Page 61 of Rebel Spell
“Are you staying with relatives?” Andre asked.
“Sort of.” Wariness crept up my spine. I wouldn’t tell him where I was staying.
We tiptoed around with more small talk until he said, “A witch returns to Salem.”
I leaned back in shock. “Why would you say that?”
“I can sense what you are.” He brought his fingertips together and rested them on the table. “What kind of magic do you prefer?”
“What?” I shook my head. What an odd question.
“There are many types of magic. Do you focus on any in particular?”
“Uh… um.” He threw me off guard with that question, and I had no clue how to answer.
“Certainly, you must gravitate to one in your family’s grimoire?”
I gaped and then blinked. Why would he say that? I thought I was the one trying to get information, but sensed I was under interrogation. And he focused right on the book.
Scrambling to climb out of this hole, I turned the questions back to him. “Do you practice magic?”
He gave me a sage nod. “Yes.”
“And do you prefer a certain type?”
His green eyes brightened with a flash of intensity. “I’m comfortable with all forms on the spectrum. So many witches shy from dark magic as if it’s something to fear. It’s part of the universe. After all, you can’t have light without the dark.”
A chill curled around my spine. That sounded ominous as fuck. Fortunately, the song ended, and I had my escape. “Nice to meet you, Andre.” I forced a smile.
“A pleasure.” He stood and tipped his head. “I hope we become—friends.”
Yuck, yuck, yuck. No, way.
In the short break before the final speed date of the night, I headed into the ladies’ room and splashed some water on my face. Andre rattled me, and I wasn’t exactly sure why.
When I moved to my last table, Diego sat across from me.
I exhaled, relieved I wouldn’t have to fake interest for two more songs. “I thought you were done for the night.”
“I was until I saw that I’d matched up with you.”
“Oh, I’m flattered,” I said with a grin. I turned to see where Andre sat, but he was walking out of the club. “Shit. Please tell me you texted Zoe.”
“Yes, she said she’d get here as soon as she could.”
“Damn, he’s leaving. He’s the guy.” I pointed to the door and stood. “Although he didn’t reveal anything about Gianna, something is definitely off with him.”
Diego rose. “Where are you going?”
“We can’t let him leave.” As I rushed to the club’s exit, Diego walked with me.
“You can’t go after him,” he said. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Cover me then,” I said. “But make sure you aren’t seen.”
Without waiting for an answer, I headed outside. Where the hell did Andre go?
Ah, near the corner of the black brick building, he held a lighter to a cigarette.
