For a moment shock held back her laughter, but then Maggie barked out a loud laugh. They both joined in, and afterward, she remarked, “Everyone is probably thinking things like that, but no one else has had the balls to comment.”
“Daniel has very nice balls,” Axell said mildly.
“Too far.” Maggie shook a finger at Axell. “File that under things I don’t want to know about my friends.”
“Friends?” Dan echoed.
“With you? Yes.” She eyed Axell. “The jury is out onyouso far.”
“Says the lawyer,” Axell murmured with a smile.
And Maggie had a strange feeling that she could be happier here than she remembered being. A man she was falling for, friends who were a shade inappropriate, and thanks to magic a secret school far away from her violent ex where her son would be safe.
Aside from the recent drama with the toxic water and whatever she was forgetting, Crenshaw offered a good life.
Once the barrier is back in place…
Once I figure out why they erased my memories…
Once they realize that I’m more than leverage to control Sondre…
“Do you think they are trying to keep you away from Ellie, or Ellie away from you?” Axell said lightly. “Do you know why?”
Maggie sighed. “I think you two need to tell me what you know, and then we can figure out the plan.”
Dan reached out for Axell’s hand. “I have terms.”
“Oh?”
“You agree to help defend Axell if Sondre gets pissed off at us.” Dan stared at her as he spoke. “You don’t remember it now, but you’re going to be angry with me when you hear what I did. And Sondre already doesn’t like Axell… so… those are our terms.”
Maggie nodded and said, “I’ll draw up a contract.”
The research table suddenly had legal paper and a pen. She glanced at it. “I could get used to this.”
Then she looked at them. “Let’s get started. Full names? Your terms?”
As long as Craig is safe, I’m done having anyone—especially a bunch of nameless old witches—tell me what to do, or remember, or be.
21Ellie
The last few days had been an exercise in madness for Ellie. Prospero had decided to renew their courtship. Her wife was chivalrous, attentive, and focused on Ellie.
But still adamant that there would be no sex,Ellie grumbled to herself.
Prospero had been by the castle to visit Ellie at morning and evening meals. She had appeared at the door each time with a small gift and then asked, “Would you like to join me?”
The first day, they ate in the large dining hall where students and other witches gathered. Today, Prospero stood there holding a basket of food out and asked, “Would you like to eat somewhere more private?”
Alone with her! At last!
Ellie’s ongoing desire to seduce her wife was challenging. It was as if Prospero had known that Ellie wanted to be alone with her, so she’d been as charming as possible—all while refusing any attempt to be alone together.
Today, she wasoffering.Ellie gripped Prospero’s hand and marched through the castle hallway at a speed that was closer to a run than a walk.
“In a hurry?” Prospero asked quietly.
Ellie met her gaze. “You have been avoiding me, soyes.”
