Page 12 of With This Witch
“No worries. I’m always happy to call you an idiot.”
“I’m sure you are,” Lachlan laughs as he stands. He claps his brother on the shoulder and heads out the door.
As he makes his way to the Acorn, Lachlan can’t help but think of Petra, his demon practically dancing inside him. Friday nights at the bar are generally their busiest night. Tourists come in for the weekend and often stumble upon Bittersweet Acorn. The bar also has live music most Friday nights, a big draw, and tonight is no exception.
When Lachlan arrives at the bar, half an hour later, the bar is already packed, and the first band is just walking onto the stage. He’s supposed to be off tonight, but he likes to check in anyway and ensure everything is in working order. Upon entering the building, he walks over to the bar and goes through the side entrance, ending up behind the bar, looking at a not-so-happy Daisy.
“How has it been so far?” he asks her.
“It’s been hectic. Being short a staff member hasn’t helped,” she says. She’s never been one to hold back and has absolutely no problem telling him when he’s fucked up. Given he’s the boss, it’s a risky move, but it honestly just makes him laugh. He’s not here for long tonight, more just to help with the initial dinner time rush and then Steve is coming in to relieve him, which will allow him to port home and quickly shower and change before picking up Petra.
“It seems like you’re handling it well,” he teases. She throws a towel at him. “Do you need a moment to decompress? You look like you’re about to start shooting sparks.” He dances out of the way of the spark that finds its way to his feet.
He turns back to the bar and shelves, taking a quick inventory, noting they’ll need more lime wedges, a few more bottles of various liquors, and glasses before the night picks up. He makes his way to the back to collect supplies.
His phone vibrates in his pocket. Pulling it out he sees a call coming through, the same person who has called him multiple times today. They refuse to leave a message, likely hoping that if they keep calling he will eventually get frustrated enough and answer to see what they want. Little do they know, Lachlan is a master at avoiding things, and this call will be no different. Daisy returns and sees him put his phone back in his pocket. “Everything okay?” she asks.
“Hmm?”
“You looked annoyed.”
“Oh. Yeah. Just a prank call,” he says before picking up an empty glass tray and taking it to back room to fill up. He hears her grumble behind him, saying something about lying demons, but he chooses not to engage.
A few quick hours later, the bar fills up and Steve is just on time. Lachlan checks in with Daisy and Martin, one of his other bartenders, ensuring all is good to go before he leaves to pick up Petra.
As Lachlan grabs his coat from the hanger behind the bar, he notices a piece of paper slip from his coat pocket. It’s about the size of a business card and has a purple-outlined flower facing up. He bends down, picks up the paper, and flips it over.
Councilor grace,
Tomorrow. 8:00 p.m.
Wilks Estate
Do not be late.
“What the fuck?” Lachlan states aloud.
Deciding he will look into this later, he returns the paper to his pocket. Right now, his only concern is his date with Petra.
CHAPTERSEVEN
Petra
Nerves settle in her stomach, causing little flutters. Her thoughts fluctuate between excitement andwhat am I doing?as she finishes putting on her makeup. A knock sounds at the door at exactly 6:59 p.m. Leave it to Lachlan to be on time.
She opens the door to find a drool-worthy demon who probably impregnated every woman he passed on his way here, just from them looking at him. Those jeans are hugging his powerful thighs just right, and the blue of his shirt brings out the gold flakes in his eyes perfectly. He looks absolutely edible.
Damn it, Hades! Why does he have to look so good?
“Hi,” Lachlan says, a smile spreading across his face as his eyes glow with mischief. “You look fantastic.”
“Thank you. You aren’t so bad yourself,” she responds. “Come in, come in. I need a couple more minutes.” She moves back into the apartment as he follows her and closes the door behind him.
“How are you doing?” Lachlan calls out from the living room.
“I’m still rattled. I’m not going to lie. But I think it’s because there’s been so much over the last few days,” she calls from her bedroom while changing out of her jeans into tight leather-looking leggings.Better.
“I can understand that. It’s been a lot to digest. But I have no doubt that you will be able to handle whatever it is that comes your way.”
