Page 11 of Touch Of Fate
“Archer did a location spell to find you,” Rome says.
“I should thank him,” I whisper.
“If you must.” Rome grins, and I stare at his mouth again.
“You’re distracting.”
“Good.” His smile grows.
“She just recovered from the touch of a man,” Lace says, and I widen my eyes at her.
“A man?” Rome narrows his eyes.
“I wear gloves.” I hold up my hands. “To avoid the touch of others. He touched the skin above the gloves, and his memories transferred to me.” I drop my arms, uncomfortable with Archer’s probing stare. “I saw the kind of man he is. He’s killed women. His girlfriends.” I would never discuss magic with strangers, but I feel their power. My body urges me to trust Rome.
“So you saw their deaths?” Rome asks.
“Yes. Felt them too.”
“Jesus,” Archer says.
“Mara.” Rome steps close and grabs my hand. “This is the burden you live with.” I inhale sharply as he slowly pulls the leather from my fingers. No one has ever taken them off me. It shouldn’t be a sensual experience, yet it is. I watch his face while he stares at my hands as he removes the gloves. “Do you always wear them?” he asks, looking at me. The shelves begin to move again, and I hear the computer on the desk begin to play music.
“Yes, almost always. Of course, I take them off when I’m alone. It’s easier to wear them.” I gulp when he turns my hand over and kisses my palm. Another bulb shatters.
“Why leather?” he asks, kissing my other hand.
I clear my throat. “I found it works best. Cotton doesn’t shield as well.”
“I love the smell of leather,” he mumbles, and playfully bites my thumb.
“Rome, fuck,” Archer grumbles, and I glare at him.
“Pay no attention to him,” Rome says. “He finds me annoying.”
“Why? Isn’t he your friend?” I glare harder, not liking Archer’s attitude.
“Best friend. He knows me too well.” He kisses both hands again and releases them. “Don’t worry; he also annoys me.”
“I’m super happy Mara met you, but our store is not going to survive if you don’t back off,” Lace hisses.
“Sorry, sister,” Rome says, glancing at her, and Lace jerks. Her cheeks blush, and she lowers her eyes. “I need some time to adjust and control her effect on my magic.”
“I understand,” Lace says, and my mouth drops open. She looks at me and shrugs.
“Do I get to call Mara sister?” Archer asks.
“No.” Rome crosses his arms, facing his friend.
“Why?” he asks, a smile on his lips.
“I don’t like it,” Rome states.
“Tough shit,” he replies.
“Whatever,” Rome sighs. “What do you want to do about the man?” he asks, tilting his head.
“I’m not sure. I thought about turning him in. What proof do I have?” I flex my fingers, the air almost foreign against them.
