Page 50 of Don’t Rush Me (Nora Jacobs 1)

While she starts pulling out makeup and skin products, I reflect back on our conversation. I can’t stop thinking about how she said she could control her allure. I can’t imagine that. Being able to shut it off? Or at least turn it down to low? “Do you think, maybe, I’m like you?” I ask, finally breaking the silence.

Cecile smiles at me as she begins to brush a light foundation powder over my face. “What do you mean?”

“Everybody keeps saying I probably have a little underworlder blood in me. Do you think maybe it comes from a succubus? Like, way down the line or something? Maybe that’s where my curse comes from. Maybe I could learn how to turn it off, or at least control it like you do.”

Cecile’s smile turns sad. “As much as I would enjoy that—my kind are so very rare—I can’t smell a single hint of demon energy on you. Not to mention, I can smell and taste pheromones. If your allure was from that the way mine is, I would know. I’m afraid you must be something else. Something extraordinary, darling. Close your eyes for me.”

There goes that theory.I’m glad I have to close my eyes so she can’t see the disappointment in them. Not that I would want to be a succubus or anything, but answers would be nice. And a mentor who could teach me to control my curse would be amazing. Instead, my hopes are dashed. But it does make me determined to try and figure out what I am. With my powers, everyone is probably right; I have to be some kind of underworlder. If I could just figure out what kind, maybe I could get some answers.

“Beautiful,” Cecile murmurs. “Okay, open your mouth and relax your lips. It’s time for some light strawberry-flavored gloss.”

I let her gloss my lips, and then open my eyes. I hardly recognize the person staring back at me. “Wow, Cecile.”

She smiles sweetly. “I had a beautiful canvas to work with.”

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