Page 46 of A Match Made in Coven
“Fine,” she conceded, standing up abruptly. “But don’t get any funny ideas. This is strictly business.”
Lorcan’s laughter accompanied her as she strode out of the study.
Sarah Michelle made her way through the grand foyer—her pace a tad more hurried than what was necessary. At the front door, she paused, her hand resting on the ornate doorknob, and turned to face Lorcan.
He stood mere inches away, his smirk inviting and maddening, his cologne threatening to cloud her judgment once more.
Better to get the hex out of there, and fast. She pulled the door open behind her and back-walked onto the porch, eyes never leaving his.
Outside, the night had deepened, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the scent of fall leaves and distant magic. He followed her, the same light wind tousling his hair. Sarah Michelle had to fight the urge to run her fingers through those golden locks.
Lorcan took another step, his body a study in casual elegance. He made a show of raising his hands as if to prove he wasn’t about to kiss her again, while a playful smirk still danced on his lips.
Her body tensed as Lorcan leaned in, his warm breath tickling her ear.
“Pick a nice dress,” he whispered. “The event is black tie.”
The porch felt too small. Sarah Michelle’s gaze flickered to Lorcan’s lips, and she swallowed hard against the temptation.
She stepped back. “Black tie, got it,” she panted out, breathless. “I’ll… figure something out.”
Lorcan’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Can’t wait to see it. Goodnight,Sarah Michelle.”
The way he said her name was downright criminal.
Sarah Michelle flew down the steps, her heart pounding as she made her way to her car. She could feel Lorcan’s eyes on her back, and it took every ounce of willpower not to turn around for one last look.
She slammed the car door shut and took a deep breath, glad for the engine’s hum that soon filled the silence ringing in her ears. As she drove away, the mansion receding in her rearview mirror, the road ahead was dark and uncertain, much like her feelings for Lorcan.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Masquerade Ball in Your Court
SARAH MICHELLE
The doorbell chimed, its melodic echo reverberating through Sarah Michelle’s chest as she stood in her living room clad in a breathtaking high-low ball gown. The skirt barely covered her thighs in the front, while the back flowed into a dramatic, sweeping train. The strapless bodice hugged her figure, accentuating her waist. It was embellished with sparkling details that caught the light with every movement. And the sweetheart neckline enhanced her cleavage, making her feel feminine for a change.
The dress shimmered as if made of light itself, imbued with a hint of enchantment Sarah had woven into the iridescent ivory fabric. It rustled like a whisper of magic as she moved. The effect was almost the same as her wings. The final touch was an eye mask, adorned with rhinestones that gave her an air of mystery.
Andromeda, always ready with a sarcastic quip, only wished her goodnight, refraining from any jabs about Sarah getting dolled up for Tall, Blond, and Magical. And even Nox, her grumpy ferret familiar, kept his scowl to himself for once.
Not wanting to ruin the impact of the outfit, she put a warming spell on herself, skipping the coat, and, heart fluttering, Sarah Michelle opened the door.
Lorcan Black, in a tailored black tuxedo, nearly took her breath away. The jacket clung to his broad shoulders, making him look unfairly, otherworldly handsome. And Sarah Michelle was pretty sure he hadn’t used any magical enhancements to achieve the result. He wore a silk black eye mask that complemented his tuxedo, making his already striking features also mysterious. His blue-green eyes darkened under the silk as his gaze raked over the dress clinging to her curves and the daring stretch of legs peeking out from the high-low skirt.
After a heated moment, a roguish grin tugged at Lorcan’s lips. “If the goal was to ensure the councilman stayed thoroughly distracted tonight,” he drawled, “Our mission is going to be a resounding success.”
She dismissed the compliment with an eye roll, but her cheeks still flushed—thank the fairies, he’d eased the tension with a quip.
With a gentlemanly flourish, Lorcan offered Sarah Michelle his elbow. “Shall we?” His voice was as smooth as the silk of his mask.
Sarah Michelle hesitated, not sure her heart could withstand the contact—being so close to him. But it was sink or swim. With a sigh, she slipped her hand into the crook of his arm. His warmth seeped through the fabric of his tuxedo jacket, stronger than any warming spell.
As they walked down the walkway from her front door, Sarah Michelle marveled at how well they fit together, even when, by all logic, they shouldn’t. Their bodies were attuned to each other, moving in perfect sync.
As they approached the curb, Sarah Michelle’s eyes widened as she spotted the sleek, black limousine idling before them. Its polished exterior gleamed under the streetlights, the elongated body stretching out.
“A limo? You hired a driver?”
