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They broke their union. Alice’s lips tingled, longing for more. She caught her breath, opened her emerald green eyes, and fixated onto his icy blues.

“So, am I a bad witch?” Alice asked.

He smirked. “What if I’m a witch hunter, secretly seducing you to bring you in?” Hugo playfully asked, staring down into her emerald green eyes.

“Then I’ll sic my broomstick on you,” Alice replied. Her voice grew louder. “Broomstick, attack Hugo.”

They both peeped a glance toward the grayish-white, ash broomstick floating behind them. It continued floating there. Unmoving. Uncaring of the command.

Alice frowned. “Broomstick, help me. Get Hugo.”

It didn’t move.

“Is it okay?” Hugo asked as he rolled off Alice.

A sense of disappointment doused the internal flames of desire building upinside of her.

He sat up. “I mean, the process didn’t like half work, did it?”

Alice sat up, keeping her eyes on the floating broomstick. “No, it . . . it worked. It has a different personality than Galahad did.”

“Maybe he needs a name,” Hugo said. “I named the last one. You have to name this one.”

“That’s the thing,” Alice said. “I don’t think it’s a he. I think it’s a she. When I conducted the creation ritual, I sensed an internal fury. A rage. A feminine rage. Hidden behind a poised facade. I know it too well.”

“Okay, so it’s a she. What are you naming her?”

“Well, since you named the last one after a knight of the round table, let’s keep it an Arthurian name. What about Guinevere?” Alice glanced toward Hugo with a sly smile.

“I love it. Guinevere.”

“Gwennie for short.” Alice traced a finger along Hugo’s chest. The black leather was soft to her touch. Her internal fires reignited. “Shall we continue?”

“After you lure me back to your house,” Hugo said as he stood. “I have something I want to show you first.”

Alice pouted. “Show me?”

“Yeah,” he said as he sauntered over to Guinevere. He used two fingers to pet Guinevere on the end of the broomstick handle. His fingers traced the cracked grooves of her bark. “Nice to meet you, Guinevere. I look forward to many adventures together.”

He flung his leg over the broomstick and sat on the brown leather saddle seat. He tapped the area behind him, inviting Alice to join him. “Hop on.”

“Where are we going?” Alice asked.

“It’s a surprise,” Hugo answered.

“Tell me.”

“Generally, surprises are left secret until you reveal them. Come on. Hop aboard.”

“Fine.” Alice stood and grabbed her witch’s hat. She secured it on her head and took her place behind Hugo. With a snap of her fingers,the blanket folded neatly into a square. Another snap returned the blanket, bottle, and glasses to a basket. Once the contents returned, the basket lifted and flew to Alice. She tied the handle to a strap under the seat. “Where to?”

“As I said, it’s a surprise. Hold tight.”

Alice wrapped her arms around Hugo, holding him tightly. She rested her chin on his shoulder. Her breath teased at his ear.

He peeked back and smiled. “Ready?”

“Ready.”