Page 13 of Rebel Spell
One of the things we bonded over as teens was music, and Prince’sPurple Rainalbum had been played in heavy rotation.
“You got the lyrics right,” I teased her.
A siren with a beautiful voice, Gianna’s talent with music ended with the lyrics. She often sang the wrong ones, typically making zero sense, much to my enjoyment.
Gianna raised her hand and hollered, encouraging everyone in the bar to sing along with raucous enthusiasm. Many joined in. Who could resist a half-siren’s song?
Once we settled back at the bar, I nursed my drink while we caught up. A Bon Jovi song played followed by Joan Jett.
Gianna turned her focus to one of her favorite topics—men. “You don’t have anyone in the city? Not even a hook up?”
“Nope. If I had your cravings, I’d have starved a long time ago.”
“Months?” she repeated in a louder tone.
Technically, over a year. “Shh,” I attempted to quiet her, although I doubt anyone heard her over the music. In a lower tone, I admitted, “It’s been so long that I’ve let nature take over down there.”
Gianna’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, no, no.” She shook her index finger. “You need to rectify both of those situations right away. Let’s start with getting you a profile set up online.”
“What? No way,” I protested. “My attempts at online dating varied between sitting through awkward silences or zoning out boasting blowhards. Most of the time, I’d rushed back to my apartment, eager for a bath with a book—or a more exciting date with my trusty ol’ vibrator.”
Gianna laughed. “Hope it’s not old and rusty.”
“No.” I gave her a proud smile. “I treated myself to a good one.”
She tapped my shoulder. “I’m glad, but still, the real thing is much better.” Her eyes gleamed with excitement. “And next week, we’re having a speed dating event at the club. Supes, humans, a smorgasbord of man flesh. After you find a hot hook up, I want to hear all about it.”
Ah, the effects of being friends with someone with siren blood. She loved sex, and when she wasn’t having it, she loved to talk about it.
“Sorry, Gianna. I don’t plan to be around that long.”
She sighed. “Still, you must scratch that itch before body parts fall off from lack of use.” With a glance between my legs, she said, “Next up, the other problem. Which do you prefer, wax or laser?”
I crossed my legs, suddenly self-conscious about the forest down under. “I had one attempt with waxing myself. It didn’t go well.”
“Laser it is.” She typed some things into her phone.
“Wait—what are you doing? I’m in town to take care of ahouse.”
“And you need to take care of yourtemple.” She glanced up at me before continuing typing. “You’re all set with a free consultation in two days.”
“Hey,” I protested. “I didn’t agree to that.”
“It’s with Sadie,” she continued. “She’s the best. Just go for a quick visit and hear about the options.”
I groaned. “What are you getting me into?”
“Reminding you to take care of yourself. Someone has to.” With a decadent smile, Gianna added, “Besides, you’ll be happy after you remember how good an orgasm feels.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” I raised my chin. “Remember my battery-powered friend?”
She sipped her drink. “You’ve neglected your needs for too long, Nova. While you’re in town, I’m going to help you get back in the game and enjoy yourself.”
I arched my brows. “By burning the hair out of my flesh?”
Gianna laughed. “Once you remember what it’s like to be with a partner again, preferably one who knows what he’s doing, you’ll be smiling.”
I exhaled. Maybe she was right. After all, I was still in my mid-twenties. Too young to give up on love, despite my lackluster attempts. My parents’ bitter divorce hadn’t helped me believe in a happily ever after. They still quivered with rage when they hear one another’s names. But a lover would warm my bed much better than a cold battery-powered device.
