The Mage in Black by Jaye Wells Read Free Book Online Page A

scent made me feel a little drunk. “Bad idea?” For some reason, I was having trouble remembering why I’d thought that myself.
    “We both have jobs to do, and right now neither of us can afford distractions.” His voice deepened, and he leaned in so his lips were a fraction away from mine. “But please understand, if I could stay there’s nothing I’d want more than to have you distract the shit out of me.”
    My stomach flip-flopped. I blew out a long, slow breath to ease the flutters there and farther south. “Wow, mancy, you sure know how to sweet-talk a girl.”
    His lips curled into a crooked smile. “I could recite sonnets if you’d prefer, but I figured you’d appreciate a more direct approach.”
    He leaned in again, but before he could deliver on the promise in his eyes, the door burst open. We stopped like two deer in headlights and turned to see Maisie framed in the doorway holding Giguhl. “Oh! I’m sorry!” Maisie exclaimed, her cheeks as red as mine felt.
    “That’s okay. Adam and I were just… talking.” I stepped back. Adam frowned at me, clearly resenting the distance. But the truth was, I needed the space to clear my head. Adam was sex on a stick, no doubt about it. But he was leaving. And he was a mage. And, and, and. The list could go on.
    “Don’t stop on our account,” Giguhl said. “It’s about time you two got it over with.”
    Maisie covered her mouth, clearly amused.
    “Giguhl,” I said, a warning clear in my tone.
    “Oh, please, Red—”
    Right then, Orpheus and Rhea came to the door to see what the commotion was about. Oblivious to the new arrivals, Giguhl continued.
    “—I was stuck in that godsforsaken car with you two for four days, remember? The pheromones were so thick I had to roll down the window.”
    I glared at the demon. If looks could kill, he would have dropped dead on the floor. Instead, he merely snuggled closer to Maisie and said, “I’m just sayin’.”
    My cheeks burned at Rhea and Maisie’s knowing grins. Adam cleared his throat. “On that note, I should head out.”
    “Lazarus, be sure you report as soon as you arrive. I want hourly updates.”
    “Yes, sir.” He turned to me. “Well, see you.”
    Hyperaware of our audience, I ignored the banked heat in his eyes and held out my hand. “See you.”
    He cocked his head and shot me a smirk. His warm hand closed around mine, and I swear I felt the touch all the way to my toes. “Try to stay out of trouble, okay?”
    I opened my mouth to get the last word in, but he disappeared. I stood there with my hand extended like an idiot for a second. Then a cat snicker brought my attention back to the audience that had just observed one of the most awkward moments of my life. I lowered my hand and wiped it on the cloth of my dress.
    “Well,” I said lamely. “I guess that’s that.”
    “Hmm, yes. I’d say so,” Rhea said. I scanned her face for signs of judgment but found none. Overall, she seemed downright amused by the whole thing.
    “If you’ll excuse me,” I said. “I think I’m going to take a walk to, ah, get some fresh air. Giguhl, you coming?”
    The cat shook his head. “I’m good here. But if I could make a suggestion?”
    I sighed, waiting for the punch line.
    “You might want to consider a wardrobe change.”
    I looked down. Adam had me so flustered I’d forgotten I was still wearing the red chiton. “Maisie?”
    “I’m on it.” Static swirled around my body, replacing the dress with my old clothes. I patted my pockets, relieved to find my weapons back where they belonged.
    “Thanks,” I said. Having my own clothes—and weapons—improved my mood considerably.
    “Where are you going?” Maisie asked.
    “Just around the block to clear my head a little.”
    Giguhl snorted. “You might try a cold shower instead.”
    With a final glare at the demon cat, I turned on my heel and walked away. Over my shoulder I called, “Giguhl, change into demon form.”
    Poof
. The hall