Page 58 of Christmas Magic

“What’s Lucian doing at Coquina Castle?” Rose demanded.

“Fake news,” Petunia said. “Has to be.”

Molly’s breath hitched. “Did you see the way he’s looking at Cora?”

Rose batted Molly’s leg. “Don’t pay any attention to your negative thoughts. We’re going to fix Lucian—”

“She means remove the curse,” Marigold said. “Not neuter him.”

Daisy snorted. “Well, duh. We want Lucian intact, so he and Molly can make babies.”

Molly’s face grew hot. “Girls!”

Daisy sighed dreamily. “Can you imagine how beautiful their babies will be?”

“Stop talking about babies. Lucian and I aren’t even married yet—”

The bell on the door chimed.

Finally!Lucian entered the shop. Cora strolled beside him.

“About bloody time,” Galahad meowed.

Anger and hurt welled up inside Molly. She rounded the counter. “Lucian, where have you been?”

Not a trace of guilt crossed his face. “I was fulfilling my duty.”

Duty? To Cora?

A lump lodged in Molly’s throat. Her fiancé had an obligation to her. Lucian had to be talking in such a way because of the spell controlling him.

“He was a huge help to me today.” Cora squeezed his arm before sliding hers free.

The squire growled. “If only I had big hairball stewing to barf up on her sandals.”

“Hush, Galahad.” Molly fought for patience as she held Cora’s gaze. “I have no doubt Lucian was a help to you, but I needed him here.”

“You can’t run the store by yourself for a while?”

Cora’s tone held challenge. A prickling of magic skittered along Molly’s nerves and warmed her palms.

No. She mustn’t lose control of her emotions.

“I managed just fine,” Molly said, proud of her polite tone. “But this is his grandfather’s shop. Lucian is the one William placed in charge.”

“I am here now,” Lucian said.

His expression held the same emotional detachment as when he’d left earlier. Molly’s soul ached. Did he feel nothing when he looked at her?

Cora was smiling like she kept a splendid secret. While Cora didn’t have magical abilities, could she somehow have been involved in the spell?

The older woman turned to Lucian. “Thank you again for today.”

Stepping back, he bowed low. “’Twas my honor and very great pleasure, Fair Maiden.”

Cora wiggled her fingers and left.

Silence settled inside the store. Fury and dismay tied Molly’s innards in knots as she held Lucian’s stare. A muscle ticked in his cheek, as though he didn’t appreciate her unwavering gaze. But, she wasn’t going to back down. She loved him. She’d fight for him, however she must, in order to get back the man she loved.