Page 52 of Boss Witch

“Thought you’d never ask.”

That led to more delicious grinding, leaving him more frustrated than he’d been as a teenager.I really need to fuck her.They were practically doing that anyway, slowly rolling their hips together, with his hands blatantly on her arse. Thankfully, everyone was sozzled by now and making their own bad decisions. Otherwise, the blond surfer chap certainly wouldn’t be twirling those knickers on his index finger.

“Is there any chance of you showing me your room?” he whispered. “Any chance at all?”

Chapter 16

Clem shook her head, amused by the obvious way Gavin’s face fell.

Then she offered some sweet to offset the bitter, kissing his cheek and his stubbled jaw. She loved the tang of his skin; he tasted like summer, the bite of salt on top of an iced melon, though he was much hotter when he pulled her into his arms. He nuzzled his face against the curve of her shoulder, one of his favorite spots.

“Might I know why?” he whispered.

“Because if we go upstairs, the house is still full of people. They might bang on the door, bother us until they pass out. I’d rather go to your place.”

It was also safer because her room would have the highest concentration of magic since that was where she slept. They’d cleansed the space, but she didn’t feel sure enough of their preventive measures to take that risk. If Gavin noticed something off, the night could go from high risk to utter downfall while her guard was down.

I had him over, hopefully allayed any suspicions, and now I’ll distract him again while I keep searching Etta Mae’s journals.

“You’d rather be alone.” He seemed surprised. “What about the party?”

“Danica can clean up. She let me deal with all the prep, so it’s fair to leave the rest in her hands. Besides, I suspect Titus will stay over, and he might be annoying, trying to sneak out at baker’s hours.” She peered into his eyes, trying to gauge how sober he was. “Can you ride? My car is currently blocked in the drive.”

“I’ve been nursing the same beer all night, love. These days, I prefer being the one sober enough to take incriminating photos.”

“Had enough of being caught with obscene Sharpie drawings on your forehead?”

Gavin grinned. “The consummate uni experience. But yes, I’m sober as a vicar. Do you want to say good night or…?” He turned, and they both surveyed the uncontrolled chaos.

“I doubt they’ll know the difference. Let me grab a few things upstairs, so I can go straight to work from your place, if you’re okay with it.”

“Are you planning to leave any of those things at my place? You’ve already got a toothbrush,” he added.

Clem paused halfway to the stairs, aware of a terrible, inevitable warmth building in her chest. It felt suspiciously like happiness. Under the circumstances, it made no sense, but she savored the feeling nonetheless. This must be how it felt to exist in the eye of a hurricane, aware the storm could level her at any time, but for the moment, everything was tranquil.

“I can…” Clem let the sentence trail off because she couldn’t bring herself to ask for his input. Since he was the one who’d brought it up, it seemed like something he wanted, though.

“Why don’t you bring the basics? That way, if you spontaneously decide to spend the night, you’ll be set.”

She was the sort of person who bought spares before the original ran out, so she did have extra lotion and deodorant. His toothpaste and other toiletries were fine for casual use. And she already had a small pack of cosmetics she kept in her purse—­BB cream with sunscreen, eyeliner, a simple shadow palette, a compact, and tinted lip balm. That just left her packing up a couple of outfits, one to wear tomorrow, another to leave with Gavin.

Surprisingly, she caught Margie making out with Dante as she came out of her bedroom. They were so into each other that they didn’t even notice when Clem went past.Huh, that’s more Leanne’s thing.Margie must be seven or eight years older, but they were both single. She mentally gave Margie a thumbs-­up as she hurried downstairs. Since she didn’t spot Gavin anywhere, she guessed he must be waiting with his bike.

And he was, helmet already in hand. He handed hers over, and she put it on then checked to make sure her backpack was secure. When she settled behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, he pressed his hands over hers briefly, a fleeting but significant touch.I’m getting too close to him—­on more than one level.

Without another word, he started the bike, and they zoomed into the sultry heat of a summer night. The stars went liquid overhead, filtered into lines of light, tinted amber by the helmet. She reveled in his heat, the way he smelled of leather oil, wood sage, and soap. His back felt strong and hard against her chest, wide enough to shield her from the wind. In no time at all, they reached his rental. Lights were off at the main house, so he cut the bike off half a block away and pushed it the rest of the way, more considerate than one would expect.

“That’s nice of you.”

“You needn’t sound so startled. I’m a prince, haven’t you noticed?”

You’d be perfect if you weren’t committed to hunting people like me.

As fatal flaws went, it was an insurmountable one. And Clem wished she could make herself hate him as she had before she got to know him. Before, she’d heard the excuses people gave—­he’s not a bad person, he just—­

Has this horrible, inexcusable view. Hates others for no reason.

She loathed herself for falling into a trap she’d laid. There was no point in pretending this was completely a ruse anymore. Packing an overnight bag, choosing to stay with him? Those were things she wanted to do, despite her better judgment. At best, the sex between them should be hate-­fucking. Because even if he didn’t realize it, Clem did.

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