Page 6 of House of Malice
“That motherfucker has eyes for you,” Blaze said. His eyes were focused on their hands.
“He’s only interested in my half witch soul,” Alecto answered softly.
“Mm-hmm…”
It warmed her heart to see Blaze jealous and overly protective. Alecto’s chest swelled with satisfaction.
“Well, you know,” she whispered to him, “if you keep me occupied and satisfied, there won’t be a reason for me to look the other way.”
Blaze’s gaze flickered to hers then. “Oh, don’t worry about being occupied or satisfied.” His gaze turned serious. “But I shouldn’t feel like the moment I turn away, I’ll find you with another warlock or ademon.”
“I know, you’re right,” Alecto said. She caressed his hand with her thumb. “I was just joking. We’re with each other, and I take that seriously.”
“Good girl.”
Alecto’s body flushed at his words and the things his darkened gaze promised… But they didn’t have time to play because Val, Jolene, and Andro stopped arguing.
“You can fuck later,” Val said. “We have a meeting to attend. Let’s go.”
4
After the sun hid beneath the horizon on Friday, half of Venefica gathered at the Snakes’ brownstone.
Under Alecto’s feet, the music blared so loud, it shook the whole building. And she could hear the chatter of intoxicated witches even through her closed door.
One last time, she glanced at herself in the mirror to evaluate her look. For tonight, she wore her favorite red satin dress that exposed so much of her skin, it was as if she wore nothing, plus fishnet tights and combat boots.
Alecto always preferred using makeup from the mortal realm rather than spells that altered the appearance. It wasn’t as convenient, but Alecto had a few scant memories of her mom using makeup when Alecto was little. So maybe it was Alecto’s way of feeling closer to her mom.
Sadly, since Alecto had found that damned journal, the sweet and loving memories she had of her mom had been tainted. Now she felt as if she didn’t know who her mom had been at all. And she hadn’t even read more since reading those few entries before going to see Norse…
Alecto finished placing a few red gems around her eyes and went over to her hiding spot by the fireplace. She hesitated before reaching for her mother’s journal inside the hole in a wall.
She brushed a hand over the black cover that was soft and worn. Sooner or later, Alecto would need to force herself to read it. She wanted to understand her mom. But today was not the day.
There was a knock on the door, and Alecto managed to shove the journal back into the hidey-hole before the door opened and Blaze walked in.
“What is it with everyone these days?” Alecto rolled her eyes. “Nobody remembers that privacy exists?”
Blaze’s eyes swopped over her with such intensity, Alecto’s toes curled in her shoes. With his eyes trained on her breasts, Blaze pointed with a thumb to the door. “I did knock before I entered.”
Alecto crossed her arms, arching an eyebrow. “Do you want a medal for it?”
Blaze’s lips quirked up, and he stalked towards her. His palms were warm when they gripped her waist, pulling Alecto towards his body.
She placed her hands on his naked chest and spread her fingers wide. Even in early spring, Blaze Leveau still didn’t know how to button up his shirts all the way to the top.
When Blaze pressed his lips to her forehead, goose bumps skittered over Alecto’s skin.
“Is it weird that it turns me on when you’re mean to me?” he murmured against her forehead.
“Hmmm…probably,” Alecto teased. “But it’s okay. It turns me on when I’m mean to you too.”
“I knew it.” Blaze slipped a finger under her chin and tilted her head up.
“It doesn’t take a genius to understand that, so don’t feel too proud about it,” Alecto said, but despite the bite in her words, she was melting from the way he touched her, the way his eyes softened while he gazed at her.
Blaze shook his head. “I’m not talking about that, baby. I knew something else.”
