Irresistible Magic by Deanna Chase Page B

it is they want. If they think we’re together, I’ll be the target.” His hands moved down my arms in a loving caress, supporting the illusion that we were having a moment.
    And I supposed now we were. As soon as he’d said Tal would be in danger if Asher’s people knew we were intimately connected, I’d made my decision. To keep Tal safe, I’d do just about anything, including pretend to be into this Harrison guy. Let him take the brunt of the fallout. I wasn’t going to be able to get rid of him anyway. Not if Allcot had ordered him to keep me safe.
    I reached up, cupping his cheek, and then stood on my tiptoes to whisper in his ear. From the outside looking in, it probably appeared I was making a suggestive comment, but instead I said, “Fine. We’ll play this your way. But keep your hands in neutral territory and kissing is strictly off-limits. If you put your lips on me again, I’ll—”
    “What? Force-feed me a Truth Cluster? I assure you, I’m already in love with you. No need for such antics.” Laughter bubbled out on the last word.
    My anger came back full force, and it took every ounce of willpower I had to not knee him in the nuts. “Funny guy. If you ever bring up anything from my past with David again, I’ll unleash my witch roommate on you. She’s been experimenting a lot lately with vise-grip spells.” I let my gaze wander to the fly of his dark blue jeans. “Ones that impair a person’s ability to…uh, use their limbs effectively.”
    His face contorted with horror as my meaning sank in. He sucked in a breath. “My apologies.”
    I smiled sweetly and took his arm in mine. Phoebe was working on those spells, but they were for securing supernaturals when she had to bring them in. They had nothing to do with that portion of the male anatomy. Essentially they were magical manacles that not only chained captives, but also leeched power from their being, rendering them unable to escape. But Harrison didn’t need to know that.
    My threat didn’t seem to impair his ability to play his role, however. After a few steps, his hand moved from my lower back to caress my spine and ended with him kneading the base of my neck. Everything was so wrong. What would Tal do if he saw this guy’s hands on me? I didn’t even want to think about it. I fought to keep the scowl off my face. I was supposed to be interested in this, not repelled. I shook my head, letting my hair form a drape to hide my expression.
    His strong grip kept me firmly sealed to his side. There was no doubt what anyone watching would assume about us. It made my stomach ache. I didn’t want to hide what I had with Tal, but I’d do it to keep him safe. I had to. Losing Tal wasn’t an option.
    Waiting for the elevator, Harrison pulled me in front of him, using his body to block me from prying eyes. “Flutter your wings.”
    “What?” On reflex I tucked my wings close to my back. I didn’t want to be seen.
    “Faeries do that when they are turned on. Give him a signal that you’re into this.”
    “We do not flutter our wings when we’re turned on.” I let out an exasperated breath and kicked my wings out, only in irritation, not desire.
    He laughed. “I bet you a hundred dollars you do. You’re just too distracted to notice.”
    I opened my mouth to argue, but the elevator dinged and slid open. Harrison shuffled me into the tiny space and, without looking, hit the button to the fifth floor. As soon as the doors closed, I jumped away from him and wrapped my arms around myself, feeling trapped and slightly dirty.
    His eyes twinkled with mischief, but he gave me my space right up until the elevator stopped on our floor. Then he pressed against my back and moved me forward into the empty hall.
    “Let go.” I pushed him away. “No one’s here.”
    He shook his head and took his place beside me. “You never know if they are or not. It’s important to keep up appearances.”
    “You’re being an ass.” I leaned against the