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“Oh. I don't want to interrupt⁠—”

“Not at all!”

Clarissa loops her arm through the guest's and steers her toward the side path.

“We also have a ghost who claims he met Elvis in 1957. We haven't verified that yet, but he is extremely convincing.”

Within seconds, they're gone. And we now have privacy for this unwelcome family reunion.

Smart little Sprite.

Because this is going to be a confrontation. Of that, I have no fucking doubt. Belinda comes down one step.

“What are you doing here?”

Her mother frowns.

“Is that any way to greet your family?”

The pain that flashes through the bond is immediate. So is my anger. Belinda's chin lifts.

“You didn't tell me you were coming.”

“We shouldn't require an appointment to visit you.”

“You do when I'm running a business.”

Fuck yes, Sweet.

I don't move. This is hers. Her home. Her place of business. Her fight.

But I'm close enough that if she reaches for me, I'll be there before she finishes extending her hand. Melida's attention wanders back to me.

“Are you going to introduce us?”

Belinda follows her gaze. And something changes in her expression. Her eyes narrow.

Interesting. Is my Little Witch jealous?

A possessive pulse moves through the bond.

Oh. Very interesting.

Under different circumstances, I'd enjoy the fuck out of that. But not now.

Belinda walks down the remaining steps. Her mother looks irritated. Melida looks intrigued. Belinda looks like she's trying very hard not to hex someone into another fucking tree.

Then she comes straight to me. My heart kicks. She doesn't stop beside me. She steps into my space. Kisses me.

“Hey,” she says.

“Hey,” I reply.

Her hand slides into mine. Red-edged gold magic sparks immediately across our joined fingers.

Both women stare. Melida's smile disappears.

Good.