Page 30 of Charmed (Haven Realm Chronicles 2)

“We need to rejuvenate our power,” said Zand. “We’ll leavetomorrow.”

“Someone has to stay and protect my brother,” I said, grabbing another bag with mybelongings.

“But I want to see Scarlet, too,” saidAli.

“No way, mister.” I ruffled his hair and gave him akiss.

Zand’s broody brows pressed lower. “I’ll stay. But first we mustmeditate.”

“All right.” I sat down beside my brother as the genies sat cross legged on thefloor.

“Call our names if there is any danger,” instructedZand.

* * *

The next morning,Dahvi fumbled to grab the lamp out of enthusiasm for our journey to Terra. Cute. Reminded me of Ali in a way. But those sexy and sincere blue eyes set the genie a world apart from that of my brother and promised me a lot moreheartache.

Karim squawked at me as if demanding a cuddle before I left. I gave into his request and placed kisses all over his furry little head. Then I set him backdown.

In my bag I stuffed some exotic spices, which I would give to Scarlet as she couldn’t get them in Terra, and loved thestuff.

“Bye,” I said, glancing at my brother, who was still pissed with me and wouldn’t meet my eye. My gaze drifted to Zand as I closed the door behind Dahvi andI.

Outside my apartment, warm, midday air enveloped me, caressing my cheeks and promising me the world. It helped clear my head a little and stripped away the strong emotions tugging at myheart.

Dahvi was by my side. “Master, how far is Terra? Will we make it there bysunset?”

I just wanted to lick those full lips ofhis.

Gods!There I went again. Hormones raging and everything. I had to stop this. Using every ounce of restraint, I buried my attraction…no, mylust…for the genies downdeep.

Dahvi caught me around the waist. “Masterwatch…”

But it was too late. I smacked into a rug drying on a line between two rows of shacks. That’d teach me for not watching where I wasgoing.

“Inconsiderate…” I almost said a nasty curse as I rubbed myforehead.

Dahvi gave my temples a nice knead. Then he moved to my neck. My body thrummed from his touch and begged formore.

No. No. No. No.I had to pull away before I allowed my desire to carry meaway.

“Zand and Kaza,” I said, sidestepping the rug. “Do they getalong?”

“For the most part,” repliedDahvi.

I noticed his gait matched mine and somehow didn’t leave a footprint down the sandy lane we traipsed. Damn, that trait would come in handy onheists.

The whole foot thing reminded me of my ankle. It complained a little with a light ache. But the pain wasn’t bad enough to keep me from getting to my friend’sapothecary.

We took the corner and headed down another back lane, crowded with wooden crates and empty wine barrels. Laughter drifted from the tavern inside the building. The air carried the scent of baked flatbread and dips from the market several hundred feet to the north. For once my stomach was full and didn’t groan at the tantalizingodors.

Okay. I couldn’t help but pry. “Why do they seem cross with eachother?”

“Kaza has a frivolous past with women.” Dahvi’s liquid gestures entranced me, and I couldn’t take my eyes offhim.

Oh no.I was in for trouble then. I’d better not fall for him. My last boyfriend cheated on me. I didn’t need any more heartache. But something deep inside me ached for Kaza…for all the genies…and it wasn’t justlust.

“It’s Zand’s nature to be very protective. He doesn’t want to see you get hurt.” The blue genie’s warm blue eyes soaked me up, as if I were asunset.

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