Page 65 of Thicker than Water

“You look lovely,” she says, her eyes traveling up my body. I agonized slightly over my outfit, and now I’m glad that I did. I wear a simple sundress with a print of bright yellow lemons, and a matching yellow leather bag.

She takes my hand and brings it to her lips. I feel her fangs graze my skin as she kisses it.

I’m embarrassed to admit there’s a warm flutter in my stomach at the gesture. Am I really this easy?

Yes, yes I am.

She puts a hand to her heart.“Désolé,Amara.My sincere apologies for my lateness.”

“That’s all right, I’m glad you’re here now. Are you still ok to go to the park?”

“Of course,” she gestures toward the car, holding the door open for me.

“Oh! I thought we could walk, it’s not too far.”

“Are you sure? It will be faster to drive.”

“I’m not in any rush.”

She shuts the door and shouts something to the driver in French. I put my arm through her’s as the car drives away, and we start walking.

“Did youthink you’d get lucky in the back seat?” I tease.

“I’m already lucky,” she replies smoothly.

I hope it’s too dark for her to see my expression. I’m doing a terrible job of playing it cool. But I honestly don’t mind. Even though she’s so calm and collected, I find it very easy to be myself around her. She seems to like it. I guess that people are often very tense around her. That must become tiresome after a while.

“Thanks for taking me out,” I tell her. “I know you’ve got a busy schedule.”

“It’s my pleasure. I’d much rather be with you.”

“I bet you say that to all of your dates.”

She smirks, but doesn’t deny it. I can’t help feeling a little stab of jealously.

“Are there…many other dates?”

“None that look as good as you in a sundress.”

“That’s the right answer.”

“Well, it’s true.”

I try not to think about the other dates, especially not the ones she might be drinking from. I know we can’t have that kind of relationship, and I’m embarrassed that I would even consider it. It’s crazy enough to be on a date with her right now, what would the other witches think?

I guess Lavinia would be glad that I’m getting close with her, at least. I suppose I should use this opportunity to get some information.

“So…what’s it like running the business without Tudor?” I ask. “I’ve noticed he’s been gone quite a bit.”

“I actually prefer it. He has the tendency to micro-manage. When he’s away, I can do whatever I like.” She gives me a mischievous glance.

“Like rile up Cedric and Lazarus?”

“Precisely.”

“Is he really your brother? That must be complicated.”

A dark shadow falls over her face, and I know I’ve asked too much.