Though, I wasn’t totally opposed to the idea of one night. It had been a while and he seemed the type to never call you back after you tumbled between the sheets. And in our time together, he’d never mentioned a girlfriend.

  I knew waking my grandmother was a terrible idea, but I wasn’t sure if we had any other options. “Okay, we can visit my grandma. But we’ll have to wait till morning. Think you can handle that?”

  “Sure. As long as you’re not going to run off on me with my magic.” He grinned, letting me know he was joking.

  A few hours ago, that had been his biggest worry. Apparently, I’d proven that I didn’t want anything to do with his magic. “We can crash at your place if you want. Then you know I’m not running off.”

  His cocked an eyebrow. “You want to stay at my place?”

  “Or mine, whichever is closer, honestly. I’m just done with these shoes.” I glanced down at the black pumps. They were cute and all, but I rarely wore heels and I was pretty sure I was in for some painful blisters tomorrow. I wondered if Marcos’s magic could heal blisters. Probably not. My dark magic was only good for destruction. Healing wasn’t exactly part of the package.

  “I’m not far,” he said. “Want me to carry you?”

  “I can walk.” I leaned down and pulled off both of my shoes then passed them to him. “You can carry these if you want.”

  He stretched out his hands to take them from me and I pulled them back. “You don’t really have to carry my shoes. I was messing with you. Geez, what are the girls you normally go out with like if they need you to carry them or their shoes?”

  He shrugged. “I think you and I have had more conversation than my usual companions.”

  Interesting. He was even more of a one-night stand guy than I suspected. Maybe a quickie in his bed would help me take the edge off. The magic inside me thrummed into agreement, perfectly happy with my desires. I forgot just how much more sexual dark magic made me feel. It was like a round-the-clock aphrodisiac.

  He started walking. “It’s just that I don’t get out often.”

  “Nice cover,” I said. “It’s okay. I get it. I think relationships are a crock. You spend all your time with this person, you lose your own identity, then they just leave you and you’re broken.”

  “I’ve never met a woman who got it quite that well,” he said. “It’s not worth it to end up like that.”

  “Agree. They always leave you, eventually,” I said.

  “Unless you leave them first,” he added.

  “Or you never let yourself get attached and nobody has to leave. I mean, from time to time, it’s okay to have an understanding with someone,” I said.

  “Is that so?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” I said. “Sometimes we need distractions.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” he said.

  My heart hammered against my ribs as I quickened my pace to keep up with Marcos. I could feel his arousal. It seemed to radiate off of him in waves. Was this what it was like for him all the time? Could he sense when someone was interested in him?

  I might have dark magic, but it was so different than his. His was about connections. With his mind reading and sensing how people felt, he was like a walking lie detector. My magic wasn’t anything like that. Mine found weaknesses and sought destruction. I never realized that dark magic could manifest differently in different people. Was it possible to train it and shape it in new ways? Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if I could use it for other things besides death.

  Marcos stopped in front of the coffee shop where we’d first met. “I’m upstairs if you still want to stay the night.”

  He was giving me a final out, which took me by surprise. He was apparently full of them. Instead of doing whatever he could to close the deal, he waited for me to agree. I squeezed my thighs together, wanting him even more. “Yes.”

  He grinned. “This way.”

  I followed him through a side door and up a staircase. My palms were damp with nervous sweat. It had been a long time since I’d had sex. And if I was being honest, it had been even longer since I’d had good sex. Marcos seemed like the kind of man who knew his way around a woman’s body. Which was exactly what I needed if I was going to forget about the current predicament we were in. Tomorrow, I’d have to convince my grandmother to help me remove magic. It was the one thing she said disappointed her about me - the fact that I removed my magic. This was my chance to please her, but I couldn’t do it. The magic had to go. And it had to go back to Marcos.

  Even if I wanted the magic, I couldn’t take it from Marcos. It was his and I knew how important it was to him.

  “Home sweet home,” he said, sliding a key into a door.

  He stepped in, holding the door open for me. I followed into a dimly lit room with huge windows that faced the street. In the day, this place would be flooded with light.

  Scuffed wood floors and modern furniture made the apartment feel both worn in and brand new. “You lived here long?”

  “Not too long,” he said. “It was my dad’s place before it was mine. I haven’t done much to personalize it. Well, except for a new bed.”

  I smiled, appreciating where his head was going. “Bathroom?”

  “That way,” he said, pointing to a door in the hallway.

  I headed down the hall and stepped into the tiny bathroom. I flicked on the light and closed the door. Just like the rest of the apartment, it was updated with hints of antique style. A clawfoot tub stood on black and white tile. The quartz counter was perched on worn wood cabinets with distressed pulls.

  Then there was the lipstick on the mirror. Call me, Tracy. And a phone number. He really was as bad as I imagined. At least I knew I didn’t have to expect him to call me once we were done with this. I’d get to have some fun, no strings attached.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Marcos

  I ran my hands though my hair as nervous flutters swam in my stomach. Why was I feeling this way? I’d been with more women than I could ever count. Why did Caitlin feel so different? Why did I care that she might walk out of that bathroom and leave?

  Suddenly, I remembered the lipstick on the mirror. I ran for the bathroom and knocked on the door. “Um, about the lipstick.”

  The door opened and Caitlin stepped out. “It’s fine. You don’t owe me an explanation for your life.”

  “Right,” I said, the words falling flat. Why did I feel like I did? I didn’t like the idea of disappointing her.

  “Do you want a drink?” I asked.

  “Sure,” she said.

  Things had been so easy with her. When we’d talked, there was no expectation but now that sex was on the table, I was nervous. What the hell? Was it the lack of magic making me feel this way? It had to be. Usually, I could read people. I knew if they were ready. I knew if they wanted me. I could even read their minds if I really wanted to, though I avoided that for the most part. It wasn’t always pleasant inside people’s head. But I had to admit, right now, I’d do just about anything to read her mind. “Wine?”

  “Sounds good,” she said.

  I poured us each a glass and passed one to her. We stood in heavy silence sipping our drinks. When had things changed? Did she not want to do this anymore? “Look, if you’re tired, we can just sleep.”

  She set the glass down. “Are you trying to get out of fucking me?”

  My jaw dropped at how forward she was. I didn’t have my magic, but something churned inside me, vibrating and responding to the rush of magic I could feel from her.

  That’s when I realized she was channeling my magic and my magic wanted sex. I wasn’t sure why, but I’d always thrived on human contact and physical love. It wasn’t the same as an incubus, but my magic wanted it. Just like Caitlin wanted it right now.

  She took a few steps toward me, then slipped the straps of her dress down so her top was off. She stopped in front of me, black bra exposed, her dress in a circle around her hips. “Are you going to make me undress myself?”

  Something didn’t feel right. “Caitlin, are you sure you want to do this?”

  She moved closer to me, then threw her arms over my shoulders. Standing on her tiptoes, she lifted her face to mine until her lips pressed against mine. We moved together, our mouths in perfect rhythm. My cock sprang to attention, desperate for release.

  She tasted like wine and cherry lip gloss. Her tongue darted into my mouth, playing with mine. Her fingers combed through my hair, then down my neck to my back.

  When she pressed her hips against my erection, I couldn’t take it anymore. Hands on her ass, I lifted her, and she quickly wrapped her legs around my waist.

  Without breaking our kiss, I carried her to my bed, leaning over so I could set her down. My hips were between her legs, her dress still circling her waist. It was time to remedy that.

  Stepping away from her, I quickly worked the buttons on my shirt then pulled it off. Her hands were at my waistband. In a second, she had my fly open and hooked her fingers under both my pants and my boxers. She wasn’t messing around.

  I waited while she tugged my clothes off. Then I leaned over, reclaiming her mouth while I pulled her dress off of her. She lifted her hips and I took the silent queue to remove her panties.

  We were both naked and her flesh felt hot against mine as I sunk in between her thighs. I lifted her upper body so her tits pressed against my chest. Breaking the kiss, I moved my lips down to her jaw, then her neck. She threw her head back and moaned.

  As she tightened her thighs around my hips, I felt a surge that could only be magic. It vibrated through me, sending a tingle down my back. For a moment, I paused, my mouth hovering over her pink nipple.

  “Don’t stop,” she said.

  That was all I needed. Ignoring the sensation rippling through me, I leaned down and sucked her nipple into my mouth. She squirmed under my touch as my hands explored both of her perfect tits. I never dreamed I’d end up with someone like her. Smart, sexy, and smoking hot. She was everything I never knew I wanted in a woman.

  Caitlin dragged her fingertips over my back, and I groaned. Something electric hung in the air, surrounding us with a charge of magic. It made every touch more intense, every part of my body more sensitive. I had to have her.

  I pushed her flat on the bed, then leaned down to kiss her again. Just as I nipped her lower lip, I pressed my cock into her entrance. Her hips bucked and she gasped.

  The sensation of being inside her was explosive. My heart raced, my body felt like it was on fire. Every thrust was nearly enough to send me to the edge. It was overwhelming and intoxicating. This woman did things to me.

  “More,” Caitlin cried. Her fingernails dug into my back. The bite of pain mixed with the pleasure of being inside her made me quicken my pace, panting from the mounting pleasure.

  “I’m coming,” Caitlin cried. “Oh, god.”

  The pressure mounted and I couldn’t hold back. In an explosion, I came. My whole body felt like it was on fire.

  I looked down to see Caitlin, my beautiful Caitlin, panting under me. Her chest rose and fell with each heavy breath. A small satisfied smile on her face. Then her eyes widened and she pulled out from under me. “What the hell?”

  “What?” I asked. “What’s wrong?”

  “You,” she seemed to struggle to find the words, “you’re glowing.”

  I looked down at my hands. Sure enough, blue sparks danced along my skin. All at once, the magic rushed in. I tossed my head back, screaming as years of pent up magic rushed into me.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Caitlin

  Marcos was covered in tiny flecks of electricity. As if he was made up of the static electricity that clung to blankets in the winter. But this wasn’t going away. It was dancing across his bare skin, lighting him up.

  “What the hell?” I asked.

  His sleepy post-sex smile faded. “What? What’s wrong?”

  “You…you’re glowing,” I said.

  He lifted his hands and stared, his brow furrowed. Whatever was happening wasn’t planned. He was clearly just as confused as I was.

  Then his whole body stiffened, and he screamed as if he was being attacked. I hesitated for just a second, then I grabbed hold of him, my hands on his upper arms.

  Using the magic he’d given me, I activated it, sending a rush of what I hoped was calm into him.

  The magic swelled inside me, warming me as it reached my hands. I could feel it responding to whatever was going on with him. Then I felt it. The sensation I couldn’t forget if I tried. My magic, but not within me, it was coming from him.

  The two of us were locked together. I couldn’t pull away and I couldn’t release the magic I’d summoned. It was as if we were bound together. It didn’t make sense. My magic should be buried, hidden beneath the surface, unable to be summoned. Yet, I could feel it calling to me, through him.

  A shock shot through both of my palms and I cried out as I finally pulled my hands away from Marcos.

  Shaking and breathing heavy, I stared at him. He wasn’t glowing anymore, but I could feel the full power of my magic vibrating within him. It called to me.

  “You unbound it,” I said. “How could you?”

  Betrayal swirled around me, mixing with regret. I should have known. I let him get too close. I let myself get too close. This must have been his plan the whole time.

  “I swear I don’t know what happened,” he said.

  Tears rolled down my face. Even if we managed to return our magic to the proper person, mine was unlocked. After all these years, after everything I’d done to keep it away, I was going to be stuck with it. I knew I couldn’t stomach returning to the priestess. I was going to have to find a way to shut it off myself. A way to control it. There had to be something I could do.

  Marcos reached for me but I turned away, not wanting to even look at him. I climbed off the bed. “I think I’ll head home.”

  “Don’t go, Caitlin,” he said. “Please. I swear I didn’t do it on purpose. We can fix this together.”

  I shook my head. “There’s no fixing this. You don’t understand. The magic you have is considered dark because of your talents with mind reading and being able to talk your way into anything. Mine is so much darker. It shouldn’t be allowed.”

  “Can’t you re-bind it?” he asked.

  “Maybe,” I said, bending down to pick up my dress. “We can meet at my grandmother’s in the morning. See what she can do to help us. Then you’ll have your life back and I’ll figure it out on my own.”

  “Caitlin, don’t go. It’s late. I’ll sleep on the couch if you want.”

  “I can’t stay.” I walked out of the room before he could say anything else. The one time I let myself give in. The one time I thought I had things under control, this was what happened. I should have known better. If I hadn’t caved to my sexual desires, my magic would still probably be contained.

  I considered calling a car, but my apartment was only a few blocks away. Rubbing my hands on my arms, I tried to stay warm while I considered my next steps. Sleep first. Then I had to get my magic back. As much as I wanted to hate Marcos, I knew it probably wasn’t his fault. Even if it was, I wouldn’t wish my magic on anyone.

  Plus, I actually liked the guy. I shouldn’t but I did. And honestly, that was the main reason I’d left. If I stayed, I might have made another stupid choice.

  Finally, back in my apartment, I collapsed on my bed. In a few hours, my alarm would go off and I would move on to the next step. What I would do if I got my magic back, I didn’t know. But I’d figure it out in the morning.

  I woke in a cold sweat, panic making my chest hurt. I’d made a mistake. I’d walked away from Marcos with my magic in his possession. What if he bailed? What if he took off? My father did. Every man I’d ever known had left. What made him different?

  Weak buttery sunlight filled my bedroom. I’d left all the curtains open last night. I glared at the beautiful day outside. It didn’t match with the dark cloud settling around me. What if I was stuck with his magic? What if I’d unleashed my dark magic on the world?

  Quickly, I tugged off the party dress and changed into jeans. I splashed water on my face and pulled my hair back in a messy bun. I wasn’t looking forward to the conversation I was about to have with my grandmother, but it had to happen.

  For a moment, I wondered if I should go to his apartment. Drag him with me. But that would mean facing him again and I wasn’t sure I could do that right now.

  Maybe he would show up. Maybe he would be there when I got to my grandmother’s.

  I looked around for my purse and cell phone. Wincing, I realized I hadn’t brought them with me. All I took home last night was my dress.

  Fuck.

  A knock sounded on my door and my heart pounded. Magic surged through me, feeling its way toward the door. I could sense something on the other side. It called to me. “Marcos?”

  “Caitlin, you there?” He called through the door.

  My stomach did a little flip of joy, making me frown. Even my own instincts were turning on me. I walked toward the door and opened it. “What are you doing here?”

  He held up my purse. “You left your purse and your phone. I found your address in your GPS.”

  I grabbed the bag from him. “Thanks.”

  “I also wanted to talk to you,” he said. “Can I come in?”

  I opened the door wider so he could step through.

  Marcos was showered and in fresh clothes. He smelled like rain and mint. It was amazing. I clenched my thighs together, forcing my libido down. Now was not the time for a reprise of last night.

  “I’m sorry for last night,” he said.

  “I know,” I said. “I’m sure you didn’t unlock the magic.”

  “Not that part,” he said. “But you’re right, I didn’t do that on purpose.”

  My brow furrowed. If he wasn’t talking about the magic what was he talking about?

  “I shouldn’t have let us go that far last night,” he said.

 

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