Page 29 of Dark Moon Secrets

“Shame,” shrugged the woman. “You do tarot? I’m due for a reading.”

“No.” I shook my head.

“You must have something else you do. Reiki, maybe?”

“Um… you’ll have to wait and see.” She had me feeling like a fake, running a store where I didn’t believe in the products I was trying to sell. Wait a minute, I was a fucking fake. Another reason not to stay, but right now, I was too scared to leave and pretty sure I’d be run over by a truck if I tried. I might not want to run the store, but I didn’t want to end up dead.

“Oh, I can’t wait to find out.”

Me either. I swallowed hard.

“I’m Jessi. I’m sure you’ll be a regular here like I’ll be in your shop.”

“I’m sure.” I smiled, but I was pretty sure it looked strained and far from friendly. I could do with a friend or two in this town if I were staying. It hit me how alone I was here, especially since I was really annoyed with Luna.

“So, what can I get you?”

“Coffee and a cherry choc raw slice.” I was going to treat myself and put it on my credit card. At least I still had my job in the city. With the time I had taken off work, would this be long enough to properly consider if this place could be part of my future?

“Take a seat, I’ll bring it out to you.”

“Thanks.” I turned, ready to scan for a table where I could sit in peace. Instead, I came face to face with Alaric walking into the shop.

My body responded straightaway at seeing him. My knees weakened, and I wanted to melt simply from his presence.

“Hello, boss lady. I’m pleased to see you again so soon.” Alaric’s voice was smooth and deep, luring me to him as if he were a siren singing a song and I was the lost sailor.

“Alaric, twice in one day. One might think you’re stalking me.” I didn’t know how my voice could sound so calm and confident when my insides were flaming with hot desire for him to the point it was hard to focus.

He laughed, the sound raising the energy of my soul. I wanted him even more. Fuck, if there were no one else here, I’d take him now and give freedom to my desire.

“My friends call me Al, and I didn’t get your name before?”

“Tanjie.” I stared into his dark eyes and could feel myself getting lost.

“Beautiful name for a beautiful lady.” He raised his eyebrow suggestively.

Heat rushed to my cheeks, and my body flared with desire. Yep, he was flirting with me, and I wanted more. So much more. My intimate muscles contracted with need.

A fresh wave of moisture dampened my panties. If I didn’t get myself under control, I knew I’d do something rash that I might regret later. Though I didn’t believe anything would be regrettable with Al. Fuck, he was good to look at.

“I’m sure you say that to all the ladies.” Though I was still pretty flushed from him saying it to me. He was a bit of a bad boy. I could only assume this was a line he used frequently.

Al moved closer, the heat from his body blasting me with a wave of desire I struggled not to yield to.

“I don’t,” he spoke quietly, close enough for his breath to tickle my ear and send a thunderous shiver through me.

I’d have to go back and change my panties at this rate. I was so wet for him.

I turned to look up at him. His eyes were warm and alluring, his lips slightly parted as if tempting me to lean in and kiss him.

“Aren’t you the charmer?” I fluttered my eyelashes and dared not move. I was close to him but wanted to be even closer.

“Not at all, just speaking the truth.”

“Well, then, I look forward to hearing more truth from you very soon.” I put on what I hoped was my best flirty expression. Then, with the last of my resolve, I turned away.

I sensed him watching me, and I swung my hips suggestively. My aim was to leave him wanting and lure him into needing to see me again.

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