Simon shooed Conrad and me out of the bar rather hastily. Something was up with him. I’d known him long enough to sense when he was hiding something. In the past, he used to love my company while he closed things up. He obviously liked Conrad. Why did he kick us out like he’d rather chew glass than look at us? I’d get to the bottom of it eventually. I always did.

As for Conrad, well, he was an enigma in tight jeans and a leather jacket. And had some seriously sexy brown eyes. I’d always been a sucker for the biker look, and he wore it very well. He could have easily fit in with S.I.N., our local motorcycle club. His dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail at the nape of his neck. His neatly trimmed beard blended seamlessly with his sideburns and had tiny flecks of auburn infused here and there. His mustache matched perfectly as well.

He caught me staring, and I smiled. I didn’t care. He was hot, and I had perfect vision. Nothing wrong with enjoying the view. As long as he was only in town for a short while, I saw no harm in hanging out with the sexy tourist. I gave up on long-term relationships ages ago, so occasional flings were more my style. Of course, that would be after I made sure he wasn’t some kind of nut job. I was fortunate that I didn’t have to be quite as paranoid as most single women my age. I could simply shift and eat him if he turned out to be a psycho jackass. At that thought, another psycho jackass came to mind. The one I ran from back in Atlanta. I should have eaten him.

“Hey, are you okay?” Conrad asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I shook the image from my mind.

“You looked a little sick for a moment.” His concern was obvious in his voice.

“Yeah, I’m good. Just dealing with some memories. Must have been triggered by the groping back there.”

He frowned. “Did someone hurt you?”

I chuckled. “No, not really.” Not in a way you’d ever believe. “But thanks for asking.”

I wrapped my arms around my torso, and an involuntary shiver ran up my spine. I wasn’t cold, even though my jacket wasn’t lined. But the memories of what I had encountered were troubling. I felt Conrad’s jacket wrap around my shoulders in a gentlemanly gesture.

“Thanks, but you’ll get cold if you don’t wear yours.” I shrugged it back off and handed it to him.

“I’m actually comfortable at the moment.” He draped the jacket over his arm as if it proved his point.

I couldn’t tell if he was lying or not. As we walked to our vehicles, I watched for any signs that he was cold, but saw nothing that gave him away. I reached my Jeep and unlocked it.

“It was nice to meet you, Conrad. Maybe we’ll see each other again soon.”

He nodded, and I saw his gaze land on my neck.

“I know you’re dying to ask.” I pulled the collar of my jacket aside, so he could get a better look. “It’s a dragon.”

He leaned in closer, and I could feel his breath on my cheek, warming the spot in front of my ear. The movement was innocent, yet felt extremely intimate. I had to command myself to stay still. I battled between wanting to step back and longing to lean into him.

He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes. “It’s amazing. Did it take long?”

I shrugged. “Not terribly.”

He had no idea how amazing it really was. Supernatural residents and visitors had to register with the Court of the Sun and the Moon. We were each tagged with a magic tattoo that helped them keep track of anyone who broke the carefully constructed rules that made our town a true haven for us. Mine was designed by a friend and tattooed and magically infused by Addie, one of the official tattooists for the Court.

He stepped back to his former spot, which wasn’t quite an arm’s length away. Conrad reached for the inside of his right wrist and rubbed it absentmindedly, which wouldn’t have been overly weird except he wore a large leather cuff over it. He was rubbing the cuff, and I wasn’t sure he even realized he was doing it.

“So . . .” I attempted to divert the conversation to him. “Do you have any tattoos?”

He nodded. “I do. Quite a few actually.” He pulled up one sleeve of his shirt, only to reveal another sleeve of the tattooed variety.

I gasped. “Holy shit, that’s amazing.”

I moved in for a closer look. Vines with thorns threaded their way around and through an intricate graveyard scene, complete with bones, tombstones, and heavy fog. In the distance a lone motorcycle sat near a large monument shaped like a cross. I reached for his arm and turned it to see the backside. In that moment, I felt him stiffen. I looked up into his eyes and noticed an intensity I’d never seen in anyone before. Heat seared my fingers where they touched his flesh. It wasn’t your average attraction kind of warmth, but almost as if his veins were filled with hot magma. I couldn’t let go. I didn’t want to.

“Jetta,” he whispered.

I straightened up slowly, still gripping his arm. That arm snaked around my waist and pulled me closer as my palms rested on his chest. My brain screamed at me to step back, that this was way too fast, despite my attraction to him. But my damn body wouldn’t cooperate with my head. I melted into him, the extreme heat now flowing over every part of my body that touched his. It should have been uncomfortable, but I only wanted more.

He bent his head to mine, and our lips touched softly. It wasn’t wild or passionate, as I’d expected a kiss from someone like him to be. Instead, the gesture was tender, filled with an emotion I wasn’t sure either of us understood. When he pulled back, he looked just as confused as I felt.

“That was . . . nice.” I struggled to find the correct words.

His eyes roamed my face for a brief moment, then he made a deep growling sound in the back of his throat and said, “I’m not even remotely nice.”

His lips crashed down on mine, and the kiss I’d originally been expecting took over. His grip tightened as his tongue slipped between my lips. I opened for him, letting him explore and tease. I held fistfuls of his shirt as I tried to somehow pull him even closer than we already were. His large hands ran over my back as he pressed himself into me. This had to be what heaven felt like. Desire coursed through me, and I sank into the feeling just before logic forced its way through my lust-induced haze. I did not know this man. This was way too fast, even for me.

I pushed him away. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”

I turned and opened the door to my Jeep.

Conrad leaned his forearms on the top of my door. “Jetta, I apologize. I didn’t mean to cross any lines.” I looked up and his expression of contrition was genuine.

I shook my head as I took my place behind the steering wheel. “You didn’t. I’m just not ready for something like this.”

“Something like what?” he asked. “It was just a kiss.”

“I don’t know, Conrad. I just . . .” He was right, and I was probably overreacting, but I could have sworn there was something else happening while we kissed. I had no idea what that could have possibly been, and it made no sense. I couldn’t think. Any words that came to mind were inadequate to describe the terror that pulled at my chest when I realized how lost I’d been while kissing him. It wasn’t a danger kind of fear, but more of a warning signal. There was something happening on a spiritual level that I didn’t understand.

I couldn’t allow myself to lose control. Ever. Anyone that could fracture the carefully cultivated mastery of my emotions was someone to stay away from.

He had the potential to destroy me.

“I’m sorry. I need to go.” I shut the door, jerking it out from underneath him. The gears protested as I slammed the Jeep in reverse and backed out of the parking spot. I refused to allow myself to even a peek in the rearview mirror.

* * *

I woke up in an unusually grumpy mood. I’d never been a morning person, but today I felt like terrorizing the village, so to speak. I needed to rein that in if I didn’t want an incident on my hands. The Court had been lenient with me on past transgressions, thanks to my father, but I was running out of get-out-of-jail-free passes. Eventually they’d boot me out of town, and as much as I hated my father, I truly did love Havenwood Falls. My time away had only driven that point home all the more.

Lots of strong coffee was in order, so I grabbed a table at Coffee Haven and ordered the largest cup of coffee they sold. I was halfway through it when Zoey and her boyfriend Jordan walked through the door, hand in hand.

“Aunt Jetta!” Zoey skipped to my table, with Jordan in tow and trying to keep up.

“Hey, guys. Have a seat.” I motioned to the chairs opposite mine.

“We can’t stay. We just came to grab coffee before school.” She looked at Jordan and smiled. “And since we saw you, we wanted to come say thank you.”

“For what?” I asked, taking another sip of my coffee.

“For reminding us that we can make it through anything as long as we talk to each other honestly,” replied Jordan.

“Ah, well . . . normally I’d not be the person to take relationship advice from, but I learned that tidbit from your parents.” I directed my gaze at Zoey. “They’re pretty smart when they aren’t being stuffy.”

She laughed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

Jordan glanced at his watch. “We’d better grab our coffee and get going, or we’ll be late for first period.”

Zoey bent down for a hug and then waved goodbye as they made their way to the counter, still holding hands.

“Ah, young love. Isn’t it sweet?” said a voice from behind me. I recognized that voice, and it set my teeth on edge.

“Hello, Bradly. What caused you to crawl out from under your rock?”

He stepped around my table and took a seat across from me. “You’re so cheerful. I’m amazed the mayor hasn’t named you citizen of the year.”

“I’m amazed you haven’t been named douche-nozzle of the year,” I shot back.

“Tsk, tsk. Such language.” His sardonic smile revealed a row of crooked, yellowed teeth.

I had a few choice words for him, but we were in public, so instead of sharing them, I said, “What do you want, Bradly?”

“Do I have to want something?”

“You always want something.” I glared at him. “Spit it out.”

“I heard you were in possession of something special. Something that might be of great interest to the right buyer.”

My mind flashed to the lockbox under my bed at the inn. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I kept my face passive as I continued to sip my coffee.

“Oh, but I think you do.” He winked at me. I generally loved the fae population, but Bradly was the rare exception. He was a dishonest and disreputable member of the Unseelie fae. I was amazed he had the gall to show his face in public after some of the stunts he’d pulled.

“Do you have something in your eye?” I asked when he winked a second time.

“What? No.” He looked confused at my questioning. He wasn’t exactly the sharpest crayon in the box.

“Would you like me to put something there?” I held up my spoon and pointed it at his face.

He shrank back. “Why are you always such a bitch?”

“Now who’s using language?” I placed the spoon on the table, glanced around to assure we weren’t drawing attention, and then leaned forward, looking him directly in his beady little black eyes. I felt my pupils constrict, and I knew they had changed to their reptilian form. “Don’t ever try to pull me into your illicit activities again. I don’t work for you or any of the Unseelie. You tricked me once, shame on you. Try to trick me twice . . .” I leaned back and stirred my coffee, letting my pupils regain their human shape. “Well, let’s just say I’ve heard fae are a delicacy in some circles. I’d be happy to introduce you to those particular connoisseurs.”

“You dare threaten the Unseelie?” he sputtered.

“No, I’m threatening you. Stay away from me. Stay away from my family. Stay away from my friends. If you don’t, I’ll be sure you disappear forever.” I stood up and tossed my napkin on the table. “Goodbye, Bradly.” I left him sitting there as I worked on calming my nerves.

I made the short walk from Coffee Haven to Simple Treasures Pawn Shop. Tristan was working, and I needed a distraction, and possibly some brotherly advice. I didn’t foresee that distraction showing up in the form of Conrad. I walked into the shop only to run directly into him, my face colliding with his chest. His hand lurched out to steady me so I wouldn’t fall. That same intense heat started at his fingers and traveled up my arm.

“Sorry,” I blurted out quickly and stepped away.

He hooked his thumbs in his jean pockets.

“No need to apologize.” He tilted his head slightly, and his gaze landed on my lips. I knew from the way he looked at me that he was thinking about that kiss, and to be honest, so was I.

I stepped aside. “It’s good to see you again.”

I hoped he’d take the hint and finish walking out the door. He didn’t.

“Yeah, you too. Hey, since you’re here, maybe you can help me with something.” He smiled, and my heart jumped in my chest.

“Okay.” Maybe if I kept it short and sweet, we could get this over with faster. I hated that he could reduce me to emotional tatters when just minutes ago I’d been handing out death threats with nerves of steel.

“I was in here shortly after I arrived in town and have been considering this ring.” He led me over to the glass display counter and pointed to a silver ring with a Celtic emblem on it.

I squatted down for a better look.

“And?” I asked, with a bit more impatience than I’d intended.

“What do you think? Do you know anything about the symbolism?” He crouched down next to me.

I closed my eyes a moment and tried to focus on anything other than his cologne, which was spicy and a little smoky. That scent assaulted my senses in ways I did not want to experience.

“Not really. It looks Celtic. That’s about all I can tell you.” I stood and stepped back from the counter.

He followed me up and put his hands in his pockets. “Yeah, that’s about all anyone seems to know.”

“Jetta! So glad you finally came by to see me.” My brother Tristan emerged from the back room with a large book in his hand. He glanced between us. “I see you’ve met Conrad.”

I nodded. “Yeah, he was at my set last night.”

Tristan smiled. “She’s very talented. And neglectful.” He turned to face me directly. “Bianca is furious with you for skipping town without keeping in touch. She’s insisting you join us for dinner tonight.”

I cringed. “So sorry. I owe you all some explanations. What time? Six?”

Tristan nodded. “Hey, Conrad, you should join us as well. We could finish discussing some of those historical ruins we’d been talking about. I think I found more in this book.”

I felt my eyes bulge out of their sockets. If it were physically possible for them to jump from my head, I think they would have bounced all over the room. Why the hell was Tristan inviting this stranger to his home?

Conrad glanced at me, then back at Tristan. “I’m not sure—”

Tristan interrupted. “I insist.”

He didn’t even glance my way. He just kept smiling at Conrad like he was some kind of visiting dignitary. Idiot brother.

“I’d be honored,” Conrad answered, as his gaze quickly flickered from Tristan’s face to mine once more.

“Yeah, that’d be great,” I muttered with exactly zero enthusiasm.