go of my ass and started to work on the buttons down the front of my coat. I shouldn’t stay, shouldn’t be doing what we were doing. I was on the clock. But I didn’t want to stop, and that’s where my priority was.

He pushed the coat off my shoulders and began working on the buttons of my blouse. His mouth abandoned mine to nip and kiss along my jaw and down my neck. I leaned in and clutched him to me. His kisses and touch were leaving me breathless. He could have all of my air, all of my skin. All of me. I definitely moaned as his kisses worked their way onto the base of my neck.

He cupped the side of one of my breasts.

“Merle!”

The door to his apartment burst open like a shot.

We both jumped. Merle turned to face the intruder. I gasped and clutched the front of my shirt closed.

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