Page 24 of Hidden By the Gargoyle

“Why not?” she asked, cocking her head to one side. “I explained sex and all of that to you when you were thirteen. And I answered your questions when you were in high school.”

“Yes, but that was mostly about how my periods worked and general sex questions. Not specific things like if I’ve ever had a freaking orgasm!”

I mean, I had. All self-induced. I even had a few toys, which was something she’d suggested a few years ago. Though I hadn’t told her I’d taken her advice to experiment in that way. I wasn’t going to discuss this with her. Not now. Not ever.

My aunt studied me in silence for a few moments. “Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, Ally,” she said. “Whether it’s in or outside the bedroom.”

Before I could say anything else, heavy footsteps thudded up the stairs to the cabin and across the porch.

My aunt laid her hand on mine and gave it a pat. “We’ll talk more later.”

She got to her feet and was facing the door when Dax came inside.

“All done for the day?” she asked.

He nodded, his gaze moving from my aunt to where I was lying on the couch.

“Are you okay?” he asked, taking in my slightly sweaty face, which I was sure was still reddish.

“Fine,” I said, leaning back against the couch. “Just recovering from my aunt’s brand of torture.”

My aunt rolled her eyes at me before she turned back to Dax. “She needs to take it easy tonight. A good meal, quiet evening, and early bedtime,” she said. “I’m trusting that you’ll make sure all that happens.”

Dax nodded. “Of course.”

My aunt smirked at me before she leaned down to give me a hug. “Love you, sweet girl. Stay in touch, okay?”

I hugged her back even though I was still exasperated with her. “Love you, too, MinMin. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She released me, smiling down at me. “If you don’t, I’ll call you. You need another magic lesson.”

I bit back a groan at the idea and started to get up when she moved away, but she waved me back down. “Stay there and rest. Drink that tea I left for you.”

I nodded, relaxing back on the couch.

My aunt went over to Dax, patting his arm with her hand and heading toward the door. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow, too, Dax. Keep me updated.”

He inclined his head toward her. “Of course.”

Minerva walked out the door, shutting it behind her.

“Everything go okay with Poppy?” I asked Dax.

“Yeah. Fine. She’s smart and a quick learner. She’ll be running this place on her own within the week.” He looked around. “Where’s the tea Minerva mentioned? You should have a cup.”

“On the counter,” I said, stretching back out on the couch.

Between the conversations I’d had with Poppy and Minerva about my love life (or lack thereof) and the magic practice, my head was buzzing and foggy at the same time. It was a dizzying sensation that I didn’t like. At all.

I closed my eyes, letting my arm fall across my eyes again, blocking out the light coming in through the windows.

A few minutes later, Dax touched my arm. “Your tea is ready.”

I sat up and reached for the mug on the coffee table. The steam rising from the cup smelled faintly floral with a hint of something green. I took a cautious sip because I knew from experience that Minerva’s teas could sometimes be bitter or noxious.

This one was light and almost sweet with a hint of green herbs. I took a larger swallow, letting the warmth of the liquid wash over me.

“How does soup sound for dinner?” Dax asked from behind me.

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