Page 122 of Castings & Curses

“Not to brag, but that was my doing.” Priya beamed. “I pestered Marin relentlessly from day one that we needed to expand our customer base and market to non-magics and shapeshifters. What do you do? Or can I ask? I know Rafi is extremely private.”

“You can ask me anything.” He brushed his fingers across her again, sending shivers racing up her arm. “I’m Rafi’s house manager. It’s a fancy title for the guy who coordinates his home and business schedules, troubleshoots for him, and takes care of the crew’s needs.”

“Prestigious job.”

He dipped his head, mouth twisting wryly. “It’s an honor to work directly with Rafi. The work is challenging and keeps me on my toes. I’ve met most of the Primes.”

While he sounded pleased, she thought she caught an undercurrent of another emotion—perhaps longing, though that didn’t quite seem right. Taking a chance, Priya rested her fingers over his. “But …”

Miles huffed out a laugh. “Sometimes I miss my old job.”

“What did you do?”

“I managed the IT department for a start-up Silicon Valley company.”

“Wow! That’s a huge responsibility for someone so young.”

While she was impressed by the accomplishment, Priya had no aspirations for tackling a leadership role of any kind. Even though it meant listening to her mother’s lament that she was “wasting her talents” each week, Priya was perfectly content.

He shrugged. “I actually got the position because my boss bailed for more money from a different start-up. Then Rafi lured me away.” He interlaced his fingers with Priya’s. “Not to change the subject, but how are we going to find your little ghost? Will she just show up again or do you have to use your magic to attract her attention.”

Magic. Priya forgot how to breathe.

Miles tightened his fingers on hers when she jumped, trying to pull away. “I know there’s unpleasant history between witches and vampires but I swear to you I won’t bite you.”

He won’t bite me. Sure. Here I was thinking, “Oh, I feel so comfortable around him” when he knew all along I was a witch. Idiot!

“Whatever you’re thinking. Stop,” Miles pleaded. “I swear your being a witch does not tempt me in the slightest.”

“I bet you say that to all the witches.” Priya jerked her hand free and hopped off the bar stool. “Thanks for saving me, but I have to go.” She strode away, berating herself. Interested in my work? Right. More like he’s interested in a late-night snack.

“Listen.” Miles dogged her trail. “If you’re going home. Fine. I’ll leave you alone.” He grabbed hold of the door and swung it open for her.

Gritting her teeth, she muttered, “Thank you.”

The frigid night air slammed into her, erasing every trace of heat from the restaurant. A teenager rushed past her, heading for the busy main street. Priya looked longingly down the street, away from the safety of the shoppers to where the poorly lit alleyway beckoned. Silently, she cursed, jerking her stocking cap out of her pocket and slamming it onto her head. She couldn’t go back to her ghost and risk being a cute vampire’s evening meal.

It would take longer, but the smarter approach would be heading to the main thoroughfare and the steady stream of people. The blasted vampire wouldn’t dare try anything if she slipped into the crowd.

Turning to the safety of humanity, Priya slipped on her gloves as she race-walked to get away from Miles.

It didn’t work. He easily kept pace with her.

“But if you’re going back to that building, you’re taking me with you.”

“Go away.”

“You can be mad, that’s understandable. However, I am not abandoning you when there is a killer Santa out there.” Miles maneuvered himself to stand in front of her, blocking her way.

CHAPTER4

Oh,how she wished she could fire off an immobilization spell right now. “I’m not going anywhere with you.” Glaring up at him, she planted her hands on her hips. “Go find another dinner date.” She infused every ounce of scorn she had into that one word.

“On my honor, I will not bite you.”

“On my honor,” she mimicked his deep voice. “Nice try. You’ll just mesmerize me into believing you never did anything or whammy me into forgetting you entirely and then sometime tomorrow I’ll wonder how I got these weird puncture marks on my throat.”

“I can’t mesmerize you or anyone.”

---