Could she really be Frank’s old cat? Why had she attached herself to me?
I tugged on the skirt I’d borrowed from Kitty. It was much shorter than I was used to, hitting mid-thigh. My own black skirt had torn when I tripped in the cemetery. My charcoal sweater hit the top of my waist, giving a slight show of skin between my stomach and my hips. Under normal circumstances, I would have rejected wearing such attire to a vigil.
Except today, I wouldn’t attend a vigil.
Lydia walked at the head of our procession with Mom. I’d been trying to find an opportunity all day to speak with my youngest sister, but I hadn’t even seen her after the party—she must have arrived home late and then this morning been careful to be with Kitty or another family member every waking moment.
That didn’t matter. I’d uncover my own clues.
I clutched my wool coat close, letting the chatter of my mom and sisters swallow me. Moving down the street, I slowed my pace until I was at the rear of the group. It was easiest to fade from sight with my family. I didn’t know if that said more about them or me.
I hurried down the side streets to the Ravenswood’s store, only releasing my fade when I turned down the alley that ran behind the shop. My phantom cat padded along at my heels. I guess my fade didn’t fool her. I paused at The Enchanted Teapot’s rear entrance. A keypad sat above the lock.
Isabella had given me the code to deactivate the security system. I reached out to input the numbers.
An unexpected magical force hit me and threw me backward, knocking me off my feet.
I slammed into something strong and hard, yet with a slight give. Warmth spread through my back and hands gripped my arms, keeping me from falling on my butt.
“Mary, Mary, quite contrary.” The familiar baritone voice in my ear sent my heart skittering.
I spun around and looked up.
Frank Churchill stared at me with a bemused expression on his face. “What are you doing here with the Ravenswoods conveniently gone?”
My mouth fell open. “What areyoudoing here?”
A frustrated frown pulled at his lips. “Isabella made the wolfsbane potion. I’m unaware of any other suppliers.”
“You need more.”
Desperation flashed through his gaze. “Unfortunately, the full moon will come in a couple weeks, whether I like it or not.”
“Then it looks as if we’re in the same boat.” I fought to stand straight instead of leaning into the warmth of his body as it rolled over me. “I need to get inside, too.”
“They’ve added a fae protective charm to the store. The Ravenswoods must have implemented it as extra securityafter Isabella’s death. I’m glad I was here to catch you.” The look in his dark eyes melted my insides.
“Me too,” I whispered, my heart starting a steady pulse in my ears.
His head shot up, and he peered in the direction I’d come from. “Somebody is coming.”
I searched the alley, only filled with dried leaves skittering across the concrete. There was no place to hide. What would happen if someone found me and Frank standing outside the Ravenswood’s store when they were at their daughter’s vigil? My head spun. What could we do?
Frank’s arms came around me. “Kiss me.”
My eyes grew wide, my cheeks burning. “Excuse me?”
He tugged me closer, his face bending toward mine. His fingers rose up my spine and under my hair, their warmth searing the skin of my neck. “Trust me,” he murmured.
Hex me. My gaze dropped to his mouth, his perfect lips descending to my own.
How often had I fantasized about this moment, knowing it would never come true? And now it was only for pretend, but I didn’t care. Whatever the reason Frankwanted to kiss me, I’d take it. I gripped his shirt in my fists and rose on my toes, pressing my lips to his.
It was nothing similar to the fast, desperate kisses I’d read about in books. No, this was slow, almost tender, as if he too was savoring the moment. The kiss deepened, still gentle, but with a quiet urgency, like a question neither of us had the words for. His fingers brushed the side of my face, grazing my skin, sending a ripple of heat through me. They flowed over my body like cascading water.
My hands found his shoulders, pulling him closer as the kiss became more sure, more consuming. His lips felt soft. Yet as he kissed me, a newfound certainty and a subtle hunger emerged. I reciprocated, savoring his taste, which was both familiar and overpowering.
“Mary?”
