Page 125 of How to Flirt with a Witch

My breath quickens. Should I say yes so I can go into the Madsen family as a spy? Or would that be walking into danger?

No. Natalie’s warnings finally make sense, and I have to help CSAMM protect the world.

“Where have you been getting your information?” I ask. I know what he’ll say, but I have to try. “You always swoop in just in time for a curse.”

“I’d love to share, but I’m sworn to secrecy.”

“Who isn’t?” I mumble.

“Welcome to the world of magic. So, what’ll it be?”

I grit my teeth, ready for what comes next. “I’ll die before helping you track down magic, Freddie. And that’s my final decision.”

“Mm. Too bad.” His voice is hard, cold, like the version of him that emerges when he’s about to set his dog on me.

A chill races through me, and I lay my palm flat on the bed to anchor myself.

I’m safe. I’m in CSAMM. He can’t hurt me.

“Then consider my offer off the table,” he murmurs. “I guess we’ll be seeing you again real soon. It’s just a shame it’ll have to be under these circumstances.”

He ends the call, leaving me in a ringing silence.

I’m on my feet and out my bedroom door before I can catch my breath.

Chapter 30

Define “Coercion”

After a frantic butlaborious hobble through CSAMM, I find someone worth telling.

I tumble through the gym door, out of breath. “Sky!”

She’s facing a mirror doing kettlebell swings, wearing a black sports bra and biking shorts, frowning in concentration. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out on the courtyard and let in daylight, and as promised, half the room is empty for combat practice. Big foam blocks are scattered across the floor like it’s a kids’ gym—probably for hurling at each other. The faint scent of old sweat wafts under my nostrils.

She puts down the weight with a grunt. “Hey, sunshine. How’re you feeling?”

“Fine.” I scan the room to make sure we’re alone. “I—I just remembered something Freddie told me yesterday when he stuffed me in the car.”

Sky’s eyebrows shoot up.

“He said a plan is in motion to set magic free. He wanted me to join him in a fight for the right to magic.”

Sky stares at me, her face slack. “He told you this when he captured you?”

I nod, wincing as I catch my balance on my good leg. The physical difference between the two of us right now is a painful reminder of how vulnerable I am.

“And you’re just remembering it now?” she asks.

I nod again, unable to meet her eye. “I haven’t been able to think clearly since it happened.”

Guilt simmers as I feed her the lie, but no way am I admitting I willingly got on the phone with a Madsen.

“Right. Of course.” Her gaze darts across the floor as she absorbs the warning. “Thank you for telling me, Katie.”

When she doesn’t elaborate, I press. “What does it mean?”

She picks up the kettlebell again and sinks into a half-squat. “I’m not sure. I’ll talk to Fiona.”