Page 30 of Discovered Magic
“What the hell’s that supposed to mean, Red?”
“Only that the Fates have a plan for all of us.” She shrugged and leaned in to apply a rich burgundy lip rouge.
The shade was reserved for nights with him alone ever since he’d told her he loved the dark contrast of her mouth against his paler skin as she pleasured him. Spinning around, she rested her elbows against the table, displaying her breasts to advantage. It was doubtful she could completely pull his thoughts away from his concerns about Mary, but she wasn’t above trying.
“Perhaps Crazy Mary?—”
“Don’t call her that,” he snapped.
With a frustrated sigh, she straightened, drawing her wrap over her shoulders and cinching it. “Perhaps Mary has escaped their design long enough. It’s possible she was never meant to survive Eustace, but we interfered with their plan for her.”
Jonas scowled before turning away and drawing on his shirt. “I have to go check on her.”
“Of course you do,” she muttered. Upon receiving his sharp glance, she shrugged. “It’s always Jonas with his God complex to the rescue.”
“Want to tell me what this is all about, Red?”
“No, I don’t.” If he hadn’t already guessed, a third person in their bed was one too many. Rising, she moved toward the door. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to be alone.”
Sure, he’d already started dressing, and the effect of her precious supply of lip rouge was now a waste, but sending him on his way afforded her control. Of which she’d had little until opening The Velvet Ember. It was fortunate The Broken Halo’s owner had adored her and given her the first option to purchase the saloon after his consumption diagnosis three years ago.
The same day Jonas had walked into her life and accepted the job as sheriff.
Her position as his lover and her two businesses provided a deep sense of security, however false. Any affection he felt for her was fleeting and would easily die in the face of a “good girl.” Innocent Seraphina Valentine might’ve been marriage material. The eye-patch-wearing Roxanne Vale was not.
Jonas halted mid-shirt tuck and stalked toward her. His piercing sapphire eyes swept her face, lingering on her mouth. When his gaze locked with hers, he wore a contemplative look.
“Are you jealous, Red?” he asked huskily.
Her heart hammered, but she lifted her chin in defiance.
“Please.” She scoffed. “I’d have to be in love for that, Jonas, and while I hold you in high regard, I’ll never be so foolish as to fall for you.”
Goddess, she was the greatest liar in the west. However, pretending was everything in her line of work.
Disappointment twisted his lips, but in a breath-stealing move, he wrapped an arm around her, hauled her against him, and kicked the door closed.
“We’ll have to see what I can do to change that,” he growled before crushing his mouth against hers.
Seraphina, the silly girl, melted against him as Roxanne, the practiced courtesan, fell into what she did best—seduction.
There was a quality to Jonas tonight so different from before. A desperation she attributed to his inability to save Mary. Oh, if only she’d had a man like him in her corner seven years ago. One who defended the innocent Seraphinas of the world as well as the jaded Roxannes, should the past ever meet the present.
His touch was bold yet reverent, his kisses pure fire. And when he sank into her welcoming warmth, she pretended love was still an option for her and that Jonas wanted to claim her as his forever.
10
Wilder had no fucking idea where they were, but the Native American man made up to resemble figures only seen in movies or history books gave him the first clue.
Expressionless, the guy observed them exit the portal. Either he’d witnessed the same in the past, or the guy killed at poker. They had yet to discover which.
Castor ignored his presence as he leisurely surveyed the surrounding cliffs and the plains beyond.
“A bit dusty and barren for my tastes,” he deadpanned.
Wilder was torn between laughter and a roll of the eyes.
Without missing a beat, Castor asked their observer, “Do you speak English?”
