Chapter Six #3
“What a beautiful name,” Margarete hums, holding out her hand. “So nice to meet you.” I stare at her hand and realize I forgot to put my gloves on. Rome cups my hand, and I sigh gratefully.
“You too.” I slide my free hand into hers, and she squeezes. Margarete has blonde hair and soft blue eyes. Her long yellow skirt floats with every move, and her white long-sleeved top brushes over her hands.
“I hope he’s being good,” she says, releasing me.
“Being good,” Rome snorts. “Am I a puppy? Why wouldn’t I be good to my soul bond?”
“Men do sometimes act like dogs,” Adeline says dryly, and I laugh shortly. “See, she agrees.”
“No, of course not,” I say, not wanting to offend Rome.
“Don’t worry,” Margarete says. “He knows we love him.”
“Where’s Dad?” Rome asks.
“He’s at the hotel,” she answers.
“I believe his exact words were: I will not be a part of your interference. He’s going to be very annoyed. Your dad is hiding,” Adeline says, grinning.
“He’s smart,” Rome grumbles.
“Mara—” Lace stops in the doorway, startled by the newcomers.
“Aren’t you adorable?” Adeline says, and Lace’s eyes widen.
“Very,” Margarete says.
“Lace, my mom, and my aunt. They will be leaving soon.” Rome crosses his arms.
“But we haven’t looked around,” Adeline protests.
“And we need to get to know Mara.” His mom glares at him. “Lace is a lovely name,” Margarete says as she glides closer to her. My sister looks at her cautiously.
“Your power is heavy,” Lace whispers. Margarete cups Lace’s hands between hers.
“Yours is hiding,” she says, smiling gently.
“How can you tell?” Lace asks.
“I feel it burrowed inside.” Margarete presses one hand over her heart. “You’ll see when it’s time.” Lace looks at me and then back at Rome’s mom.
“You are welcome to stay, but I have a client coming soon.”
“You tattoo?” She looks behind her.
“Yes.”
“Adeline,” Margarete squeals, releasing Lace. “We should get new ones while we're here.”
“You won’t have time,” Rome interjects with a scowl.
“Oh, son, be nice.” She moves to the shelf closest to her, running her fingers over the spines of the books. “We could spend forever here.”
“Totally.” Adeline grins and joins her sister.
“Where is Uncle?” Rome asks.
“He is getting the lay of the land,” Adeline replies. “You know he loves to travel but has never been here. You’ll see him at dinner.”
“We are having dinner?” Rome follows them as they disappear around the corner.
“Why wouldn’t we?” Adeline asks. “You aren’t very welcoming.”
“I see you all the time.” Rome stands at the end of the next aisle, his hands on his hips. He is just as attractive when he is annoyed.
“Mara wants to get to know us. Don’t disappoint her,” Margarete lectures, and I swallow the laugh bubbling up.
I tune out their words but enjoy the loveliness of the chatter in the store.
When it’s just Lace and me, there are hours of silence.
We work well together and understand each other's thoughts without needing to speak. I like the energy flowing through the space. Even though they look my age, I feel the wisdom in their magic. It’s a welcoming sensation I haven’t felt since Mom was alive.
Margarete reminds me of Mom, and it’s bittersweet.
I imagine their spunk was embarrassing for a young Rome.
Seeing them together now, I see the love Rome has for them through the frustration.
I don’t quite know how to act. Lace was right; I push down my emotions.
What is the point of sharing them? Before yesterday, my sister was the only one in my life.
I don’t feel comfortable sharing everything with Savy, and it has nothing to do with her.
She is sweet and open. The three of us banded together in this new place.
Family, yet not. It’s natural to be secretive as a witch; we protect our spells and knowledge and are sensitive to those who could reveal our true nature.
I had closed off my heart to any possibility of love.
Rome is a surprise, and I want to explore our bond.
“My Mara,” Rome says softly, appearing beside me. He cups my chin and turns my face. “You were lost in your thoughts.”
“Oh, sorry.” I stare into his eyes, his fingers holding me still. “Did you say something?”
“They are lost in the back. They will need a cart to pack out all the books they buy.” I smile, and his eyes drop to my lips. “Also, you have a customer wandering around.”
“Hey.” I look over the counter, and Rome’s hand drops. Oh shit. Cameron smiles at me, but he frowns when his gaze centers on Rome. “Are you busy? I want to pick your brain. I’m looking for something specific.”
“Umm…” I look desperately at the closed door to the back, wishing Lace were free.
“She is,” Rome grumbles. “Busy.” My eyes widen, focusing on Rome’s hard face.
“Actually—” I don’t know what I was going to say, but it would be easier to help our loyal customer.
“Who is this?” Adeline asks, popping behind Cameron.
“Cameron, a frequent customer,” I explain, hoping to diffuse the situation and ease Rome.
“Wonderful,” she replies, gazing at him. “I wonder if you would help me get a book off the top shelf. A nice tall man like you.” She grins, and I think Cameron is blinded by her.
“Uh…sure.” He looks at me briefly before Adeline pulls him away.
“He certainly looks interested,” Rome drawls, facing me as they move away.
“I mean…” I gulp. His jealousy isn’t affecting me like it should. The tick in his jaw draws my gaze. Damn. It turns me on. I don’t think anyone has ever been jealous over me. “I don’t like him. That way. He’s nice, but nothing has ever happened.”
“He wants it too.”
“How can you tell?”
“Am I a man?”
“Yes.” I lick my lips.
“He’s too shy to ask, but he likes you.”
“Maybe.” Liar. “But he won’t get me.” Rome stares at my lips.
“Oh, I know he won’t,” he says gruffly.
“Darling,” Margarete whispers, and I jump back.
She’s standing behind Rome, her head tilted toward me.
“That man is under the impression that he has a chance with you. Do you want Rome to dissuade him?” He drops his head to my shoulder, and I roll my lips.
“Son.” She taps his shoulder. “His aura is murky. I don’t like him.
” She looks over her shoulder. “I’ll check him out.
Hide.” A giggle escapes. “Take her in the back.” Rome lifts his head and threads his fingers through mine.
“Do not interrupt us,” he orders, pulling me past her.
“Of course not,” she sputters. “We would never.”
“The register?” I ask over my shoulder as Rome leads us away.
“Don’t worry. I got this,” she states, smiling.
I have to jog to keep up with Rome. We move deeper into the store, and he doesn’t stop until we are beside the couch in the back corner. I look at the couch, but he turns me, pushing me back, his hand on my waist until my back hits the shelves.
“Rome,” I gasp. He cups my neck, tilting my head with his thumb on my chin, and kisses me.
His other hand slides from my waist to my hip, his fingers flexing, bunching the fabric.
I should be more concerned about his mom being in charge of the store.
Cameron is probably confused and overwhelmed by the witches taking over.
I don’t care about anything but the sexy man kissing me and how he makes me feel.
He holds me where he wants, his grip firm, yet it makes me feel safe.
I grasp his waist, tangling in his shirt.
I never imagined I would be kissing a man in the store, eager to let him do whatever he wants to me.
His family could come back here anytime; the store isn’t huge, no matter what his mom says.
My body heats, and I open further, allowing him to take the kiss deeper.
I wish we were home, but I have to admit it turns me on to be in a public place.
I know he wouldn’t expose me to embarrassment.
He rips his mouth from mine, the shelf shakes behind me, and the lights flicker. My breath is labored, and I gasp for breath. He stares into my eyes and slides his hand from my neck to between my breasts.
“Fuck, I love how you taste,” he whispers roughly.
His eyes drop to his hand. “I could barely control myself yesterday. Seeing you in this…” He shakes his head.
“Impossible.” My breasts swell as his fingers graze them.
“If we were anywhere else, I would peel the fabric away and suck.” My legs shake.
“Lick.” My mouth parts. “I would bend you over the couch and flip up your dress.” He drops his head and drags his nose up my neck.
“You smell like you belong to me.” I pant, my heart forgetting to beat.
“I—” I lick my lips. “I do.” Maybe it’s our magic, but I want to belong to him.
“Umm…” Margarete’s voice comes from somewhere behind us.
“So sorry. Really sorry.” Rome's jaw ticks, and his hands slide away as he turns. His mom inches forward, her eyes shut, and her arms straight in front of her. “I guess I don’t have it. I think I broke the machine. It’s much different than when I used to work. ”
“When are you going home?” Rome grits out.
“Son,” she gasps.
“I’ll be right there,” I say quickly. I press my hand to my stomach, hoping to calm my need. She stumbles back and twirls around when she hits a bookcase before speed-walking away. I look at Rome. He’s staring at the ceiling, his eyes closed. “Rome,” I whisper, taking a step.
“I need a minute,” he growls, and I look down.
“Right,” I mumble and can feel the heat in my cheeks.
I fold my hands behind my back. “Will it be a long minute?” I ask, leaning forward.
His gaze blazes as he straightens. “Sorry.” I laugh.
“It’s not funny.” I cough. He narrows his eyes, and I speed past him, jogging as his arms shoot out.
I laugh louder when his hand barely touches my skirt, and I move sideways, evading him.
He catches me when we reach the end of the aisle, and he lifts me.
My back hits his chest, and I laugh harder.
“Mara?” Lace asks, and I turn my twinkling eyes her way. “You’re laughing.” She is standing in the doorway, her gloved hands lifted, her gaze filled with wonder.
“Your laugh makes me hard too,” Rome whispers in my ear before setting me down. I swallow and look around. Everyone is smiling, except Cameron.
“I would like to check out,” he grumbles, glaring at Rome.
“I’ll do it.” Lace whips off her gloves, hurrying behind the counter.
“Damn, darlin’.” I look at the bare-chested man leaning against the door jamb to Lace’s section. “You got your laugh back.” I grasp Rome's shirt as he takes a step toward him, his expression murderous.
“Rome, this is Gavin.” He is Lace’s contact and has been here many times. His skin is almost covered. He’s a leopard shifter. “He’s a regular.”
“Rome.” Gavin nods, and Rome barely nods back.
“Have a good day, Cameron,” Lace says, and I look at him. His eyes meet mine, and I see something I have never seen before: anger.
“Bye, now,” Adeline says brightly, wiggling her fingers, looking at him expectantly. He turns and stalks quickly out the door.
“He’s got it bad,” Gavin says.
“We didn’t ask you,” Lace lectures, stomping toward him.
“Why are you mad at me?” he asks.
“I’m not,” she snaps. “Why did you leave your chair?” She stops in front of him.
“Same reason you did.” He frowns. “I heard Mara laugh.” I close my eyes. “It’s beautiful. You should do it more.”
“Careful,” Rome hisses, and I open my eyes and step in front of him.
“So it’s like that,” Gavin mutters. “I’m not a threat.”
“Good.” Rome wraps his arm around my waist.
“I’m a leopard. We don’t mate witches. If I did, it would be to lovely Lace.” Gavin grins when she smacks his arm. “I’m happy you gave her a laugh back.” Rome relaxes.
“Can we stop making a big deal out of it?” I sigh.
“So you're all witches,” Gavin states, looking at all of us. “I’m glad they have a family now. You can protect her from guys like Cameron.” Rome’s hand convulses on my stomach.
“What other guys have there been?”
My soul bond is losing his cool.