Page 8 of Petty Deadly Gorgeous

“No.” His rich laugh filled the room. “You’ve never given me that honor.”

“Hm.” I smiled. “Maybe it’s time for things to change?”

“Temptress.” His low voice caused my skin to prickle up in excitement. “Not now. You are far too young.”

My eyes rolled back in my head as I stood up from his lap and shivered at his missing warmth. “Pfft.”

I left him sitting on the floor as I cracked the door open and peeked outside to make sure I could sneak out and over to the bathrooms. Without looking back, I entered the empty hall and jogged to the bathroom. Once inside, I leaned against the door and took three deep breaths.

Questions filled my head, and I couldn’t wait until later to ask him. I also couldn’t wait to look at my new spell book again. I went to the sink and splashed cold water on my face, then cleaned up the smudged mascara before joining everyone in the common room again.

Jon stood with a group chatting as I slowly passed by on my way to Gran and mom. My mom opened her arms and drew me close, hugging me tight. “Well? What did you learn?”

“I was royalty.”

Mom squealed and gave me a tighter squeeze. “That’s wonderful, darling!” And I heard her whisper. “See, Mom, no magic.”

Gran rolled her eyes and then smiled at me. “Fancy gowns, servants, big castle?”

“Yes. It was overwhelming.” I sighed. “Can we go home?”

“Don’t you want to share your experience with others?” Mom pulled back and looked down at me.

“I thought you were worried about Dad?” I looked up as innocently as I could.

Mom’s eyes closed, and I felt her stiffen beside me. “Dammit.”

Gran laughed. “Already forgot about him?”

“Mother.” She growled at Gran.

“Fine. Let’s go. Anna can get her things and come back to my place tonight as planned.”

We gathered our things and slipped from the building out to the car. The ride home felt intensely quiet. No one spoke. We all sat in silent contemplation.

I couldn’t stop thinking about the feel of the warm blood coating my skin, and the way the peasant seemed to enjoy being touched by the demon. Even the servants had smiles on their faces, delighting in each moment.

Another memory slid into my vision. I saw a man leaving. He lined the servants up to send him off and he pecked my lips. The kiss left a pit in my stomach. I couldn’t wait for his cold, scratchy lips to move.

“I promise to be back within a fortnight.” He cupped my face, but the touch didn’t feel soft.

“Of course, darling.” The words came from my mouth, but not my young one. I could hear the change in my voice and language and knew I stood there as the Countess.

We watched him climb into the carriage as the driver commanded the horses to move. Once they cleared the gate, I turned to Ilona. “I feel like playing a game tonight.”

She bowed, and with a wave of my hand, I dismissed them all.

“Anna?” My mom’s voice broke through the memory. “Are you coming inside?”

I shook off the vision and smiled. “Of course!”

After getting out of the car, I walked in to see Gran, waving her hand, saying one word. “Iroeshru.”

“You need to stay out of it.” Dad spoke as though no time had elapsed. He glared at mom. “I guess go to your hypno-whatever class and we’ll finish this later.”

Giggles bubbled out of me. “Daddy, we’re back.”

His face went pale, and he turned to Gran. “What. Did. You. Do.” He enunciated each word with more anger and hate than I’d ever heard from him before.

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