It’s not enough though. I have to get out of here.
I turn back to my sisters. “Just remembered, I have to go to the bathroom.”
One of the cameras follows as I hurry from the room, and Caro calls after me, “Cat, don’t forget to enchant my wedding dress!”
Oh. Right. The dress.
I designed and crafted Caro’s dress in New York, then shipped it to Florida where an old seamstress friend of mine made the alterations.
The only thing left for me to do is enchant it. Something I haven’t done in five years.
The silent camera operator is still tracking me. I pick up the pace, grateful for all of Casa Cartagena’s new twists and turns.
Because I am sure now that the cameras are working for the demon. Whether they’re real people or not, in a trance or not, I don’t know yet. But if they’re unwilling participants, I can’t harm them.
I need to get away and figure out how far this spell extends and what to do about it. Running full out, I take corners at random until I spy a familiar blue door set in a plain white wall.
The broom closet. Perfect.
I grab the knob and pull the door open.
My heart leaps into my throat. The shock sends my defensive power once again flaring to life.
Inside the broom closet is Diego Paz.
My nemesis.
Diego’s eyes widen. He’s just as shocked as I am. But there’s no time for debate. The footsteps are getting closer.
I shove my way into the closet next to Diego and quietly shut the door, plunging us into darkness.
CHAPTER TWO
It’s quiet in the broom closet, aside from the sound of our breathing.
It’s also close.
Cramped.
Heat radiates from Diego’s body, warming mine.
And he smells amazing. Like a subtle mix of mint and sandalwood essential oils.
My heart thuds heavily in my chest at the near miss. Also, if I’m being honest, from being trapped in a tiny broom closet with Diego Paz.
I only got a quick look at him, but damn, talk about a glow-up.
The ultra-competitive nerd is super hot now. His dark brown hair is longer than the Caesar cuts he favored in high school, and he’s got a beard and a nose ring. I never in a million years would’ve guessed he’d do that.
If it weren’t for his eyes, I might not have recognized him. Those, at least, are the same. Chocolate brown, thickly lashed, and more soulful than a little snot like him deserves.
Neither of us says a word as footsteps pass near the door. Seconds tick past and my pulse quickens, but it’s only partly because of danger lurking just beyond.
The other reason is pressed to my back. Diego’s body is warm, hard, and very real.
When the footsteps finally fade, I let out a breath. Time to get out of here. I reach for the door, but Diego wraps an arm around me, holding me still.
Before I can protest, he puts his mouth next to my ear and speaks in a low voice. “Don’t. There’s one chasing me, too.”
