Page 7 of Which Witch Is Wicked?
When she’d released her excess energy, she pulled to the side of the road long enough to send her sisters a text, letting them know she’d be home soon. She needed space, but wouldn’t make them worry.
Back in town, she eyed the street that led to their lovely Victorian home, but didn’t slow or turn. More blocks of shops and structures flew past before she found herself in the quaint downtown area of Water Street. Brick buildings constructed back in the 1850s popped up around her, making her smile. Despite the pervasive misty weather, something about this town owned her. She’d definitely come home.
From the corner of her eye, she spotted a tall, dark-haired man approaching the doorway that led to Sirens Pub. Sizzling energy ripped through her. She’d know those muscles and that sexy walk anywhere. Dru.
The moment she thought his name, he stopped and turned as though she’d called to him. Their eyes locked for an intense moment, stealing her breath. Then he blinked and focused on her fox. His expression grew darker as he narrowed his gaze.
“Shit,” she hissed. She nailed the throttle on her bike and zipped around a corner, taking her away from the very one she desired and the deadly threat he posed.
A smart witch would hightail her ass home after a close encounter like that.
Then again, Claire always thoughtsmartpaled in comparison to sexy or dangerous.
Feeling brave, she circled around, slowly descending the quiet street again until she caught sight of Sirens’ entrance. Disappointment and relief filled her. Dru was gone. He’d headed inside, maybe to meet with his brothers. If so, she may have stumbled upon the perfect scenario in which to spy.
Her sisters would be angry if they knew, but someone had to start fighting back. If they intended to win this battle, they couldn’t be on the defensive the entire time.
Excitement pulsed through her as she parked her bike in an obscure spot behind a business. “You should stay here. Stay hidden,” she murmured to Kai.
When he’d crouched down in a nearby clump of tall grass, she hurried to make her way across the street before anyone who might pose a threat could spot her. She peeked inside the glass door on the first floor below Sirens.
The entrance was empty.
Quietly, she opened the door and slipped inside. The stairs leading upward provided a few vulnerable moments, but she hurried and made her way toward the bar. As she neared the hallway, her heart stopped.
A window provided the perfect view into the backroom of the bar.
Death, Pestilence, Conquest. Where was— “Looking for someone?”
Claire whirled around to find Dru, his dark gaze boring into hers like black nails into a coffin.
4
Claire fought to retain her composure.Sweet Goddess in the heavens,Drustan looked breathtakingly fine. His black, form-fitting t-shirt outlined pecs and biceps in tantalizing detail. Ripped jeans barely contained his powerful thighs, while sturdy military boots completed his ensemble. She didn’t know of one woman who could see him and not want him. Certainly not her.
A dark shadow underscored his mesmerizing eyes leaving him with a haunted look that only made him sexier.
Claire took a step back, coming up hard against the window frame. She couldn’t help but remember the last time he’d had her against a wall and the full-blown sensory onslaught that had followed. Even if he’d only conjured their intimacy, their encounter was still real in her mind. She could taste him, feel the exquisite sensations of his mouth on her breasts, his…
She blinked and refocused her gaze, wondering if he’d tried to seduce her again just now. A slow smile curved his lips, tightening her insides. He closed his eyes for a moment, and then nodded as though he could somehow sense her reaction to him.
“Stop it,” she whispered. She drew her tongue across her bottom lip, searching for moisture. Dru caught the movement, watching her as though he’d pull her into his arms at any moment and kiss her. The idea intrigued and scared her at the same time.
“You look good.” His deep voice slid over her senses like satin against her skin.
“No thanks to you.” As much as she ached for him, she harbored serious resentment for what he’d done.
“I wouldn’t have taken your Fire, you know, had I not thought you’d survive.” His gaze drifted lower, down her neck toward her breasts. “I trusted sources when I shouldn’t have.”
Could he really have been concerned?
She raised a hand to her throat, certain he’d caressed her. But he hadn’t moved.
Another skill of his.
“Liar,” she said in a low voice. “Everything you’ve told me is a lie. Everything you’ve shown me is, too.” She needed to remember the hard truth of that.
“No, Claire.” Unexpected pain radiated from him, giving her a surprising slap. “I would have found another way had I known what it would do. You can’t imagine what it was like to see you lying there…” Her heart inched toward him, her Fire urging her to forgive.
