Read Online Mystical Love by Rachel James - Free Book Online

created for her in any of his wet dreams.
    A sharp stinging pain assailed him and he snarled under the abuse.
    â€œJesus, Ginger!”
    â€œSorry, Adrian, I can see the sliver. If you just hold your hand still a little longer … ”
    Her voice tapered off and Adrian smothered a second growl. He transferred his gaze to the group, and while he gave a tight-lipped smile for their benefit, inside he cursed the flesh that felt as if it were a raging ball of fire. Ginger’s finger tweaked the sliver at last and he inhaled with a sharp jerk as she muttered “got it.” Feeling the pain dwindling, Adrian signaled to his companions.
    â€œSit down, everybody. No use continuing to steal Miss Kelly’s limelight. She obviously needs to be the center of attention.”
    Adrian knew from her quick intake that his viperous remark had stunned Janice. So much for making good first impressions, he thought. But what the hell? It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered except to stop the aching in his hand. And of course, the one closer to his rib cage.
    â€œAdrian’s right.” Jasper echoed. “The scare seems to be over.” He sat himself quickly and Adrian saw him motion to the others, who dropped back to their places with less speed. Adrian didn’t miss the bewildered glance Janice tossed his way as she settled into a vacant chair. Holy Christ! He wanted nothing more than to offend her — to goad her into despising him. That way he could end his personal torture. Lloyd’s voice cut through the sudden silence and Adrian watched his attention return to the glass he still held in his hand.
    â€œCan’t imagine how the glass came to break. These crystal glasses are hundreds of years old.” His gaze lifted to Adrian’s face. “Are you sure you’re alright, Adrian?”
    â€œI will be if I can get Florence Nightingale here to wrap my thumb with a clean bandage.”
    Ginger came to life beside him, snatching up a clean napkin and twirling the fabric into a make-shift bandage. She then tied it around Adrian’s thumb, giving him a tremulous smile when she finished.
    â€œToo tight?”
    He heard the tears in her voice and reached up and stroked her cheek.
    â€œBuck up. You know what a clumsy lot we magicians are.”
    Muriel’s lilting tones crossed the table.
    â€œI don’t think you broke that glass, Adrian. I felt a strong electrical current just before it shattered. You felt it, I know, and I know Miss Kelly did. Her face gave her away.”
    Adrian’s mind froze. Her face? What about his? What had he given away? His mind-rambling came to a screeching halt as Janice picked up the conversation.
    â€œYou’re right, Muriel. I did sense something just as the glass exploded.”
    Adrian felt his throat constrict and closed his eyes. What had she sensed? His fear? His rising body heat? For no reason he could think of, he felt his heart beat begin to race in his ears. Across his mind, vivid images formed, invading his senses. His hands spanning Janice’s waist, drawing her to him … the whisper of his breath on her cheek … his mouth moving over hers in sensuous exploration … the piston-driving strength of his body possessing hers.
    â€œAdrian?” Ginger’s concerned voice cut through his thoughts like a knife, severing the images. “You’ve gone completely white.”
    â€œIt comes from bleeding all over the tablecloth and having to endure Miss Kelly’s inane comments about shattering crystal.”
    Adrian shot each of them a withering scowl in emphasis, saving Janice for last. Every curve of her body stiffened as she read his intense dislike and Adrian knew he was being a surly son-of-a-bitch. But what else could he do?
    â€œHave I offended you in some way, Mr. Magus?” she asked politely.
    â€œOf course you haven’t,” Ginger cut in. “Don’t pay Adrian any mind. He’s