The Taste of Magic by Gina Rosavin Read Free Book Online Page B

tightened.
     
    Adrian was going to influence her life more than she imagined. She could feel it, especially when she considered her mother's reaction to the mention of his name. The alarm in Olga's eyes had been clear. Somehow, he was connected to her destiny. But how? She caressed the black velvet box, sliding her finger into the opening, but not actually lifting the lid. As the car stopped, reciting the spell again calmed her agitation. Repeating the words wouldn't strengthen the incantation, but it gave her a small measure of reassurance. Her mother's magic was powerful and would keep her safe. She had to believe.
     
    She was ready to stand up to whatever Adrian threw at her. Yet, her body recalled the sensuous pressure of his lips against hers, his hands on her back, holding her near. Anticipation made her heart race and the heat flooding her face caused her breath to catch. The time apart had only increased her yearning for him. The spell would help her stay in control. Fluttering her senses wouldn't be so easy for him tonight. She entered the castle and strode to the Hall, the black box clutched in her hand. Adrian stood, as he did so often, leaning against the mantle and staring into the fire.
     
    "Good evening, Kat."
     
    Annoyance tightened her stomach. He could at least turn around and welcome her properly. She descended the stairs.
     
    "Forgive me, I am a little distracted today." When he turned to face her, his devastating smile made her stomach clench again, but this time with excitement.
     
    Damn, the spell wasn't as strong as she'd thought. Already she wanted to throw herself into his arms. She forced herself to stay calm, and move slowly.
     
    "Bad day at the office?" She placed her purse on the table and strode over to him. He drew her close.
     
    "Yes, but I feel much better now that you are here. It has been too long."
     
    She silently agreed as his lips brushed hers lightly, and then once more. This was what she'd been waiting for. To feel his arms around her, his mouth against hers. How easily he could make her feel as though she floated in the heavens above.
     
    "I have thought the same thing many times," he said.
     
    She drew out of his embrace. "Stop that."
     
    He shrugged. "It's difficult to ignore. Your thoughts are always quite loud when you are…agitated."
     
    Heat crept into her face. "I am not agitated."
     
    He brushed the backs of his fingers along her cheek. "You don't lie very well, my sweet Kat. Your eyes give you away."
     
    He drew back and glanced at her neck. The golden brow furrowed. "You did not accept my gift?" His gaze cooled.
     
    She recalled the velvet box, and lifted it. "I wasn't sure…I didn't look."
     
    His eyes widened in surprise, and a smile slid over his lips. "You are a delight! I have never before met a woman who did not immediately tear into a gift in excitement."
     
    She held it out. "I never was one for all of that. I don't think I can accept this." He shook his head and took the box, slowly opening the lid and holding it out before her. She gasped. A thick band of rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds glittered in the candlelight. Shimmers of colored light danced brightly around the room. Despite herself, she was drawn to the sheer beauty of the stones, her fingers reaching forward to gently caress them.
     
    "It's beautiful," she whispered. She raised her gaze to his. "But it's too much."
     
    "Please, Kat, this was made for you. Allow me…"
     
    She hesitated, his gaze holding hers, and finally, she nodded. The beauty of the necklace bedazzled her, but she hated that a gift could so easily sway her toward him. Yet, as his hands placed the band on her, his touch made her doubts melt. Tiny shivers passed along her spine as his fingers brushed the nape of her neck, fastening the clasp. He gently re-arranged her hair and slowly turned her to face him.
     
    "Exquisite. As are you." His fingers moved slowly across the stones, and the necklace warmed