Page 58 of Hot in Witch City
Since that appeared to be a rhetorical question, I didn't respond.
Her expression darkened. "I hate anyone else controlling me in any way, physically or emotionally.” She exhaled with a shudder. “That time with the demon made it worse.” She glanced away and rubbed her upper arm.
I only knew the basic details in that a monster had kidnapped Gianna. Fury simmered within me with a yearning for vengeance. But Nova believed she’d banished the demon, so that opportunity was gone.
An urge to care for and protect Gianna grew.
“If there’s anything I can ever do for you, Gianna, just ask.”
She gave me a warm smile. “Thanks.” She then clapped her hands on her thighs. “I want to hear the rest of your story. What did you do after you left your pack?”
I took another gulp of my drink before I continued. "I found odd jobs as I moved over to Maine, mostly in restaurants. That’s how I learned to cook. After several years, I’d worked my way down the coast until I ended up in Salem. I heard about the Network, and they helped me get settled and into a culinary school. They later connected me to Diego and Lucas, who are my new family now. My new pack."
"That's wonderful,” she said. “I’m glad you all found each other.”
"Family doesn't have to be who we are born with," I told her. "You can choose to make your own pack."
She exhaled. "When your family leaves you, you have no choice."
Compassion filled me. “Meaning your mother?”
"Right." She twisted her hair and then tossed it over one shoulder. "The difference is you left. In my case, I was the one left behind. That leaves a hole so deep, I don't know if it can ever be filled."
The yearning to care for and protect her grew ever stronger. What could I do to take away her pain?
“I’m sorry, Gianna, and I hope it’s not true. You deserve to be loved and appreciated.”
A delighted smile crept at the corners of her mouth. She caught my gaze, and our eyes locked.
"Sebastian, I want you to consider something.”
“Like what?”
“Come to the pool with me.”
“What?” I stared at her. “No way.”
“I'll make it worth your while." Her tone edged higher, and her smile turned flirtatious.
Taken off guard by the sudden shift in tone, I gaped.
“Come with me,” she crooned.
"Can’t do it.” I shook my head. “Although the promise of seeing you in a swimsuit is tempting.”
"How about without one?" She arched her brow.
Excitement and fear clashed within. "Even more tempting, you siren,” I teased. “Why do you want to do this?”
"You’ve been kind to me. I’d like to do something for you.” She slanted her gaze. "Besides, isn't that what friends do?"
I searched for the answer. "Is that we are—friends? And lovers?"
She bit her lower lip. "It seems like that to me."
I smiled. “I agree.” What that meant in our already complicated situation with her being my mate, remained a mystery. “I’ve never had amazing sex with a friend before."
She laughed. "We will not call this a ‘friends-with-benefits’ situation."
