Free A Charmed Life (Halloween LaVeau Book 5) by Rose Pressey Page A

committed,” I said.
    “No, you’re right. There isn’t any evidence. Maybe we should wait and see what happens,” Nicolas said.
    “I have to figure out what was in that potion.” I paced across the floor. “I should go upstairs and tell Cora I need whatever’s left of it.”
    Nicolas shook his head. “I doubt she’ll give it to you.”
    “I don’t want anyone else to get her potion. I sure hope she doesn’t try magic again, even though I told her not to,” I said.
    “One thing that wasn’t clear for me…” Nicolas said.
    “What’s that?” I asked.
    “Does Jolene cast spells too?”
    I blew the hair out of my eyes. “She didn’t answer that question, did she?”
    “Maybe she’s hiding something,” he said.
    So many unanswered questions.
    “Will you go with me to find the potion?” I asked.
    That made it sound as if I was scared of Cora. Maybe I was a bit terrified of the little lady. The look in her eyes and the way she stared at me had been kind of scary.
    Nicolas held me closer and softly placed his lips on mine. It was a kiss that made my toes curl. His lips lingered until I thought I might never catch my breath. Sometimes I forgot that he was a vampire too. A supernatural force radiated from him. I knew he felt the blood rushing through my veins.
    A noise sounded from the front of the house and I whipped around quickly.
    “It sounded like the front door,” I whispered.
    “Maybe it’s Jolene coming back,” Nicolas said.
    We stared toward the foyer. After a couple seconds, Arthur appeared. He looked at us a little strangely, but that was understandable considering we were staring at him.
    “Good afternoon,” Arthur said.
    Immediately Nicolas tensed up again.
    “Good afternoon,” I said, trying to sound casual.
    There was no way to hide it now. I probably had it written all over my face that something was wrong.
    “Is Jolene okay?” He glanced toward the door.
    I quirked an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”
    “I saw her outside and she looked upset.” He gestured over his shoulder.
    Honestly, I didn’t know if she would be okay, but I didn’t want him to think I didn’t have things under control again. It was bad enough that he’d seen the incident at the café.

Chapter 12
    Nicolas stepped forward, letting me know that he wanted to speak to Arthur. I knew he was going to question Arthur.
    “Arthur, you remember Nicolas.” I motioned, hoping that they would shake hands.
    Arthur stuck his hand out toward Nicolas. “Nice to see you again.”
    Nicolas moved over and reluctantly grasped his hand. I could tell by the way he moved his body he was trying to be intimidating. Either Arthur wasn’t intimidated or he wasn’t picking up on it because it seemed to have no effect on him.
    “Just exactly what are you doing here?” Nicolas asked.
    Arthur stared at him for a moment without speaking. I couldn’t believe Nicolas had asked him that. After all, so far Arthur had been nothing but nice. And he hadn’t been here during the incident with Cora. Of course that didn’t mean that he was completely innocent, but I just didn’t pick up that vibe from him.
    “I’m in Enchantment Pointe for business. I thought this was a bed-and-breakfast with rooms for rent.” His jaw tightened.
    I hoped this didn’t turn into a fight. I stepped forward between the two men.
    “Yes, this is a bed-and-breakfast and I’m renting you a room. I’m delighted to have you staying here.” I smiled.
    Nicolas’ tension radiated from behind me. Arthur looked at me and then back at Nicolas. They had a stare-off for a few minutes.
    “Let me know if you need any recommendations for dinner. Hopefully without a magic spell involved.” I chuckled. 
    I knew that my nervousness was coming through. Arthur smiled at me for a couple seconds and then turned and went up the stairs.
    I turned to Nicolas. “What are you doing?”
    His jaw was clenched tight and his fists at his sides. I placed my hands on his chest