Page 5 of Djinn in Love

Two, he broadcasted his emotions openly. It was as if he didn’t give a damn if people knew what he was feeling. As an empath, it was difficult to withstand. Her only saving grace was that the more time he spent with her, the calmer he seemed to be.

Third, he was aclient. Though Dominique had no formal rules about dating clients, Veronica knew that it wasn’t a good idea. So what if she’d made a comment to Dominique about helping her find some matches because she was so lonely?

That didn’t mean she should be dating clients willy-nilly. Especially if those clients were tall, dark, and handsome djinns that made her heart race every time they looked at her.

By the gods, she wasn’t going to be able to do this.

“You don’t have to do it if you don’t want to, you know,” Dominique said, distracting Veronica from her careening thoughts.

“What?”

Dominique gestured toward the door that had just closed behind Jasper. “You don’t have to go to this wedding. I’ll give him a refund.”

Veronica froze. Jasper had purchased their largest package, upfront, and it was worth over a thousand dollars. And her boss was willing to reimburse him in full.

No. She couldn’t do that. Dominique had given her a chance when no one else would have. Half-fae, half-human empaths were not welcome in most supernatural circles.

To be honest, empaths of any ancestry were unwelcome. The only supernatural more reviled were telepaths because they could read minds rather than just emotions.

The new direction of her thoughts gave her an idea.

“No, don’t give him a refund,” Veronica said. “When he calls me tonight, I’ll explain that I’m an empath. I doubt he’ll want to take me when he finds out. Most males wouldn’t.”

Dominique frowned. “Don’t talk about yourself like that,” she said. “Any male would be lucky to have you as a date.”

Veronica shot her a look because that had not been her experience.

Her boss shook her head. “Don’t look at me like that either. The fact that people are intimidated by your ability to sense emotions is ridiculous to me. Most supernaturals have enough magic to shield if they want to. And you’re not intrusive, nor do you violate boundaries when they’ve been set. Your abilities make you an asset in this business rather than a detriment.”

“Thank you, Dominique,” Veronica said. “I don’t tell you often enough how much I appreciate the opportunities you’ve given me?—”

The taller woman waved her words away. “You don’t need to thank me. You were more than qualified for this job. Let’s get back to the handsome Mr. Bayat.”

Veronica bit back a sigh. “Do we have to?”

Her boss ignored her. “Are you not attracted to him?”

“I’d have to be dead to not be attracted to him,” Veronica murmured.

Laughing, Dominique asked, “Do you not enjoy his company?”

Honestly, Veronica enjoyed talking to him even though his emotions were always loud and sometimes abrasive. He never hid his thoughts or feelings. He was honest in his actions and words. To the point of bluntness.

Veronica appreciated that. Whatever he said to her, his intense emotions always backed up his words.

Subterfuge was always the most difficult thing for her to deal with as an empath because the conflict between a person’s words and emotions gave her a splitting headache.

“I do like talking to him. He’s funny in a sneaky, biting way.”

Dominique shrugged. “Then, what’s the problem?”

“Well, he doesn’t know I’m an empath for one.”

“And?” Dominique asked.

“You don’t think that will be enough to make him run away?”

Her boss shook her head. “Any other male, maybe. Jasper Bayat, I doubt it. That man is a bulldozer in a suit. Plus, I’m asking you howyoufeel about possibly dating him. Not how you think he’ll feel about you. You can’t control any of that, so it’s best for you to focus on what you want out of a potential relationship.”

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