Revenge of the Witch Page 9

  Dear God. A coiling tingle shot right through to her core, making her wet. Just one touch from him and she would combust. This wouldn’t do. Instantly, she pulled away and left him standing there. A low chuckle sounded behind her, but she didn’t turn or stop, until she reached her bedroom.

  Fifteen minutes later, Ella entered the kitchen, pressing her hands down over her hips to smooth down the black knee-length diaphanous dress. Her slip molded her curves like a second skin and resembled more a sexy, ready to rip off negligee than a dress. She licked her lips, wondering whether she had gone too far. The light banter in the kitchen stopped as soon as she stepped inside and she caught Elizabeth’s eyes, which widened in surprise. At that point, Marcus turned and his mouth dropped open. Tonight, she had pulled out all the stops in an effort to look as tantalizing as possible. She curled her hair and styled it to fall in soft waves that bounced down her back. Upstairs, she applied her makeup and slipped on the new daring and seductive outfit with her plan in mind.

  Ella savored the response as Marcus sized her up from head to foot as if undressing her as he stroked his beard. A smile crossed her lips when his nostrils flared.

  You’re being very naughty, Ella, but I am going to enjoy punishing you later.

  His threat should annoy her, but instead her mouth widened, pleased with his obvious arousal. However, she was equally affected. This plan may not be as easy as she anticipated, and she deliberately rubbed her hand over the lace above the curve of her breast.

  “Aren’t you a bit cold, sweetheart?” Marcus smirked at her.

  “Not at all. You know I always run hot.” She flicked her tongue out over her lower lip before moving toward the doctor. “Right—put me to work, Elizabeth.”

  Marcus sauntered to her side and dropped a kiss on top of her shoulder. Ella smiled at her friend, who stood in front of her, blushing.

  Behave yourself. You’re making Elizabeth uncomfortable.

  I’m making her uncomfortable?

  “Sorry, Elizabeth, but as you can see, I cannot keep my hands off my wife. However, as I want to stay in her good books, I will get out of your way.”

  Elizabeth smiled, and Ella swiveled around to march him out of the kitchen into the dining room.

  “Make yourself useful and set the table. Our guests will be here soon.” Turning away to escape his clutches, she was too slow; his arms tugged around her waist and dragged her flush against his hard, muscular body. Wrapped in his heat, she always felt protected and for a moment allowed this indulgence. Marcus’s coarse beard brushed on her skin as he nipped her shoulder with his teeth, jolting her nerve endings.

  “I need you, Ella. Don’t leave me.”

  His whispered words made her tremble all over. He sounded vulnerable, not the invincible, fierce protector she knew and loved. That man didn’t need anyone. Her heart lurched. Did he know what she planned? Her back stiffened; she fought to rein her thoughts in and block him from reading them. Had she failed?

  “You’re my everything,” he said.

  She swallowed, unable to speak as he cupped her breast, squeezing tenderly. Lost in his tender caress, she molded herself into his warm touch. The words of surrender and defeat on the tip of her tongue longed to be said as his thumb flicked over her hard nipple begging for his attention. The doorbell rang and the moment shook her wide awake, breaking the hypnotic spell. Ella sprang away from the devil, panting and adjusting her dress. Marcus wore that smug expression she loved to hate.

  “You better answer the door while I make up the table.”

  Rather than stand debating her actions and his words, she rushed to the front door, glad of a distraction. Ella glanced back at him as she reached the door to see him setting up the cutlery and placemats. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and faced Jake and Henry. She smiled at both men, who came armed with flowers and bottles of wine. “Come in. It’s freezing out there.”

  Jake strolled in with a sober-looking Henry, who carried a bunch of pink roses, which he thrust out to her.

  “Thank you. They’re beautiful. I’ll put them in some water. Hang your coats on the rack, and come through to the kitchen.”

  Marcus strolled from the dining room, greeting the men with a slap on the back for Jake, and an awkward shake of the hand for Henry.

  What is it between these two?

  “Buds coming up. Or do you want something stronger?”

  “A Bud is fine. I can grab the drinks. You look busy.” Jake laughed.

  Marcus gave a fake smile and slapped the top of his friend’s head. Jake marched away with Henry to get some drinks. The doorbell chimed again. The last guest arrived. Ella glanced at Marcus and shoved the flowers into his chest.

  “I need to get this. Do you mind taking the flowers in the kitchen? I will sort them out in a minute.”

  “Of course—but are you all right? I’ve never seen you so on edge and flustered. What’s going on?”

  “Not now.”

  Ella didn’t know what to say, but willed her nerves to settle. Marcus stopped and explored her face as if it might reveal the answer to his question. When it didn’t, he shook his head and strode away. Sighing, Ella adjusted her dress and pressed her lips together to face her friend. She opened the door and in stepped Isabella, dressed in her usual outfit of black fitted pants and leather jacket. The stunning witch left her red hair long and loose, flowing down her back. She didn’t smile, and her face was bare of makeup, highlighting dark circles that mirrored her eyes.

  As she walked farther into the house, she grabbed Ella’s arm. “Are you still planning to confront Marcus at dinner?”

  “Yes, unless I cave in. This isn’t easy, you know.”

  The witch stepped closer and kept her voice low. “Okay—well, I’m ready.”

  Heavy thuds pounded across the wooden floor and broke their private conversation. Jake sauntered over to Isabella and she shrugged out of her jacket, handing it to the smiling man.

  He hung it up quickly on the coatrack to his side and returned to place a quick peck on her cheek. “Okay, sweets, who died?” Jake arched a brow.

  Marcus strolled back in with a tray of appetizers with Henry at his side and everyone stared at Jake following his outburst. Isabella lowered her head.

  “I didn’t mean it the way it came out. I’m sorry, but you look awful,” Jake added in his usual blunt manner.

  The witch shoved her elbow into his rib before twisting away. Ella admitted her friend didn’t look well. Guilt and betrayal could do that to a person. She wondered what Isabella would say, and her stomach clenched.

  “Thanks, Jake. I can always rely on you to be direct. I’m fine, actually. Just not sleeping well.”

  “Dreaming about me, Sparkles? I can help with any fantasies you might have, but I cannot promise you any sleep.” He smiled broadly.

  “Okay, Jake, that’s enough. Let me get you a drink, Isabella. Come on through,” Ella suggested as she grabbed her friend’s arms. Soft music hummed in the background and candles flickered, making shadows over the pale cream walls. The main living room was warm and cozy, with brown leather couches placed alongside the roaring open fire—which they needed tonight.

  “I’ve never seen this domesticated side, boss,” Jake said as Marcus handed the platter around, offering bite-sized cucumber with salmon pieces.

  Her husband answered but she didn’t hear his reply, only the laughter that followed as she marched the witch into the kitchen. The smell of garlic hit her as soon as she entered the small space. Elizabeth leaned over to place rosemary on top of brie and cranberry bites.

  “Liz, come and have a drink. Everyone’s here. The beef bourguignon will be another hour. Shall I take those through?”

  The doctor wiped her hands on the apron. “Thanks, I could do with one. It’s a little hot in here.”

  “It smells wonderful,” Isabella said.

  “Thanks. I hope it tastes good, too. ” A strange awkwardness existed between her two friends, an
d Ella didn’t know why, but the atmosphere remained tense.

  “Okay, let’s get the wine flowing. White or red?”

  “White,” said Elizabeth.

  “Red,” said Isabella.

  “Okay, we have both,” Ella said as Elizabeth studied the witch for a moment. Ella wondered once again who the doctor fancied. She opened the fridge and reached for the bottle of Pinot Grigio just as a smiling Marcus walked in.

  “Come on, ladies. No hiding in the kitchen.” Marcus placed his hand around her shoulder as she carried the wine, guiding her back toward the living room, where the soft chatter stopped as they entered.

  “I didn’t know the good doctor was joining us. It’s great to see you out of a lab coat,” Jake said.

  “Can you get Isabella a glass of red wine please, Marcus?” she said as she poured the alcohol into a wine glass for the doctor.

  Marcus sauntered toward the mirrored liquor cabinet in the corner, pouring a large measure of the Pinot Noir. He strolled back and handed the glass to Isabella, who gulped the wine down.

  “Try some of these cranberry and brie bites.” Elizabeth offered the silver tray to Ella. Taking a small, savory piece, she collected the tray and handed it around. Oohs and ahs rippled around as each tasted the delicious appetizer. Ella wanted her guests relaxed before she could play the game she planned. Or maybe she needed to drink more to find the courage to continue. Either way, she wasn’t going to back down.

  “I want to propose a toast to the most stubborn and arrogant man who walked this planet, and who better recover fast so he can kick everyone’s ass. To Steel.” Marcus raised his bottle of beer. Everyone joined in the toast.

  Jake slipped his arm around Isabella’s waist and turned his gaze on the group, sipping on his beer. “Come on, tell us why someone like yourself chose to become a doctor?” Jake asked.

  Everyone’s gaze landed on Elizabeth. Her friend’s cheeks darkened and she raised her hand to palm her face, as if embarrassed by her own reaction.

  Ella watched the interplay and reaction to Jake, and wondered whether he could be the one.

  “What do you mean?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Well—you deal with sickness and death. Fucking depressing, if you ask me. I thought someone smart like you would be better suited to working as a teacher or a librarian perhaps.” Jake swallowed down the remainder of his beer and gripped his bottle.

  “I didn’t always want to be a doctor. I was a freshman in middle school, and one day I came home and found my mom lying unconscious on the floor. My dad wasn’t around—it had always been just my mom and me. She more than made up for his absence. She taught me everything, especially how to cook, which she loved. I used to imagine when I grew up, I would be a chef at some swanky restaurant. Anyway, that day, I did all I could to wake her up, but I couldn’t. I called 911 and they walked me through what to do, to check her pulse and breathing, but it was too late. Afterward, I promised myself I would never feel so useless, and I wanted to learn how to save lives.” Her voice broke.

  “Damn it, Jake.” Ella placed an arm around Elizabeth’s shoulder. She hadn’t known her friend’s story. The doctor kept to herself, but she knew how it felt to lose her parents suddenly. She had.

  “Shit.” Jake crept to the doctor’s side. “I’m sorry. I’m an insensitive ass.”

  Ella squeezed her friend’s shoulder as the others nodded and offered their condolences.

  “How old were you?” Jake studied the doctor, not having left her side.

  “Twelve.”

  He cursed and twisted away, wiping his mouth with his hand.

  “You’re quite something, Elizabeth Davies, and you can bet your mother is proud of the life you have made for yourself,” said Henry. “To Elizabeth,” he added, smiling at the doctor.

  It was the first smile Ella observed in the quiet man and everyone raised their glass or bottle to toast before swigging down the alcohol. She hugged her friend.

  “Does anyone have any funny stories to share?” Ella asked. Glancing around the room, her eyes fell on Marcus and Jake. The two confident men fist bumped and smirked, sharing an obvious private joke. They looked at home in each other’s company despite their intense and broody façade as they swigged their beers. Their fitted tops accentuated their strong physiques that demanded countless hours of rigorous training. Henry was slimmer by comparison, in his jeans, a white shirt, and a blue lounge jacket, swirling his beer.

  Jake took center stage in the group. “Well, as you asked, princess, I have a good one about the boss.”

  Marcus pinned his stare on his friend. “You better watch your mouth if you know what’s good for you, Gateway. Remember there are ladies present.”

  Ella surmised Marcus wasn’t happy as he rarely used the nickname for Jake from their military days in private.

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake, we are way past that nonsense. Unless you’re embarrassed by what he has to say?”

  Marcus’s dark, surly gaze zeroed in on her. A slow smile spread over his thin lips as the pulse in his neck beat fast. Fascinated and caught by his raw magnetism, she couldn’t look away.

  “If that’s the case, sweetheart, how about we tell our friends how we met?”

  Recalling their fiery beginning that resulted in her being in handcuffs most of the time, her cheeks heated. His touch unlocked a primitive, wild, and frantic need. She couldn’t resist.

  “We don’t want to bore our guests,” she said sternly. Marcus marched to her side, coaxing her away from Elizabeth and into his arms. Surrounded by their friends, she couldn’t make a scene, even though he was. He wrapped one arm around her waist, drawing her against his chest and pressing in the small of her back. With his other hand, he tilted her chin up to meet his gaze.

  “This little lady gave me hell like no other woman I have ever met. She fought me, ran away, tricked me, and tied me to a bed while she charged off on Jake’s bike. Hurtling into danger, unwilling to trust anyone, and like a feral animal, she clawed her way to survive. A tougher woman I have yet to meet.” He brushed his thumb over her lower lip.

  At his heated words, her insides liquefied and melted, stealing her breath.

  “Ella scared the crap out of me, and I did all I could to push her away. I didn’t want to admit the hold she had over me. I didn’t want to be committed. What the hell did that even mean? I had never shared my life, my thoughts, or fears with anyone. Until this spitfire made it impossible to walk away. To walk away would have destroyed me, and in turn, us. I promise you, Ella, I am still that man you fell in love with, even if at times it doesn’t seem like it.”

  He lowered his voice and whispered, “You and Nate are my world.”

  “Aw.” Elizabeth clasped her hands to her mouth.

  “Shit, boss, you’ve gone soft.”

  A rising and twisting thrumming pulsed through her belly and she wanted to say something but he wrapped his arms around her, squashing her into his body. He kissed the top of her head slowly before backing away.

  “Go into the dining room and I will bring in the appetizer, once I have thoroughly kissed my wife.”

  Chuckles filled the air.

  “How about locking lips, Sparkles?” Jake said.

  The rather subdued witch stomped off ahead into the dining room, followed by Elizabeth and Henry. Once the living room emptied, Ella lifted her head to gaze at Marcus.

  His dark eyes examined her with great intensity. “Tell me, what’s going on in that head of yours, sweetheart?” He swept her hair behind her ear, and dropped a light kiss on the velvet-soft skin below.

  “Marcus, stop.”

  He dropped his hand and grabbed her wrist, stroking his thumb over her palm. When he wanted submission, he used this sensuous tactic. Usually it worked, but her anger flared and she broke free.

  “We have guests.”

  “Ella…don’t.”

  Twisting around, she wondered why, tonight of all nights, he would make such a declaration of love.
She didn’t trust him. Giving him a quick acknowledgment, she moved away.

  “The soup is ready.”

  Ella walked in the kitchen and found Isabella and Elizabeth busy pouring the soup into white bowls. She helped herself to another glass of red and took large mouthfuls, wanting to numb the nervous butterflies that swirled inside. “Thank you,” she said to them both.

  Elizabeth peered at her as she handed the bowl to Isabella. “Are you all right, Ella?”

  Right now, she didn’t want to think about that. She needed the truth.

  “I’m fine. Come on, I bet the men are hungry.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  An hour later, Ella guided the guests into the living room to sit on the comfortable couches placed on either side of the blazing fire to enjoy dessert. A leather easy chair was added to accommodate everyone. A bluesy melody played in the background as Ella and Elizabeth brought in trays of chocolate and raspberry mousse in white china ramekins. After several glasses of wine, Ella couldn’t wait any longer. The mood in the living room was slumberous. Jake sat with Isabella at his side, his arm draped casually along the back of the couch. He joked with Henry, who sat next to him, about having an arm wrestle but the young man laughed out loud and refused.

  “Well, you need to get some training in before heading off to meet the Padre. His bodyguards are heavyweights, dude.” Jake nodded at the man.

  “I have some Krav Maga training, but I’m always looking to practice.”

  “Well, I wouldn’t have pegged you as being interested in the martial arts, but cool. You’ve found a sparring partner. But be warned, I take no prisoners, man. I won’t go easy on you.”

  The men high-fived each other. “I wouldn’t expect it any other way.”

  Ella handed the small white pot containing the decadent chocolate to a quiet Marcus, who sat next to Elizabeth.

  “Do you want to sit here, Ella? I can sit in the easy chair,” the doctor offered.