Igniting Cinder (The Lost Girls, #3)

by Holly Roberds

“Pumpkin spice martini, anyone?” “I’ll try one,” Snow volunteers, though her gaze is still fastened to the new tattoo that spans the length of her inner forearm—a hand mirror. The ink practically springs off her smooth skin in glowing silver lines. The mirror is beautiful, broken, and hazardous all at once. When Snow asked Tink what it meant, Tink shrugged and said the magic is in the ink and it does the speaking for itself. Snow needed some ink for herself, but I intend to push the Lost Girls’ branding on our next visit. The Poison Apple logo with the words ‘pick your poison’ underneath it. “That sounds dangerous,” Kai says, referring to my drink. “I thought you were brave,” I shoot back as I pull out the RumChata, vanilla vodka, and Irish cream. Snow, Red, and Goldie break out in a chorus of ‘oooo’s, letting him know I’ve definitely thrown the gauntlet down. “In that case,” Kai says. “I’ll take two.” I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop the smile spreading across my face. “Holy fae fucks,” Kai says under his breath, even as the others continue to discuss Snow’s new ink. “What?” I ask, even as I measure out a bit of syrup over the pumpkin puree. “I just—I’ve never seen you smile.” Kai’s tone is full of shock and awe. My brows pinch, but he’s right, I can’t keep my mouth from its upward curl. “I smile,” I protest in defense. “Small ones. Crumbs barely big enough for birds to eat, but this, this on your face is a real smile. I can see your teeth and everything.” “Shut up,” I la...