Page 6 of Magic Touch
I can't look away. Desire can be a very powerful tool in magic. If somehow, I had transferred some of my magic to him, perhaps the absence, or relief of that need, would deplete the magic. "And the woman is not available, or in a position to relieve this need."
The right side of his mouth pulls up in the most wicked smile. "I don't know the answer to that question, but perhaps you do."
"Me. How can I know what the woman you desire wants? I know I said I'm a witch, but premonitions and mind-reading are not my strongest talents." Perhaps if he brought the woman here. Oh lord, I've lost my mind entirely. Of course, he can't bring a woman who knows nothing of his affections to a witch for divination.
William shakes his head and laughs again. "Are you telling me that lovemaking will cure me of this glowing?"
Hearing lovemaking from his lips sends a thrill down my body, and it transforms into an ache between my legs. I have discussed sex with clients before. It is common for women, and occasionally men, to come to me with their bedroom problems. Surely, I can get through this conversation without melting into a puddle on my kitchen floor. "I don't know for sure. However, desire is very powerful. If you alleviated that desire, it might remove the problem."
Fire flares in his gaze, warming my skin. He adjusts his seat and the glowing increases. "Then, I am to glow like some star in the sky every time I desire a woman for the rest of my life? I'm certain my future wife will be thrilled to know exactly when I'm in need of her." He stands and throws his hands in the air.
I rise as well and touch his shoulder. "Please calm down, Sir William. I'm sure this is temporary. Magic is not transferred from person to person. I have healed hundreds of people with my hands, and this has never happened before. Perhaps you might go to the country for a few days or a week and wait for it to subside."
"It was you," he whispers in a rough voice.
"What was?" I remain close to him but drop my hand as he turns to face me.
"I was aroused by you. The way you touched me, the way you look, how fragile you were, lying on your couch, needing my help. I thought of all of that as I was dressing for the evening. That was when the glowing resumed." Light pours from his face, neck, and under his collar. "Do you still want the lady in question to alleviate my needs?"
"Oh, dear." I don't know what to say. I want him too, but I'm not the kind of woman who beds men I barely know. "I am not a woman of loose morals, sir."
He touches my cheek with the back of his hand in a whisper of a touch. "I suspected not."
"I'm sorry if I gave you the impression I was that type of woman, or that I need a man to keep me." Swallowing down my desire and keeping my voice even is a miracle of an achievement.
He sits and cradles his head in his hands. "You did no such thing. My want of you is only natural. You are very beautiful and kind."
"And beneath you." It pops out of my mouth before I can stop it.
Looking at me, he smiles again. "What do we do, Esme? I cannot go around glowing. I can go to the country, but my mother is there with a house full of servants who will be surprised their employer shines blue like a star in the heavens. It was all I could do to hide it from my valet and butler before I ran out of the house today."
I have no idea how to solve this. "There is a coven here in Windsor. I can inquire with them and see if they have any experience with this. It will have to wait until morning. They gather, at least they used to gather, in the mornings to hear coven business."
"You are not a part of this coven?" No judgment, just curiosity.
"No. I am a lone witch, as my mother was before me." A knot tugs deep in my soul at the thought of my mother.
"Is that common?"
"Most witches belong to a coven for safety and community."
His stomach grumbles. "I was supposed to go to my club for dinner."
"Well, you can't go like this. If I invite you to eat here and stay the night, will you think I'm a loose woman?" I'm sure to regret allowing the object of my affections to spend the night in my home, but I have done this to him, and he can't be out and about in his current state.
"I would think you’re a very kind woman and thank you for your hospitality," he says formally.
Turning from him, I close my eyes for a moment and will my good sense to override my burning desire for him. "I have stewed lamb. I'll add some potatoes and carrots and it will be ready in no time."
Even with my back to the table, I feel his presence filling the space. I try to ignore the want of him coursing through me, as bright as his glowing skin, if not so obvious, but it won't leave.
"May I help you in some way?" He's standing directly behind me.
I'd not heard him move, or even sensed him. The stupid infatuation must be dulling my senses. "Do you cook, Sir William?"
He peers over my shoulder as I chop carrots. "I can feed myself in a pinch, but no. I have a cook in my employ."
"How did you learn to feed yourself?"
