Page 15 of Witch Bound and Down

"We can do boring," he said, hoping his voice sounded steadier than he felt.

"Speak for yourself," Hopper muttered. "I've seen this witch try to act normal. Remember the time you tried to blend in at that human coffee shop and accidentally enchanted the espresso machine to sing opera?"

"That was one time!" Hazel protested.

"That's what makes you perfect for each other," Sage said with satisfaction. "Neither of you knows how to do anything the easy way."

Outside, Sheriff Lawman's voice boomed again. "We’re going to conduct some interviews outside and then we’re coming in."

“Thanks for the warning,” Bullseye muttered.

“He’s hoping to flush us out,” Hazel said.

"All right, you two, time for the quick change. Bathrooms are through that door—spelled for privacy and rapid costume changes."

Bullseye grabbed the black shirt and leather vest, while Hazel picked up the blue dress and what appeared to be a necklace made of color-shifting stones.

"What exactly is this jewelry supposed to do?" she asked.

"Magical camouflage. It'll make your aura look like garden-variety hedge witch instead of 'powerful enough to make cars fly.'"

"I am not boring," Hazel muttered, heading for her bathroom.

"No," Bullseye said quietly, watching her go, his chest tight with want, "you're definitely not."

When she disappeared behind the bathroom door, he realized Sage was staring at him with knowing eyes.

"You've got it bad," she said matter-of-factly.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Honey, I run a truck stop. I've seen every kind of attraction there is, from pixie crushes to dragon mating bonds. And you, sugar, are looking at my friend like she hung the moon and stars." Sage's expression turned serious. "Just be careful with her, okay? Hazel's been hurt before. That whole thing with Smokie wasn't about love—it was about trying to find somewhere safe to belong."

Bullseye's hands clenched into fists. The idea of anyone hurting Hazel made his minotaur side roar with protective fury. "I won't hurt her."

"I believe you," Sage said softly. "But sometimes the worst hurt comes from the best intentions."

Before he could ask what she meant, Sheriff Lawman's voice cut through the air again.

"Time's up. We're coming in."

"Show time," Sage said. "Go get changed, sugar. Let's see how boring you two can be."

Bullseye headed for his bathroom, mind racing. Pretending to be Hazel's boyfriend was either going to be the easiest acting job of his life, or the most difficult. Because the hardest part wouldn't be convincing anyone else they were together.

The hardest part would be convincing himself it was just pretend.

When he emerged in the enchanted shirt and vest—both of which fit perfectly and hummed with protective magic—Hazel was already waiting. The blue dress hugged her curves in a way that made his mouth go dry, and the glamour jewelry had indeed dampened her magical signature to something subtle and harmless-seeming.

She looked beautiful. And she looked like she belonged to him.

"Ready?" she asked, and there was a slight tremor in her voice that suggested she was as affected by their proximity as he was.

"Ready," he said, offering her his arm like a proper boyfriend would.

When she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, her touch sent heat racing through his system. Thirty-six hours suddenly didn't seem like nearly enough time.

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