Leave it to Violet to do it this way. With a public audience so there was no going back from whatever it was.
“Anyway, the really cool news is I’m opening my own tattoo shop!”
Her favorite customers clapped and encouraged her. But her glance went sideways to Nico at the judging table. He’d stopped looking down at the ballots, his eyes on her.
“And I guess I should mention that I’ll be partnering with none other than your favorite local musician, Nico Cruz.”
He shot her a look but then shook his head in exasperation. He laughed and stood, giving a casual wave to the crowd.
“So if you guys want the perfect tattoo from the best Tarot reader in town, I’ll hook you up. Check out my website for Empress Ink coming soon. Right, Livvy?”
I jerked my neck around to see Jules with her jaw hanging open. Of course, Livvy had known about this all along. Then Jules was bee-lining toward Violet who hopped off the stage right where Nico had motioned her to come down.
“You know what?” I whispered to Devraj. “I think this would be a good time to make our exit.”
“You sure you don’t want to tell them about your little enterprise, too?”
I laughed. “Um, no. Jules can only take one shock at a time.”
I’d saved a good bit of money, and Devraj said he wanted to invest in my small business. Something I’d always dreamed of, but never had the guts to do. Devraj didn’t make me braver, but he showed me that I was. I should go for my dreams, let my worries and doubts and fears take a backseat.
So I did. I contacted the owners of Angel Paws and offered to buy the place. I planned to renovate the kennels and set up a website, with Livvy’s help, to start a foster program so they wouldn’t spend so long waiting for their forever home. I had big plans. And Devraj was with me one hundred percent. I couldn’t imagine what the hell I was thinking when I thought we didn’t match.
Devraj was my perfect other half, encouraging me when I needed it. And I loved him, offering him the home, the place of belonging, that he’d always wanted. He was buying the house next door and staying put here in New Orleans. He’d work for Ruben and also serve other contracts abroad when needed. But he was in semi-retirement as a Stygorn, keeping close to home. After three hundred years, I told him he deserved a little relaxation and leisure. He’d kissed the hell out of me and told me he agreed.
Devraj hummed in agreement, whispering close to my ear. “They might try to drag you into some Savoie sister family meeting. And you’re mine tonight.” He lifted me in his arms and headed for the door.
“I can walk, you know.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
Then he traced to his back door and opened it with one hand while balancing me with one arm and leg. Once inside, Archie yipped and danced for our attention.
“Oh, no you don’t,” said Devraj, dropping what was obviously half of a po’boy from the restaurant into his bowl. “I’m getting all of her attention tonight, little man.”
“Where’d you get that?”
“JJ. He loves me.”
I laughed. “So do I.” I nuzzled his neck as he headed toward the hallway. “What’s the big plans tonight?”
“They entail my bed and no clothes. And Big John.” He quirked a naughty smile when I laughed. “And no work or gardening or shelter plans tomorrow. We’re sleeping in, and I’m feeding you every meal in bed.”
I smiled, sweeping a lingering kiss on his neck, relishing the shiver I gave him. “I feel so privileged. Taken to your bedroom and everything.”
He pinched my ass. I yelped.
“Keep it up, and you won’t leave my bedroom. Ever.”
“Promise?”
Then he was all Devraj smiles and Devraj eyes, heated and intense. “Promise, love.”
Then he did just that, and I couldn’t imagine anyone ever being more perfect for me than my charismatic, passionate, and devotedly loving vampire.
Thank you so much for reading! If you haven’t guessed it, Violet and Nico’s romance is up next! You can pre-order book 3 WITCHES GET STITCHES now. Coming July 20, 2021.
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If you’d like a bit more of Devraj and Isadora, enjoy this extra steamy second epilogue on my website for FREE!
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If you missed the love story of the cursed werewolf, Mateo, and his hex-breaker, Evie, you can check it out in
WOLF GONE WILD.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
So, researching for this book was “so hard.” I was forced to watch a ton of Bollywood movies and to stalk Ranveer Singh constantly on Instagram. Not to mention my weekly search for “hot, Indian men” on Pinterest to keep my inspo board up to date. SUCH a hardship, you guys, but I endured all of it for you, my readers, determined to get my research right.
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All sarcasm aside, I LOVED writing this book. I loved delving deep and discovering what made Devraj and Isadora tick. Not to mention how fun it was exploring the sisters and secondary characters more. Writing in the STAY A SPELL world gives me pure joy. Yes, writing is still hard work and editing is a living hell, but the Bohemian, eclectic characters on magical Magazine Street speak to me in a special way. Book 3 is already calling me, and I can’t wait to get inside Violet’s head and Nico’s heart. Thank you so much for hanging with me, guys. More to come.
Acknowledgments
A special thank you goes to Farah Heron and Mona Shroff who kindly and patiently answered my bazillion and one questions about Indian culture at the beginning of this project. And to Mona for doing that essential beta read of my first draft. So sorry for that hot mess!
Also to Korrie Noelle for her wonderfully encouraging spirit and for introducing me to my sensitivity beta readers—Nikita Parikh, Paramita Patra, and Sonal Dutt. You ladies were beyond amazing in cheering me on and correcting important details to make the story and Devraj more authentic. I can’t thank you enough!
A special shout-out to my Instagram friend Nilika (@LiberLady) who gave me the perfect name for Devraj’s fictitious Bollywood movie! He totally fits the title translation, “Crazy Good-hearted.”
And finally to my phenomenal beta readers—Jessen Judice, Christina Gwin, Naima Simone, and Malia Lilinoe. Your attention to detail and genuine feedback helped me make this story the best it could possibly be. Sending you all tackle hugs and big kisses!
Also by Juliette Cross
Stay a Spell, Book #1
Wolf Gone Wild
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*Dragon fantasy romance available in Kindle Unlimited.
The Nightwing Series
Soulfire
Windburn
Nightbloom
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The Vale of Stars Series
Dragon Heartstring (Prequel)
Waking the Dragon
Dragon in the Blood
Dragon Fire
Hunt of the Dragon (Coming 2021)
Don't Hex and Drive Page 31