Page 25 of Sorcia's Heart
“Right,” he growled, his voice rough as he forced himself to step back.He let his gaze sweep over her one last time, unapologetically lingering before he closed the passenger door.
The walk around to the driver’s side felt like a lifetime.Marcus used the time to pull himself together, to steady the heat thrumming through his body.If watching Sorcia get into a vehicle affected him this much, he suspected it was going to be a very long—and very tempting—day.
Chapter 13
“Let’swalktowardthemuseum,” Marcus suggested, gesturing to the tree-lined path ahead.They’d parked the car in a nearby parking garage, needing to be outside to sense any lurking demons.“This seems like the best place for a demon to hide.Lots of tourists, plenty of energy to blend into.”
Sorcia glanced in the direction of the warehouses two blocks away, their industrial edges softened by manicured parks, bustling restaurants, and artfully placed fountains.“True,” she replied, slipping on a pair of sleek, designer sunglasses.
With a wave of her hand, her outfit shimmered and transformed.Her skirt, flowered blouse, and heels melted away, replaced by form-fitting leggings, a trim sweater, and sneakers.She gave Marcus a quick once-over, a smirk tugging at her lips.“Don’t you want to change?”
He blinked, caught off guard, then did a double take as he realized she was now a good four inches shorter.His gaze dropped to her sneakers.“You…?”He shook his head, suppressing a groan.“Right,” he muttered, sighing with resignation.“That’s much more practical.”
But practical didn’t mean safe—not for his self-control.His jaw tightened as his eyes betrayed him, drawn to the way her leggings hugged her long, shapely legs.The sweater didn’t help either, emphasizing the gentle curve of her waist and the way the soft material cupped her breasts.
Marcus tore his gaze away, slipping on a pair of aviator sunglasses in a futile attempt to hide his distraction.They didn’t help.She was still right there, a walking temptation in comfortable shoes.
Thinking a little payback was in order, he waved his hand in front of him.His tailored slacks and sports coat shifted into a pair of dark jeans and a moisture-wicking athletic shirt that clung to his chest and shoulders, emphasizing his muscular frame.He’d worn it once before—Sorcia had practically melted when she’d seen him in it.Instead of his dress shoes, a pair of casual loafers appeared on his feet, their sneaker-like comfort perfect for walking.
Sorcia’s lips twitched, her eyes narrowing behind her sunglasses as she took him in.“That’s subtle,” she said dryly, the slightest edge of amusement in her voice.
Marcus smirked, casually adjusting the hem of his shirt as they started down the path.“Just trying to blend in,” he quipped, enjoying the way her gaze lingered despite her attempt to appear unaffected.
They walked in charged silence, the air between them buzzing with unspoken tension.The hunt for the demon might have brought them together, but the personal sparks were impossible to ignore.
He smiled faintly when he heard her sharp intake of breath but he didn’t look down at her.If she saw his eyes, she’d know that he’d chosen his outfit on purpose.
But mentally, he thought, “Payback is hell!”
“There’s a school bus unloading kids,” Sorcia remarked, nodding toward the sidewalk in front of the massive museum entrance.A gaggle of excited children spilled out, their voices rising in chaotic harmony.“Let’s head over there.I don’t even know where to start, but I told my ladies to check in every hour, even if they haven’t felt anything unusual.”
“Good idea,” Marcus agreed with a nod.“Let’s do this.We’ll feel the demon’s emotions as soon as we’re within a one-mile radius.Once we sense something, we can narrow in.”
“I’m with ya,” Sorcia replied.“It’s a silent game of Marco Polo.”
He chuckled, the sound rich and warm, bringing a surprising lightness to the tense situation.“I like the way you think.”
They walked side by side toward the school bus and the chattering, energetic children.Sorcia couldn’t help but smile at the chaos unfolding before them.Teachers and parent volunteers attempted to corral the kids into lines, their exasperated expressions nearly as entertaining as the children’s antics.
“About nine or ten years old?”Marcus guessed, watching the group with interest.
“Seems like a case of herding cats,” Sorcia chuckled, shaking her head at the wriggling bodies and darting movements.
“They’re cute,” Marcus remarked, his tone thoughtful.
Sorcia’s head snapped toward him, her sunglasses sliding slightly down her nose.“You… like kids?”
He seemed genuinely startled by her question, turning to meet her gaze.“Of course I like kids.I’ve always wanted to have a family.”
That was news to her.Marcus had always come across as the ultimate confirmed bachelor—self-assured, fiercely independent, and uninterested in anything beyond a romantic relationship.To hear him say he wanted kids and a family shifted her entire perspective of the man.
“I didn’t know,” she murmured, her gaze drifting upward as if examining the taller buildings surrounding them.Her thoughts raced as she tried to process this new facet of him.
He studied her for a moment before breaking the silence.“Why would you think I didn’t want kids?”
She shrugged, avoiding his penetrating gaze by focusing on the surrounding cityscape.“I don’t know.You just never seemed like the type to want to change diapers or be up all night with a screaming baby.”
His low grunt carried a note of exasperation.“I don’t think anyonewantsto change diapers or lose sleep,” he said, his tone dry.“But I’d like to have kids.A family.Eventually.”
