Spells (Bayou Magic 2)

He starts to smirk, but I snap my fingers and a black cat jumps onto the table, then sits and begins cleaning himself.

“Sorry, ma’am,” the boy stammers.

“Just enjoy the street party,” I suggest. “And stop trying to ruin it for everyone else. Would you like some hot chocolate?”

“No thanks.” All four of them shake their heads and hurry away.

“Okay, where did the cat come from?” Lucien asks.

I snap my fingers again, and it’s just Sanguine, staring at me as if to say, really?

“Good one, my love,” Lucien says.* * *“Amok amok amok!” I bounce on my heels. Brielle hauls off and sticks her elbow in my stomach. “Ooof.”

“You guys crack me up.” Esme tosses used cups into the trash. The party is over, and we’re finishing up with tidying the café before we all go home for the night and sleep like the dead. “And if I laugh any more, I’m going to pee my pants. I’ve been holding it because wiggling out of this bodysuit is a chore and a half, but I’m afraid I can’t anymore. Be right back.”

She runs toward the bathroom, making us all chuckle.

“I like her so much,” Gwyneth says. “She’s helpful and sweet. And such a good witch.”

“She is talented,” I agree. “Oh, Daph and B, I keep meaning to talk to you, but also keep forgetting. Our coven is performing an All Hallows’ Eve ritual the day after tomorrow, and I want you to come.”

“Us?” Brielle asks.

“Yes. You’ve never been before, and I think you’ll really love it. It’s beautiful. You can just watch.”

“Are you going to be dancing naked under the blue moon?” Daphne asks.

“No—”

“Yes,” Lucien and I reply at the same time. I bump him with my hip.

“No,” I repeat. “But I’ll dance for you naked after.”

“If everyone keeps their clothes on, I’m in,” Brielle says. “I think it’ll be fun to watch, and the members of your coven have been nothing but accepting and protective of us. How can we not support this? It’s like Christmas for you.”

“Oh, I’m even more excited now.”

Gwyneth sighs as she tosses her used towel into the hamper under the sink. “I think that’s all of it back here, boss.”

“You were an amazing help tonight,” I say. “I’m so grateful you were here. Thank you for everything.”

“It’s my pleasure, honey. I’m going to head home and see what kind of trouble Aiden got into while I was gone.”

“Have a great night.”

“I’ll walk you to your car.” Lucien squeezes my hand. “I’ll be right back.”

Lucien escorts his mom out the front door.

“Okay,” Daphne says as soon as the door closes. “Now that he’s not within earshot, I can say this. I love him, Mill. He’s so nice, and smart, and the way he looks at you is just…gah.”

“He’s the best,” Brielle agrees.

“Hey,” Cash says, looking up from his phone. He’s been in the corner, checking in with his team. He arrived late because of an investigation that ran long. He looks exhausted.

I know he’s been working hard on our case, and that ours isn’t the only one on his plate.

“I mean, he’s the best for Millie.” Brielle walks over and plants a kiss on her husband’s lips, sans prosthetic teeth. “No one’s better for me than you, babe.”

“That’s right.”

“Thanks, guys,” I say with a happy sigh. “I’m so mad at myself for fighting the attraction for so long. Because he’s amazing. I could have been having the best sex ever all this time.”

“That is a bummer,” Daphne adds. “But it happened when the time was right. I’m really happy for you.”

“Don’t make me cry,” I say, pointing to my sisters. “Now, I’d better take this trash out so we can all go home.”

“I can do it,” Cash offers, but I wave him off just as Lucien walks back into the café.

“No, I’m fine. It’s not heavy. I’ll be right back.”

I can hear Esme struggling to get back into her catsuit as I pass the restroom.

“Come on, you son of a bitch.”

“You okay in there?”

“Do you have a crowbar?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Then I’m okay. I just might have to go home half-naked.”

I laugh and continue through the reading room to the back door. It’s pretty dark back here, but I don’t bother to turn on the light.

I know my way around like I know my own reflection.

I open the door, and just as I step out, my foot catches on something and I pitch forward, falling flat on my face.

I shriek, then wince when I feel the scrapes on the heel of my hand.

“Damn it.”

“Are you okay?” Esme asks as she hurries outside. “I just left the bathroom and heard you…oh, goddess.”

“What?” I glance over and feel the blood leave my face. “Oh shit. LUCIEN! CASH!”

The words come out in a scream. I crab-crawl away from the body on the ground just as the others come running outside.