Sensual Magic by Lauren Dane Page A

“What the hell did you do to me?”
    She shook herself free. “Look here, Emery, I didn’t do anything to you. You called my name, I came over. If you didn’t want me over here, ifyou didn’t care about my whereabouts, why call Bellagio every day to see if I’m still staying there? Don’t play games.”
    William wanted to shake her for looking so good. Wanted to stop the way she made him feel. Vulnerable. Christ, he needed her and he did not want to.
    He clung to his anger to keep him afloat in the sea of her; the scent of her, of her essential being, wafted through the air between them.
    â€œBullshit. Something happened. I know it did. You did something to my head.”
    Her eyes widened and then narrowed. “I didn’t touch your head, asshole.” She paused, looked from side to side and then the background noise died down to nothing but their breathing and the beat of his heart pounding in his head. “There. Feel that? That’s me doing something. Before you run off squealing like a girl, I just put a little protection around us so we can’t be heard.”
    â€œSquealing like a girl?”
    She waved a hand and took a sip of the iced melon drink he’d brought out for her. After he’d seen her across the street and called her name. But then he hadn’t. Or had he?
    â€œYou messed with my memory!”
    â€œI did not.” She sighed loudly. “I’m going to explain and you’re not going to repeat what I tell you to anyone. If you do—” she held up a hand, fingers pressed over his lips tostay his interruption “—if you do , my friends and family would be in danger, so you won’t. I’m telling you now, if I give you these words, you won’t be able to share them unless I let you. Do you understand? I’m going to use magic on you, but only if you agree.”
    She waited while he thought it over. Did he trust her enough? When it came right down to it, he supposed he did. He’d seen what she’d done in the garage to those people who’d tried to hurt them. She could have easily done the same to him if she’d wanted to.
    At last he nodded and she relaxed.
    â€œNow, across the street there’s a club of sorts. A club where my kind can go and be safe. The entrance is warded in a sense by spells so humans don’t go bumbling in. That’s what happened. You saw me and then once I’d entered the wards, you forgot. If you were walking past, you’d feel a need to keep going. All you’d see is a wall. Now that you know, I’m meeting a contact about your fiancée, so I’ve got to get moving.”
    He took her arm again, not wanting her to go. “You used a spell to make me forget? How is that not you messing with my head?”
    â€œThe spell isn’t mine. Spells like that one have been in place for longer than you’ve been alive and they’re in place to protect my people and those like me. Stop acting so wounded. What is your issue anyway? You’re, like, this supersuccessful man. You’re handsome, well-spoken, obviously educated, rich, successful, people with pink parts seem to like you. So what is your deal? Does this Eeyore thing you’re doing make the ladies all hot and bothered? Because, I have to tell you, it makes me want to sneer at you and steal yourlunch money. Buck up and stop being a pussy. This isn’t about you. Now, if you’ve wallowed enough, I have to go to work.”
    She shoved the now-empty glass at him and he only barely swallowed the snarl that rose as a result of her provocation.
    â€œFine. I don’t like being toyed with. I’m sorry if I accused you personally. Let me come with you. Keep you safe. I promise not to say anything about what I see.”
    She paused a moment, a half smile perched on her lips. “That’s quite sweet, Eeyore. But I’m good. I have it handled. I’ll see you