Charmed in Vegas: Bad Potions by Michelle Fox Read Free Book Online Page B

date and you’re willing to watch my back?” She gave him a wobbly smile, tears still shining in her eyes.
    “Yes. And let’s not forget you’re in real danger here. This isn’t some little ex-lover spat. The guy tried to kill you and now he’s looking for you again.”
    “Thank you.” She leaned in to kiss him softly. Aidan returned her kiss, but where she had kept it shallow, he went deep until she gave a moaning sigh.
    “You’re very good at that,” she said, breaking contact.
    “At what?”
    “Kissing.”
    “I have many other talents too.” Aidan skimmed her body with his hands, smiling at the way she quivered at his touch. “But we’ll save them for another day. You’re tired and I have some planning to do.”
    “I’m fine,” Marion protested, but then she yawned and gave him a sheepish grin. “I guess I am a little run down. What a way to end a date, huh?”
    “There will be others,” Aidan said.
    “You sure you’re not going to run screaming back to Fairy?” She narrowed her eyes as if trying to determine how far she could trust him.
    “It will take more than an angry mage to scare me off.” With that, Aidan picked her up in his arms and carried her down the hall to her bedroom. He set her gently down on the bed and tucked her in. Before he left, he leaned down, his lips grazing her ear and whispered, “Sleep and dream sweet.” The words were a simple sleep charm his mother had used throughout his childhood. On command, Marion’s eyes closed and her breathing became deep and regular.
    Back in the living room, his mind raced with various plans and plots to protect her from Eric, weighing and discarding options. First things first, he needed to call in a few favors and make some charms. Then to lay the trap that would give Marion the peace of mind she needed and Eric the punishment he deserved. With a confident smile, he picked up the phone and started dialing.
    At dawn, he heard the apartment door open and jumped up from the couch to investigate. It was Raven, home from her date, clothes disheveled and a happy smile on her face. A smile that disappeared when Aidan told her what had happened and explained his plans.
    “You’re sure you can protect her?” Raven asked.
    “Yes.”
    “You swear?”
    Aidan didn’t hesitate to bind himself with his word. “I swear.”
    “Because if you hurt her or let her get hurt...” Raven didn’t finish, but the threat of dire consequences was implicit in her flashing eyes.
    “I can protect her. I am, after all, one of the Queen’s guard.”
    “Good.” Raven gave a curt nod and then yawned. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to get some sleep. Wake me when Marion gets up. We’ll finalize things then.”
    “Sleep well.” Aidan watched her go down the short hallway to her bedroom. He settled back on the sofa, his date with Marion replaying in his mind. For once, he hadn't said the wrong thing. He couldn't remember the last time that had happened.

Chapter Six
    J ust a few hours later, a soft knock sounded at the door. Aidan opened the door with a wide smile. "Dougal. You made it."
    “Of course I did,”  he said, peering down at Aidan. Half giant, half elf, Dougal ran tall and broad. His long dark hair was bound in a braid, exposing his pointed ears and making his square face look even wider.
    “Thanks for coming.”
    The big man waved his hand. “No worries, my friend. I wanted to see how you were faring with the Lady’s curse anyway.”
    “Is McAllister with you?”
    “Aye, back here behind this wide arse of Dougal’s,” said McAllister, propelling himself up to Aidan’s eye level with a quick snap of his wings. He still wore the same white jumpsuit, but his pompadour had wilted, looking more like melted raspberry ice cream. “So this is the one you say will satisfy the Lady’s curse?”
    Aidan nodded. “Yes, she will.”
    McAllister gave him a doubtful look. “I will be the final judge. I saw her at the club the other