by Nicole Hall
“I appreciate the sentiment, but you’ve been here for years.”
“Yes, well Moira has been here for centuries, so by comparison we’ve barely unpacked the moving boxes.”
“I still haven’t met Moira.”
Kora rolled her eyes. “You will. Moira can’t help inserting herself into everyone’s business.”
The girl stopped halfway down the first row and crouched to pull a book from the bottom shelf. She flipped it open, read a few lines, then surreptitiously stuck it in her bag. Lindsey glanced at Kora, but the woman had her head under the counter.
“Are you sure it’s Moira who’s nosy?”
Kora popped up with a big grin. “I never said she was the only one.”
Lindsey checked on the girl again. She’d moved down to the end of the row with a book in her hand and a bulging bag. To tell or not to tell? The girl couldn’t have been more than twelve, a little young to be embracing a life of crime. Then again, this area wasn’t brimming with resources. Sabine’s family was practically royalty in town, and Sabine had been living in a run-down apartment complex before hooking up with Alex.
The girl turned the corner into another row, and Lindsey leaned closer to Kora so her voice wouldn’t carry.
“The girl that came in is pocketing your books.”
Kora didn’t even look up from pricing. “I know.”
Lindsey pressed her lips together and straightened. There must be more to the story, but she wasn’t sure how to respond to Kora’s easy acceptance. “You know her?”
Kora sighed. “Her family situation is crappy. She’s an avid reader, but the library is small and doesn’t have the rotating stock that we do. I see her twice a week. Once to take what she likes, once to return the ones she’s read.”
Lindsey frowned. “Are you sure you should be encouraging theft as a solution to her problems?”
“I don’t feel like I’m encouraging so much as looking the other way. The books are always in good condition, and I sell them at used prices. We can afford the difference, but she can’t.”
Kora finished the first stack and moved on to the next while Lindsey watched the girl with narrowed eyes. There were times theft was the only option, but this wasn’t one of them. She barely knew Kora, but the forgiving attitude would only encourage more people to take advantage of her. The situation wasn’t healthy for either party.
“You should talk to her. Come up with an answer that doesn’t involve breaking the law. If you’re okay with her taking the books then returning them, why not make it official? Offer her a deal that has repercussions if she continues to steal but gives her the chance to read the books with your permission.”
She blinked, her leaf-green eyes appearing huge for a second. “I hadn’t thought of that.”
Lindsey smiled as the girl approached. “Here’s your chance. I’ll be looking through your occult section.”
“It’s along the back wall.”
The murmur of voices softened as Lindsey put distance between them. She hoped the girl could move past her embarrassment and take the deal. So often, people learn at an early age to skirt the rules—or break them entirely—and the habit builds on itself until very little is off limits. She’d had to chase down the results of those stories.
Kora could make a difference today in her bookshop.
The occult section didn’t take long to find. It stretched across the entire back wall as she’d said. Lindsey’s brows rose as she surveyed the extensive selection. Kora hadn’t been exaggerating. Was there really enough demand for this many books on—Lindsey grabbed the bright red hardback in front of her and checked the cover—tantric love practices?
Actually, she’d bet that one got a lot of sales. Curious, she flipped through the first couple of pages, then slammed the book shut when she got to a detailed diagram. A blush crept up her cheeks as she slid the book back into its spot. The illustrated people were very flexible.
“That one any good?”
Lindsey spun around at Dax’s voice, cursing the timing and praying the pink had faded from her face. “I don’t know. I haven’t personally tested it.”
Horror dawned along with his grin when she heard her words. What was wrong with her mouth?
To her surprise, Dax turned away to scan the shelves. “This isn’t a bad idea. According to the internet, or at least the ten seconds I spent on it, Kora has the best assortment of magic books in the state.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You’re not going to make a stupid sex joke?”
“One, my sex jokes are hilarious. Two, you made it too easy. I like more of a challenge.”
Lindsey relaxed and shoved down the disappointment in his lack of interest. She couldn’t keep up with his back-and-forth flirting. Besides, hadn’t he left to see a lady friend? What was he doing in the back of Kora’s store? The man frustrated her like no other.
“I thought you were some kind of computer wizard. Can’t you just hit a couple of keys and find the information you want?”
“I’m acutely aware of the reliability of information people put on the internet. Some is legit, some is made up by a guy living in a bunker. Deciphering between the two takes time and effort, and I’m a firm believer in working smarter, not harder.”
Lindsey cocked her head. “How is this working smarter?”
He lifted a shoulder. “Kora vets her books. She’s done the work to make sure the information isn’t from unreliable sources.”
She thought again about the tantric sex book. “You sound pretty sure of that for someone who’s only just moved here.”
“I’ve been here before visiting Alex. Kora and I became friends. She doesn’t really give people a choice once she decides, but it worked out since I enjoy her company.”
Was Kora his lady friend? Jealousy roared to life, swift and fierce. Lindsey took a deep breath in an attempt to get a handle on her chaotic emotions. They’d shared one kiss, and she’d pushed him away. Not exactly a reason to think she had any claim on him.
Thankfully, Dax didn’t seem to notice her clenched jaw. He chose a book from the top shelf and read the back. “Her husband, on the other hand, can be downright scary.”
All at once, Lindsey felt better, followed immediately by feeling stupid for not realizing the plain silver band on Kora’s hand was a wedding ring. In her defense, Kora wore a lot of rings, but Lindsey prided herself on her observation skills. She’d based her career on them.
A quick peek down the aisle revealed that Kora had disappeared from the front of the store. The open-backed shelves made it easy to see that she wasn’t hiding in one of the rows, and no one had come near the ‘employees only’ door next to them. Did she leave with the book thief? The shopkeepers in Deckard didn’t seem very concerned about their wares. Or their customers, for that matter.
If Kora and Dax were friends, maybe she trusted him to watch the shop while she stepped out for a bit. Lindsey cast a quick look at Dax, who’d chosen a different book to search through. He wore what she thought of as his uniform—jeans and a dark tee-shirt that pulled just right against his biceps when he moved.
Kora had never mentioned a husband. What kind of man would prompt Dax to describe him as ‘downright scary’?
Lindsey had trouble imagining anyone like that married to the sassy, bubbly Kora. Dax looked up from the book and caught her staring, then glanced down at her empty hands.
“Nothing of interest?”
His question snapped her out of the useless musing. Wondering about Kora’s husband wouldn’t help her any more than Calliope’s vague instructions on handling magic.
Lindsey waved at the books. “Kora may vet her books, but anything we find here will be pure speculation.”
He chuckled. “Are you so certain you’re the only one on the planet with magical powers? That none of these people know anything about what you’re going through?”
“I know for certain I’m not the only one, but Sabine didn’t give me any helpful information
.”
Dax shifted toward her. “That’s an interesting distinction. So, she gave you information that wasn’t helpful?”
That damn blush wouldn’t leave her alone. There was no way Lindsey would repeat Sabine’s suggestion that she use sex with Dax to jumpstart her magic. “I understand your point, but how could Kora possibly know if one source is more legitimate than another?”
“If you don’t think the books are helpful, why are you here?”
Because she needed to get away from the house before she did something stupid, and Kora provided a good excuse. Something else she refused to tell him. “Kora invited me, and I thought it wouldn’t hurt to take a look. I’m still going to keep Googling the shit out of demigods and magic powers when I get back.”
Dax tapped the book in his hand. “Why not both?”
Lindsey’s lips curved at his cheerful question. “Both it is.”
They searched for several minutes in silence. She ran her hands over the smooth bindings, searching for any titles that would contain instructions on magic use, but a question nagged at her, getting louder until she couldn’t ignore it any longer.
“How did you meet Kora?”
He smiled like he’d read through her forced nonchalance. “I always check out the local bookstores whenever I go somewhere new. I love computers and every advancement they offer, but for reading, I prefer paper and ink when I can get them.”
Lindsey made a noncommittal noise, but her estimation of him kicked up a notch. She preferred books to screens too. There was something about turning the pages in her hands. The weight, the texture, the smell. Even before the fire, she’d basically lived out of her car. Not exactly conducive to lugging around boxes of books.
The way he’d flirted with her from the first moment had given Lindsey the idea that he hit on any reasonably attractive female in his proximity. His answer hadn’t exactly dissuaded that idea, but it did allay the image she had of him following Kora down the street like a lovesick puppy.
Kora chimed in from behind them, and Lindsey cursed her inattention for the second time that day. “David, my husband, was working that day, but I’d come in to help with some extra stock we’d gotten.”
Dax laughed. “Sure you did. It took a full five minutes before you two came out of the back room. He couldn’t stop grinning, and your shirt was on inside out.”
“My shop, my rules.”
Lindsey took in Kora’s unapologetic grin and faced Dax with her hands on her hips. “He doesn’t sound all that scary to me.”
Dax faked a shudder as Kora giggled. “Dax only thinks David’s scary because he said Dax would find his fate here. You should have seen the color leech from his face.”
Lindsey sobered and met Dax’s eyes. Now that they knew the truth about magic, offhand comments like that took on a different subtext. He shook his head subtly. Lindsey hesitated then summoned a bright smile for Kora. She could wait until they got home to grill him.
“Did you work things out with the girl?”
Kora didn’t skip a beat at the change in topic. “Yeah, we worked out a system for her. Thanks again for the suggestion. I can’t believe it never occurred to me.”
“I’m glad I could help.” Lindsey chose a book at random, well away from the one with the bright red cover—nearly in the farthest corner of the store—and turned her smile on Dax. “I’m ready to head home if you are.”
Heat filled his gaze, and she had sudden second thoughts about getting him alone to pump him for information. They’d never established those ground rules, so maybe a public place would be safer. Kora muttered she’d meet them at the front and quickly walked away. Lindsey swallowed her protest, trying instead for option two.
“Maybe we could grab lunch at the diner.” Her voice came out breathless, much to her chagrin.
“Afraid to be alone with me?” Dax spoke quietly, but she heard him loud and clear.
Her chin came up. “I already told you I’m not afraid of you.”
Dax moved closer. “Are you sure? Because you ran off pretty quickly yesterday morning.”
The same spicy scent from before surrounded her, making her breath catch at the memory. “In case you’ve forgotten, we have a lot going on right now. My uneasiness wasn’t just from you kissing me.”
He crowded her against the wall, but didn’t touch her. “I seem to remember you kissing me back.”
Lindsey clenched the shelf behind her in a death grip to keep from reaching for him. “I’ve since decided it was a bad idea.”
He leaned down, close enough that she could see streaks of green through the dark gold of his irises. “Maybe we should try again. Just to be sure.”
Her heart pounded in her ears, and she took a ragged breath. Like last night, Dax held his position, waiting for her to decide. Lindsey wasn’t shy. She wasn’t some blushing virgin, not that there was anything wrong with that, but it wasn’t her style. Before the shock of Calliope and magic and demigods, she’d have probably jumped at the chance to spend the summer enjoying this man.
But knowing that fate tied them together—that her ability to use a skill depended on a connection to him—made simple enjoyment impossible. Not to mention, Calliope’s arrogant declaration still circled her mind. She couldn’t be one hundred percent sure she wasn’t using him to gain access.
Still, Dax tempted her to throw all her good reasons out the window. Maybe she should take her own advice—and Kora’s—and talk to him.
“I don’t want to use you,” Lindsey blurted. As explanations went, it could have been better.
His lips twitched as he tried to hold back a smile. “You have my complete permission to use me any time you need.”
“I’m not talking about sex.”
“Too bad,” he murmured.
Lindsey felt her own lips twitch at his response. “According to Calliope, you’re the key to my magic. I can’t control it right now, which makes me dangerous in ways even Calliope can’t explain. I need to be able to control it, but I’m not going to use you as a tool to get there.”
“And you think denying both of us will help you access your magic? I heard what the cat said. Your magic is tied to a connection between us. If kissing or sex or anything else we do together has the side-effect of making that connection stronger and bringing you that much closer to control, then I’m completely on board. Also, for other reasons that have to do with my desperate need to find your mysterious tattoo.”
“Desperate, huh?” Lindsey barely recognized the husky voice as hers.
He brushed his lips against hers, a touch so faint she could have imagined it, and left a scalding trail along her cheek. “Let me help you.”
Her eyes fluttered closed. “I don’t need help.” The instinctive response sounded as if it came from far away.
“Then use me,” Dax whispered into her ear, accompanied by the press of his tongue against the racing pulse point in her neck.
Her palms ached from the edge of the shelf as she let go.
Lindsey trailed her fingers down his chest then dipped under his shirt. Dax held himself still for a few seconds, letting her explore, then he growled low in his throat and captured her wandering hands. His mouth found hers, and Lindsey melted against him.
His weight pinned her against the shelves, and a book landed on the floor with a heavy thud. She giggled, but the laughter turned into a moan when his hands slid over her ass to lift her. Lindsey wrapped her legs around his hips and locked her ankles at the small of his back. He gripped her thighs, and for once, she wished she’d worn a skirt.
Dax’s hair tickled her face as he nudged her head to the side for better access. The length of him pressed against her core, and Lindsey stopped trying to control the deluge of bottled-up longing. She dug in her heels and arched into him, making them both gasp.
The tinkle of the bell above the door broke through her cloud of need. Anyone could stumble across them with minimal effort. The back of the store was darker than th
e rest, but not dark enough that they were hidden from anyone with functioning eyes. A thread of panic started to creep in despite the truly fabulous things Dax was doing with his tongue.
Lindsey leaned away, unclasped her ankles, and dropped her legs to the floor. Dax maintained his grip on her until she’d steadied herself, then readjusted to her waist. He laid his forehead against hers and laughed quietly.
“I’ve developed a deep and abiding hatred for that bell.”
His forlorn tone made her smile. “It’s not like this was going to go any further in the back of Kora’s store.”
“Her shop, her rules.” Dax dropped a kiss on her temple, then put a little space between them. “Just to be clear, I like and respect you as a friend, Lindsey, but that’s not all I want. I don’t give a shit what the Fates decreed. As much as I’d like to take you home before you come to your senses, I promised a friend I’d help her out today. She’s supposed to meet me here.”
Lindsey pushed loose strands of hair behind her ear and peeked around his broad shoulders. She couldn’t see the front from where they stood—thank goodness—but she could hear Kora talking with another woman.
When her attention returned to Dax, a startling possessive streak made her reckless. If he was going to be spending the day with a lady friend, Lindsey wanted him to know exactly what he’d be missing. She grasped a handful of his shirt and pulled him down to her mouth. He responded immediately, threading his hand through her hair with a deep groan.
Lindsey wrapped her fingers around his wrist and poured herself into the kiss, which was proving to be addicting. He wanted more, and she wanted to take a risk. People never lived up to their promises, but maybe this time would be different. Before she could lose herself completely again, Lindsey broke away, moving well out of his reach.
“Enjoy your day.”
Dax adjusted his pants with a resigned sigh. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to come with us.”
She smiled. “Maybe next time.”
7