Deadly Sweet

by Lola Dodge

  “Still,” Blair said. “He wouldn’t help if he wasn’t a little interested.”

  “Maybe he’s just nice.” That was the safest to assume.

  “He’s a boy,” Blair said as if that explained everything.

  “I don’t want to get my hopes up too much.”

  Gabi tsked. “That’s not thinking well of yourself.”

  “You’re a witch.” Blair thumped the table. “Seduce him.”

  “He’s a witch, too.” Even if seduction was bread-and-butter witchcraft, I wasn’t there. Maybe someday. For now, looking at Seth was enough to make my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth and I couldn’t seduce anyone as long as I felt sexy as a garden gnome. After Dylan… I couldn’t risk setting myself up to get hurt again.

  “We don’t need to put her on the spot.” Gabi frowned at Blair, but then her cheeks brightened. “Why don’t you show her your party trick?”

  “Yes.” Blair hopped up. “Help me move the table.” Gabi moved to help her and they carried the coffee table off the rug to set it next to Blair’s dresser.

  I’d almost rather talk boys than see whatever “trick” Blair could do with her brand of magic. “What party trick?”

  “Lie down.” Blair gestured to the bare carpet.

  “Why?”

  “Just lie down.” She rubbed her hands as dark glee bubbled behind her eyes.

  I glanced to Gabi, who had the conscience.

  “It’s okay.” Gabi patted the carpet. “We’ve done it before.”

  “Define it,” I said as I eased my body down.

  “Close your eyes,” Blair said.

  I closed them, but a suspicious tingle crawled up my back. Was this some weird invitation rite? Were they hazing me now that they’d let me into their lives?

  A hint of Blair’s magic flared as her voice rolled over me. “Now imagine you’re dead.”

  “What? No.” My eyes popped open. Thoughts had too much power to be playing around like that.

  “How else am I going to necromance you?” Blair asked.

  “You don’t have to if you don’t want,” Gabi said, “but it’s surprisingly fun.”

  “Pretending to be dead?” That wasn’t my definition of fun.

  “Blair’s power. She can puppet you around like a Servant.”

  Being Blair’s Servant also wasn’t my definition of fun. But Blair and Gabi were looking at me so expectantly, eyes shining… I caved and lay back down. “If this gets weird—”

  “Shh.” Blair covered my mouth with two fingers. “It only works if I can convince myself you’re dead. As soon as you talk or move, you’ll shake my power.”

  Feeling slightly more in control, I closed my eyes.

  Blair’s power fell over me like a shroud, heavy and calming. I’d been planning to skip the death thoughts, but her magic lifted them to the surface of my mind. If that crossbow bolt had landed. If Wynn hadn’t made it to the shop when he did…

  I’d be downstairs for real. Lying in a coffin instead of on Blair’s rainbow carpet. I might still end up that way if the warlock found me…

  Blair’s energy tightened along my skin. I held my breath.

  Slowly, gravity disappeared. My body levitated off the rug. I couldn’t tell how high she lifted me, but I pitched forward and came down on my toes. Blair’s magic wrapped around me like strings, holding me upright and weightless.

  I twitched a finger just to make sure I could. It moved, but Blair hissed.

  After that, I blanked my thoughts. As long as I was in control, I kind of wanted to see where this went.

  Blair had me shuffle forward, step by step. My shoulders dipped and bobbed, then my arms lifted in parallel, hands balling into claws. My torso swung side to side and Gabi started humming Thriller through a giggle.

  “Seriously?” My eyes snapped open again.

  As soon as I spoke, the magic cracked. I thumped to the carpet, landing on my butt.

  Blair and Gabi giggled so hard they rolled onto the floor.

  I had to smile. “This is what you do for fun?”

  “Ten dollars says I could make your Shield do the Cupid Shuffle.” Blair grabbed a brownie and flopped back on the sofa.

  I clapped a hand over my mouth to stop from spluttering at the visual. “I’d give you ten dollars to see that.” He’d kill us when he woke up, but picturing zombie Wynn flailing around, I lost it.

  We giggled and laughed until long after midnight when yawns finally took over the laughter. Servants cleared out the snacks while Gabi and I split for our own guest bedrooms.

  When I climbed under my blanket, I felt giddy and warm instead of afraid, but doubt still niggled at the edge of my thoughts. My gut told me to keep an eye on Stef Oates.

  Chapter Nineteen

  In the morning, the Wu Servants treated us to a spread of pancakes and custom omelets before Gabi headed home and Blair left for an early morning class. Retreating to my bedroom, I tried to think of something brilliant to text Seth. Brilliant wasn’t working, so I stuck with basic: It’s Anise. Is ten too early? Then we can head to Food Prep together after?

  I hit send and then tossed my phone on the bed to pace, bouncing around the room until the phone vibrated. I dove to check his response.

  Cool. Meet you at Agatha’s?

  We had a date. A baking date, but still.

  I’d considered changing the spot to the Wu house, but Peggy didn’t have pastry bags or the fancy tools I wanted. Plus, Seth wanted to see inside the bakery, not the funeral parlor.

  I messaged Agatha herself to make sure the visit was allowed. Can I stop by the kitchen? I have to do a make-up cake for Stef’s class.

  Agatha didn’t respond as quickly as Seth, but at least she texted back. Lonnie will be there with the clean-up crew and a few Shields. She’ll let you in, but stay in. No looking for trouble.

  As if I would. When had I ever looked for trouble?

  Will you be there? I have something to ask. And I didn’t want to accuse of a coworker of attempted murder over text.

  Hunting today. I’ll catch up with you tomorrow.

  It wasn’t as soon as I wanted, but I couldn’t see a way around the wait.

  I spent thirty seconds agonizing over what to wear before remembering chef whites were it, especially if Seth and I headed to campus right after our baking session. A ponytail was the only choice for my hair on a working date, but I put on a little more eyeliner than usual.

  As I sat in the foyer to jam on my non-slip shoes, a shadow fell over me.

  Wynn folded his arms and gave me one of his best glowers. The way his upper lip twisted, it bordered on a snarl. “What are you doing.” He said it like an accusation.

  I bristled. “I’m going to do the assignment I owe my teacher.”

  “Is that all you’re doing?”

  Was he reading minds now? I finished jamming on my shoes. “Is that your business?”

  “Yes.”

  Why do I even ask? “I’m not in any danger or Agatha wouldn’t let me go. She said it was fine. Your friends are all guarding the shop.”

  “I’ll decide if you’re in danger.”

  I tipped my head back to stare at the chandelier. “Wynn.”

  “Anise.” His voice was flat. “Don’t be an idiot.”

  Oven-hot, heat flared in my cheeks. “I’ll decide if I’m an idiot. Agatha says it’s safe and I’m going to the shop. Come if you want to come or stay here if you want to stay, but don’t be pissed at me just because my having a life interrupts your beauty sleep.” I gulped air after I finished what was definitely the longest string of words I’d ever leveled at him.

  Wynn shifted back onto his heels. Cleared his throat. “Then go.”

  I made a mental note to check the pantry for wasabi. I still owed Wynn a treat.

  After taking the van to Agatha’s, the Servants escorted me to the shop and took up posts outside—handing protective duty off to the Shields? And Wynn. I couldn’t scrape him off me with a spa
tula.

  Two gauntlet guys stood inside the shop. Lonnie sat to the side, watching the group of workmen who were bent over the main display case.

  “Anise?” Lonnie frowned my way. “Why would you come back?”

  Wynn let out a puff of air behind me, his told you so as loud as a dropped baking sheet.

  I straightened my spine. “Agatha gave me permission to use the kitchen. I’m meeting a classmate to work on an assignment.”

  Lonnie’s gaze slipped past me to Wynn, and she nodded, evidently deciding that he’d be able to keep me out of trouble. “Just be careful.”

  “I will.” I always was. “Is the bakery re-opening soon?”

  That made Lonnie’s smile so deep her eyes crinkled. “The cases will be fixed by tomorrow. The full Syndicate’s going to meet to re-draw the wards.”

  “Amazing.” And so soon! Agatha must’ve spent a mint to have such a big job rushed. I wouldn’t even mind being on fruit peeling duty as long as I was back in the kitchen. “Do you know when I can move in again?”

  Lonnie drummed her fingers against her skirt. “Let’s wait and see what happens with the warlock, dear. There’s no rush as long as you’re safe where you are.”

  I let out a disappointed breath. The Wus were great—laundry-washing zombies and all—but I wouldn’t feel right until I was home in the bakery. My ideal house smelled like flour and warm bread, not frankincense and embalming fluid.

  Leaving Lonnie to oversee, I headed back to the kitchen. The lack of warding felt extra conspicuous as I crossed into the kitchen, but the two Shields posted at the door would keep me as safe as the magic. Safer, because I doubted even a rogue ward-breaking stone could take them both out in one shot.

  While I started pulling out the utensils for the cake, Wynn prowled into the house. Maybe he was checking the perimeter? I put him out of my mind as the seconds ticked. Seth was coming.

  I’d just finished hauling the flour and sugar bins from the pantry when a deep chime rang inside the house. It took me a second to process.

  The doorbell. I’d never heard it before.

  I pushed into the hallway, hurrying to see who it was. Wynn beat me there.

  Something white flashed outside—a chef’s coat?—and I shouldered past Wynn as he leveled an epic scowl at the person on the doorstep.

  “Seth?” Surprise lifted the pitch of my voice. “You didn’t come through the shop?” He stood sandwiched between two Shields and Wynn started pushing me aside like he was going to close the door.

  I jammed my leg in the way. “Come in.”

  “No.” Wynn pushed the door shut.

  “Come. In.” I braced my feet and forced the door back. Wynn could’ve overpowered me, but he gave. I tumbled sideways, catching myself on the door handle. My cheeks were probably apple red because nervous sweat prickled at my collar. I straightened and cleared my throat. “Sorry about that. Come in.”

  Seth eyed the bodyguards but didn’t say a word as I led him into the kitchen. I hoped Wynn would take a post at the door like his cronies. He didn’t even go for his window seat. Instead, he folded his arms and leaned against the island to stare at us from feet away.

  “Isn’t there something else you could do?” I said through gritted teeth. Like narcolepting out of my business?

  “No.” Wynn’s gaze didn’t budge.

  I scrunched my eyes closed. Ignore him. Focus on Seth. I shook my shoulders out. “Sorry. I’ve been on lockdown since the attack, and my bodyguard is cranky.”

  “Makes sense.” Seth gave a low whistle as he turned around the kitchen. “Nice space.”

  “Wait until you see the pantry.” I led him over, ignoring the shadow that followed us. What would Wynn do if I went on an actual date? Sit next to me in the booth? Help himself to my popcorn at the movies?

  Ignore him.

  Tuning Wynn out wasn’t hard when I had such a great distraction. Seth studied the pantry shelves with a serious expression—full lips pursed. He’d rolled up his jacket’s sleeves to the elbow and his forearms mesmerized. I let him take his time checking everything out as I checked him out. His razor-sharp cheekbones. Long eyelashes and the shocking contrast of his blue eyes against his pale skin.

  Any girl would swoon. And he’s here. With me. Nervous sweat soaked the T-shirt under my jacket, but I’d slathered on the essential oils this morning so if anything I smelled like jasmine. I hoped.

  Finally, Seth scrubbed a hand through his hair. “Agatha has everything.”

  “Pretty much.” Still ignoring Wynn, I gestured back toward the kitchen. “I pulled everything we’ll need for the recipe.” And didn’t I just love that we?

  “Let’s get it done.” Seth inched his sleeves up a little more, revealing the whisk and knife tattooed on each forearm. I’d never wanted a tattoo before, but looking at his, the desire surged. He made the ink look good.

  After slipping a pair of gloves over the last of my bandages, I focused on the assignment. One little cake would be quick work with two sets of hands, especially with someone as practiced as Seth. I helped measure but then got distracted watching him go through the motions. Just leveling off a cup of flour, he was hypnotizing. He was the perfect mix of through and efficient, moving quick with no spills or mistakes. He poured the finished batter into the prepared rounds and I stuck them in the oven.

  Seth scrubbed his hands on his towel. “Easy.”

  “How did you get so good?” The words came out dreamy-like and my lungs contracted with shock. I did not just say that out loud!

  Seth gave the cutest little smirk. “Like I said. Practice.”

  He’d melt me at this rate. I headed to the walk-in cooler. “I should’ve gotten the butter out sooner. Now it’ll be too cold for making the frosting.”

  “There’s time.” He leaned his elbows against one of the stainless-steel tables. “The cake has to cool first.”

  “Right.” I knew that, but Seth fried my brainbox. Instead of making a good impression, I was fangirling and letting him do all the work. Inside the walk-in, I pressed my forehead against a chilly shelf. Relax. The bakery was my element and I could still show him my best self while we were here.

  I was conscious of Wynn hovering, but as long as Seth didn’t mind, I could keep ignoring him. I set the butter sticks on the island and leaned next to the oven timer.

  “Where is Agatha?” Seth asked before the silence could get awkward.

  “Warlock hunting.” Not that she bothered updating me herself. “Or so I hear.”

  “Maybe I shouldn’t ask, but why’s this guy going after you?”

  “That’s what I’ve been wondering.” I jammed my hands into my pockets. “Agatha says jealousy, but I don’t know why anyone would be jealous of me. I got lucky. There are tons of bakers more talented or witches who are more powerful.”

  Seth’s gaze lingered on my skin, almost alive. I shifted foot to foot. He didn’t need to argue with me or anything, but if he just stared, my body had no idea what to do with itself.

  My mouth couldn’t take the silence. “Maybe I offended someone? But Agatha says it’s probably more about her than it is about me.”

  “Is it worth it to stay?” His gaze swept around the kitchen, giving me a break from his intense focus. “It’s nice and all, but if you’re going to be assassinated?”

  “It’s worth it.” I was proud how strong my voice sounded. “All I’ve ever wanted to do is bake. No school outside Taos would accept a witch, and I had to hide my magic at my job. This is the only place I can belong. Even if someone out there doesn’t want me to.” A vein throbbed in my head when I realized how much of myself I’d just spilled. That’s embarrassing.

  Seth nodded. “So, you’re the best woman for the job?”

  “I wouldn’t say that. Agatha clearly has weird hiring criteria.” I pressed my fingers to my sweaty neck. Why were we even talking this much about me? “Why don’t you apply to work here? You’d do amazing.” I hadn’t seen his enchantment
work, but this was Seth. Obviously, his magic would be brilliant.

  “Want to put in a word for me with Agatha?” That sexy little smirk came back.

  “Yeah. Definitely. She’d be lucky to have you.” And so would I. Using the excuse that I needed to grab the decorating tools, I ducked in the pantry to take a few deep breaths. My mouth was running itself for reasons unknown, but otherwise, I hadn’t been a total goof.

  For today, I was calling that a victory.

  More composed, I gathered my supplies and then set the armful down on the island. “I’m hoping if I decorate, Oates will give me extra credit.”

  “You’ve always gotta work to get what’s yours,” Seth said before heading to check the ovens. Isn’t that the truth?

  Wynn stalked behind him. Why was Wynn even awake? Fortunately, he kept his complaints to himself while Seth and I finished the cake. Seth stuck the two layers in the blast chiller, whipped up the buttercream frosting, and had a crumb coat on in record time. His phone chirped while I was busy piping out the buttercream roses.

  Seth set down his offset spatula to check the alert. “Sorry to leave you hanging, but I have to swing by work before class. Pizza oven emergency.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” I grinned at the perfect little cake. Once it was frosted, even Stef Oates would have to admit I’d aced this one.

  “See you in class.”

  I waved and Seth headed back through the house. Wynn stalked behind him. I hoped he didn’t follow Seth down the driveway, but at least I had a blissful moment alone. I pressed my forearm to my toasty-warm forehead. Had I really survived an encounter with the hottest guy at school?

  I was still beaming when Wynn scowled his way through the door. He beelined to the window seat and flopped down to catch up on lost sleep.

  My smile stayed in place, as sweet and solid as royal icing.

  Food Prep lab had us all julienning and then bruinoising every vegetable in creation so there was no chance to partner up with Seth. I didn’t imagine him glancing my way, though—I couldn’t miss his looks when I was glancing at him, too.

  Seth’s knife skills were as impressive as his baking ones because he was first to finish the cuts. Amazing, but also disappointing. He’d cleaned his station and left before I could think of a reason to walk past.