Page 75 of Carnal: The Beast Who Loved Me

CHAPTER TEN

Rosie was stretched out on the bed with a book she’d picked up on one of her nocturnal errands to gather such things as girlie boudoir deco and soft socks. The knock at the door was distinctive and made her smile. Charming.

“Come in.”

Charming opened the door, took one running stride, and leaped, twisting his body midair so that he landed on the bed facing her.

“That was amazing.”

He grinned. “Thanks, but you’re not exactly a hard audience. It’s easy to wow you.”

Rosie smiled ruefully. “Is it now?”

Charming laughed. “Yeah. Don’t you know that?”

“Hmmm. Maybe.”

“What are you reading?”

“It’s an old book about witchcraft.”

“Witchcraft?” He looked excited. “You’re learning that shit? What are you gonna do?” He grinned. “I know. You could have the broom sweep the bar for you. And then the mop…”

Rosie giggled when “Fantasia” came to mind and she pictured Mickey Mouse in a wizard’s conical hat. “Calm down. Humans can’t really do witchcraft.” At least that was the party line that witches steadfastly maintained to keep humans from mucking about where they shouldn’t, making messes somebody else invariably had to clean up. “I’m just reading for fun.”

Charming looked at the book with suspicion. “Doesn’t look like fun from here. Where’d you get it?”

“Brought it with me. What do you want?”

“I want to know what you think?”

“About what?”

He chuffed. “About the whole let’s-move-in-with-humans thing.”

“I think it’s a good idea.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Really.”

“Why?”

“Keep your friends close and your…”

“Enemies closer. Got it. Is that all?”

“No. I think both humans and hybrids will benefit from a merger of culture.”

“Why?”

“Because fresh perspectives spark fresh ideas. Multicultural societies thrive with life and color, emerging art forms, innovation of all kinds. It can be exciting.”

He raised up, resting his head on his hand. “You talk like you’ve seen that firsthand?” She nodded. “Free seems to think you’re some kind of divine messenger.”

She watched the mocking smile tease at his mouth, then said, “Stop it.”

Charming turned his head toward the door. “He’s home.”