Sex and Trouble by Marilu Mann Read Free Book Online

chime of the front door released her from her dark daydreams filled with Rosier looming over her body. His hand was just about to stroke her pussy when she jerked back to the here and now. Great. She pressed her hand against her chest, trying to discourage the hard arousal of her nipples. One subsided but the other gave proof to the lie. Grumbling under her breath, she trudged down the stairs and took a deep breath before unlocking and opening the door.
    James leaned against the doorframe, but straightened as she stepped outside. To his credit, his eyes never dropped below her neckline. Mari took his offered hand, hoping Ros was lurking somewhere to see how a real gentleman acted. She’d dressed carefully in a pair of silk midnight-blue trousers with a paler blue top. Not wanting to seem too forward, Mari had chosen a shirt that buttoned to the top. James gave her an appreciative look.
    The ride to the restaurant was in a sleek sedan that mirrored James’ elegant lines.
    She enjoyed the ride, letting his choice of opera overtures soothe her. Wasn’t it nice that he loved Puccini as much as she did? The pleasure increased when he pulled up to a small restaurant bearing the name La Sorcierie. The slightly wicked woman on the sign held a wineglass and a bowl of spaghetti. Her witch’s hat made Mari laugh.
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    Marilu Mann
    “I don’t remember any Italian restaurants in this part of Austin when I lived here before.”
    He answered her with a chuckle. “I think you will be bewitched by the food. We can speak freely here as well. Our kind own this place.”
    He might as well have sprouted a second head. “Our kind? So when you said you were my father’s student, you meant?”
    He nodded then flicked a finger. Mari jumped at the sharp snick of the car locks opening at the gesture. “Yes, Marielle. I was your father’s student in the magickal arts.”
    “You knew my father was a warlock but didn’t tell me earlier? Why?” She narrowed her eyes at him but did not get out of the car.
    The air stilled in the car as LaPierre frowned at her. “Warlock? No!”
    He took a deep breath as if he were trying to control some anger. “I must apologize.
    I forget that this is all new to you. Marielle, again—your father was never my enemy.
    He was a witch and quite a powerful one at that. That word—warlock—well, it is an offensive term in our community. I would ask that you not use it again.”
    She nodded. Good to know what was PC and not in this new crazy world. At least that felt normal. Assuming, of course, that he told the truth. Ros’ warning echoed in her head. The moment she remembered Ros’ words, she felt some of her good mood fade.
    “My father was your teacher. Do you know about what he left me?” For some reason she did not want to say Rosier’s name. She needed to probe to see how much her dinner companion knew.
    “Yes. I know about the demon who is bound to your family. So now you know about your father. I argued with him that your mother was doing you a disservice keeping you and your brother from the truth. What will you do with the house and all that goes with it?” She watched the skin on his knuckles whiten as his grip tightened on the steering wheel. He seemed to be nearly vibrating with some need. Mari wondered if it was about Ros or her.
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    Sex and Trouble
    If he had been her father’s student, then he might know another way to let Rosier go back to his family. Still, his seeming anticipation surprised her a bit. Her skin tingled.
    She paid attention to that sensation. It was her early warning system when someone was not on the level. Leaning slightly toward him, she took a deep breath and plunged in.
    “I don’t know. I want to release Rosier. I can’t stand the thought of him being trapped in my house. What do you think? Since you were my father’s student, surely you know why Dad was holding him against his will?” Mari went with the “flattery will get you everywhere” school of