Page 62 of Curses and Cauldrons

“Thank the Maiden, Mother, and Crone,” I groan, Roman’s mouth finding mine in a frenzied kiss. We’re both frantic, desperate. The need for each other overpowers any desire to linger on a touch or drag out the pleasure. Maybe we both needthe affirmation that I’m okay. That we’re together and I’m not still passed out on the library floor.

I reach between our bodies, freeing Roman’s length from his pants. He groans when I pump my hand and then line him up at my entrance. I don’t need any foreplay. I just need to feel him inside me. His face burrows into my neck to muffle his sounds, but then he’s nipping and sucking the skin there. I slide down on his cock, rocking my hips until he’s buried to the hilt.

We stay there for a moment, panting, staring at each other. Magic sparks between us, humming everywhere our skin touches. A burst of power sings through me, and any remaining pain or fatigue disappears. A low moan escapes my mouth, and Roman fists his hand in my hair and captures my lips. He swallows down my sounds as I rock my hips, riding him.

“Quiet,” he groans, and then we both laugh. We’re really horrible at this incognito shit.

“You be quiet,” I whisper, followed by a moan when he grabs my ass and guides my movement. His other hand moves back to my hip and then I’m moving faster, fucking him harder.

I’m so wet. Besides the sounds of our heavy breathing, that’s all you can hear in the room.

“Fuck, Josephine.” Sweat dots Roman’s brow. He reaches between our bodies and finds my clit with his thumb. He circles around it while he keeps fucking up into me and I fall apart. I bury my face in his shoulder as my orgasm tears through me. The feeling of my magic dancing with Roman’s extends my release until my body is limp. Beneath me, Roman thrusts once more and then comes with a muffled curse.

“Bewitched,” Roman murmurs into my ear. He presses a kiss on my temple and holds me tight.

32

ROMAN

Odie’s sitting on the couch with Penelope when I walk out into the living room. She’s teaching her a few basic signs. Pen is glowing like she never gets this much attention. She probably doesn’t.

Odie turns to me. “Are you sure you don’t want any of us to come with?”

We’ve already had this conversation a few times. I can’t fault my friends for wanting to help, but in this case, Josephine and I should be able to handle things. “We’ve got this, but I have a feeling we’re going to need to circle the wagons soon.”

I sign the rest to her, not wanting to make Penelope mad. “You staying with Pen is a huge help.”

She’s twelve. If she thought we were leaving her with a babysitter, I’m sure she’d be pissed. That’s not what Odie’s here for, though. It’s more like she’s on protective duty.

“Are you ready?” Josephine comes out from the bedroom in jeans and a baggy sweater. This morning, Ambrose arranged what he called an assignation with Piper to get some of Jo’sclothing from her apartment. I don’t know when the hell he got her phone number, but that is not important right now.

Since we couldn’t break into the Delvaux house, Odie ran to the store. She picked up some staples to get Penelope through the next few days until we figure out what to do. I hadn’t quite thought through the logistics of kidnapping someone. It’s only Friday, so we have a few days before Penelope needs to be back at school. I’m concerned that her mom will come for her there. It’s just one of many details we haven’t figured out.

I reach out and grab Josephine’s hand. We haven’t left the house yet, but I don’t want to miss a single opportunity to feel her touch. She looks incredible. Her skin is practically glowing, and her eyes are bright. The underlying worry and tension are still there, but she looks healthier than I’ve ever seen her. I have to admit, even I feel pretty damn amazing. “Ready?”

“Pen, be good. Don’t give Odie a hard time. Call if you need anything.”

“Jojo, I’m not five. I promise I won’t explode the kitchen or make it rain in here. Just go and figure out your crap.”

“Fine. Love you.” Josephine’s fingers flex in mine. How fucking shitty that she can’t even hug her little sister goodbye. Fucking curses.

We’re just outside the door when I have to ask. “What are the chances that we come back to a rain soaked, exploded kitchen?”

Josephine laughs and we get in the car.

I considered breaking into the covens and stealing as many grimoires as possible as our next action, but it occurred to me that there was a better place to start. It’s only a ten-minute drive before we’re parking at the small pedestrian bridge that leads to Morty’s shop. Josephine has a beanie pulled down low on her forehead and has the hood on her coat flipped up. I suppose someone who knew her extremely well might recognize her, but her face is mostly hidden.

The bell over the door chimes as we step inside the shop. The packed shop.

“Fuck,” I hiss under my breath. “Why are there so many people here?” Josephine’s hand is back in mine, and I pull her to the side as a shopper nearly bowls us over.

“It’s Black Friday. Got to get the deals before they're gone.” A woman I don’t recognize whizzes by. Josephine drops her head, keeping her hood up.

Morty saunters up to us as if there aren't fifty people crammed into his shop.

“You do Black Friday?” I raise a brow.

“I’m an entrepreneur, Blackthorn, my dear. What can I say.” He shrugs, his eyes sliding over to Josephine.

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