Page 32 of Raising the Sun

I turned back to him, stunned. “You said you weren’t using any magic. Not that it matters if you are, but—”

He snorted as if there was some kind of inside joke that I wasn’t involved in. “No need, petal. Just look at me.”

I stared at him blankly, confused about exactly what I was supposed to be looking at. His hair was especially pretty today, tied up in a messy bun as it was, showing off his now-rounded ears, and the deep V of his linen shirt that accentuated his sharp collarbones perfectly. But I doubted that was what hemeant. “Is something supposed to be happening? Are you hypnotising the customers?”

That must’ve been the wrong reaction as Ash’s eyes narrowed and he slammed his book on the counter, not even dog-earing the page. “Either you’re being purposely obtuse or your eyes are failing you. It’s the only conclusion one could draw for how you’re not immediately landing on how gorgeous I am.”

“What…” I blinked, and I had to admit, it took me a good second to catch on. “Are you trying to say that you sold every last flower and gift in here because you’re... pretty?”

He smiled. “Naturally.”

Naturally.

“You’re so arrogant,” I said, rolling my eyes at his mock scoff of offence.

“It’s called sex appeal, pet, and I happen to have it in spades. Even in this mundane form.” He studied his nails. “It’s hardly my fault humans are simple and moronic, and will part with their money for less than a flash of well-toned ankles or a batting of thick eyelashes.”

“Flash of…” I pinched the bridge of my nose, sighing deeply. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Thank you, my dear. I don’t even have to try.” He stood with all the grace of a royal, and slid what looked like a receipt from my supplier across the counter. “I went ahead and ordered another delivery, itwill—”

“You’re talking shite,” I cut in, not finished with the conversation, holding up my hands when Ash pouted. “Yes, you’re gorgeous, that’s never in dispute, but people don’t just buy things willy nilly because of it.”

Do they?

No, they didn’t.

“I can assure you, they most certainly do. Especially whenever I’m concerned.”

I shot him The Look.

“What can I say?” He leaned over the counter, closing the distance between us until I felt his breath fan my lips, making my pulse quicken. “My mouth is good for more than sucking your cock.” He winked and kissed me quickly, retreating before I could reciprocate. “I told you before, pet, I use my magic when I believe it is necessary.Thiswas not necessary.”

I wanted to believe him, really, I did—especially when I had no reason not to. Why would he lie? It was exactly his style to flaunt his powers and his talents. He was a vain showman, and it was a sport to him to say what he felt even if it was brutal. So why would he be modest about this? I’d seen him use magic to conjure books and special tea leaves from thin air. Or move the bed so it wouldn’t bang against the wall when he rode me like he was the front runner in the Grand National, but had he really never used it directly to help me?

If that was true, why, after sleeping with him, was everything going so well?

It didn’t make any sense.

“You’re thinking on it too hard, my dear,” Ash purred, coming around to stand in my space. One thing that hadn’t changed in his human form was the extra inch or two of height he used to tower over me. I enjoyed it more than I cared to admit out loud. “Would you like to follow me into the back room and see exactly what can be exploited from you without the use of my powers, hm?”

“You’re such a menace.”

He chuckled darkly, ducking down to plant a kiss under my jaw. “That’s not an answer.”

Before I could accept his proposition, the bell above the door chimed, spoiling the moment.

Still, Ash straightened, grinning like the devil himself when he said, “Perhaps a more visual demonstration would serve you better?”

“We don’t have anything left,” I whisper-hissed, but the bastard held a finger up to my lips before sashaying over to the young guy who’d moseyed in.

Rolling my eyes, I moved to stand in the archway to the back room, giving myself a perfect view of how the customer stumbled as soon as his gaze fell upon my ‘hot assistant.’

Ash, the smug arse, peeked over his shoulder to make sure I was watching.

“Welcome, sir,” he said, in that voice like warm honey. “How can I be of service?”

“Oh, aye, er…” The man cleared his throat. “I was given yer shop’s name by a pal, and thought I’d pop in for a dozen roses. For the mother, ye ken.”

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