Page 75 of Magic and Matrimony

“Did you once hold a hex over me that controlled every move I made?”

Tucker’s breathing is hard. Sweat drips down the side of his red face. “Yes,” he bites out, as if the word has been reluctantly forced from his throat.

“And did you put a geas on me that would cause immense physical pain if I ever spoke of this curse?”

“Yes,” he barks. The crowd is silent this time, their eyes ping-ponging back-and-forth between Piper and Tucker.

“And why did you think that was okay?”

“Because I’m head of the Beaumont house. You were a burden on your father and then became my weight to bear. Controlling your curse is a fraction of the payment I deserved. Even now, you disgrace the Beaumont name, airing your dirty laundry to half the town. This is not the time.”

“I think this is the perfect time.” Piper looks beautiful, more confident than I’ve ever seen her, as she faces down her uncle. “I believe all of these people deserve to know what kind of man you are. If you somehow pass these trials and become a member of the council once again, they should know that you’re a monster.”

The crowd is glaring at Tucker, whose face is growing redder by the minute.

“And how do you feel about this coven?” Piper asks, her eyes fiery as she stares down the man who has done so much harm to her.

“I feel nothing. They’re fools, every one of them. And just like you, they’re also a means to an end.”

The crowd whispers behind their hands. Some are shaking their heads and glaring. A few older gentlemen nod as if they approve of Tucker’s every word.

Lucida steps back on stage, her eyes wide, looking slightly shaken. “This concludes the first part of our challenge tonight.” She clears her throat. “This next part will be the final trial toestablish our new council.” She turns to look at the remaining witches on the stage. “You have one hour to meet at the Tenebris coven house.”

With that, Lucida disappears backstage, and noise from the crowd explodes.

33

PIPER

Ishiver as we walk over to the Tenebris coven house. It’s only a few blocks from the theater, so it doesn’t make sense to drive. The temperatures are slowly dropping now that the sun has set, but that’s not why my body is reacting this way. I confronted Tucker. In front of the entire coven. I’m shaky and sweating.

At least it’s a distraction from everything that happened with Ambrose the night before. How have things turned upside down so quickly? We kissed, and now, apparently, I’m suffering from his curse. Doomed to love him forever while he moves on from me like a used tissue. Although I’m feeling a lot more pissed off than blindly in love with him. I want to throttle him for freaking out yesterday.

I’m no expert in relationships, but communication seems pretty central to any good partnership. Ambrose didn’t even give me a chance to talk to him about what happened. He blew up, told me I was fucked, and then walked away. Now I’m pissed, heartbroken, and so fucking in love it hurts.

“That was really incredible.”

I startle at Ambrose’s words. I didn’t even hear him come up behind me. I need to get my head on straight if I’m going to compete in another trial tonight.

“What was?”

He’s close enough that his warm, woodsy cologne reaches me, and I want to bury my face in his chest and drag in a lungful.

“You calling out Tucker.”

I snort. “Doing it in a room full of people offers a lot of witnesses.”

“It was brave.” Ambrose squeezes my arm, and I melt. Looking at him like I haven’t seen him in weeks when we’ve barely been apart. Sure, I holed up in my room at the chateau, but we were just right next to each other at the Orpheum.

He shakes his head. “Don’t look at me like that, Pipes.”

“Like what?” My heart sinks.

“Like I fucking hung the moon for you.” His voice is rough with emotion.

I step back from his hold, frowning at him. “I can’t help it.”

“Fuck, I know.” Ambrose drags a hand through his hair, pacing with frustration. “Fuck.”

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