Her gaze darkened. I wanted to get rid of the table sitting between us and yank her onto my lap. “I ran because that shouldn’t have happened.”
Just like that, the heat between us fizzled. “Why?” I demanded.
She threw out her arms. “Because we don’t even get along.”
“We got along very well on that couch.”
Her cheeks turned pink, and it was fucking adorable.
“I barely know you,” she said, stabbing a bite of turnip.
“That’s not true. You and I, we understand each other. I just listened to you telling stories about your sisters for an hour, stories that reminded me so much of my own sister. Not just that. But the way you always look out for them, for your whole family. I do the same for mine. For Georgie.”
She bit her lip like she was debating something. “What do you want from me, Draven?”
Everything. The word popped into my mind before I could stop it.
“I want you to give me a chance. Get to know me.”
She crossed her arms. “Okay. Why are you so reclusive? Why is everyone in this town scared of you?”
I huffed. “I’ve always been a bit reclusive, I guess. Distant.” My gaze met hers. “It’s not easy to trust people.”
“What do you have to be afraid of?” she asked.
“You saw my magic. My power. You’ve seen my manor. My wealth. People use me. They’ve used my family because of who we are. My sister. It’s the same with Elm. So many women have used him for his wealth.”
“I don’t understand.” She shook her head. “Who are you?”
I took a deep breath. “My parents were powerful cursebreakers.”
She gasped.
“They worked for Witch Superior, breaking curses across the Witchlands. You have no idea the type of people that would show up at our house, demanding my parents help them. Or people who would getclose to me just because they wanted a meeting with Witch Superior.” My jaw tightened. “People who would get close to Georgie.”
Elspeth frowned. “That’s terrible.”
“So it was easier to push others away, to throw myself into my work. I like creating new spells. I’ve written spell books for other witches, guides to help them use magic that will help others. Sometimes I can get a little obsessive with my work, lost in a new spell.”
“Like the one you’re working on for the mugs?” She tipped her head toward a mug that was floating through the air, ale sloshing over its sides. She shrugged. “At least it’s not attacking anyone.”
“I didn’t mean to make it attack you,” I said.
Her lips tipped up. “I don’t know. It definitely seemed suspicious. I think you have it out for me, Mr. Darkstone.”
Her playful tone sent a thrill through me. “And why would I have it out for you?”
“Because I vex you.”
“That may be true,” I said, keeping hold of her gaze. My voice dropped low. “But I can think of far more pleasurable ways to get all that tension out than by attacking you.”
Her lips parted, then she abruptly stood. “Good night, Draven.” She stopped by my chair, leaning down, whispering, “Thank you for dinner,” her cheek nearly grazing mine, tendrils of desire snaking through me.
Then I watched as she walked out of my tavern, my eyes never leaving her. I was in so fucking deep.
Thirty-Four
ELSPETH
