Magical Acts: (Skeleton Key) Read Online Free Page B

key.
    Encased in a square of gleaming glass and placed like precious dragon’s treasure on a black velvet pillow, the key drew her attention completely. What was it for? Did it actually work? Or was it a display piece? It reminded her of the silver ring worn by the crazy yet gorgeous stranger who’d approached her in the café.
    I want it. Unaccountable longing wound through her. She had the most insane urge to own it. Buy something outrageous and useless. Eliana’s words flowed through her mind, daring her to purchase the key.
    Natalie shook her head. No. No way. It was too frivolous. She turned from the display and went straight to the dessert place. She ordered a slice of Devil’s Temptation, which had the most chocolate per square inch of any cake made, and coffee. She took her sugar-and-caffeine sins to a small table in the corner and then pulled out her tablet, eagerly clicking the cover of Magical Acts .

    Gretta threw her arms around his neck and held on for dear life. He chuckled and his warm breath skittered across her throat. “Auron!” she cried.
    “Sshh. You are safe.” He nuzzled her cheek his lips warm against her skin. She shivered as heat undulated through her. Never had she felt such desire. She had never felt this way with anyone. Hah. Not that she had many opportunities to experience the throes of passion.
    “Is there a door on the roof of the bakery?”
    “Yes. My key fits all the locks.”
    “Excellent. I’ll drop you there.”
    “Drop me?”
    “A figure of speech,” he said, lifting his head and grinning at her. “I like holding you. Perhaps I’ll spirit you away to my castle.”
    “Would you?”
    “Is that a question or a request?”
    A request. Spirit me away, please. Her cheeks heated with humiliation, and she looked down.
    The ground was far, far away.
    Her heart jolted to her throat and lodged there. She buried her face into his shoulder and tightened her grip. The wind whirled around them and brought with it the scent of wood-smoke. Gretta felt a slight jerk and heard the scrape of shoes against concrete. The breeze dissipated and the night scents faded into the yeasty smell of baking bread.
    She ventured a peek. Auron had landed on the roof of the bakery.
    “Do you want me to let you go?” asked Auron. Sensual innuendo seemed to cling to his otherwise tame words.
    “I feel as though you’re asking me something else.” Her whole body tensed as excitement and apprehension wound through her. She looked into his eyes. “Are you?”
    “Yes.” Auron put her down. He drew his forefinger down her cheek. Excitement and longing jumbled together in the pit of her stomach. He traced her mouth, allowing his finger to rest in the middle of her lower lip. He slipped his finger between her lips and of its own accord, her tongue flicked against the tip. His eyes went dark, and he inhaled sharply.
    “How long must you work?”
    “Four hours,” she said.
    “When you are finished with your shift, will you come to me, Gretta?” His palm ghosted under her chin, his long fingers trailing over her jaw. “I’ll send someone to pick you up.”
    “Why?” she asked.
    “To be with you. To give you great pleasure.”
    “Pleasure? That’s what you offer?” she whispered.
    “It’s all I can promise.”
    Though his words cut through her like jagged blades, Gretta could not help but consider his proposition.
    His fingers drifted over the lace collar of her dress. “I want you. But it is your choice. I don’t compel women to warm my bed.”
    “I’m quite sure they leap in of their own accord.”
    He chuckled. “Ah, but not all of them. You, for example, are doing the exact opposite of leaping into my bed.” He took her hand and once again brushed his lips across her knuckles, his gaze lifting to meet hers. She stared into his blue, blue eyes. At that moment, she saw his regret, his pride, and his … desire? Need seared her. What kind of fool was she to resist such a man?
    “I will