What a horrible thing to happen. Who could have done this? Them getting down and dirty would have created a sensation. The press would have had a field day, and what about poor Jake’s reputation? At least she was a nobody to the general populace, but he was someone important, someone whose reputation was worth a lot.
She looked at Jake again, and his eyes were still locked on hers. She had a serious problem on her hands. With luck, the spell might weaken over time: a year, maybe two, but not anytime soon. Jake had been given a very strong dose, half a glass at least. He wasn’t going to be functional. She couldn’t let him go; actually, she doubted he would let her go.
A love spell affected the judgement. Jake made important decisions every moment of his working day. He could mistakenly agree to contracts, or give away his possessions. She had to stay with him, to make sure he didn’t decide anything until she could get this spell removed.
The restaurant was starting to fill up with the dinner crowd. Things could get serious, and embarrassing. ‘Jake, would you like to come home with me?’
Lifting his head, his eyes rounded and his smile swept away the misery of a few moments before. ‘Yes, please.’
Elena nodded. ‘Good. First, I want you to call your assistant. Have her cancel your appointments for the next few days. Tell her you’re extraordinarily busy — don’t wish to be disturbed, or something.’
‘I like the sound of that.’ He pulled out his phone and pressed the speed dial. He more or less said exactly what she had instructed, but there was a hint of the normal Jake there. His assistant’s voice became shrill as he held the phone away from his ear.
‘No, Pen. I’m fine. Just reschedule the lot of them. I don’t care what excuses you make. I pay you to deal with that. No, I won’t be contactable; my phone will be on silent.’ He listened to her for a few more moments. ‘No, I’m not going to reconsider. Tell the Stanton brothers that I said sign the deal or I’m walking. No, Pen, you deal with it. Yes, I’m currently with Ms Denholm.’ Jake’s eyes had never left hers. Elena may have forgotten to breathe.
With a stab at the off button, Jake cut his assistant off mid-screech.
‘Everything settled?’ she asked.
‘Yes. My assistant knows who pays her wages. Besides, she’s good at what she does.’ His smile was bright as he stood up, chucked some notes on the table and then took her hand again, guiding her out of the chair.
As she walked through the doorway, she wanted to fan herself. Jake Royston was a big hunk of man. Although the well-cut suit disguised the power underneath, he was braw and broad. What was she going to do? He wanted her, and that wasn’t a half-bad proposition.
It had been a while since she’d indulged. The evil part of her mind reminded her that she had him at her mercy. However, there was no way she could take advantage of him. He wasn’t in his right mind. It would be the worst kind of betrayal, sleeping with him when he had no choice in the matter. She’d have to do her best to keep him occupied and out of trouble until she figured out who had done this, and make them reverse it.
Outside in the peach light of dusk, he led her to his red, soft-top sports car, a BMW. The valet slid out of the car and tossed the keys to Jake. Elena hesitated. Was it even safe for him to drive?
He looked confident. It was only when he looked at her did he appear slightly deranged. Elena wanted to slap whoever it was who had cast the spell in the first place. She slid onto the leather seat, letting her gaze fall to his hand where it rested on the stick shift. He had beautiful hands, an artist’s hands. She could imagine them on her skin. Don’t let your mind go there, girl. Big trouble. Understand? He’s off limits.
A sigh escaped her. ‘Everything all right?’ he asked, using that sexy, love-me voice.
‘Yes, fine.’
‘Where to exactly?’ He lifted an eyebrow, a smile lurking at the corner of his mouth.
She gave him her address. Keeping him with her was the only way to contain this problem. She had to curtail his excursions and keep him occupied in her small two-bedroom semi-detached in Balmain.
Great. Keep him occupied and not take advantage of him sexually. How hard was that going to be? Well, she had moral fibre and a strong will, so she’d manage it.
First thing, she had to get Grace onto the problem. Surely her cousin and dearest friend had not set her up. As they sped along the onramp to take the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, she glanced at Jake’s profile. A proud nose and an intelligent brow, too? Darn it. He was gorgeous. She turned away before he noticed her looking, her heart beating fast.
Keep your mind on the business at hand. Who could have done this? Who would have a motive? It would not surprise her if Aunt Elvira had cast the spell. She was always lamenting how Elena needed a good time in bed to set her to rights. Elena rolled her eyes upward. Elvira liked to have a man around, although she was discreet about it. Uncle Ernst had left before Elena had arrived on the scene. She remembered her aunt’s voice. We were a breeding pair, my dear. I don’t mind. It was time for him to leave, and Grace gets what she needs from him.
Elena would have to ask Elvira point blank whether she had hexed Jake, or at least ask Gracie to do it. Grace could face up to her mother better than Elena ever could.
In no time at all, Jake had taken the exit and was heading to Balmain. With a short cough of the brakes, Jake pulled up in front of her place.
‘Cute. Flowers,’ he commented, as he checked out the little garden at the front of the house, lit by her solar-powered paving lights.
She climbed out of the car and gulped. She was bringing a man to her home for the first time. Well, she was 27, and it was about time, she supposed. ‘Thank you. Come in.’
With a wide grin and a firm grip on her arm, he accompanied her along the path to the door.
Chapter 4
Elena let Jake in. He stepped over the threshold, politely nodding as he looked around the room. Her living area had a three-seater sofa and two comfy chairs. As it was open plan, the kitchen area sat to one side, separated by a breakfast bar. A small dining nook was on the far side of the room. She locked the door behind her and dropped her keys on the desk by the door. ‘Now, if you make yourself at home, I have to make a quick phone — ’
Jake grabbed her, his mouth descending before she could finish her sentence. His mouth was hot, his lips firm and demanding. His tongue sought hers, and spears of lust enlivened her senses.
Her hands grabbed his lapels and she was lost. When she realised she was pulling him closer, she tried to squirm out of his embrace. With a hungry growl, he cupped the back of her head, deepening the thrust of his tongue. This man knew how to kiss. Her nipples ached and she was so wet and ready, she was in danger of ripping his coat off. Elena needed air. She put her hands on his shoulders, trying to fight the power of his kiss, which was wreaking havoc with her hormones.
Her fingers found shoulders, muscled and firm. Flashes of desire kicked through her as her hands travelled over his upper body and arms. Finally, her resolve solidified. This man was under a spell. Back off. She gave a firm push.
Jake released her mouth to bury his face in her neck. His warm breath excited her sensitive skin, the sensation even more intimate than the kiss.
Stifling a groan of desire, she stepped away from him. The room was way too warm, her breathing way too excited.
‘We shouldn’t do this.’ She wiped the back of her hand across her mouth, tasting the spiced wine in a timely reminder of the spell.
‘I thought you liked me.’ His irises darkened.
‘I do like you. We just can’t kiss like that.’
He made to move toward her. She took a step back, coming up against the door.
‘Why not? You seemed to like it. You taste divine. I want to kiss you…everywhere.’
A ripple of weakness left her breathless. His words conjured up images of him naked. Of her naked. Of them naked, together. ‘You can’t.’
He ran a finger along her cheek and brushed a thu
mb against her bottom lip. ‘You want me.’
Elena closed her eyes. She couldn’t deny it so she wouldn’t try. ‘We hardly know each other. I’ve got to make a phone call. Please, sit down. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back in a minute. We’ll talk then, okay?’
His gaze ate her up from the top of her head to the tip of her toes, making it hard to breathe. The warmth in her belly fuelled the fire in her sex. It was the most sensual look she had ever received. He nodded and turned away, shaking out his shoulders before he sat on the sofa.
Elena thought her knees might buckle. She wasn’t going to last against that. The blood throbbed at the juncture of her thighs. No teenage grope had left her so turned on.
‘Why don’t you make some coffee?’ she said cheerily. ‘I have a fab espresso machine. At least, I think it would be fab, if I could get it to work.’
Grace had given it to her, as she and Declan had received two for a joining present.
Jake’s glaze flicked to the kitchen, and the gleaming chrome monstrosity sitting on the bench. There was a twinkle in his eye. ‘Nice. How do you take it?’
The flash of his blue eyes reminded her how attracted she was. ‘White and one, thanks.’
He moved off to the kitchen and squared his shoulders as he assessed the machine. Heading to her bedroom, she picked up the phone. Once inside, she leaned on the door so he couldn’t come in after her and pressed the speed dial.
Grace picked up. ‘Hi Elena. So how did it go? Have you ironed out that deal yet?’
‘No, I haven’t.’ She kept her voice low.
‘Why are you talking funny? Didn’t he go for it?’
‘We didn’t quite get to the deal.’ Elena lowered her voice further. ‘Someone put a love spell on him. It was aimed at both of us, but I spilled the portion meant for me.’
‘You’re kidding me.’
‘No, I’m deadly serious. He’s besotted.’
Grace laughed, a full belly laugh. ‘Excellent.’
‘No, it’s not excellent. I had to bring him here. He has it really bad.’
‘Have you two…you know?’
‘No, we haven’t. I can’t take advantage of him.’
‘Why not?’
‘It would be like raping him. He’s not in his right mind. Did you set me up? Did you do this?’
Grace spluttered indignantly, ‘No. I. Did. Not. Set. You. Up. But I wish I had. I’ve seen photos of him in the papers and celebrity magazines. He’s gorgeous. He always seems to have some well-dressed and well-connected woman on his arm. Way to go, Elena.’
Elena shut her eyes. ‘It’s not funny—not good.’ She pinched the bridge of her nose as she considered what Grace had told her. ‘I believe you didn’t do it. No one could be that excited by the prospect and have done it themselves. You have no guile in you. Your mother?’
Grace hummed to herself for a few seconds. ‘It does seem like something Mama would do, but it wouldn’t be like her not to tell me about it. A love spell with you and Royston has a serious gloat factor that my mother could not resist.’
‘Can you ask her for me?’
‘Of course, but you know she is with this new man of hers. She won’t answer the phone. I think she’s too far to hail. You might have to wait until she gets back.’
‘When’s that?’
‘Let me see, new man, younger, virile. She older, horny as all hell. Could be three days before she surfaces, Monday, or late Sunday, if her partner’s stamina fades.’
“But I thought she was working on the stall?’
‘Darn, you’re right. I forgot about that. That means it’s just me. There goes my plans. Maybe you could mind the stall, bring lover boy.’
‘Grace, no funning. We had a deal. The market only runs on Saturday.’
‘I’m minding the stall. I get that part. So, what if it’s not my mother?’
‘Three days is a long time to wait if she didn’t do it. Who else could it be, if it’s not her?’
‘I have no idea. I’ll ask around. Love spells are specialised, particularly if it is as potent as you say. Someone must have bought ingredients, so that might narrow down the suspects.’
‘Good thinking. Please, Grace, find out who did this. I may not make it through the next few days.’
‘Is he as built as he looks in the society pages?’
‘Uh-huh.’
Grace squealed. ‘Lucky you!’
‘I told you, I can’t take advantage of him. I don’t want to be up on charges of exploiting a human.’
‘But you didn’t cast the spell. You should relax and enjoy yourself.’
Elena shook her head and glared at the phone. Putting it back to her ear, she added, ‘It’s not real. He’s affected by a spell. Without it, he might be attracted to me, but nothing more. We come from different worlds.’
Grace tut-tutted into the phone. ‘Those human morals of yours mean a lot to you, don’t they? Look, you’re trying to make sure nothing happens. I understand where you are coming from. But if you slip up, can’t hold out against all that man, then don’t beat yourself up about it. You didn’t put the spell on him. You’re a victim here.’
Elena let out a slow breath and nodded. ‘You’re right. I am a victim. I like what you’re saying, but I’m still no-touchie.’
‘Right, then. I’ll start making a few calls. Talk to you in the morning. Bye.’
As Elena ended the call, she leaned back against the door and stared sightlessly at the ceiling. It was going to be a long night.
The aroma of fresh coffee filled her nostrils. ‘Well, well, the man has a mechanical mind. That takes his score up to nine point five out of ten. Handsome, well-built and a handyman to boot.’ Her sense of irony grew. Great. Absolutely great. I’m supposed to resist all that.
She flung open the door. On the kitchen counter were two steaming cups of coffee. Jake was stirring one of them. ‘How on earth did you manage that? And don’t tell me you read the instructions. So did I.’
He cocked his head to the side and handed her a cup. ‘You haven’t tried your coffee yet. The proof is in the tasting.’
She waved the cup under her nose and inhaled theatrically. That useless monstrosity had been sitting in her kitchen for a whole year, producing not so much as a drop of coffee. She lifted the cup and took a sip. Pure caffeine pleasure exploded in her mouth. ‘This is great,’ she said, taking another longer sip.
Jake smiled and her heart flip-flopped. That smile was rock star gorgeous and it caressed the very centre of her. Focussing her gaze on the coffee, she moved to the sofa as she drank some more. ‘Take a seat and tell me the secret of the machine.’
He came and sat by her. ‘It’s probably easier to show you.’ Her eyes crossed, and he laughed. ‘Okay, it was the valve on the pipe connecting the machine to the plumbing. Once I opened it, the machine worked.’
‘That simple?’
He nodded and drank his coffee, nursing the cup between sips in his palm. She gazed at his hands again, liking the symmetry of his fingers and the rounded cut of his nails. When she started thinking of his hands on her, she shot her gaze to the other side of the room. Maybe she had been affected by the love spell, after all. Her thoughts were unusually racy. It had been a long time since she’d had a man in her life. Actually, she’d barely been 20. No wonder her coven family were keen to see her mated before her biological clock seized up.
Jake finished the last of his cup and put it on the coffee table. Half turning toward her, he began to play with her hair. Ignoring him was no deterrent. He unclipped her chignon and her hair fell around her shoulders.
‘I love your hair. I wanted to do this the first moment I saw you.’
Her brows flew up. ‘You did?’
That was before the spell. How odd. She loved the feel of his hands in her hair. His fingers crept along her head, and before long he was massaging her scalp. Eyes closed, she was practically purring.
Awareness returned. She gently dis
entangled her hair from his fingers, bringing it all over to the opposite shoulder. He took her withdrawal well, though she detected a certain amount of calculation in his expression.
‘So, what should we do to pass the time?’ she asked, thinking maybe they could watch a movie. Perhaps he was interested in watching the football. She hated football, but anything was better than sitting like this, trying not to touch each other.
His eyes glistened with a sexy gleam. ‘Now that you mention it…’ He moved closer.
Her eyes widened in alarm. His arm reached behind her on the couch, and he brought his body in front of her. ‘You said we hardly know each other. Well, why don’t we get to know each other better?’
His gaze travelled over her face, his fingers reaching up to touch her earlobe, sending another spear of excitement straight between her legs. She grabbed his hand, held it still and tried to breathe calmly. ‘It would be lovely to get to know you better. Are you married, or with anyone?’
He shook his head, his gaze centred on her lips. ‘You?’ he asked in a low voice, which set off sentinels of alarm through her body.
‘No,’ she answered plainly. Perhaps she should’ve invented someone, some hindrance to being with him, but she hated to lie, even when telling the truth was goddamn awkward.
He moved closer. She inhaled the light scent of his aftershave. ‘That is good news.’
His fingers began playing with her hair again, moving lower to stroke along her chin. His touch was electric. She sucked in a breath. ‘Oh, goddess.’
There had to be a way to lessen the spell. From what she knew, it was nigh impossible to shift another person’s spell, but maybe she could do something else to reduce the awkwardness, the longing.
‘You like me touching you, don’t you?’ he asked, pitching his voice low and sexy.
Her eyes locked with his. He moved closer. His breath brushed against the skin of her neck, warm, moist, and pleasant. ‘Yes,’ she replied in a whisper.
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