Free Deception by B. C. Burgess Page A

that,” Quin whispered, taking her hand.
    “I'm fine,” she insisted
    “I know better,” he returned, “and so does everyone else.”
    She looked at their entwined fingers then found his concerned eyes. “Just let me hold it in until I'm ready to let it go. Okay? I know you're right, but I'll let it go when I'm ready.”
    He sighed, but dropped the subject, and Layla gave his hand a squeeze as she swept her gaze over the family, wondering who’d go and who’d stay.
    When she looked to the east, she spotted Finley, and her shoulders sagged as she rolled her eyes. She did not feel like dealing with him, but she had little choice. He was strutting her way, whistling as he juggled four small fireballs in one hand and swung the other, his aura thin and muted.
    “Why is he here again?” she asked.
    “Several reasons,” Caitrin answered, “the biggest being he knows too much.”
    “Right,” she sighed.
    Finley extinguished his fireballs before entering the circle, and everyone looked at him as he approached Layla. “Hey,” he greeted.
    Layla looked at him, but didn't say anything, hoping her silence might discourage further conversation.
    “You look pale,” he said, crouching in front of her. “Have you eaten?”
    “It's not a lack of food that's bothering me,” she answered.
    His smile stayed in place as his gaze slid to her chest. “Why is your aura hidden?”
    “Show some respect,” Quin warned, “and raise your eyes back to her face.”
    Finley laughed as he glanced at Quin. “I suppose you think she’s your property, huh? That you’re the only wizard who gets to look at her.”
    Quin narrowed his eyes and motioned to Finley with his wine. “If you paid the slightest attention to her personality, you’d know she doesn’t want you staring at her chest. And if you bothered to look away from her long enough to acknowledge the rest of the coven, you’d notice the wizards on this lawn look at women’s faces when they’re speaking to them. I strongly suggest you do the same.”
    Finley rolled his eyes then looked at Layla, keeping his gaze on her face. “Are you going to answer me?”
    “No,” she returned, itching to stretch her tension away, but she didn’t want to give Finley the satisfaction of knowing how much he vexed her. She stared at her coffee as she swished the last sip around. Then she looked at Quin and pointed to his glass. “May I have some wine?”
    “I didn’t know you drink it,” he replied, taking her mug.
    A goblet of wine appeared in her hand, and Quin’s jaw flexed as he glared at Finley.
    “I can give you what you want much faster than Quin,” Finley taunted. “I don't think he likes that.”
    Layla narrowed her eyes as heat flooded her veins and rippled her muscles. She was so mad, but there wasn't a damn thing she could do about it, so she took a calming breath and poured the wine out at Finley’s feet. “Don't do it again or I'll throw it in your face. I don't want anything you have to offer.” She turned to Quin. “Will you refill me please?”
    “Sure,” he agreed, pointing at her glass.
    As the goblet refilled, Layla watched Quin’s expression, making sure he was the one supplying the wine. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome,” he returned, pulling her hand to his lips.
    Layla sipped as she looked forward. Then the solemn atmosphere shifted as Alana flitted across the circle. Selena flew from her chair in pursuit of her daughter, and the rest of the coven straightened, wary as their youngest member drew closer to Finley.
    “What’s wong, Waywa?” Alana asked, flying into Layla’s arms from several feet away.
    Layla vanished her wine so she could hug the toddler close, and Selena laid a hand over her heart as she landed a few yards behind Finley.
    Layla sighed and looked down at Alana, who was tucked into her bosom and peeking at Finley with one leery eye.
    “Hi, there,” he greeted, flashing a perfect smile. “What's your name?”
    Alana