Prospero laughed lightly and took her hand in a brief squeeze. “Not a fan of witches, Ms. Lynch?”
“Not a fan of leaving my kid behind.” Maggie sounded friendly but stern.
Prospero’s hand landed on Ellie’s low back, making her tense like something was coiled there ready to erupt. Ellie took a moment to push down the memories she had of talking to Prospero, kissing Prospero, and doubting her.
Pulling her shoulders back as if a stronger spine would erase the heat on the small of her back, Ellie smiled tightly at Maggie. “Would you mind going up to the bar, Maggie?”
Maggie raised a brow questioningly, and Ellie gave a single nod.
“Just get me whatever looks good,” Ellie suggested. “I’ll grab a table.”
For a moment Maggie was silent, and Ellie felt a strange flicker of excitement. She had never been the person whose judgment needed to be questioned. She was always the careful one, the quiet one, the smart one. Designated driver. Clock-watching friend. The one who took notes and studied early. Being in Crenshaw continued to bring out a new side of Ellie.
I like this version of me,Ellie thought. After a lifetime of self-control, Ellie no longer had to follow the rules so she wouldn’t go missing, and it was dangerously freeing. She stared at Prospero.Is this what it was like for her?
“You sure you want me to go up without you?” Maggie prompted.
“I am.” Ellie pressed back into Prospero’s hand slightly and then moved so her hand naturally slid to Ellie’s side.
Prospero’s face was expressionless, but her fingers curled around Ellie’s hip.
No more refusing me. Not since the failed memory thing.
“I’m not back home yet,” Maggie said baldly. She pointed at Prospero. “Just know that while I’m here, I have my eye on you. Ellie’s myfriend. And you?” Maggie shook her finger at Prospero. “You look like a problem about to happen.”
Prospero nodded. “Duly noted.”
“Bad idea,” Maggie mouthed at Ellie. “Very bad.”
Then she walked off, slipping between two badgers who were sprawled on the floor passed out and a man with a wreath of flowers in his hair. The bartender was staring at Prospero, who gave him a wave.
“What was that all about?”
Prospero pulled a chair out for Ellie. “He wanted to know if your drinks are on my bill.”
Awkwardly, Ellie sat and let Prospero push in the chair slightly. Prospero took the opportunity to lean down and whisper, “Anything you want is on my bill, Ellie. Name your desire, and I’ll do my best to give it to you.”
Ellie frowned at Prospero. “I won’t be here long enough to need a sugar mama, but thanks.”
Prospero made a soft noise, a laugh of sorts.
Ellie repressed a shiver at Prospero’s breath against her neck, but she felt the loss when Prospero stepped back and pulled out a chair for herself.
“Sugar mama?” Prospero asked.
“A person who provides gifts and money for someone in exchange for affection. I’m saying that I’m not here to be seduced by you in exchange for drinks or whatever else you want to pay for,” Ellie explained.
“What if I want to seduce you for purely carnal reasons? For my own desires?” Prospero held Ellie’s gaze. “Would that be preferable, my dear Miss Brandeau, if I seduce you simply because I crave you?”
“It would, in fact.” Ellie tilted her chin up, deciding that she was done being meek. “That’s the best reason for a seduction, I expect.”
“Not for promise of forever? Building a life to—?”
“If you were in Ligonier… or anywhere over there… maybe,” Ellie interrupted.
Prospero leaned in closer, her hand landing high up on Ellie’s thigh.“But we arehere.Both of us. Together in Crenshaw, and I could take care of you. I am… comfortable. I could give you everything you want, Ellie.”
“Not my home. Not my aunt. What I want is not just comfort.” Ellie hadn’t intended to be so serious, but here they were, talking about relationships. Bluntly, she added, “It would take a grand love, Prospero, to leave my family.”
