Page 15 of Magic Secret

When he returned his attention to me, he was an angel again.

“Come, lamb,” he said, his voice low and gentle as he led me by the hand to a walk-in closet.

I opened it before he did. I liked to look into people’s closets even when I lived in Crack.

Casual and formal dresses and fashionable shoes, all in my size, filled the space.

“Are they all for me?” I shrieked, giddy.

All my life, I had only worn three outfits in rotation.

“Yes, lamb,” he said. “I’ve never bought dresses for any other women.”

“How did they get here? They don’t seem to have legs.”

“I have an efficient crew and a team of elite guards working around the clock,” he said, watching me in satisfaction at my gaiety. “They stay out of sight, but they get the job done.”

“I like how you operate,” I said in appreciation.

When I was in the Jacuzzi, he’d left to take care of my business. During that brief time, he must’ve arranged everything, including the food and clothes.

No one had ever taken care of me like this.

“You’re safe with me, lamb. Anyone who wants to hurt you will have to go through me. They’ll regret even having the idea, for I’m worse than a nightmare.”

“Uh, that’s nice,” I said. “I don’t mean the nightmare part, but you aren’t a nightmare to me. On the contrary, you’re the opposite of it.” I wanted to press my hand to his chest to let him know what he meant to me. “However, Héctor, I have to warn you. I’m not some kind of damsel from some old romance novel you read.”

“I don’t read romance novels, lamb. In fact, I don’t read any novels.”

I waved a hand dismissively. “The point is, I fight my own battles, and I won’t take it kindly if you scare away my game and spoil my fun.”

He stared at me, not expecting that kind of speech from a sweet lamb.

I don’t know why I had to assert my independence in the middle of a tender, sexy moment. The last thing I wanted was to ruin the warm feelings between us.

Maybe I’d panicked that I wouldn’t be in the driver’s seat.

Maybe I was just bad at relationships.

Or maybe I wasn’t the only one who would have to wake up from a dream fantasy I’d once shared with my knight in shining armor.

“Well, Héctor, listen,” I said regretfully. “It’s not that I don’t appreciate your chivalry, but I was a born hunter. You’ll eventually see more of my tough side, so you’d better brace yourself, if you don’t want a culture shock and personality clash with me.”

Downstairs, Axel roared in laughter.

“It’s impolite to listen to other people’s private conversations, Axel,” the death demigod grated. “If you don’t stop being a jerk, I’ll make you.”

“Welcome to the new age, old boy,” Axel said. “My Cookie will never be that decorous woman you were so used to in your time. Among all of us, I’m the one who truly gets her. Old age doesn’t come with all the benefits.”

Héctor hissed.

“That isn’t the way to make Marigold favor you, Axel,” Zak warned. “You don’t want to alienate me, and you have much to prove and improve on yourself.”

Héctor shook his head, as if disgusted with his cousin. He shifted his attention back to me. The unwavering attentiveness was new and unnerving.

I dug into the closet and dragged out a pale-green, silky shirt, which went well with my green eyes, and a pair of washed-out designer jeans.

When I stuck my feet into flat sandals, Héctor pulled my towel off, then added in a hurry, “May I?” as if he’d just remembered my declaration of independence.

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