Witches for Hire (Odd Jobs #1)(64)

“I’m busy,” Desmond said from onstage in the middle of the chaos without looking at the newcomers. “Upping security has squandered my time.”

“That’s what we wanted to discuss,” Clive said.

“I know what you want, and that’s not happening,” Desmond said as he inspected the lining of a long cape. “I’ve used up my kindness.”

“In great men, their mercy is endless.”

Desmond laughed. “I can always count on the knight for pretty words.” He folded the cape and handed it to one of his staff. “Okay, over here, where we won’t be bothered.”

Simone eagerly followed along with Clive and Edarra.

Jeremy acted like he was entranced by the costumes. “These are gorgeous up close. Do you mind if I look at them while you guys are talking?” Clive glared at him, but Desmond nodded, and they walked off. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Desmond for any change in his demeanor. This will teach me about being lazy and not doing a proper cleansing spell. I should have anticipated that Clive would do the most inconvenient thing possible.

“Watch it, sound equipment coming through,” a woman said behind him. Jeremy had to scoot forward out of her way, and then Desmond’s shoulders stiffened. He licked his lips. Maybe he has a sore neck from stress. When his coworkers were distracted by a bright light overhead, Desmond’s glowing brown gaze turned to him. Bollocks, he knows! Jeremy looked around, praying there was a bathroom to duck into, but there were too many heads blocking his view in every direction. Desmond made some gesture that he needed to take care of business, and Jeremy walked in whichever direction gave him the most room. Unfortunately, it was slow going, and a hand clamped on his shoulder.

“You little tart,” Desmond growled.

“Shut up! We’ll talk later.”

“We’ll talk now. Here I am feeling guilty about cumming in your pretty little ass, and you have the nerve to walk to my fucking job stinking of my essence like I fucked you a whole night. Funny how I only remember getting off once.”

“Dammit, Desmond, later.” Jeremy glanced at his coworkers, who frowned at seeing him and Desmond standing close together.

“The hell with your bleedin’ feelings.” Desmond shook his head. “You take your shit out on me and then use my cum as your personal dildo? How was I, huh? Did that soulless whatever you summoned get you off right and proper without any emotional baggage to deal with, you fucking hypocrite?”

“Is there a problem?” Clive asked with Simone and Edarra standing behind him.

“No!”

“Yes!”

Desmond pointed at Jeremy. “This prick thinks that my assistants don’t do anything but wear skimpy clothes and look pretty.”

Jeremy’s eyes widened. “I didn’t….”

“Is that what you’re arguing about?” Clive asked.

“Um, well… I wouldn’t put it that way,” Jeremy said.

“How would you put it?” Desmond asked him.

You’re a clever bastard. You know I won’t admit to having sex with you. Fine, then, I’ll play along. “I didn’t insult him,” Jeremy said out loud. “I stated a few reasonable critiques, and he took my head off.”

Clive looked to the side and closed his eyes. “Is there any way I can make up for his rudeness?” he asked Desmond.

“Hey, I said I—”

“Jeremy, I just promised him that his safety is our number-one priority, and you’re making me sound like a liar when his staff has just faced a substantial threat.”

“A stage performer quit because of the danger, and I need a replacement for the night,” Desmond said. “Mr. Ragsdale is powerful enough and the right size.”

Jeremy blinked. “How is that in any way equivalent to a misunderstanding on your part?”

“He’ll do it,” Clive said.

“Fu….” Jeremy stopped speaking as he felt Simone’s gaze on him and the heat from Desmond’s eyes. “One show.”

“Good.” Desmond stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled. “I need an extra outfit,” he shouted. Within minutes a pair of tight shorts was placed in his hands. He held them out and compared them to Jeremy’s body from a distance. “Perfect.”

Jeremy pointed his thumb at the shorts that were barely bigger than his Hanes. “That’s underwear.”

“That’s showbiz.” Desmond threw the pair at Jeremy’s face. “Let’s get started.”




“THERE ARE a lot of people here,” Jeremy said as the crowd’s overly loud whispers nearly drowned out the staff double-checking costumes and running over instructions.

“They’re super excited to see you make an ass of yourself,” Simone said.

“You have only yourself to blame,” Clive said with crossed arms. “I come up with an agreement with him, and you almost blow it.”

“It’s not my fault he’s so sensitive, and I didn’t do anything wrong.” Jeremy tugged at the bottom of his shorts, hoping they would stretch longer.

“It is weird knowing you’re a leftie.” Simone snickered.

Jeremy placed his hands over the tight material covering his crotch. “Stop looking, pervert.”