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Miri’s quiet for a minute, the soft sounds of her breaths nearly drowned out by the ocean below.
“You don’t believe in myths and magic?”
My mouth opens and then closes, because what am I supposed to say to that? She knows about magic and after her easy dismissal of Birdie’s words at dinner; she knows I do as well. “You know I do.”
Miri steps toward the edge of the cliff and I force myself not to yank her back. She’s not even that close to the edge, but a protective need is telling me she should be as far away from any danger as possible. For a moment I think she’s going to ignore my comment, but then she looks at me over her shoulder, her hair twisting in the wind behind her.
“I knew I could do magic as far back as I can remember. My mom showed me simple spells, told me I always had to keep it our secret. Dani worked with me on mixing potions and alchemy, and I found I loved every part of it. From planting the seeds and fostering them as they grew, to tending the garden. There’s something satisfying about taking the things I’ve grown with my own two hands and turning them into magic that can help someone. That’s how I started my business.”
“So, you could make people’s skin look nicer?” Archer told me she was looking for a space to open a shop.
Miri blows off my comment and snorts. “Not quite. That’s part of what I sell, but I have balms that soothe burns or help to fade scars, lotions for aching muscles and joint pain. It’s little things, sure, but maybe it helps someone feel better or be a better version of themselves.” She shrugs, and now I feel like an asshole, mainly because I’m being one. It’s taken years of abuse to hammer my personality into shape. Knowing that I need to keep her at arm’s length, even when I want to pull her close to me, brings out all my shining qualities.
“The way Birdie so casually mentioned magic was a pretty big clue that you know all about it, too.”
We walk along the edge of the yard until we reach a set of steps carved into the rock face. I’ve traveled them a thousand times. There’s a railing, but nothing separates you from falling onto the craggy rock or the stormy ocean if you slip. Talking magic with Miri is just as foolish as running down those steps in the middle of a storm. Time to shut my mouth.
Rather than respond, I hum low in my throat.
“No, no. Please, don’t overtax yourself by talking. Wouldn’t want you to pull a muscle.” Miri chuckles as if she finds this entire conversation amusing. “Lena mentioned something the other day, too. I just wondered if everyone on this island can do magic.”
“No, not most people.”
Miri pauses at that and before I know what I’m doing, I tuck a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. There’s a tingle of energy where our skin touches, and Miri sucks in a breath but doesn’t say anything. It’s like she can sense I’ll bolt if she questions me about the move.
“Anyway, I have a magic related question. Do you know how to keep someone out of your house? An uninvited guest?”
“Is that a veiled attempt to tell me you don’t want me to come over?”
“I doubt you’ve ever casually stopped by anyone’s house for a visit before, Davis.” She snickers, and I glower because she’s not wrong. “But, no. Some dude just showed up yesterday while I was cleaning up. Like, let himself in without bothering to knock. I swear the door was locked, too. Or maybe it wasn’t. Regardless, the house is a little isolated, and I really don’t want any Dick, Dick, or Harry Dick stopping in whenever the hell he’s feeling chatty.”
“I take it his name was Dick?”
“No, that’s just his personality profile. His name was Anthony something.”
I spin to look at her, wishing I could see more than the rough outline of her body. “Anthony Hatcher?” I ask, low and harsh.
“Yeah.” She draws out the word, her shoulders stiffening. “That was it. Friend of yours?”
I grab her shoulders, wanting to shake her but settling for just gripping her tightly. The heat from her body soaks into my fingers and just for a moment I forget why I’m touching her. Her hand reaches up, and she tugs on my sleeve, reminding me I’m just standing there, squeezing her shoulders like I’ve lost my mind.
“Stay away from him, Miri. He’s bad fucking news.”
“Okay, take it easy, killer. I already figured that much out, hence the reason I’m looking for a way to keep strangers out of my house.”
I’m still worried as hell, but at least she’s got a little common sense. I release her shoulders and drop my hands. “Yeah. I’ll find something.”
“Great. Listen, this has been super intense, and not at all uncomfortable, so I’m just going to head inside to thank Birdie.”
“I’ll walk you back.”
“If you insist.” Miri turns toward the house, her hair catching in the wind behind her. Her citrus scent hits me, and I ball my hands into fists to stop from hauling her against me. I doubt it would be welcome but no matter what it would be a terrible idea.
