THREE

My heart began pounding in my chest. I was not prepared for another witches rejection tonight, especially not in front of a the guy I’m trying to collect a bounty on. In a slight panic, I started planning out escape routes and other distractions. As I scanned the shops looking for something, my stomach growled loudly in protest. I looked down silently thanking the elements for the diversion. “But you promised me pizza and I haven’t eaten all day!” I said in my best indignant impression.  

He looked at me with a sideways grin that said he could see right through my bullshit but wisely chose not to comment. I got chills from the intensity of his stare. He grabbed my hand causing ripples of pleasure to shoot up my arm and said “Okay, pizza first. It’s right down there,” he said pointing to the little shop with a small elegant wrought iron fence encasing a small patio space. There were four small tables inside with a few people happily enjoying their meals. A small placard above the door reading ’Felicitàs’. Lost in awe, I didn’t even realize I had stopped moving until he let out a soft chuckle and gently tugged my hand to guide me forward. The sound of his laugh sent ripples up my spine and I let myself enjoy the feeling of his hand in mine for a moment before going back to pretending there isn’t some weird thing between us. There can’t be. I have a job to do… just… pizza first.  

We were walking past the rogue witches shop and I peered in the window out of curiosity. A woman fixing the display looked up and we met each others eyes. The word ’family’ silently crossed my mind, as she smiled at me. I smiled back rethinking my initial fear of rejection. I think I’ll come back here another day and visit the shop. I could use some new ingredients anyway and this shop was so close to the apartment.  

Returning my thoughts back to pizza after another loud protest from my stomach. I look back over at Kieran and ask, “So, vampires can eat pizza? And garlic?!” Stealing one last glance as we passed the rogue witches shop. When we got closer to Felicitàs I could smell the delicious scent of garlic, tomato sauce, and basil. My eyes closed and a small moan of delight passed my lips in anticipation. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to see Kieran smiling down at me with a knowing look. “Just wait until you taste it!” He said and immediately my brain went to wondering how his kiss would taste. Another hunger rolled through me and I gave myself a mental shake. Reminding myself that he was a criminal and a monster.  

We walked past the patrons on the patio and stepped inside. “Kieran!!” a small blonde woman shouted as she came around the counter to envelop him in a hug. He dropped my hand and wrapped her in a tight hug. Jealously surged through me and I had a sudden urge to push her off of him... What the hell is happening to me? I don’t get jealous…. I’m not even interested in dating... I don’t even know him!  

Surprised by my reaction, I gave myself another mental shake. Then walked to sit in an open booth and wait for the reunion to be over. Inside I am having an emotional battle with myself. Some unknown part of me is telling me that he is mine and the other more logical part of me is chiding myself on how idiotic that is. I was so focused on this internal battle that I didn’t even notice Kieran as he joined me in the booth. “You okay?” he asked laying his hand over mine with concern on his face. A shiver ran through me at the contact. My mouth begins to water. It must be the hunger… 

“Yeah. Did you order the pizza or are you planning to have your meal with the blonde?” I asked then sat up straighter as I realized what I just said. “Shoot. I’m sorry, I think I’m just hangry.” I cover my face with my hands wishing I could disappear, “Please tell me you’ve ordered something?” I peak through my finders to see a very amused expression over his face. 

He reaches over and pulls my hands away from my face and says, “Raina is an old friend. I used to come in here a lot but haven’t been able to come in a few months. And yes, I ordered us some breadsticks while we choose toppings. I wasn’t sure what you liked.” 

Oh he gets bonus points for that one. I slumped down on the bench in relief then asked, “How long have you known each other?” Trying to be civil but couldn’t help the bit of ice in my tone.  

“I’ve known Raina since she was born. Her father and I were good friends. When he passed away, Raina took over.”  

Well, now I really feel like an ass. “I’m so sorry for your loss. How long has this place been here?”  

He looks thoughtfully over to the counter where a man is impressively tossing a large pizza crust toward the ceiling and catching it. We both watch him prep the dough as he answers, “I moved to Cloaked Springs over a hundred years ago. Raina’s grandfather, Alessandro opened Felicitàs a few years before I got here. It was the first place I came and it’s been my favorite ever since. When her father, Lorenzo was born, I developed a strong urge to protect him and this family. When he got older, I went from being Uncle Kieran to being his best friend. He passed two years ago to cancer. Now I keep watch over Raina.”  

Touched by the story, I place my hand over his. A slight smile formed at the edge of his lips while he continued watching the man toss the dough.  

I took the moment to really look at him. His dark golden blonde hair, strong jaw, straight nose, and soft lips. My eyes trailed down to his neck and the bit of chest exposed by his V-neck. Heat began to coil inside me as my body started to react to his beauty. He slowly turned to me with heat in his eyes as if he could sense the change in the air. He turned his hand beneath mine to grasp my hand. A surge flowed through my arm and trailed down between my thighs. I felt lost in his eyes as he began rubbing circles on the back on my hand. I wanted nothing more than that hand between my thighs.  

I jumped when suddenly there was a plate of breadsticks and two waters being slammed on the table between us. I quickly pulled my hand away and shifted further back into the booth looking up at our intruder. “Welcome to Felicitàs! I don’t believe I’ve seen you here before, dear. I’m Raina! This your first time?” Raina asked cheerfully, completely unaware of what was just happening.  

“I’m Freya. Nice to meet you! And yes, guilty as charged. Would you believe I’ve lived 2 blocks away for the last 3 years and haven’t been to Main Street until tonight?” I said, suddenly feeling cheerful at Raina’s sweet aura. 

“That’s too bad you’ve missed the magic of Main Street after dark for so many years but I’m so glad you’re here now. Have y’all decided what kind of pizza you want?”  

Nope. Unfortunately, a moment ago I was craving something completely different. I stole a look at Kieran and my cheeks flushed… I legit blushed! Thinking quickly I said, can you make it half spicy sausage and sweet peppers?”  

“Excellent choice! I love a girl who’s spicy and sweet!” Raina cheered. The turned to Kieran and said, “Pineapple and sausage for you Kieran?” 

He looked up smiling at her and said, “Why don’t we make the whole thing spicy sausage and sweet peppers.” Then turned that smile back to me and I had to turn away before losing myself in those beautiful hazel eyes again. 

“Great! Coming right up!” Raina said, turning to walk back to the counter. Her cute high pony tail bounced as she walked. My initial jealousy quickly changed to compassion after Kieran’s story. I knew how hard it was to lose your parents and I felt a sort of kinship to Raina.  

The smell of breadsticks and marinara assaulted my nose and my stomach quickly reminded me of what we’re here for. Kieran laughed and said, “you really gotta feed that monster. That’s just neglect.” Then rolled his eyes for emphasis. I found myself laughing and reaching for a breadstick. As soon as I took a bite I moaned. The blend of carbs, garlic, butter and marinara was absolutely divine. I closed my eyes in delight and when I opened them, Kieran was looking at me with those devilish eyes again. “You should really stop staring at me like that. Remember I’m bringing you in for a bounty.” I said taking another delicious bite. This is seriously the best breadstick I’ve had in my life and I don’t think it’s because I haven’t eaten in over 24 hours.  

“Nothing wrong with mixing work and pleasure, dear. I want to be the one to make you moan like that.” He says with a slight gravel to his voice as he looks at me like prey. I clench my thighs and his nostrils flair. His eyes flash silver and I completely forget about the breadsticks again. A vampires eyes change to silver when their emotions are high and I know exactly which emotion is running through him right now. I reach for my water and he watches my throat pull as I drink. His hands curl into fists and I smile in satisfaction knowing he’s just as wound up as I am right now. I lower my water and slowly bring the breadstick to my mouth. Licking to garlic salt off the top and taking a bite. A low growl escapes him and pleasure ripples through me.  

“Careful, love. You keep doing that and I’ll switch the pizza to go.”  

Suddenly, that’s exactly what I want.