The kitchen door slowly opened, and then Hattie shuffled inside, muttering something under her breath.
Anabel frowned. “Something wrong?”
“I can’t find my copy ofFifty Shades,” replied Hattie, sitting on the only empty chair at the table. “It has to be here somewhere.”
“I thought you preferred the movie anyway,” said Anabel.
“Only because that Jamie actor is a dish.” A dreamy smile took over Hattie’s face. “I wouldloveto meet him, you know.”
“You would?”
“Oh yes, I’d love to talk to him.”
“About what?”
Hattie hesitated. “Well, I don’t know, I’d just love to talk to him. Wouldn’t you?”
Anabel’s nose wrinkled. “No, not really.”
“Why not?” demanded Hattie, seeming offended on his behalf.
“I don’t even like talking to people Idoknow. I have absolutely no desire to strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger.”
“He’s not a stranger. You know who he is.”
“I know his name and his occupation. I also know that the guy who used to sell me herbs was called Horatio.”
Xavier snickered and chugged down the last of his coffee. “She makes a good point, Hattie. Which doesn’t happen often.” Ignoring Anabel’s scowl, he cocked his head and said, “I can hear voices outside. Seems like people are already gathering at the gate. We ready to open our shop, people?”
There was a round of yeses, and then everyone got moving.
The day went well. More potions were sold, more bespelled cosmetics were purchased, and more baked goods flew off the metaphorical shelves. Xavier’s custom also picked up, and Wynter had plenty of people appear with weaponry.
Since many customers paid in trade, the fridge and kitchen cupboards were soon packed with food. Bags of toiletries, household accessories, and clothing were also handed over.
At the end of the workday, Wynter and her crew ate dinner and, like yesterday, distributed the ‘goods’ they’d been given in trade. They then set up a corner altar in the living room, adding a number of items such as an athame, candles, a bell, and a small cauldron.
They also added a few touches to their front yard, including a welcome mat and some hanging baskets overflowing with fern. Following that, they worked as a team to add some live plants to the backyard for Delilah and Anabel’s concoctions. There was mint, lavender, foxglove, and heather but to name a few.
Looking forward to trying her new green-tea scented shower gel, Wynter was soon stood under the hot spray in her private bathroom. Her thoughts—just as they’d annoyingly often done throughout the day—strayed to Cain; strayed to what they’d shared in the mist.
Christ, she’dneverbeen fucked like that. And she wasn’t only talking about the whole soul-gasm part of the night. The proprietary way he’d touched her, the forceful thrusts with which he’d taken her, the punishing grip on her ass, the words he’d spoken in that goddamn sex voice … The bastard had ruined her, just as he’d promised he would.
As the memories flickered through her mind, she found her hand drifting down her body. Her eyelids drifted shut as she touched herself—rubbing her clit, stroking her slit, circling the entrance of her pussy. She dipped her fingers inside … or tried to. She couldn’t.Couldn’t.Like there was a barrier there or something. One she couldn’t internally feel, but one that nonetheless stopped her fingers from sliding inside.
Realization hit her, and her mouth dropped open.That motherfucker.
*
Cain was deep in discussion with one of his aides when a knock came at the door of the solar room. “Yes?” he called out.
Maxim entered. “You said I was only to disturb you if there was an emergency or if a particular visitor arrived. In this instance, it is the latter. What would you like me to do?”
Cain felt his lips hitch up. This could be fun. “Send her in.”
After Maxim left, Cain dismissed his other aide and then draped one arm over the back of the sofa as he waited impatiently for his witch to appear. His creature reared up, eager to see her.
Maxim soon escorted her into the room. To Cain’s disappointment, her poker face was firmly in place. He doubted it would be too hard to crack the mask, though.