Hexed (Never After, #6)

by Emily McIntire

“You’re a man, honey. I’m afraid there’s nothing special about any of you.”

“Sounds like you haven’t met the right man.” She smiles back, and her eyes dance with mirth. “Sounds like something the wrong man would say.”

“Tell me your name, piccola sirena.”

That’s the thing about grief, I guess. It steals the air from your lungs just as you’ve finally figured out how to breathe.

“Watch your mouth,” he says slowly, his New York accent coming through strong, dropping the r and elongating the vowels. “You won’t disrespect yourself to me.”

“Sure, if it will make you happy.” A smile breaks across my face unbidden. If it will make you happy. I don’t know if anyone has ever said those words to me. It’s dangerous how much I like the way it feels.

Because fuck her if she thinks I’ll allow her to disappear with another man on her arm when she came here with me.

And now I’m even more turned on. Inappropriate, Venesa. Turns out Lover Boy looks pretty good when he’s a little unhinged.

I’ve always known I was depraved, but it’s not until this very moment I see how deep that depravity runs because watching Venesa cut off someone’s hand has me realizing that violence does, in fact, turn me on.

“You coming, Lover Boy?” I’m not sure where we’re headed, but after what just happened, I think I’d follow her anywhere.

“You came here with someone else,” he accuses. “You’re engaged,” I exclaim. “You have no right. Absolutely no right to do this.”

“In a different life…” I pause, emotion suddenly clogging my throat. “I’d love you out loud.”

“Then let’s make you queen of the ashes.”