Page 26 of Touch Of Fate
“We need to leave the room.” I sweep my gaze down his body and stand. He nods and walks stiffly to the door. Waiting, with his hand on the doorknob, I move swiftly by him, resisting the urge to touch him.
As I move to the kitchen, I see Lace has already started the coffee and is bustling around setting out cups. Archer is lounging at the counter, his smirk directed at Rome behind me.
“Sleep well?” Archer asks.
“I did. I wish it could have been longer.” Rome glares and stops beside him. “I should have spelled the door differently,” he mumbles, knocking his shoulder against Archer.
“The doors are spelled?” I ask, looking around.
“Just a little protection,” Rome says, and I stare at the side door, tilting my head.
“I can see it,” I whisper. Magic can leave a trail to those who are in tune. I don’t usually pay attention and haven’t seen many trails before, yet I can see Rome’s. “That’s new.” It’s green and thick, protecting the inhabitants of the house.
“You’ll probably notice many differences in magic now that we have met,” Rome informs me.
“Can you see his spells?” I ask Archer.
“Most of them,” he answers.
“We’ve been in each other's lives since we were young. He has trained his magic to see.” Rome smiles softly.
“This is fascinating,” Lace says, setting out the creamer. “I can’t see Mara’s power.”
“You will,” Rome says.
“How can you be sure?” she asks.
“Intuition,” he says.
“I hope so.” Lace avoids my stare. “I have two clients today. Will you watch the front?”
“Sure.” I stop beside her and grab her arm, pressing my other hand to the counter. “Lace.” Rome covers my hand, stopping the jolt of emotions.
“Mara, I’m good.” She smiles. “I still can’t get over it. We can touch.” She hugs me tightly and pulls away. “I may not have massive spells, but I can use what I have to tattoo.”
“It’s an art,” Archer says casually. “I need to visit the restaurant. Cover for Rose.” My stomach turns thinking about Jerry and my loss of control.
“Coffee's done,” Lace announces, pouring into the four cups. Lace claims not to have magic, but she always senses my moods.
“I’ll get our bags from the car,” Archer says, standing. “Rome, come help.”
“Alright,” Rome drawls, meeting my eyes before following him out the door.
“Holy shit,” Lace whispers, leaning forward, her hands gripping the counter. “How do you get so lucky? He is something.”
“He is that,” I whisper back. “I want to jump him and run away at the same time.” More so the jumping part.
“Archer was in the spare room when I got there, and I didn’t hear anything until this morning. He was a perfect gentleman,” she says.
“Good. I didn’t have any doubt.”
“Are you feeling better?” She asks, sipping her coffee.
“It’s like nothing happened. My spells sputtered, and I lost it. Rome had to step in and use his magic. I was exhausted after, and Rome offered to help, but I had to work through it on my own. Hopefully, I can learn to control the drop in energy and how to direct my spells better.” I pause when she rolls her eyes. “What was that for?”
“Of course, you wanted to handle it yourself. You can’t rely on other people.”
“Not true,” I grumble. “I rely on you.”
