Magic Misled (Lizzie Grace #7) - Keri Arthur Page 0,63

that’s something.”

“Yes, although from what I saw of the man in Kash’s thoughts, I wouldn’t put it past him to go to the witch council and try to wheedle money out of them in return for information about the books.”

“Then we really do need to do something about the storage unit ASAP.”

But not tonight. Tonight was party time.

I opened my umbrella as I climbed out of the taxi, carefully avoiding the many puddles that didn’t play well with sparkly party shoes. Monty had suggested I accompany him and Belle, but given this was an official date, I wasn’t about to spoil their fun, even for such a short time.

The party was being held in the rear gardens of a grand old villa house. The main gate was open, and a path lit by fairy lights guided guests around to the Garden Room, a huge glass and wood conservatory situated behind the main house.

The place was ablaze with lights, and music was already thumping. I walked up the steps, then lowered the umbrella and dropped it into one of the many stands that lined the veranda. As I made my way toward the entrance, awareness zinged across my skin; a heartbeat later, the ornate glass doors opened, and Aiden stepped through. He wore a black dress jacket, a blue shirt that brought out the color in his eyes, and black pants that hugged the long lean wonderful length of his legs. He stopped when he saw me, his gaze all but devouring me.

“That dress,” he said, voice so low it was almost a growl, “is absolutely stunning. As are you.”

I smiled and sashayed toward him, the thigh-high slit on the right side of the dress revealing tantalizing glimpses of leg. He made a low sound deep in his throat, and the rich scent of wanting teased my nostrils even as it burned across my skin.

“Be careful, Ranger,” I said, voice husky, “that you don’t start a fire you can’t quench until much later in the evening.”

“If I’d known you’d be wearing a dress like that, I would have ensured a party of two.”

I laughed softly and brushed my lips teasingly across his. “Happy birthday, Aiden.”

He slid a hand around my waist, then ever so slowly down my spine. It felt as if I was being caressed by fire, and my breath hitched as desire surged.

It was a sound he echoed when his fingers slid under the dark green silk that curved around the base of my spine. “You’re not wearing panties?”

“Impossible to do so in this dress.” I pressed my breasts against his chest. “I’m not wearing a bra, either, in case you didn’t notice.”

“Dear God, you’re going to be the death of me.”

And with that, his lips claimed mine. His kiss was all-consuming, all heat, hunger, and desire. I wrapped my arms around his neck, molded my body against the hard perfection of his, and returned his kiss in kind, not caring who might be watching. He was mine, not just tonight but also for the near future. I’d be damned if I’d in any way let the disapprovers stop me from enjoying either.

This dress was a declaration of that intent, and I didn’t really care who knew it.

When we finally parted, the smell of desire was so intense it was almost liquid. He leaned his forehead against mine, his breath hot and rapid against my kiss-ravaged lips.

“It’s just as well you’re not wearing lipstick, because it’d be smeared all over your mouth and mine by now.”

“That’s the sole reason I’m not wearing it. I can hardly steal sneaky kisses if I’m forever touching up lipstick.”

“To hell with sneaky kisses—they imply a lack of substance, and we’re well beyond that.” He took a deep, delightfully shuddery breath, then stepped back and buttoned his jacket. “Shall we go in? I’m looking forward to introducing you to a number of people tonight.”

“That sounds rather ominous.” I kept my voice light. “Are we talking disapproving siblings or disapproving friends?”

“If I said some of both, would you be worried?”

“Not at all. I did come dressed for a fight, after all.”

He laughed, wrapped an arm around my waist, and guided me inside. The room was large and decorated with more fairy lights and huge swaths of blue and silver material across the roof. Blue-clothed tables decorated with silver and gold balloons ran along the right side of the conservatory while the band was playing in an alcove at the far end. The bar and food