Page 29 of Ride Me

Allegra’s lips quirked. “Thank you. What did you say your name was?”

“I don’t believe I mentioned it. But you know me, Allegra Jarod. You always have, just as I’ve always known you were on your way. Don’t worry. We’ll meet again. Next time I’m hoping it’ll be someplace a little more comfortable. I’m fairly certain I have splinters in unmentionable places.”

He disappeared between the trees, whistling. The wind picked up and Allegra glanced down at the fire just in time to see the flames shoot up into the air, whirling toward her as if aiming—

She gasped, nearly tumbling out of bed as she scrambled backward. Bed. She was in her bed in the living room. She concentrated on slowing her breathing, listening to the soft sounds of music coming from Michelle’s bedroom, telling Allegra that she was home.

She lay back against the cushions with a groan. She must have fallen asleep right after her bath, her muscles totally relaxed, her mind still in turmoil. She slid her hand beneath the pillow and pulled out the small sewn pouch. What did the dream mean? And who was that old man?

An exchange.

According to Mambo Toussaint, Ben and Michelle, this particular Loa only wanted one thing. Sex.

Rousseau was her only obstacle to that. He obviously didn’t want her to call Bone Daddy. He was the one she wanted. Would she destroy his desire for her if she defied his wishes and asked anyway?

What if that wasn’t the answer? What if Allegra called on Rousseau and his rider, and it didn’t go her way?

She closed her fingers over the buttery fabric of the charm. Last week she didn’t believe in Loa or psychics. Now she was planning a sexorcism.

She smiled. A girl had to do what a girl had to do.

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