Wickedest Witch by Eve Langlais Read Free Book Online

Actually, he’s surprisingly decent given his parentage. And besides, it’s none of your damn business.”
    Ryker just smirked at her, then turned to face Rumpelstiltskin again. “Why on earth would your daughter need protection at a wedding?”
    “Princess, why don’t you run along and see if cook has finished those pastries. Papa will be done shortly.” With a kiss on his gnarled cheek and a smile, the girl skipped off. Rumpelstiltskin waited until the door shut before speaking. “My daughter needs protection because my cow of an ex-wife,” said the dwarf with narrowed eyes, “is supposed to be attending. She still hasn’t forgiven me for getting custody of our daughter in the divorce. Claims I tricked her into giving up her first-born. Bullshit, of course. Heidi only ever married me for my money. Just like she only had Tina for more money. But she pissed through her divorce settlement, so now she’s crying foul. I’ve had a seer looking into the paths of the future, and in one of the possibilities she saw Tina being kidnapped at your sister’s wedding and used to blackmail me into giving my ex more money. Unacceptable,” said the little man, thumping the marbled surface of his desk hard enough that a crack appeared in its polished surface. Despite his diminutive stature, the little man controlled an impressive amount of power. Her patron had started more than one legend, and her troublemaking side enjoyed seeing he hadn’t lost his keen edge or strength.
    As to the task, it sounded easy enough except for one thing. “Um, I’d love to help, Rumpel stiltskin, but you do know I’m part of the bridal party? My mother would have a fit if I told her I was backing out now.” Money or not, Evangeline knew better than to cross her mother, who was in full wedding fever.
    “Already taken care of. You’ll only be needed by your sister for the ceremony itself and a few pictures. Since they’ve asked my darling Tina to sing at the ceremony—she has the voice of an angel, you know—she’ll be close by for that span of time.”
    “So what am I needed for?” Ryker interrupted.
    “You’ll go as Evangeline’s escort, of course. The groom’s side had a lack of male relatives with all the killing of those in line for the throne of Hell. Therefore, my old friend Lucifer was more than happy to make you a groomsman. He says to tell you he’s been watching you with great interest and looks forward to finally meeting you in person.” Rumpelstiltskin grinned mischievously as Ryker shifted his feet, looking distinctly discomfited.
    The arrangements seemed too neat , too easy. Evangeline didn’t trust it one bit. “Wait a second, what if I said I already have a date?”
    Rumpelstiltskin arched a brow at her and Evangeline’s cheeks warmed. How does he know I don’t? Then again, his power came from knowing things that should remain secret.
    At the sound of Ryker’s snort, without turning her head, she shot her foot out sideways and kicked him in the shin. She didn’t even try to hold back a smile at his grunt of pain.
    “Now as for your fee...” Rumpelstiltskin named a stupidly obscene amount that had both of them nodding their heads. Hell, for that much money , she’d work with a whole gang of shifters.
    But a verbal agreement was only the first part. She and Ryker sat down with Rumpelstiltskin to hammer out the remainder of the details. With the wily gnome, it paid to have all the Is dotted and the Ts crossed. Not to mention, they’d have to work fast.
    With the wedding only a week or so away, they’d need to scramble to investigate, find some clues, as well as do some reconnoitering of the event venue. As per custom, the bride’s family had made all the wedding arrangements using the limitless funds of her sister’s impending father-in-law. Given Evangeline’s family’s Russian roots—and to please their grandfather—the whole wedding, from binding ceremony to reception, would be held near St.