Page 10 of Captivating Magic

“I was recalling my accident.” She drew back to avoid his touch. “And Spencer.”

“I remember Liz saying he didn’t make it. I’m sorry, Ebba.”

Unexpected tears burned her lids as she closed them against the sympathy he displayed. “Don’t. Don’t be nice about it. It was all my fault.”

“Accidents aren’t anyone’s fault,” he countered gently.

When she lifted her lids, it was to see tenderness reflected in his eyes. “We fought that night. I wanted to apply the brakes on our relationship, but he… he…”

“Because you were driving and wanted to end your relationship, you think somehowyoucaused your jeep to hit a tree?” His voice was thick with skepticism. “Unless you purposely aimed for it, you’re not at fault.”

“That’s the thing. I think I did.”

He sucked in sharply and stared at her. His compassion changed to utter shock.

Lord, how damning her comment sounded!

“I wasn’t trying to end things that way,” she rushed to add. “I just wanted to scare him. Make him think I was crazy so he’d get the message and take a hike.”

“There are better ways to get rid of someone,” Castor said from the doorway, but he appeared unperturbed by her confession. “I could teach you a few.”

“Ironic, since he’s one of those who won’t get the message and take a hike,” Lo muttered.

“Are you saying crazy doesn’t work to scare men off?” Ebba released an incredulous snort.

Castor’s grin flashed. “Not when they look like you. Men welcome your kind of crazy, love.”

Under his direct stare, she grew warm and considered splashing more cold water on her face. Anything to cool off from the excess of attention being shown her. Who knew this much testosterone in one room could fire her up quicker than an engine at the beginning of a NASCAR race?

Speaking of cars…

She met Laszlo’s watchful gaze. “Do spirits linger at the site of their death? Would Spencer be in the vicinity of that tree?”

“Sometimes that happens. They’re more likely to go where they were the most comfortable or where there’s unfinished business, like in your case.”

“Her case?” Castor straightened from the doorway where he lounged, his entire demeanor changing to one of concern as he strode across the room. “You’re being haunted?”

Lo surged to his feet and stepped between them. “Settle down, tiger. I’m on it.”

Icy blue eyes narrowed as they swept the length of him and summed him up. With a shrug of dismissal for Laszlo, Castor shifted to go around him, but came up short when Lo sidestepped in his way, anticipating the move.

“Close enough. Neither of us knows you.”

A mocking smile curled the other man’s mouth. “I’m one of your cousin’s oldest friends, boyo. Alastair doesn’t grant affection lightly, and that should tell you everything you need to know about me.”

Acknowledging Castor’s challenge with a grimace, Lo’s shoulders eased from their tense position. Ebba breathed a sigh of relief. Why was he being so protective of her? It wasn’t because of her split-spirit issue, right?

“Your living room has been restored to its former glory,” Alastair said, poking his head into the room. His sapphire gaze met hers and displayed a wealth of understanding and kindness. “Why don’t we adjourn there to discuss what’s happening?”

Could the man sense her overwrought hormones? She didn’t dare ask. The answer was likely too embarrassing for her to live another moment longer.

Lo gestured for Castor to precede them from the room, but when she’d have followed, he halted her with a hand on her arm. “When we’re through here, I’ll see what I can discover about Spencer. See if he’s moved on.”

The immense gratitude she experienced caused her to fling herself at him. She was somewhat shocked when he was quick to anticipate her move and return her embrace.

“Thank you, Lo.”

“You’re welcome, Ebba.”

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