Kiss of Magic

Kiss of Magic Immortal Hearts Series Lilah T. Bane Aero Productions Copyright © 2023 Lilah T. Bane All rights reservedThe right of Lilah T. Bane to be identified as the Author of the work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.This book is sold subject to the condition it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be copied, lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated in print or electronic means without the author’s prior consent in any form.Except where actual historical events and characters are being described, all situations in this book are fictitious and any resemblance to living persons is purely coincidental One New York The stag party was beginning to get on Dani’s nerves. The five men had been in the club for the past three hours and were totally drunk. Or high. Or both. She stifled a groan and slapped on a fake smile as the beefy guy wearing the ‘Best Man’ T-shirt sauntered over to the bar. She couldn’t afford to be surly. She needed the tips. “Hey there, what can I get you?” she asked brightly. His eyes drifted over her chest before settling on her face again. “I can think of a couple of things,” he leered. “But I guess I’ll settle for a round of tequila.” “Tequila coming up.” “And one for yourself, sweet-cheeks.” “Thanks, but I can’t drink on duty.” “Come on, baby. Don’t be boring. Come and join me and the boys for a drink.” “Sorry, but my manager has very strict rules.” She turned away before he could ask again, reaching for the tequila bottle on the top shelf. Behind her, the man gave a low whistle. “Nice,” he said, ogling her butt. She gritted her teeth and poured out five shots, putting a slice of lime next to each. “There you go. Shall I put it on your tab?” “Are your eyes for real?” “I beg your pardon?” “Your eyes. Never seen eyes that colour. Are they lenses?” “No, not lenses. Now please excuse me, I have to go and…” “And your hair. Very rock-chick.” “Thank you. If you need anything else, just let me know.” She turned to go and a hand closed over her wrist. “Why are you being so unfriendly, doll-face? I’m trying to pay you a compliment. The eyes, the hair… you got it all working for you.” He squeezed her wrist and she fought down the anger that threatened to spill from her. Stupid human. Do you know what I could do to you? I could flay the skin from your bones as easily as unravelling a bandage. She forced a smile, trying to block the vicious scratching in her mind. “Sir, I have to serve the other customers. You enjoy your drinks now.” She held his gaze steadily, her turquoise eyes as unblinking as a cat’s. Slightly unnerved, the man released her and picked up the tray of drinks instead. He turned away, but not before she heard him mutter under his breath. “Bitch.” Words hovered on the tip of her tongue. Words that would take his feet from under him and tip him onto his fleshy human butt. She could probably make the tray of tequila land on his balls for good measure. There was more than enough energy in this hot, sweaty room to work the spell. But she choked down the impulse. It would be a waste of magic. Besides, she couldn’t altogether blame him. The outfits the waitresses had to wear in this place were almost pornographic. Tight, low-cut crop-tops and Daisy Duke shorts that barely covered their butt cheeks. It made the clientele think they were fair game. No wonder she and the rest of the female staff spent most of their time fending off horny drunks. She wiped down the bar and served the next customer. Keeping a low profile, that was the priority. Stay out of trouble. Stay hidden. Not easy with a temper like hers. By the time her shift ended, she was dead on her feet. The manager shared out the tips. It didn’t escape her notice that the stag party jerks had left a pittance. Sourly, she stuffed the notes into her pocket. One of the other bar waitresses glanced over. “Hey, want to stay for a quick drink? It’s been a long night.” “Thanks, Mandy, but I gotta get home. I’m wiped.” The brunette shrugged and turned away. “Suit yourself.” Dani watched the others gather at the bar. She knew they thought she was stand-offish but it couldn’t be helped. She couldn’t afford to get too close to anyone. Grabbing her coat, she made for the door. Outside, the parking lot was lit in the garish pink and green neon of the illuminated sign. Gino’s Bar. Dani knew for a fact the manager was called Barry, but she supposed ‘Barry’s Bar’ didn’t have the same ring to it. She took a deep breath, trying to shrug off the last six hours. It was well after midnight and the cool air filled her lungs, bringing a sense of calm. It had been three weeks. They hadn’t found her. The warding glyph was working. She ran her fingers over the tattoo she’d needled into her forearm. An ancient symbol which flowed and curved. She told anyone who asked it was a Celtic rune, but it was much, much more than that. It was protection. She closed her eyes and let the stillness of the night calm her. “Hey there, sweet-cheeks.” Startled, she swung round. Five figures were loitering by a pick-up truck, drinking from bottles of beer. With a sinking heart, she recognised the stag party. She turned to go and a hand closed over her shoulder. “Don’t run off, doll-face. Stay for a drink.” It was the beefy dude again. Best Man. She fought down her irritation and kept her tone light. “No, thank you. My boyfriend’s waiting.” “You hear that? Our blue-haired beauty