Page 7 of Pure Magic
“I’m glad we agree. So, earn my trust.” She narrows her eyes and crosses her arms, which pushes her plump breasts up and out and makes my mouth water.
Refocusing on her face and avoiding looking at those stunning and kissable lips, I ask, “What would you have me do?”
“Is the company of a coven as you had tonight what you crave?” She looks up at the candlelit room filled with laughter.
“More than anything.” I actually thought it was the only thing I yearned for until I saw Sara Beth in the market this morning.
“Go with me to our sacred circle tomorrow. Show me your magic. Let me feel the light and dark inside of you. Open yourself to me as your high priestess. Then we will see.” She waits, as if she asked for a token of my affection rather than a baring of my soul.
Fear and excitement rocket through me, and it’s impossible to decipher which is winning. “You ask a lot. I hardly know you either, Sara Beth. What you ask is very intimate.”
“I do. I feel the conflict in you, and I need to know where it comes from.” She’s so matter of fact it might put a man at ease or send him running for the hills.
Laughter and conversation are still filtering down from the upper window. I long for a sense of belonging. “I don’t know if I can do as you ask, not because I don’t wish to,” I add quickly. “Others have tried to open my magic and failed. I will go with you and comply with whatever you ask that is within my capabilities.”
She rises on her toes and leans in until her nose is an inch from mine. “If you lie to me, I will know. Goddess will decide the rest.”
When she turns, I touch her arm. I don’t want to part. I want to see her smile, and I have no idea how or why that’s important to me. “Would it be too much to ask to take a walk together and become acquainted before you drag me off to be judged?”
Studying me, she purses her lips. “If you have plans to kidnap me or do me harm, it would be foolish of me to walk with you alone. You should know that harming me will not disrupt this coven from its duty to the crown. There are plans in place to carry on without me.”
My gut is in knots. This is what she thinks of me. How do I overcome such censure? “I am not evil, Sara Beth.” It’s not easy to keep my voice soft and even. My anger and disappointment struggle to the surface. “I withdraw my request. I will be here in the morning and travel to your sacred circle. Thank you for a fine meal and good company.” I turn and walk toward my hotel.
Quick steps follow me, but I don’t turn until I’m several blocks away from the coven house. I need to gather my emotions. Finally, I stop. When she reaches my side, I say, “You know, I’m generally an enjoyable companion. People like me when they meet me. I make them laugh and do a few tricks. I’m probably described as affable and pleasant. You make me feel like a troll.”
“It wasn’t my intention,” she says in her staid monotone.
“Wasn’t it?” I continue down the street. “Why are you following me, Sara Beth? I said I would return in the morning, and I will keep my word.”
“Tell me about your childhood, Adam.” She touches my elbow.
The heat of her touch through my coat and shirt is like a bolt of lightning. What is it about this witch? “What if I tell you about Inverness? My childhood is a longer conversation than the street to my hotel.”
“As you wish.” She tucks her arm through mine. “What is Inverness like?”
Visions of the Highlands roll through my memory. Sunlight glistening on the loch. Old men talking of monsters beneath the surface. “My home is like a warm embrace. Witches are accepted much as they are here in Windsor. I’ve traveled quite a lot and learned this is seldom the case. They may not burn us at the stake anymore, but I’ve been run out of more than a few villages. Still, I don’t regret my travel. I learned a lot.” I draw a breath and love the way the side of her breast grazes my arm. “I’ve gone astray. Inverness is busy with people and life. Not so big as here, and far wilder. Mountains and the loch of course. My parents had a small farm where they raised cattle. I ran in the fields and climbed mountains. Ruined castles were our playgrounds. It was a fine way to grow up with nearly fifty witches to keep an eye on us and keep us from harm.”
“Fifty! Dear Goddess.” She laughs.
I would give a limb to hear that sound every day. I shake my head to banish the thought. It doesn’t work, but it reminds me of whom I’m with. “It is a thriving witch community.”
We arrive at my hotel, and I turn toward her. “As a gentleman, I feel I should walk you back.”
That laugh again, and my heart is tight with emotions I didn’t even know existed inside me. She drops my arm. “I’m safe in Windsor, and more powerful than you give me credit for.”
“I have no doubt. Thank you for walking with me.” I bow.
With a nod and a flick of her wrist, she shifts out of sight and leaves me standing on the street alone. I’ve never wanted anyone back more.
Chapter
Three
SARA BETH
We take the cart to the stone circle. Today, rather than the thoughtful and staid man I met last night, Adam is animated and amusing. His auburn hair catches the sun like fire. When he glances my way, his eyes are full of joy. I liked the thoughtful man I met last night, but this version is charming.
He is sitting next to me on the bench of the small cart, and his leg leans against mine. His heat seeps through our clothes despite my heavy skirt and his working-man’s trousers. The cooler weather is a stark contrast to his warmth.
