“About mychai order?” she said, voice syrupy and loud enough to cut him off before the letters ‘L.A.W.’ could land.
The mystery man’s mouth flapped open, confused.
“Because it’s a little unorthodox,” she continued, “but that’s not a reason tostalk a girl, is it?”
The man blinked at her. Then blinked at Major Payne. Then he seemed to realize he’d almost said something very stupid.
Rayna clapped him on the shoulder like they were old friends. “Anyway! I think that’s all we needed from him. I’ll take it from here.”
The Major’s eyes narrowed. “You’re taking him where?”
“Police station.” She shrugged, casually. “He followedme,not you. Since he’s my stalker, I’ll file the report. No need for you to waste your day off on this guy.”
The Major looked unconvinced. “He was surveilling an L.”
“A lady!” she said brightly. “Aladywho happens to have friends in terrifyingly good shape.”
Major Payne stared at her for a beat longer, calculating. Then, finally, he relented. “Fine. But keep me posted.”
“Of course,” Rayna said, smiling like a liar with a plan.
Michael raised an eyebrow at her. “You sure you don’t want backup?”
“Sweet of you, but nah. If he tries anything, I’ll turn him into a lawn ornament.”
Daniel waved. “Tell the cops I said hi.”
“I’ll send them your playlist.”
She grabbed the man by the arm, firmly, and steered him out of the alley. He went without protest, maybe because he didn’t want to risk another encounter with Major Payne. Or maybebecause Rayna’s grip saidthis is your only chance to keep your kneecaps.
They rounded the corner, out of sight.
The man finally dared to speak. “You’re not really taking me to the police, are you?”
Rayna’s smile sharpened. “Oh, good. You’re not as dumb as you look. No, we’re going somewhere much more interesting.”
After enchantingthe Uber driver to forget this particular ride-share, Rayna led the perp up the path, flanked by thick woods that seemed almost intelligent.The L.A.W. mansion rose from the shadows like it had been carved out of the trees. The air here didn’t move. Itwatched.
“Nice house,” he muttered.
She smirked. “You should see the dungeon.”
The heavy oak doors creaked open before she touched them. The foyer lit up like it had been waiting for her, which, technically, it had. The L.A.W.’s security system didn’t run on electricity so much as recognition, mutual respect, and the occasional reinforcement spell.
She escorted him to the reception area, flicked her wrist, and the man’s legs gave out. He dropped into the tufted accent chair, which immediately sprouted glowing runes across its arms and legs.
He tried to stand and couldn’t. “What the hell?”
“Be a nice guest,” Rayna said sweetly. “Please remain seated.”
A beat later, Joell appeared at the top of the grand staircase, descending with the calm of someone who’d handled worse things before breakfast and wasn’t impressed by this one.
She wore tailored black slacks and a sleeveless white silk blouse, her medium brown hair swept up in a chignon that saidI could choke you and still be perfectly groomed for tea.Her eyes gleamed with authority.
Rayna greeted her with a grin. “Joell, darling. We have company.”
“I can see that,” Joell replied, casting a withering look at the restrained man. “You always bring me such interesting subjects.”
