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“Say that we can begin patching up our relationship.That movingforward, you’ll believe me when I say complimentary things because they’re all true. Say you forgive me for being a total shit.”

“If you say it was an act, I believe you, Josie.”She kissed her cheek.“Thank you.”

Smoothing her hands down her Ecru-colored dress, she let out a shaky breath.“Be honest, does this make me look?—”

“Don’t say it.”Josie turned her toward the full-length mirror.“You’re wonderfully full-figured. Your boobs areenviable, and those hips…Girl, you’ve got it goingon! Add a little shimmy to your steps, and men will fall at your feet.”

Soleil laughed.

Hugging her from behind, Josie pressed a cheek against hers.“Love looks good on you.”

And in an instant, she was thoroughly stressed again.

“It all happened so fast, and I’m not sure I believe in fated mates. I mean, I want to, but how can someone who looks like him love me, Josie? He’s gorgeous and could have anyone he wants.”

“He wants you, Lei. Why do you feel undeserving?”

“How can it last? He lost his powers because of me. Resentment will set in.”

“I don’t have an answer.”She stepped back.“You know I’m not a role model for a healthy relationship. Maybe Viv can help.”

After delivering a tender smile, her oldest sisterandcaregiver for most of her growing-up years glided toward the door.

“Josie?”

Her hair flowed in a perfect arch as she spun back.“Yeah?”

“You’re a great role model. You kept us together after Mom and Dad died. Made sure our shop ran smoothly, even when you pretended you didn’t want to be bothered with it.”Soleil smiled at her arrested expression.“You have always been readily available for advice or to go toe-to-toe with teachers or those in charge, all on our behalf.”

She rushed over and hugged her sister tightly.“It didn’t go unnoticed. And I love you, too.”

“Thank you. I needed that today.”Josie returned her embrace.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“No. Just feeling my age and perhaps a little lonely.”She smoothed the fabric at Soleil’s shoulders.“Knock‘em dead at that trial today. And hurry, or you’ll be late.”

Soleil arrived with two minutes to spare. She’d never seen the Authority’s main chamber, but it seemed similar in style to that of the Witches’ Council, though larger in scale. Twelve members gathered around a thirteen-person, U-shaped wooden table. It took up the entire raised dais and had aged oak panels with each of their last names engraved on the front.

She surmised that an appointment was for life, and the surname would magically change to another member’s when a new member took their place. The place behind Councilwoman Vector’s nameplate was missing.

Good.

That mad cow needed tobe removedfrom office.

From his seat behind the defendant’s table, Trevor glanced over his shoulder and met her gaze with a warm one of his own. A small smile teased his lips, and it became apparent he’d heard her unspoken insult.

“I adore you, Dalli,”he mouthed.

Overcome by his lack of embarrassment in a packed room, tears welled in her eyes. Although the building moisture blurred her vision, his frown was deep enough to see.

“I’ll never be embarrassed by you, Soleil Stephens. Do you hear me? Your beauty eclipses everyone in this fucking place.”

“I’m glad you think so,”she replied.

“I don’t think. I know.”His face softened.“Not only are you sexy as hell, you’ve gotan incredibly lovelysoul.Everyone who meets you is blessed by the encounter, Dalli.And for me, who you chose to give your heart to, I’m doubly so.”

Before she could respond, Mattie Price stood up.