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  “Yeah, like that would stop you.” Her inner snarky gargoyle whispered a suggestion in her ear that she followed up on. The scented bubbles drifting on the water’s surface shifted, as first her bent knee appeared then her leg straightened out and arched upward, her toes in a perfect point. Nick’s gaze was diverted to watch the opalescent bubbles slide down her wet skin.

  A woman in a bubble bath. Gets ’em every time.

  “And you’re here because…?” she prompted.

  “I thought we could go out tonight. Have dinner at a nice restaurant. Maybe do some dancing.” The gleam in his eyes said if she was lucky there just might be two different kinds of dancing.

  “I thought you were going out tonight to track down Luger?”

  “It turned out not to be too difficult. The son is still hanging out with him and a meeting is set up for this weekend. That’s why I thought we could have an evening out.” His eyes darkened with a heat that reached all the way across the room.

  “Umm, it sounds very good,” Jazz purred, circling her ankle in the air, which kept Nick’s gaze riveted on her bubble-dotted leg. “But that would mean dressing and going out when…” she paused for effect, “we could just stay in. I’m sure we could find something here to nibble on.” She raised an eyebrow for effect.

  Nick straightened up and walked into the bathroom. His fingers went to his shirt buttons, but before he could release them, the buttons slid free from the buttonholes on their own. He looked up, shooting Jazz a faint grin.

  “Just couldn’t wait, could you?”

  She directed her gaze at his fly, her whisper a musical cadence as Nick’s belt freed itself and the zipper rasped downward.

  “Why exert yourself, darling, when I can do it for you,” she purred. “Besides, this is a lot more fun.” She scooted down to one end of the tub, sending her rubber ducky bobbing among the bubbles.

  Nick shed his clothing in record time and tossed them to one side before heading for the tub. “Thank you for not ripping them off me.”

  “The thought was there, but I figured you might not be happy with me doing that. Honestly, just like a man,” Jazz uttered a theatrical sigh, using a wave of her fingers to send his clothing upward and folding themselves neatly on a nearby vanity bench.

  Nick hissed a curse as he eased his way into the steaming hot water. Jazz scooted back between his spread thighs, resting her back against his chest.

  “See, isn’t this better than going out?” She released a sigh.

  “I never complain about having a naked witch in my arms.”

  She tipped her head back so she could look up at him. “Just as long as I’m the only naked witch in your arms, bud.” She wiggled her fingers, sending multi-colored sparks into the air that rained down on them.

  Nick’s chuckle vibrated against her back. “The knowledge that you can conjure up witchflame keeps me in line.”

  “You’ll never let me forget that, will you?” She wrinkled her nose.

  “No, I won’t.” He stroked his fingers up and down her arms in a lazy pattern. “I almost ended up as a bonfire.”

  “No, I deliberately missed you. I just wanted to get your attention.” She wiggled her hips backward and smiled at the hardness resting against her spine. “I wish you had brought up some wine.”

  “If I’d known you were in the tub I would have. Why not order some up?” He brushed his lips over the curved shell of her ear.

  “Not a good idea. The last time I did that Krebs freaked out when he saw a wine bottle roll its way upstairs. And I received an additional two weeks from the Witches’ Council since I was told I was using my magick more for personal gain than the better good. I just saw it as better than leaving wet footprints on the stairs. ” She smiled when she felt Nick’s hand trail down her arm then around to curve over her breast, his fingertips teasing the nipple.

  “Then I guess we’ll just have to go without, won’t we?” He nosed aside a long curl that had escaped the untidy bundle of hair clipped on top of her head. “But then, when I’m around you I don’t feel the need for…wine.”

  Jazz slid out of his arms and turned around to kneel in front of him. She picked up her bath pouf and a bottle of body wash. Nick barked a laugh when she squirted the body wash on his chest.

  “I guess I should be grateful you didn’t choose something ultra-feminine instead of,” he sniffed the air, “chocolate.” The grimace on his face told her he still wasn’t too sure about her choice.

  “Mmm, this isn’t just chocolate,” she purred, “but Decadent Chocolate Mousse.” She leaned forward and licked the tip of his ear.

  Nick’s chuckle rumbled deep within his chest. “Why do I get the feeling that you wish it was real mousse?”

  “Well…” She laughed softly, waving her hand in the air. Silver sparkles danced in the air around them like a glittery shower. “I could whip some up and,” she swooped down, tonguing his ear again, “cover you with it then lick it verrry slowly off your chest,” she gently scored said area with her nails, “then head lower.” Her hand did the same until she encircled his cock.

  Nick swore under his breath as she squeezed him with a feather light touch. “You do like to play with fire, don’t you?”

  “Once I mastered it, I did.” She brought her lips back to his ear and blew on it gently. “And I think, in a way, you do too.” She adjusted her body so that she sat on his lap, his cock grazing her pubic hair. A wiggle of her hips had him muttering curses in Russian. “Such graphic language for my tender ears, Nikolai Gregorivich. Especially when I intend to have my way with your body.”

  “And I would say you are doing an excellent job of it.” His eyes burned with heat. He cupped her breast with his hand, her pebbled nipple nesting against the heart of his palm. He hissed another curse as she rose up onto her knees then slowly lowered herself down onto him. Her inner muscles tightened around him as she rotated her hips, making sure she could feel every inch of him.

  Nick gripped Jazz’s hips tightly, but didn’t take over. He allowed her to set the rhythm, even if her slow pace was killing him. But he knew the end result would be more than worth it.

  They stared into each other eyes, Jazz’s lips parted as she panted lightly while she lovingly imprisoned him within the velvet vise of her body.

  “I am yours and you are mine,” she whispered, rising up slowly and lowering herself inch-by-inch, feeling the thickness of his cock rasp against her vaginal walls. She leaned in, kissing him with the same loving thoroughness.

  “We are together always.” Nick said words he’d said many times in the past, but only to Jazz, because she was the only one who deserved the vow. He arched up, driving himself deeper within her. She moaned in response, swiveling her hips in a movement guaranteed to shoot his blood pressure, if he had one, into another galaxy and beyond.

  The energy between them grew so strong, Jazz’s hair floated around her head as if shot through with electricity. The delicate lines of her face were taut with desire, her lips moist, full, and red.

  As their mouths met, feeding on their desperate need for each other, their energies merged with a force that could have triggered an earthquake.

  ***

  “Krebs asked if I wanted to come over and watch a football game with him this Sunday,” Nick commented once he found the ability to speak again.

  “He said he was going to ask you.” If she felt anymore relaxed she’d be in a coma. “I hope you turned him down gently.”

  “No, I told him I’d come.”

  She twisted her neck to look up at him. “You’re kidding?”

  “Sure, why not? I enjoy football and I was flattered he asked me.” He paused. “It helped me feel more…”

  “Human?” She asked softly, idly stroking his chest.

  Nick nodded. “As if he’d like to have me as a friend and not consider me a monster.”

  At the sound of pain in his voice Jazz reared back. “You are not a monster,” she said fiercely. “And
there is no way Krebs would ever consider you that way.”

  “Okay, I get the message.” He pulled her back against him. “But for now, let’s forget about your roommate and get back to us. I promise no more talk of monsters.”

  But she wasn’t finished. She framed his face with her hands, her fingertips gently stroking the corner of his eyes. “Agreed. No more talk of monsters, but there is something I want to know. Please tell me you’re no longer having anything to do with the Protectorate,” she whispered.

  He gazed into her eyes. There was no surprise in his gaze at her question—as if he’d expected it. “I no longer have anything to do with the Protectorate.”

  She smiled with a hint of relief and leaned forward to kiss him. So why did she feel deep down that he was lying to her?

  ***

  “Why do I make promises I don’t want to keep?” Jazz heaved a sigh even as she breezed her way down the 5 freeway.

  “That’s one answer I’d like to hear,” Irma muttered. “You’re always making promises to me and never keeping them.”

  “Finding a spell to give you a new wardrobe isn’t easy.” Okay, she lied. It was easy once she realized where to look. She just hadn’t bothered searching for it yet. She sipped her coffee then returned the mug to the cup holder a few words and a flick of her fingers had created in the car. “I was stupid to tell Dweezil I’d go see Mindy. Then the nitwit had the nerve to call me up at the crack of dawn to remind me of that promise. Ugh! That little elven bitch blew my car up.”

  “In case you’ve forgotten, I just happened to be in it at the time,” Irma issued a tart reminder.

  “No, I didn’t forget, except you had a better chance of surviving the blast than the car did.” She tried pushing the ghostly dog’s head off her shoulder, but he refused to budge. She shuddered at the idea of the ectoplasmic doggy dribble covering her sweater, even if mortals couldn’t see it. She glanced over her shoulder and quickly changed lanes as her exit came up.

  Irma looked out the window. Since the day promised rain, Jazz had the top up. “I suppose we won’t stop at the zoo or Sea World, will we?”

  “Not a chance.” Jazz made a quick left turn and followed the bay. “Although I wouldn’t mind spending the night at the Del Coronado Hotel. You’d love it. They have a ghost there. Maybe the two of you could compare notes even if she’s been around longer.” Her attention was momentarily diverted by the appearance of Horton Plaza, which offered shopping and dining for everyone, even a shop-happy witch. She made a mental note to stop by after seeing Mindy. By the time she finished with the Barbie-like elf, she’d be ready for a leisurely meal and some retail therapy.

  “You’re not going to park in one of those enclosed garages, are you?” Irma shifted uneasily as she stared at a multi-storied parking garage.

  Jazz wasn’t surprised that Irma didn’t want to be left in a parking garage. After Clive Reeves had tainted Irma and the car in a mall’s garage, the irascible ghost was apprehensive of parking structures.

  “There’s a parking lot with an attendant near the business. You know I’ve increased the wards on the car since then and you have your dog.”

  “A dog that can’t be seen by everyone.”

  “You wanted a dog. You got one.” Jazz muttered a few words before she pulled into the parking lot entrance. As the attendant approached her she knew he saw the typical California blonde in a skimpy dress instead of a redhead in tailored black pants and teal sweater.

  “Sweet car,” he said, keeping his eyes on what he thought was a Playboy-worthy bustline.

  “Thank you,” Jazz used a breathy voice to keep the illusion. “I really worry about my baby. You’ll keep a close eye on her, won’t you?” She ignored Irma rolling her eyes.

  “No prob. I can park her right over there.” He was so fixated on the fleshy mounds Jazz had to lean forward and pluck the ticket stub out of his hand.

  “Thanks so much.” She gave him her flashiest smile.

  “Will you go before he melts at your feet?” Irma shouted.

  Jazz ignored her and headed up the street with the purr of the T-Bird sounding behind her. She had no doubt the young attendant would treat her car right and she was pleased to know she was correct.

  After all the times she’d been in San Diego, she couldn’t remember visiting the historic Gaslamp District before and now wished she had the time to explore the many shops and boutiques in the area. It took some time, but she finally came upon the small building that she knew was protected by magick and only seen by preternatural beings. “Historic Cars” was written in elegant script over the door.

  The interior wasn’t anything like Dweezil’s barebones office that blared techno punk music and didn’t have anything there to comfort anyone who wandered in. Here, harp music soothed a visitor’s ears and all the pieces of furniture were elegant antiques.

  “Welcome to Historic Cars. Is there something I can help you with?” a woman who could be Mindy’s twin said from behind a waist-high counter. Her blond hair was pulled up into a loose knot displaying her pointed ears. Instead of Dresden blue eyes like Mindy’s, her irises were deep lavender. Just like Mindy she looked as if a stain or wrinkle wouldn’t dare assault her clothing.

  “Yes, I’d like to see Mindy.”

  She glanced at the flat screen monitor in front of her. “Do you have an appointment?”

  “Tell her Jazz Tremaine is here. I’m sure she’ll see me.” She walked over to a small table she gauged was from the Regency period and studied a gold-trimmed porcelain vase centered on it.

  The young elf kept her gaze on Jazz as she pressed a button on a console and whispered into her headset.

  “Come this way.” She disconnected her headset and led the way down a hallway until she reached the door at the end. She opened it and gestured for Jazz to enter.

  Looking around Jazz saw touches of Mindy’s heritage with artwork painted by elf artists and a freeform sculpture set on a credenza.

  “Hello, Jazz.” Mindy stood near a delicate desk. She wore a pink dress that flowed about her knees. “This is a surprise.” She gestured to a nearby chair.

  “You have a lovely office, Mindy.” Jazz sat down and accepted the cup of tea Mindy handed her. She preferred getting down to business, but manners dictated she do the polite thing first. Elves had their own ways of conducting business, so Jazz had to follow their rules instead of her own.

  “After my time with Dweezil I knew I wanted something elegant.” She looked around her office with the pride of ownership.

  Jazz sipped her tea and found the flowery taste a bit much for her, but she merely smiled and sipped again.

  “Since I can’t imagine you’re here for a job or stopped by for a chat I imagine that Dweezil sent you.”

  “D doesn’t send me anywhere. He asked me to talk to you.”

  Her blue eyes hardened to chips of ice. “He’s a very nasty creature. I don’t know why you care to deal with him. If you wanted to come work for me I’m sure we could come up with an arrangement beneficial for both of us.”

  “I don’t think so, Mindy. I still haven’t gotten past the fact that you blew up my car.”

  “Your destruction of the curse blew up your car,” she corrected.

  “Semantics. But it was a curse you set up.” Jazz waved her off. “I’m just curious how a business so far south ended up servicing so many of Dweezil’s prime accounts.”

  “I should have known.” Mindy’s lips widened in a smug smile. “It really hurt Dweezil, didn’t it? He never thought that someone might find a way to cut into his business and offer the clients more.”

  “More, such as?”

  “Such as private company business that is none of your concern, Ms. Tremaine.” A tall man entered the office.

  “My father. Eilemar,” Mindy murmured, looking up to smile at her sire.

  Whoa! Jazz realized she was looking at a tall man who could give Orlando Bloom’s Legolas a run for his money. She kept her
composure long enough to incline her head and issue a greeting.

  “We do not steal clients from anyone. Our clients prefer a car service that offers them all the amenities they deserve,” Eilemar told her.

  Jazz had a pretty good idea what amenities he meant and not something any of Dweezil’s clients would have gotten from her.

  “As far as I’m concerned, you’re welcome to them.” She pushed herself out of her chair. “I came here as a courtesy to Dweezil. After all, it’s whatever the clients want, isn’t it? And business is business. But he is also upset because some of his workers have chosen to leave his employ and come to you. I was asked to speak to you about it and I’ve done just that.”

  “Tell Dweezil the next time he wants answers, he is to come himself and not send one of his witches.” The elf’s nostrils flared, the disdain in his voice making the word sound more like a curse.

  For a second thunder rumbled overhead, which had nothing to do with the threatening rain and everything to do with Jazz’s rising temper.

  “And tell your daughter if she ever tries to destroy something of mine again I will turn her into a literal Barbie doll complete with Dream House,” she said with a bright smile.

  He straightened up. Eyes as blue as his daughter’s turned hard as marbles. “Are you threatening us, witch?”

  “I never threaten. And Mindy knows that.” She glanced at the young elf before sweeping out of the office. “Good day.”

  As she walked out of the building, Jazz gave in to temptation and wiggled her fingers at the sign over the door. By the time she reached the corner, the script read Public Restrooms.

  Not what she would have liked to have written on the sign, but she figured it wouldn’t get her into trouble with the Witches’ High Council. It really was for the greater good.

  She pulled her cell phone out of her bag as she walked down the sidewalk and punched her speed dial.

  “Whaddya want?” Dweezil’s ground glass voice grated in her ear.