Page 67 of Touch Of Fate
“I think we should.” Lace grins.
“Were you arrested?” I ask, a little shocked. Rome doesn’t seem like a warlock who would get caught.
“We have more important things to talk about,” Rome says, walking to the couch.
“We have time,” Lace says, enjoying the glare Rome aims her way. I press my lips together and join him on the couch.
He sighs. “I was defending a woman. I got blamed, and I ended up in jail. I couldn’t use my spells to get out.”
“I started keeping a ‘get out of jail’ jar for him,” Archer chuckles.
“No way,” Lace breathes.
“Can we eat?” Rome asks, reaching for a plate.
“Yes.” I rub his back. “But you know we are going to bring it up later.”
“I am aware,” he says dryly. “Archer won’t shut up about it.” He winks at me before filling my plate.
“We decided on everything pasta. It will fill us for a night of vigilantism.” Lace rubs her hands together.
“I told you not to call it that,” Archer says.
“And I told you to find a better word. You couldn’t, so the word stays.” She smiles brightly at him, and he shakes his head. “Is Gavin going to be there?”
“He will be close, but wait until we clear the house,” Rome says.
“Is the owner going to be there?” I ask.
“It’s rumored that he spends more time at this location. He was there when the other building was active. Hopefully he is, and we can be done with this.” Rome hands me the food before filling his.
“Are we attacking like last time?” Archer asks.
“No. I’m going in first,” Rome says.
“Rome—” I narrow my eyes.
“Mara, we don’t know how many men are inside. I don’t know the layout of the house or how many rooms they use. I can shield myself easily. They won’t know I’m there. If we all go in, and something surprises us, my spells could slip. It’s safer. After I assess the situation, I can leave, fill you in, and then we go in together.” He cups the back of my neck. “I won’t take unnecessary chances.”
“It’s a good idea,” Archer says.
“Mara, he’s right,” Lace says.
“Fine.” I lean toward him. “As long as you come out to get us and don’t try to handle it on your own.”
“I promise,” he says, and Archer coughs. We both turn toward him.
“Sorry, food got stuck.” He rolls his eyes, and Rome glares at him.
“Ignore him,” Rome says.
“Bond,” I say, and he gives me his attention. “I will not be happy if you stay in there without us.”
“Trust me,” he says, staring into my eyes. I already told him I do, but I know he would do something he may regret to keep me safe. I have no choice. I have to believe he will do the right thing.
We start to eat, and I hope the food will settle my stomach. I’m not sure if it’s the task ahead of us or bringing up what I need to do. I’ve been close with Lace, but she’s right, I’ve pushed her away. It’s been years since I willingly touched her. She has been through a lot since we were little. Losing Mom brought us closer, yet we never discussed our feelings after she was gone. I didn’t grieve as I should have, as I was concentrating on keeping us safe and together. I couldn’t let anyone take her away from me. I don’t want to see her deepest thoughts. Sisters should have some secrets from each other, and I’m afraid to see her true feelings.
“Lace, I need to experiment with my touch,” I say, and take a bite of noodles.
