Witches for Hire (Odd Jobs #1)(63)
“Mine,” the phantom whispered and thrust inside Jeremy.
Jeremy cried out, not holding back like he did with the real man. His face was crushed against tiles, and the phantom grabbed his hips. He was pulled back hard and words of pleasure spilled out of his lips that he didn’t dare utter in Desmond’s presence. When Jeremy came, he pleaded for more, not caring when his legs gave out or the water ran cold. As the magic depleted and the phantom began dissipating, Jeremy cried out the words he had locked in his heart since he came to America.
Chapter 17
“WHERE ARE we going?” Jeremy asked. They had piled into Clives’s car as soon as all of them arrived at the office that morning. “And why am I always in the back?”
“Because you’re not sitting next to me,” Simone said. “You have this weird gloomy vibe around you this morning, and I don’t want to catch it.”
Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Screw you.” He frowned as they took the exit toward the heart of downtown Atlanta. “Why are we headed to the city?”
“There was an attack at Desmond’s show, and we think Perry’s behind it,” Clive said from next to him.
“Was anyone hurt?” Jeremy tightened his hands so they wouldn’t shake. I know that arrogant bastard could survive Rosaline’s minions, but it’d be something else if she was involved directly.
“No. Desmond had the place heavily warded after his assistant was killed, so no one was hurt even though he wasn’t there.”
Shit, this probably happened while we were having sex. “Why am I here?” Jeremy asked. “I see no reason for all four of us to go.” He would have bathed in sage if he had known they were seeing Desmond. Fuck, maybe I can make a quick potion during a coffee run. “Do you want me to grab drinks or food while we’re waiting to see him? A full stomach puts everyone in a better mood.”
Edarra frowned in the rearview mirror. “Are you well, Jeremy?”
“I’m fine. I’m simply hungry and didn’t know we were dealing with the Great Ass today. My blood sugar must be low, and that makes me grumpy.” Please buy it, and let me out of this damn car!
Simone snorted. “This sounds like you want an excuse to screw off.”
I detest you. Jeremy swallowed down every insult he wanted to call her. “Trust me, bringing edible gifts wins over the biggest pricks.”
This time, Simone nodded in agreement. “That’s true. I bought you a chocolate gift basket two years ago, and you didn’t say anything dumb for a week.”
Though gritting his teeth hard enough to hurt, Jeremy’s smile remained in place. “See? Food is always a great ambassador.”
“Be that as it may, I need all of us to show up, so that I can explain that we’re working diligently to solve the problem,” Clive said.
“You don’t need all of us.” Jeremy pointed at Edarra. “An Amazon might as well be a whole army.”
“When you’re the boss, you can make that decision. But you’re not.” Clive pulled into a parking garage where he took a ticket and spun toward the spots not marked handicapped. “It is nice to hear you being affirmative and a team player.”
Christ, go fuck yourself with your staff. “Yes, go me,” Jeremy said out loud. I will never help you sorry arses again. There was little foot traffic when they left the car, but as they got closer to the building, security guards appeared. They approached when Clive walked to the entrance, but he held up an ID. Whatever was on it convinced the guards, and they were let through.
“Way to go, Obi Wan,” Jeremy muttered.
“I don’t know this acronym and number,” Clive said as they walked down a corridor with a security checkpoint at its end.
The admission shook Jeremy out of his anger. “Mia and Raj are terrible friends.”
The knight’s back straightened. “They are the most honorable people I know.”
Edarra shuffled her feet. “They didn’t play them in Orientation either.”
“That’s no excuse. What if he accidentally watches the prequels first? That will ruin the whole thing for him—not that I care, but there are certain film crimes I don’t want to see perpetrated,” Jeremy said.
“Mandatory movie night at my place will solve that problem,” Simone suggested. “The kids are leaving this weekend, and a small going-away party will be good for them. Even you’re invited, Jeremy.”
They arrived at the table, and the security asked to see their names and badges. Unlike the guards in front, these people had magic. Jeremy smiled inwardly. So how are you going through them, Sir Knight? One of them touched their ear and nodded. “The four of you may come through.” The guard moved out of the way and opened the barricade.
“Gotta love Desmond for putting out the welcome mat,” Simone said.
“We really don’t,” Jeremy muttered.
“On your best behavior,” Clive reminded them.
“I’ll check out the set while you handle diplomacy,” Jeremy said. If he was out of sight, maybe Desmond wouldn’t notice him. Once past the public zone, assistants ran in the audience seats, onstage, and backstage. Crew members shouted at each other while adjusting the lighting, and another group worked on sound. Desmond must have this place running perfectly if I see no signs of the attack.