Circle of Death (Damask Circle 2)

“I’m afraid so.”

Kirby rubbed her arms. “What about Rachel?”

Camille frowned. “What about her?”

“Well, a manarei wasn’t sent after her, was it? So why not?”

Camille hesitated, then half shrugged. “It is possible she’s more violent with those she holds responsible for her death. Helen and you were the ones who formed the circle, and it was Trina’s power that killed Felicity.”

Awareness flowed through her. Doyle had entered the other room. She turned and watched him approach.

His gaze met hers, and relief flicked through his thoughts. He’d been worried about leaving her, she realized then, even if she was with his friends. The thought made her heart do an odd little dance.

“Who’s neatly packaged together?” he asked, stopping in the doorway.

Camille rose with a grunt. “Kirby can fill you in. Grab some names and addresses off Russell and keep looking for this Marline or Mariel Thomas. But I want you somewhere safe before sunset, understood?”

He nodded and motioned toward Trina. “What about her?”

“Russell’s best suited to look after her. At least he can keep her controlled and quiet. I want you to keep in regular contact, understand?”

“Understood.”

Camille’s sharp gaze momentarily pinned Kirby. “I’ll go get those herbs. Just make yourself a tea before you go to bed. It should take care of any lingering aftereffects.”

Doyle moved to one side as Camille pushed past. “You feeling any better?” he asked.

Kirby shrugged. “I honestly don’t think that’s going to be possible until this whole mess is finished. Why does Camille want us tucked away before sunset?”

“A dark witch’s powers tend to be greater after sunset.”

She frowned, confused. “But she attacked you yesterday and Trina today. Both times were during the day.”

“Yeah, and it’s a sign of her strength, because she’ll definitely get stronger at night.” He walked around the table and held out a hand. “Come on, let’s get moving.”

She hesitated, not trusting the sudden hint of mischievousness in his expression. He wiggled his fingers impatiently. Knowing he was up to something, but not entirely sure what, she placed her hand in his. He pulled her to her feet, then pulled her close, amusement and desire darkening his eyes.

“Won’t dare to steal kisses with my friends around, huh?” he murmured, his breath washing across her cheeks and setting her whole body alive. “Never tempt a thief with a statement like that.”

His mouth captured hers. She meant to protest, meant to push him away, but the moment his lips touched hers all resistance seemed to melt away. All she could think about, all she wanted, was him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer still. Her breasts were pressed hard against his chest, and she could feel his strengthening desire. He deepened the kiss and, for one moment, it felt as if he were delving deep into the very heart of her. Her pulse raced and her whole body was on fire, every nerve ending gloriously alive and aching with the need for his touch. For him.

Then he pulled away, his breathing harsh, eyes filled with such heat she felt it clear through to her toes. “It hasn’t faded, Kirby,” he said softly.

“No.” Quite the opposite, in fact.

“Nor will it, you know.”

“I know.”

He squeezed her fingers. “Shall we go?”

She raised an eyebrow. “Got the fast deflation model, have we?”

He grinned and brushed the hair from her eyes, his fingers trailing heat across her skin. “No. But I have got a coat. Wonderful inventions, coats. They hide many secrets.”

“No doubt half of them stolen,” she said dryly.

He grinned and didn’t deny it. “I might even let you investigate one day, if you play your cards right.”