The three of them have set their sights on Katerina and won’t give up easily. Despite her growing attraction, she’s determined to keep them at arm’s length. She may soon discover that when it comes to matters of the heart, she’s powerless.
1
“When can I see you again?” He propped himself up on the bed, regarding me with lust-filled eyes as I zipped up my dress.
He was handsome, but this was where our story ended. I didn’t know his name, nor did I care to. Didn’t know what his job was, if he liked his coffee black or with cream, if he was a fan of football. And I didn’t want to.
I turned to him with a devilish smile and leaned over the bed as if to kiss him. Poised inches from his mouth, I said, “You won’t.”
“Okay.” His eyes glazed over, his smile relaxed.
It was only a matter of time before the effects wore off, but I’d be long gone by then. I always was.
I slipped into my heels, and when I caught sight of a money clip with a wad of bills on the dresser, I glanced over my shoulder then removed a few. When I pulled the door closed, he was in the same spot I’d left him, reclining on the bed in a daze. I should feel guilty for stealing from him, but I doubted he would even notice. Not if the designer suit lying on the floor of his luxury apartment was any indication of his wealth.
As soon as I made it down to the lobby and out to the street, I hailed a cab. It wasn’t long before the driver pulled up to my complex, a far cry from the one I’d left. The grass was dead, the roof sagging, and the sidewalk cracked. I could just imagine what she was thinking.
Tempted to lean over the seat and persuade her that I’d already paid, I thought better of it. With a sigh, I handed her some bills and then trudged up the stairs to my apartment.
“Hey, sis.” I dropped my keys in a bowl on the counter and headed straight for my bedroom to change.
“How was work?” Ana called from the couch where she sat with a stack of papers.
“Good,” I lied.
The company I worked for had recently been acquired, resulting in massive layoffs. I still hadn’t had the heart to tell her I’d been let go. My meager savings had been quickly depleted buying groceries and paying my student loans, and there was no way I’d let her drop out of school to work full time. Not when she was so close to graduating.
“Want to watch TV?” I asked as I rejoined her in the living room.
“I’d love to. Maybe it will keep me from enchanting my pen to grade these god-awful papers for me.”
I laughed, knowing she’d never do it. Heck, until today, I wouldn’t have considered using my powers for a selfish end either.
As she packed up her materials, someone pounded on the door. “Katerina,” bellowed our landlord. Shit.
“I got it.” I raced over, peering out the peephole before unbolting the lock. In a neighborhood like this, you couldn’t be too cautious.
“Hey, Anthony.” I leaned against the doorframe, striking a casual pose the complete opposite of my internal turmoil.
“Don’t ‘hey, Anthony’ me.” He crossed his arms over his wide chest. “Your rent is over two weeks late.”
I glanced over my shoulder to make sure Ana hadn’t heard him before stepping into the hallway and closing the door behind me. I grasped his thick bicep, more fat than muscle, and peered up at him. “Is it?” I asked innocently. “I thought I already paid.”
His eyes remained clear, and he shook off my hand as if swatting away a fly. “Nice try. Now, where’s my money?”
Momentarily stunned, I thought maybe I needed to try again. Although I rarely engaged my powers, most men easily succumbed to my control. Of course, my contemptible landlord would be one of the few outliers.
“All I have is three hundred.” I held out the cash. When he swiped it from my hand, I knew if I didn’t come up with a plan, and soon, Ana and I would be out on the street. Powers or not, I had to stall. “We’ve always paid on time. Please, give me until the end of the week to get you the rest.”
He shoved the bills into his pocket, his voice gruff as he said, “Friday. Not a day later.”
I breathed a sigh of relief and returned inside, knowing it was only a temporary reprieve. How the hell was I going to come up with the remaining nine hundred by Friday?
“Everything okay?” Ana asked, brow furrowed.
Thinking quickly, I said, “The water will be shut off tomorrow between ten and one, so the city can repair the main line.”
She nodded and scooped up her papers before disappearing into her room, accepting my explanation without question. It made me feel that much worse about lying to her, even if it was for her own good. She had enough on her plate between a tutoring job, grad school applications, and upcoming exams; I didn’t want to add to her burden.
In the meantime, I’d do everything I could to find a new job, and I’d continue collecting some cash on the side to keep us afloat. Hopefully, she’d never know.
I scrolled through the channels, pausing when Ana returned with a small wooden crate.
“I found this today and thought you might like it. For your perfume,” she added as she opened the box to reveal a beautiful lavender-colored bottle etched with a floral design.
I cradled the bottle in my hands, admiring it even though I knew we couldn’t afford to keep it. Such a sweet gesture coming on the heels of my lies was too much, and tears streamed down my cheeks.
“Hey,” she cooed, removing the bottle from my hands and placing it back in the crate. “What’s wrong?”
Even though Ana was five years younger than me, there were many times when she seemed like the older, wiser sister. I was supposed to protect her, watch out for her, and I was failing miserably.
“Nothing.” I swiped away tears with the back of my hand. “It’s just so beautiful, but I can’t keep it. It must have cost a fortune.”
She laughed and wrapped an arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “You’ll never guess how much I got it for,” she said, baiting me. When I didn’t answer, she said, “Fine, I’ll tell you. I found it behind a store that was going out of business, and the owner said I could take whatever I wanted. I also scored some things I can’t wait to enchant.”
She let my outburst lapse without further comment, and we turned our attention to the TV. Later that night, as I got ready for bed, I removed the bottle from the crate and placed it on my dresser among the others. One of the many perks of working for a cosmetics company had been the free samples. Apart from the steady paycheck, and the enjoyment I derived from running the company blog, it was one of the things I missed the most.
I often scrutinized the perfumes, evaluating the bouquet of scents like a connoisseur appreciating a fine wine. Then, like any good vintner, I’d isolate the elements I could use to improve my own homemade fragrances. What had begun as a fun game of concocting “potions” as a child had transformed into a passion for crafting a unique fragrance.
With a sigh, I climbed beneath the covers and switched off the lamp. My dreams of creating a fragrance line seemed further out of reach than ever. Hopefully tomorrow would be a better day.
The next morning, I dressed and got ready for “work.” After grabbing a pair of underwear from my dresser, I double-checked that my credit card remained stowed in its hiding place. I’d found that keeping it out of sight and out of mind ensured I wasn’t tempted to spend money I didn’t have on things I didn’t need.
I wished Ana goodbye and headed downtown, armed with a stack of resumes and a list of companies to approach. It wasn’t the most promising strategy, but I’d applied for countless jobs online, only to hear nothing or, worse still, get rejected. If I could just talk to someone, establish a good rapport, maybe I’d have a better chance of getting my foot in the door.
As the day wore on, my hopes dwindled. It wasn’t as if I lacked experience or qualifications. I’d spent the past four years working my ass off for one of the largest cosmetic companies in the country, first as an intern, and
then as an assistant to the head of marketing. I took pride in the fact that I’d earned my position, never once using my powers to enhance my status.
Despite my current desperation, I refused to compel someone to hire me. Before the other night, I’d never considered lifting money from a stranger’s wallet. And while I realized that intentionally engaging my powers in any capacity was a slippery slope, I didn’t intend to continue doing so once I found a job.
It was nearly four o’clock. My feet were tired, my jaw ached from forcing a smile, and I was done. More than done. Besides, almost everyone with any hiring power would be leaving the office soon, headed home or out for drinks. Since Ana wouldn’t expect me for at least another two hours, I decided to slip into a pub.
Situated next to a high-end hotel, it was already crowded, filled with professionals starting happy hour early. Mostly men, so I knew my chances of getting a free drink were good, even without my powers. I took a minute to freshen up in the restroom, tugging down the neckline of my dress to reveal some cleavage and applying a fresh coat of lipstick in my favorite shade—Temptress. The deep plum offset my pale skin and dark brown hair perfectly, providing a stark contrast to my pale blue eyes.
Finally satisfied, I headed back out to the bar and selected an open seat at the counter. It didn’t take long for the bartender to set a drink before me, and I turned to smile and raise my glass at the sender. He was older than the men I usually slept with, but very attractive. If I hadn’t been sold on his looks alone, the designer glasses and gold cuff links sealed the deal.
I returned my attention to my glass, and within less than a minute, he slid onto the stool beside me. Men, I thought, so predictable.
I studied his profile, noting the silver hair near his temples, as he ordered a Rusty Nail for himself. Sipping my drink, I waited for him to make the first move, granting him the illusion of being in control.
When he faced me, his mouth curved into a smile. “Good evening.”
“Thank you for the drink.” I leaned closer, close enough to touch him.
We exchanged pleasantries, and it wasn’t long before he invited me back to his room. I followed him through the hotel lobby, holding his hand and playing the part. He was attractive, but I wasn’t in the mood for sex, not after the day I’d had. No, this was merely a means to an end. As soon as I’d seduced and subdued him, I’d be on my way, my wallet a little heavier.
My powers were already working their magic by the time we reached his room. His eyes were glassy, limbs relaxed as he placed his wallet and phone on the dresser. He beckoned me toward him, and I pushed him onto a chair, straddling his lap. I loosened his tie and the top few buttons of his shirt, before grasping his face between my hands and peering into his eyes. It only took a few seconds, and once I was convinced he was sufficiently dazed, I said, “Stay here.”
“Mmm, bossy. I like it.” His speech was slurred.
I stood, pushing my skirt back into place and slipping a few bills from his wallet. When I caught sight of my reflection, I hesitated.
What am I doing?
I was becoming the thing I hated most. I was becoming him.
I didn’t have long to contemplate it because the door crashed open, and men with guns swarmed the suite.
“FBI. Hands up!” shouted the nearest one, and I immediately complied, my heart in my throat.
Engaging my powers against the authorities was a surefire way to attract unwanted attention—inviting questions about my abilities, my family, even others like me. There weren’t many of us—at least, not that I knew of—but imagining what discovery would bring for my kind made me shudder.
“Hands up!” he repeated when my companion for the evening remained in a stupor, sitting in the chair as if nothing was out of the ordinary. With his weapon trained on me, the officer called for a medic, while two others searched the room.
I remained stock-still even as my eyes darted around the space. Afraid to breathe, to move, I felt my anxiety grow with each passing moment. Even if I’d wanted to use my powers to evade arrest, I couldn’t. Not only were the officers not close enough, there were too many of them.
By the time they concluded the search, my companion was in full possession of his faculties once more. He glared at me as he was handcuffed, read his rights, and escorted from the room.
The remaining officer assessed me for a long moment before holstering his gun. It was only then I realized he was wearing a suit and tie, his chest protected by a Kevlar vest.
“I’m FBI Special Agent Adrian Stone.” He flashed me his badge. “You’re going to have to come with me.”
My eyes went wide. “Am I under arrest?” I asked, afraid to hear the answer.
“No. At least, not yet. Not as long as you cooperate.”
I followed him down to the lobby, my cheeks flaming as he escorted me to his unmarked car. He was quiet on the drive, and more than once, I caught him studying me in the rearview mirror. All the while, I twisted my hands in my lap, anxiously awaiting my fate.
When we arrived at the FBI office, he led me to a room with a table and two chairs, inviting me to be seated. The room had a sterile, metallic smell, and apart from a large mirror on one wall, it was devoid of decoration. Seated across the table from me, he seemed young for a special agent, but what did I know?
“What’s your name?”
“Katerina Marea.”
“How well do you know Corban Drake?” His rich voice was soothing despite the circumstances.
Perplexed, I realized he must be referring to the man arrested in the hotel room. “Not at all. I met him this evening. I didn’t even know his name until now, until you told me.”
“Did he pay you in exchange for sexual favors?” I cringed. At what point should I ask for an attorney?
“No.” Technically, he wasn’t paying me for sex since we’d done nothing more than make out, and I’d stolen the money. I decided not to mention that fact.
“When we arrived, he was subdued, unresponsive to our orders. Yet, you were completely coherent. Was he under the influence of drugs?”
I started sweating, thankful he hadn’t attached a lie detector. Or was that something they only used on TV? “I wouldn’t know.”
His eyes searched mine, and as silence stretched between us, I tried to steady my breathing and remain calm while I awaited his next question. I could not, under any circumstances, allow my emotions to get the best of me, not if I wanted to avoid engaging my powers at the slightest touch.
“What can you tell me about his artwork?”
I frowned, confused by the sudden change of subject. “Artwork?”
“He didn’t offer to show or sell you any artwork?” I shook my head, and he continued talking. “Drake was wanted for art forgery. He’s been on the run for eighteen months, conning art collectors out of millions.”
“Oh,” was all I could say.
“Additionally,” Adrian continued, his dark blond hair impossibly shiny beneath the harsh fluorescent lights, “he was suspected of replicating bank notes. If you’d be so kind as to open your wallet and hand me your bills for inspection.”
My face and neck felt impossibly hot, and I wondered if I was on fire; I almost wished I were. Seeing no other option, I did as he requested, laying the bills on the table. He held each one up to the light, scrutinizing them before separating them into two piles.
“I’ll have to keep these as evidence.” He indicated the larger stack, the bills I’d taken from Drake’s wallet. “Thank you for your cooperation.”
I sat quietly, bracing myself for what inevitably would come next. I’d really fucked up this time. No job, no money, and now, an arrest on my record. That was going to look great to potential employers.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over his knee. Tempted to wilt beneath his intense stare, I lifted my chin, refusing to cower.
“You want to know what I think?” I honestly wasn’t sure I did, but it didn’t matter because he
continued speaking, intent on telling me. “I think you stole that money from Drake.” He paused, and I told myself to stop blinking so much, to act normal. “But I also think that without your…interference, he’d probably still be on the run.”
He allowed his statement to sink in, leaving me speculating about what would come next. So far, nothing about this evening had been what I’d expected. Why should Adrian be any different?
“You’ll need to remain in the area for questioning, and I intend to keep an eye on you.” His amber eyes were piercing, the irises tinged with gold, and I knew it wasn’t an empty threat.
He stood, and I followed suit, my hand shaking as I extended it to him. “Thank you.” My voice was soft, and I hoped he realized how much I appreciated his leniency.
We remained there a moment, staring at each other before he cleared his throat. “You better get going before I change my mind and decide to keep you.”
Did I imagine it, or had his voice dropped to a rumble on the last part? He relinquished my hand and escorted me to the lobby.
“Do you have a ride, someone you can call to pick you up?”
Shit. I’d intentionally left my credit card at home, but it would have been wise to carry it in case of an emergency. And, obviously, this constituted an emergency.
Still, I nodded, even as I debated my limited options. It was too far to walk. I didn’t have enough cash for a cab, and after my run-in with the FBI, I was too anxious to even consider using magic to evade the fare. I really only had one option.
Adrian, Special Agent Stone, was called to the desk, leaving me alone. With a deep sigh, I navigated to Ana’s number in my phone and connected the call.
It was late, well past the time I should be home, and she answered on the first ring. “Kati? Are you okay?”
“Yes. Can you give me a ride?”
I could hear shuffling in the background, and I imagined she’d fallen asleep at the table. It wouldn’t be the first time. “Where are you?”
Realms and Rebels: A Paranormal and Fantasy Reverse Harem Collection Page 57