Page 38 of Hexes and Exes

“Maybe you should mind your own business.”

“Shut up. Either finish eating and figure out your order, or leave.” Paul pokes his head out of the back and wags a finger at us.

I don’t even taste the rest of the desserts.

18

AVA

Bram and I barely speak the entire way back to the hotel. If I hadn’t left my computer there, I wouldn’t bother going inside. He’s been grumpy ever since Jamie randomly appeared at the bakery. As if it’s my fault. And why is he the one who’s angry? Jamie is my cheating ex. Bram doesn’t even know him.

Bram follows me up the lobby stairs and into his office. I pack up my bag without a word and turn to leave when Bram steps in front of me.

“Why are you being all pissy?” His brow is furrowed.

“Excuse me? I’m not the one who’s been acting like a princess since the bakery.”

Bram takes a step forward, pulling the strap of my bag off my shoulder and tossing it onto the couch. “A princess? Because I don’t want to stand around and let some limp-dicked fuck say mean shit to your face. And directly afterward, watch him attempt to flirt with you? Are you going to fall back into that asshole’s arms as soon as he crooks a finger?”

“Do you think so little of me?” I snap, but I’m not sure where my anger is really directed. I’m mad at Jamie for showing up when Bram and I were having fun. I’m pissed that part of me thinks I should give him another chance, because who else would want me. Sure, Bram and I kissed, but he said it was a mistake and we’ve been pretending it didn’t happen ever since. I’m not an idiot; I can read the writing loud and clear. Bram doesn’t want to be with me. So what if things have gotten a little physical? That was some kind of mental blip that doesn’t make sense. Someone like me with someone like Jamie that makes way more sense.

Bram’s face is pinched and sour. “He remembers you. Maybe he’s your fated bond.”

I rear back, horrified by the idea. “No. Impossible. I hate him.”

“You were with him for a while. Love and hate are a thin line.” Bram’s face is full of disgust.

“He disrespected me. I deserve better.”

The back of my knees bump against the coffee table. I don’t even remember stepping back. Bram watches my mouth, his gray eyes intense. A pulse of need throbs through the air and my breath comes out on a shaky exhale. What the hell was that?

Bram lifts his hand, his fingers hover in the air by my cheek.

The door to the office slams open. Bram jumps away from me and I almost fall backward. Bram snatches my arm and pulls me back up. We really need to stop finding ourselves in this situation. My father is standing in the doorway with Vincent Blackthorn.

“Father,” Bram grunts out and I look between all three of them. Why are our dad’s here?

“Abraham.” Vincent Blackthorn is a distinguished gentleman in his early sixties. It’s easy to see where Roman and Bram get their good looks.

My dad hasn’t acknowledged me yet. I stand awkwardly to the side, wishing I would have just left my computer here for the night. Did I really think someone would steal it from Bram’s office?

“We’re here to check on the details of the party. Make sure you aren’t screwing things up.”

We were literally with them a few nights ago. They couldn’t have asked any party questions then? Why bother showing up now?

Bram turns to look at my dad, his shadows snapping like fire in his aura. I feel like I’m dropping some social protocol ball and stumble over my words. “Bram, you remember my father, Ivan Vandenberg. I’m not sure if you had much of a chance to talk the other night.”

“Don’t be silly, Ava. We may have been from different covens, but anyone worth their mettle knows of the other power players in Mystic Hollows.” My father puffs out his chest and adjusts his belt. He’s tall, but not as tall as Bram.

I slump and wish the floor would open up and suck me down. Even hell would be preferable to the way my father looks at me. With so much distaste. Bram’s fists clench and his aura darkens.

“What was it exactly that you needed?” Bram’s voice is even, but he’s practically vibrating. The dark swirls in his aura are twisting so fast it’s like a storm brewing. I place a hand on his arm, wishing I knew how to help, because he’s struggling to keep it together. All because our asshole fathers are here. I don’t know what his relationship is with his dad, but I’ve gathered enough information to figure out it’s not great.

“Both of you have been given a very important task. The success of this event is critical for the future of the coven. We need to ensure you’re taking this seriously.” Vincent Blackthorn smooths down his tie.

“Seeing as we’re both grownups who are fully capable of following through with a job, I’d say we’re fine.” Bram’s voice is still level, but the longer our guests are in the room the more agitated his shadows grow.

“We just finalized the menu today,” I offer up, hoping Bram and his father will stop death staring at each other.

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