Page 65 of Outlaw Witch

I grin triumphantly, seeming to have genuinely bewildered him.

“Asking about my sticky fingers. What I get up to in my own home is none of your business, mister.” I boop his nose and enjoy the way his eyes widen in surprise before his scowl sets back into place.

Roscoe has cottoned onto my teasing faster than Zeph. He’s snickering and barely hiding it behind his hand.

“Dante said we can borrow the book for the moment,” I say, switching back to serious mode. “I’m to guard it with my life.”

“And why would that asshole do that?”

“Maybe he’s not actually an asshole,” I say with a shrug, earning me two disbelieving snorts. “Or maybe he doesn’t want to see what happens if this curse fully takes over Fabian’s body. I can’t say I blame him. Now, come on. We need to get the hell out of here.”

I stride off, darting past the statue, which is miraculously back in place. Either Dante dealt with them or the security measures are less bothered about people exiting this place than entering.

“What do you mean by that?” Zeph demands, storming up behind me.

I ignore him, focused on getting out of this place as quickly and quietly as possible.

“Might want to use your blending in skills for this next part,” I say to Roscoe.

He nods and puts an arm around my waist while gripping Zeph’s bicep. The three of us make a run for it and a couple of moments later, we’re back out on the street and I step away from Roscoe’s touch.

I’m not the only one. Zeph also brushes him off, earning himself a pout as Roscoe reluctantly lets him go.

“How come you never want to cuddle with me?”

“Tell me what you meant before,” Zeph demands, turning back to me and ignoring his friend entirely.

What I don’t expect is my reaction. I don’t know why I seem to enjoy pressing his buttons so damn much.

It’s fun, I guess.

He always seems about two seconds away from unleashing the beast inside of him and I really can’t help myself wanting to see the fireworks.

“Look.” I turn to him. It’s only when I spin around I realize we’re standing way too close. I cross my arms over my chest and my skin brushes against his. A zing of heat goes through me at the contact and I take a miniscule step backwards.

“Thatthinginside of Fabian?” I continue. “It’s nasty. Real nasty. I don’t think any of us want to know what’ll happen if it fully takes over his body. He’s a powerful mage, but I’m pretty sure if it takes over, he could morph into something unrecognizable.” I shake my head. “All I know is, it looks malevolent. And while Dante has zero love for you guys, he let us take this, a super important book he wouldn’t give to just anyone.” I pause, unsure how to phrase the next bit.

“He also hinted that the clock’s ticking. And, having seen how far the curse has spread into Fabian’s system, I’d say he’s right.”

Zeph swallows hard, my words sinking in slowly.

“Shit,” Roscoe says. “We knew things weren't good. But I don’t think I realized it was as bad as all that.”

I give a curt nod. “Now, let’s get back and hope like hell this book gives us some answers.”

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