Page 12 of Witchful Thinking

"You should get some rest," she told him."Tomorrow will be busy with the lumber delivery."

"What about you?"

"I'll stay with my patient."

He studied her for a moment, then nodded."I'll come back in the morning.With breakfast."His smile turned mischievous."Not that I'm trying to impress you with my responsible adult qualities like punctuality and food provision."

Despite everything, Diana found herself smiling."That's not necessary—"

"I know."The warmth in his expression made something flutter inside her."Good night, Diana."

After he left, Diana settled deeper into her chair, trying to make sense of the confusing emotions swirling within her.Whatever was happening between them shouldn't be allowed to develop further.She had her career to consider.Her professional reputation.

Fontina suddenly murmured, "Mr.Blackthorn is dreamy," despite being soundly asleep, "but he only has eyes for Nurse Maelstrom."

Diana nearly fell out of her chair."That's the magical shock talking," she told the sleeping student firmly."Go back to sleep."

But as she settled back to wait for morning—and the man who would arrive bearing breakfast—Diana wondered if perhaps the patient's magical shock had simply revealed what everyone else already seemed to know.

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Chapter 4

Diana jerked awake, her neck screaming in protest from a night spent in the world's most vindictive chair.Sunlight flooded the temporary infirmary, and she squinted at it accusingly.Her patient, Miss Holloway, slept peacefully, monitoring charms pulsing with reassuring stability.

She stretched, several vertebrae popping in quick succession like tiny magical firecrackers.

"I'm pretty sure spines aren't supposed to make that sound."

Diana whirled around to see Alarick in the doorway, holding a tray that smelled divine enough to make her stomach growl with embarrassing volume.His hair was damp, shirt sleeves already rolled up as if proper sleeve length was against his religion.

"You actually brought breakfast," she said, eyeing the pastries and coffee with naked longing.

"I'm a man of my word."He placed the tray on a nearby table."Though I'm not above bribery when it comes to peace negotiations."

"Smart strategy."Diana moved to check her patient, hyperaware of Alarick tracking her movements."She's stable.The healing charms did their job."

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