Page 17

I refrain from telling them he’s mine. Despite the prickling rise of possessive jealousy, I have no reason to stake my claim; they will never have him. In a few hours, as they drive back to their lives, he’ll be here with me. In my arms.

I just have to make sure I’m not late.

CHAPTER SIX SERAPHINE

“IF I PUT THIS IN HERdrink, it’ll make her drip?” The idiot in the backwards baseball cap holds up a love potion and sends his buddy a smirk that has my molars grinding.

His friend, an equally ridiculous man-child with zero common sense waves a bottle of aphrodisiac. “This shit doesn’t actually work, does it?”

It could. We never stay in one place long enough to get proper feedback, but each one is from Mama’s personal herbal book, and she’s been brewing potions since before Aiden or I were born.

“Hell no.” Cap man snickers. “It’s all a scam.”

The two laugh and drop their items onto the shelves with enough force that I’m surprised they don’t shatter. That only pisses me off more.

“That’s not what you want anyway,” I say, keeping my voice soft and sultry. “Why would you settle for only one girl when you could get dozens?”

As it does every time, that gets their immediate attention. I reach under the counter and gingerly withdraw the small, metal case with the lock. The two scoot closer as I flip the latch open. The rusted metal gives a weak squeak, adding to the illusion.

“You can’t tell anyone I gave this to you. It’s a family secret. I’m not even supposed to...” I bite my lip and feign discomfort, like I’m regretting mentioning anything. I even tighten my hold and start dragging it back.

“No, seriously, we won’t tell anyone,” the shaggy blond swears, shouldering his friend over to get closer.

I peek innocently between the pair. “See, I only have one, and there’s only enough for one person.”

“What does it even do?” cap man mutters, apparently smarter than his friend.

I glance behind them at the empty doorway. “Have you heard of pheromones?” At their nods, I continue, “This enhances your natural musk. It’ll make you irresistible to women. You’ll have to use it carefully. You shouldn’t drink too much or...”

“Or what?” blondie presses.

I look into his green eyes. “Too much attention isn’t always a good thing either.”

His face breaks into a wide grin. “No shit! Are you saying this stuff will have bitches beating down my door?”

I struggle to keep my face soft and just a little hesitant. “You have to use it wisely.”

“Fuck that shit. She’s lying. Probably trying to sell you some sugar water or something.”

It’s not sugar water, but I shrug and start pulling the tin back towards me. “Your friend’s right. I shouldn’t have even said anything.”

“Wait. Hold on. You’re not fucking with me, are you?”

I absolutely am, but I sigh and look down at the rusted bit of metal. “There’s only one way to find out.”