Panic rose within her. She didn’t even know what the spelled macarons would do to a demon. Sweat prickled on her brow as she slipped her feet into a pair of black ballet flats.
She needed to get out before he developed an urge to share his innermost feelings. “Why don’t you just hang out and watch TV? You’re welcome to stay.” She arranged the leather jacket over her shoulders like a cape.
He made an assenting noise, his attention riveted by the antics onscreen.
Raya slipped out, closing the hotel room door with a quiet click.
14
Raya descended the weathered stone steps to the sidewalk along the left bank of the Seine. Thebateauxbobbed alongside the pier, their windows shining in the evening sun. The sound of music wafted on the river breeze, punctuated by distant laughter.
She matched the name printed on her ticket to the name of the largest boat at the pier, then presented the ticket to a uniformed attendant. She stepped aboard and felt the deck pitch ever so slightly as the boat rode the gentle waves of the Seine.
A squeal to her left alerted her to the presence of Lizzy.
“You made it!” Lizzy tottered over, wearing four-inch stiletto heels and balancing a full glass of champagne in one hand. Her gold bag swung from her shoulder as she carefully leaned forward to embrace Raya with one arm. “You look amazing.”
“Thank you.” Raya stepped back to take in Lizzy’s hot pink sheath dress and sparkling gold eye makeup. It worked, somehow. “You too.”
Lizzy fluttered her free hand. “I’ve lost Nathan. He’s gone off to hide somewhere.”
“Do you want me to help you look for him?”
“No, I’m sure he’ll turn up. Let’s get you some champagne! Have you tried any of these?” She snagged a morsel from a tray of hors d’oeuvres.
Raya selected one for herself and followed in Lizzy’s wake as she sailed through the crowd.
When they found a serving table filled with champagne glasses, Lizzy handed one to Raya and took a second glass for herself. The two witches faced a window as the sunset painted the sky a warm shade of pink.
“Are you so excited?” Lizzy didn’t wait for an answer. “I am so excited! But also kind of sad.” Her lower lip formed a pout as she frowned. “It’s over all too fast.”
“I can’t believe it’s already over. Seems like I just got here.” Raya sipped from her flute.
“Are you staying, or are you flying home right away?”
“I have a few days extra. I thought I might as well enjoy Paris while I’m here. Who knows when—or if, on my salary—I’ll ever get back.”
“Of course you’ll be back. I’m staying a few days more, too. So is Nathan.”
“No kidding?” Raya turned from the window and scanned the crowd. Black was a popular color tonight, liberally garnished with sparkling jewelry. Witches liked to be dramatic in their clothing choices.
“Speak of the devil—there he is!” Lizzy headed toward the back of the boat.
Raya spotted Nathan, clad in his usual tweed jacket with elbow patches, leaning against the rear railing. His conservative attire stood out among the glittering raiment of the rest of the witches.
His expression didn’t change as they approached.
“So this is where you’ve been hiding yourself.” Lizzy handed him a glass of champagne.
“I wouldn’t call it hiding.” He raised the glass and took a small sip. “Hello, Raya.”
“Nathan.” Raya acknowledged him with a nod and let her gaze travel over the banks of the Seine. Floodlit buildings retreated as the boat rumbled to life and powered through the water.
Lizzy nudged Nathan. “Raya says she’s staying a few extra days.”
“Really.”
She leaned closer to Raya. “Nathan’s working on something hush-hush.”
